[Analysis of the safety, accuracy, and factors influencing bleeding complications in CT-guided puncture biopsy of brain occupying lesions]

Objective: To investigate the safety and accuracy of CT-guided intracranial puncture biopsy and the possible influencing factors of postoperative bleeding complications. Methods: A case series study. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 101 patients who underwent CT-guided intracranial puncture biopsy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2017 to December 2021. The basic data of patients and the safety and accuracy of CT-guided intracranial puncture biopsy were analyzed statistically. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to screen the influencing factors of bleeding complications in CT-guided intracranial puncture biopsy, and the bleeding complications in glioma subgroup were analyzed. Results: Among the 101 patients, 53 were males and 48 were females, aged (53.7±17.2) years. The average diameter of intracranial lesions was (3.5±1.4) cm, while the vertical distance from the lesion to the meninges was (2.4±1.7) cm. The needle's intracranial depth reached (3.2±1.8) cm, with adjustments averaging (3±1) occurrences and an average procedural duration of (40.2±12.9) minutes. Pathological diagnoses included glioma (36 cases), gliosis (3 cases), lymphoma (32 cases), metastatic tumors (7 cases), inflammatory lesions (13 cases), and 10 indeterminate cases. The positive rate of puncture pathology was 90.1% (91/101), and the diagnostic coincidence rate was 94.0% (78/83). The incidence of bleeding complications in CT-guided intracranial puncture biopsy was 26.7% (27/101), of which 23 cases had small intratoma or needle path bleeding, 4 cases had massive bleeding, and 2 cases died. The patients were divided into bleeding group (n=27) and no bleeding group (n=74), according to the presence or absence of bleeding. The results of univariate logistic regression analysis showed that thrombin time≥15 s and the number of needle adjustment were the factors affecting the occurrence of bleeding complications (both P<0.05), and the results of multivariate logistic regression showed that thrombin time≥15 s was the related factor for bleeding. Patients with thrombin time≥15 s had a 3.045 times higher risk of bleeding than those with thrombin time<15 s (OR=3.045,95%CI:1.189-7.799,P=0.020). Among the 101 patients, 36 cases of midbrain glioma were divided into low-grade glioma group (n=11) and high-grade glioma group (n=25) according to the pathological grade. Subgroup analysis showed that the risk of bleeding for high-grade gliomas was 9.231 times higher than that for low-grade gliomas (OR=9.231,95%CI:1.023-83.331,P=0.031). Conclusions: CT-guided intracranial puncture biopsy is safe and feasible with high accuracy. Complication rates are associated with thrombin time≥15 s, especially high-grade glioma, which increases the risk of postoperative bleeding.

[HVPG minimally invasive era: exploration based on forearm venous approach]

Objective: The transjugular or transfemoral approach is used as a common method for hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement in current practice. This study aims to confirm the safety and effectiveness of measuring HVPG via the forearm venous approach. Methods: Prospective recruitment was conducted for patients with cirrhosis who underwent HVPG measurement via the forearm venous approach at six hospitals in China and Japan from September 2020 to December 2020. Patients' clinical baseline information and HVPG measurement data were collected. The right median cubital vein or basilic vein approach for all enrolled patients was selected. The HVPG standard process was used to measure pressure. Research data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 statistical software. Quantitative data were used to represent medians (interquartile ranges), while qualitative data were used to represent frequency and rates. The correlation between two sets of data was analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis. Results: A total of 43 cases were enrolled in this study. Of these, 41 (95.3%) successfully underwent HVPG measurement via the forearm venous approach. None of the patients had any serious complications. The median operation time for HVPG detection via forearm vein was 18.0 minutes (12.3~38.8 minutes). This study confirmed that HVPG was positively closely related to Child-Pugh score (r = 0.47, P = 0.002), albumin-bilirubin score (r = 0.37, P = 0.001), Lok index (r = 0.36, P = 0.02), liver stiffness (r = 0.58, P = 0.01), and spleen stiffness (r = 0.77, P = 0.01), while negatively correlated with albumin (r = -0.42, P = 0.006). Conclusion: The results of this multi-centre retrospective study suggest that HVPG measurement via the forearm venous approach is safe and feasible.

[Study on formulation and revision of detection methods of "Standards for indoor air quality (GB/T 18883-2022)" in China]

The formulation and revision of the detection methods of indoor air quality standards is an important, rigorous and delicate endeavor. This paper introduced the formulation and revision of the detection methods of the standards for indoor air quality (GB/T 18883-2022), focusing on the revision process, revision principles, main adjustments and technical points of some key indicators to facilitate users to better understand and apply the detection methods in standards for indoor air quality (GB/T 18883-2022).

Evaluation of an Image-Derived Input Function for Kinetic Modeling of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor-Binding PET Ligands in Mice

Positron emission tomography (PET) radioligands that bind with high-affinity to α4β2-type nicotinic receptors (α4β2Rs) allow for in vivo investigations of the mechanisms underlying nicotine addiction and smoking cessation. Here, we investigate the use of an image-derived arterial input function and the cerebellum for kinetic analysis of radioligand binding in mice. Two radioligands were explored: 2-[18F]FA85380 (2-FA), displaying similar pKa and binding affinity to the smoking cessation drug varenicline (Chantix), and [18F]Nifene, displaying similar pKa and binding affinity to nicotine. Time-activity curves of the left ventricle of the heart displayed similar distribution across wild type mice, mice lacking the β2-subunit for ligand binding, and acute nicotine-treated mice, whereas reference tissue binding displayed high variation between groups. Binding potential estimated from a two-tissue compartment model fit of the data with the image-derived input function were higher than estimates from reference tissue-based estimations. Rate constants of radioligand dissociation were very slow for 2-FA and very fast for Nifene. We conclude that using an image-derived input function for kinetic modeling of nicotinic PET ligands provides suitable results compared to reference tissue-based methods and that the chemical properties of 2-FA and Nifene are suitable to study receptor response to nicotine addiction and smoking cessation therapies.

[Efficacy of off-pump minimally invasive via a single left intercostal space incision compared with median sternotomy multi-vesselcoronary artery bypass grafting]

Objective: To compare the efficacy of off-pump minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) via a single left intercostal space incision with median sternotomy multi-vesselcoronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: Patients who were diagnosed with multi-artery coronary artery disease (CAD) in the Ward 10 of the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University and underwent CABG from July 2019 to January 2022 were retrospectively collected. All the patients were divided into MICS group and conventional CABG group according to the surgical methods. The perioperative outcomes were compared between thetwo groups, including intraoperative blood loss, postoperative 24 h thoracic drainage volume, ventilation duration, length of stay (LOS) in intensive care unit (ICU) and total LOS in hospital. Intraoperative blood flow of graft vesselswas measured by transit-time flow measurement (TTFM) after vascular anastomosis, and mean flow (MF) and pulsatile index (PI) were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 444 patients were in the final analysis, with 351 males and 93 females, and the mean age of (62.0±8.9) years. There were 179 patients in MICS group and 265 cases in conventional CABG group, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the preoperative profiles between the two groups (all P>0.05) except that younger age [(60.7±9.3) years vs (62.8±8.5) years, P=0.017] and lower proportion of female [10.1% (18/179) vs 28.3% (75/265), P<0.001] were detected in MICS group. Likewise, there was no significant difference in the number of graft vessels between MICS group (3.18±0.74) and conventional CABG group (3.28±0.86) (P=0.234). Compared with those in conventional CABG group, patients in MICS group showed longer operation duration [ (5.10±1.09) h vs (4.33±0.86) h], fewer intraoperative blood loss [500 (200, 700) ml vs 700 (600, 900) ml], fewer postoperative 24 h thoracic drainage volume [300 (200, 400) ml vs 400 (250, 500) ml], shorter postoperative ventilation duration [15.0 (12.0, 17.0) h vs 16.5 (12.5, 19.0) h, P<0.001], LOS in ICU [18.0 (15.0, 20.0) h vs 20.0 (16.0, 23.0) h, P<0.001] and total LOS in hospital [(12.6±2.7) d vs (14.5±3.9) d, P<0.001]. MI and PI of graft vessels were similar between the two groups (both P>0.05). Moreover, there were no significant differences in major perioperative complications (i.e., repeat thoracotomy, incision infection, stroke) and mortality between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion: MICS is an alternative treatment for patients with multi-vessel CAD with better perioperative outcomes compared with conventional CABG.

Accelerator-Based Production of Scandium Radioisotopes for Applications in Prostate Cancer: Toward Building a Pipeline for Rapid Development of Novel Theranostics

In the field of nuclear medicine, the β+ -emitting 43Sc and β- -emitting 47Sc are promising candidates in cancer diagnosis and targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) due to their favorable decay schema and shared pharmacokinetics as a true theranostic pair. Additionally, scandium is a group-3 transition metal (like 177Lu) and exhibits affinity for DOTA-based chelators, which have been studied in depth, making the barrier to implementation lower for 43/47Sc than for other proposed true theranostics. Before 43/47Sc can see widespread pre-clinical evaluation, however, an accessible production methodology must be established and each isotope's radiolabeling and animal imaging capabilities studied with a widely utilized tracer. As such, a simple means of converting an 18 MeV biomedical cyclotron to support solid targets and produce 43Sc via the 42Ca(d,n)43Sc reaction has been devised, exhibiting reasonable yields. The NatTi(γ,p)47Sc reaction is also investigated along with the successful implementation of chemical separation and purification methods for 43/47Sc. The conjugation of 43/47Sc with PSMA-617 at specific activities of up to 8.94 MBq/nmol and the subsequent imaging of LNCaP-ENZaR tumor xenografts in mouse models with both 43/47Sc-PSMA-617 are also presented.

Endometrioid adenocarcinoma: combined multiparametric MRI and tumour marker HE4 to evaluate tumour grade and lymphovascular space invasion

AIM

To assess the value of semi-quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and quantitative diffusion-weighted imaging parameters combined with human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) in predicting the pathological grade and lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) of endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EAC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between October 2018 and December 2021, 60 women (mean age, 55 [range, 32-77] years) with EAC underwent preoperative pelvic MRI and HE4 level measurements. The positive enhancement integral (PEI), time to peak, maximum slope of increase (MSI), and maximum slope of decrease were measured by manually drawing a region of interest on the neoplastic tissue. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to calculate the diagnostic efficiency of the single parameter and combined factors.

RESULTS

Lower apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) were observed in high-grade tumours (G3) than in low-grade tumours (G1/G2). PEI, MSI, and HE4 levels were higher in the high-grade tumours than in the low-grade tumours (p<0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) for G3 diagnosis using multiparametric MRI combined with HE4 was 0.929. ADC values were significantly lower in the EAC with LVSI than in those without LVSI. Tumours with LVSI showed higher PEI and HE4 levels than those without LVSI (p<0.05). The AUC for LVSI-positive diagnosis using multiparametric MRI combined with HE4 was 0.814.

CONCLUSION

Semi-quantitative DCE-MRI, ADC values, and serum HE4 levels can be used to predict tumour grade and LVSI, and the prediction efficiency of multiparametric MRI combined with serum HE4 is better than that of any single factor.

[Enlightening from optimizing post-authorization safety monitoring system of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in major economies worldwide]

Ongoing global pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has promoted the unprecedented rapid development and large-scale rolling out of different platform-based COVID-19 vaccines worldwide. How to effectively respond to the expected scale increasing adverse events after vaccination campaign of COVID-19 vaccines is a common problem faced by the world. A lot of countries and regions around the world have arranged in advance at different levels, optimizing the original vaccine safety monitoring system from the perspectives of strengthening the foundation and capabilities, promoting internal and external cooperation, upgrading methods, as well as improving transparency and public communication, which has ensured the good and efficient operation of the system and can provide reference for the construction of relevant fields in China.

[Correlation between contrast-enhanced ultrasound parameters and Crohn's disease activity]

Objective: By investigating the correlation between quantitative parameters of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and commonly used activity assessment indicators of Crohn's disease (CD), and comparing the predictive power of laboratory inflammatory indicators with CEUS on Crohn's disease (CD), the significance of CEUS was evaluated. Methods: A case-control study. From October 2019 to December 2021, the clinical data of 67 patients with CD who were diagnosed by endoscopy and underwent contrast-enhanced ultrasonography were retrospectively analyzed in the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, and their routine ultrasound and CEUS parameters, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), fecal calprotectin (FC), Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) and simplified endoscopic score for Crohn's disease (SES-CD) were collected. Using SES-CD as the standard, the patients were divided into a remission group and an active group, and the correlation of laboratory inflammatory indexes and contrast-enhanced ultrasound parameters with CDAI and SES-CD were evaluated. Besides, the ROC curve was used to analyze the predictive efficacy of each index on CD endoscopic activity. Results: A total of 67 patients were included in this study. According to the SES-CD score, there were 17 patients in the remission group and 50 patients in the active group. Except for the coefficient of the enhancement wash in slope and time to peak (TTP), the peak intensity (PI), area under the angiography curve, and laboratory inflammatory indexes were significantly different between the two groups (P<0.05), which also showed a moderate positive correlation with CDAI and SES-CD (P<0.05). ROC analysis showed that among the non-invasive indicators, PI and area under the angiography curve had the highest AUCs for predicting CD endoscopic activity, which were 0.912 and 0.891, respectively; with SES-CD taking >3 as the cut-off value, the corresponding sensitivities were 78.0% and 72.0%, with specificities of 100.0% and 94.1%, respectively. Conclusion: CEUS can objectively and repeatedly evaluate the disease activity of CD patients, and has great clinical application value, which can be used as a reliable imaging method for diagnosis and follow-up of patients with Crohn's disease.

[Gray zone lymphoma: five cases report and literature review]

Objective: To investigate the clinical and pathological features, treatment, and prognosis of gray zone lymphoma (GZL) . Methods: From July 2, 2013, to February 10, 2021, the clinical and pathological features, treatment, and outcomes of five patients with GZL at the Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were studied retrospectively. Results: There were one male and 4 females, with a median age of 28 (16-51) years at diagnosis. Four patients had mediastinal (thymic) involvement, two of which had superior vena cava obstruction syndrome, and 3 patients had extra-nodal involvement. There was one case with a limited Ann Arbor stage and 4 cases with a progressive stage. Three patients had cHL-like pathomorphology with scattered Hodgkin-like cells, strongly positive for CD20, positive for CD30, and CD15 was negative; the other two patients had both cHL and DLBCL morphology, with some areas resembling Hodgkin cells and some areas resembling immunoblasts, strongly positive for CD30, and CD15 but negative CD20. Two patients were treated with cHL-like regimens for induction and achieved only partial remission; after salvage therapy with enhanced DLBCL-like regimens, all achieved complete remission (CR) . Three patients were treated with enhanced DLBCL-like immunochemotherapy regimens for induction, and two patients were effective, one of whom achieved CR. Four patients who did not achieve CR were given second or third-line salvage therapy, and all of them recovered. One patient lost parity, one died of disease progression at 35.9 months after diagnosis, and the remaining three maintained sustained remission. Conclusions: GZL is uncommon, usually affects younger patients, is mediastinal and is diagnosed using path morphology and immunophenotype. Patients with newly diagnosed GZL appear to be more sensitive to DLBCL-like immunochemotherapy regimens; relapsed or refractory patients were tended with non-cross-resistant combination chemotherapy or with new drugs.

X-ray Activated Nanoplatforms for Deep Tissue Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), the use of light to excite photosensitive molecules whose electronic relaxation drives the production of highly cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS), has proven an effective means of oncotherapy. However, its application has been severely constrained to superficial tissues and those readily accessed either endoscopically or laparoscopically, due to the intrinsic scattering and absorption of photons by intervening tissues. Recent advances in the design of nanoparticle-based X-ray scintillators and photosensitizers have enabled hybridization of these moieties into single nanocomposite particles. These nanoplatforms, when irradiated with diagnostic doses and energies of X-rays, produce large quantities of ROS and permit, for the first time, non-invasive deep tissue PDT of tumors with few of the therapeutic limitations or side effects of conventional PDT. In this review we examine the underlying principles and evolution of PDT: from its initial and still dominant use of light-activated, small molecule photosensitizers that passively accumulate in tumors, to its latest development of X-ray-activated, scintillator-photosensitizer hybrid nanoplatforms that actively target cancer biomarkers. Challenges and potential remedies for the clinical translation of these hybrid nanoplatforms and X-ray PDT are also presented.

Trapping of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Ligands Assayed by In Vitro Cellular Studies and In Vivo PET Imaging

A question relevant to nicotine addiction is how nicotine and other nicotinic receptor membrane-permeant ligands, such as the anti-smoking drug varenicline (Chantix), distribute in brain. Ligands, like varenicline, with high pKa and high affinity for α4β2-type nicotinic receptors (α4β2Rs) are trapped in intracellular acidic vesicles containing α4β2Rs in vitro Nicotine, with lower pKa and α4β2R affinity, is not trapped. Here, we extend our results by imaging nicotinic PET ligands in vivo in male and female mouse brain and identifying the trapping brain organelle in vitro as Golgi satellites (GSats). Two PET 18F-labeled imaging ligands were chosen: [18F]2-FA85380 (2-FA) with varenicline-like pKa and affinity and [18F]Nifene with nicotine-like pKa and affinity. [18F]2-FA PET-imaging kinetics were very slow consistent with 2-FA trapping in α4β2R-containing GSats. In contrast, [18F]Nifene kinetics were rapid, consistent with its binding to α4β2Rs but no trapping. Specific [18F]2-FA and [18F]Nifene signals were eliminated in β2 subunit knock-out (KO) mice or by acute nicotine (AN) injections demonstrating binding to sites on β2-containing receptors. Chloroquine (CQ), which dissipates GSat pH gradients, reduced [18F]2-FA distributions while having little effect on [18F]Nifene distributions in vivo consistent with only [18F]2-FA trapping in GSats. These results are further supported by in vitro findings where dissipation of GSat pH gradients blocks 2-FA trapping in GSats without affecting Nifene. By combining in vitro and in vivo imaging, we mapped both the brain-wide and subcellular distributions of weak-base nicotinic receptor ligands. We conclude that ligands, such as varenicline, are trapped in neurons in α4β2R-containing GSats, which results in very slow release long after nicotine is gone after smoking.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Mechanisms of nicotine addiction remain poorly understood. An earlier study using in vitro methods found that the anti-smoking nicotinic ligand, varenicline (Chantix) was trapped in α4β2R-containing acidic vesicles. Using a fluorescent-labeled high-affinity nicotinic ligand, this study provided evidence that these intracellular acidic vesicles were α4β2R-containing Golgi satellites (GSats). In vivo PET imaging with F-18-labeled nicotinic ligands provided additional evidence that differences in PET ligand trapping in acidic vesicles were the cause of differences in PET ligand kinetics and subcellular distributions. These findings combining in vitro and in vivo imaging revealed new mechanistic insights into the kinetics of weak base PET imaging ligands and the subcellular mechanisms underlying nicotine addiction.

[The correlation between reflux esophagitis and Helicobacter pylori infection based on natural population]

Objective: Reflux esophagitis (RE) may be negatively correlated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, but the conclusion and relevant mechanism is still controversial. This study proposed to explore the correlation between RE and H. pylori infection based on natural population. Methods: From July 2013 to December 2014, 3 940 residents aged 40-69 years were recruited in Linqu County of Shandong Province and Hua County of Henan Province by the whole sampling method. All the subjects underwent gastroscopy, and gastric mucosa biopsy specimens were collected for pathological diagnosis and Warthin-Starry (WS) staining to identify H. pylori infection. Venous blood samples of some subjects were collected for H. pylori immunoglobulin G (H. pylori-IgG) detection. Also, demographic and sociological data were collected. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to analyze the correlation between RE and H. pylori infection. Results: A total of 359 cases of RE were detected. Excluding RE and other upper gastrointestinal organic diseases, 3 382 cases were considered as controls. Chi-square test showed that WS staining positive rate in RE group was significantly lower than that in control group (P=0.023), but there was no significant difference in the positive rate of H. pylori-IgG between the two groups (P=0.281). There were significant differences between RE group and control group in gender composition, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol consumption, education level and mucosal active inflammation. Multivariate regression analysis showed that RE was negatively correlated with gastric mucosa active inflammation [OR=0.754 (95%CI 0.600-0.949), P=0.016], and positively correlated with male [OR=4.231 (95%CI 3.263-5.486), P<0.001], age ≥60 years, BMI≥24 kg/m² [OR=1.540 (95%CI 1.220-1.945), P<0.001]. Compared to those aged 40-49 years and 50-59 years, the odds ratio (OR) of RE in these aged ≥60 years were 1.566 (95%CI 1.144-2.143, P=0.005) and 1.405 (95%CI 1.093-1.805, P=0.008). Conclusion: RE is more closely related to H. pylori present infection. Multivariate analysis showed that RE is negatively correlated with active inflammation of gastric mucosa caused by H. pylori infection, and positively correlated with male, overweight and aged ≥60 years.

[Prognostic values of stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and lymphocyte-activation gene-3 in advanced gastric adenocarcinoma]

Objective: To analyze density of stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTIL) and expression of lymphocyte-activation gene-3 (LAG-3) protein in advanced gastric adenocarcinomas, and to investigate the correlation of sTIL and LAG-3 with the prognosis in patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma. Methods: The clinicopathological characteristics and follow-up data of 260 patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma were collected at Fujian Cancer Hospital, from January 2011 to December 2014. The percentage of sTILs was reported semi-quantitatively using histological section evaluation, the LAG-3 protein was detected using immunohistochemistry, and the expression was correlated with the clinicopathological features and patient outcomes. Results: Among the 260 cases, high density of sTIL was detected in 173 cases (66.5%) while LAG-3 high expression was observed in 160 cases (61.5%). These cases were divided into four groups. Group Ⅰ: 48 cases (18.5%) were sTIL low/LAG-3 low; group Ⅱ: 52 cases (20.0%) were sTIL high/LAG-3 low; group Ⅲ: 39 cases (15.0%) were sTIL low/LAG-3 high; group Ⅳ: 121 cases (46.5%) were sTIL high/LAG-3 high. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses showed that patient prognoses were related to age, tumor size, tumor location, Lauren classification, perineural invasion, vascular invasion, TNM staging, postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy and molecular classification (P<0.05). Meanwhile, higher densities of sTIL and higher expression of LAG-3 were associated with better prognosis. Multivariate survival analysis showed age, tumor size, Lauren classification and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for patient survival. The results showed a poor prognosis in low-sTIL/low-LAG-3 patients. Conclusions: Compared with low density of sTIL and low expression of LAG-3, high density of sTIL and high expression of LAG-3 are associated with better outcomes in patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma, respectively. Combined detecton of sTIL and LAG-3 may be more useful in gastric cancer than using either alone. Age, tumor size, Lauren classification and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy are independent prognostic factors for patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma.

[Effects of primary preventive treatment under endoscope for esophageal and gastric varices on bleeding rate and its relevant factors]

Objective: To investigate the effects of primary preventive treatment under endoscope for esophageal and gastric varices on bleeding rate and its relevant factors. Methods: 127 cases with liver cirrhosis accompanied with esophageal and gastric varices without bleeding history were included in the endoscopic and non-endoscopic treatment group, respectively. Informed consent was obtained from both groups. Gastric varices (Lgf) and esophageal varices (Leg) were diagnosed according to LDRf classification criteria, and the corresponding treatment scheme was selected according to the recommended principle of this method.The incidence rate of bleeding from ruptured esophageal varices were observed at 3, 6 months, and 1, and 2 years in the treated and the untreated group, and the patients with different Child-Pugh scores were followed-up for 2 years. Gender, age, etiology, varicose degree, Child-Pugh grade, platelet count, prothrombin activity, portal vein thrombosis, collateral circulation, portal vein width and other factors affecting the bleeding rate were assessed. Measurement data were described as mean ± standard deviation (x¯±s), and qualitative data of categorical variables were expressed as percentage (%), and χ² test was used. Results: 127 cases were followed up for 2 years. There were 55 cases in the endoscopic treatment group (18 cases underwent band ligation, 2 cases underwent band ligation combined with tissue adhesive embolization, 28 cases underwent sclerotherapy, and 7 cases underwent sclerotherapy combined with tissue adhesive embolization). Recurrent bleeding and hemorrhage was occurred in 5 (9.1%) and 28 cases (38.9%), respectively (P<0.05). In addition, there were 72 cases in the untreated group (P<0.05). Severe varicose veins proportions in treated and untreated group were 91.1% and 85.1%, respectively (P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in liver cirrhosis-related medication and β-blocker therapy between the treated and untreated group (P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the bleeding rate between the different treated groups (P>0.05). The bleeding rates at 3, 6 months, 1, and 2 years in endoscopic treated and untreated group were 2.00% vs. 2.59% (P>0.05), 2.30% vs. 5.88% (P>0.05), 3.10% vs. 7.55% (P>0.05) and 4.00% vs. 21.62% (P<0.05), respectively. All patients with Child-Pugh grade A, B and C in the treated and the untreated group were followed-up for 2 years, and the bleeding rates were 1.8% vs. 8.1% (P<0.05), 1.1% vs. 9.4% (P<0.05) and 9.1% vs. 10.1% (P>0.05), respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the rupture and bleeding of esophageal and gastric varices, varices degree, Child-Pugh grade and presence or absence of thrombosis formation in portal vein (P<0.05); however, no statistically significant differences in gender, age, etiology, platelet count, prothrombin activity, collateral circulation and portal vein width (P>0.05). There was no intraoperative bleeding and postoperative related serious complications in the treated group. Conclusion: The risk of initial episodes of bleeding from esophageal and gastric varices is significantly correlated with the varices degree, Child-Pugh grade, and portal vein thrombosis. Primary preventive treatment under endoscope is safe and effective for reducing the long-term variceal bleeding risk from esophageal and gastric varices.

[Analysis of epidemic characteristics of anthrax in China from 2017 to 2019 and molecular typing of Bacillus anthracis]

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of anthrax in China from 2017 to 2019 and molecular typing of Bacillus anthracis isolated from some provinces (autonomous regions). Methods: Surveillance data of anthrax cases reported from 2017 to 2019 in the Infectious Disease Surveillance information System of China Disease Prevention and Control and the Public Health Emergency Reporting and Management Information System were collected, and descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the epidemic characteristics, including the temporal, geographic and demographic distribution of this disease. A total of 47 strains of Bacillus anthracis isolated from 2017 to 2019 were analyzed by canSNP and MLVA15. Results: A total of 951 cases of anthrax were reported from 2017 to 2019, of which 938 were cutaneous anthrax, representing 98.63% of the total number reported. It was mainly distributed in the west and northeast of China, and the three provinces with the highest number of cases were Gansu (215), Sichuan (202) and Qinghai (191). Cases had been reported throughout the year, more cases occurred in the summer and autumn, and August was the month with the most cases,66.35% (211/318), 72.32% (243/336) and 68.01% (202/297) of cases were reported during June to September. The age distribution was mainly between 20 and 59 years old, accounting for more than 80% of all cases. The number of male cases was significantly higher than that of female cases, the ratio of male to female was about 3∶1. The occupations were mainly herdsmen and farmers, accounting for 49.70% to 58.18% and 31.45% to 36.70%, respectively. Public health events occurred every year, and 29 events had been reported from 2017 to 2019. canSNP analysis showed that 37 of the 47 strains belonged to the A.Br.001/002 subgroup and 10 belonged to the A.Br.Ames subgroup. MLVA15 analysis showed that there were 17 genotypes, of which 10 genotypes contained only one strain. Conclusion: Cutaneous anthrax was the predominant clinical type in China from 2017 to 2019.The seasonal, geographic and demographic distribution characteristics were evident.Molecular typing methods such as canSNP and MLVA15 can be used to trace the source of infectious diseases and provide technical support for anthrax prevention and control.

[Correlation of serum lipid profile and disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease]

To analyze the correlation between lipid profile and disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).A total of 307 Crohn's disease (CD) patients, 232 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients and 165 healthy subjects from the same geographic region were included. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and lipoprotein(a)[Lp(a)] were retrieved from their medical records. Crohn disease activity index (CDAI) and Mayo scores were calculated as measurement of disease severity for CD and UC separately. Patients with CD and UC had lower TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C levels than those in control group (P<0.05). Additionally, CDAI was negatively associated with TC, HDL-C and LDL-C levels (r=-0.218, -0.210, -0.176, P<0.05), while TG level was not associated with CDAI. Mayo scores was not significantly associated with TC, HDL-C, LDL-C and TG. Patients with CD had higher Lp(a) levels than those in UC and control group (P<0.05). Furthermore, patients with active CD had higher Lp (a) levels than those with inactive disease (P<0.05).The Lp(a) levels in CD patients were positively associated with CDAI (r=0.151, P<0.05), while Lp(a) level in UC group was nor assocriated with Mayo score. Patients with IBD have dyslipidemia and lipid profile is associated with disease activity in CD patients.

[An exploratory framework of vaccine hesitancy monitoring and early warning system in China]

Vaccine hesitancy has spread worldwide recent years and resulting in increasing incidence of some well-controlled vaccine-preventable diseases, which is extremely unfavorable to the consolidation of the national immunization programme and the elimination of corresponding diseases. Based on the Complacency, Convenience and Confidence ("3Cs") model of vaccine hesitancy, combined with the practice experience of management of quality control through the whole vaccine life cycle in China, we introduce a framework of vaccine hesitancy monitoring and early warning in China to provide a reference for carrying out corresponding work. The indicator system of the framework derives from monitoring of vaccine life cycle quality management, population vaccine confidence, and service availability.

HPV16 infection promotes an M2 macrophage phenotype to promote the invasion and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is an important risk factor for esophageal cancer. Macrophages constitute a crucial immune medium for regulating HPV-related tumors; however, the specific regulatory mechanisms remain unknown. Therefore, the purpose of our current study was to investigate the mechanism by which HPV16E6 regulates macrophages to promote the invasion and metastasis of esophageal cancer.

METHODS

HPV16E6 infection was detected by polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry was used to verify the distribution of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and MMP-9 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissues (ESCCs), and cancer adjacent normal tissues (CANs) from Kazakh patients. ESCC cells were transfected with a plasmid over-expressing HPV16E6 and non-contact cocultured with macrophages.

RESULTS

The infection rate of HPV16E6 in Kazakh ESCCs was clearly higher than that in CANs (P < 0.05). The density of CD163-positive TAMs was significantly positively correlated with HPV16E6 infection in ESCCs (P < 0.05). After coculturing macrophages and EC9706 cells transfected with the HPV16E6 plasmid, the phenotype of macrophages transformed into M2 macrophages. The migration and invasion ability of ESCC cells were higher in the HPV16E6-transfected and coculture group than in the HPV16E6 empty vector-transfected and non-cocultured HPV16E6-transfected groups (all P < 0.05). The density of M2-like TAMs in ESCCs was positively correlated with the level of MMP-9 expression. MMP-9 expression in the HPV16E6-ESCC coculture macrophages group was substantially higher than that in controls (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

HPV16 infection mediates tumor-associated macrophages to promote ESCC invasion and migration.

Dietary supplementation with sodium bicarbonate or sodium sulfate affects eggshell quality by altering ultrastructure and components in laying hens

Dietary sodium (Na) levels were related to the content of the eggshell matrix. We therefore speculated that dietary Na supplementation as sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) or sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) may improve eggshell quality. Additionally, dietary NaHCO₃ or Na₂SO₄ supplementation may further affect eggshell quality in different ways due to differences in anions. This study investigated and compared the effects of dietary Na supplementation in either NaHCO₃ or Na₂SO₄ form on laying performance, eggshell quality, ultrastructure and components in laying hens. A total of 576 29-week-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens were randomly allocated to 8 dietary treatments that were fed a Na-deficient basal diet (0.07% Na, 0.15% Cl) supplemented with Na₂SO₄ or NaHCO₃ at 0.08, 0.18, 0.23 or 0.33% Na for 12 weeks. No differences were observed in laying production performance with dietary Na supplementation. Dietary Na supplementation resulted in quadratic increases of eggshell breaking strength in both Na₂SO₄ and NaHCO₃ added groups (P < 0.05), and Na₂SO₄-fed groups had a quadratic increase in the eggshell ratio at week 12 (P < 0.05). Compared with supplementing 0.08% Na, dietary supplementation of 0.23% Na increased the effective thickness (P < 0.05) in both Na₂SO₄ and NaHCO₃ added groups, but decreased the thickness and knob width of the mammillary layer (P < 0.05). A linear increase on the calcium content of the shell was only observed with Na supplementation from NaHCO₃ (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in Na contents of the shell with dietary Na supplemented by both sources. Dietary Na addition had a quadratic increase on uronic acid contents of shell membrane in NaHCO₃-fed groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, the sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) contents of shell membranes increased linearly with dietary Na supplementation (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation of 0.23% Na from Na₂SO₄ increased the sulfated GAG contents of calcified eggshell (P < 0.05). Additionally, compared with NaHCO₃-fed groups, Na₂SO₄-fed groups had higher eggshell breaking strength, thickness, eggshell weight ratio, effective thickness and the sulfated GAG contents of calcified eggshell at week 12. Overall, dietary supplementation of NaHCO₃ or Na₂SO₄ could increase eggshell breaking strength, which may be related to increased sulfated GAG contents in eggshell membranes and improved ultrastructure. Higher eggshell breaking strength, thickness and eggshell ratio could be obtained when the diet was supplemented with 0.23% Na from Na₂SO₄.

[Analysis on related factors of myocardial fibrosis in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]

Objective: To investigate the related factors of myocardial fibrosis in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Methods: Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hospitalized in the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province from January 2016 to May 2020, were included in this cross-sectional study. Patients were divided into delayed enhancement positive group (fibrosis group) and non-delayed enhancement group (non-fibrosis group). According to the maximum left ventricular end diastolic wall thickness (LVMWT), patients in the fibrosis group was further divided into mild hypertrophy group, moderate hypertrophy group and severe hypertrophy group. The baseline clinical data of patients were collected by medical record management system. All enrolled patients underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). The presence and location of myocardial fibrosis were identified by CMR gadolinium contrast delayed enhancement (LGE). The range of LGE (LGE%) was calculated by visual analysis. The levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in peripheral blood were measured. Results: A total of 48 patients ( age (46.4±14.3) years, 42 (87.5%) males) were enrolled. There were 34 LGE positive cases (fibrosis group) and 14 LGE negative cases (non-fibrosis group). Compared with non-fibrosis group, patients in fibrosis group were younger (P=0.038) and prevalence of NYHA grade Ⅲ/Ⅳ was higher (P=0.00). Compared with non-fibrosis group, patients in fibrosis group had thicker LVMWT (P= 0.008), higher left ventricular mass index(LVMI) (P=0.001), higher left ventricular end diastolic volume (LVEDV) (P=0.043), lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and cardiac index (CI) (all P <0.05). The levels of NT-proBNP and cTnI were significantly higher in fibrosis group than in non-fibrosis group (2 760.5 (1 503.4, 3 783.6) ng / L vs. 861.3 (552.2, 1 092.8) ng / L, P=0.002; 0.970 (0.448, 1.684)μg / L vs. 0.147 (0.033, 0.251)μg / L, P=0.041).In fibrosis group, there were 15 cases of mild hypertrophy (mild hypertrophy group), 10 cases of moderate hypertrophy (moderate hypertrophy group), and 9 cases of severe hypertrophy (severe hypertrophy group). The LGE% and NT-proBNP and cTnI increased in proportion with increasing myocardial hypertrophy (P<0.05). LGE% was negatively correlated with age (r=-0.618, P=0.011), and positively correlated with NT-proBNP and cTnI levels (r=0.271, P=0.010; r=0.111,P=0.013, respectively), and positively correlated with LVEDV, LVMWT and LVMI (r=0.438, P=0.09; r=0.735, P=0.001; r=0.532, P=0.034, respectively). Conclusions: In patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the extent of myocardial fibrosis increases with the increase of myocardial hypertrophy. Myocardial fibrosis is negatively correlated with age, and positively correlated with NT-proBNP and cTnI, as well as LVEDV, LVMWT and LVMI in this patient cohort.

[Epidemiological and virus molecular characterization of dengue fever outbreak in Hunan province, 2018]

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological and etiological characteristics of a dengue fever outbreak in Hunan province in 2018. Methods: Real-time PCR assay was performed for the laboratory diagnosis of 8 suspected dengue fever cases. Etiological surveillance was performed in 186 suspected dengue fever cases and fever cases who had close contacts with dengue fever patients. C6/36 cells was used for the virus isolation from acute phase serum. By sequencing the full length of E genes of 15 dengue virus strains, phylogenetic analysis was performed based on the sequences obtained, including reference sequences from the NCBI GenBank database, the serotypes and gene subtypes of the virus were analyzed to trace the possible source of transmission. An emergency monitoring of vector density and a retrospective survey of sero-epidemiology in healthy population were conducted in the epidemic area. Results: In the serum samples of 8 suspected patients, 6 were dengue virus RNA positive, and 4 were NS1 antigen positive. In 186 suspected patients, 96 were dengue virus nucleic acid, NS1 antigen or antibody positive in etiological test. A total of 64 dengue virus strains were isolated. The phylogenetic analysis showed that all the dengue virus strains belonged to type 2, which might be from Guangdong or Zhejiang provinces. The Bretub index was up to 65, indicating an extremely high risk of transmission. The positive rate of the dengue virus IgG antibody was 0.53%(2/377) in retrospective survey of 377 healthy people. Conclusion: The field epidemiologic and the molecular genetics analyses showed the outbreak of dengue fever in Hunan in 2018 was caused by imported cases and dengue virus 2.

[Current situation of screening, prevention and treatment of bleeding esophageal varices in cirrhotic portal hypertension in Tibet region: a multicenter study]

Objective: To investigate and analyze the current situation, screening, clinical characteristics, prevention and treatment of bleeding esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension in Tibet region. Methods: Clinical data of cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension through March 2017 to February 2020 from Tibet region were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Results: 511 cases with liver cirrhosis were included in the study, of which 185 cases (36.20%) had compensated cirrhosis and 326 cases (63.80%) had decompensated cirrhosis. Further analysis of the etiological data of liver cirrhosis showed that 306 cases (59.88%) were of chronic hepatitis B, 113 cases (22.11%) of alcoholic liver disease, and 68 cases (13.31%) of chronic hepatitis B combined with alcoholic liver disease. Among patients with compensated liver cirrhosis, 48 cases (25.95%) underwent endoscopic examination of which 33 diagnosed as high-risk variceal bleeding. However, none of these 33 cases had received non-selective β-blocker therapy, and only four patients had received endoscopic variceal banding therapy. Among patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, 83 cases (25.46%) had a history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, 297 cases (91.10%) had ascites, 23 cases (7.05%) had hepatic encephalopathy, and 3 cases (0.92%) had hepatorenal syndrome. Among the patients with a history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, 42 cases (50.60%) had received secondary preventive treatment for bleeding esophageal varices, including 39 cases of endoscopic treatment, 1 case of endoscopic combined drug treatment, 3 cases of interventional treatment, and 2 cases of surgical treatment. Conclusion: Chronic hepatitis B and alcoholic liver diseases are the main causes of liver cirrhosis in Tibet region. Moreover, this region lacks screening, prevention and treatment for bleeding esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the screening of high-risk groups to prevent and improve the first-time bleeding, and promote multidisciplinary team to prevent and treat re-bleeding.

[The association between mesenteric fat hypertrophy and behavior and activity of Crohn's disease]

Objective: Mesenteric fat hypertrophy is present in about a quarter of Crohn's disease (CD) patients and it can be easily detected by bowel ultrasound (US). The purpose of this research was to assess the correlation between mesenteric fat hypertrophy and behavior and activity of CD. Methods: A total of 89 CD patients who admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from August 2018 to November 2019 were recruited in this study. The total CD patients were divided into two groups depending on with or without mesenteric fat hypertrophy by US tests. Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI), simplified endoscopic score for Crohn's disease (SES-CD), serum inflammatory indicators and fecal calprotectin were assessed. Results: Mesenteric fat hypertrophy was significantly associated with stricturing behavior (B2, P<0.01). CDAI (P=0.002) , blood platelet (P=0.001) , C-reactive protein (P=0.024) , fecal calprotectin (P=0.004) and bowel wall thickness (P<0.01) in patients with mesenteric fat hypertrophy were significantly higher than those without, but not the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P=0.110) and SES-CD (P=0.115) . Serum albumin (P=0.001) in patients with mesenteric fat hypertrophy was lower than that in patients without mesenteric fat hypertrophy. Conclusion: Mesenteric fat hypertrophy is correlated with intestinal stenosis and disease activity in patients with Crohn's disease.

[Pepsin and bile acids detection in saliva for the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease]

Objective: To identify the value of the detection of pepsin and bile acids in saliva for the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD). Methods: From January 2018 to June 2019, 104 GERD patients and 43 healthy people in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital were recruited. The 104 patients of GERD group were divided into four sub-groups, including esophageal symptoms GERD group, extraesophageal symptoms GERD group, anxiety or depression group, non-anxiety and non-depression group. Saliva was collected on waking in morning and 2 h after finishing lunch. The concentration of the total pepsin(TPP) and total bile acids(TBA) from saliva was detected by ELISA method. Receiver operating characteristics analysis was used to identify the sensitivity and specificity of the saliva pepsin and bile acids detection. Results: The concentration of TPP in morning waking samples and postprandial samples in the GERD group was 27.1(9.7,50.3) μg/L and 32.4(14.0,58.7) μg/L, the concentration of TBA in postprandial samples was (18.4±2.3)μmol/L, and these levels were significantly higher than that of the control group [7.0(5.1, 9.1) μg/L, 7.4(5.2, 9.4) μg/L, (12.6±5.0)μmol/L](P<0.01). The concentration of TBA in morning waking samples had no significant difference between these two groups(P>0.05). The concentration of TPP and TBA had no significant difference among the four GERD sub-groups(P>0.05).Pepsin in postprandial saliva samples had moderate diagnostic value for GERD, when the saliva pepsin concentration in postprandial samples was higher than 41.33 μg/L, it had a sensitivity of 82.8% and a specificity of 73.3%. The bile acids in saliva had no significant diagnostic value for GERD. Conclusions: Pepsin detection in saliva has a high level of sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing GERD. However, bile acids in saliva has no significant diagnostic value for GERD.

[Clinical strategies for preservation of the exposed implant in chronic wounds and wound repair]

Objective: To explore the clinical strategies for preservation of the exposed implant in chronic wounds and wound repair. Methods: From January 2016 to January 2019, totally 8 patients (4 males and 4 females, aged 10 to 73 years) sustaining postoperative chronic wounds with exposed implants were admitted to the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital. There were 2 cases of abdominal patch exposure after abdominal trauma surgery, 2 cases of titanium plate exposure post craniocerebral surgery, 3 cases of internal fixator exposure post orthopedic surgery, and 1 case of cerebrospinal fluid drainage tube exposure after craniocerebral surgery. The wound exudate was collected for bacterial culture on admission. On the basis of glycemic control and correction of anemia and hypoproteinemia, thorough wound debridement was performed as soon as possible and the wound area after debridement ranged from 2.0 cm×0.5 cm to 6.0 cm×5.0 cm. The wounds of 4 patients were immediately closed after debridement, including 1 case by primary closure, 1 case by primary closure after local filling of platelet rich plasma gel, and 2 cases by local flap transplantation, with flap size of 10.0 cm×8.0 cm and 12.0 cm×8.0 cm, respectively. The donor sites of flaps were sutured directly and all the incisions were treated with continuous vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) after surgery. The other 4 patients were treated with continuous VSD after debridement to improve the wound bed. The wound of 1 case healed gradually, 1 case received direct wound suturing, and the wounds of 2 cases were repaired with thin split-thickness skin grafts from the thigh or the head. The results of bacterial culture of wound exudate on admission, wound healing post surgery, and follow-up were observed and recorded. Results: The bacterial culture of wound exudate on admission was positive in 6 patients, and 10 strains of bacteria were isolated with Staphylococcus epidermidis as the main pathogen. All the skin grafts or flaps of patients survived post surgery, with the incisions and wounds healed and all the implants preserved. After 1 to 3 years of follow-up, no recurrence of wound was found in any patient. Conclusions: The postoperative chronic wounds with exposed implants can be closed in primary stage by direct suturing or flap transplantation if it is clean enough on the basis of thorough debridement. The wounds with large defects or serious infection can be treated with continuous VSD firstly and then closed with direct suturing or skin grafting for delayed wound closure, thereby to reach the treatment goal of preserving the implants and repairing the wounds simultaneously.

In Vivo Imaging of the Tumor-Associated Enzyme NCEH1 with a Covalent PET Probe

Herein, we report the development of an ¹⁸ F-labeled, activity-based small-molecule probe targeting the cancer-associated serine hydrolase NCEH1. We undertook a focused medicinal chemistry campaign to simultaneously preserve potent and specific NCEH1 labeling in live cells and animals, while permitting facile ¹⁸ F radionuclide incorporation required for PET imaging. The resulting molecule, [¹⁸ F]JW199, labels active NCEH1 in live cells at nanomolar concentrations and greater than 1000-fold selectivity relative to other serine hydrolases. [¹⁸ F]JW199 displays rapid, NCEH1-dependent accumulation in mouse tissues. Finally, we demonstrate that [¹⁸ F]JW199 labels aggressive cancer tumor cells in vivo, which uncovered localized NCEH1 activity at the leading edge of triple-negative breast cancer tumors, suggesting roles for NCEH1 in tumor aggressiveness and metastasis.

[microRNA-16-5p targeted tetraspanin 15 gene to inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cell through phospoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway]

Objective: To study the effects of miR-16-5p on proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells and its mechanism. Methods: Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of miR-16-5p and TSPAN15 in human normal osteoblasts hFOB 1.19 and osteosarcoma cells MG63, Saos2 and HOS. The miR-16-5p or si-TSPAN15 was transfected into MG63 cells to observe its role in cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Cell proliferation was measured with MTT assay, cell migration and invasion were examined by Transwell, and the protein expression of CyclinD1, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, tetraspanin 15 (TSPAN15), phospha-tidylinositol3-kinase(p-PI3K) and phospha-protein kinase B(p-AKT) were determined by using Western blotting. The starbase website prediction combined with dual luciferase gene reporter assay was performed to analyze the targeting relationship between miR-16-5p and TSPAN15. miR-16-5p and pcDNA-TSPAN1 were co-transfected to assess the effect of high expression of TSPAN15 on overexpression of miR-16-5p-induced proliferation, migration and invasion of MG63 cells. Data comparison between the two groups was performed by using t test. Results: Compared with hFOB 1.19 cells (1.00±0.12), the expression of miR-16-5p was significantly decreased in MG63, Saos2 and HOS cells (0.32±0.05, 0.40±0.04, 0.45±0.06, respectively)(F=156.204, P<0.05), and TSPAN15 mRNA and protein levels were greatly increased (F=71.718, 110.350, both P<0.05). Overexpression of miR-16-5p obviously reduced the expression of CyclinD1, MMP-2, MMP-9 protein, cell viability, cell migration and invasion (F=150.136,117.228, 154.971, 89.479, 98.373, 130.880, all P<0.05) in MG63 cells. Knockdown of TSPAN15 greatly reduced CyclinD1, MMP-2, MMP-9 protein levels, cell survival rate, cell migration, and invasion number (F=93.206, 107.030, 109.326, 115.625, 146.113, 139.300, all P<0.05). Overexpression of miR-16-5p markedly decreased the expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT protein in MG63 cells (F=156.755, 181.419, both P<0.05). miR-16-5p targeted to regulate the expression of TSPAN15. High expression of TSPAN15 partially reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-16-5p on TSPAN15, CyclinD1, MMP-2, MMP-9, p-PI3K, p-AKT protein expression, cell viability, cell migration number and invasion number in MG63 cells. Conclusion: miR-16-5p inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells by targeting the TSPAN15 gene and regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Assessment of Brain Glucose Metabolism Following Cardiac Arrest by [18F]FDG Positron Emission Tomography

BACKGROUND

Cardiac arrest (CA) patients who survived by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can present different levels of neurological deficits ranging from minor cognitive impairments to persistent vegetative state and brain death. The pathophysiology of the resulting brain injury is poorly understood, and whether changes in post-CA brain metabolism contribute to the injury are unknown. Here we utilized [¹⁸F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-Positron emission tomography (PET) to study in vivo cerebral glucose metabolism 72 h following CA in a murine CA model.

METHODS

Anesthetized and ventilated adult C57BL/6 mice underwent 12-min KCl-induced CA followed by CPR. Seventy-two hours following CA, surviving mice were intraperitoneally injected with [¹⁸F]FDG (~ 186 µCi/200 µL) and imaged on Molecubes preclinical micro-PET/computed tomography (CT) imaging systems after a 30-min awake uptake period. Brain [¹⁸F]FDG uptake was determined by the VivoQuant software on fused PET/CT images with the 3D brain atlas. Upon completion of Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, remaining [¹⁸F]FDG radioactivity in the brain, heart, and liver was determined using a gamma counter.

RESULTS

Global increases in brain [¹⁸F]FDG uptake in post-CA mice were observed compared to shams and controls. The median standardized uptake value of [¹⁸F]FDG for CA animals was 1.79 versus sham 1.25 (p < 0.05) and control animals 0.78 (p < 0.01). This increased uptake was consistent throughout the 60-min imaging period and across all brain regions reaching statistical significance in the midbrain, pons, and medulla. Biodistribution analyses of various key organs yielded similar observations that the median [¹⁸F]FDG uptake for brain was 7.04%ID/g tissue for CA mice versus 5.537%ID/g tissue for sham animals, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study has successfully applied [¹⁸F]FDG-PET/CT to measure changes in brain metabolism in a murine model of asystolic CA. Our results demonstrate increased [¹⁸F]FDG uptake in the brain 72 h following CA, suggesting increased metabolic demand in the case of severe neurological injury. Further study is warranted to determine the etiology of these changes.

A novel mouse model of sporadic colon cancer induced by combination of conditional Apc genes and chemical carcinogen in the absence of Cre recombinase

Although valuable insights into colon cancer biology have been garnered from human colon cancer cell lines and primary colonic tissues, and animal studies using human colon cancer xenografts, immunocompetent mouse models of spontaneous or chemically induced colon cancer better phenocopy human disease. As most sporadic human colon tumors present adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene mutations, considerable effort has gone into developing mice that express mutant Apc alleles that mimic human colon cancer pathogenesis. A serious limitation of many of these Apc-mutant murine models, however, is that these mice develop numerous tumors in the small intestine but few, if any, in the colon. In this work, we examined three spontaneous mouse models of colon tumorigenesis based upon the widely used multiple intestinal neoplasia (Min) mouse: mice with either constitutive or conditional Apc mutations alone or in combination with caudal-related homeobox transcription factor CDX2P-Cre transgene - either with or without exposure to the potent colon carcinogen azoxymethane. Using the CDX2 promoter to drive Cre recombinase transgene expression effectively inactivated Apc in colonocytes, creating a model with earlier tumor onset and increased tumor incidence/burden, but without the Min mouse model's small intestine tumorigenesis and susceptibility to intestinal perforation/ulceration/hemorrhage. Most significantly, azoxymethane-treated mice with conditional Apc expression, but absent the Cre recombinase gene, demonstrated nearly 50% tumor incidence with two or more large colon tumors per mouse of human-like histology, but no small intestine tumors - unlike the azoxymethane-resistant C57BL/6J-background Min mouse model. As such this model provides a robust platform for chemoprevention studies.

First report of Giardia duodenalis genotypes in Zangxiang pigs from China

Giardia duodenalis is an important zoonotic intestinal protozoan of animals and humans. We collected 450 faecal specimens from four age groups (pre-weaned piglets, weaned piglets, juveniles, adults) of Zangxiang pigs from Shaanxi and Qinghai provinces, to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of G. duodenalis at the β-giardin (bg), triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) and glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) loci using nested PCRs in the present study. A total of 28 faecal samples were positive for presence of G. duodenalis, with an overall prevalence of 6.2%. Giardia duodenalis was detected in pigs from all age groups and in both investigated provinces. Significant differences (P < 0.0001) in prevalence were observed among the four age groups with prevalence decreasing with age. Sequence analysis indicated existence of genetic diversity of G. duodenalis isolates from Zangxiang pigs, with 4, 2 and 4 haplotypes at the bg, tpi and gdh loci, respectively. Two assemblages were identified, including the zoonotic assemblage B and assemblage E, with the latter as the predominant assemblage found in both locations and all age groups except adults. The present study expanded the host range of G. duodenalis and provided fundamental data for controlling G. duodenalis infection in Zangxiang pigs.

[Correlation of orexin-2 receptor gene polymorphisms with Alzheimer's disease]

Objective: To investigate the association between orexin-2 receptor (OX2R) gene polymorphisms and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: A total of 350 patients with AD diagnosed at the People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2014 to January 2018 were enrolled as the case group, and 350 healthy subjects were selected as the control group, and their general demographic data were collected. The peripheral blood samples were collected for DNA extraction, and the polymorphisms of 6 loci in OX2R gene in the two groups were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gene sequencing. The differences in genotype and gene frequency distribution between the two groups were compared. Results: The genotype distribution of OX2R gene rs2653349 and rs2292041 in the case group was significantly different from that in the control group (P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that rs2653349(GA+AA) genotype was an independent risk factor for AD(P=0.009). Five haplotypes were found in the haplotype analysis, and there were differences between the case group and the control group: rs2653349+rs2292041 GA type(χ(2)=10.922, P=0.000 1), rs2653349+rs2292041+ rs3122169 GAA type (χ(2)=8.687, P=0.003), ATC type(χ(2)=8.329, P=0.003 9), rs2653349+ rs2292041 AT type(χ(2)=6.504, P=0.010 8), rs2653349+rs2292041+rs3122169 ATA type(χ(2)=17.511, P=0.000 1). Conclusion: The OX2R gene rs2653349 and rs2292041 polymorphisms in the Han population of Henan may be associated with AD, and the A allele may be a susceptible factor for AD.

[The necessity of artificial kidney seeper in the ultrasonography-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a randomized controlled study]

Objective: To investigate the necessity of artificial kidney seeper which made through inserting a ureteral tube in the ureter to the ultrasonography-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Methods: This was a randomized prospective study. Patients who conformed to the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled at Department of Urology, Frist Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from January 2016 to May 2017. Totally 291 patients were included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups (artificial kidney seeper group and non-artificial kidney seeper group) in different kidney seeper level (5 to <10 mm, 10 to 20 mm) respectively. The artificial kidney seeper group was inserted by a ureteral cathedral, then were underwent the ultrasonography-guided PCNL in prone position. The non-artificial kidney seeper group were underwent the ultrasonography-guided PCNL in prone position directly. The t test, χ(2) test, repeated measure analysis was used to data measurement, respectively. Results: Four patients who diagnosed pyonephrosis were excluded. On the 5 to <10 mm level, fever rate (14.6% vs. 4.8%, χ(2)=5.07, P=0.03), operation time ((65.7±9.9)min vs. (50.3±7.4)min, t=11.47, P=0.00), cost ((18 327±903) yuan vs. (14 583±784) yuan, t=24.50, P=0.00) about artificial kidney seeper group and non-artificial kidney seeper group had statistical differences. And on the 10 to 20 mm level, fever rate (14.5% vs. 3.39%, χ(2)=4.53, P=0.03), operation time ((66.0±9.9)min vs. (52.4±8.9)min, t=8.30, P=0.00), cost ((16 548±537) yuan vs. (13 102±629) yuan, t=32.10, P=0.00) about artificial kidney seeper group and non-artificial kidney seeper group had statistical differences. And there were no statistical differences in the success rate of puncturing, the failures of the treatment to the stone pieces falling into the ureter and clearance rate of the stone and so on. In this study, 2 cases recovered after received transfusion and digital subtraction angiography artery embolization treatments; D-J tube was indwelled into 4 cases guiding by super smooth thread; 4 cases were finished the surgeries with the help of ureteroscopy, because the stone pieces fell into the ureter during the surgeries. And there was no patients developing septic shock, adjacent viscera injury or other serious complications. Conclusion: For seasoned doctors, there is no necessity of regularly artificial kidney seeper for PCNL when the pre-operation seeper ranging from 5 to 20 mm.

[Abnormal functional connectivity between sublaterodorsal nucleus and the motor cortex in Parkinson's disease with rapid-eye-movement sleep behavior disorder]

Objective: To investigate the abnormal functional connectivity between sublaterodorsal nucleus (SLD) and the brain motor areas in Parkinson's disease with or without rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder by resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rfMRI). Methods: A total of 64 subjects recruited in the Department of Neurology, the People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University were enrolled in this study from August 2014 to December 2017 according to international diagnosis criteria, 20 cases with PD-RBD (PD-RBD group), 23 cases without PD-nRBD (PD-nRBD group) and 21 age, gender-matched healthy controls (HC group). All subjects were examined by Hoehn-Yahr, UPDRS-Ⅲ and rfMRI. Resluts: UPDRS-Ⅲ scores and Hoehn-Yahr staging were showed significantly different from that in the HC group(KW=-27.35, P<0.001) but showed no significantly difference from that in the PD-nRBD group(KW=6.01, P=0.807). Compared with the control group, the FC analysis showed reduced correlations from the left SLD to the right orbital middle frontal gyrus(T=-4.567 8, P<0.001), the left cingulate gyrus(T=-3.196 0,P<0.001), the left cerebellum(T=-4.267 0,P<0.001) and the right midbrain(T=-4.773 7, P<0.001), from the right SLD to the bilateral cerebellum (T(left)=-5.040 1, T(right)=-4.210 5, P<0.001), the left precuneus(T=-4.468 2,P<0.001) and the left precentral gyrus (T=-4.473 9,P<0.001) in the PD-RBD. The correlations between the left SLD and left cerebellum, right midbrain and between the right SLD and left precuneus, left precentral gyrus were negative correlated with the motor functional tests. Conclusions: There are abnormal functional connectivity from the SLD to the motor areas in PD-RBD patients, leading to clinical PD-RBD motor symptoms and movement disorders.

Analysis of EEG Lemple-Ziv complexity and correlative aspects before and after treatment of anti-syphilis therapy for neurosyphilis

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of electroencephalogram (EEG) complexity in patients with neurosyphilis by comparing the changes of electroencephalogram Lempel-Ziv complexity (EEG-LZC) before and after anti-syphilis treatment. Methods The EEG complexity of neurosyphilis patients diagnosed in our hospital from July in 2015 to June in 2017 was analyzed and compared with other diagnostic results such as serology examination and cerebrospinal fluid examination. Results A total of 27 patients were diagnosed, including 19 males and 8 females, of which 6 were mesenchymal(cerebrospinal membrane and meningeal vascular), 16 were parenchymal(paralytic dementia, spinal cord tuberculosis and optic neuropathy), and 5 were asymptomatic. After intensive anti-syphilis therapy, the LZC increased significantly in all patients while the trend and degree of change were consistent with other diagnostic results. Conclusion The LZC can be used as one of the diagnostic indexes meanwhile the trend and degree of its change can be used as the reference index of curative effect to neurosyphilis.

[Risk factors and sonographic findings associated with the type of placenta accreta spectrum disorders]

Objective: To evaluate the risk factors and sonographic findings of pregnancies complicated by placenta increta or placenta percreta. Methods: Totally, 2 219 cases were retrospectively analyzed from 20 tertiary hospitals in China from January 2011 to December 2015. The data were collected based on the original case records. All cases were divided into two groups, the placenta increta (PI) group (79.1%, 1 755/2 219) and the placenta percreta (PP) group (20.9%, 464/2 219) , according to the degree of placental implantation. The risk factors and sonographic findings of placenta increta or percreta were analyzed by uni-factor and logistic regression statistic methods. Results: The risk factors associated with the degree of placental implantation were age, gravida, previous abortion or miscarriage, previous cesarean sections, and placenta previa (all P<0.05), especially, previous cesarean sections (χ(2)=157.961) and placenta previa (χ(2)=91.759). Sonographic findings could be used to predict the degree of placental invasion especially the boundaries between placenta and uterine serosa, the boundary between placenta and myometrium, the disruption of the placental-uterine wall interface and loss of the normal retroplacental hypoechoic zone(all P<0.01). Conclusions: Previous cesarean sections and placenta previa are the main independent risk factors associated with the degree of placenta implantation. Ultrasound could be used to make a prenatal suggestive diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum disorders.

[Current applications of artificial intelligence in tumor histopathology]

The tasks of artificial intelligence (AI) in tumor histopathology include image segmentation and classification. Currently, the specific contents including lymph node metastasis, pathological classification, grade and prognostic evaluation of malignant diseases, such as breast cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer, have been studied by AI. Evaluation of sentinel lymph node metastasis of breast cancer has been the most mature application of AI technology, whose level can be analogous to the excellent pathologists. In the future, with the close cooperation of pathologists and engineers, the research of AI will be focus on improving the technology of simple and repetitive clinical diagnosis and differential diagnosis, such as the diagnosis of sentinel lymph node metastasis of breast cancer from biopsy frozen section and the judgment of incisal margin. Ultimately, AI will help us to precisely diagnose the tumor.

Relationship between sleep disorders and lymphocyte subsets and cytokines in patients with lung cancer

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sleep disorders and lymphocyte subsets and cytokines in patients with lung cancer undergoing radiotherapy, and to establish a theoretical foundation for predicting sleep disorders and preventing interventions in radiotherapy in lung cancer patients. Ninety-two patients with lung cancer requiring radiotherapy were selected as the study subjects. The patients' demographic data and disease-related conditions were investigated. Their quality of sleep was measured before radiotherapy, after two and four weeks of radiotherapy, and at the end of radiotherapy. According to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Number Table (PSQI), patients with PSQI score> 7 points were put into a sleep disorder group, and patients with PSQI score 0-7 were put into a normal sleep group. Lymphocyte subsets were enumerated and cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-1b) were measured during these four periods. The difference in sleep disorders at four weeks between patients with or without synchronous chemotherapy was statistically significant (P less than 0.05). The levels of lymphocyte subsets in the sleep disorder group and the control sleep group showed no difference in the index of lymphocyte subsets before radiotherapy. In the sleep disorder group, CD4+ cells were lower after two weeks of radiotherapy (P less than 0.05). After four weeks of radiotherapy, CD3+, CD4+, and CD16+56+ subsets were lower (P less than 0.05). At the end of radiotherapy, there was no difference in each index. There was no significant difference in IL-6 levels between the two groups before radiotherapy, after two weeks, or after four weeks (P greater than 0.05). At the end of radiotherapy, IL-6 levels in the sleep disorder group were higher than those in the control sleep group (P less than 0.05). There was no significant difference in IL-1b between the two groups (P greater than 0.05). In conclusion, monitoring of T-lymphocyte subsets and IL-6 levels in patients is enhanced during radiotherapy. Clinically effective programs of radiotherapy for lung cancer improve the body's immune status.

Effects of dietary rapeseed meal supplementation on cecal microbiota in laying hens with different flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 genotypes

To evaluate the effect of dietary rapeseed meal (RM) supplementation on cecal trimethylamine and bacteria in laying hens with different flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) genotypes, a 3 × 2 2-factorial arrangement was employed using FMO3 genotypes (AA, AT, and TT) and dietary RM (0 and 14% of diet) as the main effects. At 50 wk of age, 36 hens of AT genotype and 36 hens of TT genotype were randomly allotted to one of the 2 dietary treatments, and each dietary treatment consisted of 3 replicates with 6 birds each. A total of 12 hens with AA genotype were allotted to one of the 2 dietary treatments that consisted of 3 replicates with 2 hens. Hens were fed 0% RM in a corn-soybean (SM) diet for one wk before the 6-week feeding trial period. Dietary RM supplementation increased trimethylamine (TMA) concentrations in both egg yolks (P < 0.0001) and cecal chyme (P < 0.0001). Dietary RM supplementation increased bacterial abundance and diversity (P < 0.0001). Weighted UniFrac, Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling, and analysis of similarity (R-ANOSIM = 0.1516; P-value = 0.014) indicated distinct clustering was dependent on diets rather than FMO3 genotypes. Twenty-four phyla (most dominant, Bacteroides, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria) and 229 genera were identified in the cecal samples. Compared with the SM diets, RM diets increased the proportion of Firmicutes (P = 0.004), Proteobacteria (P = 0.006), and Firmicutes:Bacteroides (P = 0.001), and some low-abundance phyla (P < 0.01), whereas the abundance of Bacteroides was lower (P = 0.0002). The abundance of 42 genera varied with dietary types. Six phyla and 35 genera were positively correlated with TMA concentration in the cecal chyme. In conclusion, the major TMA-producing bacteria in cecal were from Firmicutes and Proteobacteria phyla. The major TMA-producing bacterial genera could be from the genera that positively correlated with TMA concentration.

Effect of dietary supplementation of organic or inorganic zinc on carbonic anhydrase activity in eggshell formation and quality of aged laying hens

This study evaluated the effects of different dietary levels and sources of zinc (Zn) on performance and carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity in eggshell formation and quality in aged laying hens. A total of 504 Hy-line Grey layers aged 59 wk were fed a basal diet (Zn, 28.4 mg/kg) for 4 wks, then randomly allocated to 7 groups that were fed a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with inorganic (ZnSO4·H2O) or organic (amino acid metals, 9.58%) Zn at 35, 70, or 140 mg Zn per kg of feed for 6 weeks. Each group had 6 replicates of 12 hens. Results showed that egg weight decreased linearly with the supplemental level of organic Zn (P < 0.05). Dietary Zn supplementation had linear and quadratic effects on the CA activity in plasma (P < 0.05), and it was higher in the organic Zn-added groups at wks 2 and 4 (P < 0.05). Dietary Zn supplementation had a quadratic effect on the CA activity in the eggshell gland (P < 0.05). Shell thickness was greater in the organic Zn-added groups (P < 0.05), and its relationship with the supplemental level of Zn showed linearly and quadratically, increasing with the organic Zn and with the inorganic Zn at wk 4, while linearly increasing with the inorganic Zn at wk 6 (P < 0.05). At wk 4, the supplemental level of inorganic Zn had a linear effect on shell weight, and linear and quadratic effects on shell index and ratio (P < 0.05), while shell weight, the index, and ratio increased linearly and quadratically with the organic Zn level in the diet (P < 0.05), with more obvious effects in the organic Zn-added groups (P < 0.05). Overall, dietary Zn supplementation, up to 140 mg/kg feed, could increase eggshell thickness by enhancing CA activity in the plasma and eggshell gland of aged layers; thicker eggshells were found in the organic Zn-added groups, but the breaking strength did not increase despite the eggshell thickness increasing.

Dietary choline and phospholipid supplementation enhanced docosahexaenoic acid enrichment in egg yolk of laying hens fed a 2% Schizochytrium powder-added diet

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary phospholipid supplementation on laying hen performance, egg quality, and the fatty acid profile of egg yolks from hens fed a 2% Schizochytrium powder diet. Three-hundred-sixty 28-wk-old Hy-line W-36 laying hens were randomly allocated to one of the 5 dietary treatments, each treatment with 6 replicates of 12 birds each. All diets included 2% Schizochytrium powder (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA], 137.09 mg/g). The control group was not supplemented with any additional phospholipids, whereas the other 4 experimental diets were supplemented with 1,000 mg/kg choline (CHO), 1,000 mg/kg monoethanolamine (MEA), 1,000 mg/kg lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), or 500 mg/kg LPC + 500 mg/kg MEA (LPC + MEA). The experimental diets were isocaloric (metabolizable energy, 11.15 MJ/kg) and isonitrogenous (crude protein, 16.60%). The feeding trial lasted 28 days. Laying hen performance and egg quality were not affected (P > 0.05) by the diets used. The monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) level was reduced in the LPC group at d 28 (P < 0.01), whereas the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) level was increased (P < 0.05). The omega-6 (n-6) PUFA level of the egg yolks in the LPC group had a trend to increase in comparison to the control (P = 0.07). The CHO and LPC groups had higher omega-3 (n-3) PUFA and DHA levels and lower n-6/n-3 ratios than the other groups at d 28 (P < 0.01). The DHA content in egg yolk reached a plateau after the laying hens consumed the experimental diets for 14 days, and higher yolk DHA contents were observed in the CHO and LPC groups as compared with the other groups at d 14. It was concluded that dietary choline supplementation for more than 14 d enhanced egg yolk enrichment with n-3 PUFA and DHA when laying hen diets were supplemented with 2% Schizochytrium powder. All the diets had no adverse effect on hen performance, egg quality, or egg components under the experimental condition.

Effects of dietary gallic acid supplementation on performance, antioxidant status, and jejunum intestinal morphology in broiler chicks

Gallic acid (GA), widely distributed in plants and feeds, is known to have a diverse range of activities such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-allergic, anti-mutagenic, and anti-carcinogenic. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of inclusion of dietary GA at levels 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, or 150 mg/kg on growth performance, antioxidant status, and jejunum intestinal morphology of broiler chicks. In total, 630 one-day-old Arbor Acres (AA) male broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 6 treatment groups for a period of 6 weeks. The results indicate that dietary addition of GA at 75 to 100 mg/kg improved feed conversion efficiency in both the grower (d 21 to 42, P = 0.045) and overall (d 1 to 42, P = 0.026) periods. Dietary addition of GA at a concentration ≥100 mg/kg was able to exhibit higher breast muscle ratio at 42 d (P = 0.043). Interestingly, dietary GA inclusion level from 50 to 100 mg/kg reduced the crypt depth (P = 0.009) and increased the villus height:crypt depth ratio (VCR) of the birds (P = 0.006). Dietary supplementation of GA at 100 mg/kg decreased plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) content at 42 d of age (P = 0.030). Moreover, dietary addition of GA linearly increased plasma total antioxidant capacity (P = 0.039) and plasma total superoxide dismutase activities (P = 0.049) at 21 d of age. However, analysis of plasma biochemical markers revealed that dietary supplementation of GA did not exhibit beneficial health effects. Overall, we conclude that 75 to 100 mg/kg of GA are suitable for enhanced growth performance and health benefits in a broiler diet.

Research on characteristics of symmetric optothermal microactuators

This paper proposes and studies symmetric optothermal microactuators (OTMAs) which are directly controlled by a laser beam. Based on the principle of thermal flux, a theoretical model is established to describe the laser-induced temperature rises and optothermal expansions of the OTMAs' expansion arms. Temperature rise distributions of the arms with lengths of 590, 990, and 2260 μm are simulated separately, which reveals that, under 2 mW laser irradiation, the maximum temperature rises are invariably less than 75.9°C. Simulations are also made to consider optothermal expansions of the arms caused by laser irradiation, which turns out that expansion increases considerably when the arm's length increases from 250 to 1000 μm, while insignificantly between 1250 and 2500 μm. Under a laser beam of 2 mW power, experiments on three microfabricated OTMAs have been further conducted, which demonstrate that the OTMAs are capable of generating maximum deflections of 7.3, 11.3, and 13.6 μm, and that the growth of deflection is comparatively obvious in the case when the total length changes from 750 to 1200 μm, while insignificant for the range between 1200 and 2380 μm. With regard to simulations and experiments, it has been proved that the OTMAs are capable of implementing direct laser-controlled microactuation in which only about 2 mW laser power is demanded. Moreover, it has been proved that twofold total length or arm length does not correspondingly result in doubling the deflection, nor the expansion. Therefore, total length/expansion arm's length around or less than 1200/1000 μm is more appropriate for obtaining satisfactory characteristics of OTMAs, which may be potentially applied in MEMS/MOEMS and micro-/nano-technology.