Ultrasmall Ru nanoparticles-decorated nickel/nickel oxide three phase heterojunctions to boost alkaline hydrogen evolution

The rational design and optimization of heterogeneous interface for low loading noble metal HER eletrocatalysts to facilitate the upscaling of alkaline water/seawater electrolysis is highly challenging. Herein, we present a facile deep corrosion strategy induced by NaBH4 to precisely construct an ultrasmall Ru nanoparticle-decorated Ni/NiO hybrid (r-Ru-Ni/NiO) with highly dispersed triple-phase heterostructures. Remarkably, it exhibits superior activity with only 53 mV and 70 mV at 100 mA cm-2 for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline water and seawater, respectively, surpassing the performance of Pt/C (109.7 mV, 100 mA cm-2, 1 M KOH). It is attributed to collaborative optimization of electroactive interfaces between well-distributed ultrasmall Ru nanoparticles and Ni/NiO hybrid. Moreover, the assembled r-Ru-Ni/NiO system just require 2.03 V at 1000 mA cm-2 in anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzer, outperforming a RuO2/NF || Pt/C system, while exhibiting outstanding stability at high current densities. This study offers a logical design for accurate construction of interfacial engineering, showing promise for large-scale hydrogen production via electrochemical water splitting.

[Can laparoscopic surgery be the preferred strategy for gallbladder cancer?]

Gallbladder cancer, notoriously known for its high malignancy, predominantly requires radical surgery as the treatment of choice. Although laparoscopic techniques have become increasingly prevalent in abdominal surgeries in recent years, the progress of laparoscopic techniques in gallbladder cancer is relatively slow. Due to the anatomical complexity, technical difficulty, and biological features of gallbladder cancer that is prone to metastasis and dissemination, traditional open surgery is still the main surgical approach. This study aims to reappraisal the current state of laparoscopic surgery for gallbladder cancer by appraising clinical practice and research evidence. Laparoscopic surgery for various stages of gallbladder cancer, including early, advanced, incidental, and unresectable gallbladder cancer were discussed. The promise and limitations of laparoscopic techniques are systematically explored.

Risk factors for myocardial injury during living donor liver transplantation in pediatric patients with biliary atresia

BACKGROUND

Cold ischemia-reperfusion of the liver is an inevitable occurrence in liver transplantation that may also cause damage to the heart. Perioperative myocardial injury during liver transplantation can increase the incidence of postoperative mortality, but there is little research on the incidence of myocardial injury in children who undergo living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Therefore, this study mainly explores the independent risk factors for myocardial injury in children who undergo LDLT.

AIM

To analyze the data of children who underwent LDLT to determine the risk factors for intraoperative myocardial injury.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the inpatient records of pediatric patients who underwent LDLT in Tianjin First Central Hospital from January 1, 2020, to January 31, 2022. Recipient-related data and donor-related data were collected. The patients were divided into a myocardial injury group and a nonmyocardial injury group according to the value of the serum cardiac troponin I at the end of surgery for analysis. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate the risk factors for myocardial injury during LDLT in pediatric patients.

RESULTS

A total of 302 patients met the inclusion criteria. The myocardial injury group had 142 individuals (47%), and the nonmyocardial injury group included 160 patients (53%). Age, height, and weight were significantly lower in the myocardial injury group (P < 0.001). The pediatric end-stage liver disease (PELD) score, total bilirubin, and international standardized ratio were significantly higher in the myocardial injury group (P < 0.001). The mean arterial pressure, lactate, hemoglobin before reperfusion, duration of the anhepatic phase, cold ischemic time, incidence of postreperfusion syndrome (PRS), and fresh frozen plasma transfusion were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). The postoperative intensive care unit stay and peak total bilirubin values in the first 5 d after LDLT were significantly higher in the myocardial injury group (P < 0.05). The pediatric patients with biliary atresia in the nonmyocardial injury group who underwent LDLT had a considerably higher one-year survival rate than those in the myocardial injury group (P = 0.015). Multivariate logistic regression revealed the following independent risk factors for myocardial injury: a high PELD score [odds ratio (OR) = 1.065, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.013-1.121; P = 0.014], a long duration of the anhepatic phase (OR = 1.021, 95%CI: 1.003-1.040; P = 0.025), and the occurrence of intraoperative PRS (OR = 1.966, 95%CI: 1.111-3.480; P = 0.020).

CONCLUSION

A high PELD score, a long anhepatic phase duration, and the occurrence of intraoperative PRS were independent risk factors for myocardial injury during LDLT in pediatric patients with biliary atresia.

Dynamically Stabilized Electronic Regulation and Electrochemical Reconstruction in Co and S Atomic Pair Doped Fe3 O4 for Water Oxidation

The electronic regulation and surface reconstruction of earth-abundant electrocatalysts are essential to efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Here, an inverse-spinel Co,S atomic pair codoped Fe3 O4 grown on iron foam (Co,S-Fe3 O4 /IF) is fabricated as a cost-effective electrocatalyst for OER. This strategy of Co and S atomic pair directional codoping features accelerates surface reconstruction and dynamically stabilizes electronic regulation. CoS atomic pairs doped in the Fe3 O4 crystal favor controllable surface reconstruction via sulfur leaching, forming oxygen vacancies and Co doping on the surface of reconstructed FeOOH (Co-FeOOH-Ov /IF). Before and after surface reconstruction via in situ electrochemical process, the Fe sites with octahedral field dynamically maintains an appropriate electronic structure for OER intermediates, thus exhibiting consistently excellent OER performance. The electrochemically tuned Fe-based electrodes exhibit a low overpotential of 349 mV at a current density of 1000 mA cm-2 , a slight Tafel slope of 43.3 mV dec-1 , and exceptional long-term electrolysis stability of 200 h in an alkaline medium. Density functional theory calculations illustrate the electronic regulation of Fe sites, changes in Gibbs free energies, and the breaking of the restrictive scaling relation between OER intermediates. This work provides a promising directional codoping strategy for developing precatalysts for large-scale water-splitting systems.

Theoretical Prediction on Properties of 3,4-Bisnitrofurazanfuroxan (DNTF) Crystal and its Polymer Bonded Explosives (PBXs) Through Molecular Dynamics (MD) Simulation

CONTEXT

3,4-Bisnitrofurazanfuroxan (DNTF) is a typical high energy density compound (HEDC), it has high crystal density and detonation parameters, but also high mechanical sensitivity. To decrease its mechanical sensitivity, the DNTF based polymer bonded explosives (PBXs) was designed. The pure DNTF crystal and PBXs models were established. The stability, sensitivity, detonation performance and mechanical properties of DNTF crystal and PBXs models were predicted. Results show that PBXs models containing fluorine rubber (F₂₃₁₁) and fluorine resin (F₂₃₁₄) have higher binding energy, meaning that DNTF/F₂₃₁₁ and DNTF/F₂₃₁₄ is relatively more stable. PBXs models have higher value of cohesive energy density (CED) than pure DNTF crystal, DNTF/F₂₃₁₁ and DNTF/F₂₃₁₄ have the highest value of CED, implying that the sensitivity of PBXs is effectively decreased, DNTF/F₂₃₁₁ and DNTF/F₂₃₁₄ is more insensitive. PBXs have lower crystal density and detonation parameters than DNTF, the energy density is declined, DNTF/F₂₃₁₄ has higher energetic performance than other PBXs. Compared with pure DNTF crystal, engineering moduli (tensile modulus, shear modulus, bulk modulus) of PBXs models are obviously decreased, but Cauchy pressure is increased, implying that the mechanical properties of PBXs is superior to pure DNTF component, the PBXs containing F₂₃₁₁ or F₂₃₁₄ have more preferable mechanical properties. Consequently, DNTF/F₂₃₁₁ and DNTF/F₂₃₁₄ have the best comprehensive properties and is more attractive among the designed PBXs, indicating that F₂₃₁₁ and F₂₃₁₄ are more advantageous and promising in ameliorating properties of DNTF.

METHODS

The properties of DNTF crystal and PBXs models were predicted through molecular dynamics (MD) method under Materials Studio 7.0 package. The MD simulation was performed with isothermal-constant volume (NVT) ensemble, and the force field was chosen as COMPASS force field. The temperature was set as 295 K, the time step was 1 fs and the total MD simulation time was 2 ns.

Designing and property prediction of a novel three-component CL-20/HMX/TNAD energetic cocrystal explosive by MD method

CONTEXT

Cocrystallization technology can effectively regulate crystal structure, alter packing mode, and improve physicochemical performances of energetic materials at molecule level. CL-20/HMX cocrystal explosive has high energy density than HMX, but it also exhibits high mechanical sensitivity. To decrease the sensitivity and improve the properties of CL-20/HMX energetic cocrystal, the three-component energetic cocrystal CL-20/HMX/TNAD was designed. The properties of CL-20, CL-20/HMX, and CL-20/HMX/TNAD cocrystal models were predicted. The results show that CL-20/HMX/TNAD cocrystal models have better mechanical properties than CL-20/HMX cocrystal model, implying that the mechanical properties can be effectively improved. The binding energy of CL-20/HMX/TNAD cocrystal models is higher than CL-20/HMX cocrystal model, indicating that the three-component energetic cocrystal is more stable, and the cocrystal model with the ratio 3:4:1 is predicted to be the most stable phase. CL-20/HMX/TNAD cocrystal models have higher value of trigger bond energy than pure CL-20 and CL-20/HMX cocrystal models, meaning that the three-component energetic cocrystal is more insensitive. The crystal density and detonation parameters of CL-20/HMX and CL-20/HMX/TNAD cocrystal models are lower than CL-20, illustrating that the energy density is declined. The CL-20/HMX/TNAD cocrystal has higher energy density than RDX and can be regarded as a potential high energy explosive.

METHODS

This paper was performed with molecular dynamics (MD) method with the software of Materials Studio 7.0 under COMPASS force field. The MD simulation was performed under isothermal-isobaric (NPT) ensemble, the temperature and pressure was 295 K and 0.0001 GPa, respectively.

The self-medication behaviors of residents and the factors related to the consideration of drug efficacy and safety-A cross-sectional study in China

Background: Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs facilitates residents self-medication. However, inappropriate self-medications have become a serious problem in China and even all over the world. Objectives: To make an investigation on the current status of Chinese residents' self-medication behaviors and important considerations, and to explore the factors related to the considerations of drug efficacy and safety. Design: A quantitative, cross-sectional study. Methods: Multi-stage sampling was used to conduct a cross-sectional investigation in China 22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 4 municipalities directly under the Central Government. State that an interviewer-administrated questionnaire, was used for data collection. The questionnaire that was used in the investigation included demographic sociological characteristics, health literacy scale-short form (HLS-SF), the 10-item Big Five Inventory (BFI-10), the EuroQol-5D visual analogue scale (EQ-5D VAS), self-medication status and important considerations when self-medicating. Descriptive statistics were performed, and the Chi-square test was used for univariate analysis. Log-binomial regression was used for multivariate analysis on whether residents regard drug efficacy or safety as an important consideration. Results: 9256 respondents were included in the data analysis. The self-medication rate of Chinese adults was as high as 99.1%. Paracetamol and other analgesics were the most common types of OTC medication that respondents purchased, followed by vitamins/minerals. Medical staff recommendations, drug safety and efficacy were the top three important considerations. The residents in the east, central and western regions who consider safety is 63.5%, 61.5%, and 66.8% respectively. The proportion of curative effect was 60.2%, 55.7%, and 61.4% respectively. Log-binomial regression showed that western respondents, retired people, those who mainly used ways including basic medical insurance for employees, commercial medical insurance, free medical treatment to cover their medical cost, respondents with high neuroticism, high health literacy were more likely to consider drug safety as an important factor (p < 0.05). Eastern respondents, employed, main way of medical expenses borne was Out-of-pocket Payment, those with chronic disease were more likely to consider drug efficacy as an important factor (p < 0.05). Female, respondents with high levels of agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness, and self-rated health status were more likely to regard both drug safety and efficacy as important considerations (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Self-medication is practiced by most Chinese adults. Whether Chinese adults take drug efficacy or safety as an important consideration is related to their demographic and sociological characteristics, Big Five personality characteristics, health literacy and self-assessed health status. There is a need to strengthen the management of OTC drugs and public education about self-medication.

Effect of cardiac output - guided hemodynamic management on acute lung injury in pediatric living donor liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Acute lung injury (ALI) after liver transplantation (LT) may lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome, which is associated with adverse postoperative outcomes, such as prolonged hospital stay, high morbidity, and mortality. Therefore, it is vital to maintain hemodynamic stability and optimize fluid management. However, few studies have reported cardiac output-guided (CO-G) management in pediatric LT.

AIM

To investigate the effect of CO-G hemodynamic management on early postoperative ALI and hemodynamic stability during pediatric living donor LT.

METHODS

A total of 130 pediatric patients scheduled for elective living donor LT were enrolled as study participants and were assigned to the control group (65 cases) and CO-G group (65 cases). In the CO-G group, CO was considered the target for hemodynamic management. In the control group, hemodynamic management was based on usual perioperative care guided by central venous pressure, continuous invasive arterial pressure, urinary volume, etc. The primary outcome was early postoperative ALI. Secondary outcomes included other early postoperative pulmonary complications, readmission to the intense care unit (ICU) for pulmonary complications, ICU stay, hospital stay, and in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

The incidence of early postoperative ALI was 27.7% in the CO-G group, which was significantly lower than that in the control group (44.6%) (P < 0.05). During the surgery, the incidence of postreperfusion syndrome was lower in the CO-G group (P < 0.05). The level of intraoperative positive fluid transfusions was lower and the rate of dobutamine use before portal vein opening was higher, while the usage and dosage of epinephrine during portal vein opening and vasoactive inotropic score after portal vein opening were lower in the CO-G group (P < 0.05). Compared to the control group, serum inflammatory factors (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α), cardiac troponin I, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide were lower in the CO-G group after the operation (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

CO-G hemodynamic management in pediatric living-donor LT decreases the incidence of early postoperative ALI due to hemodynamic stability through optimized fluid management and appropriate administration of vasopressors and inotropes.

[Berberine alleviates programmed necrosis of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease via activating Nrf2 pathway in mice]

Objective: To investigate the effect of berberine on programmed necrosis of hepatocytes induced by metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in mice and its related molecular mechanism. Methods: Twenty male C57BL/6N mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=5 in each group): control group (S), fatty liver group (H), berberine group(B), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 inhibitor group (Nrf2), and all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) group (A). Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) concentrations were detected at the end of week 12 to calculate fatty liver index (liver mass/body mass ratio). Liver tissue was stained with HE, Masson and Oil Red O, and SAF score was used to evaluate the degree of liver injury. The expression levels of hepatic programmed necrosis-related proteins, namely receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3), phosphorylated mixed series protease-like domain (p-MLKL) and Nrf2 were detected by Western blot method. One-way ANOVA was used for intragroup comparisons and LSD-t tests were used for intergroup comparisons. Results: Compared with S group, H group serum ALT, AST, LDH, TG, TC, TNF-α, IL-1β levels and fatty liver index were significantly increased. The liver tissue was filled with vacuolar-like changes and inflammatory cell infiltration. Numerous red lipid droplets were observed with oil red O staining. Collagen fiber hyperplasia was evident with Masson staining. SAF scores (6.60 ± 0.55 and 0.80 ± 0.45) were significantly increased. The expressions of RIPK3 and p-MLKL were up-regulated. Nrf2 level was relatively increased, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Compared with H group, berberine intervention group liver biochemical indexes, lipid levels, pro-inflammatory mediator expression, fatty liver index, and SAF score were significantly reduced, and the expression of RIPK3 and p-MLKL were down-regulated, while Nrf2 levels were further increased, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Compared with B group, treatment with Nrf2 inhibitor had antagonized the protective effect of berberine on fatty liver. Serum ALT, AST, LDH, TG, TC and TNF-α, IL-1β levels, fatty liver index, and SAF scores were significantly increased and the expressions of RIPK3 and p-MLKL were relatively increased, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Berberine can significantly improve the metabolic-associated fatty liver disease injury in mice, and its mechanism is related to activation of Nrf2 and inhibition of programmed necrosis of hepatocytes.

Theoretical investigations on stability, sensitivity, energetic performance, and mechanical properties of CL-20/TNAD cocrystal explosive by molecular dynamics method

The crystal models of trans-1,4,5,8-tetranitro-1,4,5,8-tetraazadecalin (TNAD), hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20), and CL-20/TNAD cocrystal explosive with different component ratios were established. Molecular dynamics (MD) method was applied to predict the stability, sensitivity, energetic properties, and mechanical properties. The effect of component ratio on properties of CL-20/TNAD cocrystal explosive was investigated and estimated. Results show that the cocrystal model with component ratio in 1:1 exhibits the highest binding energy and it is more stable. In CL-20/TNAD cocrystal explosive, the interaction energy of trigger bond is increased by 0.8 ~ 15.0 kJ/mol, implying that the mechanical sensitivity of CL-20/TNAD cocrystal explosive is lower than CL-20 and the safety is effectively improved. Compared with raw CL-20, the crystal density of cocrystal explosive is declined by 0.014 ~ 0.193 g/cm³, detonation velocity is declined by 39 ~ 755 m/s, and detonation pressure is declined by 0.95 ~ 11.40 GPa; namely the energy density of CL-20/TNAD cocrystal explosive is lower than CL-20. The cocrystal explosives with component ratio in 10:1 ~ 1:1 still exhibit desirable detonation performance and can be regarded as high energy density explosives. The values of tensile modulus, shear modulus, and bulk modulus of CL-20/TNAD cocrystal explosive are decreased by 0.448 ~ 10.285 GPa, 0.195 ~ 4.189 GPa, and 0.194 ~ 6.292 GPa, respectively, Cauchy pressure is increased by 0.990 ~ 5.704 GPa, meaning that the rigidity, fracture strength, and hardness of cocrystal explosive are declined, while the plastic property and ductility are increased and the mechanical properties are improved. The cocrystal model with component ratio in 1:1 has the best mechanical properties. Consequently, the CL-20/TNAD cocrystal explosive with component ratio in 1:1 is more stable and insensitive; it also has high energy density and the best mechanical properties and may be an attractive candidate for high energy explosives.

CL-20/TNT decomposition under shock: cocrystalline versus amorphous

The shock responses of the cocrystal of CL-20/TNT and the amorphous structure of CL-20/TNT are compared by analyzing the thermodynamic parameters, product evolution and cluster evolution.

[Investigation of abnormal menstruation of female workers in petrochemical industry]

Objective: To explore the influencing factors of abnormal menstruation of female workers in a petrochemical enterprise. Methods: A total of 5186 female employees in a petrochemical enterprise were selected as the research objects from July 2018 to December 2019. A questionnaire survey was conducted from four aspects: basic information, occupational status, psychological status at work, reproductive and reproductive health, and a multivariate logistic regression model was used for analysis. Results: Among 5132 female workers, 676 were postmenopausal and 1117 (25.1%) among 4456 non-postmenopausal women had abnormal menstruation in the last 6 months. Logistic regression analysis showed that age (<30、30~35 years) and length of service (≤20 years) were protective factors (OR=0.573, 0.590, 0.798, P<0.05) . Age (40~45、45~50 years old) , sleep duration (<6 h) , premature OR late menopause of maternal relatives, occupational exposure to dust, occupational exposure to chemicals, not wearing earplugs, leave due to health reasons in the last 6 months, reproductive tract infection OR symptoms in the last 6 months, spontaneous abortion, induced abortion, physical fatigue and mental fatigue were risk factors for menstrual abnormalities in female workers (OR=2.318, 5.544, 1.231, 1.199, 1.336, 1.403, 1.351, 1.538, 1.613, 1.584, 1.199, 1.601, 1.936, P<0.05) . Conclusion: The abnormal menstruation of female workers is affected by many factors in the occupational process, and specific measures should be taken to improve the reproductive health of female workers.

[Initial exploration of transfusion-free liver transplantation]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of transfusion-free techniques on the prognosis of liver transplant patients. Methods: The recipients of adult liver transplantation at Tianjin First Central Hospital from August to December 2019 were included in the clinical observation. Liver transplantation without allogeneic blood transfusion was performed through anesthesia management techniques such as acute hemodilution or phlebotomy without volume replacement,maintaining decreased baseline central venous pressure and cell saver. According to the actual results,the patients were divided into two groups: transfusion-free group(n=21) and allogeneic transfusion group(n=28). There were 13 males and 8 females aged of (56.3±11.6) years in the transfusion-free group;and there were 16 males and 12 females aged (54.3±14.2)years in the allogeneic transfusion group. The transplant recipients who had not adopted transfusion management strategy from January to July 2019 were included as control group(27 males and 13 females,aged of (58.9±14.1)years). The clinical data of patients in perioperative period were collected to compare whether there were differences in the recovery of liver function and early complications among the three groups, one-way ANOVA test, rank-sum test, and χ² test were used for data analysis. Results: The amount of intraoperative blood loss in both the transfusion-free group and the transfusion group was less than that in the control group((454.2±271.3)ml vs.(673.6±333.4)ml vs.(890.3±346.7)ml;q=-6.342,-5.286,both P<0.05).The duration of stay in ICU of the transfusion-free group was less than that of the transfusion group and control group((36.4±9.1)hours vs.(44.3±14.9)hours vs.(58.2±21.1)hours;q=-4.432,-3.824,both P<0.05).The mean ALT level at 7 days after operation was significantly lower in the transfusion-free group than in the control group((56.8±32.1)U/L vs.(89.6±45.6)U/L;q=-3.358,P<0.05). Conclusions: The improvement of multi-disciplinary transfusion management technology aimed at transfusion-free liver transplantation can effectively reduce intraoperative hemorrhage and help to avoid surgical transfusion. Transfusion-free liver transplantation is beneficial to the early postoperative recovery,and its long-term clinical significance is worthy of further clinical research.

Fe(Co)OOH Dynamically Stable Interface Based on Self-Sacrificial Reconstruction for Long-Term Electrochemical Water Oxidation

FeOOH on the real catalytic interface for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is chemically unstable to dissolve in alkaline media. Herein, based on the perspective of the dynamically stable interface, we purposely design the well-dispersed nanorod arrays of CoMoO₄ as a host on activated iron foam (IF) to realize the optimal redeposition of FeOOH, constructing a self-sacrificial template rich in the FeOOH surface. Notably, at long-time oxidation potential, the precatalyst FeOOH-CoMoO₄ can realize MoO₄^2- dissolution and redeposition of Co oxyhydroxides on FeOOH host simultaneously, constructing a dynamically stable Fe(Co)OOH interface. The introduction of CoOOH improves conductivity and provides synergistic effect with FeOOH to lower the energy barrier for OER and maintain long-time stability, eventually exhibiting a low overpotential of 298 mV to reach the current density of 100 mA cm^-2 and high stability over 60 h. This work demonstrates the feasibility of manipulating metal dissolution-redeposition process for a dynamically stable interface.

Anisotropic response of the co-crystal of CL-20/TNT under shock loading: molecular dynamics simulation

Anisotropic response of the co-crystal of CL-20/TNT under shock loading is studied by analyzing the changes of thermodynamic parameters, product evolution and cluster evolution.

[Serum exosomes of rats with hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury induce the damage of hippocampus and cerebral cortex]

The paper was aimed to explore the role of serum exosomes induced by hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in the damage of hippocampus and cerebral cortex of rats. The male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham operation group (S), hepatic I/R injury group (I/R), serum exosomes from S group treatment group (ES) and serum exosomes from I/R group treatment group (EI). In ES group and EI group, 100 μL serum exosomes from S group and I/R group were injected into the normal rats through tail vein respectively. Another three normal rats were injected intravenously with serum exosomes labeled with PKH26 red fluorescence, and then the expression of fluorescence in the brain tissues was observed by immunofluorescence microscope. The morphology and size of exosomes were observed by transmission electron microscope, the expression of exosomes markers CD63 and CD9 was detected by Western blot, and the damage of liver and brain, levels of apoptosis and oxidative stress response in hippocampus and cerebral cortex were observed by serological and histological indexes. The results showed that the exosomes were a group of round or ovoid membranous vesicles, sized in 30-100 nm. Compared with that in S group, the content of serum exosomes in I/R group was increased (P < 0.05). Moreover, serum exosomes could go through the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain tissue freely through blood circulation. The index of liver function in I/R group was significantly higher than that in S group (P < 0.05). There was no significance in the degree of brain damage, apoptosis and oxidative stress in hippocampus and cerebral cortex between S group and ES group. Compared with those in S group and ES group, the serum levels of brain injury markers, apoptosis index (AI) and oxidative stress in hippocampus and cerebral cortex increased in I/R group and EI group (P < 0.05). Whereas, compared with those in I/R group, the above indicators in EI group decreased (P < 0.05). Therefore, hepatic I/R injury can lead to the damage of hippocampus and cerebral cortex, and the increased serum exosomes induced by hepatic I/R plays an important role.

[Analysis of the relationship between long-term exposure to PM2.5 and sex hormone levels of female sanitation workers in Urumqi]

From June 2017 to June 2018, female sanitation workers engaged in road cleaning in a district of Urumqi City, as well as government and logistics women participating in national health examination in the same community were recruited as particulate matter 2.5 (PM_2.5) exposure group and control group respectively. The contents of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the PM_2.5 exposed group were lower than those in the control group (all P values < 0.05). Further analysis showed that the content of FSH in the exposure group at the age of 35-39, 40-44 and 45-49 years old was lower than that of the control group (all P values < 0.05). The content of LH in the exposed group at the age of 35-39 and 45-49 years old was lower than that of the control group (all P values < 0.05). The content of FSH in the exposed group with the length of service less than 5, about 5-9 and more than 10 years was lower than that of the control group (all P values < 0.05). The content of LH in the exposed group with the length of service about 5-9 and more than 10 year was lower than that of the control group (all P values < 0.05).

[Discussion on pT3 staging in TNM staging of AJCC 8(th) edition gallbladder carcinoma]

Objective: To discuss the rationality of stage pT3 in the AJCC 8(th) TNM criteria of gallbladder carcinoma. Methods: A retrospective study was performed to analyze the clinical and pathological data of 88 patients with pT3 gallbladder carcinoma admitted to Department of Second Biliary Surgery of Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, affiliated to Naval Medical University from May 2013 to September 2018.pT3 stage tumors were divided into two groups: (1) pT3a stage: tumors had penetrated serosa but not directly invaded liver and/or an adjacent organ or structure; (2) pT3b stage: tumor penetrating serosa and directly invaded liver and/or an adjacent organ or structure. There were 45 patients with pT3a stage, including 15 males and 30 females, aged 36 to 80 years, with a median age of 59 years; 43 patients with pT3b, including 24 males and 19 females, aged 41 to 78 years old, median aged 63 years old.Patients with pT3a and pT3b were further divided into two groups respectively: radical resection group and extended radical resection group according to surgical radicalization. Independent sample t-test was used for comparison between two groups with normal distribution measurement data. Wilcoxon rank sum test was used between groups of non-normally distributed measurement data.The comparison of the count data was performed by χ(2) test or Fisher exact probability method. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier method, and survival rate was compared using Log-rank test. Results: (1)Serum total bilirubin(15.6(90.3)mmol/L), albumin(40.2(4.8)mmol/L), and CA19-9(132.90(455.78)U/ml) levels in pT3b patients were higher than that in pT3a patients(10.2(6.8)mmol/L, 41.8(4.9)mmol/L, 14.35(36.27)U/ml), respectively(Z=-3.816, -1.966, -3.739, all P<0.05),postoperative complication rate in pT3b patients(24.4%) was higher than that in pT3a patients(8.9%)(P<0.05),postoperative hospital stay(12(7)days) and overall hospital stay((26±17)days) of pT3b patients were longer than that of pT3a patients((10±5) days and (19±7)days) (P<0.05). (2) The 1-, 3-, 5-year survival rates of pT3b and pT3a patients were 53%,22%,22% and 69%, 46%,38%,and the median survival time was 13 months and 26 months, respectively. The difference in survival rates between the two groups was statistically significant(χ(2)=5.117, P=0.024). (3)The 1-, 3-year survival rates of extended radical resection group(n=19) and radical resection group(n=24) in the pT3b stage were 73%, 36% and 28%, 7%, respectively.The survival time was 20 months and 9 months,respectively,and the difference in survival rates between the two groups was statistically significant(χ(2)=4.976, P=0.026). Conclusions: pT3 gallbladder carcinoma could be further subdivided into pT3a stage and pT3b stage based on the TNM criteria of AJCC 8(th) gallbladder carcinoma. Extended radical resection for pT3b gallbladder carcinoma should be further considered after comprehensive assessment of the patient's basic condition and surgical tolerance.

Evaluation of serum free fatty acids in chronic renal failure: evidence from a rare case with undetectable serum free fatty acids and population data

Background

Free fatty acid (FFA) accumulation in proximal tubules plays a fundamental role in the progress of kidney disease. Here, we reported a rare case with undetectable serum FFAs and further evaluated the changes of serum FFAs in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF).

Methods

We analyzed the clinical data of a rare case and 574 CRF patients. The mRNA expression of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), hepatic lipase (HL) and fatty acid synthase (FASN) were determined in the rare case and 30 age-matched healthy males with qPCR.

Results

This rare case had serious proteinuria, hyperglycemia, lipid disorders and bilateral renal glomerular filtration dysfunction. Compared with healthy males, this case showed a 1.49-fold increase of LPL expression (P < 0.01), a 3.38-fold reduction of HL expression (P < 0.001), and no significant change of FASN expression (P > 0.05). In total, 21.6% of CRF patients showed abnormal FFAs. Biochemical parameters such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CREA) significantly differed among groups with low-, normal- or high-level-FFAs. Moreover, serum FFAs was found to be associated with BUN. FFAs decreased in the group with higher BUN (> 17.4 mmol/L) and in the group with lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (< 15 mL/min/1.73m²).

Conclusions

The proteinuria, HL low expression and renal function failure may contribute to the FFA reduction, which might imply that the renal function is severely damaged.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12944-019-1093-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

[An analysis of the evaluation results of symptom checklist 90 for occupational females in different industries]

Objective: To evaluate the mental health of occupational females in different industries. Methods: We investigated the psychologic status of Chinese occupational females using symptom checklist 90. And statistical software was applied to analyze results of symptom checklist 90. Results: There were 41, 166 effec-tive questionnaires. The number of positive questionnaires was 14 361, and the positive rate was 34.89%. The positive rate of obsessive-compulsive factor was 24.07%. The positive rate of somatization factor was 16.12%. The positive rate of depression was 15.50%. The median positive item number was 20 (IQR: 34) , and the median split of positive symptoms was 2.11 (IQR: 0.37) . There were differences in the positive rate of SCL-90 scale among different age groups, different regions and different industries, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . The positive rate of SCL-90 for the occupational females was 34.89%. The top three factors of the high-est positive SCL-90 were obsessive-compulsive symptoms, somatization and depression. Conclusion: There were differences in the psychological status of occupational females for different regions, different ages and different occupations.

[An investigation of reproductive health in female workers engaged in administrative management]

Objective: To investigate the reproductive health status of female workers engaged in administrative management, and to provide a reference for protecting the reproductive health of female workers. Methods: From April to November, 2016, a cross-sectional survey was performed for 2717 female workers aged 18-60 years and engaged in administrative management from 13 cities and provinces in China, and a questionnaire was used to investigate their general information, occupational hazards in workplace, and reproductive health status, and the reproductive health status of female workers was analyzed. Results: Of all 2 717 female workers, 1 170 had gynecological diseases or symptoms, resulting in an incidence rate of 43.06%, and among these workers, 11.15% had abnormal menstruation, 34.64% had infertility, and 38.76% had a history of abortion. There were significant differences in the rates of abnormal results of gynecological examination, abnormal menstruation, abortion, and infertility between the female workers in different age groups (P<0.01) . Unhealthy living habits and major events were risk factors for gynecological diseases, abnormal menstruation, and abortion (P<0.05) ; bad working status was a risk factor for gynecological diseases and abortion (P<0.05) ; exposure to harmful factors was a risk factor for gynecological diseases and abnormal menstruation (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Living habits, major events, working status, and occupational harmful factors have certain influence on reproductive health of female workers engaged in administrative management. Occupational health protection should be strengthened, working patterns should be improved, self-protection awareness should be raised, and health protection should be enhanced for women of childbearing age to protect and promote the reproductive health of female workers.

[A meta-analysis of Symptom Checklist-90 assessment results in Chinese nurses]

Objective: To investigate the application of Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) in Chinese nurses. Methods: We performed a literature search for articles in Chinese on the mental health of nurses investigated using the SCL-90 that were published from January 2007 to December 2016. A total of 129 articles were included, involving 178 groups of valid samples as well as 36316 subjects in 27 provinces or cities in China. The metafor package of R 3.2.1 software and Excel were used for meta-analysis and data statistics. Results: Heterogeneity was identified for the nine factors included in the literature data (Q test: P<0.05; I(2) test >40%) , so a random effects model was used. For all factors except interpersonal relationship factor, the 95% confidence intervals of the pooled effect sizes did not include 0. For all factors except interpersonal relationship factor (Egger test: P<0.05) , no significant asymmetry or incompleteness appeared in the funnel plots. The fail-safe number of each factor was much larger than 5k+10. The merger scores and mean values of nine factors were higher than the national norm. Conclusion: The SCL-90 is widely used in the study of mental status of Chinese nurses, but the SCL-90 norm for nurses is lacking.

[Influencing factors for reproductive health of female workers in petrochemical industry]

Objective: To investigate the reproductive health status of female workers in petrochemical industry, and to provide a reference for improving reproductive health status and developing preventive and control measures for female workers in petrochemical industry. Methods: A face-to-face questionnaire survey was performed from January to October, 2016. The Questionnaire on Women's Reproductive Health was used to investigate the reproductive health of female workers in petrochemical industry. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the influencing factors for reproductive health of female workers in petrochemical industry. Results: Among the 7485 female workers, 1 268 (40.9%) had abnormal menstrual period, 1 437 (46.4%) had abnormal menstrual volume, 177 (28.5%) had hyperplasia of mammary glands, and 1 807 (24.6%) had gynecological inflammation. The reproductive system diseases in female workers in petrochemical industry were associated with the factors including age, marital status, education level, unhealthy living habits, abortion, overtime work, work shift, workload, video operation, occupational exposure, positive events, and negative events, and among these factors, negative events (odds ratio[OR]= 1.856) , unhealthy living habits (OR=1.542) , and positive events (OR=1.516) had greater impact on reproductive system diseases. Conclusion: Many chemical substances in the occupational environment of petrochemical industry can cause damage to the reproductive system, which not only affects the health of the female workers, but also poses potential threats to the health of their offspring. Occupational exposure, unhealthy living habits, overtime work, and work shift have great influence on reproductive system diseases in female workers.

[An analysis of mental health status of female migrant workers in a city]

Objective: To investigate the mental health status of female migrant workers in a city. Methods: From August to December, 2016, cluster random sampling was used to select female migrant workers aged 16-60 years from 10 districts of this city, and Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) and a questionnaire on general status were used. Results: Among these female migrant workers, the detection rates of obsessive-compulsion, hostility, and depression were 6.62%, 4.18%, and 4.10%, respectively. There was a significant difference in the detection rate of mental health issues between the female migrant workers from different districts, with different occupations, or with different education levels (P<0.05) . Districts, occupation, and education level were associated with mental health issues, after adjustment for age (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Although female migrant workers in this city have a high mental health level, the issues such as obsessive-compulsion, hostility, and depression should be taken seriously. Targeted mental health surveys and comprehensive interventions should be implemented to improve the mental health level of female migrant workers.

[Analyzing the mental health status and its impact factors among female nurses in China]

Objective: To analyze the mental health status and its impact factors among nurses, finding ways to improve the mental health of nurses. Methods: A total of 13 425 female healthcare workers aged from 18 to 65 were selected as study objects. The survey was conducted with unified design questionnaire. The survey included the basic situation of the individuals and SCL-90 questionnaire. Comparing the female doctors, the mental health status and its impact factors of nurses were analyzed. Results: The income, age, education and occupation, which include shift work, heavy work load and overtime work are different between nurses and doctors. The main mental health problems of nurses were obsessive-compulsive symptoms, depressive symptoms and somatization. The results of univariate analysis indicated that shift work, overtime work, and heavy work load affected the positive rate of each factor. The results of multivariate analysis showed that occupation, shift work, overtime work, and heavy work load have significant adverse effects on the positive rate of the total score in female healthcare workers (P<0.01) . The positive rate of each dimension of SCL-90 in nurses is significantly higher than that of doctors. Conclusion: The mental health problems of nurses are significantly higher than doctors. The main reasons are low occupational level and adverse workstyles which include shift work, heavy workload and so on. Health administration and hospital management departments should pay much more attention to the mental health of nurses, improving their mental health through a variety of ways.

[Investigation and Analysis on shift work female workers' and the impact on reproductive health]

Objective: To investigate the distribution of shift work of female workers in different industries and the relationship between shift work and reproductive health, then provide reference for the female workers' labor protection. Methods: From June to September 2016, cluster sampling questionnaire survey was performed among female workers from 11 industries including electronics, medicine and health, pharmacy. To investigate the general information, shift-work information, reproductive health and childbearing history of these female workers. Results: A total of 63 711 usable questionnaires were collected, resulting in a response rate of 96.94%.A total of 13 546 workers worked in shifts, accounting for 21.26%, the highest proportion was in the medical industry 30.61%, metallurgy 30.81%, petrochemical engineerin 26.78% respectively. Compared with the workers who did not work in shifts, those who worked in shifts had significantly higher rate of abnormal menstruation, rate of reproductive system infection in married workers, the rate of infertility (χ(2)=19.108、10.673、21.510, P<0.05) ; Compared with the workers who did not work in nightshifts, those who worked in nightshifts had significantly higher rate of abnormal menstruation, rate of reproductive system infection among married workers and rate of infertility (χ(2)=140.043、71.901、29.024, P<0.01) . Conclusion: The highest rate of shift work was in the medical industry, metallurgy, petrochemical engineering industry. Workers who worked in shifts have serious reproductive health issues, the occurrence of abnormal menstruation, reproductive system infection and infertility may associated with shift work.

Theoretical investigations on the structures and properties of CL-20/TNT cocrystal and its defective models by molecular dynamics simulation

"Perfect" and defective models of CL-20/TNT cocrystal explosive were established. Molecular dynamics methods were introduced to determine the structures and predict the comprehensive performances, including stabilities, sensitivity, energy density and mechanical properties, of the different models. The influences of crystal defects on the properties of these explosives were investigated and evaluated. The results show that, compared with the "perfect" model, the rigidity and toughness of defective models are decreased, while the ductility, tenacity and plastic properties are enhanced. The binding energies, interaction energy of the trigger bond, and the cohesive energy density of defective crystals declined, thus implying that stabilities are weakened, the explosive molecule is activated, trigger bond strength is diminished and safety is worsened. Detonation performance showed that, owing to the influence of crystal defects, the density is lessened, detonation pressure and detonation velocity are also declined, i.e., the power of defective explosive is decreased. In a word, the crystal defects may have a favorable effect on the mechanical properties, but have a disadvantageous influence on sensitivity, stability and energy density of CL-20/TNT cocrystal explosive. The results could provide theoretical guidance and practical instructions to estimate the properties of defective crystal models.

[An investigation of reproductive health and related influencing factors in female staff in six industries in seven provinces in China]

Objective: To investigate the reproductive health status in female staff, and to develop labor protection strategies for female staff. Methods: From May to November, 2015, cluster sampling was performed in the industries of medicine and health, petrochemical engineering, metallurgy, railway, mechanical manufacturing, and electronics in seven provinces (municipalities directly under the Central Government and autonomous regions) . A questionnaire surveywas performed for female staff, and the investigation covered general information, occupational history andexposure to occupational hazards, and reproductive health and childbearing history. Results: A total of 14 614 usable questionnaires were collected, resulting in a response rate of 96.00%. The meanage of all female staff was 36 years. Of all female staff, 80.06% were married and 40.84% were exposed to hazardous factors; 28.14% had abnormal menstruation, and the female staff in theelectronics and railway industries had higher rates of abnormal menstruation (32.28% and 32.11%, respectively) . The overall rate of abnormal gynecological examination results was 18.29%, and the female staff in therailway industry had the highest rate (29.49%) . Of all female staff, 49.01% reported gynecological diseases in the past, among which hyperplasia of mammary glands accounted for 27.11% and inflammation in the reproductive system accounted for 36.31%. The medical staff had higher rates of abnormal menstruation (33.11%) and abnormal gynecological examination results (27.46%) compared with the staff engaged in other occupations. With normal sexual life and no contraceptive measures, the 1-, 2-, and 3-year infertility rates were 24.26%, 11.88%, and 8.88%, respectively. Conclusion: The female staff in the industries of medicine and health, railway, and electronics have serious reproductive health issues. Labor protection should be enhanced and working environment should be improved.

Theoretical investigation of the structures and properties of CL-20/DNB cocrystal and associated PBXs by molecular dynamics simulation

In this work, a CL-20/DNB cocrystal explosive model was established and six different kinds of fluoropolymers, i.e., PVDF, PCTFE, F₂₃₁₁, F₂₃₁₂, F₂₃₁₃ and F₂₃₁₄ were added into the (1 0 0), (0 1 0), (0 0 1) crystal orientations to obtain the corresponding polymer bonded explosives (PBXs). The influence of fluoropolymers on PBX properties (energetic property, stability and mechanical properties) was investigated and evaluated using molecular dynamics (MD) methods. The results reveal a decrease in engineering moduli, an increase in Cauchy pressure (i.e., rigidity and stiffness is lessened), and an increase in plastic properties and ductility, thus indicating that the fluoropolymers have a beneficial influence on the mechanical properties of PBXs. Of all the PBXs models tested, the mechanical properties of CL-20/DNB/F₂₃₁₁ were the best. Binding energies show that CL-20/DNB/F₂₃₁₁ has the highest intermolecular interaction energy and best compatibility and stability. Therefore, F₂₃₁₁ is the most suitable fluoropolymer for PBXs. The mechanical properties and binding energies of the three crystal orientations vary in the order (0 1 0) > (0 0 1) > (1 0 0), i.e., the mechanical properties of the (0 1 0) crystal orientation are best, and this is the most stable crystal orientation. Detonation performance results show that the density and detonation parameters of PBXs are lower than those of the pure CL-20 and CL-20/DNB cocrystal explosive. The power and energetic performance of PBXs are thus weakened; however, these PBXs still have excellent detonation performance and are very promising. The results and conclusions provide some helpful guidance and novel instructions for the design and manufacture of PBXs.

Vitexin suppresses autophagy to induce apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma via activation of the JNK signaling pathway

Vitexin, a flavonoids compound, is known to exhibit broad anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antitumor activity in many cancer xenograft models and cell lines. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antitumor effects and underlying mechanisms of vitexin on hepatocellular carcinoma. In this study, we found that vitexin suppressed the viability of HCC cell lines (SK-Hep1 and Hepa1-6 cells) significantly. Vitexin showed cytotoxic effects against HCC cell lines in vitro by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting autophagy. Vitexin induced apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner, and caused up-regulations of Caspase-3, Cleave Caspase-3, and a down-regulation of Bcl-2. The expression of autophagy-related protein LC3 II was significantly decreased after vitexin treatment. Moreover, western blot analysis presented that vitexin markedly up-regulated the levels of p-JNK and down-regulated the levels of p-Erk1/2 in SK-Hep1 cells and Hepa1-6 cells. Cotreatment with JNK inhibitor SP600125, we demonstrated that apoptosis induced by vitexin was suppressed, while the inhibition of autophagy by vitexin was reversed. The results of colony formation assay and mouse model confirmed the growth inhibition role of vitexin on HCC in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, vitexin inhibits HCC growth by way of apoptosis induction and autophagy suppression, both of which are through JNK MAPK pathway. Therefore, vitexin could be regarded as a potent therapeutic agent for the treatment of HCC.

Molecular dynamics calculation on structures, stabilities, mechanical properties, and energy density of CL-20/FOX-7 cocrystal explosives

In this article, different CL-20/FOX-7 cocrystal models were established by the substitution method based on the molar ratios of CL-20:FOX-7. The structures and comprehensive properties, including mechanical properties, stabilities, and energy density, of different cocrystal models were obtained and compared with each other. The main aim was to estimate the influence of molar ratios on properties of cocrystal explosives. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulation results show that the cocrystal model with molar ratio 1:1 has the best mechanical properties and highest binding energy, so the CL-20/FOX-7 cocrystal model is more likely to form in 1:1 M ratio. The detonation parameters show that the cocrystal explosive exhibited preferable energy density and excellent detonation performance. In a word, the 1:1 cocrystal model has the best comprehensive properties, is very promising, and worth more theoretical investigations and experimental tests. This paper gives some original theories to better understand the cocrystal mechanism and provides some helpful guidance and useful instructions to help design CL-20 cocrystal explosives.

Theoretical insights into the effects of molar ratios on stabilities, mechanical properties, and detonation performance of CL-20/HMX cocrystal explosives by molecular dynamics simulation

To research and estimate the effects of molar ratios on structures, stabilities, mechanical properties, and detonation properties of CL-20/HMX cocrystal explosive, the CL-20/HMX cocrystal explosive models with different molar ratios were established in Materials Studio (MS). The crystal parameters, structures, stabilities, mechanical properties, and some detonation parameters of different cocrystal explosives were obtained and compared. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulation results illustrate that the molar ratios of CL-20/HMX have a direct influence on the comprehensive performance of cocrystal explosive. The hardness and rigidity of the 1:1 cocrystal explosive was the poorest, while the plastic property and ductibility were the best, thus implying that the explosive has the best mechanical properties. Besides, it has the highest binding energy, so the stability and compatibility is the best. The cocrystal explosive has better detonation performance than HMX. In a word, the 1:1 cocrystal explosive is worth more attention and further research. This paper could offer some theoretical instructions and technological support, which could help in the design of the CL-20 cocrystal explosive.

Determination of the effects of water adsorption on the sensitivity and detonation performance of the explosive JOB-9003 by molecular dynamics simulation

In order to determine the adsorption mechanism of water on the crystal surfaces of the explosive JOB-9003 and the effect of this adsorption on the sensitivity and detonation performance of this explosive, a model of the crystal of JOB-9003 was created in the software package Materials Studio (MS). The adsorption process was simulated, and molecular dynamics simulation was performed with the COMPASS force field in the NPT ensemble to calculate the sensitivity and detonation performance of the explosive. The results show that the maximum trigger bond length decreases whereas the interaction energy of the trigger bond and the cohesive energy density increase after adsorption, indicating that the sensitivity of JOB-9003 decreases. The results for the detonation performance show that the detonation pressure, detonation velocity, and detonation heat decrease upon the adsorption of water, thus illustrating that the detonation performance of JOB-9003 is degraded. In summary, the adsorption of water has a positive effect on the sensitivity and safety of the explosive JOB-9003 but a negative effect on its detonation performance.

Association of a hypoxia-inducible factor-3α gene polymorphism with superovulation traits in Changbaishan black cattle

This study was designed to examine a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the HIF-3α gene in three hundred Changbaishan black cattle using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism to determine whether there is an association between this SNP and superovulation. The cloning and sequencing results indicate that the polymorphism is due to a point mutation at the 278-bp position in the HIF-3α gene, resulting in 3 genotypes (AA, AB, and BB). Association analysis indicated that the polymorphism has a significant effect on the number of unfertilized embryos (NUE) (P < 0.05) in the cattle. Cattle with genotype BB had a higher NUE than those with genotype AA, but the difference in NUE between AB and AA or BB was not significant. The polymorphism also has a highly significant effect on the number of degenerative embryos (NDE) and the number of total embryos (NTE) (P < 0.01). Genotype BB was associated with a higher NDE than AA, but the difference in NDE between AB and AA or BB was not significant. Genotype BB showed a higher NTE than AA or AB, but the difference in NTE between AA and AB was not significant. No significant conclusions could be drawn with respect to susceptibility to other traits. HIF-3α could serve as a useful biomarker for donor selection, superovulation improvement, and assisted fertility.

Quantum coherence rather than quantum correlations reflect the effects of a reservoir on a system's work capability

We consider a model of an optical cavity with a nonequilibrium reservoir consisting of a beam of identical two-level atom pairs (TLAPs) in the general X state. We find that coherence of multiparticle nonequilibrium reservoir plays a central role on the potential work capability of the cavity. We show that no matter whether there are quantum correlations in each TLAP (including quantum entanglement and quantum discord) or not, the coherence of the TLAPs has an effect on the work capability of the cavity. Additionally, constructive and destructive interferences could be induced to influence the work capability of the cavity by adjusting only the relative phase, with which quantum correlations have nothing to do. In this paper, the coherence of the reservoir, rather than the quantum correlations, effectively reflecting the effects of the reservoir on the system's work capability is demonstrated clearly.

Intraconal orbital dermoid cyst in an adult patient: a rare location

Orbital dermoid cyst is a rare cause of orbital tumor in the adult population. Most of the orbital dermoids are extraconal, arising adjacent to bone suture and occurring in the pediatric patients. Deep orbital dermoid cyst located entirely intraconally is extremely rare. We report a case of intraconal orbital dermoid in an adult patient with CT and MRI evaluation.

Serological diagnosis of brucellosis

AIM

To present a review and to describe the most widely used laboratory tests for serology diagnosis of brucellosis along with their pros and cons.

METHODS

Review the recent literature on brucellosis serology diagnostic tests. The choice of the testing strategy depends on the prevailing brucellosis epidemiological situation and the goal of testing.

RESULTS

The 'gold standard' for the diagnosis of brucellosis is isolation and identification of the causative bacterium, a member of Brucella sp. Isolation of Brucella sp. requires high security laboratory facilities (biological containment level 3), highly skilled personnel, an extended turnaround time for results and it is considered a hazardous procedure. Hence brucellosis is generally diagnosed by detection of an elevated level of antibody in serum or other body fluid. This is a presumptive diagnosis as other microorganisms and perhaps environmental factors can also cause increased antibody levels.

CONCLUSION

A large number of serological tests for brucellosis have been devised over the 100+ years since its initial isolation, starting with a simple agglutination test and progressing to sophisticated primary binding assays available today. However, no test devised to date is 100% accurate so generally serological diagnosis consists of testing sera by several tests, usually a screening test of high sensitivity, followed by a confirmatory test of high specificity.

Validation and field assessment of a rapid lateral flow assay for detection of bovine antibody to Anaplasma marginale

The lateral flow assay (LFA) is a rapid diagnostic test which may be performed under most conditions and is especially useful for field applications. This type of assay was applied to the detection of antibody to bovine Anaplasma marginale using sera from endemic areas and from areas which have been free from infection for more than 25 years. Briefly, the test uses recombinant A. marginale major surface protein 5 peptide (Msp5), immobilized on a cellulose acetate membrane. A serum sample is added to a pad containing a monoclonal antibody specific for bovine IgG(1), conjugated with colloidal gold, located at one end of the strip. The sample and gold conjugate are wicked along the membrane and if antibody is present in the serum, a visible line will form between the Msp5-antibody-conjugate immune complex in minutes. An additional band of recombinant protein A/G was added to the membrane as a positive control reaction of the monoclonal antibody conjugate. For comparison, direct examination of blood smears and a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed on some of the samples. Using samples from herds in one endemic area, the PCR gave a sensitivity value of 9.2% while a commercial competitive enzyme immunoassay (CELISA) gave a sensitivity value of 17.2% and the LFA values of 20.5%. In a second endemic area, selected samples, all positive by direct examination gave a 71.7% sensitivity values with the PCR, 94.5% with the CELISA and 95.5% with the LFA. Using sera from a disease-free area, the specificity values were 100% for the PCR (testing a proportion of randomly selected samples), 99.5% for the CELISA and 98.0% for the LFA. It is envisaged that the validated LFA will be a useful tool for screening cattle moving from an area with infection to a disease-free area.

[Relationship between immune imbalance and sthenia-asthenia syndromes in patients suffering from severe intra-abdominal infection]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the characteristics of immune imbalance in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) induced by severe intra-abdominal infection and its relationship with changing of TCM sthenia-asthenia syndrome.

METHODS

Forty-six patients with MODS induced by severe intra-abdominal infection and treated with etiological and syndrome differentiation of integrative medicine were observed in succession. Patients' peripheral blood levels of interleukin-6/interleukin-10 ratio (IL-6/IL-10), human leukocyte antigen DR site (HLA-DR), helper T lymphocyte1/2 ratio (Th1/Th2), and the regulatory T lymphocyte (Treg) were measured on the 1st, 3rd and 7th day of the research respectively. And the distribution laws of TCM syndrome types, sthenia (S), asthenia (A), and mingled sthenia/asthenia (M), in patients were observed as well.

RESULTS

IL-6/IL-10 ratio at all the testing time points showed insignificant difference in patients of types S and M, while in those of type A, it was more lowered on the 7th day than that on the 1st day. HLA-DR lowered to <30% on the 7th day in all patients of type A and showed significant difference to that on the 1st day (P <0.05), while HLA-DR <30% was not found in all patients of types S and M. Th1/Th2 ratio in patients of types S and A was insignificant different at the foremost 3 days, but lowered significantly on the 7th day, while in patients of type M, it was unchanged in all the 7 days of observation. Treg level was unchanged in the foremost 3 days in patients of types S and M, while in those of type A, it raised on the 3rd day, but no raising was found in the subsequent 4 days. Comparisons of various indexes detected at corresponding time points respectively among patients with various syndrome types showed that, for levels of IL-6/IL-8, HLA-DR, and Th1/Th2, the sequence was S>M>A; and for Treg, it was A>M>S.

CONCLUSION

In the pathological process of MODS induced by severe intra-abdominal infection, the index IL-6/IL-10, reflecting the balance of the pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines and the indexes HLA-DR, Th1/Th2 and Treg reflecting the immune function, all can exactly reflect the TCM asthenia-sthenia syndrome types. The sequence in patients of various syndrome types for levels of IL-6/IL-10, HLA-DR and Th1/Th2, is S> M>A, but for Treg it is the inverse, as A>M>S.

Development of a lateral flow assay for rapid detection of bovine antibody to Anaplasma marginale

A rapid lateral flow assay for detection of bovine antibody to Anaplasma marginale was developed. The assay used a recombinant peptide of major surface protein 5 as the antigen and a monoclonal antibody specific for bovine IgG(1) conjugated with colloidal gold beads for detection. Serum and anticoagulated blood samples were obtained from cattle in an area where anaplasmosis was endemic. The samples were selected based on positive identification of the organism in blood smears. The unclotted blood samples were used for PCR determination of the presence of A. marginale while the sera were tested by a commercial competitive enzyme immunoassay (CELISA) and by the lateral flow assay (LFA). Similar samples, collected at a Canadian sales barn, were tested by the CELISA and LFA and 10% were tested by PCR for the presence of A. marginale nucleic acid. In addition, stored serum samples from a second endemic area were tested by CELISA and LFA. Of the 114 smear positive samples, all were positive by CELISA and LFA. All samples were also positive by PCR. Samples from Canadian sources (n=524) were negative in the CELISA but 11 sera gave false positive reactions in the LFA. All samples tested were PCR negative. Of 113 samples from herds with anaplasmosis, 53 were positive in the CELISA and 50 were LFA positive.

Validation of a second generation competitive enzyme immunoassay (CELISA) for the diagnosis of brucellosis in various species of domestic animals

A second generation competitive enzyme immunoassay (CELISA) for detection of bovine antibody to Brucella abortus was developed to eliminate reagent variables in the assay. This assay was different from earlier CELISA formats in that it used recombinant protein A and protein G immunoglobulin receptors (PAG), labelled with horseradish peroxidase, thus eliminating the requirement for polyclonal anti-mouse-enzyme conjugate for detection. This allowed standardization of the assay. The CELISA uses a monoclonal antibody specific for a common epitope of the O-polysaccharide (OPS) of smooth lipopolysaccharide (SLPS) derived from B. abortus S1119.3. This antibody did not react with PAG. This monoclonal antibody was used to compete with antibody in the bovine test serum to the smooth lipopolysaccharide (SLPS) antigen. Reaction of bovine antibody was then measured directly with the PAG enzyme conjugate. In this case, development of colour in the reaction indicated a positive reaction. The performance characteristics of the new CELISA, sensitivity, specificity and exclusion of antibody of B. abortus S19 vaccinated animals, were very similar to those of the classical CELISA and to the indirect enzyme immunoassay (IELISA) when using sera deemed positive by isolation of the bacterium, either from individual animals or from some animals on the premises. All sera were tested by the buffered antigen plate agglutination test (BPAT) and the complement fixation test (CFT). Only samples positive on both BPAT and CFT were considered as positive and only samples negative on both tests were used considered negative. Sufficient samples from cattle, swine, sheep and goats to validate the test were included based on OIE guidelines suggesting inclusion of a minimum of 300 positive and 1000 negative samples.

Prototype single step lateral flow technology for detection of avian influenza virus and chicken antibody to avian influenza virus

A rapid and effective lateral flow assay (LFA) for detection of avian influenza virus (AIV) was developed. For antigen capture, the assay used monoclonal antibody specific for a conserved nuclear protein (NP) epitope, immobilized on a cellulose acetate matrix, in conjunction with a second NP monoclonal antibody chemically linked to either coloured latex beads or colloidal gold particles contained in a sample pad for detection. Virus sample added to the sample pad flowed into the trapping antibody to form a visible band as well as a second, control band further along the acetate strip. The control band consisted of recombinant protein A/G, also immobilized on the matrix. A second LFA for detection of chicken antibody to AIV was developed where NP antigen was immobilized on the matrix with recombinant protein A/G immobilized as a control band. Latex beads or colloidal gold particles to which monoclonal anti-chicken antibody was attached, were used as the indicator system.

Salmonella enterica Serotype Urbana Interference with Brucellosis Serology

Sheep were immunized with killed Salmonella enterica serotype Urbana cells and their sera were tested in various serological tests for antibody to Brucella sp., Yersinia enterocolitica O:9 and Escherichia coli O:157 H:7. Of the eight sheep, all gave a positive agglutination reaction in the brucellosis buffered antigen plate agglutination test (BPAT), seven gave positive brucellosis standard tube agglutination test (TAT) and complement fixation test (CFT) results and four gave slightly positive reactions in a competitive enzyme immunoassay (CELISA). Seven sera were negative in an indirect enzyme immunoassay (IELISA-SLPS) using B. abortus smooth lipopolysaccharide (SLPS) antigen and all were negative in a fluorescence polarization assay (FPA-OPS) using B. abortus O-polysaccharide antigen. Two sheep gave a slight positive reaction in an IELISA using Brucella rough lipopolysaccharide antigen (IELISA-RLPS) and four sheep were slightly positive in an FPA using Brucella LPS core antigen (FPA-CORE). All sheep had high antibody responses to S. enterica serotype Urbana, Y. and E. coli O:157 and 7 were positive for antibody to Y. enterocolitica O:9 when tested by IELISA. The sheep were negative when tested in the FPA using OPS from Y. enterocolitica O:9 but all were strongly positive in the FPA using OPS from E. coli O:157 while seven sheep had titers to S. enterica serotype Urbana. The impact on diagnostic serology for brucellosis is discussed.