Effects of polyester microfibers on soil physical properties: Perception from a field and a pot experiment

Understanding soil physical properties is essential for soil quality management and sustainable land use. With the growing accumulation of microplastics in soils, a better understanding of the impact of microplastics on soil physical properties is crucial to conserve and manage soil quality. This study explored the effects of polyester microfiber (PMF) concentrations (0, 0.1% and 0.3%) on bulk density, porosity, aggregation and hydraulic conductivity of a clayey soil from a field experiment (1 year) and a pot experiment (6 wet-dry cycles). Polyester microfibers significantly increased the volume of >30 μm pores and reduced the volume of <30 μm pores compared to the control treatment. However, there were no detectable changes in the soil bulk density and saturated hydraulic conductivity between the PMF treatments and the control treatment. Interestingly, we observed that polyester microfibers significantly increased the contents of water stable large macroaggregates (>2 mm) in the 0.3% PMF (44%) and 0.1% PMF (39%) treatments compared to the control treatment (31%) in the pot experiment, but this was not true in the field experiment. The efficient interaction between polyester microfibers and fine soil particles and the frequent wet-dry cycles enhanced the formation and stability of macro-aggregates induced by polyester microfibers in the pot experiment. Overall, our results provide valuable evidence for microplastic influences on soil physical properties. Because microplastics are long-term anthropogenic contaminants, it is necessary to further study the impacts of microplastics on soil quality for terrestrial ecosystem sustainability.

Hyperphosphorylation and accumulation of neurofilament proteins in Alzheimer disease brain and in okadaic acid-treated SY5Y cells

We investigated the role of neurofilament (NF) proteins in Alzheimer disease (AD) neurofibrillary degeneration. The levels and degree of phosphorylation of NF proteins in AD neocortex were determined by Western blots developed with a panel of phosphorylation-dependent NF antibodies. Levels of all three NF subunits and the degree of phosphorylation of NF-H and NF-M were significantly increased in AD as compared to Huntington disease brains used as control tissue. The increase in the levels of NF-H and NF-M was 1.7- and 1.5-fold (P<0.01) as determined by monoclonal antibody SMI33, and was 1.6-fold (P<0.01) in NF-L using antibody NR4. The phosphorylation of NF-H and NF-M in AD was increased respectively at the SMI31 epitope by 1.6- and 1.9-fold (P<0.05) and at the SMI33 epitope by 2.7- and 1.3-fold (P<0.01 and P<0.05). Essentially similar effects were observed in SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells when treated with okadaic acid, an inhibitor of protein phosphatase (PP)-2A and -1. This is the first biochemical evidence which unambiguously demonstrates the hyperphosphorylation and the accumulation of NF subunits in AD brain, and shows that the inhibition of PP-2A/PP-1 activities can lead to the hyperphosphorylation of NF-H and NF-M subunits.

Characterization of a cellulase-free, neutral xylanase from Thermomyces lanuginosus CBS 288.54 and its biobleaching effect on wheat straw pulp

A xylanase purified from the thermophilic fungus Thermomyces lanuginosus CBS 288.54 was characterized and its potential application in wheat straw pulp biobleaching was evaluated. Xylanase was purified 33.6-fold to homogeneity with a recovery yield of 21.5%. It appeared as a single protein band on SDS-PAGE gel with a molecular mass of approx. 26.2 kDa. The purified xylanase had a neutral optimum pH ranging from pH 7.0 to pH 7.5, and it was also stable over pH 6.5-10.0. The optimal temperature of the xylanase was 70-75 degrees C and it was stable up to 65 degrees C. The purified xylanase was found to be not glycosylated. The xylanase was highly specific towards xylan, but did not exhibit other enzyme activity. Apparent Km values of the xylanase for birchwood, beechwood, soluble oat-spelt and insoluble oat-spelt xylans were 4.0, 4.7, 2.0 and 23.4 mg ml-1, respectively. The potential application of the xylanase was further evaluated in biobleaching of wheat straw pulp. The brightness of bleached pulps from the xylanase pretreated wheat straw pulp was 1.8-7.79% ISO higher than that of the control, and showed slightly lower tensile index and breaking length than the control. Although chlorine consumption was reduced by 28.3% during bleaching, the xylanase pretreated pulp (15 U g-1 pulp) still maintained its brightness at the control level. Besides, pretreatment of pulp with the xylanase was also effective at an alkaline pH as high as pH 10.0.

The expression of osteoprotegerin and the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand in human periodontal ligament cells cultured with and without 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

The receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) and its decoy receptor, osteoprotegerin (OPG), are important bone metabolism molecules, which directly control osteoclastogenesis. Periodontal ligament (PDL) cells play a vital role in maintaining the homeostasis of periodontal tissues, releasing cytokines to affect bone metabolism. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of OPG and RANKL in cultured human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) derived from permanent teeth and the expression change after stimulation by 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1alpha,25(OH)(2)vitD(3)), a kind of bone resorption promoter. HPDLCs were cultured in the presence or absence of 10(-8)M 1alpha,25(OH)(2)vitD(3) in vitro. The expression of mRNA for OPG and RANKL in hPDLCs during 6 days' culture was examined using semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The level of secreted OPG protein in the culture medium during 6 days' culture was detected by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). The result showed that OPG and RANKL were expressed by hPDLCs. OPG expression was down-regulated by 10(-8)M 1alpha,25(OH)(2)vitD(3) in a time-dependent manner, while RANKL mRNA was up-regulated. The ratio of OPG/RANKL was decreased. In conclusion, our findings suggest that hPDLCs may regulate the alveolar bone metabolism through the OPG/RANKL system.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: thiopurines decrease the risk of colorectal neoplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a high risk of developing colorectal neoplasia.

AIM

To investigate whether thiopurines can decrease the risk of developing colorectal neoplasia in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD).

METHODS

We conducted a meta-analysis of 24 observational studies involving 76,999 participants to evaluate the risks of developing colorectal neoplasia in IBD patients receiving thiopurine treatment. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risks of colorectal neoplasia were calculated using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

The overall pooled estimate revealed a protective effect of thiopurine use on colorectal neoplasia in patients with IBD (OR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.46-0.86). The effect was significant in UC patients (OR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.45-0.98), but was not significant in CD patients (OR = 1.06, 95% CI 0.54-2.09). Thiopurines exposure significantly decreased the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) (OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.45-0.96) and advanced colorectal neoplasia (CRC and/or high-grade dysplasia) (OR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.44-0.89), but did not decrease the risk of dysplasia alone (OR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.37-2.21). Tendencies towards the protective effect of thiopurines were distinct in clinic-based studies (OR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.42-0.82) and case-control studies (OR = 0.40, 95% CI 0.26-0.62), but not in population-based studies (OR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.55-1.62) and cohort studies (OR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.81-1.18). Interestingly, studies conducted in Europe (OR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.31-0.77), rather than in North America (OR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.67-1.24), showed the protective effect of thiopurines.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis revealed an antineoplastic effect of thiopurines on colorectal neoplasia in patients with IBD, particularly amongst patients with UC.

Human periodontal ligament cells express osteoblastic phenotypes under intermittent force loading in vitro

Mechanical strain applied to bone leads to bone remodeling. In the oral cavity, it is unclear how such mechanical force applied to move teeth orthodontically induces alveolar bone remodeling. It is known that osteoclasts are the only cells that are responsible for bone resorption, while the formation and activity of osteoclasts are regulated by osteoblasts. So it is believed that osteoblasts play an important role not only in bone formation but in bone remodeling as well. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of mechanical force on human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells and whether they express osteoblastic characters in vitro.

METHODS

Human PDL cells cultured in vitro were loaded with intermittently stretching force for 24 hours. The expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were detected at mRNA and protein levels at 0, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 12th, 24th hours after intermittent force loading.

RESULTS

Without any stimulation, ALP and OPG mRNA expressions were detected in human PDL cells by in-situ hybridization, but not that of OCN mRNA. ALP mRNA signal was up-regulated and that of OPG was down-regulated by mechanical force within 24 hours. OCN mRNA expression was induced by mechanical force in the late phase of the 24-hours loading cycle. The changes in secreted proteins showed similar results with those seen at the mRNA level.

CONCLUSION

Human PDL cells express osteoblastic phenotypes under intermittent force loading and play a role in alveolar bone remodeling.

Characterization of a xylanase from the newly isolated thermophilic Thermomyces lanuginosus CAU44 and its application in bread making

AIMS

A xylanase from the newly isolated thermophilic fungus, Thermomyces lanuginosus CAU44, was characterized and evaluated for its suitability in bread making.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Xylanase was purified 3.5-fold to homogeneity with a recovery yield of 32.8%. It appeared as a single protein band on SDS-PAGE gel with a molecular mass of c. 25.6 kDa. The purified xylanase had an optimum pH of 6.2, and it was stable over pH 5.6-10.3. The optimal temperature of xylanase was 75 degrees C and it was stable up to 65 degrees C at pH 6.2. Study was further carried out to investigate the effect of the purified xylanase on the properties of wheat bread and its staling during storage.

CONCLUSIONS

The purified xylanase from T. lanuginosus CAU44 was stable up to 65 degrees C and had a broad pH range. The presence of thermostable xylanase during bread making led to an improvement of the specific bread volume and better crumb texture. Besides, addition of xylanase provided an anti-staling effect.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The xylanase from the newly isolated Thermomyces lanuginosus CAU44 shows great promise as a processing aid in the bread-making industry.

Biobleach boosting effect of recombinant xylanase B from the hyperthermophilic Thermotoga maritima on wheat straw pulp

The recombinant xylanase B (XynB) of Thermotoga maritima MSB8 was found to be highly specific towards xylans and exhibit very low activity towards carboxymethylcellulose in previous study. XynB was thermostable at neutral to alkaline pH region at 90 degrees C and retained more than 90% activity after 1 h over the pH range of pH 6.1 to 11.1. The suitability of XynB for use in the biobleaching of wheat straw pulp was investigated. Pretreatment of the pulp with XynB resulted in a substantial improvement in the bleachability of wheat straw pulp. When XynB at 10 U g(-1) was used to treat wheat straw pulp, it reduced pulp kappa number by 1.1 point, enhanced pulp brightness by 5.5% (% ISO) and improved other pulp properties, such as tensile index and breaking length. Biobleaching of wheat straw pulp with XynB saved active chlorine up to 34.5% while still maintaining the brightness at the control level. Besides, pretreatment of pulp with XynB was also effective at an alkaline pH as high as pH 10.1. This is the first report on the potential application of XynB from T. maritima MSB8 in the pulp and paper sector.

Application of an effective method in predicting breakthrough curves of fixed-bed adsorption onto resin adsorbent

Removal of many organic pollutants including phenolic compounds from industrial wastewater can always be achieved by fixed-bed adsorption onto the polymeric resin adsorbent, and the relevant breakthrough curves would provide much valuable information to help to design a fixed-bed adsorption process in field application. In the present study, a model developed based on the constant-pattern wave approach theory and the Freundlich model was adopted to describe the breakthrough curves of phenol and p-nitrophenol adsorption onto a macroreticular resin adsorbent NDA-100 from aqueous solution. Column experiments were performed at different conditions to verify the model and the results proved that the model would describe the breakthrough curves well. Effect of the operation parameters on breakthrough curves was also discussed to get helpful information in choosing the adsorption process.

Health-related quality-of-life among patients with premature ovarian insufficiency: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To systematically review studies investigating health-related quality-of-life (HrQoL) in patients with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), to examine questionnaires used and to conduct a meta-analysis of control studies with normal ovarian function.

METHODS

Data sources: PubMed, Embase, Web of science, CNKI, and CQVIP, searched from inception until June 2018. The search strategy was a combination of medical (e.g. POI), subjective (e.g. well-being) and methodological (e.g. questionnaires) keywords. PRISMA guidelines were used to assess outcome data quality/validity by one reviewer, verified by a second reviewer. Risk of bias within studies was evaluated. A meta-analysis compared HrQoL in patients and non-patients. Due to measurement differences in the studies, the effect size was calculated as standard mean difference.

RESULTS

We identified 6869 HrQoL studies. Nineteen geographically diverse studies met inclusion criteria, dated from 2006, using 23 questionnaires. The meta-analysis included six studies with 645 POI participants (age 33.3 ± 5.47) and 492 normal-ovarian control subjects (age 32.87 ± 5.61). Medium effect sizes were found for lower overall HrQoL (pooled SMD = - 0.73, 95% CI - 0.94, - 0.51; I² = 54%) and physical function (pooled SMD = - 0.54, 95% CI - 0.69, - 0.39; I² = 55%). Heterogeneity was investigated. Effect sizes varied for sexual function depending on the measure (SMD = - 0.27 to - 0.74), overall HrQoL (SF-36) had the largest effect size (- 0.93) in one study. The effect sizes for psychological and social HrQoL were small.

CONCLUSION

POI is associated with low-to-medium effect size on HrQoL compared to normal ovarian controls. The greatest effects are found in general HrQoL and most sexual function areas. Condition-specific questionnaires and RCTs are recommended for further investigation.

Cycle oxidation behavior and anti-oxidation mechanism of hot-dipped aluminum coating on TiBw/Ti6Al4V composites with network microstructure

Controlled and compacted TiAl₃ coating was successfully fabricated on the network structured TiBw/Ti6Al4V composites by hot-dipping aluminum and subsequent interdiffusion treatment. The network structure of the composites was inherited to the TiAl₃ coating, which effectively reduces the thermal stress and avoids the cracks appeared in the coating. Moreover, TiB reinforcements could pin the TiAl₃ coating which can effectively improve the bonding strength between the coating and composite substrate. The cycle oxidation behavior of the network structured coating on 873 K, 973 K and 1073 K for 100 h were investigated. The results showed the coating can remarkably improve the high temperature oxidation resistance of the TiBw/Ti6Al4V composites. The network structure was also inherited to the Al₂O₃ oxide scale, which effectively decreases the tendency of cracking even spalling about the oxide scale. Certainly, no crack was observed in the coating after long-term oxidation due to the division effect of network structured coating and pinning effect of TiB reinforcements. Interfacial reaction between the coating and the composite substrate occurred and a bilayer structure of TiAl/TiAl₂ formed next to the substrate after oxidation at 973 K and 1073 K. The anti-oxidation mechanism of the network structured coating was also discussed.

Novel lncRNA-ZNF281 regulates cell growth, stemness and invasion of glioma stem-like U251s cells

Glioma is the most common sub-type of brain tumor. Due to the presence of stem-like cells, it is characterized by poor prognosis, aggressive ability and high post-surgical recurrence rates. Hence, there is critical need to identify molecular mechanisms of glioma stem-like cells. We found a novel lncRNA in the ZNF281 gene and named it lncRNA-ZNF281. We detected the expression of lncRNA-ZNF281 in glioma stem-like cells (U251s), the glioma cell line (U251) and also in normal brain tissue. The expression of lncRNA-ZNF281 was lower in glioma stem-like cells (U251s) and this indicates that lncRNA-ZNF281 can regulate the self-renewal capacity of glioma stem-like cells and stem cell marker expression. Most significantly, lncRNA-ZNF281 inhibits the invasion of glioma stem-like cells by regulating the expression of the NF-κB1 signaling pathway. Our data demonstrates that lncRNA-ZNF281 inhibits the self-renewing ability and invasion of GSCs in vitro and in vivo and can reduce tumorigenicity in the glioma stem-like cell (U251s). The underlying mechanisms may involve the regulation of stem cell markers (CD133, Nestin, OCT4 and Nanog) to reduce the self-renewal ability and regulate the NF-κB1 signaling pathway and inhibit U251s glioma stem-like cell invasion. These finding suggest that lncRNA-ZNF281 could be a successful new therapeutic target in glioma.

Identification of anthracycline analogues with enhanced cytotoxicity and lack of cross-resistance to adriamycin using a series of mammalian cell lines in vitro

Clinical resistance to adriamycin (ADR) develops readily, and cardiotoxicity is a major dose-limiting side effect. A range of anthracycline derivatives have been synthesized recently, and a number reported to exhibit significantly reduced cardiotoxicity in experimental animals. Using NIL 8 Syrian hamster overy cells and two continuous human tumour cell lines derived from colon carcinomas we have screened a series of 11 anthracycline analogues, determining their in vitro cytotoxic effects by colony-forming assays. Five agents proved significantly more cytotoxic than ADR: dihydroxyanthraquinone (DHAQ), mitoxantrone (DHAD), 4-demethoxydaunorubicin (4-DNR), 4'-0-tetrahydropyranyl-adriamycin (THP-ADR), and 4'-deoxyadriamycin (4-ADR). We have also established in vitro a subline of the L5178Y murine lymphoma resistant to ADR and have used this model to identify derivatives with potential value for overcoming ADR resistance. We have observed three patterns of response: (i) complete cross-resistance with 4'-epiadriamycin and daunorubicin; (ii) slight cross-resistance with 4-DNR, THP-ADR, 7-con-O-methyl-nogarol and aclacinomycin A; and (iii) complete absence of cross-resistance with 4-ADR, 4'-O-methyladriamycin, DHAQ, DHAD, and methylhydroxyellipticinium. These straightforward preclinical screens thus identify three drugs which may merit clinical evaluation, since they not only show an increased level of cytotoxicity in vitro to ADR at equivalent concentrations but also overcome resistance to ADR in this murine model system.

Effect of RA233 alone and combined with radiation on experimental tumour metastasis. Part 1

The effect of the platelet aggregation inhibitor RA233 alone or in combination with radiation was investigated on the spontaneously metastasizing B16 melanoma and on the Lewis lung carcinoma. The effect of this, agent on intravenously injected cells from these tumours was also studied. When single viable 3LL or B16 melanoma cells were injected intravenously, RA233 significantly increased the number of 3LL lung colonies but decreased significantly the B16 lung colonies. RA233 alone did not influence the number of pulmonary metastases arising spontaneously from the B16 or 3LL tumours either with the primary in situ or following excision. When lungs were irradiated before implantation of the 3LL an increase in the number of metastases resulted. This increase was unaffected by RA233 administration. When the primary B16 was irradiated 14 days after implantation and excised 7 days later, a significant decrease in numbers and distribution of metastases resulted in animals treated with RA233. This was accompanied by a considerable increase in long-term survivors.

Antitumour effect of RA 233 alone and combined with radiotherapy

The effect of RA233 alone or in combination with radiation was investigated in vivo on the S180 sarcoma, the B16 melanoma and the Lewis lung carcinoma. The combined treatment was a significant improvement over radiation alone for the B16 and S180 tumours. RA233 alone did not influence the growth of these tumours. When the primary 3LL was irradiated, tumour size was unaffected but the number of pulmonary metastases was reduced. They were further reduced by the combination of RA233 and radiation. The number, volume and cytokinetics of the B16 cells and the 3LL cells were affected to varying degrees by RA233. The significance of these changes relative to the effects of RA233 are discussed.

Effect of AT1727 on growth and metastasis of murine tumours

AT1727 was tested on 5 different murine tumour systems. Compared with its analogue, razoxane, AT1727 was less effective at multiple low doses against sarcoma 180 and L1210 leukaemia. A single high-dose treatment with AT1727 was, however, more active than razoxane. AT1727 inhibited the growth of the Lewis lung primary tumour and significantly reduced the number of pulmonary metastases. Although AT1727 showed a slight inhibitory effect on the growth of the B16 primary, it had no effect on the metastases.

Association between obesity phenotypes and incident hypertension among Chinese adults: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To explore the association between obesity phenotype and the risk of hypertension among Chinese adults.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective cohort study.

METHODS

Two waves of data were collected in 2009 and 2011 by the China Health Nutrition Survey. According to International Diabetes Federation and Chinese obesity criteria, participants were divided into four groups: metabolically healthy non-overweight/obesity (MHNO), metabolically healthy overweight/obesity (MHO), metabolically abnormal non-overweight/obesity (MANO), and metabolically abnormal overweight/obesity (MAO). Logistic regression model was performed to estimate the risk of hypertension with obesity phenotype.

RESULTS

Among a total of 4604 adults aged 18-65 years at baseline, 467 developed hypertension during the 2-year follow-up period. After adjusting for several potential confounders, significantly increased risks for hypertension were found for participants in MHO (odd ratio [OR]: 1.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39-2.27), MANO (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.02-2.86), and MAO (OR: 3.35, 95% CI: 2.54-4.42) group compared with the MHNO group.

CONCLUSION

Metabolically abnormal individuals, regardless of their body weight status, showed significantly higher risks for hypertension compared with healthy non-overweight/obese group. Furthermore, MHO individuals had significantly increased risk of incident hypertension.

[Analysis on the trend of cancer incidence and age change in cancer registry areas of China, 2000 to 2014]

Objective: To analyze the trends of cancer incidence and age changes in China with using cancer registration data, and to provide evidence for the development of cancer prevention and control. Methods: Twenty-two cancer registries with continuous (2000-2014) data were selected. The incidence of different sex and regional population, the standardized incidence rate by Chinese population, the average annual change percentage (AAPC) and annual change percentage(APC) were calculated. Age-period-cohort model were used to analyze the changes of cancer incidence, age-adjusted mean ages. The age-standardized proportion of 2000 and 2014 with were compared. Results: The cancer incidence in China increased by 3.9% (95%CI: 3.7%-4.1%) from 2000 to 2014 in APC, and the age-standardized incidence rate increased by 1.2% (95%CI: 1.0%-1.4%) in AAPC. The age-specific incidence showed that each age groups increased significantly in female, ranged between 0.9% to 6.0%. The APC in male aged from 60 years old showed decline trend, the APC in 60-69, 70-79, ≥80 years old were -0.2, -0.3, -0.3, while in the population aged 0-29, 30-39 years old increased dramatically, APC were 3.5, 2.0. Female under 60 also increased, and APC in 0-29, 30-39, 40-49, 0-59 years old were 5.7, 6.0, 3.4, 2.9, respectively. The mean age of patients diagnosed with cancer were increased during the past 15 years, with about 0.11 years per year increased. However, the mean age of the patients diagnosed with cancer showed decreased trend by 0.13 years after age structure adjusted. Conclusion: The trend of mean age for cancer incidence in China were getting younger than before, and the trend in women is more obviously than in man.

Unbalanced translocation in an adult patient with premature ovarian failure and mental retardation detected by spectral karyotyping and array-comparative genomic hybridization

BACKGROUND

There are only three cases of unbalanced translocation (X;1) reported in childhood in the literature, while no such phenotypic information is available in adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To delineate the phenotype-genotype relationship of unbalanced translocation (X;1) in adulthood, we reported here a 20-year-old female with an unbalanced translocation (X;1) which was determined by spectral karyotyping, array-comparative genomic hybridization and subtelomeric fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

RESULTS

The phenotype of partial trisomy 1 and partial monosomy X of the present case was much attenuated, including premature ovarian failure, mental retardation, class I obesity, mild dysmorphism and delayed secondary sexual characteristics. The breakpoints of the unbalanced translocation were accurately located at Xq28 and 1q32.1. The large amplification on Chromosome 1 q arm was found to involve 312 genes and the deletion on Chromosome X q arm also involved 141 genes. Overall, genes associated with physiological process (47 genes), cellular process (33), development (23), response to stimulus (1) and reproduction (1) were observed in the amplification on Chromosome 1 q arm. In addition, genes related to physiological process (23 genes), cellular process (13), development (6) and response to stimulus (2) were observed in the large deletion on chromosome X q arm. Late-replication studies revealed the existence of skewed X inactivation in the derivative X chromosome.

CONCLUSIONS

The phenotype of partial monosomy X and partial trisomy 1q is much attenuated in case of unbalanced translocation (X;1) in adulthood probably owing to skewed X inactivation in derivative X chromosome.

[Prevalence and risk factors of Blastocystis hominis infection in inpatients in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the prevalence and risk factors of Blastocystis hominis infection in inpatients in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a community hospital in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City, and the inpatients were surveyed by questionnaires. After obtaining the informed consent from the inpatients or legal guardians, the stool and blood samples were collected and examined by microscopy and PCR from April 17 to May 1, 2018. The univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the risk factors of the B. hominis infection.

RESULTS

A total of 198 hospitalized patients were investigated, and the infection rate of B. hominis was 10.61% (21/198), and the infection rate of the females (12.10%) was higher than that of the males (8.11%), but the difference was not statistically significant. The highest rate of infection was 19.23% in the age group of 10 to 20 years, followed by 17.74% in the age group of 60 years and above, and the lowest rate was 2.38% in the age group of 20 to 40 years. The difference in infection rates of B. hominis among the different age groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The infection rate of B. hominis in the people who used dry pail latrines was 33.30%, which was higher than that of the people who used water flush toilets (9.10%) (P < 0.05). The genotypes of B. hominis were ST1, ST3, ST6 and ST7, and ST6 and ST3 being the most predominant genotypes which accounted for 47.62% (10/21) and 38.10% (8/21) respectively, and among the infected males, the genotypes were only ST3 and ST6. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that among the factors affecting B. hominis infection, only keeping pets was a risk factor [OR = 3.798, 95% CI (1.245, 11.581), P < 0.05].

CONCLUSIONS

A high prevalence of B. hominis infection is found in the inpatients in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City, the predominant genotypes are ST6 and ST3, and keeping pets may be one of the main risk factors.

Electrophysiological effects of agmatine on human atrial fibers

The objective of the present study was to study the electrophysiological effects of agmatine on human atrial fibers obtained at cardiac surgery using standard microelectrode techniques. Agmatine (1 to approximately 10 mM) decreased the action potential amplitude (APA), maximum upstroke velocity of phase 0 depolarization (Vmax), velocity of diastolic (phase 4) depolarization (VDD), rate of pacemaker firing (RPF), and action potential duration at 50 and 90% of repolarization (APD(50-90)) in a concentration-dependent manner. Pretreatment with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 0.5 mM), a NOS inhibitor, did not affect the electrophysiological effects of agmatine (5 mM) on human atrial fibers. The effects of agmatine (5 mM) could be blocked completely by pretreatment with idazoxan (0.1 mM), an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor (alpha2-AR) and imidazoline receptor (IR) antagonist. All these results indicate that the effects of agmatine on human atrial fibers are likely due to a decrease of intracellular calcium mediated by IR and/or alpha2-AR.

[The sex difference of speech evoked auditory brainstem responses in children and young adults]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the sex difference of the speech-ABR in young adults and school age children.

METHODS

Speech-ABR of eighty normal hearing subjects including twenty four school-age children(12 girls and boys, age from 6 to 12 years old) and fifty six young adults(male 29, female 27, age from 20 to 34 years old) were recorded. The speech syllable /da/ as stimulus sound was transmitted to right ear by insert earphones in speech-ABR test.

RESULTS

① Females had a shorter latency than males in transient response (waves V, A and O) and sustained response (waves D, E and F) of speech-ABR (P<0.05, respectively). The amplitudes of transient response (waves V and A) and sustained response (waves D, E and F) in females were also significantly larger than those in males (P<0.05, respectively), except for amplitude of peak O (P>0.05). The V/A slope in females was significantly steeper than that in males[(-0.43±0.13)vs(-0.25±0.08), P<0.01]. ②The amplitude and latency of speech-ABR in transient response (waves V, A and O) and sustained response (waves D, E and F) were not significantly different between boys and girls. Only the V/A slope in girls was significantly steeper than that in boys [(-0.46±0.12)vs(-0.35±0.15), P<0.05]. ③The latency of speech-ABR was significantly prolonged in young men when compared with boys in both transient response (waves V, A and O) (P<0.05, respectively) and sustained response (waves D and F, P<0.05, respectively), except for wave E (P>0.05). The amplitude of speech-ABR showed a statistically significant decrease (P<0.05, respectively) only in wave A, D and F. Contrarily, the decrease in response amplitudes of waves V, E and O were not statistically significant (P>0.05, respectively). The V/A slope was steeper in boys than in young men, which was statistically significant (P<0.05). ④ In girls and young women, peak latency and magnitude of speech-ABR showed similar characteristics. No significant differences were found in either transient response or sustained response. The V/A slope between girls and young women was similar without significant difference (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The female adults have shorter wave latency and larger amplitude of speech-ABR than males, which suggests that females have better speech encoding in brainstem. There are few differences between female and girls in wave latency and amplitude. The speech encoding in brainstem in young men tends to become worse than in boys. It implies that the increase of androgen might weaken the ability of the speech encoding in brainstem.

[Effect of low-dose ionizing radiation exposure on thyroid function in a medical occupational population]

Objective: We evaluated the effect of low-dose of ionizing radiation on thyroid function of medical occupational group with long-term exposure; furthermore; we analyzed the relationship between the thyroid hormones and the risk factors; such as exposure length; department. Ultimately; providing the scientific basis for setting the ionizing radiation protection standards. Methods: The population who engaged radiodiagnosis and radiotherapy in a tertiary-A hospital were set up as occupational exposure; 724 medical professionals as the research object. We figured out the basic information and general condition of the groups by face-to-face questionnaire survey; By means of the thyroid hormone testing; we analyzed the thyroid hormone levels with different population; occupational exposure factors. Then; obtained the prevalence of thyroid nodules by the thyroid ultrasound. Besides; we used the logistic regression model to analyze the risk factors related to thyroid nodule. Applying Epidata、Excel in data management. All the data was analyzed by statistical software package Stata12.0. Descriptive statistics; single factor analysis of variance and other statistical methods were used for data analysis. Test standard: α=0.05、P<0.05 statistical significant. Results: 1. Based on the work experience; we divided the study population into four groups; such as 1-9; 10-19; 20-29; and>30 years. The difference of the TSH level among the four groups was statistically significant (P<0.05) . 2. The multiple logistic regression showed that sex and seniority were the independent risk factors for the abnormal rate of thyroid nodules. Conclusion: Long-term exposure to low-dose ionizing radiatiom could induce the thyroid damage of medical occupational population; which should be broader concerned.

[Risk factors for acute rejection in living-donor kidney transplant recipients in China: a subgroup analysis of a multi-center, registry study]

Objective: To evaluate pre-and early post-transplantation risk factors for acute rejection(AR) in kidney recipients. Methods: This subgroup analysis of a multi-center registry study was conducted on living-donor kidney transplant recipients in China with 10 years of follow-up. This study analyzed 1 255 recipients including 921 males(73.4%) and with a mean age of (33±10)years. Data from patients were first analyzed with univariate analysis and then multivariate analysis was used for finding out the potential risk factors of AR. Results: A total of 106(8.4%) patients were suspected with AR after kidney transplantation, while 1 149 patients were considered as non-AR. Multivariable analysis demonstrated a significant influence of recipient age and cold ischemia time(CIT) on the occurrence of AR(OR: 0.956, 95% CI: 0.923-0.990; OR: 1.006, 95% CI: 1.002-1.011, respectively). The frequency of severe infection was significantly higher in the AR group than non-AR group(38.7% vs 10.8%; P<0.000 1). The occurrence of new-onset diabetes mellitus and tumors was similar in the two groups. Conclusions: Recipient age and CIT are risk factors for AR after living-donor kidney transplantation. Reducing CIT and intensive management of younger recipient could benefit kidney transplant patients.