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Abstract Traditional 2D imaging technologies are limited by the need for a large field of view and their sensitivity to small target motion. Inspired by the characteristics of insect compound eye structure, we propose an infrared bionic compound eye camera based on a small lens array. The camera is composed of 61 small lens arrays mounted on a curved spherical shell and a relay optical system. The imaging device is a high-performance cooled mid-wave infrared detector. This is an innovative design for an infrared biomimetic compound eye camera system that provides a wide field of view and all-day detection capability. Aimed to meet the specified requirements. The optical system achieves a 100% cold-membrane match between the infrared optical system and the cooled detector, and the relay optical system optimizes the large-field aberration by introducing a higher-order aspheric surface and modifying the geometric surface of the lenses. Our entire system enables an observation field angle of $$108^\circ \times 108^\circ$$ 108 ∘ × 108 ∘ . The experiments showed that the image quality of the system is high, each ommatidium was effective within the imaging range of the compound eye camera, resulting in an improved signal-to-noise ratio in various scenes.

Background In the context of aging in our country, the incidence and recurrence rates of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are increasing year by year, and the mortality and disability rates are high. In recent years, the application of stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases has become more and more common, but its research in the recurrence of mild AIS is currently limited. Objective To explore the correlation between SHR and the recurrence of mild AIS in elderly patients within one year, and to provide a more theoretical basis for the prevention of AIS recurrence. Methods The study selected patients who were first diagnosed with mild AIS at the Shijiazhuang Fifth Hospital from May 2018 to January 2022. The study started with the diagnosis of mild AIS and ended one year after the diagnosis. A nested case-control study was conducted, and patients who were confirmed to have a recurrence within one year were included in the recurrence group. The non-recurrence group was matched at a ratio of 1∶3 based on 'diagnosis time, age, gender, infarction location, and whether they have diabetes'. A total of 70 patients were included in the recurrence group, and 210 patients were matched in the non-recurrence group. Through the Hospital Information System (HIS), patients gender, age, history of hypertension, history of atrial fibrillation, BMI, baseline NIHSS score, LDL-C, HbA1c, random blood glucose on admission, etc. were collected, and the SHR was calculated. Multivariate conditional Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the correlation between SHR and the 1-year recurrence of mild AIS in elderly patients. This study is likely investigating the influence of the SHR on the recurrence of AIS within one year in elderly patients. Results The average age of the 280 patients was (71.9±6.4) years; 176 were male (62.9%), and 104 were female (37.1%) ; 88 patients (31.4%) had a history of diabetes. According to the median of the data, stress hyperglycemia ≥10 mmol/L was considered high, 1.04 was considered high, ≤1.04 was considered low. Multivariate conditional Logistic regression analysis showed that stress hyperglycemia (OR=2.983, 95%CI=1.488-5.977), SHR (OR=3.056, 95%CI=1.579-5.914) were factors affecting the 1-year recurrence of mild AIS in elderly patients (P1.80 were more likely to affect the 1-year recurrence of mild AIS in elderly patients than SHR≤1.0 (P0.05, Ptrend

Abstract We performed this cohort study to investigate whether the myocardial bridge (MB) affects the fat attenuation index (FAI) and to determine the optimal cardiac phase to measure the volume and the FAI of pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT). The data of 300 patients who were diagnosed with MB of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery were retrospectively analyzed. All of patients were divided into the MB group and the MB with atherosclerosis group. In addition, 104 patients with negative CCTA results were enrolled as the control group. There was no significant difference between FAI values measured in systole and diastole (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in FAI among the MB group, the MB with atherosclerosis group, and the control group (P > 0.05). In MB with atherosclerosis group, LAD stenosis degree (

Abstract Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have garnered attention for their dual role in host defense and tumor promotion. With their involvement documented across a spectrum of tumors, their influence on the progression of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is of paramount interest. We employed immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to detect NET deposition in CCA tissues. Through in vitro and in vivo investigation, including CCA organoid and transposon-based models in PAD4 KO mice, we explored the effects of NETs on cell proliferation and metastasis. Molecular insights were gained through RNA sequencing, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Elevated intratumoral NET deposition within CCA tissues was associated with poor survival. The influence of NETs on CCA proliferation, migration and invasion was primarily mediated by NET-DNA. RNA sequencing unveiled the activation of the NFκB signaling pathway due to NET-DNA stimulation. NET-DNA pull-down assay coupled with mass spectrometry revealed the interaction between NET-DNA and αV integrin (ITGAV), culmination in the activation of the NFκB pathway. Furthermore, NET-DNA directly upregulated the expression of VEGF-A in cancer cells. The study unequivocally establishes NETs as facilitators of CCA progression, orchestrating proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis through ITGAV/NFκB pathway activation. This novel insight positions NETs as prospective therapeutic targets for managing CCA patients. By implementing a variety of methodologies and drawing intricate connections between NETs, DNA interactions, and signaling pathways, this research expands our comprehension of the complex interplay between the immune system and cancer progression, offering promising avenues for intervention.

In this study, we employed the principle of Relative Mode Transfer Method (RMTM) to establish a model for a single pendulum subjected to sudden changes in its length. An experimental platform for image processing was constructed to accurately track the position of a moving ball, enabling experimental verification of the pendulum's motion under specific operating conditions. The experimental data demonstrated excellent agreement with simulated numerical results, validating the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. Furthermore, we performed simulations of a double obstacle pendulum system, investigating the effects of different parameters, including obstacle pin positions, quantities, and initial release angles, on the pendulum's motion through numerical simulations. This research provides novel insights into addressing the challenges associated with abrupt and continuous changes in pendulum length.

AbstractBackground and aims Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) implies high morbidity and mortality. The assessment of covert HE (CHE) [i.e. minimal HE (MHE) plus grade 1 HE] is often neglected in Taiwan. Therefore, the aim was to investigate the potential of the animal naming test (ANT1 and simplified ANT1 (S-ANT1)) for assessing CHE in Chinese-speaking regions, specifically Taiwan.Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted, comprising 65 cirrhotic patients and 29 healthy controls (relatives of the patients). Patients were followed up every three months and censored after two years or until death. Hospitalization for overt HE (OHE) and mortality were considered. All subjects underwent ANT1, psychometric HE score (PHES), and mini-mental state examination (MMSE). The patients underwent an electroencephalogram (EEG) to detect slowing indicative of MHE. Cut-off values for ANT1 and S-ANT1 were assessed by ROC analysis and Youden’s index, considering CHE as a reference. The prognostic values for OHE and OHE-free survival were assessed.Results Preliminary analysis confirmed that PHES ≤-4 is a good discriminant point for abnormal results. CHE was found in 29 patients: 9 had MHE (PHES ≤ -4 or altered EEG) and 20 had grade 1 HE. ANT1 and S-ANT1 were found to have diagnostic values for CHE: AUC = 0.807, 0.786; cut off: 18 and 19, respectively. ANT1 and S-ANT1 were found to have prognostic value for OHE, number of hospitalization episodes for OHE, and OHE recurrence-free survival.Conclusions ANT1 shows promise as a tool for CHE detection, quantification, and follow-up in Taiwan and other Chinese-speaking regions.Key messagesThe animal naming test (ANT1) is a simple and valid semantic fluency test that can be easily performed in outpatient or bedside settings in one minute and can also be used as a tool for covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) detection, quantification, and follow-up in Taiwan, other Chinese-speaking regions, and many other countries.The diagnostic value of ANT1 and S-ANT1 for CHE were found to be significant, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) values of 0.807 and 0.786 respectively, and cut-off scores of 18 and 19.ANT1 and S-ANT1 have prognostic value for the first breakthrough of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE), number of hospitalization episodes for OHE, and OHE recurrence-free survival, independent of the MELD score.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone known for its pivotal role in enhancing insulin secretion and reducing glucagon release from the pancreas. Diabetic nephropathy, which is characterized by albuminuria, represents a significant microvascular complication of diabetes. Most of the previous studies mainly focused on the therapeutic renal protective effect in clinical trials after the administration of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), rather than before administration. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the association between fasting plasma GLP-1 levels and albuminuria before GLP-1 RA administration. A cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate the association between fasting plasma GLP-1 levels and albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A cohort of 68 participants with T2DM was analyzed using data collected at Wonkwang University Hospital in Iksan, Korea. Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the incidence of albuminuria between two groups categorized by fasting GLP-1 levels, low (Group L) and high GLP-1 (Group H). The OR (95% CI) for the incidence of albuminuria comparing Group L with Group H of fasting plasma GLP-1 levels was 3.41 (1.16–10.02), p = 0.03 after adjustment for relevant variables including age, gender, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, C-peptide, creatinine, and medication use [angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors]. When analyzed as a continuous variable, each 1 pmol/L reduction in fasting plasma GLP-1 levels was associated with an OR (95% CI) of 1.67 (1.17–1.87), p = 0.02, following full adjustment. These results highlight a negative association between fasting plasma GLP-1 levels and the incidence of albuminuria in Korean patients with T2DM, before GLP-1 RA administration. These findings suggest that endogenous GLP-1 may have a beneficial impact in mitigating albuminuria.

Background Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) is a costly disease that mainly occurs during the old age, which seriously affects the normal life. There are many treatment options for DLSS. The development and clinical application of high-quality clinical practice guidelines are major ways to improve the diagnosis and treatment of DLSS. Objective To provide a reference for the development and reporting of clinical practice guidelines of DLSS, with guidelines of DLSS evaluated using AGREEⅡ and RIGHT, from the perspectives of methodology and quality. Methods Databases were searched for clinical practice guidelines, consensuses and specifications about DLSS, including CBM, CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, PubMed, Medlive, WHO, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Guidelines International Network, National Guideline Clearinghouse and Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network from January 1, 2010 to January 1, 2022. The methodological quality and reporting quality of included studies were evaluated by two raters independently. And the recommendations in the studies were compared under the uniform grading criteria. Results Six studies were enrolled, including four guidelines and two consensuses. One guideline is based on TCM, and the other three are evidence-based guidelines. The evaluation results of AGREEⅡ showed that the ratio of the actual total score to the full score of the six included studies was 78.2%, 53.6%, 45.7%, 37.7%, 28.2% and 15.0%, from highest to the lowest. RIGHT evaluation showed that the ratio of the actual total score to the full score of the four guidelines was 72.9%, 72.9%, 62.9% and 34.3%, from highest to the lowest. A total of 46 therapeutic and 11 non-therapeutic recommendations were developed in the six studies. Conclusion The methodological quality and reporting specification of the present DLSS guidelines and consensuses require to be further improved. Further reference should be made to international standards such as AGREE Ⅱ and RIGHT in the process of guideline development and reporting. Surgical treatment is the preferred recommendation for patients with moderate or severe DLSS.

People with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk for kidney failure, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and premature mortality. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) established joint group, and integration of evidence-based recommendations for diabetes management in patients with CKD in accordance with the ADA 2022 standards of medical care in diabetes and KDIGO 2022 Clinical Practice Guideline for Diabetes Management in CKD, and to form the Diabetes Management in Chronic Kidney Disease: a Consensus Report by the ADA and KDIGO. The consensus not only re-emphasizes the published guidelines for screening and diagnosis of CKD, glycemia monitoring, lifestyle therapies, treatment goals, and pharmacologic management, but also specifically emphasizes the importance of comprehensive care in which pharmacotherapy based on a foundation of healthy lifestyle. The consensus states seven core recommendations which provide specific guidance for the use of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, metformin, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, and a nonsteroidal mineral corticoid receptor antagonist. These areas of consensus provide clear direction for implementation of care to improve clinical outcomes of people with diabetes and CKD. Focusing on the main contents of the consensus, we interpreted main recommendations in order to provide concise and practical guidance for clinicians, to achieve the goal of improving the prognosis of patients with diabetes mellitus complicated with CKD.

Abstract Background As precision medicine gradually played an inaccessible role in cancer treatment, there was an urgent need to explore biomarkers or signatures for predicting cancer prognosis. Currently, little was known about the associations between COLGALT1 and kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). Hence, this study was performed to reveal its roles in KIRC and to identify potential mechanisms of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks. Methods R 4.1.1 software was utilized to conduct bioinformatics analyses with the data derived from online databases. Difference analysis, survival analysis, univariate/multivariate cox regression analysis and correlation analysis were carried out successively in this article. Besides, we also investigated potential effects and mechanisms of COLGALT1 in KIRC. Results COLGALT1 expression was overexpressed in KIRC samples compared with the normal samples and it was associated with poor OS (P

Abstract As emerging next-generation information technologies, blockchains have unique advantages in information transparency and transaction security. They have attracted great attentions in social and financial fields. However, the rapid development of quantum computation and the impending realization of quantum supremacy have had significant impacts on the advantages of traditional blockchain based on traditional cryptography. Here, we propose a blockchain algorithm based on asymmetric quantum encryption and a stake vote consensus algorithm. The algorithm combines a consensus algorithm based on the delegated proof of stake with node behaviour and Borda count (DPoSB) and quantum digital signature technology based on quantum state computational distinguishability with a fully flipped permutation ( $${\text{QSC}}{\text{D}}_{\text{ff}}$$ QSCD ff ) problem. DPoSB is used to generate blocks by voting, while the quantum signature applies quantum one-way functions to guarantee the security of transactions. The analysis shows that this combination offers better protection than other existing quantum-resistant blockchains. The combination can effectively resist the threat of quantum computation on blockchain technology and provide a new platform to ensure the security of blockchain.

Abstract Background Selinexor 80 mg combined with low-dose dexamethasone (Sd) demonstrated significant clinical benefit in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who had disease refractory to a proteasome inhibitor (PI), an immunomodulator (IMiD), and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody based on a global phase II STORM study. The present study, MARCH, addresses China regulatory needs to further validate the data from STORM in Chinese patients with RRMM. Methods The MARCH study was conducted at 17 sites in China, where eligible Chinese RRMM patients who had disease refractory to PI and IMiD were enrolled. Selinexor 80 mg combined with dexamethasone 20 mg was administered orally on day 1 and day 3 of each week in 4-week cycles. The primary endpoint was the overall response rate (ORR) per an independent review committee, with the null hypothesis of ≤15%. Patients who received at least 1 dose of study treatment were included in the safety population. The pharmacokinetic (PK) profile was characterized by parameter and ethnicity sensitivity analyses. Results A total of 82 patients with RRMM were enrolled in the study, with a median age of 60 years. Of the 82 patients, 55 patients (67.1%) had high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities, defined as one or more of del 17p13, t(4;14), t(14;16), or 1q amplification identified by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH); 18 patients (22.0%) had abnormal renal function. Enrolled patients were heavily pre-treated with a median prior regimen number of 5. All 82 patients (100%) were refractory to both PI and IMiD, including 20 patients (24.4%) categorized as triple-class refractory population (refractory to PI, IMiD, and daratumumab). Ten patients (12.2%) had undergone CAR-T therapy. ORR was 29.3% (95% CI 19.7, 40.4) with a median DOR of 4.7 months. The median PFS and OS were 3.7 and 13.2 months, respectively. ORR was 25.0% (95% CI 8.7, 49.1) in the triple-class refractory population. Efficacy was consistent across various subgroups. The most frequent grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs) included anemia (57.3%), thrombocytopenia (51.2%), lymphopenia (42.7%), neutropenia (40.2%), hyponatremia (29.3%), and lung infection (26.8%). Serious AEs were reported in 54.9% of patients. No significant drug accumulation was shown following multiple administrations. No human PK ethnicity difference was identified between Chinese and western patients. Conclusions With an encouraging ORR, the MARCH study has demonstrated that selinexor combined with low-dose dexamethasone (Sd) delivers meaningful clinical benefit to Chinese patients with RRMM, including triple-class refractory patients. AEs were expected and manageable with supportive care and dose modification. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03944057 (May 09, 2019); Chinadrugtrials.org.cn , CTR20190858 (June 05, 2019)

Abstract Regardless of technical advancements, delayed bleeding is still a common adverse event after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), often occurring in the early postoperative phase. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a newly designed polyethylene oxide (PEO) adhesive for preventing delayed gastric bleeding. Patients who underwent gastric ESD between December 2017 and December 2020 at three Chinese institutions were retrospectively reviewed. Patients receiving PEO application on gastric post-ESD ulcers were included in the PEO group, and patients without this procedure were included in the control group. To minimize potential bias, propensity score matching was performed, and sex, age, lesion size, lesion morphology, ulceration, localization, procedure time, frequency of major intraoperative bleeding, resected specimen size, lesion histopathology, submucosal invasion and the taking of antithrombotic drugs were included as matching factors. The incidence of delayed bleeding and time to bleeding were compared between both groups. After propensity score matching, 270 patients (135 per group) were included in the analysis. The delayed bleeding rate in the PEO group was significantly lower than that in the control group (1.5%, 2/135 vs. 8.9%, 12/135, P = 0.006). The median time (range) to bleeding was 4.5 (4–5) days in the PEO group and 2 (1–15) days in the control group, with no significant difference (P = 0. 198). PEO demonstrated a significant effect in reducing the rate of delayed bleeding. Further study is warranted to confirm the efficacy of PEO for bleeding that occurs in the early phase after gastric ESD.

Abstract. Whether a fish-rich diet is positively associated with cognitive function after stroke remains unclear; thus, the present study investigated the relationship between them. The present study was part of a prospective multicenter study, in which 920 individuals (609 males, mean age, 62.78 ± 11.79 years) were included from November 2013 to December 2015. The cognitive function of the patients was evaluated, and the diagnosis of poststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) was made during their stay in the hospital. A subgroup of 439 patients from a single center was followed up for 4 to 6 years and was reassessed for cognitive function. According to the diagnostic criteria, the PSCI prevalence was lower in the fish-rich diet group (P

The excessive carbon emissions not only intensify the global climate change, but also seriously restrict the sustainable development of social economy. However, improving industrial carbon emissions efficiency is the most directly effective way to reduce emissions. Therefore, accurate measurement and analysis of carbon emissions efficiency and evolution characteristics of China's industrial system is the basis for China to improve carbon emissions efficiency. Based on this, we adopted energy consumption method and input-output method to calculate and analyze the industrial carbon emissions efficiency and evolution characteristics of China from 2002 to 2015. The results show that (1) If carbon emissions from cement production are ignored and only energy-related carbon emissions are considered, the calculation results of carbon emissions efficiency of heavy industry will be overestimated about 30%. (2) Compared with 2002, China's industrial carbon emissions efficiency increased by about twice in 2015. Specifically, the optimization of carbon emissions efficiency in agriculture, construction, light industry and service industry is very obvious, which has increased by 5.65, 5.00, 4.69 and 4.68 times respectively; The optimization of carbon emissions efficiency in power sector, heavy industry, transportation and chemical industry was obvious, which increased by 2.55, 2.01, 1.86 and 1.47 times respectively; The carbon emissions efficiency of the fossil energy sector has decreased by 0.36 times. (3) The carbon emissions efficiency of various industries has significant differences. Among them, agriculture, service industry, light industry and construction industry are generally industries with higher carbon emissions efficiency, while power sector, fossil energy sector, transportation industry, chemical industry and heavy industry are generally industries with lower carbon emissions efficiency, especially power and fossil energy sectors. Based on these, this paper provides policy implications and scientific evidence for accurately improving carbon emissions efficiency from the perspective of carbon emissions efficiency.

Abstract Background This investigation was arranged to elucidate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of lncRNA UCA1 was implicated in elevating colorectal cancer (CRC) risk by interacting with environmental exposures. Methods LncRNASNP database was firstly adopted to predict SNPs that possibly affected binding of UCA1 with miRNAs and then the interactive effect of SNPs and environmental exposure on CRC risk was evaluated by recurring to type 2 gene-environment interactions (GEI) model. Besides, MTT assay, colony formation assay, transwell assay and wound healing assay were performed to assess the activity of CRC cell lines which carried distinct genotypes of specific SNPs. The impact of nicotine on activity of CRC cells was also appraised. Results SNP rs12982687 of UCA1 intervened in the binding capacity of UCA1 with several miRNAs, especially miR-873-5p. MiRNAs regulated by UCA1, as predicted by mirPath software, shared genes that were enriched in HIF1 signaling pathway. Moreover, homozygote TT of rs12982687 reduced CRC risk among smokers, and CRC cells that carried rs12982687 (CC) displayed strong migration and invasion. By contrast, miR-873-5p mimic, which reduced UCA1 expression, delayed metastasis of CRC cells (all P

Using serial block-face scanning electron microscopy, we report on the internal 3D structures of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) at nanometer resolution for the first time. Within the reconstructed organs and tissues, we found many novel and fascinating internal structures in the planthopper such as naturally occurring three four-way rings connecting adjacent spiracles to facilitate efficient gas exchange, and fungal endosymbionts in a single huge insect cell occupying 22% of the abdomen volume to enable the insect to live on plant sap. To understand the muscle and stylet movement during phloem sap-sucking, the cephalic skeleton and muscles were reconstructed in feeding nymphs. The results revealed an unexpected contraction of the protractors of the stylets and suggested a novel feeding model for the phloem sap-sucking.

This is the report of a 76-year-old male with typical lesions of acanthosis nigricans maligna (ANM), florid cutaneous papillomatosis (FCP), and tripe palms (TP) for 2 years. He did not have any gastrointestinal complaints. Pathologic findings of skin supported the diagnosis of ANM. Because gastric adenocarcinoma is the most common neoplasm associated with these paraneoplastic dermatoses, further tests were carried out. Endoscopic examination was performed and an adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction was confirmed. Meanwhile, multiple small polyps in the middle and the lower thirds of the esophagus were observed. The patient was referred for further evaluation and subsequent surgical resection of the tumor.Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a hyperkeratotic mucocutaneous eruption of heterogenous etiology, which is characterized by hyperpigmentation, velvety cutaneous thickening, intensified skin markings, and development of verrucous excrescences typically involving the intertriginous areas. AN is classified into benign and malignant forms on the basis of clinical associations. Malignant acanthosis nigricans (MAN) tends to be extensive and involves mucosal surfaces, mostly in elderly people. Florid cutaneous papillomatosis (FCP), also known as the Schwartz-Burgess syndrome, is characterized by the rapid appearance of multiple verrucous lesions that are clinically indistinguishable from common warts [1]. Tripe palms (TP) is characterized by diffuse, yellowish palmar hyperkeratosis, with enhancement of the epidermal ridges on the hands (dermatoglyphics), resembling intestinal villosities [1]. The association of these three paraneoplastic dermatoses (FCP, ANM and TP) in the same patient has been reported. Herein, we report an elderly male with three paraneoplastic dermatoses for two years. On the initial presentation, he did not report any systemic complaints; diagnostic tests confirmed the presence of a gastric adenocarcinoma.

In an investigation of a listeriosis outbreak in Ontario, Canada, during November 2015–June 2016, pasteurized chocolate milk was identified as the source. Because listeriosis outbreaks associated with pasteurized milk are rare in North America, these findings highlight that dairy products can be contaminated after pasteurization.

Background Superoxide dismutase (SOD) proteins, as one kind of the antioxidant enzymes, play critical roles in plant response to various environment stresses. Even though its functions in the oxidative stress were very well characterized, the roles of SOD family genes in regulating alkaline stress response are not fully reported. Methods We identified the potential family members by using Hidden Markov model and soybean genome database. The neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree and exon-intron structures were generated by using software MEGA 5.0 and GSDS online server, respectively. Furthermore, the conserved motifs were analyzed by MEME online server. The syntenic analysis was conducted using Circos-0.69. Additionally, the expression levels of soybean SOD genes under alkaline stress were identified by qRT-PCR. Results In this study, we identified 13 potential SOD genes in soybean genome. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that SOD genes could be classified into three subfamilies, including MnSODs (GmMSD1–2), FeSODs (GmFSD1–5) and Cu/ZnSODs (GmCSD1–6). We further investigated the gene structure, chromosomal locations and gene-duplication, conserved domains and promoter cis-elements of the soybean SOD genes. We also explored the expression profiles of soybean SOD genes in different tissues and alkaline, salt and cold stresses, based on the transcriptome data. In addition, we detected their expression patterns in roots and leaves by qRT-PCR under alkaline stress, and found that different SOD subfamily genes may play different roles in response to alkaline stress. These results also confirmed the hypothesis that the great evolutionary divergence may contribute to the potential functional diversity in soybean SOD genes. Taken together, we established a foundation for further functional characterization of soybean SOD genes in response to alkaline stress in the future.

Heat stress is an increasing threat to rice production worldwide. To investigate the mechanisms of heat tolerance in hybrid rice and their contributions to rice heterosis, we compared the transcriptome of the hybrid rice II YOU 838 (II8) with the transcriptomes of its parents Fu Hui 838 (F8) and II-32A (II3) after heat stress at 42 °C for 0 h, 24 h, 72 h and 120 h. We also performed a proteomic analysis in II8 after heat stress at 42 °C for 24 h. The transcriptome data revealed time-dependent gene expression patterns under the heat stress conditions, and the heat stress response of II8 was greatly different from those of its parents. Gene ontology analysis of the differentially expressed genes that were clustered using k-means clustering showed that most of the up-regulated genes were involved in responses to stimuli, cell communication, and metabolic and transcription factor activities, whereas the down-regulated genes were enriched in photosynthesis and signal transduction. Moreover, 35 unique differentially abundant proteins, including a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor (bHLH96), calmodulin-binding transcription activator, heat shock protein (Hsp70), and chaperonin 60 (CPN60), were detected in the proteomic analysis of II8 under heat stress. The co-regulatory analysis revealed novel genes and pathways involved in heat tolerance, namely, ferredoxin-NADP reductase, peroxidases, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase, and heat shock factor (HSF)–Hsp network. Members of the Hsp and HSF families had over-dominant expression patterns in the hybrid compared with its parents, to help maintain the higher photosynthesis and antioxidant defense systems in the hybrid. Our study suggests that the complex HSF–Hsp regulatory network contribute to the heat tolerance of the hybrid rice.

The estrogen-signalling pathway is critical for normal follicular development; however, little is known about its importance during in vitro maturation (IVM) in large animals, particularly yaks (Bos grunniens). Through the present study, we aimed to determine the mechanisms underlying estrogen involvement in cumulus expansion and the subsequent development of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). COCs were cultured in the maturation medium supplemented with different concentrations (10−6–10−3 mM) of 17β-estradiol (E2) or its receptor antagonist, fulvestrant, and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot were performed to determine the expression of cumulus-expansion related factors and oocyte-secreted factors (OSFs). The cumulus expansion of COCs was observed using an inverted microscope, and COCs developmental ability were judged by the evaluation of cleavage and blastulation rates per inseminated oocytes by IVF, and the number of cells in the blastocyst. Cumulus expansion increased with 10−6–10−3 mM E2, but decreased with fulvestrant. HAS2, PTGS2, PTX3 and OSFs expression increased in the 10−6–10−3 mM E2 groups. Significantly higher cleavage and blastocyst rates were observed in the 10−4 mM E2 group than in the fulvestrant and 0 mM E2 groups. Moreover, in the 10−4 mM group, blastocysts at 7 days had higher cell counts than the other groups. In conclusion, the increase in cumulus expansion and subsequent oocyte development after the addition of E2 to IVM medium may have resulted from increased cumulus-expansion-related factor expression and OSF levels.

Purpose To study the effect of STN-DBS on balance performance of Parkinson's disease. Method 16 idiopathic PD patients treated with bilateral STN-DBS (DBS Group) and 20 PD patients treated with Levodopa (Medicine group) were included in the study. Clinical material including Levodopa Equivalent Daily Dose (LEDD, mg/day), life quality (PDQ-39) were collected. For DBS group and Medicine group, The motor disability (Movement Disorder Society-Sponsored Revision of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale Ⅲ, MDS-UPDRSIII) and balance performance (MDS-UPDRS 3.12, Berg Balance Scale BBS) and the Limits of Stability (LoS) (target acquisition percentage, trunk swing angle standard deviation, time) in state of Med-Off/Med-On at preoperation, postoperation, 6 months postoperation and 12 months postoperation were evaluated. Repeated ANOVA was used to analyze the effect of STN-DBS on balance performance. Result The Clinical material (age, gender, duration, LEDD preoperation, PDQ39), motor disability (Med-on/Med-Off), balance performance (Med-on/Med-Off) and LoS preoperation had no differences in DBS-group and Medical-group (P>0.05). During the follow up, LEDD, PDQ39, Motor disability (MDS-UPDRSIII), balance performance (MDS-UPDRS 3.12, BBS) in Medicine-group had no significant changes in both Med-Off and Med-On. For DBS-group, immediately improvement of motor disability (MDS-UPDRSIII), LoS (target acquisition percentage, trunk swing angle standard deviation, time) and LEDD were observed postoperation (P

In river-lake systems, sediment and water column are two distinct habitats harboring different bacterial communities which play a crucial role in biogeochemical processes. In this study, we employed Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States to assess the potential functions and functional redundancy of the bacterial communities in sediment and water in a eutrophic river-lake ecosystem, Poyang Lake in China. Bacterial communities in sediment and water had distinct potential functions of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur metabolisms as well as phosphorus cycle, while the differences between rivers and the lake were inconspicuous. Bacterial communities in sediment had a higher relative abundance of genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism, carbon fixation pathways in prokaryotes, methane metabolism, anammox, nitrogen fixation, and dissimilatory sulfate reduction than that of water column. Bacterial communities in water column were higher in lipid metabolism, assimilatory nitrate reduction, dissimilatory nitrate reduction, phosphonate degradation, and assimilatory sulfate reduction than that of sediment bacterial communities. Furthermore, the variations in functional composition were closely associated to the variations in taxonomic composition in both habitats. In general, the bacterial communities in water column had a lower functional redundancy than in sediment. Moreover, comparing to the overall functions, bacterial communities had a lower functional redundancy of nitrogen metabolism and phosphorus cycle in water column and lower functional redundancy of nitrogen metabolism in sediment. Distance-based redundancy analysis and mantel test revealed close correlations between nutrient factors and functional compositions. The results suggested that bacterial communities in this eutrophic river-lake system of Poyang Lake were vulnerable to nutrient perturbations, especially the bacterial communities in water column. The results enriched our understanding of the bacterial communities and major biogeochemical processes in the eutrophic river-lake ecosystems.

Background: Cesarean section (CS) is an independent risk factor for placenta accreta. Some researchers think that the timing of primary cesarean delivery is associated with placenta accreta in subsequent pregnancies. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of placenta accreta following primary CS without labor, also called primary elective CS, in a pregnancy complicated with placenta previa. Methods: A retrospective, single-center, case-control study was conducted at Peking University Third Hospital. Relevant clinical data of singleton pregnancies between January 2010 and September 2017 were recorded. The case group included women with placenta accreta who had placenta previa and one previous CS. Control group included women with one previous CS that was complicated with placenta previa. Maternal age, body mass index, gestational age, fetal birth weight, gravity, parity, induced abortion, the rate of women received assisted reproductive technology, other uterine surgery, and primary elective CS were analyzed between the two groups. Results: The rate of primary elective CS (90.1% vs. 69.9%, P < 0.001) was higher, and maternal age was younger (32.7 ± 4.7 years vs. 34.6 ± 4.0 years, P < 0.001) in case group, compared with control group. Case group also had higher gravity and induced abortions compared with the control group (both P < 0.05). Primary CS without labor was associated with significantly increased risk of placenta accreta in a subsequent pregnancy complicated with placenta previa (odds ratio: 3.32; 95% confidential interval: 1.68–6.58). Conclusion: Women with a primary elective CS without labor have a higher chance of developing an accreta in a subsequent pregnancy that is complicated with placenta previa.

Background: Despite recent advances that have improved the pregnancy success rates that can be achieved via in vitro fertilization (IVF) therapy, it is not yet clear which blastocyst morphological parameters best predict the outcomes of single blastocyst transfer. In addition, most of the previous studies did not exclude the effect of embryo aneuploidy on blastocysts transfer. Thus, the present study investigated the predictive value of various parameters on the pregnancy outcomes achieved via the transfer of frozen euploid blastocysts. Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed 914 single euploid blastocyst transfer cycles that were performed at the Peking University Third Hospital Reproductive Medical Center between June 2011 and May 2016. The expansion, trophectoderm (TE), and inner cell mass (ICM) quality of the blastocysts were assessed based on blastocyst parameters, and used to differentiate between “excellent”, “good”, “average”, and “poor”-quality embryos. The relationship between these embryo grades and the achieved pregnancy outcomes was then analyzed via the Chi-square and logistic regression tests. Results: For embryo grades of excellent, good, average and poor, the clinical pregnancy rates were 65.0%, 59.3%, 50.3% and 33.3%, respectively; and the live-birth rates were 50.0%, 49.7%, 42.3% and 25.0%, respectively. Both the clinical pregnancy rate (χ2 = 21.28, P = 0.001) and live-birth rate (χ2 = 13.50, P < 0.001) increased with the overall blastocyst grade. Both rates were significantly higher after the transfer of a blastocyst that exhibited either an A-grade or B-grade TE, and similarly, an A-grade ICM, than after the transfer of a blastocyst that exhibited a C-grade TE and/or ICM. The degree of blastocyst expansion had no apparent effect on the clinical pregnancy or live-birth rate. All odds ratio were adjusted for patient age, body mass index, length (years) of infertility history, and infertility type. Conclusions: A higher overall euploid blastocyst quality is shown to correlate most strongly with optimal pregnancy outcomes. The study thus supports the use of the described TE and ICM morphological grades to augment current embryo selection criteria.

Background: Although many previous studies have confirmed that perioperative blood transfusion is associated with poor outcomes after liver transplantation (LT), few studies described the influence of single-donor platelet apheresis transfusion in living donor LT (LDLT). This study aimed to assess the effect of blood products on outcomes for LDLT recipients, focusing on apheresis platelets. Methods: This retrospective study included 126 recipients who underwent their first adult-to-adult LDLT. Twenty-four variables including consumption of blood products of 126 LDLT recipients were assessed for their link to short-term outcomes and overall survival. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and the log-rank test were used for recipient survival analysis. A multivariate Cox proportional-hazard model and a propensity score analysis were applied to adjust confounders after potential risk factors were identified by a univariate Cox analysis. Results: Patients who received apheresis platelet transfusion had a lower 90-day cumulative survival (78.9% vs. 94.2%, P = 0.009), but had no significant difference in overall survival in the Cox model, compared with those without apheresis platelet transfusion. Units of apheresis platelet transfusion (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.103, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.720–5.600, P < 0.001) and preoperative platelet count (HR = 0.170, 95% CI: 0.040–0.730, P = 0.017) impacted 90-day survival independently. Multivariate Cox regression analysis also found that units of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion (HR = 1.036, 95% CI: 1.006–1.067, P = 0.018), recipient's age (HR = 1.045, 95% CI: 1.005–1.086, P = 0.025), and ABO blood group comparison (HR = 2.990, 95% CI: 1.341–6.669, P = 0.007) were independent risk factors for overall survival after LDLT. Conclusions: This study suggested that apheresis platelets were only associated with early mortality but had no impact on overall survival in LDLT. Units of RBC, recipient's age, and ABO group comparison were independent predictors of long-term outcomes.

Background: After the two-child policy is fully implemented, new challenges regarding pregnancy management and the treatment of pregnancy complications will arise. The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics of pregnancy and delivery before and after the implementation of the two-child policy to make suggestions on the quality assurance of the new era of obstetrics. Methods: In total, 5895 cases of pregnant women who delivered from April 2016 to March 2017 in Peking University Third Hospital served as the study group and 5103 cases of pregnant women who delivered from January to December 2015 served as the control group. The characteristics of pregnancy and delivery were retrospectively analyzed. Results: In the study group, the percentage of pregnant women who were older (over 40 years) (3.6% vs. 2.2%), were multipara (30.3% vs. 17.0%), received irregular prenatal care (1.5% vs. 0.9%), were transferred for treatment from a subordinate hospital (4.4% vs. 2.8%), and were not residents of Beijing (3.8% vs. 2.2%), were significantly increased compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In the study group, the rate of a hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy (6.4% vs. 5.0%), gestational diabetes mellitus (25.3% vs. 23.1%), dangerous placenta previa (3.0% vs. 2.3%), placental implantation (2.4% vs. 1.8%), and severe postpartum hemorrhage (2.8% vs. 1.9%) was significantly increased compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In the study group, the cesarean section rate during primipara was significantly reduced compared with the control group (42.0% vs. 44.2%). However, the rate during multipara was significantly increased compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Indications for cesarean section in the study group as well as the percentages of scared uterus and placenta previa were significantly increased compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: According to the current situation, better methods are needed to strengthen pregnancy and delivery management, reduce the rate of cesarean section, and ensure a positive outcome for mothers and babies.

Background: Calcium regulatory proteins-L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCCs), ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2), and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger isoform 1 (NCX1) have been recognized as important protective mechanisms during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/RI). Both sevoflurane postconditioning (SevoPoC) and delayed remote ischemic preconditioning (DRIPC) have been shown to protect the heart against I/RI. In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of SevoPoC and DRIPC on the expression of the three calcium regulatory proteins in an isolated rat heart model. Methods: After 30-min balanced perfusion, isolated hearts from rats were subjected to 30-min ischemia followed by 60-min reperfusion. Totally 40 isolated hearts were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 10/group): time control group, I/RI group, SevoPoC group, and DRIPC group. The effect of SevoPoC (3% v/v) and DRIPC were observed. Myocardial infarct size (IS), cardiac troponin I level, and heart function were measured. The protein and messenger RNA levels of LTCCs, RyR2, and NCX1 were determined. Results: Both SevoPoC and DRIPC improved the recovery of myocardial function, and reduced cardiac troponin I release after I/RI. The decrease in IS was more significant in the SevoPoC group than that in the DRIPC group (16.50% ± 4.54% in the SevoPoC group [P = 0.0006], and 22.34% ± 4.02% in the DRIPC group [P = 0.0007] vs. 35.00% ± 5.24% in the I/RI group, respectively). SevoPoC, but not DRIPC significantly inhibited the activity of NCX1 (0.59 ± 0.09 in the I/RI group vs. 0.32 ± 0.16 in the SevoPoC group, P = 0.006; vs. 0.57 ± 0.14 in the DRIPC group, P = 0.072). No statistical significant differences were observed in the expression of LTCCs and RyR2 between SevoPoC and DRIPC. In addition, subsequent correlation analysis showed a significantly positive relationship between the cardiac troponin I level and the protein expression of NCX1 (r = 0.505, P = 0.023). Conclusion: SevoPoC may be more effective in the cardioprotection than DRIPC partly due to the deactivation of NCX1.

Background: One-lung ventilation (OLV) is a common ventilation technology during thoracic surgery that can cause serious clinical problems. We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to compare oxygenation and intrapulmonary shunt during OLV in adults undergoing thoracic surgery with dexmedetomidine (Dex) versus placebo to assess the influence and safety of using Dex. Methods: Randomized controlled trials comparing lung protection in patients who underwent thoracic surgery with Dex or a placebo were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and China CNKI database. The following information was extracted from the paper: arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2), PaO2/inspired oxygen concentration (PaO2/FiO2, oxygenation index [OI]), intrapulmonary shunt (calculated as Qs/Qt), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Results: Fourteen randomized controlled trials were included containing a total of 625 patients. Compared with placebo group, Dex significantly increased PaO2/FiO2(standard mean difference [SMD] = 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.72, 1.23], P < 0.00001). Besides, Qs/Qt (SMD= −1.22, 95% CI [−2.20, −0.23], P = 0.020), HR (SMD= −0.69, 95% CI [−1.20, 0.17], P = 0.009), MAP (SMD= −0.44, 95% CI [−0.84, 0.04], P = 0.030), the concentrations of TNF-α (SMD = −1.55, 95% CI [−2.16, −0.95], P

Objective To evaluate the effect of the comprehensive intervention of the oral health education for children aged 6 to 12 years.Methods The oral health knowledge questionnaire was used to evaluatethe children′s awareness about oral health and the correct rate of tooth-brushing before and after 12-month comprehensive intervention. Two organizational forms about pit and fissure sealant were adopted. In city school, students were brought by their parents to the hospital to do pit and fissure sealant, while in rural school, hospital medical team went to schools to do pit and fissure sealant for the students. Compare the sealants retention rate in 12-month follow-up between two forms. The total sealants retention rate among 6-month, 12-month and 24-month follow-up were compared.Results Before and after oral health education guidance, the rate of children′s oral health awareness was 68% and 96%, and the correct rate of tooth-brushing was 64% and 92% respectively (P

Limited information is available concerning the epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in children with leukemia in Eastern China. Therefore, a case-control study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in this patient group and to identify risk factors and possible routes of infection. Serum samples were collected from 339 children with leukemia and 339 age matched health control subjects in Qingdao from September 2014 to March 2018. Enzyme linked immunoassays were used to screen anti- T. gondii IgG and anti- T. gondii IgM antibodies. Forty-eight (14.2%) children with leukemia and 31 (9.1%) control subjects were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies (P