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Objective To explore the myoblast formation around the urethra and increase in urethral resistance of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells or muscle-like cells/calcium alginate composite gel injection therapy and effect on LPP in SUI rat model. Methods Isolation, cultivation, and identification of SD rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell were performed. 5-Azacytidine was introduced to induce muscle-like cells. SUI was produced in 72 6-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats, which were divided into four groups: stem cell-gel group, muscle-like cell-gel group, Gel group, and mock control group. One, 4, and 8 weeks after injection, the leak point pressure (LPP) was measured. HE staining of Desmin and α-skeletal muscle actin (α-SMA) were performed. Results At 4 and 8 weeks after injection in stem cell-gel group and muscle-like cell-gel group, growth of blood vessels gradually increased at gel edge, BMSC, and muscle-like cells gathered around the new blood vessels observed by fluorescence tracer, muscle-like cells grew into elongated spindle-like cells, Desmin, and α-SMA staining were obviously positive expression. LPP determinations of the mock control group compared with the Gel groups were significantly different. Conclusions Compound of BMSC, muscle-like cells, and calcium alginate composite gel has the potential to differentiate into muscle cells in the microenvironment of SUI rat model. It is found by LPP measurement that the correlation between the increase in urethral resistance and the volume effect of calcium alginate gel is high. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 281-286, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorbus pohuashanensis is an important non-timber tree species in Northeast China. There are two approaches for its fruit-and seed dispersal, i. e. , natural dispersal and animal dispersal. In this paper, a field observation was conducted to study the characteristics of animal predation and dispersal of S. pohuashanensis fruits and seeds, and the effects of the predation and dispersal on the natural regeneration of the tree species. During the fruit-ripening stage of S. pohuashanensis in 2008 and 2009, there were 8 species of birds visiting S. pohuashanensis fruits, among which, three pulp- eating species Turdus naumanni, Cyanopica cyana, and Dendrocopos leucotos could disperse S. pohuashanensis seeds. The visiting frequency of the three species to S. pohuashanensis fruits was 54%, 12%, and 7%, respectively, and the first stop spot after predation was mainly within 5- 10 m away from the visited trees (with a proportion of 68-2%), secondly within 5 m (27-3%), and only 4-5% was out of 10 m. The retention time of S. pohuashanensis fruits in the digestive tract of the bird dispersers was up to 20 min, implying a long potential dispersal distance. Fruit-and seed placement tests showed that the fruits artificially placed in different habitats were disappeared within 6-7 days, and the fruit predators on the ground were mainly rodents and ground-feeding birds, with the predation rates being 50% -70%, while the seed predators on the ground were rodents, ground-feeding birds, and ants, with the predation rates only 1% -5%. S. pohuashanensis could provide food for a variety of frugivorous animals, and in return, the animals could disperse S. pohuashanensis seeds, which might have profound effects on the natural regeneration of S. pohuashanensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorbus pohuashanensis is an important non-timber tree species in Northeast China, but poor in natural regeneration via seed dispersal. In this paper, a field observation was made on the seed dispersal of S. pohuashanensis, its seedling emergence, and soil seed bank, aimed to study the factors affecting the natural regeneration of this tree species. There were 96-1% of naturally dispersed S. pohuashanensis seeds distributed within the range of 2 m around the stock tree, and 97.0% of the seeds in soil seed bank distributed in litter layer and 0-2 cm surface soil. The seed quantity in soil seed bank differed greatly with seasons, being the maximum [(257.7±69.2) seeds per square meter] in early November in the year of seed dispersal, and the minimum [only (2.9± 2.9) seeds per square meter] in next July. Temperature was not the limiting factor affecting the seedling emergence of S. pohuashanensis [at 0°C-5 °C, the seedling emergence percentage could reach (67.5±6.6)%], but strongly affected the seedling emergence rate. The most proper soil moisture content for the seedling emergence was 50%, under which, the seedling emergence percentage could reach (74.7±4.2)%. When the soil moisture content was up to 60%, the seedling mortality was the lowest (32.6% ±0.6%). All the results suggested that the seed dispersal pattern of S. pohuashanensis and the spatiotemporal dynamics of soil seed bank could affect the seedling emergence of the tree species, and further, affect the population natural regeneration of S. pohuashanensis via seed dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorbus pohuashanensis is an important non timber tree species in Northeast China. Aimed to study the natural regeneration characteristics of this tree species and related affecting factors, representative S. pohuashanensis forests in the forest region of eastern Northeast China were investigated by line sampling method. In this forest region, S. pohuashanensis was regenerated by seed propagation, stump sprouting, and root sprouting. In intact or poor habitat natural forests, the proportions of the S. pohuashanensis seedlings established by each of the three regeneration methods occupied roughly a third, with no significant difference (P>0.05) among them; while in secondary forests, the frequency of stump sprouts (16.5%) was lower than that in natural forests. Even so, the combination of stump sprouting and root sprouting could likely maintain a stable local population. Root sprouting could make the seedlings spread more than 50 cm away from the stump. The transfer rate from diameter class II (1.0-2.9 cm) to diameter class III (3.0-4.9 cm) was 25.6% in secondary forests, 45.3% in poor habitat natural forests, and 15.9% in intact natural forests, suggesting that the lower transfer rate was the key limiting factor for S. pohuashanensis natural regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Crown-tetrathia[3.3.3.3]metacyclophanes 3a–c were synthesized via intermolcular coupling reaction in 22–30% yields. X-ray crystal analysis of 3b revealed that it adopted a perpendicular conformation ( 3b-B or 3b-C ) in which two aromatic rings were inclined to be perpendicular to the opposite aromatic rings, driving two internal methyl groups into the π-cloud of the corresponding benzene rings. Furthermore, this perpendicular structural feature led to benzylic protons of thia-bridges being in close proximity to the adjacent aromatic rings. As a result, the induced upfield shifts for the two internal methyl protons and four benzylic protons were clearly observed in dynamic 1H NMR spectra at low temperature, indicating that the intramolecular C–H⋯π interaction became increasingly important at low temperature. The energy barrier for inter-conversion between 3b-B and 3b-C was estimated to be 12.1kcalmol−1 by using a coalescence method. The total stabilization enthalpy of the C–H⋯π interactions was quantitatively calculated to be 7.9±0.8kcalmol−1 by the dynamic NMR spectroscopy. In contrast, 3a showed two non-interconvertible conformers at room temperature, which tended to interconvert at elevated temperature, however, many conformers co-existed at low temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Outbreaks of dengue fever are often found among Dai ethnical communities along China-Myanmar border. The objective of this study was: 1) to investigate residents' health perceptions, knowledge and control willingness to participate in dengue control and 2) to identify factors associated with control willingness among the Dai ethnic community.Methods: This is a mixed method study of a cross-sectional design, in which qualitative in-depth interviews and quantitative household questionnaire surveys are included.Results: Questionnaire was administered to 261 household heads, and in-depth interview was conducted with 18 key informants. Of them, many participants (70%, 182/259) and 12 key informants (66.7%) from the two rural communities believed that the Lord Buddha would protect the good people. Majority of the participants (81.4%, 206/253) knew that fever was one of dengue fever symptoms and most of them (82.2%, 213/259) indicated that mosquitoes could transmit dengue fever. However, only one third of the participants (30.1%, 78/259) indicated the perceived susceptibility of dengue fever, and only a half of them (50.2%, 130/259) indicated the perceived severity of dengue fever. Multivariate logistic analysis (MLA) indicated that the participants with family wealth index (FWI) 4-5 (OR: 22.9728; 95%CI: 2.4257-217.5688, p = 0.0063) were more likely to turn containers upside down (TCUD) compared to those with FWI 1-3; and the participants in the urban community (OR: 0.0239; 95%CI: 0.0019-0.3032, p = 0.004) were less likely to TCUD compared to those in the two rural communities. Around one third of the participants (36.8%, 96/239) reported that they were willing to seek treatment first for dengue fever from public health facilities. The MLA identified that the participants with the perceived severity of dengue fever (OR: 5.0564; 95%CI: 2.0672-12.3683, p = 0.0004), and with beliefs of sound hygiene helpful to people's health (OR: 11.5671; 95%CI: 2.0505-65.2502, p = 0.0055) were more likely to seek treatment first for dengue fever from the public health facilities.Conclusion: The study finds that most of Dai people have sound knowledge. However, health educational interventions should target to promote the perceived susceptibility and the perceived severity of dengue fever among Dai people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eradication of infectious disease is the sanctified public health and sustainable development goal around the world. Main body: Three antimalarial barriers were developed to control imported malarial cases, and an effective surveillance strategy known as the "1–3–7 approach" was developed to eliminate malaria from the Chinese population. From 2011 to 2019, 5254 confirmed malaria cases were reported and treated in Yunnan Province, China. Among them, 4566 cases were imported from other countries, and 688 cases were indigenous from 2011 to 2016. Since 2017, no new local malarial case has been reported in China. Thus, malaria has been completely eliminated in Yunnan Province. However, malaria is detected in overseas travellers on a regular basis, such as visitors from neighbouring Myanmar. Conclusion: Hence, the strategies should be further strengthened to maintain a robust public health infrastructure for disease surveillance and vector control programs in border areas. Such programs should be supported technically and financially by the government to avert the possibility of a malarial resurgence in Yunnan Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Yunnan Province was considered the most difficult place in China for malaria elimination because of its complex malaria epidemiology, heterogeneous ecological features, relatively modest economic development, and long, porous border with three malaria endemic countries: Lao People's Democratic Republic, Myanmar, and Viet Nam. Methods: Academic publications and grey literature relevant to malaria elimination in Yunnan covering the period from 1950 until 2020 inclusive were considered. The following academic indexes were searched: China Science Periodical Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, and MEDLINE. Grey literature sources were mainly available from the National Institute of Parasitic Diseases (NIPD), the Chinese Center for Diseases Control and Prevention, and the Yunnan Institute of Parasitic Diseases (YIPD). Results: A malaria elimination campaign in the 1950–1960s, based mainly on mass administration of antimalarial drugs and large-scale vector control, reduced morbidity and mortality from malaria and interrupted transmission in some areas, although elimination was not achieved. Similar strategies were used to contain outbreaks and a resurgence of disease during the 1970s, when malaria services were discontinued. From the 1980s, malaria incidence declined, despite the challenges of large numbers of mobile and migrant populations and an unstable primary health care system in rural areas following economic transformation. Launch of the national malaria elimination programme in 2010 led to adoption of the '1–3-7′ surveillance and response strategy specifying timely detection of and response for every case, supported by the establishment of a real-time web-based disease surveillance system and a new primary health care system in rural areas. Border malaria was addressed in Yunnan by strengthening the surveillance system down to the lowest level, cross-border collaboration with neighbouring countries and non-governmental organizations, and the involvement of other sectors. Conclusions: Seven decades of work to eliminate malaria in Yunnan have shown the importance of political commitment, technically sound strategies with high quality implementation, a robust surveillance and response system at all levels, community participation and effective management of border malaria. The experiences and lessons learned from elimination remain important for prevention re-establishment of malaria transmission in the Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Myanmar, epidemiological conditions have been unclear due to a lack of accurate data. In 2014 and 2016, malaria outbreaks occurred in the Shan Special Region II (SSR2). It was reported that these outbreaks were caused by malaria patients from the Salween River Valley (SRV), but further research is needed to confirm these reports. To examine the risks of malaria infection in the SSR2 section of the SRV, this paper offers a retrospective analysis based on the data we collected in 2009.Methods: A multivariate logistic model was utilized to analyze risk factors associated with the slide positivity of 2009. Results of the investigation in 2009 were compared with updated data.Results: The number of slide positivity was 91 (24.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 20.3-29.4%) among 369 people who had fever 2 weeks ago of the survey, including 74 (20.1%; 95%CI, 16.1-24.5%) cases of P. falciparum, 13 (3.5%; 95%CI, 1.9-5.9%) of P.vivax and 4 (1.1%, 95%CI, 0.3-2.8%) of P. malariae. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) was 99.8 (95% CI, 24.7-887.7) for patients' age < 15 years, 6.61 (95%CI, 3.57-10.49) for people living at an altitude of < 800 m, 6.35 (95%CI, 2.45-23.27) for people lacking knowledge on malaria transmission and knowledge on symptoms, 2.10 (95%CI, 1.22-5.11) for people taking no measures against mosquito bites and 5.55 (95%CI, 2.65-13.05) for people delaying treatment. Compared with annual parasitic incidences 13.80 per 10,000 person-years (422/305733) in 2014, 2.36 per 10,000 person-years (73/309004) in 2015 and 5.25 per 10,000 person-years (164/312310) in 2015, malaria burden is reduced.Conclusion: Age, lower altitude, a lack of knowledge about malaria transmission and symptoms, inaction of measures against mosquito bites and delayed treatment-seeking were independent risk factors for slide positivity. These results indicate that malaria transmission was likely within housing settlements in the SRV, and that the transmission rates within the SRV are higher than in other areas. In order to eliminate malaria, it is important for people to obtain qualified treatment to contain artemisinin resistance.Trial Registration: Trial registration number: ChiCTR-COC-17012522 . Retrospectively registered 31 August 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient conversion of CO2 to value‐added products represents one of the most attractive solutions to mitigate climate change and tackle the associated environmental issues. In particular, electrochemical CO2 reduction to fuels and chemicals has garnered tremendous interest over the last decades. Among all products from CO2 reduction, formic acid is considered one of the most economically vital CO2 reduction products. P‐block metals (especially Bi, Sn, In, and Pb) have been extensively investigated and recognized as the most efficient catalytic materials for the CO2 electroreduction to formate. Despite remarkable progress, the future implementation of this technology at the industrial‐scale hinges on the ability to solve remaining roadblocks. In this review, the current research status, challenges, and prospects of p‐block metal‐based catalysts primarily for CO2 electroreduction to formate are comprehensively reviewed. The rational design and nanostructure engineering of these p‐block metal catalysts for the optimization of their electrochemical performances are discussed in detail. Subsequently, the recent progress in the development of state‐of‐the‐art operando characterization techniques together with the design of advanced electrochemical cells to uncover the intrinsic catalysis mechanism is discussed. Lastly, a perspective on future directions including tackling critical challenges to realize its early industrial implementation is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) expressions are dramatically up-regulated in injured brain tissues, thereby conferring neurological protective effects. We intended to determine significance of serum MANF as a prognostic biomarker of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Methods: In this prospective, observational study done from February 2018 to July 2021, 124 patients with new-onset primary supratentorial ICH were consecutively enrolled. Also, a group of 124 healthy individuals constituted controls. Their serum MANF levels were detected using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and hematoma volume were designated as the two severity indicators. Early neurologic deterioration (END) was referred to as an increase of 4 or greater points in NIHSS scores or death at post-stroke 24 h. Post-stroke 90-day modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores of 3–6 was considered as a poor prognosis. Serum MANF levels were analyzed using multivariate analysis with respect to its association with stroke severity and prognosis. Results: Patients, in comparison to controls, displayed markedly elevated serum MANF levels (median, 24.7 versus 2.7 ng/ml; P < 0.001), and serum MANF levels were independently correlated with NIHSS scores (beta, 3.912; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.623-6.200; VIF = 2.394; t = 3.385; P = 0.002), hematoma volumes (beta, 1.688; 95% CI, 0.764–2.612; VIF = 2.661; t = 3.617; P = 0.001) and mRS scores (beta, 0.018; 95% CI, 0.013–0.023; VIF = 1.984; t = 2.047; P = 0.043). Serum MANF levels significantly predicted END and poor 90-day prognosis with areas under receiver operating characteristic curve at 0.752 and 0.787 respectively. END and prognostic predictive abilities were similar between serum MANF levels and NIHSS scores plus hematoma volumes (all P > 0.05). Combination of serum MANF levels with NIHSS scores and hematoma volumes had significantly higher prognostic capability than each of them (both P < 0.05). Serum MANF levels above 52.5 ng/ml and 62.0 ng/ml distinguished development of END and poor prognosis respectively with median-high sensitivity and specificity values. Using multivariate analysis, serum MANF levels > 52.5 ng/ml predicted END with odds ratio (OR) value of 2.713 (95% CI, 1.004–7.330; P = 0.042) and > 62.0 ng/ml predicted a poor prognosis with OR value of 3.848 (95% CI, 1.193–12.417; P = 0.024). Using restricted cubic spline, there was a linear correlation between serum MANF levels and poor prognosis or END risk (both P > 0.05). Nomograms were well established to predict END and a poor 90-day prognosis. Under calibration curve, such combination models were comparatively stable (using Hosmer & Lemeshow test, both P > 0.05). Conclusion: Increased serum MANF levels after ICH, in independent correlation with disease severity, independently distinguished risks of END and 90-day poor prognosis. Therefore, serum MANF may be a potential prognostic biomarker of ICH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emerging evidence manifests that cyclin‐dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) plays an essential part in the initiation and progression of several types of human cancer, and its descending expression is correlated with an adverse prognosis. However, the precise role of CDK6 in Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains obscure. Aims: To identify the potential ceRNA regulatory axis of CDK6 in PC and explore its relationship with immune cells and immune checkpoints. Materials & Methods: Using The Cancer Genome Atlas TCGA and GTEx data analyze the expression and survival of CDK6 in patients in pan‐cancer, and cellular experiments were performed to verify the effect of CDK6 on cell function. Using GEPIA and STARBASE databases to analyze prognosis, expression and survival, and identify non coding RNA (ncRNA) that mediates CDK6 overexpression. The TIMER 2.0 database was used for immune correlation analysis. Results: We revealed CDK6 might be an oncogene in PC, and the HOXA11‐AS /NR2F1‐AS1‐ miR‐454‐3p axis was identified as the possible upstream ncRNA‐associated pathway of CDK6 in PC. In addition, CDK6 show significant association with three immune checkpoints (PD‐L1, PD‐L2, and HAVCR2), the infiltration level of immune cells, and immunity biomarkers. Discussion: We discussed some applications of CDK6 in breast cancer, melanoma, and hemorrhagic malignancies. The role of miR‐15a‐5p, HOXA11‐AS and NR2F1‐AS1 in tumor development was also discussed based on existing studies. The potential mechanism of CDK6 affecting immune cells in pancreatic cancer was discussed. Conclusions: Overall, these results established that nc‐RNA‐mediated high expression of CDK6 is associated with patient outcomes and immune invasion in pancreatic cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Malaria importation can be caused by cross-border movement either of both people and anopheline mosquitoes. However, there still lacks robust evidence of imported malaria caused by Plasmodium spp. infected anopheles along international border areas (border-spill malaria). The objectives of this study were to confirm whether an outbreak of Plasmodium vivax malaria is border-spill malaria and assess the effects of China's public health response along China-Myanmar border. Methods: Epidemiological, parasitological and entomological investigations were conducted to investigate the outbreak of border-spill malaria. Meanwhile, comprehensive interventions were carried out to prevent further transmission and reintroduction of malaria. Results: Rapid diagnostic testing, microscopy and polymerase chain reaction were performed and the infections were confirmed as P. vivax. A total of 22 (9.21%) of 239 workers contracted P. vivax during the outbreak. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that the distance of worker shelters in China within 300 meters to the internally displaced person (IDP) camps in Myanmar was a risk factors associated with malaria infection (adjusted odds ratio 7.5920; 95% confidence interval, 2.6079–22.1013; P = 0.0002). After comprehensive interventions, malaria transmission was successfully interpreted and prevented at the project site till the completion of project on 14 January 2020, and recurrence of P. vivax malaria was not detected by the end of 2020. Conclusion: This study provided robust evidence of border-spill malaria along China-Myanmar border. Malaria parasite reservoir and distance travelled by female anopheline mosquitoes are two determinants for border-spill malaria. The public health response to the outbreak indicates that the malaria surveillance and response system works well in preventing reintroduction of malaria. However, prevention of border-spill malaria is still a major challenge in the Yunnan border area, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Adrenomedullin was released after acute intracerebral hemorrhage. [•] Adrenomedullin was an independent predictor for long-term outcome. [•] Adrenomedullin has high predictive value for long-term outcome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Flexible strain sensor has promising features in successful application of health monitoring, electronic skins and smart robotics, etc. Here, we report an ultrasensitive strain sensor with a novel crack-wrinkle structure (CWS) based on graphite nanoplates (GNPs)/thermoplastic urethane (TPU)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) nanocomposite. The CWS is constructed by pressing and dragging GNP layer on TPU substrate, followed by encapsulating with PDMS as a protective layer. On the basis of the area statistics, the ratio of the crack and wrinkle structures accounts for 31.8% and 9.5%, respectively. When the sensor is stretched, the cracks fracture, the wrinkles could reduce the unrecoverable destruction of cracks, resulting in an excellent recoverability and stability. Based on introduction of the designed CWS in the sensor, the hysteresis effect is limited effectively. The CWS sensor possesses a satisfactory sensitivity (GF = 750 under 24% strain), an ultralow detectable limit (strain = 0.1%) and a short respond time of 90 ms. For the sensing service behaviors, the CWS sensor exhibits an ultrahigh durability (high stability > 2×104 stretching-releasing cycles). The excellent practicality of CWS sensor is demonstrated through various human motion tests, including vigorous exercises of various joint bending, and subtle motions of phonation, facial movements and wrist pulse. The present CWS sensor shows great developing potential in the field of cost-effective, portable and high-performance electronic skins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To compare the diagnostic value of S-Detect (a computer aided diagnosis system using deep learning) in differentiating thyroid nodules in radiologists with different experience and to assess if S-Detect can improve the diagnostic performance of radiologists.Materials and Methods: Between February 2018 and October 2019, 204 thyroid nodules in 181 patients were included. An experienced radiologist performed ultrasound for thyroid nodules and obtained the result of S-Detect. Four radiologists with different experience on thyroid ultrasound (Radiologist 1, 2, 3, 4 with 1, 4, 9, 20 years, respectively) analyzed the conventional ultrasound images of each thyroid nodule and made a diagnosis of "benign" or "malignant" based on the TI-RADS category. After referring to S-Detect results, they re-evaluated the diagnoses. The diagnostic performance of radiologists was analyzed before and after referring to the results of S-Detect.Results: The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of S-Detect were 77.0, 91.3, 65.2, 68.3 and 90.1%, respectively. In comparison with the less experienced radiologists (radiologist 1 and 2), S-Detect had a higher area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy and specificity (p <0.05). In comparison with the most experienced radiologist, the diagnostic accuracy and AUC were lower (p<0.05). In the less experienced radiologists, the diagnostic accuracy, specificity and AUC were significantly improved when combined with S-Detect (p<0.05), but not for experienced radiologists (radiologist 3 and 4) (p>0.05).Conclusions: S-Detect may become an additional diagnostic method for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules and improve the diagnostic performance of less experienced radiologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: We found that a rice NADPH oxidase gene OsRbohB contributes drought tolerance and its functions are involved in the interaction of the OsRbohB-mediated ROS production and ABA signaling. The plasma membrane NADPH oxidases, also known as respiratory burst oxidase homologs, are the key producers of ROS under both normal and stress conditions in plants. However, their functions in rice development and stress tolerance are still under investigation. Here, we found that a rice NADPH oxidase gene OsRbohB, also named OsNOX1, is expressed in all tissues examined throughout the development stages with higher transcripts in leaves. The transcriptional expression of OsRbohB is also strongly stimulated by dehydration, salt and several phytohormonal treatments. Compared with wide-type and the OsRbohB-overexpressing transgenic plants, osrbohB, a Tos17 insertion knockout mutant of OsRbohB, shows lower ROS production, abscisic acid (ABA) content and transcripts of a series of stress-related genes. The osrbohB mutant also exhibits lower seed germination rate, organ size and thousand seed weight, but higher stomatal aperture and sensitivity to drought. Moreover, a number of genes involved in plant development, stress response, transcriptional regulation, and particularly ABA signaling are differentially expressed in osrbohB plants under both normal growth and drought conditions. All these results suggest the roles of OsRbohB in drought tolerance of rice, which probably performed through the interaction of the OsRbohB-mediated ROS production and ABA signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) categorization of focal liver lesions (FLLs) on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in comparison with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI). A total of 63 patients with 84 FLLs were included in the final study population, after review of the electronic medical records and clinical data. Two trained radiologists evaluated all CEUS and CE-MRI images independently. They assigned a LI-RADS category to each FLL and assessed major features based on CEUS LI-RADS Version 2017 and computed tomography/MRI LI-RADS Version 2018. The generalized estimating equation method was used to compare the diagnostic performance of the LI-RADS algorithm between CEUS and CE-MRI. The sensitivity of LR-5/LR-TIV (tumor in vein) categories for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) differed significantly between CEUS and CE-MRI (88.9% [40/45], 95% confidence interval [CI]: 76.5%-95.2%), versus 64.4% (29/45; 95% CI: 49.8%-76.8%), p = 0.006; 82.2% (37/45; 95% CI: 68.7%-90.7%), versus 62.2% (28/45; 95% CI: 47.6%-74.9%), p = 0.034. Inter-observer agreement was substantial for assigning LR-5 on both CEUS and CE-MRI. For both reviewers, there was a higher frequency of LR-5 (44.0% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.009; 42.9% vs. 26.2%, p = 0.023) in CEUS compared with CE-MRI. Arterial phase hyper-enhancement (APHE) was less frequently observed on CEUS than on CE-MRI (46.4% vs. 61.9%, p = 0.044). However, the washout appearance was observed more frequently on CEUS than on CE-MRI (50.0% vs. 28.6%, p = 0.004). Inter-observer agreement between the two reviewers on APHE and washout appearance was excellent for both CEUS and CE-MRI. These findings suggest that CEUS had a much higher sensitivity than CE-MRI in the diagnosis of HCC using LI-RADS, and although the frequencies of major features differed, inter-observer agreement between the two reviewers on major features of HCC was excellent for both CEUS and CE-MRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver fibrosis refers to a reversible event of repair and reconstruction following injury due to various etiologies, and its continuous development will lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Abnormal alterations in intestinal microbiota can hasten the development of hepatic fibrosis and damage. Veronicastrum latifolium (Hemsl.) Yamazaki (VLY) is a classic drug applied extensively for managing acute and chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and ascites in ethnic minority areas of Guizhou Province, China, which possesses broad-spectrum pharmacological activities. In view of the crucial role of intestinal microbiota in the development of liver fibrosis, the present study attempted to investigate the effects of VLY aqueous extract on ameliorating CCl 4 -elicited liver fibrosis in mice and on intestinal microbiota and to explore its possible mechanism. Phytochemical analysis showed that VLY water extract contained a variety of components, particularly rich in organic acids and their derivatives, flavonoids, phenolic acids, nucleotides and their derivatives, carbohydrates and other compounds. VLY water extract remarkably alleviated CCl 4 -induced liver damage and fibrosis in mice, improved liver histology, and improved liver function abnormalities. VLY water extract also inhibited the activation of hepatic stellate cells and invasion of intrahepatic inflammatory cells. Additionally, sequencing the 16 s rDNA gene revealed that VLY water extract changed the intestinal microbiota composition in liver fibrotic mice. It elevated the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio and enriched the relative Lactobacillus richness, which is capable of mitigating fibrosis and inflammation in impaired liver. In summary, through modulation of inflammation and intestinal microbiota, VLY water extract can reduce the CCl 4 -elicited liver fibrosis. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide. Increasing evidence has confirmed the pivotal role of stromal components in the regulation of carcinogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance in PC. Interaction between neoplastic cells and stromal cells builds a specific microenvironment, which further modulates the malignant properties of cancer cells. Instead of being a "passive bystander", stroma may play a role as a "partner in crime" in PC. However, the role of stromal components in PC is complex and requires further investigation. In this article, we review recent advances regarding the regulatory roles and mechanisms of stroma biology, especially the cellular components such as pancreatic stellate cells, macrophages, neutrophils, adipocytes, epithelial cells, pericytes, mast cells, and lymphocytes, in PC. Crosstalk between stromal cells and cancer cells is thoroughly investigated. We also review the prognostic value and molecular therapeutic targets of stroma in PC. This review may help us further understand the molecular mechanisms of stromal biology and its role in PC development and therapeutic resistance. Moreover, targeting stroma components may provide new therapeutic strategies for this stubborn disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains one of the most lethal malignant tumors; early distant metastasis commonly results in poor prognosis. Recent studies confirmed the pivotal role of the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumorigenesis and metastasis of malignant tumors, including PC. However, little is known about the role of LincRNA-ROR (linc-ROR) in PC. In the present study, we found that linc-ROR was upregulated in PC tissues. Overexpression of linc-ROR promoted cells proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis both in vitro and in a mouse model. Contrarily, knockdown of linc-ROR attenuated proliferation, invasion and distant metastasis. Mechanistically, we confirmed that linc-ROR up-regulates ZEB1 and then induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which promotes the aggressive biological behaviors of PC. Together, these results indicate that linc-ROR acts as an important regulator of ZEB1, can promote invasion and metastasis in PC, and may represent a novel therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microencapsulated phase change materials (MEPCMs) possess great potential as thermal energy storage materials for heating and cooling applications in industries. However, one important disadvantage of many MEPCMs is their low thermal conductivity. To enhance the thermal conductivity of PCMs, additives with high thermal conductivity are usually added into PCMs. However, these additives might not be mixed uniformly with the PCMs. Herein we report the first use of a polyurethane acrylic lacquer and hardener (PALH) as an adhesive to allow the additives to be uniformly coated on the surface of the shell of MEPCMs. A vacuum filtration assisted drop-casting method was employed to coat nano additives such as nano graphite, copper nanowires, titanium carbide and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) on the shell of commercial MEPCM (MPCM 28D) using PALH. MWCNT was found to be the most effective in improving the thermal conductivity of the MEPCM, giving an 87% increase when just 5 wt% of MWCNT was added. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) images confirm the successful uniform coating of MWCNT on the shell of MPCM 28D , while Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) thermograms show that the phase change properties of MPCM 28D remain largely similar to the pre-coated MPCM 28D. Furthermore, thermal cycling tests indicate that MWCNT do not significantly affect the energy storage and release performance of MPCM 28D. These results indicate that coating MEPCMs with MWCNT can be a simple and effective method to improve their overall thermal conductivity without sacrificing its performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plasmodium vivax malaria, with the widest geographic distribution, can cause severe disease and death. Primaquine is the main licensed antimalarial drug that can kill hypnozoites. The dose-dependent acute haemolysis in individuals with glucose-6-phospate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the main safety concern when using primaquine. The recommended treatment regimen for P. vivax malaria is chloroquine plus primaquine for 14 days (CQPQ14) in Myanmar. The study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy, safety and adherence for the regimen of artemisinin-naphthoquine plus primaquine for 3 days (ANPQ3) in patients with P. vivax infections compared to those with CQPQ14., Methods: The patients in the ANPQ3 group were given fixed-dose artemisinin-naphthoquine (a total 24.5 mg/kg bodyweight) plus a lower total primaquine dose (0.9 mg/kg bodyweight) for 3 days. The patients in the CQPQ14 group were given a total chloroquine dose of 30 mg/kg body weight for 3 days plus a total primaquine dose of 4.2 mg/kg bodyweight for 14 days. All patients were followed up for 365 days., Results: A total of 288 patients completed follow-up, 172 in the ANPQ3 group and 116 in the CQPQ14 group. The first recurrence patients were detected by day 58 in both groups. By day 182, 16 recurrences had been recorded: 12 (7.0%) patients in the ANPQ3 group and 4 (3.4%) in the CQPQ14 group. The difference in recurrence-free patients was 3.5 (-8.6 to 1.5) percentage points between ANPQ3 and CQPQ14 group (P = 0.2946). By day 365, the percentage of recurrence-free patients was not significant between the two groups (P = 0.2257). Mean fever and parasite clearance time of ANPQ3 group were shorter than those in CQPQ14 group (P ≤ 0.001). No severe adverse effect was observed in ANPQ3 group, but five (3.9%) patients had acute haemolysis in CQPQ14 group (P = 0.013). Medication percentage of ANPQ3 group was significantly higher than that of CQPQ14 group (P < 0.0001)., Conclusions: Both ANPQ3 and CQPQ14 promised clinical cure efficacy, and the radical cure efficacy was similar between the ANPQ3 and CQPQ14 group. ANPQ3 clears fever and parasites faster than CQPQ14. ANPQ3 is safer and shows better patient adherence to the regimen for treatment of P. vivax malaria along the China-Myanmar border., Trial Registration: ChiCTR-INR-17012523. Registered 31 August 2017, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=21352., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objectives: Precise determination of cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) involvement in patients with early-stage thyroid cancer is fairly significant for identifying appropriate cervical treatment options. However, it is almost impossible to directly judge lymph node metastasis based on the imaging information of early-stage thyroid cancer patients with clinically negative lymph nodes., Methods: Preoperative US images (BMUS and CDFI) of 1031 clinically node negative PTC patients definitively diagnosed on pathology from two independent hospitals were divided into training set, validation set, internal test set, and external test set. An ensemble deep learning model based on ResNet-50 was built integrating clinical variables, BMUS, and CDFI images using a bagging classifier to predict metastasis of CLN. The final ensemble model performance was compared with expert interpretation., Results: The ensemble deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) achieved high performance in predicting CLNM in the test sets examined, with area under the curve values of 0.86 (95% CI 0.78-0.94) for the internal test set and 0.77 (95% CI 0.68-0.87) for the external test set. Compared to all radiologists averaged, the ensemble DCNN model also exhibited improved performance in making predictions. For the external validation set, accuracy was 0.72 versus 0.59 (p = 0.074), sensitivity was 0.75 versus 0.58 (p = 0.039), and specificity was 0.69 versus 0.60 (p = 0.078)., Conclusions: Deep learning can non-invasive predict CLNM for clinically node-negative PTC using conventional US imaging of thyroid cancer nodules and clinical variables in a multi-institutional dataset with superior accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity comparable to experts., Critical Relevance Statement: Deep learning efficiently predicts CLNM for clinically node-negative PTC based on US images and clinical variables in an advantageous manner., Key Points: • A deep learning-based ensemble algorithm for predicting CLNM in PTC was developed. • Ultrasound AI analysis combined with clinical data has advantages in predicting CLNM. • Compared to all experts averaged, the DCNN model achieved higher test performance., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Objectives: The study aims to monitor dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PPQ) efficacy in Plasmodium falciparum and detect molecular markers associated with its resistance., Methods: The World Health Organization's standard protocol for therapeutic efficacy studies (TES) was performed from 2014 to 2018; integrated drug efficacy surveillance (iDES) was performed from from 2019 to July 2023. Molecular markers were detected by polymerase chain reaction. The association between gene mutations and delayed parasite clearance was analysed by multivariate logistic regression analysis., Results: A total of 226 P. falciparum patients were enrolled in the TES from 2014 to 2018, and 26 patients with P. falciparum from Africa were recruited in the iDES from 2019 to July 2023. The PCR-adjusted clinical and parasitological cure rate was 93.7% (95% CI: 92.6-99.5%) in the TES and 96.2% (95% CI: 80.4-99.9%) in the iDEs. Twelve mutants and an overall 55.0% prevalence of pfK13 mutations were detected. Of them, G533S, C447R, C447S, N458Y, C469Y, and A676D were first detected out along the China-Myanmar border. Referred to the wild strain, adjusted odds ratios of treatment failure for G533S, N458Y, and P574L by 42 days were 7.54 (95% CI: 1.605-45.86), 13.68 (95% CI: 1.95-130.72), and 89.00 (95% CI: 1.98-2482.1), respectively., Conclusion: The efficacy of DHA-PPQ from 2014 to 2018 declined in comparison with 2003 to 2013, but it is still effective for treatment of P. falciparum malaria. Results of the iDES indicate a risk of artemisinin resistance in Africa. G533S, N458Y, and P574L are associated with delayed parasite clearance and treatment failure., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Appropriate malaria treatment-seeking behaviour (TSB) is critical for timely detecting malaria, prompt treatment, and prevention of onward transmission of the disease in a community. This study aimed to compare treatment-seeking behaviours between malaria patients and non-malaria febrile patients, and to analyse the factors associated with appropriate TSB along the China-Myanmar border., Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the appropriate TSB of microscopy-confirmed malaria patients versus non-malaria febrile (NMF) patients. An unconditional logistic regression analysis (LRA) was used to identify factors associated with appropriate TSB., Results: Among 223 malaria patients and 446 NMF patients, 129 (57.8%) of the malaria patients versus 163 (36.5%) of the NMF patients firstly sought treatment in health facilities without laboratory testing for malaria (P < 0.0001). A total of 85(38.1%) of the malaria patients versus 278 (62.3%) of the NMF patients had appropriate TSB, namely, seeking treatment in health facilities with laboratory testing for malaria within 48 h (P < 0.0001). Multivariate LRA identified that the malaria patients with Chinese nationality had less appropriate TSB compared to those with other nationalities (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.21, 95% confidence interval CI 0.07-0.68, P = 0.0097), and malaria patients residing in urban areas had more appropriate TSB compared to those living in rural areas (AOR: 2.16, 95%CI 1.06-4.39, P = 0.0337)., Conclusions: TSB was not appropriate in malaria patients. Chinese citizenship and rural residence were two independent factors associated with inappropriate malaria TSB. It is urgently necessary to improve appropriate malaria TSB through effective campaigns of information, education, and communication for malaria control in Myanmar and preventing reestablishment of malaria transmission in Yunnan, China., (© 2023. BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) has certificated China malaria free, but imported malaria is a continuous challenge in preventing reintroduction of malaria in the border area of China. Understanding risk factors of malaria along China-Myanmar border is benefit for preventing reintroduction of malaria in China and achieving the WHO's malaria elimination goal in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS)., Methods: This is a case-control study with one malaria case matched to two controls, in which cases were microscopy-confirmed malaria patients and controls were feverish people with microscopy-excluded malaria. A matched logistic regression analysis (LRA) was used to identify risk factors associated with malaria infection., Results: From May 2016 through October 2017, the study recruited 223 malaria cases (152 in China and 71 in Myanmar) and 446 controls (304 in China and 142 in Myanmar). All the 152 cases recruited in China were imported malaria. Independent factors associated with malaria infection were overnight out of home in one month prior to attendance of health facilities (adjusted odd ratio [AOR] 13.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.32-28.28, P < 0.0001), staying overnight in rural lowland and foothill (AOR 2.73, 95% CI: 1.45-5.14, P = 0.0019), staying overnight at altitude < 500 m (AOR 5.66, 95% CI: 3.01-10.71, P < 0.0001) and streamlets ≤ 100 m (AOR9.98, 95% CI: 4.96-20.09, P < 0.0001) in the border areas of Myanmar; and people lacking of knowledge of malaria transmission (AOR 2.17, 95% CI: 1.42-3.32, P = 0.0004)., Conclusions: Malaria transmission is highly focalized in lowland and foothill in the border areas of Myanmar. The risk factors associated with malaria infection are overnight staying out of home, at low altitude areas, proximity to streamlets and lack of knowledge of malaria transmission. To prevent reintroduction of malaria transmission in China and achieve the WHO goal of malaria elimination in the GMS, cross-border collaboration is continuously necessary, and health education is sorely needed for people in China to maintain their malaria knowledge and vigilance, and in Myanmar to improve their ability of personal protection., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

To understand how malaria could be eliminated in the original hyperendmic area for malaria along international borders in Yunnan Province, malaria situation and control were described on the basis of seven phases. At last the experiences and lessons of the program that reduced border malaria from hyperendmicity to malaria-free status were summarized. Malaria control and elimination area were particularly difficult in the Yunnan border. The achievement can be attributed to high political commitment, strategic and technical innovations based on the actual locality, effective collaboration and communication with neighbouring countries to carry out cross border interventions. Other border areas might perform their own pilot interventions based on their local context, including malaria burden, governing system, health service structure contextualized based on their socioeconomic development and ecology, and then a local decision could be made according to their own trial results., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Eliminating malaria and preventing re-establishment of malaria transmission in border areas requires universal coverage of malaria surveillance and a rapid response to any threats (i.e. malaria cues) of re-establishing transmission., Main Text: Strategy 1: Intensive interventions within 2.5 km-wide perimeter along the border to prevent border-spill malaria. The area within 2.5 km along the international border is the travel radius of anopheline mosquitoes. Comprehensive interventions should include: (1) proactive and passive case detection, (2) intensive vector surveillance, (3) evidence-based vector control, and (4) evidence-based preventative treatment with anti-malarial drugs. Strategy 2: Community-based malaria detection and screening of migrants and travellers in frontier townships. Un-permitted travellers cross borders frequently and present in frontier townships. Maintenance of intensified malaria surveillance should include: (1) passive malaria detection in the township hospitals, (2) seek assistance from villager leaders and health workers to monitor cross border travellers, and refer febrile patients to the township hospitals and (3) the county's Centre for Disease Control and Prevention maintain regular proactive case detection. Strategy 3: Universal coverage of malaria surveillance to detect malaria cues. Passive detection should be consolidated into the normal health service. Health services personnel should remain vigilant to ensure universal coverage of malaria detection and react promptly to any malaria cues. Strategy + 1: Strong collaborative support with neighbouring countries. Based on the agreement between the two countries, integrated control strategies should be carried out to reduce malaria burden for both countries. There should be a clear focus on the border areas between neighbouring countries., Conclusion: The 3 + 1 strategy is an experience summary of border malaria control and elimination, and then contributed to malaria elimination in Yunnan's border areas, China. Nevertheless, Yunnan still has remaining challenges of re-establishment of malaria transmission in the border areas, and the 3 + 1 strategy should still be carried out., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Objective: The purpose of this study was to improve the differentiation between malignant and benign thyroid nodules using deep learning (DL) in category 4 and 5 based on the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS, TR) from the American College of Radiology (ACR)., Design and Methods: From June 2, 2017 to April 23, 2019, 2082 thyroid ultrasound images from 1396 consecutive patients with confirmed pathology were retrospectively collected, of which 1289 nodules were category 4 (TR4) and 793 nodules were category 5 (TR5). Ninety percent of the B-mode ultrasound images were applied for training and validation, and the residual 10% and an independent external dataset for testing purpose by three different deep learning algorithms., Results: In the independent test set, the DL algorithm of best performance got an AUC of 0.904, 0.845, 0.829 in TR4, TR5, and TR4&5, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the optimal model was 0.829, 0.831 on TR4, 0.846, 0.778 on TR5, 0.790, 0.779 on TR4&5, versus the radiologists of 0.686 ( P =0.108), 0.766 ( P =0.101), 0.677 ( P =0.211), 0.750 ( P =0.128), and 0.680 ( P =0.023), 0.761 ( P =0.530), respectively., Conclusions: The study demonstrated that DL could improve the differentiation of malignant from benign thyroid nodules and had significant potential for clinical application on TR4 and TR5., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Wu, Lv, Yin, Xu, Yan, Chen, Wang, Zhang, Cui and Dietrich.)

Background: Globally, malaria is still a major public health challenge. Drug-based treatment is the primary intervention in malaria control and elimination. However, optimal use of mass or targeted treatments remains unclear. A variety of radical, preventive and presumptive treatment regimens have been administrated in China and a systematic review was conducted to evaluate effectiveness, and discuss experiences, limitations, and lessons learnt in relation to the use of these regimens., Methods: The search for information includes both paper documents, such as books, malaria control annals and guidelines for malaria prevention and treatment, as well as three computer-based databases in Chinese (CNKI, WanFangdata and Xueshu.baidu) and two databases in English (PubMed and Google Scholar), to identify original articles and reports associated with drug administration for malaria in China., Results: Starting from hyperendemicity to elimination of malaria in China, a large number of radical, preventive and presumptive treatment regimens had been tried. Those effective regimens were scaled up for malaria control and elimination programmes in China. Between 1949 and 1959, presumptive treatment with available anti-malarial drugs was given to people with enlarged spleens and those who had symptoms suggestive of malaria within the last 6 months. Between 1960 and 1999, mass drug administration (MDA) was given for preventive and radical treatment. Between 2000 and 2009, the approach was more targeted, and drugs were administed only to prevent malaria infection in those at high risk of exposure and those who needed radical treatment for suspected malaria. Presumptive therapy was only given to febrile patients. From 2010, the malaria programme changed into elimination phase, radical treatment changed to target individuals with confirmed either Plasmodium vivax or Plasmodium ovale within the last year. Preventive treatment was given to those who will travel to other endemic countries. Presumptive treatment was normally not given during this elimination phase. All cases of suspected were confirmed by either microscopy or rapid diagnosis tests for malaria antigens before drugs were administered. The engagement of the broader community ensured high coverage of these drug-based interventions, and the directly-observed therapy improved patient safety during drug administration., Conclusion: A large number of radical, preventive and presumptive treatment regimens for malaria had been tried in China with reported success, but the impact of drug-based interventions has been difficult to quantify because they are just a part of an integrated malaria control strategy. The historical experiences of China suggest that intervention trials should be done by the local health facilities with community involvement, and a local decision is made according to their own trial results.

Background: Dengue fever (DF) is a rapidly spreading mosquito-borne disease along the China-Myanmar border. Understanding treatment-seeking behaviors (TSBs) and associated factors of suspected DF patients in local communities helps to improve health services via promoting prompt treatment, improving patients' prognosis, finding DF information and timely response to DF foci., Methods: A combination of qualitative semi-structured in-depth interview (SDIs) included 18 key-informants, and quantitative household questionnaire survey (HHSs) involved 259 households was carried out to investigate TSBs and associated factors of suspected DF patients in the Eastern Shan Special Region IV (ESSR4), Myanmar., Results: The key informants mentioned that most of their fellow villagers did not seek treatment in public health facilities first. The HHS questionnaires were distributed to household heads, and 241 of the 259 HHS respondents were valid after data auditing. Only 102 (43.2%) household heads reported that their family sought treatment for suspected DF at a public health facility immediately; 111 (46.1%) respondents said that they chose self-medication first. The adjusted odds ratio of multivariate logistic analysis (MLA) predicting household heads' first seeking healthcare at a public hospital were 1.91 (95%CI: 1.03-3.53) for those who knew DF and 5.11 (95%CI: 2.08-12.58) for those who regarded DF as a deadly disease, indicating that families who knew DF and regarded DF as a deadly disease were more likely to seek treatment for suspected DF at a public health facility immediately., Conclusion: The inappropriateness of treatment-seeking behaviors for suspected DF hinders the improvement of the patient prognosis and dengue control in ESSR4, Myanmar. People's awareness of the potential seriousness of DF is a factor influencing appropriate healthcare-seeking behavior among Shan People.

Despite advances in therapy and achievements in translational research, pancreatic cancer (PC) remains an invariably fatal malignancy. Risk factors that affect the incidence of PC include diabetes, smoking, obesity, chronic pancreatitis, and diet. The growing worldwide obesity epidemic is associated with an increased risk of the most common cancers, including PC. Chronic inflammation, hormonal effects, circulating adipokines, and adipocyte-mediated inflammatory and immunosuppressive microenvironment are involved in the association of obesity with PC. Herein, we systematically review the epidemiology of PC and the biological mechanisms that may account for this association. Included in this review is a discussion of adipokine-mediated inflammation, lipid metabolism, and the interactions of adipocytes with cancer cells. We consider the influence of bariatric surgery on the risk of PC risk as well as potential molecular targets of therapy. Our review leads us to conclude that targeting adipose tissue to achieve weight loss may represent a new therapeutic strategy for preventing and treating PC., (Copyright © 2019 IAP and EPC. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To investigate the molecular mechanism of apoptosis of HL60 cells induced by oncolytic virus Reovirus type 3 (Reo3)., Methods: HL60 cells were infected with Reo3 at different multiplicity of infection (MOI) with the uninfected HL60 cells as control group. After 48 h of infection, the activity of HL60 cells infected with virus at different MOI was detected by CCK8 method to investigate the influence of MOI to cell activity. Simultaneously, the apoptotic rate of HL60 cells was detected by flow cytometry, and the activation level of double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) and the expression of apoptotic-related protein in HL60 cells were detected by Western blot. Before infection with Reo3 for 48 h, HL60 cells were treated with 2-aminopurine (2-AP), a specific inhibitor of PKR, for 24 h. Afterward, the apoptotic level and expression of apoptotic related proteins were detected., Results: Activity of HL60 cells was obviously inhibited after infected with Reo3 with a MOI of 1 for 48 h. The cell survival rate was (24.333±3.396)% and the apoptotic rate was (29.96±2.06)%. Both rates were all higher than those in the control group ( P < 0.05). Western blot results showed that the expression levels of PKR, p-PKR, Bax, Caspase3 and cleaved Caspase3 in HL60 cells infected with Reo3 were higher than those in the control group ( P < 0.05), while the expression level of Bcl-2 was lower ( P < 0.05). Compared with the group without inhibitor, the apoptotic rate of HL60 cells pretreated with 2-AP decreased ( P < 0.05), the phosphorylation level of PKR and the expression level of apoptotic-related protein also decreased ( P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Oncolytic virus Reo3 could activate PKR in HL60 cells and thus induce apoptosis of HL60 cells., (Copyright© by Editorial Board of Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Science Edition).)

Background/objectives: The clinicopathological features and biological behaviors of cystic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) are unclear and controversial. Here we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the unique characteristics of cystic pNETs, to determine whether they represent a distinct clinical entity., Methods: We selected comparative studies published since January 2000 that explore the differences between clinicopathological features of cystic and solid pNETs. Demographic information, pathological characteristics, and survival information were analyzed., Result: The 12 selected studies comprised 355 and 1530 patients diagnosed with cystic and solid pNETs, respectively. Compared with solid pNETs, cystic pNETs were less likely to be functional (odds ratio, OR = 0.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.19-0.50, p < 0.00001), more likely to affect males (OR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.22-2.00, p = 0.0005), and significantly associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (OR = 2.71). Cystic pNETs were more likely to present with G1 and G2 rather than G3 (OR = 1.66). Cystic pNETs were associated with less frequent distant organs and lymph node metastasis, microvascular invasion, perineural invasion, and a low Ki-67 index and mitotic count. There were no significant differences between 5- and 10-year overall survival. However, the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and 10-year DFS rate of patients with cystic pNETs was significantly higher compared with those with solid pNETs (94.6% vs 83.5%, OR = 3.00; 92.7% vs 63.6%, OR = 5.92, respectively)., Conclusions: Cystic pNETs represent a distinct subgroup of pNETs that present with an indolent biological behavior, and patients experience better DFS. Observation and surveillance should be considered in some selected cases., (Copyright © 2019 IAP and EPC. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To perform a meta-analysis of the related studies to assess whether circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can be used as a prognostic marker of esophageal cancer., Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and references in relevant studies were searched to assess the prognostic relevance of CTCs in patients with esophageal cancer. The primary outcome assessed was overall survival (OS). The meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model, with hazard ratio (HR), risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) as effect measures., Results: Nine eligible studies were included involving a total of 911 esophageal cancer patients. Overall analyses revealed that CTCs-positivity predicted disease progression (HR = 2.77, 95%CI: 1.75-4.40, P < 0.0001) and reduced OS (HR = 2.67, 95%CI: 1.99-3.58, P < 0.00001). Further subgroup analyses demonstrated that CTCs-positive patients also had poor OS in different subsets. Moreover, CTCs-positivity was also significantly associated with TNM stage (RR = 1.48, 95%CI: 1.07-2.06, P = 0.02) and T stage (RR = 1.44, 95%CI: 1.13-1.84, P = 0.003) in esophageal cancer., Conclusion: Detection of CTCs at baseline indicates poor prognosis in patients with esophageal cancer. However, this finding relies on data from observational studies and is potentially subject to selection bias. Prospective trials are warranted., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare that this is no conflict of interest related to this study.

The current status of the domestic manufacturing and sales markets of Anoectochilus roxburghii were investigated and analyzed in the study. Some problems in the A. roxburghii industry were revealed and a variety of sustainable development countermeasures were also proposed. The main problems of A. roxburghii industry are the lack of protection for wild resources, the lag in the speed of variety breeding, the insufficient research on the quality systems, the low level of industry and product innovation capability, as well as the relatively low market cognition and brand competence. Therefore, strengthening the protection for breeding resources, establishing a dynamic monitoring system, promoting the variety breeding, constructing a propagation system for improved varieties, enhancing the quality of medicinal herbs, accelerating the adjustment of product structure, upgrading the industry technology, strengthening brand competence and expanding the market, will be the effective methods to realize the sustainable development of A. roxburghii industry., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.)

In the wake of on-the-spot investigation into Chinese major production bases in Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Taiwan, Guangxi and Yunnan provinces, and based on relevant literature, the paper systematically elaborates the current researches of botanical origin, major cultivation type, seedling propagation technique as well as cultivation mode of Jinxianlian. The way of seedling breeding mainly includes aseptic seed culture, in vitro propagation, artificial seed and bioreactor propagation, etc. And the planting model mainly includes protected cultivation modes, bionic wild cultivation modes and pot cultivation modes, etc. Further discussions have also been conducted to tackle significant problems existing in the production process of Jinxianlian, based on personal studies of the authors. It has made considerable contributions for the betterment of Jinxianlian's development and improvement., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.)

Resistance to conventional therapy and early distant metastasis contribute to the unsatisfactory prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer. The concept of cancer stem cells (CSCs) brings new insights into cancer biology and therapy. Many studies have confirmed the important role of these stem cells in carcinogenesis and the development of hematopoietic and solid cancers. Recent studies have shown that CSCs regulate aggressive behavior, recurrence, and drug resistance in pancreatic cancer. Here, we review recent advances in pancreatic cancer stem cells (PCSCs) research. Particular attention is paid to the regulation mechanisms of pancreatic cancer stem cell functions, such as stemness-related signaling pathways, microRNAs, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the tumor microenvironment, and the development of novel PCSCs targeted therapy. We seek to further understand PCSCs and explore potential therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are mesenchymal tumors that arise from the gastrointestinal tract. In rare cases, these tumors are found in intra-abdominal sites unrelated to the gastrointestinal tract, such as the mesentery, omentum and retroperitoneum. However, pancreatic extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumors are extremely rare, with only 14 previous cases reported. A 61-year-old man with no clinical symptoms had a routine check-up, during which an abdominal mass located in the pancreas tail was detected. Abdominal surgery was performed with resection of the pancreas tail and the spleen, and he was diagnosed with low-risk GISTs. Another 60-year-old man with no clinical symptoms underwent Computed tomography which revealed a well-demarcated tumor, 6 cm in diameter, in the head of the pancreas. He was diagnosed with pancreatic GISTs. Here, we describe two rare cases of pancreatic GISTs and review the cases previously reported in the literature.

This is a case report of extensive necrotizing fasciitis (NF). A 65-year-old man presented with high fever, pain, swelling, and redness of the perineum, scrotum, and right lower limb. Based on the clinical symptoms and an imaging examination, a diagnosis of NF was made. The patient underwent an extensive exploration followed by daily bedside debridement. A diversion colostomy and six additional debridement procedures on the right thigh and perineum were subsequently performed. Although the patient had an eventful course, he recovered well under a multidisciplinary treatment regimen. The treatment and hospital course of the patient are described.

Objective: To describe the distribution of plasma high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and explore the relationship between hsCRP and metabolic risk factors among residents living in longevity areas of China., Methods: 268 individuals aged between 40 and 59 years and 506 individuals aged over 90 years were selected from 5 longevity areas of China to participate in a cross section longitudinal cohort study. The participants were interviewed with general health related questionnaire to collect their demographic, behavioral and lifestyle data, as well as their chronic conditions, and meanwhile their physical and biomedical parameters including waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), hsCRP, plasma lipids, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were measured., Results: The median of hsCRP was 0.99 mg/L in the middle-aged group and 1.76 mg/L in the oldest old group. No significant gender difference was observed between the above two groups. Among the oldest old individuals, 36.56% had an hsCRP level >3.0 mg/L. The prevalence of high hsCRP was 16.79% in the middle-aged group. The results of stepwise multiple linear regression analyses showed that HDL-C was independently associated with ln (hsCRP) concentration in the middle-aged group, whereas ln (TG), HDL-C and FBG were correlated after adjustment for gender, study site, smoking, drinking, education and BMI in the oldest old group., Conclusion: HDL-C is a stronger predictor of elevated hsCRP than other metabolic factors in the middle-aged population. For the oldest old persons, high TG, low HDL-C, and FBG predict elevated plasma hsCRP., (Copyright © 2012 The Editorial Board of Biomedical and Environmental Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To explore the relationship between anemia and cognitive function among senior female aged 90 years old and above in longevity regions in China., Methods: 383 senior female in 5 longevity areas from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) 2008 - 2009 were included in the study. The cognitive function was assessed by mini mental state examination (MMSE) scale. All subjects were administered the physical examinations and biochemical testing of blood, including the hemoglobin. The difference of cognitive function between those with and without anemia was analyzed. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between anemia and cognitive function., Results: The 383 subjects were divided into two groups, 141 in anemia group and 242 in group without anemia. The total score of cognitive function was 9.65 ± 9.32 in anemia group, and 13.06 ± 10.25 in group without anemia (χ(2) = 5.59, P < 0.05). The percentage of cognition impairment was 84.4% (119/141) in anemia group, and 72.3% (175/242) in group without anemia (χ(2) = 8.08, P < 0.05). In the multivariable logistic regressions, after adjustment for age, education, marital status, smoking and alcohol drinking, the risk for cognition impairment in anemia group was about twice of that in group without anemia (OR = 2.016, 95%CI: 1.185 - 3.431, P = 0.010)., Conclusion: Anemia increases the risk of cognition impairment among senior female in Chinese longevity areas.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of ubenimex capsule on general performance and chemotherapy related toxicity in patients with advanced gastric cancer undergoing chemotherapy., Methods: Patients with advanced gastric cancer were randomly divided into two groups: with or without ubenimex. All received the following regimen for 2 cycles: docetaxel 40mg/m(2) intravenous infusion on days 1 and 8, cisplatin 15mg/m(2) and tegafur 600mg/m(2) intravenous infusion from days 1 to 5. Oral ubenimex capsule at 30mg daily was continued for 8 weeks from the start of chemotherapy. Study targets included Karnofsky performance status (KPS), body weight, leukocytes, hemoglobin, variation of several immunologic index prior,during and after chemotherapy., Results: Sixty-three patients were recruited into this study, 32 randomly entered into the ubenimex capsule and 31 into the control group. KPS score and body weight after chemotherapy were more stable in the treatment group (P <0.05), and myelosuppression, including reduction of leukocytes, hemoglobin and platelets, was milder (P <0.05). T lymphocytes (CD3 +), T assisted- induced lymphocytes (CD3 +, CD4 +), T suppressor and NK cells (CD16 +, CD56 +) all increased after ubenimex capsule intake, while decreasing in the control group (P <0.05)., Conclusion: Ubenimex capsule could improve general performance and reduce chemotherapy related toxicity in patients with advanced gastric cancer.