Mass Measurement of Upper fp-Shell N=Z-2 and N=Z-1 Nuclei and the Importance of Three-Nucleon Force along the N=Z Line

Using a novel method of isochronous mass spectrometry, the masses of ^{62}Ge, ^{64}As, ^{66}Se, and ^{70}Kr are measured for the first time, and the masses of ^{58}Zn, ^{61}Ga, ^{63}Ge, ^{65}As, ^{67}Se, ^{71}Kr, and ^{75}Sr are redetermined with improved accuracy. The new masses allow us to derive residual proton-neutron interactions (δV_{pn}) in the N=Z nuclei, which are found to decrease (increase) with increasing mass A for even-even (odd-odd) nuclei beyond Z=28. This bifurcation of δV_{pn} cannot be reproduced by the available mass models, nor is it consistent with expectations of a pseudo-SU(4) symmetry restoration in the fp shell. We performed ab initio calculations with a chiral three-nucleon force (3NF) included, which indicate the enhancement of the T=1 pn pairing over the T=0 pn pairing in this mass region, leading to the opposite evolving trends of δV_{pn} in even-even and odd-odd nuclei.

Successful treatment of hyperglycemia with liraglutide in a hospitalized 27-year-old patient with schizophrenia: A case report

BACKGROUND

Antipsychotics are associated with abnormalities in glucose metabolism in patients with schizophrenia. Liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is Food and Drug Administration approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, ways to maintain the long-term stability of psychotic symptoms and balance the disadvantages of obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders caused by antipsychotic medications remain unclear. In this study, we present a case of weight gain and hyperglycemia in a schizophrenia patient who received antipsychotic polypharmacy for 6 years.

CASE SUMMARY

A 27-year-old man with olanzapine and sodium valproate-treated disorganized schizophrenia was admitted to a diabetes outpatient clinic. He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (fasting blood glucose, 20 mmol/L) and obesity (body mass index, 38.58 kg/m²). The patient had been treated with glargine (40 IU/d) and metformin (1.5 g/d) and showed a poor response for 2 mo. Two years of liraglutide treatment resulted in stable blood glucose levels and weight loss in addition to a maintained stable mental status for a long time. The biological activities of GLP-1 significantly improved glucose levels and body weight in the schizophrenia patient treated with antipsychotic medications.

CONCLUSION

Liraglutide administration can be considered an effective alternative treatment for abnormalities in glucose metabolism in schizophrenia patients receiving antipsychotics.

[Investigate developmental coordination disorder of kindergarten children in Zhejiang Province]

In order to investigate developmental coordination disorder (DCD) of kindergarten children in Zhejiang province, 200 ordinary kindergartens were randomly selected by stratified random sampling in 11 prefecture-level cities of Zhejiang Province, and 38 900 children from 1 000 classes in each grade were then randomly selected into the study from June 2019 to December 2019. The Little DCD Questionnaire and a self-designed questionnaire were used to screen the DCD of those children. There were 36 807 valid questionnaires, and 6.50% (2 391/36 807) of them were positive results. The results showed that boy, age ≤5 years, overweight or obesity, left handedness, comorbidity with motor or developmental disorders and premature infants were risk factors of DCD in children. As for parents and families, maternal gestational age<20 years, maternal overweight or obesity before pregnancy, low-middle level education of parents, direct family and low income of family were also associated with DCD in children. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct early prevention and intervention strategies targeting on identified risk factors among relevant population.

First Application of Mass Measurements with the Rare-RI Ring Reveals the Solar r-Process Abundance Trend at A=122 and A=123

The Rare-RI Ring (R3) is a recently commissioned cyclotronlike storage ring mass spectrometer dedicated to mass measurements of exotic nuclei far from stability at Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory (RIBF) in RIKEN. The first application of mass measurement using the R3 mass spectrometer at RIBF is reported. Rare isotopes produced at RIBF-^{127}Sn, ^{126}In, ^{125}Cd, ^{124}Ag, ^{123}Pd-were injected in R3. Masses of ^{126}In, ^{125}Cd, and ^{123}Pd were measured whereby the mass uncertainty of ^{123}Pd was improved. This is the first reported measurement with a new storage ring mass spectrometry technique realized at a heavy-ion cyclotron and employing individual injection of the preidentified rare nuclei. The latter is essential for the future mass measurements of the rarest isotopes produced at RIBF. The impact of the new ^{123}Pd result on the solar r-process abundances in a neutron star merger event is investigated by performing reaction network calculations of 20 trajectories with varying electron fraction Y_{e}. It is found that the neutron capture cross section on ^{123}Pd increases by a factor of 2.2 and β-delayed neutron emission probability, P_{1  n}, of ^{123}Rh increases by 14%. The neutron capture cross section on ^{122}Pd decreases by a factor of 2.6 leading to pileup of material at A=122, thus reproducing the trend of the solar r-process abundances. The trend of the two-neutron separation energies (S_{2n}) was investigated for the Pd isotopic chain. The new mass measurement with improved uncertainty excludes large changes of the S_{2n} value at N=77. Such large increase of the S_{2n} values before N=82 was proposed as an alternative to the quenching of the N=82 shell gap to reproduce r-process abundances in the mass region of A=112-124.

Low levels of organic compound trace elements improve the eggshell quality, antioxidant capacity, immune function, and mineral deposition of aged laying hens

In the egg production industry, trace elements are required as additional dietary supplements to play vital roles in performance and egg quality. Compared to inorganic microelements (ITs), appropriate dose of organic trace microelements (OTs) are environmentally friendly and sufficient to satisfy the needs of hens. In order to evaluate the extent to which low-dose OTs replace whole ITs, the effects of organic copper, zinc, manganese, and iron compound on the performance, eggshell quality, antioxidant capacity, immune function, and mineral deposition of old laying hens were investigated. A total of 1 080 57-week-old Jing Hong laying hens were assigned to five groups with six replicates of 36 layers each for an 8-week experimental period. The birds were fed either a basal diet (control treatment (CT)) or the basal diet supplemented with commercial levels of inorganic trace elements (IT 100%) or the equivalent organic trace elements at 20%, 30%, and 50% of the inorganic elements (OT 20%, OT 30%, and OT 50%, respectively). Results showed that compared with those in the CT treatment, feeding hens with inorganic or organic microelement diet had significant effects on the eggshell quality, antioxidant capacity, immune function, and mineral deposition of old laying hens (P < 0.05). The eggshell strength and ratio between OT 30%, OT 50%, and IT 100% were similar at weeks 4 and 8, and the eggshell thickness of these groups was also similar at weeks 6 and 8. At week 8, the eggshell colour in OT 50% was darker than that in IT 100%. The mineral content in the eggshells of OT 50% and IT 100% significantly increased (P < 0.001), with no significant difference in effective thickness, mammillary thickness, and mammillary knob width between groups. There were no differences in the malondialdehyde content, total antioxidant capacity, and total superoxide dismutase activity in serum between OT 30%, OT 50%, and IT100%. While the catalase activities, the interleukin-1β, interleukin-10, immunoglobulin G, and immunoglobulin M concentrations in serum were not significantly different between OT 50% and IT 100%. The mineral contents in the faeces of the organic groups were considerably reduced compared with those in IT 100% (P < 0.001). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 30-50% organic compound microelements has the potential to replace 100% inorganic microelements in the hen industry for improving eggshell quality, mineral deposition in the eggshell, antioxidant capacity, and immune function, and reducing emissions to the environment without negative effects on laying performance.

Association Study of Polymorphisms in Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Subunit Genes With Schizophrenia in the Han Chinese Population

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relation between nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit (nAChR) genes and schizophrenia, and the relation between tag single nucleotide polymorphism (rs1317286, rs1044396, rs6494212, rs16969968, and rs684513) and schizophrenia in Han Chinese people.

METHODS

The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network among nAChR protein and 350 proteins encoded by schizophrenia-related susceptibility genes was constructed through the String database to explore whether nAChR genes were associated with schizophrenia in these known databases. Then, five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CHRNA3 (rs1317286), CHRNA4 (rs1044396), CHRNA7 (rs6494212), and CHRNA5 (rs16969968, rs684513) were analyzed in a sample of 1,035 schizophrenic patients and 816 healthy controls. The interaction between the markers was analyzed using multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) software. Power analysis was performed using the Quanto program.

RESULTS

There are no significant differences in genotype or allele distribution were identified between the patients and controls (p>0.05). The haplotypes constructed by four markers rs1317286, rs6494212, rs16969968, and rs684513 were not associated with schizophrenia either. However, a significant association between models made of rs1317286, rs1044396, rs6494212, and rs684513 and schizophrenia was revealed in interaction analysis (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The nAChR protein may have effects on the development of schizophrenia through the interaction with proteins encoded by schizophrenia-related susceptibility genes, but no relation was found between selected polymorphisms and schizophrenia in the collected Han Chinese people. However, interaction analysis suggested four-SNP model has an important effect on schizophrenia.

[Characteristics and clinical significance of wideband tympanometry of otitis media with effusion in young children]

Objective: To study the characteristics of wideband tympanometry(WBT) and its application value in the diagnosis of otitis media with effusion(OME) in young children. Methods: We compared wideband acoustic energy absorbance(EA) under peak pressure in young children with OME(190 ears) and healthy control subjects(121 ears) from Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine between January 2018 and June 2020. Both groups were divided into three groups, 1-6 months, 7-36 months and 37-72 months. SPSS 20.0 statistical software was used to analyze and compare the EA parameters between OME children of different months and the control group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC)curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of WBT in young children with OME. Results: There were significant differences in EA among three OME groups from 500 Hz to 2 000 Hz(P<0.05).Compared with the control groups, EA of 1-6 m OME group decreased significantly below 4 000 Hz(P<0.05), EA of 7-36 m OME group decreased significantly at 545-1 600 Hz(P<0.05), EA of 37-72 m OME group decreased significantly above 545 Hz(P<0.05).ROC curve indicated that EA at 1 000 Hz had the greatest diagnostic value (AUC was 0.890), followed by 1 500 Hz and the range of 500-2 000 Hz (AUC was 0.883 and 0.881, respectively).EA at 1 000 Hz with a cutoff value of 0.55 had the best diagnostic sensitivity of 90.8%, which was higher than conventional tympanometry (85.8%). The maximum AUC (0.932) could be obtained by combining EA, peak pressure and admittance amplitude of 226 Hz tympanometry as predictors. Conclusions: EA is significantly decreased in young children with OME. Compared with the conventional single frequency tympanometry, WBT is more accurate in the diagnosis of OME in young children, and the prediction accuracy would be better if combined with 226 Hz tympanometry.

Identifying Modifiable Risk Factors for Relapse in Patients With Schizophrenia in China

BACKGROUND

Preventing relapse of schizophrenic patients is really a challenge. The present study sought to provide more explicit evidence and factors of different grades and weights by a series of step-by-step analysis through χ² test, logistic regression analysis and decision-tree model. The results of this study may contribute to controlling relapse of schizophrenic patients.

METHODS

A total of 1,487 schizophrenia patients were included who were 18-65 years of age and discharged from 10 hospitals in China from January 2009 to August 2009 and from September 2011 to February 2012 with improvements or recovery of treatment effect. We used a questionnaire to collect information about relapse and correlative factors during one year after discharge by medical record collection and telephone interview. The χ² test and logistic regression analysis were used to identify risk factors and high-risk factors firstly, and then a decision-tree model was used to find predictive factors.

RESULTS

The χ² test found nine risk factors which were associated with relapse. Logistic regression analysis also showed four high-risk factors further (medication adherence, occupational status, ability of daily living, payment method of medical costs). At last, a decision-tree model revealed four predictors of relapse; it showed that medication adherence was the first grade and the most powerful predictor of relapse (relapse rate for adherence vs. nonadherence: 22.9 vs. 55.7%, χ² = 116.36, p < 0.001). The second grade factor was occupational status (employment vs. unemployment: 19.7 vs. 42.7%, χ² = 17.72, p < 0.001); the third grade factors were ability of daily living (normal vs. difficult: 28.4 vs. 54.3%, χ² = 8.61, p = 0.010) and household income (household income ≥ 3000 RMB vs. <3000 RMB: 28.6 vs. 42.4%, χ² = 6.30, p = 0.036). The overall positive predictive value (PPV) of the logistic regression was 0.740, and the decision-tree model was 0.726. Both models were reliable.

CONCLUSIONS

For schizophrenic patients discharged from hospital, who had good medication adherence, more higher household income, be employed and normal ability of daily living, would be less likely to relapse. Decision tree provides a new path for doctors to find the schizophrenic inpatient's relapse risk and give them reasonable treatment suggestions after discharge.

Long-term in vivo study of biodegradable Zn-Cu stent: A 2-year implantation evaluation in porcine coronary artery

In the present study, a novel biodegradable Zn-0.8Cu coronary artery stent was fabricated and implanted into porcine coronary arteries for up to 24 months. Micro-CT analysis showed that the implanted stent was able to maintain structural integrity after 6 months, while its disintegration occurred after 9 months of implantation. After 24 months of implantation, approximately 28 ± 13 vol% of the stent remained. Optical coherence tomography and histological analysis showed that the endothelialization process could be completed within the first month after implantation, and no inflammation responses or thrombosis formation was observed within 24 months. Cross-section analysis indicated that the subsequent degradation products had been removed in the abluminal direction, guaranteeing that the strut could be replaced by normal tissue without the risk of contaminating the circulatory system, causing neither thrombosis nor inflammation response. The present work demonstrates that the Zn-0.8Cu stent has provided sufficient structural supporting and exhibited an appropriate degradation rate during 24 months of implantation without degradation product accumulation, thrombosis, or inflammation response. The results indicate that the Zn-0.8Cu coronary artery stent is promising for further clinical applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Although Zn and its alloys have been considered to be potential candidates of biodegradable metals for vascular stent use, by far, no Zn-based stent with appropriate medical device performance has been reported because of the low mechanical properties of zinc. The present work presents promising results of a Zn-Cu biodegradable vascular stent in porcine coronary arteries. The Zn-Cu stent fabricated in this work demonstrated adequate medical device performance both in vitro and in vivo and degraded at a proper rate without safety problems induced. Furthermore, large animal models have more cardiovascular similarities as humans. Results of this study may provide further information of the Zn-based stents for translational medicine research.

[Clinical experience and next-generation sequencing analysis of encephalitis caused by pseudorabies virus]

Objective: To detect potential pathogens including pseudorabies virus in patients with encephalitis of unknown etiology in China and describe novel encephalitic entities. Methods: Patients with clinically suspected infectious encephalitis were enrolled in a multicenter study to identify the pathogens in PUMCH Encephalitis Program.Next-generation sequencing(NGS) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was used in patients with encephalitis of unknown etiology enrolled from 2016 to 2017.The patients diagnosed as PRV encephalitis were studied to describe this novel entity. Results: The four patients(3 male, 1 male, 38-54 years old) had occupational exposure to raw park when working in the production or marketing of pork and at least one got injured during pork-cutting.Two of them were confirmed with NGS of CSF, and anti-PRV antibodies were positive in 3 patients whose serum was available for serological analysis.They all presented with an acute onset of fever, convulsion, loss of consciousness and respiratory failure within 1 to 4 days and rapidly deteriorated even on extensive treatment.All the patients needed ICU admission and 3 needed mechanical ventilation.Two patients also had bilateral retinitis.Neuroimaging revealed symmetric gray matter lesions including limbic system, basal ganglia and midbrain without obvious hemorrhage.Lumbar puncture revealed elevated intracranial pressure and lymphocytic pleocytosis [(6-64)×10(6)/L] of CSF.The patients failed to response to the treatment of acyclovir combined with intravenous immunoglobulin and steroids.Modified Rankin Score was 3, 5, 5 and 6 (died) for the 4 patients respectively on last follow-up. Conclusions: PRV could be a cause of severe encephalitis.The patients with suspected pseudorabies encephalitis (PRE) need to be tested for PRV DNA timely.Severe encephalitis with bilateral involvement of limbic system, basal ganglion, thalamus and midbrain in patient with occupational exposure indicate this emerging infectious encephalitis.

[Efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy with Dermatophagoides farina drops in monosensitized and polysensitized children with allergic rhinitis and asthma]

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of SLIT with Dermatophagoides farina drops in monosensitized and polysensitized children with allergic rhinitis and asthma.Method:This retrospective analysis chose 124 cases of allergic rhinitis and asthma with 3 years SLIT treatment. According to skin prick test,they were divided into two groups, monosensitized group (48 patients) and polysensitized group (76 patients). Before SLIT and after SLIT for 1 year, 2 year and 3 years, the TNSS, TRMS of rhinitis and DASS, NASS, TAMS, VAS, PEF, FEV1 of asthma were evaluated. Result:The TNSS, TRMS, DASS, NASS, TAMS, VAS, PEF, FEV1 had continuously improved significantly after SLIT for 1 year, 2 year and 3 years in two groups as compared with baseline (P< 0.05). As compared with after SLIT for 1 year, after SLIT for 2 year the TNSS, TRMS, TAMS, VAS of monosensitized group had obviously decrease (q= 3.76, 5.57, 6.02, 5.62, P< 0.05). As compared with after SLIT for 1 year, similarly, after SLIT for 2 year the TNSS, TRMS, TAMS, VAS of polysensitized group had obviously decrease (q= 5.40, 7.16, 7.19, 7.87, P< 0.05). Before SLIT, TRMS and TAMS of polysensitized group were significantly greater than the monosensitized group (Z=3.16, 2.74, P< 0.05). After SLIT for 1 year, 2 years and 3 years, the all evaluation indicators of two groups were not statistically significant (P> 0.05).Conclusion:Sublingual immunotherapy with Dermatophagoides farina drops in monosensitized and polysensitized children with allergic rhinitis and asthma had similar and significant therapeutic effect.

A MEMS SOI-based piezoresistive fluid flow sensor

In this paper, a SOI (silicon-on-insulator)-based piezoresistive fluid flow sensor is presented; the presented flow sensor mainly consists of a nylon sensing head, stainless steel cantilever beam, SOI sensor chip, printed circuit board, half-cylinder gasket, and stainless steel shell. The working principle of the sensor and some detailed contrastive analysis about the sensor structure were introduced since the nylon sensing head and stainless steel cantilever beam have distinct influence on the sensor performance; the structure of nylon sensing head and stainless steel cantilever beam is also discussed. The SOI sensor chip was fabricated using micro-electromechanical systems technologies, such as reactive ion etching and low pressure chemical vapor deposition. The designed fluid sensor was packaged and tested; a calibration installation system was purposely designed for the sensor experiment. The testing results indicated that the output voltage of the sensor is proportional to the square of the fluid flow velocity, which is coincident with the theoretical derivation. The tested sensitivity of the sensor is 3.91 × 10^-4 V ms²/kg.

Applicability of the Chinese version of the Personal and Social Performance scale in patients with severe mental disorders

INTRODUCTION

This study was designed to determine the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Personal and Social Performance scale (PSP-CHN) and assess the applicability of using the PSP-CHN in patients with severe mental disorders.

METHODS

A total of 285 outpatients with severe mental disorders, 220 with schizophrenia and 65 with major depressive disorder, were enrolled into the study. Both diagnoses were made using the DSM-IV. All the patients were assessed with the PSP-CHN, the GAF, and the CGI-S. In addition, the PANSS and the MADRS were used to assess the patients with schizophrenia and major depressive disorder, respectively.

RESULTS

The PSP-CHN showed good internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.839, n = 285), high interrater reliability for total scores (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC = 0.865, n = 48), and good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.892, n = 130). The PSP-CHN total score showed a statistically significant positive correlation with the GAF score (r = 0.927, P < .01, n = 285), as well as a significant negative correlation with the CGI-S total score (r = -0.793, P < .01, n = 285), the PANSS total score (r = -0.694, P < .01, n = 220), and the MADRS total score (r = -0.721, P < .01, n = 65).

DISCUSSION

We were able to demonstrate that the PSP-CHN is a reliable and valid measurement tool to assess the personal and social functioning in patients with severe mental disorders.

Genetic differences in ChTLR15 gene polymorphism and expression involved in Salmonella enterica natural and artificial infection respectively, of Chinese native chicken breeds, with a focus on sexual dimorphism

Chicken Toll-like receptor 15 (ChTLR15) has been shown to participate in immune activation in response to various pathogens and in the innate defence against infection. Two genetically distinct Chinese breeds of chicken (Qinyuan Partridge and Baier breeds) were used to study the correlation between ChTLR15 single nucleotide polymorphisms and the natural infection status of salmonella in hens, and also to examine genetic and sex-specific effects on ChTLR15 mRNA expression in heterophils and spleen during acute infection with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE) from 1 to 10 days after experimental infection. Three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (G168A, C726T and A1166G) in a single exon of ChTLR15 were identified in the two breeds, but only C726T showed a significant association with salmonella infection. Compared with layer-type Baier chicks, meat-type Qingyuan chicks showed a higher tolerance for capture stress and (SE) infection, as measured, respectively, by the modified body weight of chicks in the control group and in the infection group. Meanwhile, ChTLR15 down-regulation in heterophils and up-regulation in spleen were involved in the response to pathogenic SE colonization during the acute infection period. These significant genetic effects in females led to greater differences in both innate and adaptive immune responses than those exhibited in males. These results suggest that genetics, time and gender play important roles in the modulation of ChTLR15 mRNA level elicited by the SE-mediated immune response differentially in the two genetically distinct breeds, with a focus on sexual dimorphism.

Application of oxaliplatin in combination with epirubicin in transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in the treatment of primary liver carcinoma

Many cases of liver carcinoma miss the opportunity of surgical treatment because of hidden onset and delayed diagnosis. In recent years, interventional treatment has gradually become a non-surgical method for treating liver carcinoma. To discuss the effects of oxaliplatin in combination with epirubicin in the treatment and its influence on prognosis, this study randomly selected 218 advanced primary liver carcinoma patients from Binzhou People’s Hospital, Binzhou, China and divided them into a control group (n=109) and an observation group (n=109). Patients in both groups were given interventional treatment. Patients in the control group were perfused with oxaliplatin, while patients in the observation group were perfused with oxaliplatin and epirubicin. The effectsat 6-month and 12-month survival rates were compared between the two groups. The results demonstrated that the overall effective rate and clinical benefit rate of the observation group were much higher than those of the control group (30.3% vs 11.9%; 79.8%; vs 44.3%) (P less than 0.05). The serum Alpha Fetal Protein (AFP) and Carcino Embryonie Antigen (CEA) levels of the observation group were much lower than those of the control group; the Karnofsky performance score of the observation group was much lower than that of the control group; the two differences had statistical significance (P less than 0.05). The 6-month survival rate of the observation group was 91.67%, higher than that of the control group (86.11%) (P>0.05). The 12-month survival rate of the observation group was 83.33%, much higher than that of the control group (61.11%) (P less than 0.05). The difference of the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups had no statistical significance (P>0.05). Thus, it can be concluded that oxaliplatin in combination with epirubicin can improve survival quality, extend survival time, and decrease the serum AFP and CEA levels in the treatment of primary liver carcinoma, with definite effects but without aggravating toxic and side effects. Therefore, the therapy has important clinical value.

[Prospective evaluation on ventilator-associated events: a cohort study from eight intensive care units]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the incidence of ventilator associated events (VAEs) in intensive care units (ICUs) among adult patients, and to evaluate the correlation between VAEs and ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP).

METHODS

A prospective 3-month cohort study (January 2015 to March 2015) was carried out. VAEs were divided into three groups: with ventilator-associated condition (VAC), with infection related ventilator-associated complication (IVAC) and with possible VAP (PVAP). Sensitivity and specificity of VAEs were evaluated and compared to the traditional VAP. Kappa test was applied to judge the consistency of VAC and VAP.

RESULTS

During Jan. 2015 and Mar. 2015, 1 014 patients were admitted to 8 ICUs, with 7 977 patients per day. In total, 197 patients used the mechanical ventilation installation, with, a total number of 3 152 ventilator-days. Finally, 1 214 ventilation days in the VAC group and 1 938 ventilation days in the non-VAC group) that were available for final analysis. 46 VAC cases were identified including 22 classified as IVAC (14.59 and 6.98 per 1 000 ventilation days, respectively). Length of ICU stay and duration on mechanical ventilation for VAC patients were both significantly longer than those for non-VAC patients (P<0.05). Sensitivity and specificity of the VAC criteria for the detection of VAP were 36.92% and 83.33%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The VAEs surveillance paradigms could be applied to monitor patients on the use of mechanical ventilation installation. However, sensitivity and specificity of VAC were under pool for the diagnosis of VAP. However, automatically surveillance programs was relied on the improvement of auto-information systems.

[Morphological alterations in gray matter related to primary dysmenorrhea]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the structural changes of gray matter in women with primary dysmenorrhea (PDM) and discuss the potential relationships between the changes and etiology of the disease.

METHODS

We used an optimized voxel-based morphometry (VBM) approach to compare total and regional volumetric changes of gray matter in 20 primary dysmenorrhea patients with 20 healthy age and menstrual cycle matched controls.All subjects were patients from the outpatient department of Tongji Hospital in 2015.

RESULTS

Abnormal volumetric decreases of gray matter were found in the left and right parahippocampus, the left and right middle temporal gyrus, the left and right superior parietal lobule, the left postcentral cortex, the left and right inferior parietal lobule, which involved in pain transmission, pain modulation and somatic sensation.

CONCLUSION

Abnormal gray matter volume changes are present in some encephalic regions of PDM patients.The functions of these regions are associated with pain modulation and somatic sensation, which suggests the changes are related with PDM.

First-principle study of CO adsorption influence on the properties of ferroelectric tunnel junctions

Based on first principles calculations, we systematically investigated the structural, electronic and ferroelectric properties of Pt-BaTiO₃-Pt ferroelectric tunnel junctions (FTJs) with CO adsorbed on the surface of the top electrode. Changes of electrode/barrier thickness and different adsorption sites were considered. We found that although the CO molecule is not directly adsorbed on the surface of the ferroelectric thin film (FTF), the local properties of the BaTiO₃ FTFs were still significantly changed by CO adsorptions, e.g. the change of polarization bistability. Furthermore, by simulating isolated geometry, we found that the orientation of polarization induced by CO adsorptions exhibited sensitive dependence on the thickness of the adsorbed electrode. The adsorption energy was found to change with the change of both the thickness of the electrodes and the polarization orientation in the barrier, which provides a modifiable effect by virtue of the surface ambient chemicals controlling the bulk ferroelectric properties. An electronic structure analysis reveals that the work function of the adsorbed electrode is altered by the adsorption, and the effect can be reversed as the electrode thickness changes. Our findings should provide a new method to tailor the magnitude and bistability of polarization in ferroelectric thin films (FTF) as well as the top electrode surface reactivity in FTJs, which has a significant prospect of application in FTJ-based nanoscale multifunctional devices.

Upregulation of NRAMP1 mRNA confirms its role in enhanced host immunity in post-artificial infections of Salmonella enteritidis in chicks

1. Salmonella enteritidis (SE) is reported as the most common food-borne pathogen transmitted through poultry products. The natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1) is a candidate gene associated with SE-mediated immune response and is related to the phagocytosis of SE. In this study, the classical single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) G2357A in exon 8 of the NRAMP1 gene was detected. The expression of NRAMP1 mRNA was first investigated in heterophil granulocytes and spleen in chicks from two different Chinese native breeds at 1, 3 and 10 d post-infection. In addition, the association with the effect of SE challenge was identified. 2. The G2357A SNP showed no significant association with Salmonella natural infection in birds from two different Chinese native breeds. 3. The upregulation of NRAMP1 mRNA in heterophils and spleen was involved in the response to pathogenic SE colonisation during the acute infection period in chicks. The results suggest that genetics, age, gender and interactions among these factors play important roles in the modulation of NRAMP1 mRNA expression and copy number by SE-mediated immune response in different Chinese chickens. 4. In conclusion, the enhancement of host immunity mediated by the upregulation of NRAMP1 mRNA in heterophil granulocytes and spleen might be more obvious and earlier in the chicks resistant to infections with SE than in susceptible chicks.

Recent advances in bulk metallic glasses for biomedical applications

With a continuously increasing aging population and the improvement of living standards, large demands of biomaterials are expected for a long time to come. Further development of novel biomaterials, that are much safer and of much higher quality, in terms of both biomedical and mechanical properties, are therefore of great interest for both the research scientists and clinical surgeons. Compared with the conventional crystalline metallic counterparts, bulk metallic glasses have unique amorphous structures, and thus exhibit higher strength, lower Young's modulus, improved wear resistance, good fatigue endurance, and excellent corrosion resistance. For this purpose, bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) have recently attracted much attention for biomedical applications. This review discusses and summarizes the recent developments and advances of bulk metallic glasses, including Ti-based, Zr-based, Fe-based, Mg-based, Zn-based, Ca-based and Sr-based alloying systems for biomedical applications. Future research directions will move towards overcoming the brittleness, increasing the glass forming ability (GFA) thus obtaining corresponding bulk metallic glasses with larger sizes, removing/reducing toxic elements, and surface modifications.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs), also known as amorphous alloys or liquid metals, are relative newcomers in the field of biomaterials. They have gained increasing attention during the past decades, as they exhibit an excellent combination of properties and processing capabilities desired for versatile biomedical implant applications. The present work reviewed the recent developments and advances of biomedical BMGs, including Ti-based, Zr-based, Fe-based, Mg-based, Zn-based, Ca-based and Sr-based BMG alloying systems. Besides, the critical analysis and in-depth discussion on the current status, challenge and future development of biomedical BMGs are included. The possible solution to the BMG size limitation, the brittleness of BMGs has been proposed.

Efficacy and safety of once-monthly injection of paliperidone palmitate in hospitalized Asian patients with acute exacerbated schizophrenia: an open-label, prospective, noncomparative study

INTRODUCTION

This single-group, open-label, prospective, noncomparative, multicenter, Phase IV study explored the efficacy and tolerability of paliperidone palmitate (PP) in hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation of schizophrenia.

METHODS

Asian patients of either sex, between 18 and 65 years of age, diagnosed with schizophrenia (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition) with acute exacerbations within the previous 4 weeks, were enrolled. Intramuscular PP was initiated at doses of 150 milligram equivalent (mg eq) (day 1) and 100 mg eq (day 8), followed by a monthly maintenance dose between 75 mg eq and 150 mg eq (days 36 and 64). Primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score (last-observation-carried-forward) at week 13.

RESULTS

Of the 212 enrolled patients, 152 (71.7%) completed the 13-week treatment; withdrawal of consent (24 [11.3%] patients) was the most common reason for study discontinuation. Mean (standard deviation) PANSS total score from baseline (90.0 [17.41]) improved significantly at day 4 (-6.1 [9.27]; 95% confidence interval: -7.38, -4.85; P<0.001) and week 13 endpoint (-23.9 [23.24]; 95% confidence interval: -27.10, -20.78; P<0.001). Similarly, the secondary endpoints (Clinical Global Impression-Severity, Physical and Social Performance, each PANSS subscale, and Marder factor scores) improved significantly from baseline to week 13 endpoint (P<0.001 for all). At week 13, 112/210 (53.3%) patients had a 40% improvement in the PANSS total score (responder rate), and 133/212 (62.7%) patients were ready for hospital discharge. Overall, 139 (65.6%) patients experienced at least one treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE). Most common (>5%) TEAEs were hyperprolactinemia, constipation, nasopharyngitis, insomnia, increased weight, and tremor. Worsening of schizophrenia (3.3%) and sinus bradycardia (2.0%) were serious TEAEs; no deaths were reported.

CONCLUSION

PP was generally tolerable and efficacious in a hospital setting for the treatment of acute exacerbated schizophrenia with significant improvements in psychotic symptoms, social functioning, and severity of illness.

Mutational analysis of BRCA1/2 gene and pathologic characteristics from Kazakh population with sporadic breast cancer in northwestern China

Mutations in the BRCA1/2 genes are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, but no large-scale research have examined the BRCA1/2 mutations in Chinese Kazakh women. We evaluated the frequency and distributions of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations in Kazakh sporadic breast cancer patients and healthy women in China. The association between the clinical-pathologic features of Kazakh breast cancer patients and BRCA1/2 mutations were also investigated. Two unclassified variants (T539M and T1915M) and 16 polymorphisms were detected in this study, 4 of which (G356A, His743, Asn991Asp, Val1269) were detected more frequently in breast cancer patients than in healthy controls. We observed a higher prevalence of BRCA1/2 common sequence alterations and a large number of Kazakh women carrying multiple co-existing BRCA1/2 mutations. The prevalence of BRCA1 mutations was similar to that of BRCA2 mutations. Although no significant differences were observed, BRCA1/2 carriers were generally younger at diagnosis of wild-type breast cancer patients. BRCA1-associated Kazakh sporadic breast cancers present with high tumor grade, early stage, negative lymph node status, absence of estrogen receptor expression and progesterone-positive status. Estrogen receptor expression was the only predominant histological type in BRCA2 carriers. In this study, we determined the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation status and determined the association with clinical-pathologic characteristics in a Chinese Kazakh population. Larger population-based screening studies screening the entire coding region of BRCA1/2 are required to evaluate the breast cancer risk induced by the sequence alterations detected in this study.

Tissue- and breed-specific expression of the chicken fat mass- and obesity-associated gene (FTO)

The fat mass- and obesity-associated gene (FTO) is involved in energy metabolism, but little is known about the chicken FTO gene. The objective of the current study was to detect chicken FTO expression patterns in the hypothalamus, liver, and skeletal muscle during development, and analyze the effects of age and breed on FTO expression. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction results revealed that chicken FTO mRNA was expressed in all of the tissues tested. Chicken FTO exhibited tissue- and breed-specific patterns in the recessive White Plymouth Rock chicken and the Qingyuan partridge chicken. The highest FTO expression level was in the hypothalami of 1-week-old chicks. FTO mRNA was expressed more in the breast muscles and livers of recessive White Plymouth Rock chickens than those of Qingyuan partridge chickens at 1 and 8 weeks of age. These results indicate that FTO probably plays a significant role in energy metabolism at 1 week old, when chicks have undergone metabolic adaptations from yolk dependence to the utilization of exogenous feed.

Development of biodegradable Zn-1X binary alloys with nutrient alloying elements Mg, Ca and Sr

Biodegradable metals have attracted considerable attentions in recent years. Besides the early launched biodegradable Mg and Fe metals, Zn, an essential element with osteogenic potential of human body, is regarded and studied as a new kind of potential biodegradable metal quite recently. Unfortunately, pure Zn is soft, brittle and has low mechanical strength in the practice, which needs further improvement in order to meet the clinical requirements. On the other hand, the widely used industrial Zn-based alloys usually contain biotoxic elements (for instance, ZA series contain toxic Al elements up to 40 wt.%), which subsequently bring up biosafety concerns. In the present work, novel Zn-1X binary alloys, with the addition of nutrition elements Mg, Ca and Sr were designed (cast, rolled and extruded Zn-1Mg, Zn-1Ca and Zn-1Sr). Their microstructure and mechanical property, degradation and in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility were studied systematically. The results demonstrated that the Zn-1X (Mg, Ca and Sr) alloys have profoundly modified the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of pure Zn. Zn-1X (Mg, Ca and Sr) alloys showed great potential for use in a new generation of biodegradable implants, opening up a new avenue in the area of biodegradable metals.

Measurements of ocean bottom low-angle backscattering by single-mode reverberation

The characteristics of scattering due to interface roughness are usually described by the backscattering matrix for reverberation modeling. The backscattering matrix based on the Bass perturbation theory has significant differences from that based on the empirical scattering rule (Lambert's rule), especially at low grazing angles. In a waveguide environment with a point source, it is very difficult to extract the quantitative characteristics of the backscattering matrix at low grazing angles from the experimental data because of the difficulties in acquiring low-grazing-angle scattering data and separating the scattering data between different modes (grazing angles). In contrast, the use of single-mode excitations as sources in shallow-water waveguides enables acquisition of good quality low-grazing-angle scattering data. In this paper, the characteristics of the backscattering matrix were obtained from different single-mode reverberation experiments in shallow-water. The experiments were carried out at different sites during different seasons off the coasts of China. Model-data comparisons were made and the results showed that at low grazing angles (2°-5°), the backscattering matrices based on the Bass perturbation theory were in good agreement with the experimental data, but the backscattering matrices based on Lambert's rule were not.

Association of chicken growth hormone polymorphisms with egg production

Growth hormone (GH) has diverse functions in animals, together with other hormones from the somatotropic axis. Here, chicken GH (cGH) was investigated in recessive white chickens and Qingyuan partridge chickens as a candidate gene affecting egg production traits. Chicken egg production traits were studied in association with 4 selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (T185G, G662A, T3094C, and C3199T). Genotyping was performed by the polymerase chain reaction-ligase detection reaction method. T185G was significantly associated with the egg production traits of body weight at first egg (BW), egg weight at first egg (EW), and the total egg production of 300-day old birds (EN 300). T3094C was also significantly associated with certain egg production traits; however, it affected the 2 breeds differently. Haplotypes of the 4 single nucleotide polymorphisms were also significantly associated with egg production traits of chicken age at first egg laying, BW, EW, and EN 300. H1H6 was the most advantageous diplotype for egg production. We putatively concluded that polymorphisms in the cGH gene and its haplotypes could be used as potential molecular markers for egg production traits to enhance the breeding programs of indigenous chickens.

Molecular genetic diversity and maternal origin of Chinese black-bone chicken breeds

Chinese black-bone chickens are valued for the medicinal properties of their meat in traditional Chinese medicine. We investigated the genetic diversity and systematic evolution of Chinese black-bone chicken breeds. We sequenced the DNA of 520 bp of the mitochondrial cyt b gene of nine Chinese black-bone chicken breeds, including Silky chicken, Jinhu black-bone chicken, Jiangshan black-bone chicken, Yugan black-bone chicken, Wumeng black-bone chicken, Muchuan black-bone chicken, Xingwen black-bone chicken, Dehua black-bone chicken, and Yanjin black-bone chicken. We found 13 haplotypes. Haplotype and nucleotide diversity of the nine black-bone chicken breeds ranged from 0 to 0.78571 and 0.00081 to 0.00399, respectively. Genetic diversity was the richest in Jinhu black-bone chickens and the lowest in Yanjin black-bone chickens. Analysis of phylogenetic trees for all birds constructed based on hyplotypes indicated that the maternal origin of black-bone chickens is predominantly from three subspecies of red jungle fowl. These results provide basic data useful for protection of black-bone chickens and help determine the origin of domestic chickens.

Transcriptional co-activator PGC-1α gene is associated with chicken skeletal muscle fiber types

The peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) is a candidate gene for meat quality traits because of its prominent role in muscle fiber type switching and determination. We investigated the effects of the PGC-1α gene on chicken skeletal muscle fiber type switching and on other meat quality traits. Single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected by PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing, and then genotyping was performed by PCR-ligation detection reaction methods. Skeletal muscle fiber types, intramuscular fat content, shear forces, and water loss rate of the gastrocnemius lateralis muscle were measured in Qingyuan Partridge chickens and Recessive White chickens. Four SNPs, C171T in exon2, C384T in exon3, G646A in exon5, and A948G in exon8 were detected. Marker-trait association analysis indicated that G646A polymorphism was associated with skeletal myofiber type and that H1 (CCAA) was the most advantageous haplotype for skeletal myofiber type. We concluded that polymorphisms of the PGC-1α gene and their haplotypes are associated with chicken skeletal myofiber type traits.

Nitrous oxide and methane emissions from different treatment processes in full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plants

Nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) are two important greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted from biological nutrient removal (BNR) processes in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). In this study, three typical biological wastewater treatment processes were studied in WWTP of Northern China: pre-anaerobic carrousel oxidation ditch (A+OD) process, pre-anoxic anaerobic-anoxic-oxic (A-A/ A/O) process and reverse anaerobic-anoxic-oxic (r-A/ A/O) process. The N2O and CH4 emissions from these three different processes were measured in every processing unit of each WWTP. Results showed that N2O and CH4 were mainly discharged during the nitrification/denitrification process and the anaerobic/anoxic treatment process, respectively and the amounts of their formation and release were significantly influenced by different BNR processes implemented in these WWTP. The N2O conversion ratio of r-A/ A/O process was the lowest among the three WWTP, which were 10.9% and 18.6% lower than that of A-A/A/O process and A+OD process, respectively. Similarly, the CH4 conversion ratio of r-A/ A/O process was the lowest among the three WWTP, which were 89. I% and 80.8% lower than that of A-A/ A/O process and A+OD process, respectively. The factors influencing N2O and CH4 formation and emission in the three WWTP were investigated to explain the difference between these processes. The nitrite concentration and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) value were found to be the dominant influencing factors affecting N2O and CH4 production, respectively. The flow-based emission factors of N2O and CH4 of the WWTP were figured out for better quantification of GHG emissions and further technical assessments of mitigation options.

Three-dimensional evaluation of upper airway in patients with different anteroposterior skeletal patterns

OBJECTIVES

To investigate variability in the upper airway of subjects with different anteroposterior skeletal patterns by evaluating the volume and the most constricted cross-sectional area of the pharyngeal airway and defining correlations between the different variables.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study sample consisted of 60 patients (29 boys, 31 girls) divided into three groups: Class I (1 ≤ ANB ≤ 3), Class II (ANB>3), and Class III (ANB<1), to evaluate how the jaw relationship affects the airway volume and the most constricted cross-sectional area (Min-CSA). Differences between groups were determined using the Tukey-Kramer test. Correlations between variables were tested using Pearson's correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

The volume and the Min-CSA of the pharyngeal airway (PA) were significantly related to anteroposterior skeletal patterns (p < 0.05). The nasopharyngeal airway (NA) volume of Class I and Class III subjects was significantly larger than that of Class II subjects (p < 0.05). The Min-CSA and the length of PA were significantly related to the volume of PA (p < 0.05). The site and the size of the Min-CSA varied among the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The volume and the most constricted cross-sectional area of the airway varied with different anteroposterior skeletal patterns. The NA volume of Class I and Class III subjects was significantly larger than that of patients with a Class II skeletal pattern.

Metabolizable energy and fiber digestibility of uncommon feedstuffs for geese

This experiment was conducted to study the digestibility of uncommon feedstuffs for geese. Thirty Taihu ganders were selected and divided into 5 groups (n = 6), and one group was allocated as the control. Taihu ganders in the 4 treated groups were force-fed with a weight of different uncommon feedstuffs after 24 h of fasting, and the control group was kept in fasting with no force feeding. All excretion of each gander was collected on a plate for 24 h after force feeding. There was a 12-d recovery period between treatments. In this study, we measured the ME and analyzed neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and hemicellulose of brewers grains, distillers grains, empty-grain rice, ryegrass powder, rice husk, corn stalk, rice straw, wheat straw, wheat husk, mushroom bran, and peanut vine. The TME values were 9.29, 8.67, 8.97, 5.89, 3.85, 3.10, 3.32, 3.02, 5.29, 2.48, and 3.15 MJ/kg, respectively. The digestibility of neutral detergent fiber for the feedstuffs ranged from 6.14 to 45.0%, the digestibility of acid detergent fiber ranged from 4.52 to 32.6%, and the digestibility of hemicellulose ranged from 18.5 to 61.6%. The best TME quadratic prediction equation was TME = 12.2 - 0.232CF, where CF is crude fiber. These results suggest that geese were able to use uncommon feedstuffs with high digestibility, and there was a significant negative correlation between energy digestibility and CF content. The ME values tested in this experiment can provide a foundation for preparation and adjustment of feed formulation for reasonable use of uncommon feedstuffs for geese.

Antidepressant desipramine leads to C6 glioma cell autophagy: implication for the adjuvant therapy of cancer

Depression is the most common psychiatric syndrome in cancer patients and adversely affects anti-cancer immune system and life quality of patients. Antidepressant desipramine (DMI) is clinically prescribed in the auxiliary treatment of cancer patients. Increasing evidences suggest that DMI has a broad spectrum of target-off biological effects, such as anticancer properties. Our previous study revealed that DMI at the clinical relevant concentrations could induce CHOP-dependent apoptotic death in C6 glioma cells. In this study, we further explored the pro-autophagic effect of DMI in C6 glioma cells and its underlying mechanism. Treatment with DMI could induce autophagic cell death characterized by the formation of autophagosome and the elevated level of autophagic protein Beclin-1 and cellular redistribution of marker LC3. Meanwhile, DMI inhibited the activation of PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway which is considered as a negative regulator of autophagy. Furthermore, DMI activated PERK-eIF2α and ATF6 of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathway, while knockdown of PERK with the PERK-specific short interfering RNA (siRNA) could obviously attenuate the autophagy. The results strongly suggested that DMI could induce autophagy through the PERK-ER stress pathway in C6 glioma cells. Our findings provided new insights into another beneficial potential of antidepressant DMI in the adjuvant therapy of cancer.

In vitro and in vivo studies on Ti-based bulk metallic glass as potential dental implant material

In this study, a high glass forming system, Ti41.5Zr2.5Hf5Cu37.5Ni7.5Si1Sn5 (TZHCNSS) bulk metallic glass (BMG), is studied in terms of microstructure, surface analysis, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo biocompatibility. It is found that the as-prepared TZHCNSS samples are fully amorphous by XRD and TEM observations, as well as DSC curve. Comparing with pure Ti, TZHCNSS BMG shows superior mechanical properties with higher hardness and better wear resistance. Due to the oxide film formed on its surface, TZHCNSS BMG shows great corrosion resistance close to pure Ti in electrochemical measurements. The pitting corrosion potential in artificial saliva solution is much higher than that in SBF solution. The indirect and direct cytotoxicity results show that TZHCNSS extracts had obvious low cell viability on both L929 and NIH3T3 cells. However, the in vivo testing results proved that TZHCNSS BMG could integrate with bone tissue, showing excellent osseointegration.

Prognostic effect of stromal myofibroblasts in lung adenocarcinoma

Myofibroblasts are special cells with the features of both fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells, which are one of the most important cells in tumor stroma. The role of myofibroblasts in tumor stroma remains disputable. Some authors suggested that myofibroblasts can facilitate tumor progress, and another considered that myofibroblasts could prevent tumor cells diffusing. Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) is a kind of adenocarcinoma in situ. With the destruction of the alveolar framework by tumor growth, BAC develops into mixed BAC and invasive adenocarcinoma, which is a natural model of transformation from carcinoma in situ to invasive carcinoma. In this study, the expression of myofibroblasts in BAC, mix-BAC and invasive adenocarcinoma was examined by immunohistochemical staining of surgical specimens from 102 patients. The results showed that positive expression of myofibroblasts in pure BAC (2/15, 13.33%) group was lower than in mix-BAC (17/38, 44.74%) and invasive adenocarcinoma (29/49, 59.18%) respectively, (p<0.05, p<0.01). In addition, myofibroblast positive expression was associated with lymph node metastasis, high stage, high grade, vascular invasion and shortened survival time in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. These data suggest that myofibroblasts are likely to facilitate the invasion and metastasis of the lung adenocarcinoma, and can be used as a prognostic marker. Myofibroblasts may become even a new target for treatment.

Microstructure, mechanical property, corrosion behavior, and in vitro biocompatibility of Zr-Mo alloys

In this study, the microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion behaviors, and in vitro biocompatibility of Zr-Mo alloys as a function of Mo content after solution treatment were systemically investigated to assess their potential use in biomedical application. The experimental results indicated that Zr-1Mo alloy mainly consisted of an acicular structure of α' phase, while ω phase formed in Zr-3Mo alloy. In Zr-5Mo alloy, retained β phase and a small amount of precipitated α phase were observed. Only the retained β phase was obtained in Zr-10Mo alloy. Zr-1Mo alloy exhibited the greatest hardness, bending strength, and modulus among all experimental Zr-Mo alloys, while β phase Zr-10Mo alloy had a low modulus. The results of electrochemical corrosion indicated that adding Mo into Zr improved its corrosion resistance which resulted in increasing the thermodynamic stability and passivity of zirconium. The cytotoxicity test suggested that the extracts of the studied Zr-Mo alloys produced no significant deleterious effect to fibroblast cells (L-929) and osteoblast cells (MG 63), indicating an excellent in vitro biocompatibility. Based on these facts, certain Zr-Mo alloys potentially suitable for different biomedical applications were proposed.

Osteoblast response on Ti- and Zr-based bulk metallic glass surfaces after sand blasting modification

The present study aimed to evaluate the osteoblast response on Ti- and Zr-based BMG surfaces sand blasted with different grit corundums for implant application, with mechanically polished disks before sand blasting as control groups. The surface properties were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle, and roughness measurements. Further evaluation of the surface bioactivity was conducted by MG63 cell attachment, proliferation, morphology, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity on the sample surfaces. It was found that corundum sand blasting surfaces significantly increased the surface wettability and MG63 cell attachment, cell proliferation, and ALP activity in comparison with the control group surfaces. Besides, the sample surface treated by large grit corundum is more favorable for cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation than samples treated by small grit corundum, indicating that it might be effective for improving implant osseointegration in vivo.

Phosphorylation of the insulin receptor by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) promotes ligand-independent activation of the insulin signalling pathway in rodent muscle

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Muscle may experience hypoglycaemia during ischaemia or insulin infusion. During severe hypoglycaemia energy production is blocked, and an increase of AMP:ATP activates the energy sensor and putative insulin-sensitiser AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK promotes energy conservation and survival by shutting down anabolism and activating catabolic pathways. We investigated the molecular mechanism of a unique glucose stress defence pathway involving AMPK-dependent, insulin-independent activation of the insulin signalling pathway.

METHODS

Cardiac or skeletal myocytes were subjected to glucose and insulin-free incubation for increasing intervals up to 20 h. AMPK, and components of the insulin signalling pathway and their targets were quantified by western blot using phosphor-specific antibodies. Phosphomimetics were used to determine the function of IRS-1 Ser789 phosphorylation and in vitro [³²P]ATP kinase assays were used to measure the phosphorylation of the purified insulin receptor by AMPK.

RESULTS

Glucose deprivation increased Akt-Thr308 and Akt-Ser473 phosphorylation by almost tenfold. Phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta increased in parallel, but phosphorylation of ribosomal 70S subunit-S6 protein kinase and mammalian target of rapamycin decreased. AMPK inhibitors blocked and aminoimidazole carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR) mimicked the effects of glucose starvation. Glucose deprivation increased the phosphorylation of IRS-1 on serine-789, but phosphomimetics revealed that this conferred negative regulation. Glucose deprivation enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 and the insulin receptor, effects that were blocked by AMPK inhibition and mimicked by AICAR. In vitro kinase assays using purified proteins confirmed that the insulin receptor is a direct target of AMPK.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

AMPK phosphorylates and activates the insulin receptor, providing a direct link between AMPK and the insulin signalling pathway; this pathway promotes energy conservation and survival of muscle exposed to severe glucose deprivation.

Biodegradable CaMgZn bulk metallic glass for potential skeletal application

A low density and high strength alloy, Ca65Mg15Zn20 bulk metallic glass (CaMgZn BMG), was evaluated by both in vitro tests on ion release and cytotoxicity and in vivo implantation, aimed at exploring the feasibility of this new biodegradable metallic material for potential skeletal applications. MTT assay results showed that the experimental CaMgZn BMG extracts had no detectable cytotoxic effects on L929, VSMC and ECV304 cells over a wide range of concentrations (0-50%), whereas for MG63 cells concentrations in the range ~5-20% promoted cell viability. Meanwhile, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity results showed that CaMgZn BMG extracts increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) production by MG63 cells. However, Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate and propidium iodide staining indicated that higher concentrations (50%) might induce cell apoptosis. The fluorescence observation of F-actin and nuclei in MG63 cells showed that cells incubated with lower concentrations (0-50%) displayed no significant change in morphology compared with a negative control. Tumor necrosis factor-α expression by Raw264.7 cells in the presence of CaMgZn BMG extract was significantly lower than that of the positive and negative controls. Animal tests proved that there was no obvious inflammation reaction at the implantation site and CaMgZn BMG implants did not result in animal death. The cortical thickness around the CaMgZn BMG implant increased gradually from 1 to 4 weeks, as measured by in vivo micro-computer tomography.

Effect of apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism on serum lipid level before and after renal transplantation

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene polymorphism on lipid metabolism among renal transplant recipients before and after transplantation. No prisoners or organs from prisoners were used in this study.

METHODS

ApoE gene polymorphism was detected with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism; serum lipid levels were measured with biochemical methods.

RESULTS

Serum lipid levels in the recipients were increased significantly at 3 months after renal transplantation, and further elevated at 6 months and 1 year. The recipients with higher total serum cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels only accounted for 2.9% and 7.6%, respectively, before renal transplantation; but for 28.6% and 46.7%, respectively, at 3 months (P < .01); 40.0% and 59.0% at 6 months; and 42.9% and 62.9% at 12 months. ApoE gene polymorphism showed no statistical difference in ApoE allele or ApoE genotype between the control and the study groups. The effect of ApoE genotype on serum lipid levels was different between controls and recipients either before or after renal transplantation. The levels of serum TC, TG, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, ApoB, ApoE were: (ε)2/2+(ε)2/3; (ε)3/3; (ε)3/4+(ε)4/4 from low to high in controls and recipients before transplantation, but the levels of TG and ApoE reversed among recipients after renal transplantation.

CONCLUSION

Renal transplant recipients are liable to develop hyperlipidemia, particularly hypertriglyceridemia among recipients with ApoE genotypes (ε)2/2 or (ε)2/3.

Identification of target cells for Goose parvovirus infection in the immune system organs

Target cells for Goose parvovirus (GPV) in natural infection are still unknown. In this study, immune system organs namely the spleen, bone marrow, thymus, bursa of Fabricius, and blood of experimentally GPV-infected goslings were examined by an immunoassay and flow cytometry for the presence of viral antigen and by a PCR for viral genome. The results indicated that the virus replicated in some cells of the spleen and bone marrow, but not in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). These data suggested that some cell populations in the spleen and bone marrow were targets for GPV infection. In addition, the immunoassay used for the detection of GPV was found comparable with a PCR in reliability and sensitivity.

Flow and Particle Deposition Patterns in a Realistic Human Double Bifurcation Airway Model

Velocity profiles, local deposition efficiencies (DE), and deposition patterns of aerosol particles in the first three generations (i.e., double bifurcations) of an airway model have been simulated numerically, in which the airway model was constructed from computed tomography (CT) scan data of real human tracheobronchial airways. Three steady inhalation conditions, 15, 30, and 60 L/min, were simulated and a range of micrometer particle sizes (1-20 mum diameter) were injected into the model. Results were then compared with experimental and other numerical results which had employed either similar model geometry or test conditions. The effects of inhalation conditions on velocity profiles and particle deposition were studied. The data indicated that the local deposition efficiencies in the first bifurcation increased with a rise in the Stokes number (St) within St range from 0.0004 to 0.7. Within the same St range, DE in the second bifurcations (both left and right) was dropped dramatically after St increased to 0.17. Also, the second bifurcation in the right side (B2.1, closer to first bifurcation than left side, B2.2) was found to show a much higher (almost double) DE than the left side. This may be due to the fact that the left main bronchus is longer and has greater angulation than the right main bronchus. Generally, the present simulation using a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) technique obtained concurrent results with subtle differences compared to other works. However, due to omission of larynx in the model, which is known to significantly modify airflow and hence particle deposition, the present model may only serve as the "stepping stone" to simulating and analyzing dose-response or inhalation risk assessment visually for clinical researchers.

Plastocyanin transit peptide interacts with Potato virus X coat protein, while silencing of plastocyanin reduces coat protein accumulation in chloroplasts and symptom severity in host plants

Potato virus X coat protein (PVXCP) is, through communication with host proteins, involved in processes such as virus movement and symptom development. Here, we report that PVXCP also interacts with the precursor of plastocyanin, a protein involved in photosynthesis, both in vitro and in vivo. Yeast two-hybrid analysis indicated that PVXCP interacted with only the plastocyanin transit peptide. In subsequent bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays, both proteins were collocated within chloroplasts. Western blot analyses of chloroplast fractions showed that PVXCP could be detected in the envelope, stroma, and lumen fractions. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that grana were dilated in PVX-infected Nicotiana benthamiana. Furthermore, virus-induced gene silencing of plastocyanin by prior infection of N. benthamiana using a Tobacco rattle virus vector reduced the severity of symptoms that developed following subsequent PVX infection as well as the accumulation of PVXCP in isolated chloroplasts. However, PVXCP could not be detected in pea chloroplasts in an in vitro re-uptake assay using the plastocyanin precursor protein. Taken together, these data suggest that PVXCP interacts with the plastocyanin precursor protein and that silencing the expression of this protein leads to reduced PVXCP accumulation in chloroplasts and ameliorates symptom severity in host plants.

Analysis of genetic structure and relationship among nine indigenous Chinese chicken populations by the Structure program

The multi-locus model-based clustering method Structure program was used to infer the genetic structure of nine indigenous Chinese chicken (Gallus gallus) populations based on 16 microsatellite markers. Twenty runs were carried out at each chosen value of predefined cluster numbers (K) under admixture model. The Structure program properly inferred the presence of genetic structure with 0.999 probabilities. The genetic structure not only indicated that the nine kinds of chicken populations were defined actually by their locations, phenotypes or culture, but also reflected the underlying genetic variations. At K = 2, nine chicken populations were divided into two main clusters, one light-body type, including Chahua chicken (CHA), Tibet chicken (TIB), Xianju chicken (XIA), Gushi chicken (GUS) and Baier chicken (BAI); and the other heavy-body type, including Beijing You chicken (YOU), Xiaoshan chicken (XIA), Luyuan chicken (LUY) and Dagu chicken (DAG). GUS and DAG were divided into independent clusters respectively when K equaled 4, 5, or 6. XIA and BIA chicken, XIA and LUY chicken, TIB and CHA chicken still clustered together when K equaled 6, 7, and 8, respectively. These clustering results were consistent with the breeding directions of the nine chicken populations. The Structure program also identified migrants or admixed individuals. The admixed individuals were distributed in all the nine chicken populations, while migrants were only distributed in TIB, XIA and LUY populations. These results indicated that the clustering analysis using the Structure program might provide an accurate representation of the genetic relationship among the breeds.

Use of Co speciation and soil properties to explain variation in Co toxicity to root growth of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in different soils

The influence of soil properties on the bioavailability and toxicity of Co to barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) root elongation was investigated. Ten soils varying widely in soil properties were amended with seven doses of CoCl2. Soil properties greatly influenced the expression of Co toxicity. The effective concentration of added Co causing 50% inhibition (EC50) ranged from 45 to 863 mg kg(-1), representing almost 20-fold variation among soils. Furthermore, we investigated Co toxicity in relation to Co concentrations and free Co2+ activity in soil solution. The EC50 values showed variation among soils of 17- and 29-fold, based on the Co concentration in soil solution and free Co2+ activity, respectively. Single regressions were carried out between Co toxicity threshold values and selected soil properties. Models obtained showed that soil effective cation exchange capacity (eCEC) and exchangeable calcium were the most consistent single predictors of the EC50 values based on soil added Co.

The genomic sequence and biological properties of Pennisetum mosaic virus, a novel monocot-infecting potyvirus

The complete nucleotide sequences of two isolates of Pennisetum mosaic virus (PenMV) were determined. The viral genome comprised 9,611 nucleotides (nt) excluding the 3'-terminal poly(A) sequence, with the capacity of encoding a single polyprotein of 3,065 amino acids. The large open reading frame is flanked by a 172-nt 5'-untranslated region (UTR) and a 244-nt 3'-UTR. Sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analyses of the complete genome and polyproteins suggest that PenMV is closely related to other monocot potyviruses such as Maize dwarf mosaic virus, Sorghum mosaic virus and Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), and thus represents a distinct potyvirus within the SCMV subgroup. The host range of PenMV is limited to Gramineae, and the virus naturally infects maize, sorghum and some wild grasses, causing mosaic symptoms on the leaves. This virus could be transmitted by both mechanical inoculation and by at least four species of aphids.