Far-Infrared Therapy Based on Graphene Ameliorates High-Fat Diet-Induced Anxiety-Like Behavior in Obese Mice via Alleviating Intestinal Barrier Damage and Neuroinflammation

The consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) has been implicated in the etiology of obesity and various neuropsychiatric disturbances, including anxiety and depression. Compelling evidence suggests that far-infrared ray (FIR) possesses beneficial effects on emotional disorders. However, the efficacy of FIR therapy in addressing HFD-induced anxiety and the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Here, we postulate that FIR emitted from a graphene-based therapeutic device may mitigate HFD-induced anxiety behaviors. The graphene-FIR modify the gut microbiota in HFD-mice, particularly by an enriched abundance of beneficial bacteria Clostridiaceae and Erysipelotrichaceae, coupled with a diminution of harmful bacteria Lachnospiraceae, Anaerovoracaceae, Holdemania and Marvinbryantia. Graphene-FIR also improved intestinal barrier function, as evidenced by the augmented expression of the tight junction protein occludin and G protein-coupled receptor 43 (GPR43). In serum level, we observed the decreased free fatty acids (FFA), lipopolysaccharides (LPS), diamine oxidase (DAO) and D-lactate, and increased the glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) levels in graphene-FIR mice. Simultaneously, inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α manifested a decrease subsequent to graphene-FIR treatment in both peripheral and central system. Notably, graphene-FIR inhibited over expression of astrocytes and microglia. We further noticed that the elevated the BDNF and decreased TLR4 and NF-κB expression in graphene-FIR group. Overall, our study reveals that graphene-FIR rescued HFD-induced anxiety via improving the intestine permeability and the integrity of blood-brain barrier, and reduced inflammatory response by down regulating TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory pathway.

[Hsp90 participates in the necroptosis of mouse neural cells induced by aluminum through the RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway]

Objective: To investigate whether heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) participates in the necroptosis of C57BL/6 mouse neurons and spatial memory impairment induced by Aluminum maltol [Al (mal) (3)] through RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway. Methods: In March 2022, Thirty-two C57 mice were randomly divided into control group, Low dose group, a medium dose group, and a high-dose group, with 8 mice in each group, and injected intraperitoneally with physiological saline, 20, 40, and 80, respectivelyμmol/kgAl (mal) (3) was administered, it was injected 5 days a week and discontinued 2 days for 60 days. Morris water maze test was used to test the spatial learning and memory ability of mice. Nissl staining was used to observe the pathological changes of brain tissue. The protein expression levels of RIP1, RIP3, MLKL and HSP90 in hippocampus were determined by Western blotting. Results: In the water maze experiment, compared with the control group, the number of mice crossing the platform decreased in each dose group, the difference was statistically significant (H=9.50, P=0.023), and the number of mice crossing the platform was statistically significant among each dose group (P <0.05). Compared with the control group, the number of hippocampal nerve cells in each dose group decreased, the arrangement was disordered, and the Nissellite bodies decreased. Western blotting results showed that compared with the control group, the expression level of RIP1 protein in the hippocampus of mice in high-dose group was higher, and the difference was statistically significant (P <0.05). The expression levels of RIP3, MLKL and HSP90 in hippocampal tissue of mice in medium and high dose groups were increased, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). After siRNA intervention decreased the expression of HSP90 protein, the expressions of HSP90, RIP1, RIP3 and MLKL in Al (mal) (3) groups were increased, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Through RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway, HSP90 is involved in neuronal programmed necrosis and spatial memory impairment induced by maltol aluminum in C57 mice.

[Deep neck space infections: a retrospective cohort study of surgical risk factors]

Objective: To explore risk factors affecting treatment for deep neck space infections (DNSIs) so as to provide guidance for appropriate early managements. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on inpatients with DNSIs admitted to the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from March 2013 to February 2021. Patients were divided into surgical and non-surgical groups based on whether they had surgery or not. Information collected included demographic data, disease-related signs and symptoms, treatment history, systemic comorbidities, imaging data and laboratory indicators. Hypothesis testing, univariate Logistic regression and multivariate Logistic regression were used for data processing. Resuts A total of 61 patients were included, including 37 males and 24 females, aged 6-96 years. There were 35 cases (57.4%) in the surgical group and 26 cases (42.6%) in the non-surgical group. Multivariate analysis showed that risk factors for surgery as followings: neck dyskinesia (OR=0.03, 95%CI: 0.00-0.24), dysphagia (OR=0.10, 95%CI: 0.02-0.72), serum white blood cell count≥16.74×10⁹/L (OR=1.18, 95%CI: 1.01-1.39) and interspace gas (OR=0.03, 95%CI: 0.00-0.30). Conclusion: Clinicians should be alert to these risk factors for surgery in the course of treatment and timely surgical treatment for patients who meet the conditions.

[Implement of mixed reality navigation based on multimodal imaging in the resection of intracranial eloquent lesions]

Objective: To examine the clinical feasibility of mixed reality navigation (MRN) technology based on multimodal imaging for the resection of intracranial eloquent lesions. Methods: Fifteen patients with intracranial eloquent lesions admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery, the First Medical Center, People's Liberation Army General Hospital from September 2020 to September 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. There were 7 males and 8 females, aged (50±16) years (range: 16 to 70 years). Postoperative pathological diagnosis included meningioma (n=7), metastatic carcinoma (n=3), cavernous hemangioma, glioma, ependymoma, aneurysmal changes and lymphoma (n=1, respectively). The open-source software was used to perform the three-dimensional visualization of preoperative images, and the self-developed MRN system was used to perform the fusion and interaction of multimodal images, so as to formulate the surgical plan and avoid damaging the eloquent white matter fiber tracts. Traditional navigation, intraoperative ultrasound and fluorescein sodium angiography were used to determine the extent of lesion resection. The intraoperative conditions of MRN-assisted surgery were analyzed, and the setup time and localization error of MRN system were measured. The changes of postoperative neurological function were recorded. Results: MRN based on multimodal imaging was achieved in all patients. The MRN system setup time (M(IQR)) was 36 (12) minutes (range: 20 to 44 minutes), and the localization error was 3.2 (2.0) mm (range: 2.6 to 6.7 mm). The reliability of eloquent white matter fiber tracts localization based on MRN was rated as "excellent" in 11 cases, "medium" in 3 cases, and "poor" in 1 case. There were no perioperative death and no new impairment in motor, language, or visual functions after operation. Transient limb numbness occurred in 1 patient after operation, and recovered to the preoperative state in 2 weeks after operation. Conclusion: The MRN system based on multimodal imaging can improve the surgical accuracy and safety, and reduce the incidence of iatrogenic neurological dysfunction.

[A study on the burden of myocarditis in China in 1990 and 2019]

Objective: To investigate Chinese myocarditis burden and trends in 1990 and 2019. Methods: Based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 data, the number of patients, the number of new cases, the number of deaths, the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), as well as the morbidity, mortality, DALYs rate and their age-standardized rates were used to analyze the trend and the burden of myocarditis in the Chinese population in 1990 and 2019. Results: In 2019, the number of patients, the number of new cases and the number of deaths with myocarditis in China were 234 900, 275 100 and 13 100 respectively, increasing by 85.62%, 47.51% and 50.22% compared with 1990. The age-standardized incidence and mortality were 16.94/100 000 and 0.92/100 000, respectively. Compared with 1990, the age-standardized incidence in 2019 decreased by 6.06%, and the mortality decreased by 16.04% respectively. The age-standardized incidence and mortality of Chinese male patients with myocarditis were higher than that of female. Compared with 1990, the age group with the largest incidence and mortality of myocarditis in China in 2019 all shifted to the elder group. And, DALYs and age-normalized DALYs due to myocarditis in China showed a decreasing trend in 2019, from 458 600 and 42.51/100 000 in 1990 to 341 300 and 25.39/100 000 in 2019, respectively. The rate of DALYs and age-standardized DALYs in male patients was always higher than female. Conclusions: Compared with 1990, the overall burden of myocarditis in China showed a downward trend in 2019, and the burden of myocarditis in male patients was higher than female. More attention should be paid to the burden of myocarditis in Chinese elderly population.

[Analysis of changes in mortality of children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years in China from 2004 to 2018 and policy effects]

Objective: To analyze the trend of child and adolescent mortality rate in China from 2004 to 2018 and explore the possible policy effects. Methods: This study used the mortality data of child and adolescent aged 5 to 19 years from 2004 to 2018 based on the National Disease Surveillance System. Age-standardized mortality rate was calculated by using the population from the sixth national census. Joinpoint regression was used to analyze the trend of child and adolescent mortality with different features from 2004 to 2018. Results: From 2004 to 2018, the overall mortality rate of children and adolescents in China dropped from 40.02 per 100 000 to 22.00 per 100 000, and the average annual percentage change (AAPC) was -4.28 (95%CI:-5.35,-3.20,P<0.001). The mortality rate dropped rapidly from 2004 to 2006, and the annual percentage change (APC) was -9.20 (95%CI:-15.63,-2.28,P=0.017). The decline rate slowed down between 2006 and 2013, and the APC was -1.56 (95%CI:-2.78,-0.33,P=0.020). The downward trend accelerated from 2013 to 2018, and the APC was -5.99 (95%CI:-7.52,-4.43,P<0.001). The trend of child mortality rate in rural area, females, eastern provinces of China, children aged 10 to 14 years, children aged 15 to 19 years, and injury mortality rate were basically consistent with the overall trend. The child mortality rate in urban area, central provinces of China and the mortality rate of infectious diseases, maternal and infant, and nutritional deficiencies diseases showed a uniform downward trend from 2004 to 2018, with AAPC values about -3.59 (95%CI:-4.38,-2.78,P<0.001), -2.89 (95%CI:-3.24,-2.54,P<0.001) and -6.66 (95%CI:-7.64,-5.68,P<0.001), respectively. Conclusion: The mortality rate of children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years in China continues to decline from 2004 to 2018, and the decline rate becomes faster after 2011.

[The disease burden of degenerative mitral valve disease in the Chinese population from 1990 to 2019]

Objective: To explore the trend of disease burden of degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) in the Chinese population from 1990 to 2019. Methods: Based on the 2019 Global Burden of Disease database (GBD 2019), the number of patients, the number of new cases, the number of deaths, the disability-adjusted life years (DALY) as well as the prevalence, incidence and death rate, DALY rate and their age-standardized rates were used to analyze the trend of the burden of DMVD in the Chinese population from 1990 to 2019. Results: In 2019, the number of patients, the number of new cases, and the number of deaths with DMVD in China were 461.2, 27.0 and 0.129 ten thousand, respectively, which increased by 209.0%, 199.1% and 13.2% when compared with 1990. In 2019, the age-standardized prevalence, incidence and death rate were 228.1/100 000, 12.7/100 000 and 0.075/100 000, respectively. Compared with 1990, the change of the age-standardized prevalence, incidence and death rate were 32.6%, 42.8% and -54.1%, respectively. In addition, the 2019 data also showed that the age-standardized prevalence and incidence were higher in females than in males (the age-standardized prevalence was 190.1 (181.5-198.9)/100 000 for males and 262.0 (250.3-273.9)/100 000 for females); the age-standardized incidence was 10.5 (10.0-11.0)/100 000 for males and 14.9 (14.3-15.6)/100 000 for females. The age group with the largest number of DMVD patients was 65 to 69 years old, and the highest incidence was 60 to 64 years old. From 1990 to 2019, DALY caused by DMVD showed an upward trend in China, from 46 439 person-years in 1990 to 69 402 person-years in 2019, with an increase of 49.4%. While the age-standardized DALY rate continued to decline, from 5.5/100 000 in 1990 to 3.8/100 000 in 2019, with a drop of 30.8%. The DALY and the age-standardized DALY rate of females were always higher than that of males in different years. Conclusion: From 1990 to 2019, DALY and the age-standardized prevalence and incidence of DMVD in China shows an increasing trend, and the disease burden caused by DMVD is severe in China.

Similar experimental study on retaining waterproof coal pillar in composite strata mining

Numerous field examples of coal seam mining show that when coal seams under confined water are mined close to faults, water inrush effects on complex mining surfaces occur. Obeying similarity rules, physical similarity models consisting of sand, lime, and plaster were used to investigate the water conducting process, along with stress and displacement measured by a combination of mechanical senor, total station, and video camera-. Comparing the physical model tests with the calculation results of elastoplastic limit equilibrium theory, the rationality of the model has been verified. Besides, a safe width of the waterproof coal pillar has been obtained. It can be demonstrated from the model observations that the coal seam in front of the mining can be divided into three areas with different characteristics of stress and displacement, namely, which are the fault-affected area, the elastic area, and the plastic yield crack area. A closed-loop water inlet and outlet pipeline composed of a water control platform that can provide stable water pressure, and water bags pre-buried in the fault was used to simulate the water conduction in the fracture zone. Integrate the development law of stress, displacement, and water conduction coming from the upper and lower walls of the fault to further determine the reasonable width of the waterproof coal pillar.

[Methods for evaluating overweight and obesity among children and adolescents and application in SPSS and SAS]

Overweight/obesity has become one of the major public health problems among children and adolescents all over the world. The current screening standards for overweight and obesity in children and adolescents are not unified. It is easy to make mistakes and inefficient to evaluate item by item or develop self-written packages. Taking the"Screening standards for overweight and obesity in Chinese school-age children and adolescents"as an example, this study introduced four methods and procedures for evaluating overweight and obesity among children and adolescents from the world and China and described their application methods in combination with specific cases. At the same time, the SPSS and SAS packages were compiled and the specific application steps were explained, so that users could correctly and quickly screen overweight and obesity among children and adolescents, and conduct horizontal comparisons of similar studies across different regions.

Integrated microRNA-mRNA analysis reveals the roles of microRNAs in the muscle fat metabolism of Yanbian cattle

Fat deposition is an important economic trait in farm animals. However, it is difficult to genetically improve intramuscular fat deposition via trait-based cattle breeding. The main objectives of this study were to analyze the factors about beef flavor, and to detect functional microRNA (miRNA, miR) associated with intramuscular fat deposition in Yanbian cattle. Longissimus dorsi samples from six steers were separated into high- and low-fat groups (n = 3 each) based on the marbling score, and transcriptomic analysis was performed using miRNA sequencing. A total of 33 miRNAs and 38 genes were found to be differentially expressed in the high- and low-fat groups. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to validate the sequencing results. Integrated miRNA-mRNA analysis revealed that miRNA-associated target genes were primarily associated with skeletal muscle development. However, some of the miRNAs (miR-424 etc.) and genes (ATF3 etc.) were also associated with fat metabolism. A targeted relationship between miR-22-3p and the WFIKKN2 gene and its involvement in adipocyte differentiation were confirmed experimentally. The study findings may provide potential candidate molecular targets for the selection of cattle with improved meat quality.

[A case of glufosinate-ammonium poisoning in a patient with total gastrectomy]

Objective: To analyze the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with glufosinate-ammonium poisoning after total gastrectomy. Methods: The clinical data of a patient with oral glufosinate-ammonium poisoning after total gastrectomy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University in August 2020 were analyzed. Results: After total gastrectomy, the patient took about 200 ml of glufosinate-ammonium orally, and the plasma glufosinate-ammonium concentration was 816.8 ng/ml 6.5 h after poisoning. After symptomatic treatment such as promoting poison excretion, rehydration, anti infection and protecting important organs, the patient improved and discharged. Conclusion: The clinical manifestations of patients with glufosinate-ammonium poisoning after total gastrectomy are still mainly neurological symptoms, with delayed effect. Whether total gastrectomy will affect the distribution and toxic effect of the poison still needs further exploration.

[Gender difference in secular trends of body height in Chinese Han adolescents aged 18 years, 1985-2014]

Objective: To analyze the gender difference in secular trends of body height in Chinese Han adolescents aged 18 years from 1985 to 2014. Methods: Data were extracted from 1985, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2014 Chinese National Surveys in Students' Constitution and Health. A total of 124 099 Chinese Han adolescents aged 18 years were included in the analysis. ANOVA test was used to compare the body height between different subgroups stratified by gender and the mean difference and ratio in body height were calculated. Quantile regression model was used to assess the association between body height and gender over time in the adolescents stratified by region or area. Results: The mean body height of adolescents aged 18 years increased significantly from 1985 to 2014 with the rate of 1.3 cm/decade in male adolescents and 0.8 cm/decade in female adolescents, and the highest increment occurred from 1995 to 2005 in both groups. Male adolescents were taller than female adolescents at each subgroup (P<0.05). Gender difference in body height increased from 11.1 cm in 1985 to 12.6 cm in 2014 and ratio remained to be 1.07-1.08. The body height was taller in adolescents in urban area than in rural area (P<0.05) and in northeastern China than in other regions (P<0.05) in both male and female adolescents. The body height of obese male adolescents had been taller since 2000 and the body height of obese female adolescents had been taller since 2010 than other groups. When adjusted for urban-rural areas, region, socioeconomic status and nutritional status, the body height increased over time at P₅, P₂₅, P₅₀, P₇₅ and P₉₅ in both male and female adolescents, and the increments of gender difference in body height at different percentile ranged from 0.45 cm/decade to 0.57 cm/decade. When stratified by region, the gender difference in body height showed similar trend with total sample except P₅ and P₉₅ in northeastern China, the difference of increments were not significant. Conclusions: From 1985 to 2014, the gender difference in body height of Chinese Han adolescents aged 18 years increased, and male adolescents showed greater increase than female adolescents. Moreover, the adolescents in northeastern and eastern China had larger increment in body height. It is necessary to paid more attention to the adolescents in central and western China to promote their physical development.

Development of Dermestes Maculatus at a Constant Temperature and Its Larval Instar Determination

Objective To establish the basic data for estimating minimum postmortem interval （PMImin） of heavily decayed and skeletonized remains by studying the development of Dermestes maculatus DeGeer （Coleoptera: Dermestidae）. Methods The developmental stages of Dermestes maculatus were observed at four constant temperatures of 20 ℃, 24 ℃, 28 ℃ and 32 ℃, and the changes in body length were also examined as the biological indicator to estimate larval day-age and instar. Results The total developmental time from egg to adult at 20 ℃, 24 ℃, 28 ℃ and 32 ℃ were （126.7±10.6） d, （69.4±8.2） d, （50.4±8.4） d and （49.6±6.5） d, respectively. The body length increased gradually, but changed irregularly as a whole. Conclusion The study provides basic data on the development and growth of Dermestes maculatus, especially on its developmental duration as a significant value for estimating PMImin of heavily decayed and skeletonized remains. Nevertheless, the change of body length is not found to be the best biological indicator for instar determination.

[Stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia in adults outside Hubei province during the COVID-19 pandemic]

Objective: To investigate the severity of stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia during the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in adults outside Hubei Province, China. Methods: An online survey of psychological and sleep by using Questionnaire Star program from 5th to 19th February 2020 was conducted. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised was used to assess COVID-19 outbreak-related stress symptoms. Meanwhile, Questionnaires of Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Insomnia Severity Index were respectively used to assess the severity of anxiety, depression and insomnia symptoms prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: A total of 3 134 subjects were included. Among the included subjects, 15.5% (487), 24.9% (779), 28.7% (899) and 30.9% (968) of the subjects had COVID-19-related stress symptoms, anxiety, depression and insomnia after the COVID-19 outbreak, respectively. The severity levels of anxiety, depression and insomnia were significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to prior to the outbreak (all P<0.01). Furthermore, the subjects' stress response to the COVID-19 outbreak was an independent risk factor for increased anxiety, depression and insomnia after the outbreak. Conclusion: The COVID-19 outbreak resulted in related stress response and widespread increase in anxiety, depression, and insomnia outside Hubei Province, China in the general population. The aggravation of anxiety, depression and insomnia is associated with stress levels. Our data demonstrate that the widespread psychological and insomnia problems in the general population need to be addressed at the early phase of the pandemic.

[Association between endurance quality and blood pressure levels in Han students aged 13-18 years in China, 2014]

Objective: To analyze the association between the endurance quality and blood pressure levels in Han students aged 13-18 years in China. Methods: We used the data of Han students aged 13-18 years from 2014 Chinese National Survey on Students' Constitution and Health. Elevated blood pressure and its components, including isolated elevated SBP, isolated elevated DBP, and mix elevated blood pressure, were evaluated according to the reference of screening for elevated blood pressure among children and adolescents aged 7-18 years. The students' endurance quality was scored according to the National Standards for Students' Physical Health (2014 revision) and categorized based on their percentiles into four groups as follows: P(0)-, P(25)-, P(50)-, and P(75)-P(100). Trend χ(2) test was used to analyze the trend of the detection rates of elevated blood pressure and its components in different groups of endurance quality. Logistic regression model was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for elevated blood pressure and its components in different endurance quality groups and P(0)-group was set as reference group. Quantile regression model was used to analyze the association between different blood pressure levels and endurance quality. Results: The detection rate of elevated blood pressure in the students aged 13-18 years in China in 2014 was 9.2%. The detection rate of elevated blood pressure and its components decreased with the improvement of endurance quality (P<0.001). With the P(0)-endurance quality group as reference, the OR(95%CI) were 0.89(0.84-0.95), 0.81(0.76-0.86) and 0.79(0.74-0.84) respectively in P(25)-, P(50)- and P(75)-P(100) endurance quality groups respectively. The negative association existed between endurance quality and elevated blood pressure in overweight, obese and normal students, but not in malnourished students. The quantile regression analysis results showed that in overweight and obese students, the SBP levels at the P(10), P(25), P(50), P(75), P(9)0 and P(95) groups were negatively associated with the endurance quality, and the DBP levels at the P(25) and above group were negatively associated with the endurance quality. In malnourished and normal students, only some levels of DBP were negatively associated with the endurance quality. Conclusions: The negative association existed between endurance quality and elevated blood pressure in Han students aged 13-18 years in China. In overweight and obese students, the association between endurance quality and blood pressure level was stronger. Improving students' endurance quality may facilitate the prevention of elevated blood pressure.

[Analysis on the trend of prevalence of excellent and good physical fitness and health status among Chinese Han students aged 13 to 18 years and related influencing factors from 1985 to 2014]

Objective: Using the Chinese National Survey on Students' Constitution and Health data from 1985 to 2014 to analyze the trend of excellent and good physical fitness and health status among Chinese Han students aged 13 to 18 years and the related influencing factors. Methods: 738 523 students aged 13 to 18 years with completed data of gender, age, urban and rural, physical form, vital capacity and physical fitness were selected from the six Chinese National Surveys on Students' Constitution and Health. According to National Standards for Students' Physical Health (2014 revision), the comprehensive scores and the prevalence of excellent and good physical fitness and health status were calculated (90.0-120.0 was classified as excellent, and 80.0-89.9 was classified as good). The trend of prevalence of excellent and good physical fitness and health status in different years and the corresponding differences among students with different characteristics were analyzed and compared. The log-binomial regression model was used to analyze related factors of physical fitness and health status. Results: From 1985 to 2014, the overall prevalence of excellent and good physical fitness and health status increased from 27.6% in 1985 to 35.6% in 1995, and then declined to 13.9% in 2005. In the 2010 and 2014 cycles, the prevalence increased steadily, at 16.5% and 19.1% respectively. Except for 1995 and 2014, the prevalence of boys was higher than that of girls (P<0.001). The prevalence of students aged 13 to 15 was higher than that of students aged 16 to 18 (P<0.001). Log-binomial regression model analysis showed that girls ［PR（95%CI）=1.03（1.00-1.05）, P=0.021］, rural area ［PR（95%CI）=1.09（1.07-1.12）, P<0.001］, 13-15 years old［PR（95%CI）=1.89（1.84-1.94）, P<0.001］, eastern region［PR（95%CI）=1.94（1.88-2.00）, P<0.001］, middle region［PR（95%CI）=1.15（1.11-1.20）, P<0.001］, Exercise time ≥1 h/d［PR（95%CI）=1.41（1.37-1.45）, P<0.001］, parents support participation in sports activities after school［PR（95%CI）=1.10（1.06-1.15）, P<0.001］, TV time ≤1 h/d［PR（95%CI）=1.26（1.21-1.30）, P<0.001］, playing video games, watching videos or e-books ≤1 h/d［PR（95%CI）=1.05（1.02-1.09）, P<0.001］ were all related to the high prevalence of excellent and good physical fitness and health status. Conclusion: The prevalence of excellent and good physical fitness and health status among students aged 13 to 18 was changing between 1985 and 2014. Gender, age, area, physical exercise time, screen time for non-learning purposes, and parents' attitudes toward students' participation in physical activities were all related to the excellent and good physical fitness and health status of students.

[The application of the National Standards for Students' Physical Health (2014 revision) in SPSS]

The National Standards for Students' Physical Health (2014 revision)is a standard for providing primary guidance for the national school education work and applicable to the evaluation of the physical health of primary school, secondary school and university students in China. This standard sets indicators and assessment scores by gender and grade from three aspects, i.e. body shape, function and quality. Given the complexity of the application process and the large number of indicators, it could be inefficient and misused due to a large sample size. Therefore, this study aims to comprehensively introduce the application of the standard with examples, and compile the corresponding SPSS package for potential audience to quickly and accurately evaluate students' physical health.

[Comparison of status of physical activity time at school and influencing factors in students in China, 2010 and 2014]

Objective: To compare the probability of physical activity (PA) time ≥1 hour at school and influencing factors in students in China between 2010 and 2014. Methods: We used the data of 2010 and 2014 Chinese National Survey on Students' Constitution and Health (CNSSCH). The surveys covered the Han students aged 9-22 years and Tibetan students aged 9-18 years (Tibet). The participants were primary school students (9-12 years old), junior high school students (13-15 years old), senior high school students (16-18 years old) and college students (19-22 years old). The probability of PA time ≥1 hour at school was compared using χ(2) tests between 2010 and 2014 survey years. Log-binomial Regression was used to estimate the relative risk (RR) for the probability of PA time ≥1 hour at school in different age groups. Results: The overall probability of PA time ≥1 hour at school in students aged 9-22 years was 20.5% in 2010, and 23.8% in 2014. The difference between 2010 and 2014 was significant (P<0.001). On the whole, the probability of PA time ≥1 hour at school increased in the eastern, central and western areas in 2014 compared with 2010 (P<0.05), and the increase range was highest in eastern area, followed by western area and central area (P<0.05). The probability of PA time of 1 hour at school in all age groups increased in 2014 compared with 2010 (P<0.05). The increase in the probability of PA time ≥1 hour at school was larger in primary school students than that in high school students and college students (P<0.05). The probability of PA time ≥1 hour at school increased in all age groups in three areas, except in junior and senior high school students in the central area where the probability of PA time ≥1 hour at school decreased. The probability of PA time ≥1 hour at school in primary and junior/senior high school students in the eastern area had the greatest increase, but in college students it had the smallest increase in the three areas. From 2010 to 2014, the changes in the probability of PA time ≥1 hour at school in students in different provinces were quite different, especially in primary school students. The probability of PA time ≥1 hour at school in four age groups increased in only three provinces. With the probability of PA time ≥1 hour at school in primary school students as the reference, the RR in junior high students had no significant change between 2010 and 2014. The RR in senior high school increased from 0.34 (0.33-0.35) in 2010 to 0.36 (0.36-0.37) in 2014, and the RR in college students increased from 0.33 (0.32-0.34) in 2010 to 0.43 (0.42-0.44) in 2014. Conclusions: The probability of PA time ≥1 hour at school in all age groups increased in 2014 compared with 2010, but there were great differences among provinces. The findings of our study suggests that although the national policy played a certain role, the provinces should take specific measures to improve the probability of PA time ≥1 hour at school in students according to their own conditions. In addition, more attention should be paid to PA of older students.

Cine magnetic resonance urography for postoperative evaluation of reconstructive urinary tract after ileal ureter substitution: initial experience

AIM

To report the initial experiences with functional cine magnetic resonance urography (cine MRU) and assess its usefulness as a novel postoperative evaluation method of ileal ureter substitution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The medical records of 17 patients from who underwent cine MRU during June 2010 to December 2019 during their follow-up after ileal ureter substitution were collected. The cine MRU videos of reconstructive urinary tract were observed, and the luminal diameter, contraction ratio, peristaltic waves, and ureteral jets were measured.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients underwent cine MRU after ileal ureter substitution during their follow-up. Based on their cine MRU videos assessing the morphology and the peristaltic motility of the reconstructive urinary tract, there was resolution of preoperative hydronephrosis, which matched their ameliorative renal function. Clearly, peristaltic motility of the ileal graft was observed in 14 patients with obvious peristaltic waves and ureteral jets.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to assess the clinical utility of functional cine MRU during the patient follow-up after ileal ureter substitution. Cine MRU is a radiation-free, non-invasive imaging method that can clearly show the morphology and the peristaltic motility of the ileal graft. Therefore, cine MRU, as a novel technique, will be extremely useful in the postoperative evaluation of patients after ileal ureter substitution.

[Secular trends and geographic disparities of all-cause mortality among Chinese adolescents aged 10-24 years, between 1953 and 2010]

Objective: To analyze the secular trends and geographic disparities of all-cause mortality among Chinese adolescents aged 10-24 years over the period of 1953-2010. Methods: Data were extracted from the Chinese National Census in 1953-2010. We calculated the all-cause mortality and annualized rates of the changes. Using the provincial gross domestic product (GDP) per capita as an indicator of regional socio-economic development level, we calculated the Wagstaff normal concentration indices for adolescent mortality. Results: Over the period of 1953-2010, the general patterns of Chinese adolescent mortality appeared higher in males than those in females, higher in the 20-24-year-old than those in the 15-19 year-old and in the 10-14 year-old groups, higher in adolescents from the western than those in the eastern regions. The mortality of adolescents decreased from 554.6/100 000 in 1953-1964 to 55.7/100 000 in 2010 in males and decreased from 488.4/100 000 to 26.7/100 000 in females, respectively. The percentage of decrease for females (94.5%) was higher than that for males (90.0%). In 1981-2010, the highest annualized rate of decline for males was seen in Beijing (4.4%), with the lowest seen in Qinghai (0.1%). For girls, Hubei showed the highest annualized rate of decline (6.4%) while Qinghai the lowest (0.8%). Provinces that with higher mortality tended to have lower annualized rate of decline. The concentration indices for boys were -0.07 (95%CI: -0.11- -0.03), -0.13 (95%CI: -0.18- -0.08), and -0.16 (95%CI: -0.22- -0.10) in 1990, 2000, and 2010, respectively, and were -0.07 (95%CI: -0.13- -0.02), -0.18 (95%CI: -0.24- -0.12), and -0.18 (95%CI: -0.26- -0.09) respectively in girls. The indices among 1990, 2000, and 2010 did not show statistically significantly differences, both for boys and girls (P>0.05). Conclusions: Over the half century, the mortality of Chinese adolescents showed dramatic decreasing trend. However, in terms of death rates, gender and geographic disparities were consistently seen in the adolescents.

Effects of three different first-aid training methods on knowledge retention of caregivers and teachers: a randomized and longitudinal cohort study in China

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of pediatric first-aid training methods on caregivers' and teachers' knowledge retention.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a randomized longitudinal cohort study.

METHODS

A stratified random sampling method was used to select 1282 caregivers and teachers with the help of local education authorities in 18 districts and 1 county of Shanghai, China. The selected caregivers and teachers were randomly allocated into groups that were exposed to 3 models of training, including an interactive training model (group A), lecture-based training model (group B), and video instruction training model (group C), for pediatric first-aid training for caregivers and teachers (PedFACTs). Before and after the training, a descriptive questionnaire composed of demographic information and 37 simple-choice questions about first aid was administered. During the follow-up, 120 caregivers and teachers from each of the three methods were randomized and retested 9 months after their training and 120 caregivers and teachers were randomly reselected in each of the three methods and retested 4 years after their training.

RESULTS

Immediately after training, there was a significant difference in the postassessment results between groups A and B (P = 0.002) as well as between groups A and C (P < 0.001). The average interactive training model score was the highest, followed by the instruction training model and video instruction training model. There was no significant difference among the three groups in the reassessment scores at 9 months and 4 years after training (P = 0.744, P = 0.595). The difference in passing the assessment among the three groups at 9 months or 4 years after training was not maintained at a significant level.

CONCLUSION

The three training methods did not affect knowledge retention of the caregivers and teachers at nine months or four years after training completion. Video instruction may be an effective, convenient, and feasible method to train caregivers and teachers.

[Analysis on the urban-rural disparity of childhood stunting and its association with economic growth among Chinese Han students aged 7-18 years old]

Objective: To analyze the urban-rural disparity of childhood stunting and its association with subnational economic growth among Chinese Han students aged 7-18 years. Methods: We used the data from 2014 Chinese National Survey on Students' Constitution and Health. 213 940 Chinese Han students aged 7-18 years with complete height records were included in this study. Stunting was defined according to the Screening Criteria of Malnutrition for School-age Children and Adolescents(2014 version, in Chinese). We divided students into two groups (economically developed and underdeveloped areas) according to the provincial GDP per capita. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to explore the association between the difference of urban-rural stunting prevalence and the provincial GDP per capita. Logistic regression models were established to assess the risk of stunting in rural children compared with urban children. Results: Among 213 940 students, 107 033 (50.0%) were from urban areas. The average height of 7-18 years old and 18 years old [(152.9±15.7) and (166.1±8.7) cm] of urban students were both higher than those of rural students [(150.7±16.0) and (165.1±8.6) cm] (P<0.001). The stunting prevalence of Chinese urban students (0.4%) was statistically significant lower than that of rural students (1.1%) (P<0.001), which was consistent in all age groups (P<0.05). The urban-rural disparity was found in 60% (18/30) of Chinese provinces. The difference of urban-rural stunting prevalence was negatively associated with provincial GDP per capita (r=-0.62, P<0.001). In economically underdeveloped areas, the risk of stunting for rural students aged 7-9 years was 4.69 (95%CI: 2.93-7.52) times that for urban children, while for students aged 10-18 years, the odds ratio was 2.44 (95%CI: 2.02-2.96). In economically developed areas, the risk of stunting for rural students aged 7-9 years was 5.43 (95%CI: 3.67-8.03) times that for urban children, while for students aged 10-18 years, the odds ratio was 2.15 (95%CI: 1.85-2.49). Conclusions: The urban-rural disparity of childhood stunting existed in most places in China. The difference of growth retardation between urban and rural areas was related to regional economic development.

Downregulation of Salmonella Virulence Gene Expression During Invasion of Epithelial Cells Treated with Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris JFR1 Requires OppA

Invasion of Salmonella into host intestinal epithelial cells requires the expression of virulence genes. In this study, cell culture models of human intestinal cells (mucus-producing HT29-MTX cells, absorptive Caco-2 cells, and combined cocultures of the two) were used to determine the effects of Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris treatments (exopolysaccharide producing and nonproducing strains) on the virulence gene expression of Salmonella Typhimurium and its mutant lacking the oligopeptide permease subunit A (ΔoppA). During the course of epithelial cell (HT29-MTX, Caco-2, and combined) infection by Salmonella Typhimurium DT104, improved barrier function was reflected by increased transepithelial electrical resistance in cells treated with both strains of L. lactis subsp. cremoris. In addition, virulence gene expression was downregulated, accompanied with lower numbers of invasive bacteria into epithelial cells in the presence of L. lactis subsp. cremoris treatments. Similarly, virulence gene expression of Salmonella was also suppressed when coincubated with overnight cultures of both L. lactis subsp. cremoris strains in the absence of epithelial cells. However, in medium or in the presence of cell cultures, Salmonella lacking the OppA permease function remained virulent. HT29-MTX cells and combined cultures stimulated by Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 showed significantly lower secretion levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8 after treatment with L. lactis subsp. cremoris cell suspensions. Contrarily, these responses were not observed during infection with S. Typhimurium ΔoppA. Both the exopolysaccharide producing and nonproducing strains of L. lactis subsp. cremoris JFR1 exhibited an antivirulence effect against S. Typhimurium DT104 although no significant difference between the two strains was observed. Our results show that an intact peptide transporter is essential for the suppression of Salmonella virulence genes which leads to the protection of the barrier function in the cell culture models studied.

Effect of fermented milk from Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris strain JFR1 on Salmonella invasion of intestinal epithelial cells

The process of fermentation contributes to the organoleptic properties, preservation, and nutritional benefits of food. Fermented food may interfere with pathogen infections through a variety of mechanisms, including competitive exclusion or improving intestinal barrier integrity. In this study, the effect of milk fermented with Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris JFR1 on Salmonella invasion of intestinal epithelial cell cultures was investigated. Epithelial cells (HT29-MTX, Caco-2, and cocultures of the 2) were treated for 1 h with Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris JFR1 fermented milk before infection with Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica Typhimurium. Treatment with fermented milk resulted in increased transepithelial electrical resistance, which remained constant for the duration of infection (up to 3 h), illustrating a protective effect. After gentamicin treatment to remove adhered bacterial cells, enumeration revealed a reduction in numbers of intracellular Salmonella. Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR data indicated a downregulation of Salmonella virulence genes hilA, invA, and sopD after treatment with fermented milk. Fermented milk treatment of epithelial cells also exhibited an immunomodulatory effect reducing the production of proinflammatory IL-8. In contrast, chemically acidified milk (glucono delta-lactone) failed to show the same effect on monolayer integrity, Salmonella Typhimurium invasion, and gene expression as well as immune modulation. Furthermore, an oppA knockout mutant of Salmonella Typhimurium infecting treated epithelial cells did not show suppressed virulence gene expression. Collectively, these results suggest that milk fermented with Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris JFR1 is effective in vitro in the reduction of Salmonella invasion into intestinal epithelial cells. A functional OppA permease in Salmonella is required to obtain the antivirulence effect of fermented milk.

[Comparative study on growth retardation prevalence in students aged 7-18 years from 26 minority ethnic groups in China]

Objective: To compare the prevalence of growth retardation in students aged 7-18 years from 26 minority ethnic groups in China and provides reference evidence to promote the growth and improve the health status of students in minority ethnic groups. Methods: The body height data of students aged 7-18 years in 26 minority ethnic groups in 2014 Chinese National Surveys on Students' Constitution and Health were used for the analysis and comparison. Growth retardation was defined according to the school-aged child and adolescent malnutrition screening standard (WS/T 456-2014). Results: In 2014, the average body heights of school boys and school girls aged 18 years in 26 ethnic minority groups were (168.3±6.8) cm and (156.2±5.9) cm respectively. The overall growth retardation prevalence rate of school boys and school girls in 26 ethnic groups were 5.4% and 5.1%, respectively. The growth retardation prevalence rate was highest in students of Shui ethnic group (24.5% for boys and 23.0% for girls), and lowest in students of Hui ethnic group (0.1% for boys and 0.3% for girls). The growth retardation prevalence rates in 9 ethnic minority groups were higher than the average level, in these 9 ethnic groups, the differences in prevalence rates of boys of Buyi ethnic group, girls of Lisu ethnic group and girls of Hani ethnic group had no significance among four age groups. Growth retardation in students of Sala ethnic group was mainly observed in age group 7-9 years, but in others ethnic group, for example, Wa ethnic, it was mainly observed in older age group. The students in minority ethnic groups in southwestern China had the highest growth retardation prevalence rate (8.1%), significantly higher than that in northern China (0.8%) (OR=10.6, 95%CI: 7.8-14.4). The overall growth retardation prevalence rate between 7 and 17 years old was negatively correlated with the body height of 18 years old (boys: r=-0.811, P<0.001; girls: r=-0.715, P<0.001). Conclusions: In 2014, the differences in body height among students aged 18 years in 26 minority ethnic groups in China were significant. In general, the first five minority ethnic groups with high detection rate of growth retardation in boys were Shui, Wa, Buyi, Yao and Yi, and the five minority ethnic groups with high detection rate of growth retardation in girls were Shui, Yao, Buyi, Wa and Miao. The detection rate of growth retardation was highest in students of minority ethnic groups in southwestern China. Nutritional interventions and healthy education should be carried out in minority ethnic groups and areas with high growth retardation prevalence rate to promote the growth of the students.

Research Progress on InDel Genetic Marker in Forensic Science

Genetic markers in forensic DNA typing experienced the variable number of tandem repeats （VNTR） sequences and the short tandem repeats （STR） sequences. With the emerge of sequencing technology, the third generation of genetic markers were found out, which usually have two alleles including single nucleotide polymorphism （SNP） and insertion/deletion （InDel）, also known as biallelic genetic markers. Because of the insertions or deletions of DNA fragments, InDel genetic marker reveals DNA fragment length polymorphism and widely distributes across the whole genome. InDel genetic marker is numerous and has the characteristics of STR and SNP genetic markers, which has been applied in the fields of genetics and anthropology. This review focuses on the research progress of InDel genetic marker in forensic science, aiming to review and summarize the main research findings in recent years and provide clues for future researches.

[The comparation of establishing the allergic rhinitis model between Kunming mice and BALB/c mice]

Objective: To discusses the feasibility of establishing the allergic rhinitis (AR) model in Kunming mice. Methods: Kunming mice (n=20) and BALB/c mice (n=20) were sensitized and motivated by ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminium hydroxide. The symptoms rating scale (symptoms score>5 as successful model) was used to evaluate AR symptoms of two kinds of mice after the AR model were set up. The differences of OVA serum specific IgE (OVA-sIgE) and the levels of interleukin 4 (IL-4) in Kunming mice model group and Kunming mice blank group were evaluated, the symptom scores, OVA serum specific IgE (OVA-sIgE) and the levels of interleukin 4 (IL-4) of successful model of Kunming mice and BALB/c mice were compared, and the difference between two kinds of animal models. SPSS 22.0 statistical software was used for statistical analysis was analysed. SPSS 22.0 statistical software was used for statistical analysis. Results: During the experiment, 2 mice died in BALB/c mouse model group, and no mouse died in Kunming mouse model group. Kunming model group gained a certain incease of weight. The clinical symptom scores, OVA - sIgE levels, serum IL - 4 levels of Kunming mouse model group were significantly higher than those of blank control group. The difference was statistically significant [(6.100±0.568) vs (2.700±0.823), (29.083±10.470) ng/ml vs (3.908±1.984) ng/ml, (219.250±30.821) pg/ml vs (140.056±27.684) pg/ml, all P<0.05]. Compared with BALB/c mice model group, the symptom score and serum level of IL-4 of Kunming mice model group had no statistically significant differences (6.100±0.568) vs (6.313±0.704), (219.250±30.821) pg/ml vs (253.294±53.953) pg/ml, all P>0.05), and the difference of serum level of OVA-sIgE was statistically significant ((29.083±10.470) ng/ml vs (76.277±25.724) ng/ml, P<0.05). Conclusions: Kunming mice are able to obtain a clinically significant AR model through OVA modeling, with a significant increase in serum OVA-SIgE and IL-4. Kunming mice AR model shows good tolerance, and could reduce the losses in animal experiment.

Analysis on Fourier characteristics of wavelength-scanned optical spectrum of low-finesse Fabry-Pérot acoustic sensor

In this work, we investigate the Fourier characteristics of wavelength-scanned optical spectrum of low-finesse Fabry-Pérot (FP) acoustic sensor both theoretically and experimentally. The wavelength scanning will transform the time-domain acoustic signal into phase modulation loaded on the FP sensor spectrum distributed along wavelength. Therefore the interference spectrum can be regarded as carrier signal in the wavelength domain. From this perspective, it is intelligible that the phase modulation loaded on the spectrum (carrier signal) will introduce sidebands in Fourier domain. The spatial frequency and phase of sideband components contain unique information of both acoustic signal and the corresponding sensor. These conclusions are experimentally proved by single sensor head as well as two parallel sensors. The Fourier characteristics of sideband components can be utilized to recognize and distinguish acoustic signals received by different sensors, indicating that it has potential applications in multiplexed FP sensor array and source localization, and so forth.

[Assessment on Application of 24 Y-STR Loci in Forensic Science]

OBJECTIVES

To select a Y-STR marker system with strong haplotype identification ability, appropriate mutation rate and high compatibility and to assess its forensic application.

METHODS

The 24 Y-STR loci were tested by self-built fluorescent multiplex system, and the forensic assessment was conducted by 139 pairs of father-son samples collected in Jinan, Shandong province.

RESULTS

Totally 176 alleles were identified among the 24 Y-STR loci in the sample of 139 unrelated individuals labeled with father, and the gene diversity （GD） distributed between 0.083 7 （DYS645）-0.966 9 （DYS385a/b）. According to the 24 Y-STR loci, 139 different haplotypes were detected from 139 unrelated male individuals labeled with father in Han population of Shandong province and with no shared haplotype observed. The overall haplotype diversity （HD） was 1 and the discrimination capacity （DC） was 1. A total of 5 one-step mutations events were observed among the 24 Y-STR loci in 139 pairs of father-son. The average mutation rate was 0.001 5 [95% CI （0.000 5, 0.003 5）].

CONCLUSIONS

The system of 24 Y-STR loci shows a strong individual recognition ability and low mutation rate in the population in Jinan, Shandong province, and it has good application value in forensic science.

[Timeless promotes the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cell by reprogramming of glucose metabolism]

Objective: To explore the function and molecular mechanism of Timeless in promoting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) growth. Methods: The expression of Timeless in HCC and paracancer tissues were analyzed by using the public data of HCC. Timeless was overexpressed in MHCC97L cells and silenced in MHCC97H cells, respectively, and the expression of Timeless and its downstream molecules were detected by real-time PCR and western blot. The effects of Timeless on cell glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation and proliferation were detected by the glucose uptake experiment, lactic acid detection experiment, the extracellular fluid pH detection experiment, cell oxygen consumption test and cell viability assay, respectively. Results: The level of Timeless in HCC tissue was significantly higher than that of paracancer tissue (P<0.05). The relative cellular glucose uptake levels in the groups of Timeless knockdown, including siTimeless-1 and siTimeless-2 group were 0.510±0.119 and 0.508±0.099, respectively, significantly different from that of control group (P<0.05); The relative cellular uptake level of Timeless overexpressed group was 1.953±0.324, significantly different from that of vector transfected group (P<0.05). The relative levels of lactic acid production in the siTimeless-1 and siTimeless-2 group were 0.579±0.096 and 0.550±0.120, respectively, significantly different from that of control group (P<0.05); The relative production level of lactic acid in the Timeless overexpressed group was 1.463±0.179, significantly different that of vector transfected group (P<0.05). The extracellular pH values of siTimeless-1 and siTimeless-2 group were 7.390±0.035 and 7.370±0.060, respectively, significantly different from that of control group (P<0.05); the extracellular pH value of Timeless overexpressed group was 7.130±0.031, significantly different than vector transfected group (P<0.05). Oxygen consumption rate of siTimeless-1 and siTimeless-2 group were 3.686±0.389 and 3.955±0.431, respectively, significantly higher than 1.690±0.297 of control group (P<0.05); Oxygen consumption rate of Timeless overexpressed group was 1.302±0.336, significantly lower than 3.185±0.262 of vector transfected group (P<0.05) Timeless inhibited the expression of p53. The cell glucose uptake, lactic acid production, the pH of extracellular culture medium and cell oxygen consumption of control group were not significantly different from that of Timeless and p53 co-silenced group [(si-Timeless+sip53) group] (P>0.05); the glucose uptake, the production of lactic acid, the pH of the extracellular culture medium and the oxygen consumption of Timeless co-transfected with p53 (Timeless+p53) group were not significantly different from those of vector transfected group (P>0.05). Timeless promoted the proliferation of HCC cells through inhibiting the expression of p53. Conclusion: Timeless promotes reprogramming of glucose metabolism and proliferation of HCC cells by inhibiting the p53-dependent signaling pathway.

[Forensic Application of SiFaSTR™ 23plex DNA ID System in Han Population of Eastern China]

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the genetic polymorphism of 21 autosomal STR loci and DYS391 locus of SiFaSTR™ 23plex DNA ID system in Han population of eastern China and to evaluate its application value in forensic science.

METHODS

Typing test of 2 000 unrelated individuals was performed using SiFaSTR™ 23plex DNA ID system. The population genetic parameters of STR loci were statistically analysed. A total of 3 198 parentage confirmed cases were detected with that system and the mutation conditions were observed in 21 autosomal STR loci.

RESULTS

All the 21 autosomal STR loci showed no significant departure from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium （P>0.05）. The Ho ranged from 0.617 5 to 0.927 0. The DP ranged from 0.796 4 to 0.986 9, as well as the PIC distributed from 0.561 1 to 0.912 3. The CDP was 0.999 999 999 999 999. The CPE_duo was 0.999 997 431 701 961, while CPE_trio was 0.999 999 999 654 865. Five alleles were detected in DYS391 locus, with the allele frequency from 0.004 0 to 0.729 0, and GD was 0.418 9. Except D13S317 and D10S1248, seventy-six mutation events were observed at the rest nineteen autosomal STR loci. Among them, seventy-five （98.68%） were one step mutation, and only one （1.32%） was three steps mutation. The mutation rate ranged from 0.246 5×10⁻³ to 2.711 4×10⁻³, and the averaged mutation rate was 0.892 1×10⁻³ （95% CI： 0.70×10⁻³-1.10×10⁻³）. In 33 trio mutation cases, the proportion of the paternal mutation and the maternal mutation was 2.09:1.

CONCLUSIONS

The involved STRs are highly polymorphic in Eastern Han population with acceptable mutation rates by the SiFaSTR™ 23plex DNA ID system, which is suitable for paternity testing and individual identification.

Understanding the element segregation and phase separation in the Ce-substituted Nd-(Fe,Co)-B based alloys

Ce substituted Nd₂Fe₁₄B (2:14:1)-type permanent magnets have shown increasing potential in the applications due to their high properties/cost ratio. However, the element segregation and phase separation in the Ce substituted magnets have not been fully understood yet. In this work, (Nd_1−xCe_x)₂₅Fe₄₀Co₂₀Al₄B₁₁ alloys with high coercivities were prepared by copper mold casting. Based on detailed microstructure and composition analysis, the segregation of rare earth (RE) elements was observed in the as-cast alloys. Nd element prefers to enter into the 2:14:1 phase and the Ce element enter into the 1:2 phase. The existence of the 1:2 phase can promote the element segregation. The alloy shows an abnormal increase of coercivity from 641 kA/m for x = 0.2 to 863 kA/m for x = 0.3. This increase could be attributed to the phase separation of the 2:14:1 phase, which has been confirmed by the microstructural characterization. The present data provides useful information for exploring Ce-containing Nd-Fe-B magnets.

[Establishment of 43-plex SNP Typing System and Its Forensic Application]

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the application of 43-plex SNP typing system in forensic science.

METHODS

The typing of 43 SNP loci in 123 unrelated Han individuals from East China was detected by MALDI-TOF-MS. The application value of 43-plex SNP typing system was assessed according to the forensic parameters of population genetics.

RESULTS

All the 43 SNP loci of 123 individuals showed no significant departure from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium （P>0.05）. Excepted rs1355366, rs2270529, rs10776839 and rs938283, there were 39 SNP loci had minor allele frequencies （MAF）, which were greater than 0.25. Among the 25 loci MAFs, 24 ranged from 0.4 to 0.5, while 3 were close to 0.4. The DP, CDP, PIC, Ho, PE_trio and PE_duo of the 43 SNP loci were 0.290 1-0.654 4, 1-9.8×10⁻¹¹, 0.170 8-0.500 0, 0.155 7-0.593 5, 0.085 4-0.250 0 and 0.014 6-0.125 0, respectively. The CPE_trio and CPE_duo were 0.999 986 and 0.992 436 1, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The 43-plex SNP typing system in present study shows a high polymorphism, which can be an effective supplement and verification for traditional STR genetic markers. It also can be used with other commercial kits for the forensic paternity testing and individual identification.

[Implement of multimodal navigation-based virtual reality in the needle biopsy of intracranial eloquent lesions]

Objective: To investigate the clinical value of multimodal navigation-based virtual reality (MNVR) in the needle biopsy of intracranial eloquent lesions. Methods: From January 2016 to January 2017, 20 patients with intracranial deep-seated lesions involving eloquent brain areas underwent MNVR-aided needle biopsy at Department of Neurosurgery, People's Liberation Army General Hospital. Preoperatively, MNVR was used to propose and revise the biopsy planning. Intraoperatively, navigation helped trajectory avoid the eloquent structures. Intraoperative MRI (iMRI) was performed to prove the biopsy accuracy and detect the intraoperative complications. Perioperative neurological status, iMRI findings, intraoprative complications, surgical outcome and pathological diagnosis were recorded. Wilcoxon rank-sum test was conducted to compare the preoperative and postoperative neurological scores. Results: MNVR helped revised 45%(9/20) initial biopsy trajectories, which would probably injury the nearby eloquent structures. Navigation helped biopsy trajectories spare the eloquent structures during the operation. No statistical difference was found between postoperative and preoperative neurological status, despite all the lesions were adjacent to eloquent areas. Additionally, 20 patients totally received 21 iMRI scanning. iMRI helped revise incorrect biopsy site in one case and detected intraoperative hemorrhage in another case, both of cases were treated immediately and effectively. No MNVR related adverse events and complications occurred. Conclusions: MNVR-aided needle biopsy of intracranial eloquent lesions is a safe, novel and efficient biopsy modality. This technique is helpful to reduce the incidence of surgery related neurological deficits.

[Analysis of individualized primary prophylactic treatment of 19 cases of children with severe hemophilia A]

Objective: To study the current situation of primary prophylaxis in severe hemophilia A children and to explore rational regimen in order to provide evidence for the development of primary prophylaxis in China. Method: A retrospective clinical data collection and analysis was conducted for 19 severe hemophilia A children who received primary prophylaxis in Beijing Children's Hospital outpatient clinic between February 2011 and September 2015 and evaluated the regimen and efficacy. Result: (1) Primary prophylaxis regimen: the median beginning age 1.8 (range 0.5-2.9) years, the median FⅧ preparation using dosage 16.7 (8.0-23.5) U/(kg·time), the median using frequency was 1.0 (1.0-3.0) time/week. Eight cases among the patients received escalation of treatment intensity because of the poor bleeding control. (2) Efficacy: the median annual bleeding rate (ABR) was 1.9 (0-6.0) times/year, the median annual joint bleeding rate (AJBR) was 0 (0-3.3) times/year, without life threatening bleeding. All of them kept in 4th scale of Beijing Children Hospital daily activity level. The median annual factor consumption was 1 844 (840-5 040) U/kg. Conclusion: Low-dose primary prophylaxis regimen which were in low-dose /low frequencies and adjusted by bleeding frequency could decrease bleeding and joint bleeding frequency significantly, maintained the normal daily activity capacity and saved the factor consumption compared to standard regimen in severe hemophilia A children.

[Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of thyroid: a case report]

A elderly woman patient，with a unclear boundary,solid,smooth surface,moderately active mass that estimated 0.4 cm at its greatest diameter in the left lobe of thyroid. Ultrasonography revealed a hypoechoic mass in the left lobe and Computed Tomography showed a 38 mm×25 mm×23 mm oval lesion with uniform density in the left lobe also. The surgical findings revealed tumor located in the inner side of left thyroid lobe near the isthmus,with unclear boundary. Pathological examination showed unclear boundaries between thyroid and tumor,the tumor cells attack into the muscle tissue,braided/ fascicles spindle shaped or star shaped myofibroblasts cells in the tumor area with myxedema inflammatory background and the lesion did not have any mitotic figures. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that the spindle cells were positive for Vim,ACT,SMA,Bcl2 and ClyD1,and focal lesion histiocytes showed focal positive for CD68,CK and S-100,but negative for DES,Mgo,CD99,CD34,CD117,IgG4,ALK-1.The pathological diagnosis supports inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of thyroid. Imaging and immunohistochemistry and others are useful in differential diagnosis.

SAR and QSAR study on the bioactivities of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) inhibitors

In this paper, structure-activity relationship (SAR, classification) and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models have been established to predict the bioactivity of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) inhibitors. For the SAR study, we established six SAR (or classification) models to distinguish highly and weakly active HER2 inhibitors. The dataset contained 868 HER2 inhibitors, which was split into a training set including 580 inhibitors and a test set including 288 inhibitors by a Kohonen's self-organizing map (SOM), or a random method. The SAR models were performed using support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) methods. Among the six models, SVM models obtained superior results compared with other models. The prediction accuracy of the best model (model 1A) was 90.27% and the Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) was 0.80 on the test set. For the QSAR study, we chose 286 HER2 inhibitors to establish six quantitative prediction models using MLR, SVM and MLP methods. The correlation coefficient (r) of the best model (model 4B) was 0.92 on the test set. The descriptors analysis showed that HAccN, lone pair electronegativity and π electronegativity were closely related to the bioactivity of HER2 inhibitors.

Porcine MAP3K5 analysis: molecular cloning, characterization, tissue expression pattern, and copy number variations associated with residual feed intake

Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 5 (MAP3K5) is essential for apoptosis, proliferation, differentiation, and immune responses, and is a candidate marker for residual feed intake (RFI) in pig. We cloned the full-length cDNA sequence of porcine MAP3K5 by rapid-amplification of cDNA ends. The 5451-bp gene contains a 5'-untranslated region (UTR) (718 bp), a coding region (3738 bp), and a 3'-UTR (995 bp), and encodes a peptide of 1245 amino acids, which shares 97, 99, 97, 93, 91, and 84% sequence identity with cattle, sheep, human, mouse, chicken, and zebrafish MAP3K5, respectively. The deduced MAP3K5 protein sequence contains two conserved domains: a DUF4071 domain and a protein kinase domain. Phylogenetic analysis showed that porcine MAP3K5 forms a separate branch to vicugna and camel MAP3K5. Tissue expression analysis using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) revealed that MAP3K5 was expressed in the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, muscle, fat, pancrea, ileum, and stomach tissues. Copy number variation was detected for porcine MAP3K5 and validated by qRT-PCR. Furthermore, a significant increase in average copy number was detected in the low RFI group when compared to the high RFI group in a Duroc pig population. These results provide useful information regarding the influence of MAP3K5 on RFI in pigs.

Effect of MSTN propeptide protein on the growth and development of Altay lamb muscle

Prokaryotic expression technology was used to express maltose-binding protein binding myostatin (MSTN) propeptide fusion protein. Six disease-free Altay lambs were used in this study. The right leg gastrocnemii were injected with MSTN recombinant propeptide protein. The left leg gastrocnemii (the control group) were injected with the same dose of phosphate based saline. The lambs were fed during four months under the same conditions and then slaughtered. Gastrocnemius samples were hematoxylin-eosin stained and the size of the muscle fibers was measured. A real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed that single gastrocnemius cells in the experimental group had an average area of 1163.01 µm(2), while it was 845.09 µm(2) in the control group (P < 0.05). This indicates that the MSTN propeptide biological agents had an inhibitory effect on MSTN. In order to reveal its mechanism, RT-PCR was conducted to detect the expression of the differentiation-associated genes MyoD, Myf5, Myogenin, p21, and Smad3. The results showed that, in the MSTN propeptide biological agent injected group, expression levels of MSTN, Smad3, and p21 were lower than the control group, while Myf5, MyoD, and Myogenin were higher compared to the control group. This indicates that, when expression of the MSTN gene was inhibited, muscle cell differentiation and growth can be promoted by Smad3 up-regulated expression of Myf5, MyoD, and Myogenin.

Expression of recombinant myostatin propeptide pPIC9K-Msp plasmid in Pichia pastoris

Myostatin propeptide can inhibit the biological activity of myostatin protein and promote muscle growth. To express myostatin propeptide in vitro with a higher biological activity, we performed codon optimization on the sheep myostatin propeptide gene sequence, and mutated aspartic acid-76 to alanine based on the codon usage bias of Pichia pastoris and the enhanced biological activity of myostatin propeptide mutant. Modified myostatin propeptide gene was cloned into the pPIC9K plasmid to form the recombinant plasmid pPIC9K-Msp. Recombinant plasmid pPIC9K-Msp was transformed into Pichia pastoris GS115 by electrotransformation. Transformed cells were screened, and methanol was used to induce expression. SDS-PAGE and western blotting were used to verify the successful expression of myostatin propeptide with biological activity in Pichia pastoris, providing the basis for characterization of this protein.

Glutamate promotes neural stem cell proliferation by increasing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor of astrocytes in vitro

The high levels of glutamate might involve in neurogenesis after brain injuries. However, the mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of glutamate on the proliferation of rat embryonic neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs) through regulating the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression of astrocytes (ASTs) in vitro, and the cyclin D1 expression of NSCs. The results showed that glutamate promoted the expression and secretion of VEGF of rat astrocytes by activating group I mGluRs. Astrocyte conditioned medium-containing Glu [ACM (30%)] promoted the proliferation of embryonic NSCs compared with normal astrocyte conditioned medium+Glu [N-ACM (30%)+Glu (30 μM)] by increasing cell activity, diameter of neurospheres, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation and cell division; while ACM+VEGF neutralizing antibody [ACM (30%)+VEGF NAb (15 μg/ml)] significantly inhibited the proliferation of embryonic NSCs compared with ACM (30%). ACM (30%) increased the expressions of cyclin D1 and decreased cell death compared with N-ACM (30%)+Glu (30 μM). ACM (30%)+VEGF NAb (15 μg/ml) decreased the expressions of cyclin D1 and increased cell death compared with ACM (30%). These results demonstrated that glutamate could also indirectly promote the proliferation of rat embryonic NSCs through inducing the VEGF expression of ASTs in vitro, and VEGF may increase the expression of cyclin D1. These finding suggest that glutamate may be a major molecule for regulating embryonic NSC proliferation and facilitate neural repair in the process of NSC transplants after brain injuries.

Effects of epigallocatechin gallate on lipid metabolism and its underlying molecular mechanism in broiler chickens

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on fat metabolism and to establish the molecular mechanism of these effects in broilers. Seventy-two 28-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens were divided into three groups with different levels of EGCG supplementation for 4 weeks: normal control (NC) group, L-EGCG (a low-level supplement of EGCG, 40 mg/kg body weight daily) and H-EGCG (a high-level supplement of EGCG, 80 mg/kg body weight daily). After 4 weeks of oral administration, EGCG significantly reduced the level of abdominal fat deposition in broilers. The serum triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol of chickens in H-EGCG group were also significantly decreased compared with the NC group, and the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was notably increased at the same time. Moreover, the vital role of the liver and abdominal adipose tissue in lipid metabolism of poultry animals was examined through gene expression and enzyme activities related to fat anabolism and catabolism in these organs. Our data show that EGCG supplementation for 2 weeks significantly downregulated the expression of fatty acid synthesis and fat deposition-related genes, and upregulated the expression of genes involved in fatty acid β-oxidation and lipolysis genes. Simultaneously, the activities of hepatic fatty acid synthesis enzymes (fatty acid synthase and acetyl CoA carboxylase) were significantly decreased, and the activity of carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 was notably elevated. The results suggest that EGCG could alleviate fat deposition in broilers through inhibiting fat anabolism and stimulating lipid catabolism in broilers.

Decellularized kidney scaffold-mediated renal regeneration

Renal regeneration approaches offer great potential for the treatment of chronic kidney disease, but their availability remains limited by the clinical challenges they pose. In the present study, we used continuous detergent perfusion to generate decellularized (DC) rat kidney scaffolds. The scaffolds retained intact vascular trees and overall architecture, along with significant concentrations of various cytokines, but lost all cellular components. To evaluate its potential in renal function recovery, DC scaffold tissue was grafted onto partially nephrectomized rat kidneys. An increase of renal size was found, and regenerated renal parenchyma cells were observed in the repair area containing the grafted scaffold. In addition, the number of nestin-positive renal progenitor cells was markedly higher in scaffold-grafted kidneys compared to controls. Moreover, radionuclide scan analysis showed significant recovery of renal functions at 6 weeks post-implantation. Our results provide further evidence to show that DC kidney scaffolds could be used to promote renal recovery in the treatment of chronic kidney disease.

Renal carcinomas associated with Xp11.2 translocations: are CT findings suggestive of the diagnosis?

AIM

The purpose of the present study was to summarize the computed tomography (CT) features of renal carcinomas associated with Xp11.2 translocations, and determine whether the diagnosis can be reliably deduced from imaging findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Radiological studies of six patients (aged from 9-29 years) with renal carcinoma associated with Xp11.2 translocations were retrospectively analysed.

RESULTS

The tumours varied in size from 3.3-11 cm (mean 5.4 cm). Unenhanced CT and cortical, medullary, and pelvic-phase contrast-enhanced CT imaging was undertaken in all cases. Unenhanced CT revealed that tumours had a relatively increased radiodensity (4/6, ranged from 45-60 HU) and suggested the possibility of diffuse haemorrhage. Three of the six cases showed irregular and boundary calcification of the lesion. Contrast-enhanced CT showed relatively well demarcated tumours with heterogeneous enhancement (6/6). Prolonged enhancement of tumours might be a common sign (6/6) in Xp11.2 translocations. Three out of the six cases were combined with retroperitoneal lymph nodes metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Renal carcinomas associated with Xp11.2 translocations should be considered, particularly in children and young patients, when the lesion has calcification and is hyper-dense on unenhanced CT, and has prolonged enhancement on contrast-enhanced images.

Simultaneous optimization of spin fluctuations and superconductivity under pressure in an iron-based superconductor

We present a high-pressure NMR study of the overdoped iron pnictide superconductor NaFe0.94Co0.06As. The low-energy antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations in the normal state, manifest as the Curie-Weiss upturn in the spin-lattice relaxation rate 1/(75)T1T, first increase strongly with pressure but fall again at P>Popt=2.2  GPa. Neither long-ranged magnetic order nor a structural phase transition is encountered up to 2.5 GPa. The superconducting transition temperature Tc shows a pressure dependence identical to the spin fluctuations. Our observations demonstrate that magnetic correlations and superconductivity are optimized simultaneously as a function of the electronic structure, thereby supporting very strongly a magnetic origin of superconductivity.

[Spatiotemporal variation patterns of potential evapotranspiration in five provinces of Northwest China in 1960-2011]

By using Penman-Monteith model and Hurst index model, this paper analyzed the spatiotemporal variation patterns of potential evapotranspiration (ET0) in the five provinces of Northwest China in 1960-2011. In the meantime, the dominant factors driving the variations of the ET0 were quantitatively analyzed by using sensitivity analysis method. In 1960-2011, the ET0 in the five provinces presented an overall decreasing trend, with a drop rate of -0.72 mm x a(-1), but the ET0 increased gradually after 1993. An obvious spatial difference was shown in the annual average ET0. The average ET0 in the five provinces was 1158 mm (675-2282 mm), wit the maximum (2282 mm) in Qijiaojing of Xinjiang and the low values (>800 mm) in Qinba Mountains in south Shaanxi. Except in spring, the ET0 in other seasons showed a decreasing trend. In the analysis of future trend, the ET0 in most areas (81.4%) of Northwest China would present a trend from decrease to increase. Therefore, under the background of global warming, the warm and wet degree in Northwest China would be somewhat weakened, but the ET0 in the middle part of Xinjiang would be decreased continuously. Wind speed was the main factor affecting the ET0 in Northwest China at both annual and monthly scales, but the affecting extent of wind speed differed with seasons and areas. The spatial extent affected by the wind speed in winter expanded across the entire five provinces of Northwest China, while the spatial extent affected by the wind speed in summer included the entire Xinjiang and the northwest of Gansu and Qinghai.

In situ TEM observation of buffering the anode volume change by using NiTi alloy during electrochemical lithiation/delithiation

A novel Ti3Sn/NiTi shape memory alloy anode with a sandwich structure was fabricated by arc melting. In order to characterize in situ the Ti3Sn/NiTi anode microstructure changes and phase transformations during cycling, a nanoscale lithium battery was set up inside a transmission electron microscope, which consists of Li metal as the cathode, the native Li2O layer on the surface of Li metal as the solid electrolyte, and the Ti3Sn/NiTi as the anode. Only the Ti3Sn intermetallic compound experienced the electrochemical reaction, while the NiTi alloy (inactive with Li(+)) was applied for buffering the Ti3Sn volume change during cycling. An obvious reaction front of Ti3Sn migrated from one end to the other during lithiation, which can also return after delithiation. It provides direct evidence that the NiTi alloy can effectively accommodate the anode volume change during electrochemical lithiation and delithiation.

Application of a global reference for fetal-weight and birthweight percentiles in predicting infant mortality

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the recently published A global reference for fetal-weight and birthweight percentiles (Global Reference) improves small- (SGA), appropriate- (AGA), and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) definitions in predicting infant mortality.

DESIGN

Population-based cohort study.

SETTING

The US Linked Livebirth and Infant Death records between 1995 and 2004.

POPULATION

Singleton births with birthweight >500 g born at 24-41 weeks of gestation.

METHODS

We compared infant mortality rates of SGA, AGA, and LGA infants classified by three different references: the Global Reference; a commonly used birthweight reference; and Hadlock's ultrasound reference.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Infant mortality rates.

RESULTS

Among 33 997 719 eligible liveborn singleton births, 25% of preterm and 9% of term infants were classified differently for SGA, AGA, and LGA by the Global Reference and the birthweight reference. The Global Reference indicated higher mortality rates in preterm SGA and preterm LGA infants than the birthweight reference. The mortality rate was considerably higher in infants classified as preterm SGA by the Global Reference but not by the birthweight reference, compared with the corresponding infants classified by the birthweight reference but not by the Global Reference (105.7 versus 12.9 per 1000, RR 8.17, 95% CI 7.38-9.06). Yet, the differences in mortality rates were much smaller in term infants than in preterm infants. Black infants had a particularly higher mortality rate than other races in AGA and LGA preterm and term infants.

CONCLUSIONS

In respect to the commonly used birthweight reference, the Global Reference increases the identification of infant deaths by improved classification of abnormal newborn size at birth, and these advantages were more obvious in preterm than in term infants.