[Clinical analysis of peri-operative gastrointestinal complications after endovascular and open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm]

Objective: To investigate the etiology, treatment method and prevention of gastrointestinal complications(GCs) after endovascular and open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Methods: The clinical data of 716 cases who were diagnosed as AAA and underwent endovascular(EVAR) or open repair (OR) from Department of Vascular Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University April 2009 to March 2017 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. There were 608 males (84.9%)and 108 females(15.1%), aging of 69.4 years (range: 52-86 years). There were 539 cases(75.3%) underwent EVAR and 177 cases(24.7%) underwent OR. The morbidity of GCs and mortality of GCs, such as acute pancreatitis, cholecystitis, ischemic colitis, intestinal obstruction and peptic ulcer, between EVAR and OR group were compared. The treatment of the GCs and the prognosis of the patients were reported. Results: The morbidity of GCs in EVAR and OR group were 4.6%(25/539)and 35.0%(62/177), respectively. There were 10 cases and 28 cases suffering from acute pancreatitis in EVAR and OR group, respectively; 4 cases and 6 cases suffering from cholecystitis in the two groups; 6 cases and 13 cases suffering from ischemic colitis in the two groups; 5 cases suffering from intestinal obstruction in OR group; 5 cases and 10 cases suffering from peptic ulcer in the two groups. Two patients died in EVAR group, and the peri-operative mortality was 0.37%, one died of ischemic colitis with acute myocardial infarction, the other died of ischemic colitis with septic shock. Six patients died in OR group, and the peri-operative mortality was 3.39%, two patients died of acute pancreatitis with intestinal necrosis, one patient died of cholangitis with peritonitis and septic shock, three patients died of ischemic colitis with acute renal failure or septicemia. Conclusions: The etiology of peri-operative GCs after AAA repair may include inferior mesenteric artery occlusion or ligation, pancreas injury, organ hypoperfusion and so on.

Identification of a linear B-cell epitope on glycoprotein (GP) 2a of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)

Glycoprotein (GP) 2a was a minor structural protein of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and was one of crucial proteins for PRRSV to bind cell receptor, which indicated that there were neutralizing epitopes on GP2a. In the present work, we used mouse anti-GP2a_41-208aa serum and one GP2a_41-208aa specific monoclonal antibody (McAb) to identify B-cell epitopes of GP2a by peptide-based ELISA. A liner B-cell epitope F¹⁹⁴PTPGSRPKLHDFQQ²⁰⁸ was identified. However, the results of virus neutralization experiment showed that the McAb could not reduce the titers of PRRSV, which indicated that the identified epitope was not the neutralizing epitope of PRRSV. While the amino acid sequence of this epitope was conserved in North American (type 2) PRRSV, which suggested that this epitope might be diagnostic potential for type 2 PRRSV strains. In conclusion, our present work identified a new epitope on GP2a and this epitope might be diagnostic potential for type 2 PRRSV strains.

[Analysis of risk factors for cerebrovascular complications after carotid endarterectomy]

Objective: To evaluate the related risk factors of cerebrovascular complications after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and to improve the efficacy of CEA in the treatment of ischemic stroke. Methods: The clinical data of 295 patients with atherosclerotic carotid artery stenosis who underwent CEA in the Department of Vascular Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2013 to March 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: As the results of the single-factor analysis of logistics, severe lower limb artery stenosis (RR=5.667, P=0.017), systolic blood pressure before the carotid artery clamping (RR=6.659, P=0.010), diastolic blood pressure before the carotid artery clamping (RR=3.981, P=0.046), stump pressure (RR=5.359, P=0.021), diastolic blood pressure after surgery (RR=9.550, P=0.002), diastolic blood pressure of the first day after surgery (RR=7.932, P=0.005) were influencing factors of postoperative cerebrovascular complications after CEA. The results of multi-factor analysis of logistic regression indicated that diastolic blood pressure before the carotid artery clamping (RR=0.953, P=0.024) and stump pressure to basic systolic blood pressure index (SSI)>0.25 (RR=0.086, P=0.049) were independent risk factors for postoperative cerebrovascular complications after CEA. Conclusion: Systolic blood pressure before carotid artery clamping and SSI>0.25 are independent risk factors for postoperative cerebrovascular complications after CEA. Close follow-up and drug treatment for patients after CEA might be beneficial to reduce postoperative carotid artery restenosis.

Real-time parallel 3D multiple particle tracking with single molecule centrifugal force microscopy

Real-time tracking of multiple particles is key for quantitative analysis of dynamic biophysical processes and materials science via time-lapse microscopy image data, especially for single molecule biophysical techniques, such as magnetic tweezers and centrifugal force microscopy. However, real-time multiple particle tracking with high resolution is limited by the current imaging processes or tracking algorithms. Here, we demonstrate 1 nm resolution in three dimensions in real-time with a graphics-processing unit (GPU) based on a compute unified device architecture (CUDA) parallel computing framework instead of only a central processing unit (CPU). We also explore the trade-offs between processing speed and size of the utilized regions of interest and a maximum speedup of 137 is achieved with the GPU compared with the CPU. Moreover, we utilize this method with our recently self-built centrifugal force microscope (CFM) in experiments that track multiple DNA-tethered particles. Our approach paves the way for high-throughput single molecule techniques with high resolution and efficiency. LAY DESCRIPTION: Particles are widely used as probes in life sciences through their motions. In single molecule techniques such as optical tweezers and magnetic tweezers, microbeads are used to study intermolecular or intramolecular interactions via beads tracking. Also tracking multiple beads' motions could study cell-cell or cell-ECM interactions in traction force microscopy. Therefore, particle tracking is of key important during these researches. However, parallel 3D multiple particle tracking in real-time with high resolution is a challenge either due to the algorithm or the program. Here, we combine the performance of CPU and CUDA-based GPU to make a hybrid implementation for particle tracking. In this way, a speedup of 137 is obtained compared the program before only with CPU without loss of accuracy. Moreover, we improve and build a new centrifugal force microscope for multiple single molecule force spectroscopy research in parallel. Then we employed our program into centrifugal force microscope for DNA stretching study. Our results not only demonstrate the application of this program in single molecule techniques, also indicate the capability of multiple single molecule study with centrifugal force microscopy.

Mediating effect of coping styles on the association between psychological capital and psychological distress among Chinese nurses: a cross-sectional study

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Studies show that psychological capital (PsyCap) is a protective factor against psychological distress, such as depressive symptoms. However, few have attempted to address the role of coping styles in the relationship between PsyCap and psychological distress. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER ADD TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Our study found moderate levels of PsyCap among nurses in China. Among the subcategories of PsyCap, optimism and hope were most highly correlated with psychological distress. Psychological distress was positively associated with negative coping and negatively associated with positive coping. This study confirmed the partial mediating effect of coping styles in PsyCap and psychological distress among Chinese nurses. In other words, this study found direct and indirect effects of PsyCap on psychological distress mediated via coping styles. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The significant mediating effect of negative and positive coping styles between PsyCap and psychological distress has implications for hospital administrators, especially nurse leaders. Effective strategies should be implemented to improve PsyCap and coping styles among Chinese nurses, and alleviate psychological distress. Optimism and hope should be emphasized in PsyCap investment. Different styles of coping are influenced and modified by teaching and experience. Therefore, it is essential that nurse managers organize educational and training programmes to provide nurses with relative coping knowledge and techniques, and improve their coping ability. Several studies suggest that coping styles are affected by social support. Thus, nurse managers should assist nurses with social support and enhance coping strategies to reduce psychological distress.

ABSTRACT

Introduction PsyCap includes four categories namely self-efficacy, hope, optimism and resilience. Research has demonstrated that PsyCap and coping styles affect current psychological distress. Nevertheless, few studies have explored the role of coping styles in PsyCap and psychological distress. Aim This study investigated the role of coping styles as a mediator in PsyCap and psychological distress among Chinese nurses. Methods Participants included 538 nurses who completed self-report questionnaires assessing PsyCap, coping styles and psychological distress. Linear regression analyses were used to explore the role of coping styles. Results PsyCap, coping styles and psychological distress were significantly correlated. Among the subcategories of PsyCap, optimism and hope were most highly correlated with psychological distress. Coping styles is a partial mediator of PsyCap and psychological distress. Implications for mental health nursing The significant role of negative and positive coping styles in PsyCap and psychological distress has implications for hospital administrators, especially nurse leaders. Effective strategies should be implemented to improve PsyCap and coping styles among Chinese nurses, to alleviate psychological distress. Optimism and hope should be the focus of the improvement. Different styles of coping are developed from education and experience. Therefore, it is necessary for nurse managers to organize educational and training programmes to improve coping skills among nurses. Studies suggest that coping styles are affected by social support. Thus, nurse managers should also assist nurses with social support and enhance coping strategies to reduce psychological distress.

Variability in lipid profile among patients presented with acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina and stable angina pectoris

OBJECTIVE

Despite the amply evidence and guidelines in treating coronary artery disease (CAD) with lipid-lowering therapy, physicians still have concerns in treating acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients who have the low serum lipid level. We explored the adequacy of lipid-lowering therapy in treating AMI patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Over 3000 CAD lipid profile data were collected, their data were divided into 3 groups (AMI; stable angina pectoris (SAP) and unstable angina pectoris (UAP) group) based their clinical characteristics. Statistical analyses were performed to compare their baseline lipid levels and clinical feature.

RESULTS

The total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) level in AMI patients were the lowest, followed by UAP patient group and SAP patient group. There were significant differences in white blood count (WBC) and ejection fraction (EF) between 3 groups. A good correlation was confirmed between EF% and the lipid parameters of TC, LDL-c, HDL-c, non-HDL-c. WBC did not correlate with the lipid except HDL-c. AMI is an acute inflammatory reaction that is accompanied with the change of lipid level.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the level of TC, LDL-c and HDL-c are lower in AMI, but it is related with acute inflammatory reaction during the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. Lipid-lowering therapy should not be delayed in treating AMI patients with lower lipid level.

Bifidobacterium longum as a delivery system of TRAIL and endostatin cooperates with chemotherapeutic drugs to inhibit hypoxic tumor growth

In our previous study, we have shown that vector pBV22210 containing a chloramphenicol resistance and a cryptic plasmid pMB1 from Bifidobacterium longum strain could stably replicate and did not significantly affect the biological characteristics of B. longum. In this study, B. longum was transfected by electroporation with pBV22210 encoding the extracellular domain of TRAIL (B. longum-pBV22210-TRAIL) and its carbohydrate fermentation and growth curve were determined, and its location and inhibitory effect on tumor xenografts in mice were also examined. The results further proved that gene transfection did not change the main biochemical characteristics of B. longum. The results also showed that B. longum-pBV22210-TRAIL resulted in selective location in tumors and exhibited a definite antitumor effect on S180 osteosarcoma. In addition, when a low dosage of Adriamycin (5 mg kg(-1)) or B. longum-pBV22210-endostatin was combined, the antitumor effect was significantly enhanced. The successful inhibition of S180 tumor growth suggested a stable vector in B. longum for transporting anticancer genes combined with low-dose chemotherapeutic drugs or other target genes is a promising approach in cancer gene therapy.

Meat quality parameters of descendants by grading hybridization of Boer goat and Guanzhong Dairy goat

Chemical composition, cholesterol levels, fatty acid profile, meat taste, and quality parameters were evaluated in 48 buck kids from goats of the Guanzhong Dairy breed (Group G) and their crosses (Group F1: 1/2 Boermale symbolx1/2 Guanzhong Dairyfemale symbol; Group F2: 3/4 Boermale symbolx1/4 Guanzhong Dairyfemale symbol; Group F3: 7/8 Boermale symbolx1/8 Guanzhong Dairyfemale symbol) at different ages of slaughter (6, 8 and 10 months). Results indicated that grading hybridization (P<0.05) affected meat nutritive value. The muscle of hybrid goats had lower crude fat and cholesterol, higher crude protein, and greater proportion of C18:2 and C18:3 than that of Group G at each age. Group F1 goats had better (P<0.05) desirable fatty acid (DFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) to saturated fatty acid (SFA) ratios and greater (C18:0+C18:1/C16:0) ratios (P<0.01) than those of the other genotypes. Furthermore, the muscles of hybrid goats were tenderer and juicier compared to Group G. In all four groups, cholesterol levels increased (P<0.01), muscle color became redder (P<0.05) and tenderness decreased (P<0.05) with increasing age. The low level of lipids and cholesterol, good meat quality, and the higher ratio of unsaturated to SFA in Group F1 indicate better quality for human consumption.

Effects of mild heat treatment on microbial growth and product quality of packaged fresh-cut table grapes

The changes in packaged fresh-cut grape quality and microbial growth as affected by mild heat treatments and the retention of grape cap stems during 5 degrees C storage were evaluated. Each individual grape was either manually pulled off (stemless) from the stems, or cut (cut stem) to allow for a 1- to 2-mm cap stem remaining on the berry. The samples were sanitized in 100 mg/L chlorine solution for 1 min, followed by a mild heat treatment in a water bath (45 degrees C, 8 min) or an oven (55 degrees C, 5 min). After cooling, the berries were packaged in rigid trays sealed with a gas permeable film and stored at 5 degrees C. Product quality and decay rate were evaluated periodically during storage. The results indicate that in the package headspace for hot water treatment of stemless grapes, partial pressures of O(2) declined significantly (P < 0.05) less and C(2)H(4) increased significantly (P < 0.001) less than for the control and hot air treatment. Stem removal and heat treatment had significant (P < 0.05) effects on the decay rate of grapes during storage. Hot water treatment maintained a significantly lower decay rate than the control and hot air treatment throughout the entire storage. Color and texture were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by either heat treatment or stem removal. Grapes that retained the cap stems and received hot water treatment had the lowest decay rate and lowest microbial growth with the absence of any negative impact on grape color, texture, and flavor.

Refractive indices of water and ice in the 0.65- to 2.5-µm spectral range

New accurate values of the imaginary part, k, of the refractive index of water at T = 22 °C, supercooled water at T = -8 °C and polycrystalline ice at T = -25 °C are reported. The k spectrum for water in the spectral region 0.65-2.5 µm is found to be in excellent agreement with those of previous studies. The k values for polycrystalline ice in the 1.44-2.50-µm region eliminate the large uncertainties existing among previously published conflicting sets of data. The imaginary part of refractive index of supercooled water shows a systematic shift of absorption peaks toward the longer wavelengths compared with that of water at warmer temperatures.