[A case of acute inhalation dinitrogen tetroxide poisoning]

Dinitrogen tetroxide is often used as an oxidant in rocket propellant and has strong irritant and corrosive properties. This paper analyzes the clinical data of a patient with dinitrogen tetroxide poisoning admitted in the 63710 Army Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, so as to further explore the poisoning mechanism, clinical characteristics and key points of acute inhaled dinitrogen tetroxide poisoning.

[Primary cardiac synovial sarcoma: a clinicopathological analysis of five cases]

Objective: To assess the clinicopathological features, immunophenotype, molecular characteristics and differential diagnosis of primary cardiac synovial sarcoma (PCSS). Methods: Five cases of PCSS were collected at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from 2008 to 2023, and their clinicopathological features were summarized. Immunohistochemical staining, fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) were performed, and relevant literatures were reviewed. Results: The cases were found in four males and one female, ranging in ages from 16 to 51 years (median 30 years). Two cases were located in the pericardium, two in the right ventricle, and one in the left ventricle. Follow-up data were available in four cases. All the four patients died of disease at 3, 7, 13 and 26 months, respectively, after diagnosis. The tumor maximum diameter ranged from 6.0 to 14.0 cm in (mean 10.0 cm). Microscopically, three cases were monophasic and two cases were biphasic. Immunohistochemically, all cases were immunoreactive for EMA, vimentin, bcl-2 and CD56. The tumor cells were variably positive for pan-cytokeratin, SS18-SSX, SOX2, TLE1, CD99, synaptophysin, calretinin and calponin. FISH showed the presence of SS18 rearrangement in all the cases. NGS detected SS18-SSX gene fusion in three cases (SS18-SSX1 in one and SS18-SSX2 in two). Conclusions: PCSS is an exceedingly rare neoplasm, and should be distinguished from other various malignant epithelial and mesenchymal tumors. The clinical history, histopathological and immunohistochemical features, and molecular findings are all essential to the definitive diagnosis of PCSS.

[Random Integration Analysis of Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus 6 Packaged in Sf9 Insect Cells]

Recently, there have been growing concerns over the integration of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) used in gene therapy. Wild-type adeno-associated virus (AAV) site specifically integrates into AAVS1 site of human genome, while rAAV randomly integrates into host chromosomes at low frequencies. This research aims to study the random integration events of rAAV6-EGFP packaged in Sf9 insect cells. Baculo-Sf9 manufacturing platform has the advantages of high-density suspension culture of Sf9 insect cells and large-scale production of rAAV vectors. In this study, we used different doses of Baculo-Sf9 produced rAAV6-EGFP to transduce HEK293T cells and A549-implanted tumors in vitro and in vivo. Using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy, we studied their EGFP gene expression efficiencies and EGFP fluorescence intensities. Using inverse nested PCR and DNA sequencing, random integration sites of rAAV6-EGFP genome into human chromosomes were identified. In vitro results showed that gene expression efficiencies became stable after 20 days and random integration frequencies were 0.2-4.2%. Both in vitro and in vivo results indicated that random integration of Baculo-Sf9 rAAV6 was dose-dependent. Sequencing results showed two random integration sites, which were on human chromosomes 8 and 12. The findings suggest that we should use as low dose of rAAV vector as possible for safe gene therapy.

[Repair methods of complex facial defect wounds involving paranasal sinuses and their clinical effectiveness]

Objective: To explore the repair methods of complex facial defect wounds involving paranasal sinuses and their clinical effectiveness. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From January 2020 to May 2022, 5 patients admitted to the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery of Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and 4 patients admitted to the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery of Chenzhou First People's Hospital with complex facial defect wounds involving paranasal sinuses met the inclusion criteria, including 6 males and 3 females, aged 35-69 years, including 4 patients with titanium mesh exposure combined with paranasal sinuses injury and 5 patients with tumor involving paranasal sinuses. After an adequate assessment of the damage by a multiple discipline team, titanium mesh removal, paranasal sinus debridement, and paranasal sinus mucosa removal were performed in patients with exposed titanium mesh, and radical tumor resection was performed in patients with tumors, with postoperative skin and soft tissue defects areas of 5.0 cm×2.5 cm to 18.0 cm×7.0 cm, anterior paranasal sinus wall defects/absence areas of 3 cm×2 cm to 6 cm×4 cm, and sinus cavity depths of 1 to 4 cm. Depending on the perforator course of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, the anterolateral femoral chimeric flap or anterolateral femoral myocutaneous flap (with flap area of 9 cm×4 cm to 19 cm×8 cm, muscle size of 5 cm×3 cm×3 cm to 11 cm×6 cm×3 cm) was transplanted to repair the defect, and the donor site wound was sutured directly. The type of tissue flap transplanted, the blood vessel of the recipient area, and the vascular anastomosis way during the operation, the recovery of the donor and recipient areas and the occurrence of complications after operation were observed. The appearance and blood supply of the recipient area and the recurrence of ulcers and tumors were followed up. Results: The anterolateral femoral myocutaneous flap transplantation was performed in 6 patients, and the anterolateral femoral chimeric flap transplantation was performed in 3 patients. The blood vessels in recipient areas were facial arteries and veins in 3 cases and superficial temporal arteries and veins in 6 cases. The superficial temporal arteries and veins were bridged with blood vessels in tissue flaps by flow-through way in 2 patients, and end-to-end anastomosis of blood vessels in donor and recipient areas was performed in 7 patients. After operation, all the tissue flaps survived, and the facial defect wounds were well repaired without cerebrospinal fluid leakage or paranasal sinus secretion leakage, no intracranial infection occurred, and the wounds in donor areas were healed well. Follow-up of 6-35 months after operation showed that all the patients had good blood supply in the recipient area, and the shape was acceptable; 4 patients with exposed titanium mesh had no recurrence of ulceration, and 5 patients with tumor had no local tumor recurrence or metastasis. Conclusions: Based on an adequate assessment of the extent of paranasal sinuses involved in the facial wound and the nature of the defect, good clinical effects can be achieved by using the anterolateral femoral muscle flap or the anterolateral femoral chimeric flap transplantation to repair complex facial defect wounds with open paranasal sinuses.

[Microbiota structure and diversity in Aedes albopictus at different developmental stages]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the diversity and composition of microflora in laboratory-reared Aedes albopictus at different developmental stages and larval habitat waters.

METHODS

The larval habitat waters and different developmental stages of laboratory-reared A. albopictus were collected, and the V3 and V4 regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene were sequenced using Illumina Miseq next-generation sequencing. The abundance and diversity of the microflora were examined using alpha diversity index in A. albopictus at different developmental stages, and the difference in the microflora compositions was compared in A. albopictus at different developmental stages using principal component analysis (PCA). In addition, the species composition and relative abundance of microflora in A. albopictus at different developmental stages were described using histograms and Venn diagrams.

RESULTS

A total of 16 phyla, 30 classes, 72 orders, 129 families and 224 genera of bacteria were detected in larval habitat waters and different developmental stages of A. albopictus. The highest bacterial diversity was seen in larval A. albopictus, with Chao index of 125.20 ± 30.48 and Shannon diversity index of 2.04 ± 0.39, which were comparable to those (Chao index of 118.52 ± 15.07 and Shannon diversity index of 2.15 ± 0.30) in larval habitat waters (t = 0.35 and -0.41, both P values > 0.05). The bacterial abundance and evenness were significantly greater in female adults than in male adults (Chao index: 42.50 ± 3.54 vs. 18.50 ± 2.13, t = 8.23, P < 0.05; Shannon diversity index: 1.25 ± 1.67 vs. 0.50 ± 0.05, t = 6.00, P < 0.05). Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Actinobacteriota and Finnicutes were four common phyla of bacteria at each developmental stage of A. albopictus, with Proteobacteria dominated at the pupal stage (90.36%), Bacteroidota dominated at the adult stage (46.01% in female adults and 86.11% in male adults), and Actinobacteriota dominated at the larval stage (32.10%). Elizabethkingia and Rahnella 1 were common dominant genera of bacteria at each developmental stage of A. albopictus, with Rahnellal as the major component at the pupal stage (87.56%), Elizabethkingia as the main component at the adult stage (46.01% in female adults and 86.11% in male adults, respectively), and Microbacteria as the dominant bacterial genus at the larval stage (12.11%). In addition, Delftia, Elizabethkingia, Romboutsia, Serratia, Rahnella 1, Enterococcus and Microbacterium were common genera of bacteria at each developmental stage of A. albopictus, with Edaphobaculum dominated at the larval stage (17.54%) and Sphingobacterium dominated in larval habitat waters (13.93%).

CONCLUSIONS

There are differences in the composition of symbiotic bacteria at different developmental stages of A. albopictus; however, similar microflora diversity is maintained at the phylum level. The microflora diversity is comparable in larvae and larval habitat waters of A. albopictus.

[Analysis of risk factors for hemorrhage in patients with acute poisoning treated with hemoperfusion]

Objective: To explore the clinical characterist ics and risk factors of hemorrhage complicated by hemoperfusion therapy in patients with acute poisoning. Methods: In January 2021, the clinical data of 196 patients with acute poisoning who received hemoperfusion therapy in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University from January 2018 to December 2020 were analyzed, and the patients were divided into bleeding group and non-bleeding group according to whether the patients were complicated with bleeding. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors for hemorrhage in patients treated with hemoperfusion. Results: A total of 21 patients in the bleeding group and 175 patients in the non-bleeding group were included. There was no significant difference in general data such as gender, age, and body mass index between the two groups (P>0.05) . Organophosphorus pesticides (χ(2)= 4.56, P=0.030) , HA230 perfusion device (χ(2)=4.12, P=0.042) , platelet count (t=-2.33, P=0.009) and activated partial thromboplastin time (t=14.53, P<0.001) at 2 h of perfusion were the influencing factors of hemorrhage in patients with acute poisoning treated with hemoperfusion. Among them, organophosphorus pesticides, 2 h perfusion activated partial thromboplastin time ≥35 s and other factors were independent risk factors forcomplicated bleeding (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Patients with acute poisoning, especially organophosphorus pesticide poisoning, are at greater risk of bleeding during hemoperfusion therapy. Monitoring of changes in activated partial thromboplastin time should be strengthened and the dose of anticoagulants should be adjusted in time to reduce the risk of bleeding.

[Surveillance of Culex mosquitoes in Jiangsu Province from 2018 to 2019]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the distribution and density of Culex mosquito populations and the resistance of Culex pipiens pallens to insecticides in Jiangsu Province in 2018 and 2019.

METHODS

During the period from June to October in 2018 and 2019, six counties (districts, cities) were sampled in southern, northern and central Jiangsu Province as surveillance sites. The density of Culex mosquitoes was measured overnight using the light trapping technique. In addition, Culex pipiens pallens mosquitoes were collected from Hai'an of Nantong City and Yandu District of Yancheng City, central Jiangsu Province, and the sensitivity of female first filial generations to dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), malation, proposur, beta cypermethrin and deltamethrin was tested using the standard WHO insecticide susceptibility test assay.

RESULTS

A total of 104 423 Culex mosquitoes were captured in six surveillance sites of Jiangsu Province in 2018 and 2019, and Culex quinquefasciatus (49.11%), Culex pipiens pallens (28.38%), and Culex tritaeniorhynchus (21.04%) were predominant species. The density of Culex mosquitoes started to increase since early June, peaked in July and tended to be low in late October. Culex pipiens pallens mosquitoes captured from Hai'an was susceptible to malation, while those from Yandu District were moderately resistant to malation. Culex pipiens pallens mosquitoes from both Yandu and Hai'an were moderately resistant to proposur, and were resistant to DDT, beta cypermethrin and deltamethrin.

CONCLUSIONS

Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex pipiens pallens and Culex tritaeniorhynchus are predominant Culex species in Jiangsu Province. Culex pipiens pallens is resistant to DT, beta cypermethrin and deltamethrin in central Jiangsu Province.

[Study on emergency metabolic changes of Anopheles sinensis larvae following exposure to deltamethrin]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the changes of small molecular metabolites in the larvae of a deltamethrin-sensitive strain of Anopheles sinensis following exposure to deltamethrin, so as to provide the scientific basis for investigating the metabolic pathway and screening metabolic markers of deltamethrin in An. sinensis.

METHODS

The 50% and 75% lethal concentrations (LC₅₀ and LC₇₅) of deltamethrin against the larvae of a deltamethrin-sensitive strain of An. sinensis were calculated in laboratory. The type and content of An. sinensis larvae metabolites were detected using high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) following exposure to deltamethrin at LC₅₀ and LC₇₅ for 30 min and 24 h, and the changes of metabolites were analyzed.

RESULTS

The LC₅₀ and LC₇₅ values of deltamethrin were 4.36 × 10^-3 µg/mL and 1.12 × 10^-2 µg/mL against thelarvae of a deltamethrin-sensitive strain of An. sinensis. Following exposure of the larvae of a deltamethrin-sensitive strain of An. sinensis to deltamethrin at LC₅₀ and LC₇₅ for 30 min, the differential metabolites mainly included organic oxygen compounds, carboxylic acid and its derivatives, fatty acyl and pyrimidine nucleotides, with reduced glucose levels. Following exposure for 24 h, the differential metabolites mainly included organic oxygen compounds, carboxylic acid and its derivatives, aliphatic acyl and purine nucleotides, with increased glucose level detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Carbohydrate, carboxylic acid and its derivatives, fatty acyls, amino acids and their derivatives may play important roles in deltamethrin metabolism in the larvae of a deltamethrin-sensitive strain of An. sinensis.

[Repair methods and clinical effects of full-thickness burn wounds deep to tendon or even bone in fingers]

Objective: To explore the repair methods and clinical effects of full-thickness burn wounds deep to tendon or even bone in fingers. Methods: A retrospective non-randomized controlled trial was conducted on the 98 patients with full-thickness finger burns deep to tendon or even bone who met the inclusion criteria and were hospitalized in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2010 to December 2019. Among the 98 patients, there were 81 males and 17 females, aged from 1 to 72 years, with 160 fingers involved. The wound area of each of affected fingers ranged from 2.0 cm×1.5 cm to 12.0 cm×3.5 cm, and the maximum wound area after merging the affected fingers was 12.0 cm×10.0 cm. For adult hands with multiple full-thickness burn wounds deep to tendon or even bone in multiple fingers or children with full-thickness finger burns deep to tendon or even bone, pedicled abdominal flaps were selected. For adults with single or two fingers with full-thickness burns deep to tendon or even bone, the pedicled internal hand flaps and free tissue flaps were selected. The free tissue flap repair requires good vascular conditions in the recipient area with arteries and veins available for anastomosis. For thumb nail burns deep to tendon or even bone or partial absence of the thumb after burns, the thumbs were reconstructed with the first toenail flap or dorsal foot flap with the second toe. In this study, 45 pedicled abdominal flaps were used to repair the wounds in 91 fingers, 37 pedicled internal hand flaps were used to repair the wounds in 37 fingers, 26 free tissue flaps were used to repair the wounds in 28 fingers, 3 first toenail flaps were used to reconstruct 3 patients' thumb nails and to repair hand wounds, and 1 dorsal foot flap with the second toe was used to reconstruct 1 patient's thumb and to repair hand and wrist wounds. The tissue flap area was from 2.0 cm×1.5 cm to 20.0 cm×10.0 cm. The wound in the donor site was repaired by direct suture or full-thickness skin grafting from the medial upper arm of the affected limb or split-thickness skin grafting from the outer thigh. The postoperative survival of the tissue flap, postoperative complications, and appearance and function of the flap donor site were observed. For the patients who were followed up, their finger functions were evaluated at the last follow-up using the trial criteria for replantation function evaluation of the amputated finger issued by the Hand Surgery Society of the Chinese Medical Association, and the satisfaction of the patients was investigated using the Efficacy Satisfaction Scale. Data were statistically analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis H test and Nemenyi test. Results: Of the 112 tissue flaps, 104 tissue flaps survived completely and had good blood circulation; 1 pedicled thumb dorsal ulnar reverse island flap, 1 pedicled finger artery cutaneous branch reverse island flap, and 1 free grafted anterolateral thigh perforator flap were slightly necrotic at the end, which were repaired with outer thigh split-thickness skin graft after dressing change and granulation tissue growth; 2 free grafted tarsal external artery flaps and 1 pedicled thumb dorsal ulnar reverse island flap suffered from postoperative venous return obstruction, which survived after partial suture removal and heparin saline cleansing of the wound; 1 pedicled modified dorsal metacarpal artery retrograde island flap and 1 free grafted peroneal artery perforator flap were necrotic, which were repaired by a pedicled abdominal flap and a lateral upper arm flap free transplantation respectively in stage Ⅱ. After transplantation, the tissue flaps had good shape, soft texture, and good elasticity, without bloating. There was no functional disorder in the flap donor site, and only slight scar remained. A total of 117 fingers of the 72 patients received 3-24 months of outpatient or telephone follow-up. At the last follow-up, the excellent and good rates of function evaluation of fingers repaired with pedicled abdominal flap, pedicled internal hand flap, and free tissue flap were respectively 77.3% (51/66), 96.3% (26/27), and 95.8% (23/24). The function of fingers repaired with free tissue flap and pedicled internal hand flap was significantly better than that with pedicled abdominal flap (P<0.01). The satisfaction of patients with fingers repaired by free tissue flaps was significantly higher than that by pedicled abdominal flap (P<0.05). Conclusions: According to the specific situation of full-thickness burn wounds deep to tendon or even bone in fingers, the pedicled abdominal flap is used to repair the multiple full-thickness burn wounds deep to tendon or even bone in multiple fingers of adult or the full-thickness burn wounds deep to tendon or even bone in fingers of children, the pedicled internal hand flap or free tissue flap is used to repair the full-thickness burn wounds deep to tendon or even bone in single or two fingers of adult patients, and the first toenail flap or the dorsal foot flap with the second toe is used to reconstruct the thumbs with full-thickness burn deep to tendon or even bone, with high postoperative tissue flap survival rate and few complications. The functional recovery of the affected finger is better after repair with free tissue flap and pedicled internal hand flap, and the patients' satisfaction is the highest after free tissue flap repair.

[Effects of interpregnancy interval on pregnancy outcomes of subsequent pregnancy: a multicenter retrospective study]

Objective: To explore the effects of interpregnancy interval (IPI) on pregnancy outcomes of subsequent pregnancy. Methods: A multicenter retrospective study was conducted in 21 hospitals in China. Information of age, height, pre-pregnancy weight, IPI, history of diseases, complications of pregnancy, gestational age of delivery, delivery mode, and pregnancy outcomes of the participants were collected by consulting medical records of pregnant women who had two consecutive deliveries in the same hospital during 2011 to 2018. The participants were divided into 4 groups according to IPI:<18 months, 18-23 months, 24-59 months and ≥60 months. According to the WHO's recommendation, with the IPI of 24-59 months group as a reference, to the effects of IPI on pregnancy outcomes of subsequent pregnancy were analyzed. Stratified analysis was further carried out based on age, history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), macrosomia, and premature delivery, to explore the differences in the effects of IPI on pregnancy outcomes among women with different characteristics. Results: A total of 8 026 women were included in this study. There were 423, 623, 5 512 and 1 468 participants in <18 months group, 18-23 months group, 24-59 months group and ≥60 months group, respectively. (1) The age, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), history of cesarean section, GDM, gestational hypertension and cesarean section delivery rate of <18 months group, 18-23 months group, 24-59 months group and ≥60 months group were gradually increased, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). (2) After adjusting for potential confounding factors, compared with women in the IPI of 24-59 months group, the risk of premature delivery, premature rupture of membranes, and oligohydramnios were increased by 42% (OR=1.42, 95%CI: 1.07-1.88, P=0.015), 46% (OR=1.46, 95%CI: 1.13-1.88, P=0.004), and 64% (OR=1.64, 95%CI: 1.13-2.38, P=0.009) respectively for women in the IPI≥60 months group. No effects of IPI on other pregnancy outcomes were found in this study (P>0.05). (3) After stratified by age and adjusted for confounding factors, compared with women in the IPI of 24-59 months group, IPI≥60 months would significantly increase the risk of oligohydramnios for women with advanced age (OR=2.87, 95%CI: 1.41-5.83, P=0.004); and <18 months could increase the risk of premature rupture of membranes for women under the age of 35 (OR=1.59, 95%CI: 1.04-2.43, P=0.032). Both the risk of premature rupture of membranes (OR=1.58, 95%CI: 1.18-2.13, P=0.002) and premature delivery (OR=1.52, 95%CI: 1.07-2.17, P=0.020) were significantly increased in the IPI≥60 months group. After stratified by history of GDM and adjusted for confounding factors, compared with women in the IPI of 24-59 months group, IPI≥60 months would lead to an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage for women with a history of GDM (OR=5.34, 95%CI: 1.45-19.70, P=0.012) and an increased risk of premature rupture of membranes for women without a history of GDM (OR=1.44, 95%CI: 1.10-1.90, P=0.009). After stratified by history of macrosomia and adjusted for confounding factors, compared with women in the IPI of 24-59 months group, IPI≥60 months could increase the proportion of cesarean section for women with a history of macrosomia (OR=4.11, 95%CI: 1.18-14.27, P=0.026) and the risk of premature rupture of membranes for women without a history of macrosomia (OR=1.46, 95%CI: 1.12-1.89, P=0.005). After stratified by history of premature delivery and adjusted for confounding factors, compared with women in the IPI of 24-59 months group, IPI≥60 months would significantly increase the risk of premature rupture of membranes for women without a history of premature delivery (OR=1.47, 95%CI: 1.13-1.92, P=0.004). Conclusions: Both IPI≥60 months and <18 months would increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in the subsequent pregnancy. Healthcare education and consultation should be conducted for women of reproductive age to maintain an appropriate IPI when they plan to pregnant again, to reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in the subsequent pregnancy.

[Boss mass index and mortality from cardiovascular disease in China: a prospective study in rural men]

Objective: To assess the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and death risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in rural male population. Methods: 22 282 men aged 40 years older in Tanghe county and Fenghuang county from the cohort of the "Prospective Study on Adult Behavior and Health Risk Factors in China" were selected as subjects of this study. Cox regression model was used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) of the death of CVD during the follow-up period with different BMI groups at baseline. Results: The average follow-up period in the two counties was (19.1±8.7) years and 10 828 (48.6%) people died during the follow-up period. 4 504 deaths were attributed to CVD. Among the deaths of CVD, 1 279 cases died of ischemic heart disease (IHD), ischemic stroke (IS) died in 1 201, cases died of died of 1 317 hemorrhagic stroke (HS), other 707 cases. Compared to population with BMI<18 kg/m(2), Cox regression model (adjusting factors of region, age, nationality, education level, occupation, smoking, drinking, blood pressure, blood pressure, etc.) showed that people with BMI between 20-22 kg/m(2) had the lowest risk of CVD death (HR=0.95, 95%CI: 0.83-1.09). But the difference was not statistically significant among each BMI group (P>0.05). The risk of IHD death was the lowest in the population with BMI between 20-22 kg/m(2) (P<0.05) (HR=0.64, 95%CI: 0.52-0.80). There was no statistically significant difference between the risk of IHD death in the population with BMI≥24 kg/m(2) and that in the population with BMI<18 kg/m(2) (P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the risk of IS death and BMI (P>0.05). The death risk of HS in the population with BMI between 18-24 kg/m(2) was higher than that in the population with BMI<18 kg/m(2) (P<0.05). The death risk of the population with BMI between 26-28 kg/m(2) was the highest (HR=1.88, 95%CI:1.18-2.99). Conclusions: The mortality risk of CVD and IHD was the lowest in lean or normal weight group, and HS was higher in overweight group. Maintaining a reasonable weight can reduce the risk of death in patients with CVD.

[Clinical effectiveness of simultaneous reconstructions of multiple joint scar contracture deformity of limb]

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of simultaneous reconstruction of multiple joint scar contracture deformity of limb. Methods: From January 2010 to June 2018, 24 patients with multiple joint scar contracture deformity of the same limb were reconstructed in simultaneous operations in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, including 16 males and 8 females, aged 3-42 years, with 15 patients having deformities in the upper limbs and 9 patients having deformities in the lower limbs. One operation was performed to repair contracture deformity of axillary fossa and elbow in 3 patients, cubital fossa and palmar of wrist in 4 patients, cubital fossa and hand in 5 patients, palmar of wrist, palm, and palmar of finger in 3 patients, groin and medial knee in 2 patients, popliteal fossa and posterior ankle in 1 patient, and anterior ankle and dorsum of foot in 6 patients. After the release of various joint scar contractures, the area of skin defect was 140 to 580 cm(2). Autologous full-thickness skin grafts were used in 7 patients, autologous medium-thickness skin grafts were used in 4 patients, autologous full-thickness skin grafts combined with local skin flaps were used in 9 patients, and allogeneic acellular dermal matrix and autologous thin skin grafts were used in 4 patients. Comprehensive measures for rehabilitation were taken and the survival of the skin graft was observed after operation. Six months to eight years after the operation, all the patients were followed up for the functions of the affected limbs, among which the functions of the upper limbs were evaluated according to the trial standard for the evaluation of the functions of the upper limbs of the Hand Surgery Society of the Chinese Medical Association. The joint mobility, walking, and squatting function of lower extremity were examined after operation. Recurrence of contractures in all the affected limbs and reoperation were recorded. Results: The grafts survived after operation in 22 patients. Two patients had necrosis in small full-thickness skin area, of which one was healed by skin grafting after debridement, and the other one was healed after dressing changes. The deformity of scar contracture at each repaired joint was completely or partially corrected. During a follow-up for 6 to 96 months, the upper limb functions of 15 patients were rated excellent in 12 patients and good in 3 patients. Among the 9 patients of lower limb scar contractures, except for one 3-year-old child who experienced recurrence of medial knee scar contracture and underwent surgical release and skin grafting 5 years later, the remaining 8 patients basically recovered normal joint functions with pretty good outcomes. Conclusions: For continuous scar contracture deformity of multiple joints of the same limb, simultaneous surgical release and skin grafting can reduce operation frequency and obtain better outcomes of surgical operation.

Temperature-sensitive pathways may be involved in duck embryonic developmental recovery from blastoderm dormancy during hatching

1. Birds' newly oviposited blastoderms can survive several weeks in a dormant state during low-temperature storage. Previous studies demonstrated that there is a critical temperature range from 19 to 27°C for chicken embryos. Within this range, the embryo will diapause in a dormant state; once the temperature rises above this range, the blastoderm will break dormancy. 2. Clarifying the mechanism that initiates duck embryo developmental recovery from blastoderm dormancy will be helpful to change temperature control to improve hatching in poultry production. It was hypothesised that there might be some temperature-sensitive genes involved in initiating duck embryo developmental recovery from blastoderm dormancy. 3. To test this hypothesis, the transcriptome of the newly oviposited duck blastoderm and duck embryo (incubated for 48 hours) were sequenced to screen for differentially expressed genes with functions that had been predicted by bioinformatics. 4. The results showed that there were 2416 differentially expressed genes between the two groups, 53 of which were involved in temperature-sensitive pathways. The protein-protein interaction network combined these 53 temperature-sensitive genes and another group of 65 genes, which enriched the development pathway. These results suggested that temperature-sensitive genes may be involved in growth and development related pathways.

[Clinical characteristics and repair effect of 136 patients with electric burns of upper limb]

Objective: To analyze clinical characteristics and wound repair methods and effects of patients with upper limb electric burns. Methods: Medical records of 136 patients with upper limb electric burn who met the inclusion criteria and hospitalized in our unit from January 2015 to March 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Proportion in patients with electric burns in the same period, gender, age, admission time, categories, injury causes, injury voltage, burn area and depth of upper limb, simultaneous injury of both upper limbs, and early wound treatment measure of patients with upper limb electric burn were recorded. The main repair methods of each affected limb were classified and recorded. The overall efficacy of the patients was recorded, including postoperative wound complications and healing condition. The patients repaired with distal pedicled flaps and those with free flaps were followed up for 3 to 6 months. The survival rate of flaps were recorded, the function of affected limbs after operation was evaluated, and the satisfaction degree of patients was investigated by Curative Effect Score Table. The amputation rate, age, and burn area of upper limbs of patients caused by high-voltage and low-voltage electricity were compared. Data were processed with Wilcoxon rank sum test, chi-square test, or Fisher's exact probability test. Results: (1) The number of upper limb electric burn patients accounted for 88.3% of 154 patients with electric burns hospitalized in the same period, including 117 males and 19 females, aged 1 year and 2 months to 72 years [(34±18) years], admitted 1 h to 48 d after injury, including 51 electricians, 32 rural migrant workers, 31 students and preschool children, and 22 patients belonging to other categories. Patients of the first two categories were mainly injured by work accidents, and those of the latter two categories mainly suffered from touching power source or power leakage. Among all the patients, 75 cases were injured by high-voltage electric burn, and 61 cases were injured by low-voltage electric burn, with burn area of upper limb from 0.2% to 16.0% [2% (1%, 5%)] total body surface area (TBSA) and area of wounds deep to bone from 0.2% to 15.0% [2% (1%, 5%)] TBSA. Two upper limbs in 54 cases were simultaneously injured, accounting for 39.7%. Early fasciotomy was performed for 73 limbs. (2) Thirteen affected limbs were treated with dressing change, 2 affected limbs were sutured directly after debridement, 56 affected limbs were repaired by skin grafting, 12 affected limbs were repaired by local flap, 45 affected limbs were repaired by distal pedicled flap, 22 affected limbs were repaired by free flap, and 40 affected limbs were amputated (accounting for 21.1%). (3) One case died of pulmonary infection, sepsis, and multiple organ failure after operation, and the rest patients were all cured. One case with avulsion of abdominal flap was repaired by skin grafting after dressing change. The anterolateral thigh flap in one case necrotized after transplantation, which was replaced by pedicled abdominal flap. Seven cases had small erosion on the pedicle or margin after transplantation of abdominal flap and were healed by dressing change. Six cases had local bruising at the distal end after transplantation of abdominal flap and were healed after conservative treatment such as hyperbaric oxygen. The other flaps survived well. (4) The survival rate of distal pedicled flap grafting was 97.8% (44/45), which was close to that of free flap grafting (95.5%, 21/22, P>0.05). The function recovery of affected limb after free flap grafting was better than that of distal pedicled flap grafting (Z=-3.054, P<0.01), but their satisfaction degree of patients was similar (Z=-0.474, P>0.05). (5) Patients with high-voltage electric burn had higher amputation rate, older age, and larger upper limb burn area than those with low-voltage electric burn (χ(2)=4.743, Z=-2.801, -6.469, P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusions: Upper extremity electric burn often occurs in children, electricians, and rural migrant workers with high rate of amputation. Teachers and parents should strengthen safety education for children and manage power source of life well. Workers should improve safety awareness and operate standardly. Fasciotomy for relaxation should be performed for electric burn wound as soon as possible, and flap grafting can effectively repair wound after early debridement. The function recovery of affected upper limb repaired with free flap grafting is better.

[The design of interrupted time series and its analytic methods]

Interrupted time series (ITS) is a statistical method for the quasi-experimental design specific to the outcome of time series, in which the effectiveness of an intervening measure is evaluated by examining change in slope and immediate change in level. The key feature of ITS is that the secular trend of time series prior to the intervention can be effectively controlled so as to accurately estimate the intervention effect. The design principle and statistical method for ITS were illustrated by an example of evaluating halving policy for the expert registration fee in the general hospital of a city. The segmented linear regression was used to fit the above time series data and the results were explained in detail. Meanwhile, the study design and model fitting along with explanations of the results with respect to the effects of two types of successive interventions and on different time-points of an intervention were illustrated as well in this paper. The existed upward or downward trend should be taken into account in order to accurately estimate the intervention effect as it exists in most of the public health surveillance data. Two parameters, known as change in slope and immediate change in level, were employed to evaluate the effect of the intervention. The ITS analysis can be widely applied to the program evaluation as it could enrich methods of the evaluation compared to the traditional model of the program evaluation.

Effect of different time of ultrasound treatment on physicochemical, thermal, and antioxidant properties of chicken plasma protein

The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of different times (5 min (UCPP-5), 10 min (UCPP-10), 20 min (UCPP-20), and 30 min (UCPP-30)) of ultrasound treatment on physicochemical, thermal, and antioxidant properties of chicken plasma protein (CPP). UCPP-20 had the highest fluorescence intensity and the lowest particle size. However, no major changes in the subunit compositions and the secondary structure of UCPPs were presented in SDS-PAGE and circular dichroism. The surface hydrophobicity and sulfhydryl content of UCPPs increased significantly (P < 0.05) as compared to those of CPP. With the increasing time of ultrasound treatment, there were more and deeper holes on the protein surfaces. Furthermore, protein modification by ultrasound could improve the thermal properties of UCPPs. Additionally, UCPPs showed a significant increase in antioxidant properties over CPP, especially UCPP-20. These observations indicated that ultrasound treatment was necessary for modification of CPP to meet the requirements for food processing.

[Relationship between phenotype and genotype of ABCB11 deficiency in siblings and literature review]

Objective: To explore the relationship between genotype and phenotype of ABCB11 deficiency. Methods: Clinical data of two siblings with ABCB11 deficiency were retrospectively analyzed. Related literature from PubMed, CNKI and Wangfang databases was reviewed to date (up to August 2017) with 'ABCB11 gene' or 'bile salt export pump', 'cholestasis' and 'child' as key words. Results: The patients were siblings. Both of them presented as jaundice, pruritus and hepatosplenomegaly since 3 days after birth. Significant laboratory findings on admission of the older sister included high total bilirubin, 170 µmol/L;conjugated bilirubin, 115.8 µmol/L;alanine aminotransferase, 168 U/L;total bile acid 186.3 µmol/L and normal gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase. While routine laboratory data of the younger brother were as follows: total bilirubin, 148.8 µmol/L;conjugated bilirubin, 96.3 µmol/L;alanine aminotransferase, 232.8 U/L;total bile acid 226 µmol/L, and normal gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase.Both received ursodeoxycholic acid and fat-soluble vitamins. Liver pathology of the younger brother showed giant hepatocytes with ballooning degeneration, focal necrosis and intrahepatic cholestasis. Both the patients harbor the same compound heterozygous mutations in ABCB11 gene, c.145C>T (p.Q49X) and c.1510G>A (p.E504K). The sister is 9 years old now, with normal liver function. Jaundice faded around 3 months after birth, pruritus relieved at age 5, and medications was stopped since then. The brother progressed to liver failure after an operation on perianal abscess when he was 8-month-old, and received living-related liver transplantation when he was 9 month and 20 days old (from his mother). Now he is 1 year and 5 months old, with normal liver function. Both are under our follow-up. Literature review revealed 18 ABCB11 deficiency patients from 7 families who had apparent different prognoses, within each family the siblings had the same ABCB11 gene mutation. Seven cases relieved after ursodeoxycholic acid therapy and/or partial external biliary diversion, 5 received orthotopic liver transplantation, 2 developed hepatocellular carcinoma and 4 cases died in childhood. Conclusions: The clinical manifestations of ABCB11 deficiency may vary greatly in patients carrying the same genotype, even in siblings. Patients should be managed in individualized maner.

[The clinicopathological features and curative effect of the bronchoscopic interventional therapy combined with radiotherapy for the treatment of locally recurrent lung adenoid cystic carcinoma]

Objective: To explore the clinical value of endoscopic interventional therapy for locally recurrent primary lung adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). Methods: The clinical data of 42 patients with locally recurrent ACC were retrospectively analyzed, and the differences of tracheal and bronchial diameter, airway scoring grade and airway obstruction degree before and after treatment were compared among three treatment methods: bronchoscopic interventional therapy + palliative radiotherapy, interventional therapy alone, and non-interventional therapy. Log rank test and Cox proportional risk model multi-factor analysis were used to determine the prognostic factors of ACC patients with local recurrence, and the long-term effect of bronchoscopic interventional therapy on ACC with local recurrence was determined. Results: The median overall survival of 42 patients was 59 months and 5-year survival rate was 54.2%.Univariate analysis showed that vascularized cancer, pleural invasion, pulmonary atelectasis, incisal margin, microscopic classification, tumor diameter, initial TNM stage, ki-67 index, and treatment after local recurrence were associated with long-term survival of ACC patients with local recurrence (all P<0.05). Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that margin status (RR=0.272, P=0.011), tumor diameter (RR=2.586, P=0.005), initial TNM staging (RR=0.369, P=0.035), ki-67 index (RR=3.569, P<0.001), and treatment methods after local recurrence (RR=0.126, P<0.001) were independent factors influencing the prognosis of ACC patients with local recurrence. After three months of treatment, the tracheal bronchus diameters, rating of shortness of breath, and degree of airway obstruction were all improved significantly (all P<0.05), both in the interventional therapy + palliative radiotherapy group [(14.5±2.8 mm, 0.86±0.45, (14.50±10.67)%, respectively], and the interventional therapy alone group [(13.7±2.3) mm, 0.97±0.25, (15.38±12.02)%, respectively]. Meanwhile, the difference before and after non-interventional therapy was not statistically significant (all P>0.05). 5-year overall survival rates were 55.8%, 46.6% and 42.6% for patients undergoing interventional therapy+ palliative radiotherapy, interventional therapy alone, and non-interventional therapy after recurrence, with statistically significant differences (P=0.015). Patients underwent bronchial endoscopic interventional therapy and palliative radiotherapy had the best efficacy of treatment. Conclusion: Endoscopic interventional therapy plus palliative radiotherapy is an effective local palliative treatment for locally recurrent ACC patients, which can rapidly relieve airway stenosis, improve the quality of life of patients and prolong the survival time of patients.

[Clinical application of negative pressure dressing in the full-thickness skin grafting]

Objective: To investigate the effect of different negative pressure of wound negative pressure dressing (NPD) on the survival of full-thickness skin grafts of patients. Methods: One hundred and eleven patients who need skin grafting, conforming to the inclusion criteria were hospitalized in our unit from August 2012 to March 2017, and their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Forty-seven patients hospitalized from August 2012 to October 2015 were assigned into traditional treatment group. Sixty-four patients hospitalized from November 2015 to March 2017 were divided into -9.975 kPa negative pressure treatment group (n=34) and -13.300 kPa negative pressure treatment group (n=30). Patients in traditional treatment group received conventional dressing after full-thickness skin grafting. Patients in -9.975 kPa and -13.300 kPa negative pressure treatment groups received -9.975 kPa and -13.300 kPa NPD based on traditional treatment after vacuum sealing, respectively. Dot necrosis area of skin grafts and erosion and escharosis of graft edges of patients in the three groups on post operation day 10 were observed. The percentage of dot necrosis area of skin grafts and occurrence rate of erosion and escharosis of skin graft edges were calculated, respectively. Data were processed with chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and Kruskal-Wallis H test. Results: Percentages of dot necrosis area of skin grafts of patients in traditional treatment group and -9.975 kPa and -13.300 kPa negative pressure treatment groups were 17.81%, 3.20%, and 3.00%, respectively. Percentage of dot necrosis area of skin grafts of patients in traditional treatment group was significantly higher than that in -9.975 kPa and -13.300 kPa negative pressure treatment groups (Z=-5.770, -4.690, P<0.001). Percentages of dot necrosis area of skin grafts of patients in -9.975 kPa and-13.300 kPa groups were close (Z=-0.619, P>0.05). The occurrence rates of erosion and escharosis of skin graft edges of patients in traditional treatment group and -9.975 kPa and -13.300 kPa negative pressure treatment groups were 78.7% (37/47), 32.4 (11/34), and 36.7% (11/30), respectively. Erosion and escharosis of skin graft edges of patients in -9.975 kPa and -13.300 kPa negative pressure treatment groups were better than those in traditional treatment group (P<0.001). Erosion and escharosis of skin graft edges of patients in -9.975 kPa and -13.300 kPa negative pressure treatment groups were close (P>0.05). Conclusions: The use of -9.975 kPa and -13.300 kPa NPD in skin grafts after full-thickness skin grafting significantly diminishes the occurrence rates of dot necrosis area of skin grafts and erosion and escharosis of graft edges.

[The caregiver burden and related factors on quality of life among caregivers for patients with lung cancer]

Objective: To explore the influence of caregiver burden on quality of life among caregivers for patients with lung cancer in Beijing. Methods: From August to October in 2017, 336 caregivers for patients with primary lung cancer from a large tertiary hospital were recruited to this survey by convenient sampling method. The Caregiver Reaction Assessment (CRA) and the WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) Instruments were used to evaluate the caregiver burden and quality of life. The demographic characteristics were evaluated using Pearson chi-square or Fisher's exact tests. In addition, using the 4 dimensions of quality of life scale as the dependent variables while the 5 dimensions of caregiver burden and demographic variables as the explanatory variables, we conducted the multiple linear stepwise regression analysis (the defaults were 0.15 for FORWARD and BACKWARD). Results: The scores of family caregivers' esteem, impact on schedule, impact on finances, impact on health and lack of family support were 4.30±0.47、3.55±0.74、3.10±0.91、2.60±0.78、2.32±0.73, respectively. Regression results showed that demographic factors, including marriage, occupation and relationship with patients and impact on health, caregivers' esteem and impact on finances dimensions of caregiver burden were the factors which influenced the quality of life of caregivers. Conclusions: The caregiver burden in patients with lung cancer is mainly focused on impact on schedule and finances. Impact on health, finances and caregivers' esteem (seven items were reverse-scored) are significantly negatively correlated with quality of life of caregivers.

[Effects of improved V-Y advancement flap with major artery perforator on repairing skin and soft tissue defects]

Objective: To explore the effect of improved V-Y advancement flap with major artery perforator on repairing several skin and soft tissue defects in whole body. Methods: From March 2015 to June 2017, 4 cases with pressure ulcer in sacrococcygeal region, 4 cases with pressure ulcer at ischial tuberosity, 2 cases with scalp and skull defects at occiput, 1 case with secondary wound after tumor resection in axillary region, and 2 cases with skin and soft tissue defects caused by other trauma were hospitalized, with disease duration ranging from 1 week to 6 months. Bones, blood vessels, or nerves were exposed in wounds of 11 cases. After debridement, wounds with area ranging from 5 cm×4 cm to 15 cm×12 cm were repaired by improved V-Y advancement flap with major artery perforator including occipital artery perforator, arteria glutaea perforator, intercostal artery perforator, and peroneal artery perforator, and the area of flap ranged from 11 cm×5 cm to 35 cm×20 cm. Distal end of flaps additionally carried 1 major artery perforator in 4 cases. Results: All flaps survived well without hemodynamic disorder, and wounds and donor sites healed well. During the follow-up for 3 to 18 months, the flaps were good in appearance with similar color and texture to normal skin around wound and without recurrence of rupture. Conclusions: Compared with traditional V-Y advancement flap, the improved V-Y advancement flap with major artery perforator has the advantages of larger repair area, longer advance distance without tension, simple operation, and good appearance after operation, which is beneficial to clinical application.

[Acute effect of ambient air pollution on small airway lung functions among school children in Shanghai]

Objective: To study the acute effects of compound ambient air pollution on small airway lung functions among school children in Shanghai. Method: A longitudinal survey on lung functions was conducted among 233 school-children from three schools (A, B and C, located in innerring, mid-ring and outer-ring areas). Lung function test was performed once a week for 3 times respectively, among children in school A and B in Dec. 2013 and in school C in Dec. 2014. The fourth lung function test was tested in Jun. 2014 and May 2015 in the respective schools. Results: from the lung function would include items as: forced mid-expiratory flow at 25% of forced vital capacity (MEF(25%)), mid-expiratory flow at 50% of forced vital capacity (MEF(50%)), mid-expiratory flow at 75% of forced vital capacity (MEF(75%)) and mid-expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of the forced vital capacity (FEF(25%-75%)). Data regarding the daily air quality real-time of PM(2.5), PM(10), SO(2) and NO(2) in Dec. 2013, Dec. 2014, Jun. 2014 and May. 2015 from the three environmental monitoring spots and meteorological data from the Shanghai Meteorological Service system which were physically close to the three schools, were collected simultaneously. Linear mixed effect model was used to examine the levels of correlation between lung function indicators and ambient air pollutants. Results When confounding factors on meteorology and individuals were controlled, the lag effects and accumulated lag effects were found to have existed between the internal quarter rang (IQR) concentration of PM(2.5) and PM(10) in lag2 day and lag02 days, IQR concentration of SO(2) in lag02 day and IQR concentration of NO(2) lag0 day, when small airway lung functions like MEF(25%), MEF(50%), MEF(75%) and FEF(25%-75%)(P<0.05) were inspected. Results from the two air pollutants model analysis showed that SO(2) and NO(2) presenting interactive effects with PM(2.5), PM(10) and lag effects more significant than the individual SO(2) and NO(2), respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion: Contents on the ambient air pollutants as PM(2.5), PM(10), SO(2) and NO(2) were negatively associated with the lung functions in the small airways of children, in Shanghai.

[Epidemiological pattern of abnormal urinary fluoride rates in population with occupational fluoride exposure in Shanghai]

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological features of abnormal urinary fluoride rates in population with occupational exposure, and its relationships with age, work years and gender in Shanghai. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted respectively in 4 999 exposed workers and 283 non-exposed people during 2012-2015. Their urine samples were collected in plastic bottles and the fluoride ion selective electrode method was used for urinary fluoride level analysis. Logistic regression model was used to estimate associations between the abnormal rates and demographic/socioeconomic status of the study subjects. Results: In the past 4 years, the abnormal urinary fluoride rates (≥1.6 mg/L) in the population with occupational exposure was about 14.38%, it was about 1.43% in the control groups without occupational exposure. Their geometric mean of urinary fluoride content was 0.95 mg/L and 0.46 mg/L, respectively. The incidences of the abnormal rates in those aged ≥50 years and 34-39 years were 19.15% and 22.39%, respectively. The abnormal rate in males was 16.87%, much higher than that in females (6.85%). The abnormal rate had an upward trend along with the increased work years, especially in those with work years of ≥20 years. The abnormal rate was 23.28% in those with work years of ≥20 years and 13.29% in those with work years of <4 years. The relative risk for abnormal urinary fluoride rates was higher in male group, older age group and longer work year group, the odds ratio was 2.28, 1.10 and 1.13, respectively. Conclusions: Serious challenges exist in occupational health supervision. The relevant national standards should be updated as soon as possible. Males, those aged >50 years, and those with longer work years are the risk groups for intervention measures. More efforts are needed, such as strengthening the innovative application of health examination data and the equalization of basic public health service with comprehensive occupational health supervision programs among off-farm workers in the new medical reform.

[Reconstruct abdominal aortic branch arteries totally by endovascular repair in complex aortic aneurysms: a single-centre experience]

OBJECTIVE

To report experiences and results of complex aortic aneurysms involving the visceral arteries treating by total endovascular repair.

METHODS

Seventy cases of thoracoabdominal aortic lesions treating by total endovascular repair in Department of Vascular Surgery, People's Liberation Army General Hospital from January 2011 to December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 47 cases underwent chimney technique, 6 underwent sandwich technique, 15 underwent fenestration technique and 2 underwent branched stent grafts technique.

RESULTS

The average follow-up time was 21 months, range from 3 to 47 months. Completion angiography showed that typeⅠ endoleak of chimney, sandwich, fenestration and branched stent grafts group were 9/47, 5/6, 2/15 and 0, respectively. While at 30-day typeⅠ endoleak reduced to 7/47, 2/6, 0 and 0. During follow-up, there were 3 target vessel stents occlusion in chimney group, the patency rate of target vessel stent was 95.1% (58/61). In sandwich, fenestration and branched stent grafts group, all the target vessel stents kept patent.

CONCLUSION

In this study, chimney, sandwich, fenestration and branched stent grafts techniques show good short-term and midterm results, the long-term effects still need further studies.

Identification of hub genes and pathways associated with retinoblastoma based on co-expression network analysis

The objective of this paper was to identify hub genes and pathways associated with retinoblastoma using centrality analysis of the co-expression network and pathway-enrichment analysis. The co-expression network of retinoblastoma was constructed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) based on differentially expressed (DE) genes, and clusters were obtained through the molecular complex detection (MCODE) algorithm. Degree centrality analysis of the co-expression network was performed to explore hub genes present in retinoblastoma. Pathway-enrichment analysis was performed using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. Validation of hub gene expression in retinoblastoma was performed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. The co-expression network based on 221 DE genes between retinoblastoma and normal controls consisted of 210 nodes and 3965 edges, and 5 clusters of the network were evaluated. By assessing the centrality analysis of the co-expression network, 21 hub genes were identified, such as SNORD115-41, RASSF2, and SNORD115-44. According to RT-PCR analysis, 16 of the 21 hub genes were differently expressed, including RASSF2 and CDCA7, and 5 were not differently expressed in retinoblastoma compared to normal controls. Pathway analysis showed that genes in 2 clusters were enriched in 3 pathways: purine metabolism, p53 signaling pathway, and melanogenesis. In this study, we successfully identified 16 hub genes and 3 pathways associated with retinoblastoma, which may be potential biomarkers for early detection and therapy for retinoblastoma.

UCP2- and non-UCP2-mediated electric current in eukaryotic cells exhibits different properties

Using live eukaryotic cells, including cancer cells, MCF-7 and HCT-116, normal hepatocytes and red blood cells in anode and potassium ferricyanide in cathode of MFC could generate bio-based electric current. Electrons and protons generated from the metabolic reaction in both cytosol and mitochondria contributing to the leaking would mediate the generation of electric current. Both resveratrol (RVT) and 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) used to induce proton leak in mitochondria were found to promote electric current production in all cells except red blood cells without mitochondria. Proton leak might be important for electric current production by bringing the charge balance in cells to enhance the further electron leak. The induced electric current by RVT can be blocked by Genipin, an inhibitor of UCP2-mediated proton leak, while that induced by DNP cannot. RVT could reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in cells better than that of DNP. In addition, RVT increased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), while DNP decreased it. Results highly suggested the existence of at least two types of electric current that showed different properties. They included UCP2-mediated and non-UCP2-mediated electric current. UCP2-mediated electric current exhibited higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) reduction effect per unit electric current production than that of non-UCP2-mediated electric current. Higher UCP2-mediated electric current observed in cancer cells might contribute to the mechanism of drug resistence. Correlation could not be established between electric current production with either ROS and MMP without distinguishing the types of electric current.

The influences of ambient temperature and crude protein levels on performance and serum biochemical parameters in broilers

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of ambient temperature, crude protein levels and their interaction on performance and serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 216 Arbor Acre broiler chickens (108 males and 108 females) were used in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement and randomly reared at two temperatures (normal temperature: 23 °C; daily cyclic high temperature: 28-32 °C) and fed on three diets with different crude protein levels (153.3, 183.3 or 213.3 g/kg, with constant essential amino acids) from 28 to 42 days of age. Daily cyclic high ambient temperature decreased final body weight, average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake and serum total protein contents (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.008 respectively), but increased feed/gain, mortality, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, serum uric acid contents and serum creatine kinase activity (p = 0.008, p = 0.003, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p = 0.003 respectively), irrespective of crude protein levels. At the ambient temperature, reducing crude protein levels resulted in an increase in feed/gain (p < 0.001), but a decrease in serum total protein and uric acid contents. Only serum creatine kinase activity in broiler chickens was interacted by daily cyclic high ambient temperature and dietary crude protein levels (p = 0.003). These results indicated that daily cyclic high ambient temperature had a great effect on performance and serum biochemical parameters in broiler chickens, whereas dietary crude protein levels affected them partially.

Ammonia concentration and relative humidity in poultry houses affect the immune response of broilers

To investigate the effect of ammonia (NH3) and humidity on the immune response of broilers, broilers were exposed to 30 or 70 mg/kg atmospheric NH3 for 21 days. Additionally, birds were exposed to 35, 60, and 85% relative humidity (RH). The relative weights of lymphoid organs, serum total protein, serum globulin, serum albumin, serum lysozyme, proliferation index of peripheral blood lymphocytes, and splenic cytokine gene expression were determined. Exposure to 70 mg/kg NH3 decreased the relative weight of the spleen during the experimental period, serum lysozyme concentration in the first and second weeks, and serum globulin concentration in the third week. The proliferation of peripheral blood lymphocytes was reduced. High levels of NH3 caused increase in IL-1β gene expression in the experimental period and IL-4 gene expression in the first week. Birds exposed to 85% RH had lower thymus and bursa of Fabricius weights in the third week and serum lysozyme concentration in the first week; IL-1β and IL-4 expressions were higher in the second and third weeks and first and second weeks, respectively, than in birds exposed to 60% RH. IL-4 expression was lower during the first week, and IL-1β expression was higher during the second week with 35% RH than with 60% RH. In conclusion, high NH3 level in the poultry house suppressed the immune response of broiler chickens. Neither high nor low RH benefited the immune response of broilers. Furthermore, there was an interactive effect between NH3 and RH on the immune response of broilers.

Elevated expression of CX3C chemokine receptor 1 mediates recruitment of T cells into bone marrow of patients with acquired aplastic anaemia

OBJECTIVE

Acquired aplastic anaemia (AA) is a T-cell-mediated, organ-specific autoimmune disease characterized by haematopoietic stem cell destruction in the bone marrow. The exact molecular mechanism of T-cell trafficking into the bone marrow is unclear in AA. Very late activation antigen-4 (VLA-4) and CX3C chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) play active roles in many autoimmune diseases. Therefore, we investigated whether VLA-4 and CX3CR1 also contribute to T-cell migration into the bone marrow in acquired AA.

DESIGN, SETTING AND SUBJECTS

Expression levels of CX3CR1 and VLA-4 and their ligands [fractalkine (CX3CL1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)] were examined in 63 patients with AA and 21 healthy control subjects. T-cell chemotaxis and adhesion were analysed in 17 patients with severe AA. We also prospectively evaluated the expression pattern of CX3CR1 during treatment with antithymocyte globulin plus cyclosporine in 11 patients with severe AA.

RESULTS

The proportion of peripheral and bone marrow CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells expressing CX3CR1 and the level of CX3CL1 was increased in patients with AA. However, there was no significant difference in VLA-4 expression or VCAM-1 levels. Functional studies demonstrated that chemotaxis towards autologous bone marrow plasma or soluble CX3CL1 was significantly higher in T cells from AA patients and could be blocked by CX3CR1 inhibitors. CX3CR1-mediated T-cell adhesion was also upregulated in these patients. The expression of CX3CR1 was associated with the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy.

CONCLUSION

The present findings demonstrate that CX3CR1 plays a pivotal role in recruitment of T cells into the bone marrow in acquired AA and is a potential therapeutic target for treatment of this disorder.

Step terrace tuned anisotropic transport properties of highly epitaxial LaBaCo2O5.5+δ thin films on vicinal SrTiO3 substrates

Highly epitaxial LaBaCo2O5.5+δ (LBCO) thin films were grown on different miscut (001) SrTiO3 substrates (miscut angle of 0.5°, 3.0°, and 5.0°) to study the substrate surface step terrace effect on the in-plane electrical transport properties. The microstructure studies by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy indicate that the as-grown films are A-site disordered cubic perovskite structures with the c-axis highly oriented along the film growth direction. The four-probe scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) studies show that the LBCO thin films grown on the vicinal SrTiO3 substrates have a typical semiconductor behavior with the substrate surface terrace step inducing anisotropic electronic transport properties. These results indicate that in highly epitaxial thin films the surface terrace step induced local strains can play an important role in controlling the electronic transport properties and the anisotropic nature.

Purification and characterisation of a phosphatidylcholine-binding protein from duck Biceps femoris muscle

The interaction between protein and phospholipids is a widespread phenomenon involving several physiological events in postmortem muscle. We hereby report a method for one-step purification of a phosphatidylcholine-binding (PC-binding) protein from duck Biceps femoris muscle with relatively high purity and yield using ion-exchange chromatography. This PC-binding protein has an inhibitory effect on the activity of phospholipase A2 (PLA2). A decrease (~62.3%) in PLA2 activity was observed. It had a strong affinity to bind PC at pH range of 6.2–6.8 with a peak at pH 6.6 (13.36 ± 0.48 g PC/g protein); in addition, raising ATP content from 1 to 5 μmol/mL enhanced the binding capacity. The PC-binding protein plays a potential role in the integrity of membrane and meat quality.

Complete mitochondrial genomes reveal phylogeny relationship and evolutionary history of the family Felidae

Many mitochondrial DNA sequences are used to estimate phylogenetic relationships among animal taxa and perform molecular phylogenetic evolution analysis. With the continuous development of sequencing technology, numerous mitochondrial sequences have been released in public databases, especially complete mitochondrial DNA sequences. Using multiple sequences is better than using single sequences for phylogenetic analysis of animals because multiple sequences have sufficient information for evolutionary process reconstruction. Therefore, we performed phylogenetic analyses of 14 species of Felidae based on complete mitochondrial genome sequences, with Canis familiaris as an outgroup, using neighbor joining, maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian inference methods. The consensus phylogenetic trees supported the monophyly of Felidae, and the family could be divided into 2 subfamilies, Felinae and Pantherinae. The genus Panthera and species tigris were also studied in detail. Meanwhile, the divergence of this family was estimated by phylogenetic analysis using the Bayesian method with a relaxed molecular clock, and the results shown were consistent with previous studies. In summary, the evolution of Felidae was reconstructed by phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial genome sequences. The described method may be broadly applicable for phylogenetic analyses of anima taxa.

A new inducible expression system in a transformed green alga, Chlorella vulgaris

Genetic transformation is useful for basic research and applied biotechnology. However, genetic transformation of microalgae is usually quite difficult due to the technical limitations of existing methods. We cloned the promoter and terminator of the nitrate reductase gene from the microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum and used them for optimization of a transformation system of the microalga Chlorella vulgaris. This species has been used for food production and is a promising candidate as a bioreactor for large-scale production of value-added proteins. A construct was made containing the CAT (chloramphenicol acetyltransferase) reporter gene driven by the nitrate reductase promoter. This construct was transferred into the C. vulgaris genome by electroporation. Expression of CAT in transgenic Chlorella conferred resistance to the antibiotic chloramphenicol and enabled growth in selective media. Overall efficiency for the transformation was estimated to be approximately 0.03%, which is relatively high compared with other available Chlorella transformation systems. Expression of CAT was induced in the presence of nitrate and inhibited in the presence of ammonium as a sole nitrogen source. This study presented an inducible recombinant gene expression system, also providing more gene regulation elements with potential for biotechnological applications.

Telemetric analysis of haemodynamic regulation during voluntary exercise training in mouse models

Regular physical exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and improves outcome in patients with cardiovascular diseases. The dynamic changes in blood pressure and heart rate with acute exercise are independently predictive of prognosis. Quantification of the haemodynamic response to exercise training in genetically modified mouse models may provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of exercise. We describe, for the first time, the use of radiotelemetry to provide continuous blood pressure monitoring in C57BL/6J mice during a programme of voluntary wheel exercise with continuous simultaneous recording and analysis of wheel rotations and beat-by-beat haemodynamic parameters. We define distinct haemodynamic profiles at rest, during normal cage activity and during episodes of voluntary wheel running. We show that whilst cage activity is associated with significant rises both in blood pressure and in heart rate, voluntary wheel running leads to a further substantial rise in heart rate with only a small increment in blood pressure. With 5 weeks of chronic exercise training, resting heart rate progressively falls, but heart rate during episodes of wheel running initially increases. In contrast, there are minimal changes in blood pressure in response to chronic exercise training. Finally, we have quantified the acute changes in heart rate at the onset of and recovery from individual episodes of wheel running, revealing that changes in heart rate are extremely rapid and that the peak rate of change of heart rate increases with chronic exercise training. The results of this study have important implications for the use of genetically modified mouse models to investigate the beneficial haemodynamic effects of chronic exercise on blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.

Boosting Partial Least Squares

A difficulty when applying partial least squares (PLS) in multivariate calibration is that overfitting may occur. This study proposes a novel approach by combining PLS and boosting. The latter is said to be resistant to overfitting. The proposed method, called boosting PLS (BPLS), combines a set of shrunken PLS models, each with only one PLS component. The method is iterative: the models are constructed on the basis of the residuals of the responses that are not explained by previous models. Unlike classical PLS, BPLS does not need to select an adequate number of PLS components to be included in the model. On the other hand, two parameters must be determined: the shrinkage value and the iteration number. Criteria are proposed for these two purposes. BPLS was applied to seven real data sets, and the results demonstrate that it is more resistant than classical PLS to overfitting without loosing accuracy.

Expression of survivin and bax/bcl-2 in peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma ligands induces apoptosis on human myeloid leukemia cells in vitro

The present study was undertaken to investigate the mechanisms of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) ligand-induced apoptosis on human myeloid leukemia K562 and HL-60 cell lines. The results revealed that both 15-deoxy-delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) and troglitazone (TGZ) have significant anti-proliferation- and apoptosis-inducing effects on these two kinds of leukemia cells. Marked morphological changes of cell apoptosis including condensation of chromatin and nuclear fragmentation were observed clearly using Wright's and Hoechst 33258 staining. Reverse transcription-PCR and western blot analyses demonstrated that both survivin and bcl-2 expression were downregulated markedly, while bax expression was upregulated concurrently when apoptosis occurred. We therefore conclude that 15d-PGJ2 and TGZ have significant apoptosis effects on K562 and HL-60 cells in vitro, and that upregulation of bax as well as downregulation of survivin and bcl-2 expression may be the important apoptosis-inducing mechanisms. The results suggest that PPAR-gamma ligands may serve as potential therapeutic agents for both acute and chronic myeloid leukemia.

Oridonin-induced apoptosis in leukemia K562 cells and its mechanism

Oridonin, an extract from the Chinese herb Rabdosia rubescens, is currently one of the most important traditional Chinese herbal medicines. Recently oridonin has been reported to have anti- tumor effects in a large variety of malignant diseases. In this study, we investigated the apoptotic inducing effect of oridonin in leukemia K562 cells and its mechanism. Cell growth inhibition was measured using a microculture tetrazolium assay, apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and electron microscopy as well as by DNA fragmentation analysis. Telomerase activity was measured by TRAP-enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay, and the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins was detected by western blot analysis. The results showed that oridonin could inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis on leukemia K562 cells remarkably. Telomerase activity as well as Bcl-2 expression was down- regulated, while Bax expression was up-regulated concurrently, when apoptosis ocurred. We therefore conclude that oridonin demonstrated anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects on K562 cells in vitro, and that changes in bcl-2 and bax protein levels as well as telomerase activity may play an important role in its mechanism of action.

Characterization of cholyl-leu-val-phe-phe-ala-OH as an inhibitor of amyloid beta-peptide polymerization

Cholyl-LVFFA-OH (1, PPI-368) is an organic-modified peptide based on the sequence of amyloid beta-peptide (A beta). It is a potent and selective inhibitor of A beta polymerization that blocks the formation of neurotoxic species of A beta. In a nucleation-dependent polymerization assay of 50 microM A beta(1-40), equimolar concentrations of PPI-368 block polymerization based on turbidity and electron microscopy. Monomeric A beta(1-40) and A beta(1-42) are non-toxic when incubated with neuronal cell lines, but become toxic during polymerization. PPI-368 coordinately delays the onset of polymerization and the formation of neurotoxic A beta species for both peptides. In a polymerization extension assay seeded with pre-formed A beta polymer, similar inhibition and dose-dependency phenomena are observed with PPI-368. Radiolabeled PPI-368 is incorporated into fibrils during polymerization demonstrating binding to A beta peptide within afibrillar structure. Gel-filtration studies show progressive disappearance of A beta monomer and concomitant appearance of soluble higher molecular weight oligomers. In the presence of submolar concentrations of PPI-368, monomeric A beta is still present and oligomers are not observed PPI-368 does not inhibit the polymerization of other amyloidogenic proteins such as transthyretin (TTR) or islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP(20-29).

[Research on the selecting suspension cell line of higher productivity of flavonol glycoside by hypoxia stress as well as the stability in subcultures]

Investigate the influence of culture media to growth and flavonol glycoside synthesis of calli introduced from seedling of Ginkgo biloba. 6 cell lines were selected from calli by hypoxia stress. Among these cell lines the best one TZ-1 which growth index was 4.12 and the flavonol glycoside content was 1.25% in dried cell which was enhanced 257.1% compared with callus. The stability in subcultures was investigated: The average content of flavonol glycoside was 1.25% in dried cells and the growth index was 3.99 during 6 subcultures. Which variation coefficient was separately 0.065 and 0.048. The results show that hypoxia stress is a efficient method to select suspension cell line of higher productivity of flavonol glycoside.