Effect of ultrasound combined with pineapple protease treatment on the tenderness of dried shrimp

BACKGROUND

In order to improve the tenderness of dried shrimp products as well as to reduce the hardness of the meat during the drying process, shrimp were treated with ultrasound combined with pineapple protease and the tenderization condition was optimized by measuring the texture and shear force of dried shrimp. In addition, the sulfhydryl content, myofibril fragmentation index (MFI) and microstructure were also examined to clarify the mechanisms of shrimp tenderization.

RESULTS

The results showed UB1 group with ultrasonic power of 100 W, heating temperature of 50 °C and pineapple protease concentration of 20 U mL-1 were the optimum tenderization conditions, where shrimp showed the lowest hardness (490.76 g) and shear force (2006.35 gf). Microstructure as well as sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis results suggested that during the tenderization process the muscle segments of shrimps were broken, degradation of myofibrillar proteins occurred, and MFI values and total sulfhydryl content increased significantly (P < 0.05) (MFI value = 193.6 and total sulfhydryl content = 93.93 mmol mg-1 protein for UB 1 group).

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound combined with bromelain could be used as a simple and effective tenderization method for the production of tender dried shrimp. The best conditions were 100 W ultrasonic power, 50 °C ultrasonic temperature, and 20 U mL-1 bromelain. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Explorative study for the rapid detection of adulterated surimi using gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry

Driven by economic interests, surimi adulteration has become a high-frequency issue. This study aims to assess the feasibility of gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) in detecting surimi adulteration. In this work, three common adulterated surimi models were established by mixing with different fish species and ratios. The fingerprints enabled a clear discrimination among different tuna surimi, and other two surimi models with different mixing ratios also showed VOCs (volatile organic compounds) differences. Results of unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA) and supervised partial least-squares discrimination analysis (PLS-DA) revealed that different types of adulterated surimi models can be well separated from each other. A total of 12, 16, and 9 VOCs were selected as the potential markers in three simulated models by PLS-DA method, respectively. Therefore, GC-IMS coupled with certain chemometrics is expected to serve as an alternative analytical tool to directly and visually detect adulterated surimi.

Effect of Neutral Protease on Freshness Quality of Shucked Pacific Oysters at Different Storage Conditions

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of neutral protease treatment on the biochemical properties of various parts of Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) under different storage conditions. The mechanism of quality degradation in the mantle, adductor muscle, gill, and trunk of treated oysters stored at -1.5 °C (superchilling) or 4 °C (refrigeration) for several days using different storage methods was studied. The results showed that the oyster treated with the enzyme exhibited higher glycogen content, flavor nucleotide content, and sensory scores compared to the control group. Superchilling at -1.5 °C was observed to slow the increase in total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), total viable count (TVC), and pH, while maintaining sensory scores better than refrigeration at 4 °C. Both wet superchilling (WS) and dry exposed superchilling (DeS) methods effectively preserved freshness and quality at -1.5 °C. The freshness of the oysters' body trunk changed most significantly. K value, K' value, and AEC value, as the evaluation indexes of oyster freshness, were affected by the storage medium. Therefore, neutral protease enhances the flavor of oysters in a short time, and oysters stored in wet superchilling or dry exposed superchilling conditions have an extended shelf life.

First Measurement of η Meson Production in Neutrino Interactions on Argon with MicroBooNE

We present a measurement of η production from neutrino interactions on argon with the MicroBooNE detector. The modeling of resonant neutrino interactions on argon is a critical aspect of the neutrino oscillation physics program being carried out by the DUNE and Short Baseline Neutrino programs. η production in neutrino interactions provides a powerful new probe of resonant interactions, complementary to pion channels, and is particularly suited to the study of higher-order resonances beyond the Δ(1232). We measure a flux-integrated cross section for neutrino-induced η production on argon of 3.22±0.84(stat)±0.86(syst) 10^{-41}  cm^{2}/nucleon. By demonstrating the successful reconstruction of the two photons resulting from η production, this analysis enables a novel calibration technique for electromagnetic showers in GeV accelerator neutrino experiments.

[Incidence of diabetes and influencing factors in HIV-infected individuals after antiretroviral therapy in Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture]

Objective: To understand the incidence of diabetes and influencing factors, the trend of FPG change and risk for mortality in HIV-infected individuals after antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture (Dehong). Methods: The HIV/AIDS treatment database was collected from China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. This retrospective cohort study was conducted in HIV-infected individuals with access to ART in Dehong during 2004-2020.The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to analyze the incidence density of diabetes, the influencing factors and risk for mortality in HIV-infected individuals with access to ART, mixed linear effects model was used to analyze the trend of FPG change and predict FPG in those with different glucose metabolic status at baseline survey. Statistical analysis was performed using software SAS 9.4. Results: A total of 8 763 HIV-infected individuals were included, in whom 8 432 (96.2%) had no diabetes, 331 had diabetes. The incidence density of diabetes was 2.31/1 000 person years. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis revealed that 30- 59 years old, BMI ≥24.0 kg/m2, Efavirenz (EFV) based initial treatment regimen and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) at baseline survey were significantly and positively associated with incidence of diabetes. Mixed effect model revealed that FPG was positively correlated with the duration of ART, age and baseline FPG. Suffering from diabetes was a risk factor for mortality in HIV-infected individuals both at baseline survey and during follow-up. Conclusions: The risk for diabetes increased in HIV-infected individuals who were 30-59 years old, baseline BMI ≥24.0 kg/m2, received EFV based initial treatment, and IFG in HIV-infected individuals after antiretroviral therapy in Dehong, 2004-2020. It is important to pay close attention to their blood glucose, and patients with high blood glucose should receive treatment as early as possible.

Iron deficiency anemia: a critical review on iron absorption, supplementation and its influence on gut microbiota

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) caused by micronutrient iron deficiency has attracted global attention due to its adverse health effects. The regulation of iron uptake and metabolism is finely controlled by various transporters and hormones in the body. Dietary iron intake and regulation are essential in maintaining human health and iron requirements. The review aims to investigate literature concerning dietary iron intake and systemic regulation. Besides, recent IDA treatment and dietary iron supplementation are discussed. Considering the importance of the gut microbiome, the interaction between bacteria and micronutrient iron in the gut is also a focus of this review. The iron absorption efficiency varies considerably according to iron type and dietary factors. Iron fortification remains the cost-effective strategy, although challenges exist in developing suitable iron fortificants and food vehicles regarding bioavailability and acceptability. Iron deficiency may alter the microbiome structure and promote the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the gut, affecting immune balance and human health.

[Single - nucleotide polymorphisms of artemisinin resistance - related Pfubp1 and Pfap2mu genes in Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea from 2018 to 2020]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of artemisinin resistance-related Pfubp1 and Pfap2mu genes in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea, so as to to provide baseline data for the formulation of malaria control strategies in Bioko Island.

METHODS

A total of 184 clinical blood samples were collected from patients with P. falciparum malaria in Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea from 2018 to 2020, and genomic DNA was extracted. The Pfubp1 and Pfap2mu gene SNPs of P. falciparum were determined using a nested PCR assay and Sanger sequencing, and the gene sequences were aligned.

RESULTS

There were 159 wild-type P. falciparum isolates (88.83%) from Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea, and 6 SNPs were identified in 20 Pfubp1-mutant P. falciparum isolates (11.17%), in which 4 non-synonymous mutations were detected, including E1516G, K1520E, D1525E, E1528D. There was only one Pfubp1gene mutation site in 19 Pfubp1-mutant P. falciparum isolates (95.00%), in which non-synonymous mutations accounted for 68.42% (13/19). D1525E and E1528D were identified as major known epidemic mutation sites in the Pfubp1 gene associated with resistance to artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). At amino acid position 1525, there were 178 wild-type P. falciparum isolates (99.44%) and 1 mutant isolate (0.56%), with such a mutation site identified in blood samples in 2018, and at amino acid position 1528, there were 167 wild-type P. falciparum isolates (93.30%) and 12 mutant isolates (6.70%). The proportions of wild-type P. falciparum isolates were 95.72% (134/140), 79.25% (126/159) and 95.83% (161/168) in the target amplification fragments of the three regions in the Pfap2mu gene (Pfap2mu-inner1, Pfap2mu-inner2, Pfap2mu-inner3), respectively. There were 16 different SNPs identified in all successfully sequenced P. falciparum isolates, in which 7 non-synonymous mutations were detected, including S160N, K199T, A475V, S508G, I511M, L595F, and Y603H. There were 7 out of 43 Pfap2mu-mutant P. falciparum isolates (16.28%) that harbored only one gene mutation site, in which non-synonymous mutations accounted for 28.57% (2/7). For the known delayed clearance locus S160N associated with ACTs, there were 143 wild-type (89.94%) and 16 Pfap2mu-mutant P. falciparum isolates (10.06%).

CONCLUSIONS

Both Pfubp1 and Pfap2mu gene mutations were detected in P. falciparum isolates from Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea from 2018 to 2020, with a low prevalence rate of Pfubp1 gene mutation and a high prevalence rate of Pfap2mu gene mutation. In addition, new mutation sites were identified in the Pfubp1 (E1504E and K1520E) and Pfap2mu genes (A475V and S508G).

Search for Heavy Neutral Leptons in Electron-Positron and Neutral-Pion Final States with the MicroBooNE Detector

We present the first search for heavy neutral leptons (HNLs) decaying into νe^{+}e^{-} or νπ^{0} final states in a liquid-argon time projection chamber using data collected with the MicroBooNE detector. The data were recorded synchronously with the NuMI neutrino beam from Fermilab's main injector corresponding to a total exposure of 7.01×10^{20} protons on target. We set upper limits at the 90% confidence level on the mixing parameter |U_{μ4}|^{2} in the mass ranges 10≤m_{HNL}≤150  MeV for the νe^{+}e^{-} channel and 150≤m_{HNL}≤245  MeV for the νπ^{0} channel, assuming |U_{e4}|^{2}=|U_{τ4}|^{2}=0. These limits represent the most stringent constraints in the mass range 35 Collapse

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Comparison of freezing and heating treatment sequence on biochemical properties and flavor of swimming crabs (Portunus Trituberculatus) meat during freeze-thaw cycles

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of freezing and heating treatment sequences on the biochemical properties and flavor of crab (Portunus trituberculatus) meat during freeze-thaw cycles. The results showed that pH, color, K and microstructure changes in the H-F group were not significant with increasing number of freeze-thaw cycles, but TVB-N values increased and WHC values decreased. However, with the increase in the number of freeze-thaw cycles, pH and WHC significantly decreased and TVB-N, L* and K values significantly increased in the C and F-H groups. Proteins were degraded in all groups, but the lower degree of degradation occurred in the H-F group. Although the total free amino acid content decreased with increasing number of freeze-thaw cycles in each group, the high content of AMP and IMP in the H-F group suggested that it still had a better flavor.

Antioxidative effects of ghrelin on human trabecular meshwork cells

Glaucoma is a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by loss of retinal ganglion cells and visual field defects and is one of the major causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is one of the classifications of glaucoma. Oxidative stress in trabecular reticulated cells is one of the possible mechanisms of the development of glaucoma. At present, there is still a lack of effective methods to treat glaucoma. Ghrelin is characterized by its wide distribution and high potency and has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects, which may be beneficial in the treatment of glaucoma. In this study, we investigated whether ghrelin can protect human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMCs) from oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), as well as the possible mechanism of action. CCK8 and flow cytometry results revealed that treatment of HTMCs with ghrelin showed a dose-dependent protective effect against H2O2-induced damage. Ghrelin significantly decreased the rate of apoptosis and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in HTMCs. The difference was statistically significant compared with the H2O2 group. Ghrelin activated Nrf2/HO-1/NQO-1 signaling pathways and decreased HIF-1α level in H2O2-injured HTMCs as shown on qPCR and Western blot. In conclusion, ghrelin can protect HTMCs from oxidative damage induced by H2O2 and reduce apoptosis in HTMCs, which can be a new approach to treating POAG. The underlying therapeutic mechanism may be related to Nrf2/HO-1/NQO-1 signaling pathways and HIF-1α.

[Analysis on morbidity characteristics of occupational diseases in Taian City from 2006 to 2021]

Objective: To analyze the morbidity characteristics of new occupational diseases in Taian City from 2006 to 2021 and provide scientific evidence for local prevention and treatment of occupational diseases. Methods: In March 2022, the data of newly diagnosed occupational diseases in Taian City from 2006 to 2021 were obtained from Information Monitoring System for Occupational Diseases and Health Hazards. A descriptive analysis was performed for the distribution of onset age, working years, types of occupational diseases, region, industries, enterprise scale, enterprise economic type and the epidemic trend of occupational diseases. Results: 1362 cases of occupational diseases in 29 species of 9 categories were reported in Taian City from 2006 to 2021, including 1311 males and 51 females. The M (P(25), P(75)) of onset age and working age were 53 (47, 64) and 24.08 (16.56, 29.25) respectively. The top three categories of occupational diseases were occupational pneumoconiosis and other respiratory diseases (1128 cases, 82.82%), occupational otolaryngology and oral diseases (107 cases, 7.86%), and occupational chemical poisoning (70 cases, 5.14%) in sequence. Coal worker's pneumoconiosis, noise deafness, silicosis, poisoning of manganese and its compounds and cataract were the top five species of occupational diseases, which accounted for 69.60% (948/1362), 7.64% (104/1362), 5.58% (76/1362), 3.38% (46/1362) and 2.94% (40/1362) of the total cases of occupational diseases.There were significant differences among the composition of occupational diseases categories reported annually (P<0.001), but the number of occupational pneumoconiosis and other respiratory diseases was the highest on each year. The number of occupational diseases showed a decreasing trend with the year, and the optimal fitting curve was an growth curve. The number of newly diagnosed occupational diseases was predicted to be 172 cases from 2022 to 2026. Occupational pneumoconiosis and other respiratory diseases was the main disease in 6 counties. The occupational diseases cases were mainly distributed in Feicheng County and Xintai County, with 520 cases and 504 cases respectively, accounting for 75.18% of occupational diseases cases. The coal mining and washing industry had the largest number of occupational diseases cases, accounting for 73.05% of all occupational diseases cases. 91.85% of occupational diseases cases came from large and medium-sized enterprises. The economic type of enterprises with the most occupational diseases was state-owned enterprises, accounting for 74.52% of occupational diseases cases. Conclusion: The predominant occupational diseases in Taian City are occupational pneumoconiosis and other respiratory diseases, occupational otolaryngology and oral diseases, occupational chemical poisoning. And the prevention and control of occupational diseases should be strengthened in key industries such as coal mining and washing industry, key enterprises such as state-owned large and medium-sized enterprises.

Antibacterial Activity of a Lysin LysP53 against Streptococcus mutans

Dental caries is a common disease affecting quality of life globally. In the present study, we found that a bacteriophage lysin LysP53 against Acinetobacter baumannii possesses selective activity on Streptococcus mutans, the main etiological agent of dental caries, even in low pH caries microenvironments, whereas only minor LysP53 activity was detected against Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus oralis, and Streptococcus mitis. Testing activity against S. mutans planktonic cells showed that 4 μM LysP53 could kill more than 84% of S. mutans within 1 min in buffer with optimal pHs ranging from 4.0 to 6.5. Daily application of LysP53 on biofilms formed in BHI medium supplemented or not with sucrose could reduce exopolysaccharides, expression of genes related to acid resistance and adhesion, and the number of live bacteria in the biofilms. LysP53 treatment also showed similar effects as 0.12% chlorhexidine in preventing enamel demineralization due to S. mutans biofilms, as well as effective removal of S. mutans colonization of tooth surfaces in mice without observed toxic effects. Because of its selective activity against main cariogenic bacteria and good activity in low pH caries microenvironments, it is advantageous to use LysP53 as an active agent for preventing caries.

First Double-Differential Measurement of Kinematic Imbalance in Neutrino Interactions with the MicroBooNE Detector

We report the first measurement of flux-integrated double-differential quasielasticlike neutrino-argon cross sections, which have been made using the Booster Neutrino Beam and the MicroBooNE detector at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The data are presented as a function of kinematic imbalance variables which are sensitive to nuclear ground-state distributions and hadronic reinteraction processes. We find that the measured cross sections in different phase-space regions are sensitive to different nuclear effects. Therefore, they enable the impact of specific nuclear effects on the neutrino-nucleus interaction to be isolated more completely than was possible using previous single-differential cross section measurements. Our results provide precision data to help test and improve neutrino-nucleus interaction models. They further support ongoing neutrino-oscillation studies by establishing phase-space regions where precise reaction modeling has already been achieved.

Comparative investigation of various modification methods on Trachypenaeus Curvirostris surimi gel: Gelling properties, rheological behaviors and structure characteristics

The aim of this study was to compare the investigations of various contents of egg white protein (2.0%-8.0%, EWP), microbial transglutaminase (0.1%-0.4%, MTGase), and konjac glucomannan (0.5%-2.0%, KGM) on the gelling properties and rheological behavior of Trachypenaeus Curvirostris shrimp surimi gel (SSG), and assessed the modification mechanisms through the analysis of structure characteristics. The findings suggested that all modified SSG samples (expect SSG-KGM2.0% ) had the higher gelling properties and the denser network structure than those of unmodified SSG. Meanwhile, EWP could give SSG a better appearance than MTGase and KGM. Rheological results showed that SSG-EWP6% and SSG-KGM1.0% had the highest G' and G″, demonstrating that the formation of higher levels of elasticity and hardness. All modifications could increase gelation rates of SSG along with the reduction of G″ during the degeneration of protein. According to the FTIR results, three modification methods changed SSG protein conformation with the increasing α-helix and β-sheet contents and the decreasing of random coil content. LF-NMR results indicated that more free water could be transformed into immobilized water in the modified SSG gels, which contributed to improve the gelling properties. Furthermore, molecular forces showed that EWP and KGM could further increase the hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interaction in SSG gels, while MTGase could induce the formation of more disulfide bonds. Thus, compared with another two modifications, EWP modified SSG gels showed the highest gelling properties.

Effects of hemoglobin extracted from Tegillarca granosa on the gut microbiota in iron deficiency anemia mice

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a serious threat to the health of humans around the world. Tegillarca granosa (T. granosa) is considered as an excellent source of iron due to its abundant iron-binding protein hemoglobin. This study aimed to investigate the effects of hemoglobin from T. granosa on the gut microbiota and iron bioavailability in IDA mice. Compared to normal mice, IDA mice showed reduced microbiota diversity and altered relative abundance (reduced Muribaculaceae and increased Bacteroides). After 4 weeks of administration, hemoglobin restored the dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota induced by IDA and decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio and the abundance of Proteobacteria. Analysis of the hemoglobin regeneration efficiency of mice treated with hemoglobin confirmed that hemoglobin exhibited high iron bioavailability, particularly at low-dose administration, suggesting that a small amount of hemoglobin from T. granosa markedly elevated the blood hemoglobin level in mice. These findings suggested that IDA could be alleviated by administration of hemoglobin with excellent iron bioavailability, and its therapeutic mechanism may be partially attributed to the regulation of the intestinal microbiota composition and relative abundance. These results indicated that T. granosa hemoglobin may be a promising iron supplement to treat IDA and promote the utilization of aquatic-derived proteins.

[The influencing factors of functional somatic discomfort in clinical nurses]

Objective: To investigate the functional somatic discomfort status, and to analyze the effect of job stress, hostile attribution bias and ego depletion on functional somatic discomfort in clinical nurses. Methods: In May 2019, 10 cities in Henan Province and Fujian Province were randomly selected as sampling cities. Using the stratified cluster sampling method, nurses of clinical nursing posts in 22 third class hospitals and 23 second class hospitals were selected as the research objects. The general information, job stress, hostile attribution bias, ego depletion and functional somatic discomfort of clinical nurses were investigated by self-designed general information questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, Social Information Processing-attribution Bias Questionnaire, Self-regulatory Fatigue Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-15. 1200 clinical nurses included, and a total of 1159 valid questionnaires were collected, the effective rate of questionnaire collection was 96.6%. The t test was used to compare the difference of the functional somatic discomfort scores of clinical nurses with different demographic characteristicst. The influence of job stress, hostile attribution bias and ego depletion on functional somatic discomfort of clinical nurses were analyzed with Bootstrap. Results: The functional somatic discomfort score of clinical nurses was (8.95±4.38), of which 859 (74.12%) had functional somatic discomfort symptom. The functional somatic discomfort score of clinical nurses aged 36-50 years old was higher than that of 19-35 years old, the functional somatic discomfort score of clinical nurses with service age ≥5 years was higher than that of <5 years, the functional somatic discomfort score of non-permanent clinical nurses was higher than that of permanent clinical nurses, the functional somatic discomfort score of clinical nurses in tertiary hospitals was higher than that of secondary hospitals, the functional somatic discomfort score of clinical nurses in surgical departments were higher than those in non-surgical departments, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Job stress affected functional somatic discomfort through the single mediating role of hostile attribution bias, the single mediating role of ego depletion, and the chain mediating role of hostile attribution bias and ego depletion (β=0.17, 95%CI: 0.10-0.20; β=0.16, 95%CI: 0.10-0.20; β=0.07, 95%CI: 0.03-0.10; P<0.05) . Conclusion: The functional somatic discomfort symptoms of clinical nurses are significant and varied among different age, working age, employment form, hospital grade and department groups. They are affected by work stress directly and through the separate mediating effect of hostile attribution bias and ego depletion, and the chain mediating effect of hostile attribution bias and ego depletion.

First Measurement of Quasielastic Λ Baryon Production in Muon Antineutrino Interactions in the MicroBooNE Detector

We present the first measurement of the cross section of Cabibbo-suppressed Λ baryon production, using data collected with the MicroBooNE detector when exposed to the neutrinos from the main injector beam at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The data analyzed correspond to 2.2×10^{20} protons on target running in neutrino mode, and 4.9×10^{20} protons on target running in anti-neutrino mode. An automated selection is combined with hand scanning, with the former identifying five candidate Λ production events when the signal was unblinded, consistent with the GENIE prediction of 5.3±1.1 events. Several scanners were employed, selecting between three and five events, compared with a prediction from a blinded Monte Carlo simulation study of 3.7±1.0 events. Restricting the phase space to only include Λ baryons that decay above MicroBooNE's detection thresholds, we obtain a flux averaged cross section of 2.0_{-1.7}^{+2.2}×10^{-40}  cm^{2}/Ar, where statistical and systematic uncertainties are combined.

Evaluation of CT angiography obstruction score and pulmonary perfusion defect score using the third-generation dual-source CT for pulmonary embolism

AIM

To investigate the application value of computed tomography (CT) angiography (CTA) obstruction score and pulmonary perfusion defect score on the third-generation dual-source CT for pulmonary embolism and the changes of the right ventricular function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical data of 52 patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) confirmed using the third-generation dual-source dual-energy CTPA were analysed retrospectively. These patients were divided into the severe group and non-severe group according to their clinical manifestations. The results of CTPA and dual-energy pulmonary perfusion imaging (DEPI) were recorded by two radiologists for index computation. The ratio of the maximum short-axis diameter of the right ventricle (RV) to that of the left ventricle (LV) was also recorded. The correlation analysis between RV/LV and the mean values of CTA obstruction score and perfusion defect score was performed. Correlation analysis and agreement analysis were performed on the data measured by two radiologists, CTA obstruction score, and pulmonary perfusion defect score.

RESULTS

CTA obstruction score and perfusion defect score measured by the two radiologists had good correlation and agreement. CTA obstruction score, perfusion defect score, and RV/LV were significantly lower in the non-severe group than in the severe PE group. RV/LV had a significant positive correlation with CTA obstruction score and perfusion defect score (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The third-generation dual-source dual-energy CT plays a positive role in assessing PE severity and RV function and can provide additional information for the clinical management and treatment of PE patients.

The mechanisms and applications of cryoprotectants in aquatic products: An overview

Frozen storage technology has been widely used for the preservation of Aquatic products. However, ice crystals formation, lipid oxidation and protein denaturation still easily causes aquatic products deterioration. Cryoprotectants are a series of food additives that could efficiently prolong the shelf life and guarantee the acceptability of frozen aquatic products. This review comprehensively illustrated the mechanism of protein denaturation caused by the ice crystal formation and lipid oxidation. The cryoprotective mechanism of various kinds of antifreeze agents (saccharides, phosphates, antifreeze proteins and peptides) and these cryoprotective structure-activity relationship, application efficiency on the quality of aquatic products were also discussed. Moreover, the advantages and disadvantages of each cryoprotectant are also prospected. Compared with others, antifreeze peptides show higher commercial and application values. While, lots of scientific research works are still required to develop novel antifreeze agent as a versatile ingredient with commercial value, applicable in the aquatic products preservation industry.

Effect of two-stage heating treatment on physicochemical properties of shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) meat

BACKGROUND

Changes in the physicochemical properties of shrimp meat treated with two-stage heating were investigated. Currently, shrimp products in the processing process are susceptible to uneven dehydration, shrimp meat shrinkage, which results in rough and hard texture, poor chewiness, and seriously affects the edible quality as well as economic benefits. Improving the utilization value of shrimp resources, expanding its market shares, optimizing the tenderness of shrimp is the key to developing new types of fresh and ready-to-eat shrimp products.

RESULTS

The results indicated that preheating at 30 °C could not affect the quality of shrimp meat significantly (P > 0.05). As the preheating temperature increased from 40 °C to 50 °C, the hardness and shear force of shrimp meat decreased due to the exposure of protein hydrophobic groups, protein aggregation and degradation, muscle fraction broken, and weight loss increase. Further increase in preheating temperature would lead to further aggregation and gelation of proteins, causing hardness and shear force increase. Besides, the results of microstructure showed that preheating at 40 °C and 50 °C could cause the shrimp muscles to become loose.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the preheating temperature ranging from 40 °C to 50 °C could effectively improve the tenderness of shrimp meat. This study might be useful for developing tenderized shrimp products in the future. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

[Establishment and preliminary evaluation of a fluorescent recombinase-aided amplification/CRISPR-Cas12a system for rapid detection of Plasmodium falciparum]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a fluorescent assay for rapid detection of Plasmodium falciparum based on recombinaseaided amplification (RAA) and CRISPR-Cas12a system,and to preliminarily evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of this system.

METHODS

The 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene of P. falciparum was selected as the target sequence, and three pairs of RAA primers and CRISPR-derived RNA (crRNA) were designed and synthesized. The optimal combination of RAA primers and crRNA was screened and the reaction conditions of the system were optimized to create a fluorescent RAA/CRISPR-Cas12a system. The plasmid containing 18S rRNA gene of the P. falciparum strain 3D7 was generated, and diluted into concentrations of 1 000, 100, 10, 1 copy/μL for the fluorescent RAA/CRISPR-Cas12a assay, and its sensitivity was evaluated. The genomic DNA from P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovum, hepatitis B virus, human immunodeficiency virus and Treponema pallidum was employed as templates for the fluorescent RAA/CRISPR-Cas12a assay, and its specificity was evaluated. Fifty malaria clinical samples were subjected to the fluorescent RAA/CRISPR-Cas12a assay and nested PCR assay, and the consistency between two assays was compared. In addition, P. falciparum strain 3D7 was cultured in vitro. Then, the culture was diluted into blood samples with parasite densities of 1 000, 500, 200, 50, 10 parasites/μL with healthy volunteers' O-positive red blood cells for the RAA/CRISPR-Cas12a assay, and the detection efficiency was tested.

RESULTS

The Pf-F3/Pf-R3/crRNA2 combination, 2.5 μL as the addition amount of B buffer, 40 min as the RAA reaction time, 37 °C as the reaction temperature of the CRISPR-Cas12a system were employed to establish the fluorescent RAA/CRISPR-Cas12a system. Such a system was effective to detect the plasmid containing 18S rRNA gene of the P. falciparum strain 3D7 at a concentration of 1 copy/μL, and presented fluorescent signals for detection of P. falciparum, but failed to detect P. ovum, P. malariae, P. vivax, T. pallidum, hepatitis B virus or human immunodeficiency virus. The fluorescent RAA/CRISPR-Cas12a system and nested PCR assay showed completely consistent results for detection of 50 malaria clinical samples (kappa = 1.0, P < 0.001). Following 6-day in vitro culture of the P. falciparum strain 3D7, 10 mL cultures were generated and the fluorescent RAA/CRISPR-Cas12a system showed the minimal detection limit of 50 parasites/μL.

CONCLUSIONS

The fluorescent RAA/CRISPR-Cas12a system is rapid, sensitive and specific for detection of P. falciparum, which shows promising value for rapid detection and risk monitoring of P. falciparum.

Effect of super-chilling storage on maintenance of quality and freshness of the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas)

The quality changes of shelled Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) were examined in relation to the effects of superchilling storage at -1 °C for 28 days by measuring changes in biochemical properties (microbial analysis, ATP-related compounds, pH, free amino acids) and sensory evaluations in this study. The results indicated that microorganism growth was significantly inhibited during superchilling storage. Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) accumulated while ATP rapidly decreased in the adductor muscle. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and ADP were the primary components in the other 3 tissues including mantle, gill, and body trunk of oysters, and they remained relatively stable over time. The pH and adenylate energy charge (AEC) in the adductor muscle could be utilized as freshness indicators for shelled oysters. However, there were no significant differences (P &gt;0.05) among the free amino acids during whole storage. According to the sensory evaluations, oysters could be alive and tolerated up to 21 days at -1 °C storage. The study demonstrated that superchilling storage at -1°C could better maintain the eating quality of shelled oysters and the shelf life was extended to 21 days.

First Constraints on Light Sterile Neutrino Oscillations from Combined Appearance and Disappearance Searches with the MicroBooNE Detector

We present a search for eV-scale sterile neutrino oscillations in the MicroBooNE liquid argon detector, simultaneously considering all possible appearance and disappearance effects within the 3+1 active-to-sterile neutrino oscillation framework. We analyze the neutrino candidate events for the recent measurements of charged-current ν_{e} and ν_{μ} interactions in the MicroBooNE detector, using data corresponding to an exposure of 6.37×10^{20} protons on target from the Fermilab booster neutrino beam. We observe no evidence of light sterile neutrino oscillations and derive exclusion contours at the 95% confidence level in the plane of the mass-squared splitting Δm_{41}^{2} and the sterile neutrino mixing angles θ_{μe} and θ_{ee}, excluding part of the parameter space allowed by experimental anomalies. Cancellation of ν_{e} appearance and ν_{e} disappearance effects due to the full 3+1 treatment of the analysis leads to a degeneracy when determining the oscillation parameters, which is discussed in this Letter and will be addressed by future analyses.

Scintillation light detection in the 6-m drift-length ProtoDUNE Dual Phase liquid argon TPC

DUNE is a dual-site experiment for long-baseline neutrino oscillation studies, neutrino astrophysics and nucleon decay searches. ProtoDUNE Dual Phase (DP) is a 6  ×  6  ×  6 m 3 liquid argon time-projection-chamber (LArTPC) that recorded cosmic-muon data at the CERN Neutrino Platform in 2019-2020 as a prototype of the DUNE Far Detector. Charged particles propagating through the LArTPC produce ionization and scintillation light. The scintillation light signal in these detectors can provide the trigger for non-beam events. In addition, it adds precise timing capabilities and improves the calorimetry measurements. In ProtoDUNE-DP, scintillation and electroluminescence light produced by cosmic muons in the LArTPC is collected by photomultiplier tubes placed up to 7 m away from the ionizing track. In this paper, the ProtoDUNE-DP photon detection system performance is evaluated with a particular focus on the different wavelength shifters, such as PEN and TPB, and the use of Xe-doped LAr, considering its future use in giant LArTPCs. The scintillation light production and propagation processes are analyzed and a comparison of simulation to data is performed, improving understanding of the liquid argon properties.

Search for an Excess of Electron Neutrino Interactions in MicroBooNE Using Multiple Final-State Topologies

We present a measurement of ν_{e} interactions from the Fermilab Booster Neutrino Beam using the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber to address the nature of the excess of low energy interactions observed by the MiniBooNE Collaboration. Three independent ν_{e} searches are performed across multiple single electron final states, including an exclusive search for two-body scattering events with a single proton, a semi-inclusive search for pionless events, and a fully inclusive search for events containing all hadronic final states. With differing signal topologies, statistics, backgrounds, reconstruction algorithms, and analysis approaches, the results are found to be either consistent with or modestly lower than the nominal ν_{e} rate expectations from the Booster Neutrino Beam and no excess of ν_{e} events is observed.

First Measurement of Energy-Dependent Inclusive Muon Neutrino Charged-Current Cross Sections on Argon with the MicroBooNE Detector

We report a measurement of the energy-dependent total charged-current cross section σ(E_{ν}) for inclusive muon neutrinos scattering on argon, as well as measurements of flux-averaged differential cross sections as a function of muon energy and hadronic energy transfer (ν). Data corresponding to 5.3×10^{19} protons on target of exposure were collected using the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber located in the Fermilab booster neutrino beam with a mean neutrino energy of approximately 0.8 GeV. The mapping between the true neutrino energy E_{ν} and reconstructed neutrino energy E_{ν}^{rec} and between the energy transfer ν and reconstructed hadronic energy E_{had}^{rec} are validated by comparing the data and Monte Carlo (MC) predictions. In particular, the modeling of the missing hadronic energy and its associated uncertainties are verified by a new method that compares the E_{had}^{rec} distributions between data and a MC prediction after constraining the reconstructed muon kinematic distributions, energy, and polar angle to those of data. The success of this validation gives confidence that the missing energy in the MicroBooNE detector is well modeled and underpins first-time measurements of both the total cross section σ(E_{ν}) and the differential cross section dσ/dν on argon.

[Clinical and genetic characteristics of patients with newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia: a single-center retrospective of 790 cases]

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the data of Chinese patients with newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) to preliminarily discuss the clinical and cytogenetic characteristics. Methods: From February 2004 to June 2020, patients with newly diagnosed APL aged ≥ 15 years who were admitted to the Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College were chosen. Clinical and laboratory features were retrospectively analyzed. Results: A total of 790 cases were included, with a male to female ratio of 1.22. The median age of the patients was 41 (15-76) years. Patients aged between 20 and 59 predominated, with 632 patients (80%) of 790 patients classified as low and intermediate risk and 158 patients (20%) of 790 patients classified as high risk. The white blood cell, platelet, and hemoglobin levels at diagnosis were 2.3 (0.1-176.1) ×10(9)/L, 29.5 (2.0-1220.8) ×10(9)/L, and 89 (15-169) g/L, respectively, and 4.8% of patients were complicated with psoriasis. The long-form type of PML-RARα was most commonly seen in APL, accounting for 58%. Both APTT extension (10.3%) and creatinine>14 mg/L (1%) are rarely seen in patients at diagnosis. Cytogenetics was performed in 715 patients with newly diagnosed APL. t (15;17) with additional chromosomal abnormalities were found in 155 patients, accounting for 21.7%; among which, +8 was most frequently seen. A complex karyotype was found in 64 (9.0%) patients. Next-generation sequencing was performed in 178 patients, and 113 mutated genes were discovered; 75 genes had an incidence rate>1%. FLT3 was the most frequently seen, which accounted for 44.9%, and 20.8% of the 178 patients present with FLT3-ITD. Conclusions: Patients aged 20-59 years are the most common group with newly diagnosed APL. No obvious difference was found in the ratio of males to females. In terms of risk stratification, patients divided into low and intermediate risk predominate. t (15;17) with additional chromosomal abnormalities accounted for 21% of 715 patients, in which +8 was most commonly seen. The long-form subtype was most frequently seen in PML-RARα-positive patients, and FLT3 was most commonly seen in the mutation spectrum of APL.

Search for Neutrino-Induced Neutral-Current Δ Radiative Decay in MicroBooNE and a First Test of the MiniBooNE Low Energy Excess under a Single-Photon Hypothesis

We report results from a search for neutrino-induced neutral current (NC) resonant Δ(1232) baryon production followed by Δ radiative decay, with a ⟨0.8⟩  GeV neutrino beam. Data corresponding to MicroBooNE's first three years of operations (6.80×10^{20} protons on target) are used to select single-photon events with one or zero protons and without charged leptons in the final state (1γ1p and 1γ0p, respectively). The background is constrained via an in situ high-purity measurement of NC π^{0} events, made possible via dedicated 2γ1p and 2γ0p selections. A total of 16 and 153 events are observed for the 1γ1p and 1γ0p selections, respectively, compared to a constrained background prediction of 20.5±3.65(syst) and 145.1±13.8(syst) events. The data lead to a bound on an anomalous enhancement of the normalization of NC Δ radiative decay of less than 2.3 times the predicted nominal rate for this process at the 90% confidence level (C.L.). The measurement disfavors a candidate photon interpretation of the MiniBooNE low-energy excess as a factor of 3.18 times the nominal NC Δ radiative decay rate at the 94.8% C.L., in favor of the nominal prediction, and represents a greater than 50-fold improvement over the world's best limit on single-photon production in NC interactions in the sub-GeV neutrino energy range.

[The influence of workplace violence on burnout sense in clinical nurses]

Objective: To explore the influence mechanism of intrusive thoughts and ego depletion between effects of workplace violence on burnout sense in clinical nurses. Methods: In May 2019, 10 cities in Henan Province and Fujian Province were selected as sampling cities by the method of grabbing random balls. Using the stratified cluster sampling method, nurses in clinical nursing posts in 22 third class hospitals and 23 second class hospitals were selected as the research objects for a cross-sectional epidemiological survey, including 1200 nurses. A total of 1159 valid questionnaires were collected, and the effective rate was 96.6%. 1159 clinical nurses were investigated by workplace violence scale, event impact scale, self-regulation fatigue scale and job burnout scale. The items contained in the questionnaire were analyzed by exploratory factor analysis with Harman single factor test, and the demographic characteristics of nurses' workplace violence, invasive thinking, self loss and job burnout were compared and analyzed with s-n-k. Results: Those with less than 3 years of service, those with more than 3 years of aggressive thinking and self loss score, and those with less than 3 years of job burnout score; The score of job burnout of unmarried was lower than that of married; The scores of invasive thinking and self loss of non editors were higher than those of current editors; The scores of workplace violence, aggressive thinking, self loss and job burnout of clinical nurses in tertiary hospitals were higher than those in secondary hospitals; The score of job burnout of undergraduate and above is higher than that of junior college and below; The scores of workplace violence, aggressive thinking and self loss of clinical nurses in surgical departments were higher than those in non-surgical departments; The job burnout score of those aged 36 and above was higher than that of those aged <36, The difference was statistically significant (P< 0.05) . Aggressive thinking and self attrition played a mediating role between workplace violence and job burnout. Workplace violence affected job burnout through the single mediating role of aggressive thinking, the single mediating role of self attrition, and the chain mediating role of aggressive thinking self attrition (β=0.16、0.08、0.03, 95%CI: 0.251~0.190、0.121~0.028、0.050~0.012, P<0.05) . Conclusion: Workplace violence affects burnout sense through the independent mediating role of intrusive thoughts and ego depletion and the chain mediating role of intrusive thoughts and ego depletion in clinical nurses.

Effects of chronic intranasal dantrolene on nasal mucosa morphology in mice

OBJECTIVE

We have previously shown that the intranasal administration of dantrolene ameliorated cognitive dysfunction in the 5XFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. This study examines the morphology of the nasal mucosa after 10 months of intranasal dantrolene in 5XFAD mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

5XFAD mice were either treated with intranasal dantrolene (5 mg/kg, 3 times/wk) from 2 months to 12 months of age or given no treatment at all. The mice were euthanatized at 12 months of age and the snouts were processed for histological examination. The morphology of the nasal mucosa was assessed and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the thickness of the olfactory epithelium or the proportion of the thickness of the glandular layer to the wall of mucosa and submucosa in the nasal passages.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term intranasal administration of dantrolene did not significantly change the nasal mucosa morphology in 5XFAD mice.

Differentiation between fresh and frozen-thawed scallop adductor muscle as raw materials for sashimi during cold storage

The changes of sensory and biochemical characteristics on the fresh and frozen-thawed scallop adductor muscle during storage at 4°C were discussed in this study. The Quality Index Method (QIM) scheme for evaluating scallop adductor muscle as raw materials for sashimi was proposed for the first time. The results of sensory evaluation showed that frozen-thawed scallop adductor muscle within zero to one day of refrigeration can be happily accepted by consumers, indicating the superiority of freezing for long-distance transportation, although the triangle test confirmed that there are still sensorial differences between fresh and frozen-thawed scallop adductor muscle. The microscopic observation of myofibrils extracted from scallop adductor muscle suggested that the myofibrillar protein which constitutes myofibrils has suffered some extent change due to freezing and thawing, even though the head region of myosin remained stable judging by the fact that there was no significant difference in Ca²⁺ -ATPase activity (p > 0.05). The changes of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and its related compounds, and pH value during storage can be regarded as indicators to differentiate fresh and frozen-thawed scallop adductor muscle. The changes of Mg²⁺ -ATPase activity indicated that the interaction between myosin and actin was weakened by the freezing and thawing process. Practical Application: The QIM scheme can be used to evaluate the scallop adductor muscle as raw materials for sashimi. The mechanism of quality changes in the frozen-thawed scallop adductor muscle was discussed in combination with the destruction of myofibrils, ATP degradation and the decrease of pH value. This study has positive significance for improving the quality of frozen-thawed scallop adductor muscle by combining the changes of sensory and biochemical characteristics.

Inheritance of physico-chemical properties and ROS generation by carbon quantum dots derived from pyrolytically carbonized bacterial sources

Bacteria are frequently used in industrial processes and nutrient supplementation to restore a healthy human microflora, but use of live bacteria is often troublesome. Here, we hypothesize that bacterially-derived carbon-quantum-dots obtained through pyrolytic carbonization inherit physico-chemical properties from probiotic and pathogenic source-bacteria. Carbon-quantum-dots carbonized at reaction-temperatures below 200 ​°C had negligible quantum-yields, while temperatures above 220 ​°C yielded poor water-suspendability. Fourier-transform infrared-spectroscopy demonstrated preservation of amide absorption bands in carbon-quantum-dots derived at intermediate temperatures. X-ray photoelectron-spectroscopy indicated that the at%N in carbon-quantum-dots increased with increasing amounts of protein in source-bacterial surfaces. Carbonization transformed hydrocarbon-like bacterial surface compounds into heterocyclic aromatic-carbon structures, evidenced by a broad infrared absorption band (920-900 ​cm⁻¹) and the presence of carbon in C–C functionalities of carbon-quantum-dots. The chemical composition of bacterially-derived carbon-quantum-dots could be explained by the degradation temperatures of main bacterial cell surface compounds. All carbon-quantum-dots generated reactive-oxygen-species, most notably those derived from probiotic lactobacilli, carrying a high amount of surface protein. Concluding, amide functionalities in carbon-quantum-dots are inherited from surface proteins of source-bacteria, controlling reactive-oxygen-species generation. This paves the way for applications of bacterially-derived carbon-quantum-dots in which reactive-oxygen-species generation is essential, instead of hard-to-use live bacteria, such as in food supplementation or probiotic-assisted antibiotic therapy.

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Pyrolytic carbonization of bacteria between 200°C and 220°C yields water-suspendable CQDs.

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Bacterially-derived CQDs inherit amide functionalities from bacterial cell surface proteins.

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Hydrocarbon-like bacterial surface compounds give heterocyclic aromatic-carbon structures in bacterially-derived CQDs.

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Bacterially-derived CQDs possess graphitic nitrogen.

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Zeta potentials of CQDs relate with nitrogen occurrence in CQDs.

Search for a Higgs Portal Scalar Decaying to Electron-Positron Pairs in the MicroBooNE Detector

We present a search for the decays of a neutral scalar boson produced by kaons decaying at rest, in the context of the Higgs portal model, using the MicroBooNE detector. We analyze data triggered in time with the Fermilab NuMI neutrino beam spill, with an exposure of 1.93×10^{20} protons on target. We look for monoenergetic scalars that come from the direction of the NuMI hadron absorber, at a distance of 100 m from the detector, and decay to electron-positron pairs. We observe one candidate event, with a standard model background prediction of 1.9±0.8. We set an upper limit on the scalar-Higgs mixing angle of θ<(3.3-4.6)×10^{-4} at the 95% confidence level for scalar boson masses in the range (100-200)  MeV/c^{2}. We exclude, at the 95% confidence level, the remaining model parameters required to explain the central value of a possible excess of K_{L}^{0}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] decays reported by the KOTO collaboration. We also provide a model-independent limit on a new boson X produced in K→πX decays and decaying to e^{+}e^{-}.

Low dietary phosphorus impairs keel bone health and quality in laying hens

1. Phosphorus (P) is a necessary nutrient for egg production and bone quality in poultry diets. To investigate the effects of low dietary available P (avP) on keel bone, 180 laying hens were fed either a control (C, 0.3% avP) or low phosphorus (LP, 0.15% avP) diet from 20-36 weeks of age (WOA). Each diet was replicated in six cages with 15 birds per cage. Keel samples were collected at 24, 28, 32, and 36 WOA to measure indicators.2. The incidence of keel bone damage in the LP group was higher than C group and increased with age throughout the experiment period. Keel bone length from laying hens in the LP group was shorter than C group (P < 0.05) at 32 and 36 WOA.3. The mRNA expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and ratio of RANKL to osteoprotegerin (OPG) were upregulated (P < 0.05), and that of sclerostin and OPG was downregulated (P < 0.05) in the LP group in comparison to hens in the C group. Meanwhile, mRNA expression of the integrin-binding sialoprotein was increased at 24 and 28 WOA (P < 0.05), and decreased at 32 and 38 WOA (P < 0.05) in the LP group.4. Laying hens in LP group had increased trabecular separation and bone surface fraction (P < 0.05), decreased bone volume, bone volume fraction, trabecular number and thickness, and bone mineral density (P < 0.05) at 32 WOA. The LP-fed hens had increased K, Ti, Mn, Fe, Zn, Se, Sr and Pb bone concentrations (P < 0.05), and decreased P and TI bone concentrations (P < 0.05) at 36 WOA.5. Feeding hens a P-deficient diet with 0.15% avP and 3.37% Ca during the laying period impaired keel bone quality, which could be related to the osteoporosis.

[A retrospective cohort study of incidence of anemia and risk factors in HIV/AIDS patients with access to antiretroviral therapy in Dehong Jingpo and Dai Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan province, 2004-2018]

Objective: To investigate the incidence of anemia and risk factors in HIV/AIDS patients with access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) during 2004-2018 in Dehong Jingpo and Dai Autonomous Prefecture (Dehong). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in HIV/AIDS patients receiving ART in Dehong during 2004-2018 based on the data extracted from the National HIV/AIDS antiretroviral therapy database. Cox proportional risk model was used to analyze the factors associated with the incidences of anemia and moderate or severe anemia in the HIV/AIDS patients. And the piecewise linear mixed-effects model was used to depict the trajectory of hemoglobin changes over time after initiating ART according to baseline level. Results: A total of 8 044 HIV/AIDS patients were included, in whom 6 337 (78.8%) were without anemia at baseline survey and had a median follow up time of 4.43 (P₂₅, P₇₅: 1.50, 6.71) years. The median follow up time for 1 291 new anemia cases and 293 new moderate or severe anemia cases was 0.16 (P₂₅, P₇₅: 0.07, 1.99) years and 0.48 (P₂₅, P₇₅:0.09, 2.97) years, respectively. The incidence rate of anemia and moderate or severe anemia was 4.40 per 100 person-years and 0.41 per 100 person-years respectively. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, older age, being female, being in Dai and Jingpo ethnic group, baseline BMI <18.5 kg/m², baseline CD4⁺T lymphocyte cell counts (CD4) <200 cells/μl, and zidovudine (AZT) -based initial treatment regimen were factors significantly and positively associated with incidence of anemia after treatment. Factors as being female, being in Dai ethnic group, baseline BMI <18.5 kg/m², mild baseline anemia, and AZT-based initial treatment regimen were significantly and positively associated with incidence of moderate or severe anemia after treatment. Conclusion: The risk for anemia was higher in HIV/AIDS patients with specific characteristics, such as age ≥60 years , being female, being in Dai and Jingpo ethnic groups, lower BMI, CD4 <200 cells/μl, and treatment of AZT, after initiation of ART in Dehong during 2004-2018. Additional efforts are needed to strengthen the screening, prevention and treatment of anemia in this population.

The effect of strength-endurance training on serum and urine metabolic profiles of female adolescent volleyball athletes

Aim

Limited investigations on metabolic responses to exercise training in female adolescent volleyball athletes exist. The aim of this study was to obtain serum and urine metabolite markers in female adolescent volleyball athletes within 2-week strength-endurance training using a metabolomics approach coupled with biochemical analysis, which would be potential biomarkers for evaluating the physiological state of athletes.

Methods

Twelve female adolescent volleyball athletes were recruited for 2-week strength-endurance training. Differential serum and urine metabolic profiles between the pre- and post-training group were obtained on gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and data subsequently underwent orthogonal partial least-squares analysis (OPLS).

Results

Strength-endurance training exerted a significant influence on the athletes' serum and urine metabolic profiles. The changed metabolites were primarily involved in energy metabolism, lipid metabolism and amino acids metabolism. Results support the hypothesis that female athletes displayed an increased propensity to oxidize lipids as the major energy source. Exposure to strength-endurance training also led to a significant increase in cortisol, but a decrease in testosterone, indicating disordered hormone adjustment. Exercise-induced oxidative stress occurred, as was evidenced by the decrease in reduced glutathione, and increases in blood malondialdehyde and oxidized glutathione. Since the muscle damage markers creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase did not show significant changes, the training might not cause cell membrane damage and the athletes did not cross the adaptive injury level.

Conclusion

By measurement of endogenous metabolites, the metabolomics study has the potential to reveal the global physiological changes in response to exercise training.

TGF-β1 aggravates degenerative nucleus pulposus cells inflammation and fibrosis through the upregulation of angiopoietin-like protein 2 expression

OBJECTIVE

Inflammation and fibrosis progress of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells participate in the pathologic changes of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). ANGPTL2 is well known for its angiogenesis and proinflammatory properties and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is also responsible for tissue fibrosis. However, the role of ANGPTL2 in IDD and whether it is related to TGF-β1 remains unclear. This study aims to explore the relation of TGF-β1 and ANGPTL2 in the degenerative process of NP cells.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We isolated NP cells of NP tissues provided from the spine fracture patients. IL-1β was used to induce the NP cells degeneration. To determine the effect of TGF-β1 and ANGPTL2 on NP cell degeneration, we regulated the cellular TGF-β1 and ANGPTL2 expression by Recombinant human protein stimulation and siRNA transfection. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or Western blot was employed to investigate the expression of TGF-β1, ANGPTL2, IL-6, TNF-α, collagen I, and collagen III.

RESULTS

TGF-β1 overexpression aggravated the ANGPTL2, IL-6, TNF-α, collagen I, and collagen III expressions of NP cells that caused by IL-1β, which was rejected by ANGPTL2 gene silencing. Besides, the silencing of TGF-β1 weakened the ANGPTL2 expression. ANGPTL2 overexpression promoted the NP cells inflammation and fibrosis via increasing IL-6, TNF-α, collagen I, and collagen III expression, which was sharpened by a consequent increase of TGF-β1 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

This study, for the first time, points that TGF-β1 aggravates degenerative NP cells inflammation and fibrosis via the mediation of ANGPTL2.

[The application of continuous glucose monitoring in the management of hepatic glycogen storage disease]

Objective: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) were performed in children with hepatic glycogen storage disease (GSD) to accurately understand the situation of glucose levels during their treatment, and to provide support for optimizing their nutritional management. Methods: In this retrospective research, 42 patients with hepatic GSD who under went 72 h CGM were collected from Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from October 2019 to January 2020. According to the genetic test results, they were divided into 5 groups: type Ⅰa, type Ⅰb, type Ⅲa, type Ⅵ and type Ⅸa. After long-term follow up and regular treatment, the clinical data (induding course, age, height, weight and biochemical parameters, etc.) on the day of CGM were summarized, and 72 h CGM were performed to assess the occurrence of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.χ² test, Fisher exact probability method, t test, analysis of variance or nonparametric test were used for comparison between groups. Results: Forty-two cases of hepatic GSD patients included 25 males and 17 females (20 cases of type Ⅰa, 3 cases of type Ⅰb, 10 cases of type Ⅲa, 3 cases of type Ⅵ and 6 cases of type Ⅸa).The age was 9.5 (6.7, 12.9) years, and the course of disease was 6.8 (5.1, 11.3) years. The average levels of glucose of the patients were all normal. However, the levels of standard deviation of blood glucose (SDBG) and mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE) were significantly different (F=2.747, 3.029,both P<0.05). Among them, the SDBG of type Ⅰa and Ⅲa were significantly higher than those of type Ⅸa ((1.10±0.36), (0.98±0.30) vs. (0.62±0.26) mmol/L, t=3.010, 2.440, both P<0.05), while the MAGE of type Ⅰ was higher than that of Ⅸa and Ⅲa ((2.3±0.9) mmol/L vs. (1.2±0.6) and (1.7±0.6) mmol/L, t=2.734, 2.302, both P<0.05, respectively). Conclusions: CGMS can accurately assess the fluctuations of blood glucose and effectively detect hidden hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia in hepatic GSD patients. For different types of hepatic GSD, individualized corn starch treatment doses should be given according to the different situation of blood glucose, so as to optimize the patient's treatment and improve their prognosis.

POS0320 POOR PROGNOSIS PREDICTION IN ANTI-MDA5 POSITIVE DERMATOMYOSITIS ASSOCIATED WITH INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE: THE CROSS-CAR DECISION TREE MODEL

Background:

The prognosis of anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 positive dermatomyositis (anti-MDA5+ DM) – associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) is poor and heterogeneity.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate prognostic factors and to develop a simple and generally applicable bedside decision tree model for predicting outcomes in patients with anti-MDA5+ DM and to guide treatment.

Methods:

We analyzed data for 246 anti-MDA5+ DM patients from Myositis Study Group-Jiangsu, a multicenter cohort across eighteen tertiary hospitals in Jiangsu province, from March 2019 to October 2020. The primary end point was all-cause death, and the secondary end point was occurring of rapidly progressive-ILD (rp-ILD). We used a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model to identify the independent prognostic risk factors of death and rp-ILD respectively. A decision-tree prediction model was developed by using data from 10 hospital of southern region (n=163), with validation by using contemporaneous data from northern region (n=83).

Results:

To assess the risk of rp-ILD, we developed a combined risk score, the CROSS score, that included the following values and scores: C-reactive protein (≤8mg/L, 0; >8mg/L, 3), anti-Ro52 antibody (negative, 0; positive, 4), Sex (Female, 0; Male, 2) and Short course of disease (More than 3 months, 0; Less than 3 months, 2). The mortality risk was identified by the CAR score, including C-reactive protein (≤8mg/L, 0; >8mg/L, 1), Alanine Transaminase (≤50units/L, 0; >50units/L, 1) and rp-ILD (non-rpILD, 0; rp-ILD, 3). We divided patients into three risk groups according to the CROSS score: low, 0 to 3; medium, 4 to 7; and high 8-11. And then Use of a simple decision tree prediction model permitted stratification into three different outcome prediction groups. High-risk patients had significantly higher mortality rates than low- and medium-risk patients in both discovery and validation cohorts (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

The CROSS-CAR decision tree model is easy to evaluate the poor prognostic risk in MDA5+ DM patients during any follow-up period. Unnecessary lung examination, such as chest CT scan and arterial blood gas analysis was avoided in low- and medium- rpILD risk patients. The special ambulance, with red cross sign tagged on car in China, may help to screen the high risk patients and to guide further treatment.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared