Intensifying Photocatalytic Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation of Ketones with the Introduction of Ru Metalloligands and Bimetallic Units in POM@MOF

The synthesis of visible light-responsive and efficient photocatalysts toward green Baeyer-Villiger oxidation organic synthesis is of extraordinary significance. In this work, we have synthesized two examples of visible light responsive crystalline polyoxometalate@metal-organic framework materials Ru-NiMo and Ru-CoMo by introducing Ru metalloligands and {CdM3O12} bimetallic units (M = Ni or Co). This is the first report of metalloligand-modified polyoxometalate@metal-organic framework materials with bimetallic nodes, and the materials form a three-dimensional framework directly through coordination bonds between {CdM3O12} bimetallic units and metalloligands. In particular, Ru-NiMo can achieve efficient photocatalytic conversion of cyclohexanone to ε-caprolactone in yields as high as 95.5% under visible light excitation in the range of λ > 400 nm, achieving a turnover number and turnover frequency of 955 and 440 h-1, respectively, which are the best known photocatalysts for Baeyer-Villiger oxidation, while apparent quantum yield measured at 485 nm is 4.4%. Moreover, Ru-NiMo exhibited excellent structural stability and recyclability, producing a 90.8% yield after five cycles of recycling.

Selective autophagy in cancer: mechanisms, therapeutic implications, and future perspectives

Eukaryotic cells engage in autophagy, an internal process of self-degradation through lysosomes. Autophagy can be classified as selective or non-selective depending on the way it chooses to degrade substrates. During the process of selective autophagy, damaged and/or redundant organelles like mitochondria, peroxisomes, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), lysosomes, nuclei, proteasomes, and lipid droplets are selectively recycled. Specific cargo is delivered to autophagosomes by specific receptors, isolated and engulfed. Selective autophagy dysfunction is closely linked with cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, heart failure, etc. Through reviewing latest research, this review summarized molecular markers and important signaling pathways for selective autophagy, and its significant role in cancers. Moreover, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of small-molecule compounds targeting selective autophagy for their potential application in anti-tumor therapy, elucidating the underlying mechanisms involved. This review aims to supply important scientific references and development directions for the biological mechanisms and drug discovery of anti-tumor targeting selective autophagy in the future.

Correction: Guidelines, Consensus Statements, and Standards for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine: Systematic Review

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.2196/46089.].

Guidelines, Consensus Statements, and Standards for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine: Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the delivery of health care is a promising area, and guidelines, consensus statements, and standards on AI regarding various topics have been developed.

OBJECTIVE

We performed this study to assess the quality of guidelines, consensus statements, and standards in the field of AI for medicine and to provide a foundation for recommendations about the future development of AI guidelines.

METHODS

We searched 7 electronic databases from database establishment to April 6, 2022, and screened articles involving AI guidelines, consensus statements, and standards for eligibility. The AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II) and RIGHT (Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare) tools were used to assess the methodological and reporting quality of the included articles.

RESULTS

This systematic review included 19 guideline articles, 14 consensus statement articles, and 3 standard articles published between 2019 and 2022. Their content involved disease screening, diagnosis, and treatment; AI intervention trial reporting; AI imaging development and collaboration; AI data application; and AI ethics governance and applications. Our quality assessment revealed that the average overall AGREE II score was 4.0 (range 2.2-5.5; 7-point Likert scale) and the mean overall reporting rate of the RIGHT tool was 49.4% (range 25.7%-77.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated important differences in the quality of different AI guidelines, consensus statements, and standards. We made recommendations for improving their methodological and reporting quality.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42022321360); https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=321360.

Comparison of Ultrasound and CT Imaging for the Diagnosis of Coronavirus Disease and Influenza A Pneumonia

OBJECTIVE

The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) coincided with the season of influenza A pneumonia, a common respiratory infectious disease. Therefore, this study compared ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of the two diseases.

METHODS

Patients with COVID-19 or influenza A infection hospitalized at our hospital were included. The patients were examined by ultrasonography every day. The CT examination results within 1 day before and after the day of the highest ultrasonography score were selected as the controls. The similarities and differences between the ultrasonography and CT results in the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

There was no difference between the ultrasonography and CT scores (P = .307) for COVID-19, while there was a difference between ultrasonography and CT scores for influenza A pneumonia (P = .024). The ultrasonography score for COVID-19 was higher than that for influenza A pneumonia (P = .000), but there was no difference between the CT scores (P = .830). For both diseases, there was no difference in ultrasonography and CT scores between the left and right lungs; there were differences between the CT scores of the upper and middle lobes, as well as between the upper and lower lobes of the lungs; however, there was no difference between the lower and middle lobes of the lungs.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasonography is equivalent to the gold standard CT for diagnosing and monitoring the progression of COVID-19. Because of its convenience, ultrasonography has important application value. Furthermore, the diagnostic value of ultrasonography for COVID-19 is higher than that for influenza A pneumonia.

Feasibility of Omitting Contralateral Neck Irradiation in Patients with Node-Negative Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Crossing the Midline

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

This study aims to analyze the nodal target volume in patients with node-negative SNSCC crossing the midline.

MATERIALS/METHODS

One hundred and four patients with node-negative advanced sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) crossing the midline were included. Survival rates were estimated and compared between treatment groups.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients received contralateral ENI (contralateral ENI group), while forty patients did not (non-contralateral ENI group). The median follow-up time was 89.99 and 95.01 months in the contralateral and non-contralateral ENI groups, respectively. At 5 years, the regional relapse-free survival and contralateral regional relapse-free survival were 57.68% vs. 55.83% (p = 0.372), and 57.68% vs. 61.62% (p = 0.541), in contralateral ENI group vs. non-contralateral ENI group, respectively. Five-year overall survival, local relapse-free survival, and distant metastasis-free survival were similar in the two groups (all p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In patients with node-negative SNSCC crossing the midline, omission of contralateral ENI did not affect regional control and survival outcomes on the premise of receiving ipsilateral ENI covering at least levels Ib and II.

Fabrication of Polyoxometalate-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks Integrating Paddlewheel Rh2(OAc)4 for Visible-Light-Driven Oxidative Coupling of Amines

The development of visible-light-responsive, environmentally friendly, and reusable photocatalysts for organic oxidation reactions is of vital significance. Herein, four polyoxometalate-based metal-organic frameworks (POMOFs) were synthesized and systematically characterized by assembling the paddlewheel complex Rh2(OAc)4 and various polyoxometalates (POMs). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the four POMOFs were isomorphic and possessed rare structural features among the POMOFs, with POMs as nodes and Rh2(OAc)4 as linkers. As expected, the activities of the four POMOFs for the photocatalytic oxidative coupling of benzylamine were better than that of Rh2(OAc)4 or POMs individually, which was ascribed to the synergistic effect between them, and the intrinsic reasons for the difference in the activity were explained via electrochemical measurements. In particular, the product imine yield reached 96.1% with NaRh-SiW12 as the catalyst and a turnover number and a turnover frequency of 480.5 and 120.5 h-1, respectively, while the product yield remained as high as 92% after three repetitions, evidencing its high stability. Moreover, the higher activities of the four POMOFs for the selective epoxidation of various alkenes reaffirm the synergistic effect between Rh2(OAc)4 and POMs.

[Principle and routine operation of laser assisted periodontal surgery]

Periodontitis is one of the most common infectious oral diseases, which can cause destruction of periodontal supporting tissues and even tooth mobility and loss. Controlling infection, eliminating inflammation, restoring the physiological shape of periodontal tissues, and meeting functional and aesthetic needs are the main goals of periodontal treatment. When periodontitis develops to a more severe stage, surgical treatment is necessary to handle soft and hard tissues for good treatment results. Since the development of the first Nd:YAG laser dedicated to dental medicine by Myers in 1990, over 30 years of clinical and basic research have shown that lasers have tremendous potential in assisting periodontal surgery. This article summarizes the principles and operational routines of laser-assisted periodontal surgery, aiming to provide clinical reference for diagnosis and treatment.

Synthesis and anti-inflammatory activity evaluation of benzoxazole derivatives as new myeloid differentiation protein 2 inhibitors

Myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD2), a key TLR4 adaptor protein for sensing LPS, plays an important role in inflammatory process and has been identified as a promising target for the treatment of a variety of inflammatory diseases. In our study, a series of benzoxazolone derivatives were synthesized, characterized and tested for anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. The compounds 3c, 3d and 3g demonstrated the greatest anti-inflammatory activity against IL-6 with IC50 values of 10.14 ± 0.08, 5.43 ± 0.51 and 5.09 ± 0.88 µM, respectively. Furthermore, the bis-ANS displacement assay revealed that these compounds competitively inhibited the binding between the probe bis-ANS and the MD2 protein. The most active compound 3g, revealed a directly bind with MD2 protein via Arg90 binding and a dissociation constant value of 1.52×10-6 mol·L-1 as determined by the biological layer interference (BLI) assay. Our finding suggested that compounds 3g could be a promising lead compound as MD2 inhibitor for further anti-inflammatory agent development.

[Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography with intra-glandular contrast injection can improve the diagnostic accuracy of central compartment lymph node metastasis of thyroid cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the value of lymphatic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (LCEUS) with intra-glandular injection of contrast agent for diagnosis of central compartment lymph node metastasis of thyroid cancer.

METHODS

From November, 2020 to May, 2022, the patients suspected of having thyroid cancer and scheduled for biopsy at our center received both conventional ultrasound and LCEUS examinations of the central compartment lymph nodes before surgery. All the patients underwent surgical dissection of the lymph nodes. The perfusion features in LCEUS were classified as homogeneous enhancement, heterogeneous enhancement, regular/irregular ring, and non-enhancement. With pathological results as the gold standard, we compared the diagnostic ability of conventional ultrasound and LCEUS for identifying metastasis in the central compartment lymph nodes.

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients with 60 lymph nodes were included in the final analysis. Pathological examination reported metastasis in 34 of the lymph nodes, and 26 were benign lymph nodes. With ultrasound findings of heterogeneous enhancement, irregular ring and non-enhancement as the criteria for malignant lesions, LCEUS had a diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 97.06%, 92.31% and 95% for diagnosing metastatic lymph nodes, respectively, demonstrating its better performance than conventional ultrasound (P < 0.001). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis showed that LCEUS had a significantly greater area under the curve than conventional ultrasound for diagnosing metastatic lymph nodes (94.7% [0.856-0.988] vs 78.2% [0.656-0.878], P=0.003).

CONCLUSION

LCEUS can enhance the display and improve the diagnostic accuracy of the central compartment lymph nodes to provide important clinical evidence for making clinical decisions on treatment of thyroid cancer.

Using standardized patients to assess the quality of type 2 diabetes care among primary care providers and the health system: Evidence from rural areas of western China

Background

Improving type 2 diabetes (T2D) care is key to managing and reducing disease burden due to the growing prevalence of diabetes worldwide, but research on this topic, specifically from rural areas, is limited. This study uses standardized patients (SPs) to assess T2D care quality among primary care providers to access the healthcare system in rural China.

Methods

Using multi-stage random sampling, health facilities, providers, and households were selected. SPs were used to evaluate providers' T2D care quality and a questionnaire survey was used to collect patient sorting behaviors from households. Logistic regression was used to explore factors correlated with T2D care quality. Provider referral and treatment rates were combined with patient sorting behaviors to assess the overall quality of T2D management by rural China's healthcare system.

Results

A total of 126 providers, 106 facilities, and 750 households were enrolled into this study. During SP interactions, 20% of rural providers followed the national guidelines for T2D consultation, 32.5% gave correct treatment, and 54.7% provided lifestyle suggestions. Multi-variable regression results showed that providers who had earned practicing certificates (β = 1.56, 95% CI: 0.44, 2.69) and saw more patients (β = 0.77, 95%: 0.25, 1.28) were more likely to use a higher number of recommended questions and perform better examinations, whereas providers who participated in online training were less likely to practice these behaviors (β = -1.03, 95%: -1.95, -0.11). The number of recommended questions and examination (NRQE) was the only significant correlated factor with correct treatment (marginal effect = 0.05, 95%: 0.01, 0.08). Throughout the rural healthcare system, 23.7% of T2D patients were treated correctly.

Conclusion

The quality of T2D care in rural western China, especially throughout the consultation and treatment process during a patient's first visit, is poor. Online training may not improve T2D care quality and low patient volume was likely to indicate poor care quality. Further research is needed to explore interventions for improving T2D care quality in rural China's healthcare system.

Lung ultrasonography findings of coronavirus disease 2019 patients: Comparison between primary and secondary regions of China

Background

An unexplained pneumonia occurred in Wuhan, China in December 2019, later identified and named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). This study aimed to compare the ultrasonographic features of the lung between patients with COVID‐19 in Wuhan (the primary region) and those in Beijing (the secondary region) and to find the value of applying ultrasound in COVID‐19.

Methods

A total of 248 COVID‐19 cases were collected, including long‐term residents in Wuhan (138), those who had a short‐term stay in Wuhan (72), and those who had never visited Wuhan (38). Ultrasound examination was performed daily; the highest lung ultrasound score (LUS) was the first comparison point, while the LUS of the fifth day thereafter was the second comparison point. The differences between overall treatment and ultrasonography of left and right lungs among groups were compared.

Results

The severity decreased significantly after treatment. The scores of the groups with long‐term residence and short‐term stay in Wuhan were higher than those of the group that had never been to Wuhan.

Conclusion

Ultrasonography is effective for dynamic monitoring of COVID‐19. The ultrasonographic features of patients in the Wuhan area indicated relatively severe disease. Thus, Wuhan was the main affected area of china.

The know-do gap in quality of health for chronic non-communicable diseases in rural China

Proper management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is a severe challenge to China's rural health system. This study investigates what influences the poor medical treatment of NCDs (diabetes and angina) by evaluating the "know-do gap" between provider knowledge and practice. To determine whether low levels of provider knowledge low quality of patient care is the primary constraint on the quality of NCDs diagnosis and treatment in rural China. Providers from Village Clinics (VC) and Township Health Centers (THC), and Standardized Patients (SP) were selected by a multi-stage random sampling method. Clinical vignettes were administered to 306 providers from 103 VCs and 50 THCs in rural Sichuan Province. SPs presented diabetes symptoms completed 97 interactions with providers in 46 VCs and 51 THCs; SPs presented angina symptoms completed 100 interactions with providers in 50 VCs and 50 THCs. Process quality, diagnosis quality, and treatment quality were assessed against national standards for diabetes and angina. Two-tailed T-tests and tests of proportions for continuous outcomes and tests of proportions for binary dependent variables were used to compare vignette and SP results. Differences between vignette and SP data calculated the know-do gap. Regression analyses were used to examine the providers/facility characteristics and knowledge/practice associations. THC providers demonstrated significantly more knowledge in vignettes and better practices in SP visits than VC providers. However, levels of knowledge were low overall: 48.2% of THC providers and 28.2% of VC providers properly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, while 23.8% of THC providers and 14.7% of VC providers properly diagnosed angina. With SPs, 2.1% of THC providers and 6.8% of VC providers correctly diagnosed type 2 diabetes; 25.5% of THC providers and 12.8% of VC providers correctly diagnosed angina. There were significant know-do gaps in diagnosis process quality, diagnosis quality, and treatment quality for diabetes (p < 0.01), and in diagnosis process quality (p < 0.05) and treatment quality for angina (p < 0.01). Providers in rural China display low levels of knowledge when treating diabetes and angina. Despite low knowledge, evidence of the know-do gap indicates that low-quality healthcare is the primary constraint on the quality of NCD diagnosis and treatment in rural China. Our research findings provide a new perspective for the evaluation of the medical quality and a technical basis for the development of new standardized cases in the future.

Recent Advances in Targeted Nanotherapies for Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a severe neurological disease caused by the narrowing or occlusion of cerebral blood vessels and is known for high morbidity, disability, and mortality rates. Clinically available treatments of stroke include the surgical removal of the thrombus and thrombolysis with tissue fibrinogen activator. Pharmaceuticals targeting IS are uncommon, and the development of new therapies is hindered by the low bioavailability and stability of many drugs. Nanomedicine provides new opportunities for the development of novel neuroprotective and thrombolytic strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of IS. Numerous nanotherapeutics with different physicochemical properties are currently being developed to facilitate drug delivery by accumulation and controlled release and to improve their restorative properties. In this review, we discuss recent developments in IS therapy, including assisted drug delivery and targeting, neuroprotection through regulation of the neuron environment, and sources of endogenous biomimetic specific targeting. In addition, we discuss the role and neurotoxic effects of inorganic metal nanoparticles in IS therapy. This study provides a theoretical basis for the utilization of nano-IS therapies that may contribute to the development of new strategies for a range of embolic diseases.

Provider competence in hypertension management and challenges of the rural primary healthcare system in Sichuan province, China: a study based on standardized clinical vignettes

BACKGROUND

Improving primary care providers' competence is key to detecting and managing hypertension, but evidence to guide this work has been limited, particularly for rural areas. This study aimed to use standardized clinical vignettes to assess the competence of providers and the ability of the primary healthcare system to detect and manage hypertension in rural China.

METHODS

A multi-stage random sampling method was administered to select target health facilities, providers, and households. The clinical vignette script was developed to evaluate provider competence in managing first-visit patients with symptoms of hypertension. Logistic regression was used to explore the factors correlated with provider competence. Provider referral and management rates were combined with patients' facility sorting behaviors to assess the ability of the rural healthcare system to manage hypertension in three policy scenarios.

RESULTS

A total of 306 providers and 153 facilities were enrolled in our study. In the 306 clinical vignette interactions, 25.9% of providers followed the national guidelines for hypertension consultation. The correct diagnosis was achieved by only 10.1% of providers, and 30.4% of providers were able to prescribe the correct treatment. Multi-variable regression results showed that younger providers (OR = 0.85, 95%CI: 0.73, 0.98) and those who work in township health centers (OR = 4.47, 95%: 1.07, 18.67) were more likely to provide a correct diagnosis. In a free-selection scenario, 29.8% of patients with hypertension were managed correctly throughout the rural system. When all patients first visit village clinics, system-level correct management is reduced to 20.5% but increases to 45.0% when all patients first visit township health centers.

CONCLUSIONS

Rural primary care providers do not have enough competence to detect and treat hypertension cases in China to an acceptable degree. Policy constraints may limit the competence of the rural healthcare system. Research to improve detection and treatment competence in hypertension and optimize health policy is needed.

Ultrasound for the detection of the pyramidal lobe of the thyroid gland

PURPOSE

The pyramidal lobe (PL) is an ancillary lobe of the thyroid gland that can be affected by the same pathologies as the rest of the gland. We aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of high-resolution sonography in the detection of the PL with verification by dissection and histological examination.

METHODS

In a prospective, cross-sectional mono-center study, 50 fresh, non-embalmed cadavers were included. Blinded ultrasound examination was performed to detect the PL by two investigators of different experience levels. If the PL was detected with ultrasound, dissection was performed to expose the PL and obtain a tissue sample. When no PL was detected with ultrasound, a tissue block of the anterior cervical region was excised. An endocrine pathologist microscopically examined all tissue samples and tissue blocks for the presence of thyroid parenchyma.

RESULTS

The prevalence of the PL was 80% [40/50; 95% CI (68.9%; 91.1%)]. Diagnostic performance for both examiners was: sensitivity (85.0%; 42.5%), specificity (50.0%; 60.0%), positive predictive value (87.2%; 81.0%), negative predictive value (45.5%; 21.0%) and accuracy (78.0%; 46.0%). Regression analysis demonstrated that neither thyroid parenchyma echogenicity, thyroid gland volume, age nor body size proved to be covariates in the accurate detection of a PL (p > .05).

CONCLUSION

We report that high-resolution ultrasound is an adequate examination modality to detect the PL. Our findings indicate a higher prevalence than previously reported. Therefore, the PL may be regarded as a regular part of the thyroid gland. We also advocate a dedicated assessment of the PL in routine thyroid ultrasound.

The 2021 ultrafast spectroscopic probes of condensed matter roadmap

In the 60 years since the invention of the laser, the scientific community has developed numerous fields of research based on these bright, coherent light sources, including the areas of imaging, spectroscopy, materials processing and communications. Ultrafast spectroscopy and imaging techniques are at the forefront of research into the light-matter interaction at the shortest times accessible to experiments, ranging from a few attoseconds to nanoseconds. Light pulses provide a crucial probe of the dynamical motion of charges, spins, and atoms on picosecond, femtosecond, and down to attosecond timescales, none of which are accessible even with the fastest electronic devices. Furthermore, strong light pulses can drive materials into unusual phases, with exotic properties. In this roadmap we describe the current state-of-the-art in experimental and theoretical studies of condensed matter using ultrafast probes. In each contribution, the authors also use their extensive knowledge to highlight challenges and predict future trends.

[Status and influencing factors of breastfeeding behavior in rural areas of Han, Tibetan and Yi nationalities in Sichuan Province]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the status of breastfeeding among infants aged 0-18 months in rural areas of Han, Tibetan and Yi ethnic in Sichuan Province, and to explore the relevant impact factors.

METHODS

Using multistage sampling method, choose two Han county, two Tibetan county and two Yi county rural 0-18 months infants and young children with their mother as the subjects in Sichuan Province, to collect mothers and infants and young children&apos;s demography, family status, the information such as breastfeeding knowledge and behavior through questionnaires. Unconditional Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of breastfeeding.

RESULTS

Among the 1087 infants, early initiation of breastfeeding rate was 22. 45%, among the 985 infants aged 6 months and above, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months was 35. 94%, among the 658 infants aged 12 months and above, the rate of continued breastfeeding at 1 year was 34. 50%. The favorable factors for early initiation of breastfeeding were that normal delivery(OR=2. 80, 95% CI 1. 82-4. 30) and mothers with knowledge of early initiation of breastfeeding behavior(OR=2. 48, 95% CI 1. 69-3. 64). Tibetan mother(OR=1. 56, 95% CI 1. 02-2. 39), very good family economic status(OR=2. 70, 95% CI 1. 47-4. 98), mother&apos;s knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months(OR=1. 47, 95% CI 1. 07-2. 02) were favorable factors for exclusive breastfeeding behavior under 6 months. Second birth and above(OR=1. 67, 95% CI 1. 11-2. 52) and mothers&apos; knowledge of weaning(OR=3. 96, 95% CI 2. 65-5. 93) were favorable factors for continued breastfeeding at 1 year.

CONCLUSION

The status of breastfeeding in the multi-ethnic rural areas of Sichuan Province is poor. The mother&apos;s ethnicity, delivery method, and whether they have relevant knowledge, parity and family economic status will affect the breastfeeding behavior of infant mothers.

Brain-specific monoallelic expression of bovine UBE3A is associated with genomic position

Genomic imprinting is a rare epigenetic process in mammalian cells that leads to monoallelic expression of a gene with a parent-specific pattern. The UBE3A (ubiquitin protein ligase E3A) gene is imprinted with maternal allelic expression in the brain but biallelically expressed in all other tissues in humans. The silencing of the paternal UBE3A allele is thought to be caused by the paternally expressed antisense RNA transcript of UBE3A-ATS. The aberrant imprinted expression of the UBE3A is associated with several neurodevelopmental syndromes and psychological disorders. Cattle are a valuable model species in determining the genetic etiology of sporadic human disorder, and maternal expression of UEB3A has been revealed by next-generation sequencing study in the bovine conceptus. In this study, we investigated the allelic expression of UBE3A and UBE3A-ATS in adult bovine somatic tissues. To confirm the splicing pattern of bovine UBE3A, five 5' alternative transcripts (MT210534-MT210538) were first obtained from bovine brain tissue by RT-PCR. Based on 10 SNP genotypes, we found that the brain-specific monoallelic expression of bovine UBE3A did not occur along the entire locus, and there was a shift from biallelic expression to monoallelic expression in exon 14 of the UBE3A gene. However, the brain-specific monoallelic expression of bovine UBE3A-ATS occurred in the entire gene. These observations demonstrated that the monoallelic expression did not occur along the bovine UBE3A entire locus and was associated with the genomic position.

Contribution of NK cells to HBsAg seroconversion in inactive HBsAg carriers following pegylated IFN therapy

Our recent study showed a high rate of HBsAg seroconversion in inactive HBsAg carriers (IHCs) treated with pegylated IFN (PEG-IFN). To understand the immune-mediated component of the HBsAg seroconversion better, this study investigated the role of NK cells. A total of 44 IHCs were given 48 wk of PEG-IFN. Fifteen cases achieved HBsAg seroconversion (R group), whereas 29 failed (NR group). The proportion and activity (CD107α and IFN-γ production) of NK cells were measured before and during treatment. We found that the proportion of NK cells in the R group was higher than in the NR group at baseline and during PEG-IFN treatment, even when patients were matched for age, sex and treatment period. IFN- γ secretion and CD107α expression from NK cells in cases who achieved HBsAg seroconversion were significantly higher than patients matched for age, sex, HBsAg and treatment period in the NR group at baseline and during PEG-IFN treatment. We also found that in HBsAg seroconversion cases, NK cells activity increased after PEG-IFN treatment, especially before HBsAg seroconversion. These effects were not found in non-responders. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the increase of NK cells accompanied by enhanced activity during PEG-IFN treatment favoured HBsAg seroconversion for IHC, and that NK cells may play a role in HBV seroconversion.

Laser picoscopy of valence electrons in solids

Valence electrons contribute a small fraction of the total electron density of materials, but they determine their essential chemical, electronic and optical properties. Strong laser fields can probe electrons in valence orbitals^1-3 and their dynamics^4-6 in the gas phase. Previous laser studies of solids have associated high-harmonic emission^7-12 with the spatial arrangement of atoms in the crystal lattice^13,14 and have used terahertz fields to probe interatomic potential forces¹⁵. Yet the direct, picometre-scale imaging of valence electrons in solids has remained challenging. Here we show that intense optical fields interacting with crystalline solids could enable the imaging of valence electrons at the picometre scale. An intense laser field with a strength that is comparable to the fields keeping the valence electrons bound in crystals can induce quasi-free electron motion. The harmonics of the laser field emerging from the nonlinear scattering of the valence electrons by the crystal potential contain the critical information that enables picometre-scale, real-space mapping of the valence electron structure. We used high harmonics to reconstruct images of the valence potential and electron density in crystalline magnesium fluoride and calcium fluoride with a spatial resolution of about 26 picometres. Picometre-scale imaging of valence electrons could enable direct probing of the chemical, electronic, optical and topological properties of materials.

Clinical characteristics of Coronavirus Disease 2019 patients in Beijing, China

The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Wuhan have affected more than 250 countries and regions worldwide. However, most of the clinical studies have been focused on Wuhan, and little is known about the disease outside of Wuhan in China. In this retrospective cohort study, we report the early clinical features of 80 patients with COVID-19 admitted to the hospital in Beijing. The results show that 27 (33.8%) patients had severe illness. Six (7.5%) patients were admitted to the ICU, and 3 (3.8%) patients died. Forty-eight percent (39/80) of the patients had a history of living/traveling in Wuhan. Patients with severe- illness were significantly older (average age, 71 years old vs 44 years old) and had a high incidence of expectoration (59.3% vs 34.0%), shortness of breath (92.6% vs 9.4%), anorexia (51.9% vs 18.9%) and confusion(18.5% vs 0%) compared with nonsevere patients. The systolic blood pressure (median, 130 mmHg vs 120 mmHg) was higher and the oxygen saturation (median, 98.3% vs 92.0%) was significantly lower in severe patients than nonsevere patients. In addition, myoglobin (median, 56.0 ng/mL vs 35.0 ng/mL), troponin I (median, 0.02 pg/mL vs 0.01 pg/mL), C-reactive protein (median, 69.7 mg/L vs 12.9 mg/L) and neutrophils (median, 3.3×109/L vs 2.2×109/L) were significantly increased, while lymphocytes (median, 0.8×109/L vs 1.2×109/L), albumin (mean, 32.8 g/L vs 36.8 g/L) and the creatinine clearance rate (median, 91.2 vs 108.2 ml/min/1.73m2) were significantly decreased among severe patients. Our study revealed that older patients with high levels of C-reactive protein, myoglobin, troponin I, and neutrophil and high systolic blood pressure as well as low levels of lymphocytes, and albumin and a low creatinine clearance rate and oxygen saturation were more likely to have severe disease.

Epidemiology, causes, clinical manifestation and diagnosis, prevention and control of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) during the early outbreak period: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China beginning in December 2019. As of 31 January 2020, this epidemic had spread to 19 countries with 11 791 confirmed cases, including 213 deaths. The World Health Organization has declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted following the methodological framework suggested by Arksey and O'Malley. In this scoping review, 65 research articles published before 31 January 2020 were analyzed and discussed to better understand the epidemiology, causes, clinical diagnosis, prevention and control of this virus. The research domains, dates of publication, journal language, authors' affiliations, and methodological characteristics were included in the analysis. All the findings and statements in this review regarding the outbreak are based on published information as listed in the references.

RESULTS

Most of the publications were written using the English language (89.2%). The largest proportion of published articles were related to causes (38.5%) and a majority (67.7%) were published by Chinese scholars. Research articles initially focused on causes, but over time there was an increase of the articles related to prevention and control. Studies thus far have shown that the virus' origination is in connection to a seafood market in Wuhan, but specific animal associations have not been confirmed. Reported symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, pneumonia, headache, diarrhea, hemoptysis, and dyspnea. Preventive measures such as masks, hand hygiene practices, avoidance of public contact, case detection, contact tracing, and quarantines have been discussed as ways to reduce transmission. To date, no specific antiviral treatment has proven effective; hence, infected people primarily rely on symptomatic treatment and supportive care.

CONCLUSIONS

There has been a rapid surge in research in response to the outbreak of COVID-19. During this early period, published research primarily explored the epidemiology, causes, clinical manifestation and diagnosis, as well as prevention and control of the novel coronavirus. Although these studies are relevant to control the current public emergency, more high-quality research is needed to provide valid and reliable ways to manage this kind of public health emergency in both the short- and long-term.

Correlates of School Children's Handwashing: A Study in Tibetan Primary Schools

Hand hygiene, including handwashing by children, has been reported to contribute to the prevention of various infectious conditions. This study aims to explore the correlates of handwashing behavior among 1690 fourth to sixth grade primary school students in 19 Tibetan primary schools (Golog, Qinghai, China). The theory of reasoned action (TRA) was applied. Data was collected by questionnaire. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis showed that students' attitude (β = 0.22, 95% CI 0.13-0.31) and subjective norms in terms of compliance to teachers', parents' and peers' suggestions to wash hands (β = 0.09, 95% CI 0.01-0.18) were directly associated with students' handwashing behavior. Students' knowledge (β = 0.04, 95% CI 0.03-0.07) had an indirect association with handwashing behavior, mediated by students' attitudes and subjective norms. Subjective norms (β = 0.12, 95% CI 0.07-0.17) were also indirectly correlated with handwashing through students' attitudes. Therefore, our study supported the theory of reasoned action through our findings that students' attitude and knowledge, and also attitudes from teachers, parents and peers were correlated with student handwashing behavior. Students reported higher level of compliance to teachers than to their parents and classmates. Based on this information, we recommend teacher-involved participatory hygiene education to promote students' handwashing behaviors in areas at high risk for infectious diseases that can be prevented by handwashing.

[Effect of utilization of child health services on the nutrition and growth status of infants in poor rural areas in Sichuan and Gansu Province]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the current situation of the utilization of infant and young child health services in pool rural areas where minorities gathered in Sichuan and Gansu Province and analyze its effect on infant nutrition and growth.

METHODS

We choosed 1065 infants and young children aged≤24 months with their mother as the subjects by multistage cluster random sampling in October to November 2014 in poor rural areas where ethnic minorities gathered in Sichuan and Gansu Province. Questionnaires were used to obtain the data of demography and utilization of maternal and child health services, physical examination to obtain the data of growth status, and hemoglobin detection to obtain the hemoglobin level. The relationship between the nutrition and growth status and maternal and child health service utilization was analyzed by the unconditioned Logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Among the surveyed infants and young children, the underweight rate was 3. 38%, the stunting rate was 10. 52%, and the wasting rate was 2. 25%, the malnutrition prevalence was 12. 58%, and the anemia prevalence was 52. 68%. The children's physical examination rate was 37. 09%, and the systematic management( frequency of physical examination reached the standard) rate of children was 12. 68%. The rate of prophylactic inoculation was 92. 30%, and the rate of reaching the standard of vaccination frequency was 48. 73%. After adjusting the confounding factors, the result showed that utilization of vaccination( OR = 0. 41, 95% CI0. 23-0. 74) and vaccination frequency reaching the standard( OR = 0. 58, 95%CI 0. 36-0. 92) were protective factors for infant malnutrition. Children 's physical examinations frequency reaching the standard( OR = 0. 52, 95%CI 0. 35-0. 79) was a protective factor for infant anemia.

CONCLUSION

Reasonable utilization of health services can reduce the poor result of nutrition and growth of infants in poor rural areas where ethnic minorities gather in Sichuan and Gansu provinces.

[Differential diagnosis of gallbladder abnormalities : Ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging]

CLINICAL ISSUE

Due to the high prevalence of clinically suspected cholecystitis or cholecystolithiasis the gallbladder is one of the organs examined the most by imaging.

STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS

In most clinical settings ultrasound is the primary imaging method because of its wide availability, speed and superior spatial resolution. In cases of ambiguous findings or potential complications computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used.

METHODICAL INNOVATIONS

When specific problems arise these imaging modalities may be enhanced by special techniques, e. g. contrast-enhanced ultrasound or dual-energy CT, and specific MRI sequences.

PERFORMANCE

Special variants of cholecystitis, such as xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis and adenomyomatosis, may pose a particularly difficult diagnostic problem as they may resemble other diseases. Sequelae of cholecystolithiasis, such as the Mirizzi syndrome and acute bowel obstruction, may complicate the imaging algorithm as the location and the symptoms shift. Cases of neoplastic diseases of gallbladder cancer and other malignancies require a broad spectrum of imaging modalities.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Although the gallbladder can easily be examined with ultrasound, some cases require a more thorough ultrasound examination. In some cases only a combination of multiple imaging modalities yield the diagnosis. Further developments regarding technical issues and the diagnostic algorithm can be expected.

PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Ultrasound is the best first imaging modality. In cases of ambiguous findings or clinical complications CT or MRI are recommended.

[A study on the association between the infant anemia and the utilization of maternal and child health services in ethnic minorities gathering in poverty-stricken rural areas of two provinces in Western China]

In this study, 1 065 infants and young children aged 24 months below in ethnic minorities gathering in poor rural areas in poor rural areas of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province and Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Gansu Province were investigated for their anemia status from October to November 2014, and the association between anemia and the utilization of maternal and child health services was analyzed. The prevalence of anemia in this area was 52.68%(561/1 065). After the adjustment of socio-demographic characteristics of mothers and infants, compared with infants aged 2-5 months, Han ethnic group, and infants whose mother was not anemic, the OR(95%CI) values of infant anemia for infants aged 6-12 months, 13-8 months, 19-24 months, ethnic minorities group, and infants whose mother was anemic were 11.65 (7.09-19.14), 9.91 (5.99-16.38), 5.87 (3.39-10.16), 1.55 (1.10-2.18) and 1.52 (1.14-2.04), respectively; Compared with infants whose child examination times not up to standard, and who were not only non-hospital delivered but also received inadequate number of inoculation, the OR (95%CI) values of infant anemia for infants whose child examination times up to standard, and who were not only hospital delivered but also received adequate number of inoculation were 0.60 (0.38-0.94) and 0.71 (0.52-0.98), respectively. The infants anemia is associated with the utilization of maternal and child health services.

[Clinical study of different adsorbents with dual plasma molecular adsorption system in the treatment of hepatic failure]

Objective: To investigate the effects of two different sorbents(Carbon perfusion apparatus and Resin perfusion apparatus)in Double plasma molecular absorb syetem for liver failure treatment. Methods: A total of 152 cases with liver failure who were admitted to The Sixth People's Hospital of Zhengzhou, from June 2016 to May 2018 were selected and divided into DPMARS Carbon group (77 cases) and Resin group (75 cases). The two groups were observed in terms of liver function, prothrombin activity(PTA),Plasma albumin ,tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 were detected and compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results: ①The clinical symptoms improved in different degree in two groups, the recovery rate of Carbon cans Carbon perfusion apparatus group and Resin group separately were89.6% (69/77)、90.7% (68/75)(χ(2) = 0.048, P = 0.975), there were no statistical differences. There were no statistical differences between the two groups in untoward reactions(χ(2) = 0.235, P = 0.995), ②Compared with before treatment, TBil(t = 3.735, 3.728; P = 0.000, 0.000)、ALT(t = 5.117, 5.203; P = 0.000, 0.000)、TNF-α (t = 3.158, 3.094; P = 0.000, 0.002)、IL-6(t = 3.647, 3.559; P = 0.002, 0.003)decreased and ALB (t = 2.300, 3.065; P = 0.024, 0.003) increased significantly after treatment in both groups, and there were statistical differences. There were no signifiant differences in the changes in ALB(t = 0.316, 0.209; P = 0.657, 0.720) and PTA(t = 0.810, 0.843; P = 0.429, 0.516). ③After treatment, there were no signifiant differences in the changes in TBil、ALT、ALB、PTA、TNF-α、IL-6(t = 0.377、0.904、-1.133、-1.552、0.841、0.401; P = 0.952、0.283、0.826、0.094、0.154、0.457). Conclusion: Double plasma molecular absorb syetem is effective in treating liver failure. Carbon perfusion apparatus or Resin perfusion apparatus can be combined with Specific bilirubin adsorption column for DPMARS in clinical treatment,and their effects are similar.

The Red Kangaroo pericardium as a material source for the manufacture of percutaneous heart valves

BACKGROUND

The kangaroo pericardium might be considered to be a good candidate material for use in the manufacture of the leaflets of percutaneous heart valves based upon the unique lifestyle. The diet consists of herbs, forbs and strubs. The kangaroo pericardium holds an undulated structure of collagen.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A Red Kangaroo was obtained after a traffic fatality and the pericardium was dissected. Four compasses were cut from four different sites: auricular (AUR), atrial (ATR), sternoperitoneal (SPL) and phrenopericardial (PPL). They were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS

All the samples showed dense and wavy collagen bundles without vascularisation from both the epicardium and the parietal pericardium. The AUR and the ATR were 150±25μm thick whereas the SPL and the PPL were thinner at 120±20μm. The surface of the epicardium was smooth and glistening. The filaments of collagen were well individualized without any aggregation, but the banding was poorly defined and somewhat blurry.

CONCLUSION

This detailed morphological analysis of the kangaroo pericardium illustrated a surface resistant to thrombosis and physical characteristics resistant to fatigue. The morphological characteristics of the kangaroo pericardium indicate that it represents an outstanding alternative to the current sources e.g., bovine and porcine. However, procurement of tissues from the wild raises supply and sanitary issues. Health concerns based upon sanitary uncertainty and reliability of supply of wild animals remain real problems.

Effects of Talaromyces marneffei infection on mortality of HIV/AIDS patients in southern China: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Talaromyces marneffei is an opportunistic infection with high morbidity among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS patients in Southeast Asia and southern China. Its effects on mortality in HIV/AIDS patients has not been clearly elucidated.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized HIV-infected individuals at the Fourth People's Hospital of Nanning, Guangxi, China during 2012-2015. Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to calculate the cumulative mortality. Cox proportional hazard models and 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) were used to evaluate the effects of T. marneffei infection on mortality of HIV/AIDS patients.

RESULTS

In total, 6791 HIV/AIDS patients were included, 1093 of them (16.1%) with documented T. marneffei co-infection. The mortality of T. marneffei-infected patients (25.0 per 100 person-months, 95% CI 21.5-26.7) was the highest among all AIDS-associated complications and was significantly higher than that of T. marneffei-uninfected HIV/AIDS patients (13.8 per 100 person-months, 95% CI 12.5-15.1; adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) 1.80, 95% CI 1.48-2.16). The results using PSM were similar (AHR 4.52 95% CI 2.43-8.42). The mortality of T. marneffei-infected patients was also significantly higher than that of patients without any complications. When stratified by demographic characteristics, T. marneffei infection has higher mortality risk in all stratifications. Co-infection with T. marneffei carries a higher mortality risk in patients at any CD4⁺ T-cell count.

CONCLUSIONS

Talaromyces marneffei infection is commonly found in hospitalized HIV/AIDS patients in southern China and was associated with a higher mortality rate than most HIV-associated complications. These results highlight the need for improved diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infection by this neglected fungal pathogen in southern China.

Bone mass loss is associated with systolic blood pressure in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes in Tibet: a retrospective cross-sectional study

We conducted an observational cross-section study to investigate the status of bone mineral mass of Tibetan postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes and the possible predictors for osteoporosis. We found that prevalence of osteoporosis was 27.0% and blood pressure was an independent risk factor for bone mass loss.

INTRODUCTION

The aims of this study is to investigate the prevalence of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes dwelling in Tibet and the possible risk factors for bone mass loss.

METHODS

We recruited 99 Chinese Tibetan postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes from the department of endocrinology of People's Hospital Tibet Autonomous Region. Multiple sites of bone mineral density (BMD) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The subjects were divided into three groups based on BMD T-score: osteoporosis, osteopenia, and normal. The clinical characteristics were compared between groups. The risk factors for bone mass loss were assessed by multiple linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

Among diabetic postmenopausal women dwelling in high altitude, mean age was 62 ± 8 years, the median postmenopausal period was 12 years (5, 20), the median duration of diabetes mellitus was 3 years (1, 8), and mean BMI was 27.6 ± 4.2 kg/m². Patients (52.5%) had hypertension. The percentages of patients with osteoporosis, osteopenia and normal BMD were 27.3, 42.4, and 30.3%, respectively. HbA1c and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were independently associated with T-scores of spine; ages and SBP were independently associated with T-scores of femoral neck or hip.

CONCLUSIONS

Among diabetic postmenopausal women dwelling in high altitude, 27.3% patients have osteoporosis, 42.4% patients have osteopenia, and 30.3% are normal. The BMD T-score of spine was inversely associated with SBP and positively associated with HbA1c, while the BMD T-score of femoral neck or hip was inversely associated with ages and SBP.

Sofosbuvir Monotherapy for Asymptomatic and Noncirrhotic Hepatitis C Infection in a Renal Retransplantation Recipient: A Case Report

Renal transplant recipients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) have a high risk of progressing to cirrhosis, end-stage liver diseases, and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is also considered as an independent risk for graft loss and is correlated with proteinuria, transplant glomerulopathy, HCV-associated glomerulonephritis, and chronic rejection. Previous therapy involving interferon alfa and ribavirin led to treatment complications, including toxicity, anemia, sepsis, and drug-drug interactions with calcineurin inhibitors, as well as reduced tolerability and efficacy. New direct-acting antiviral drugs simplify and shorten the treatment along with increasing tolerability and efficacy. Nevertheless, limited data and no specific regimen with direct-acting antiviral drugs have been described in the literature for renal transplant recipients with chronic HCV. We describe here the case of a 52-year-old Chinese man who diagnosed with chronic renal failure in 1997 and underwent renal transplantation the same year. In 2012, he was diagnosed with renal graft failure and again underwent hemodialysis. The patient then underwent his second renal transplantation and was administered an immunosuppressive cyclosporine-based regimen in 2015. During hemodialysis, he acquired asymptomatic genotype 1b HCV infection. Serologic test results reflecting liver cirrhosis were all negative, and ultrasound showed no abnormalities in the liver. The patient later required oral sofosbuvir monotherapy for 12 weeks after the second kidney transplantation. Curing HCV in renal transplant recipients is necessary. Although our treatment did not successfully result in a sustained virologic response, it suggests that genotype 1b HCV may have a poor response to a sofosbuvir monotherapy regimen. Specific and effective regimens for renal transplant recipients with HCV infection need to be confirmed in the future.

Heat-Shock Protein gp96 Enhances T Cell Responses and Protective Potential to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Vaccine

The commonly used Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine only induces moderate T cell responses and is less effective in protecting against pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in adults and ageing populations. Thus, developing new TB vaccine candidates is an important strategy against the spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Here, we demonstrated that immunization with heat-shock protein gp96 as an adjuvant led to a significantly increased CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell response to a BCG vaccine. Secretion of the Th1-type cytokines was increased by splenocytes from gp96-immunized mice. In addition, adding gp96 as an adjuvant effectively improved the protection against intravenous challenge with Mycobacterium bovis BCG in mice. Our study reveals the novel property of gp96 in boosting the vaccine-specific T cell response and its potential use as an adjuvant for BCG vaccines against mycobacterial infection.

A placebo-controlled trial of a proprietary lipid-lowering nutraceutical supplement in the management of dyslipidemia

There is an ever growing emergence in the popularity of patient-driven care. As this health and wellness model grows, inquiries into diet, lifestyle, and supplemental approaches will continue to become a focal point for the healthcare consumer. Because of this, the aim of this study is to determine the tolerability, and overall effectiveness of a proprietary multi-ingredient lipid-lowering supplement in subjects with dyslipidemia. Forty participants were recruited for a single-center, double-blind randomized, placebocontrolled trial. Study participants were recruited between December 2014 and March 2015. Initial screening included a physical examination, renal and hepatic function, serum lipid, serum electrolytes, complete blood counts, and urine analysis. The 40 participants were randomly assigned to receive either the proprietary multi-ingredient lipid-lowering supplement (PMILLS) n= 20 or placebo n= 20. The trial consisted of a screening visit, a two-week run-in, and a four-month treatment period. Samples were taken at baseline, one month and four months of treatment. Results from the trial showed that the PMILLS significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL-C), oxidized LDL (oxLDL), Apo-lipoprotein B, triglycerides (TG), LDL particle number (LDL-P), heart rate, and diastolic blood pressure compared to placebo at one month and four months. The PMILLS significantly increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) particle number (HDL-P), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size from dense type III and IV to larger type I and II LDL particle, compared to placebo at one month and four months. In addition, the PMILLS significantly reduced high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) within the treatment group from baseline. There were no adverse effects noted in the treatment group after four months of supplementation. The present study demonstrates this PMILLS improves all relevant lipid parameters, such as particle numbers and particles sizes, as well as showing a significant reduction in inflammatory markers linked to cardiovascular health. With such combined changes in lipids, lipid sub-fractions, and inflammation, which are considered among the most effective means of reducing coronary heart disease (CHD), this PMILLS represents a new addition to safe and effective lipid-modifying strategies.

Effect of polychlorinated biphenyls on osmoregulatory response and apoptosis in GIFT tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

In the present study, GIFT tilapia Oreochromis niloticus were exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) for 7, 14, and 21 days. Over the duration of the exposure, genotoxicity and the activity of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (NKA) and Ca⁺/Mg⁺-ATPase (CMA) were measured in the gill, kidney, and intestine, to evaluate changes in osmoregulatory response in O. niloticus. Our results showed significant decreases in organic NKA (except in gill tissues after 0.5 mg/L PCB-exposure) and CMA activity. The results of the genotoxicity assay showed significant increases in atp1a1a, nkcc2 (only in gill tissue), and fxyd7 (except after 21 days of 5 mg/L PCB exposure). We found significant increases in caspase proteins in the liver in the 5-mg/L PCB exposure group, and the transcripts showed dose-dependent increases between treatment groups over the exposure duration. This study presents evidence that chronic exposure to PCB could result in organic osmoregulatory response and hepatic apoptosis in GIFT tilapia.