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Aims: Very early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) was defined as CRC diagnosed before the age of 35 proposed by the latest EOCRC management guideline. Until now, the disease burden of very EOCRC has never been reported. This study aimed to explore the burden of very EOCRC across the past three decades. Methods: We extracted the data from Global Burden of Disease Study to analyze the disease burden of very EOCRC. Risk factors for the burden of deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to very EOCRC were also explored in this study. Additionally, decomposition analysis and frontier analysis were also conducted. Results: Despite regional and gender variations, the global very EOCRC incidence cases increased from 21,874 (95 % UI: 20,386-23,470) to 41,545 (95 % UI: 37,978-45,523). Besides, the deaths cases also increased from 11,445 (95 % UI: 10,545-12,374) to 15,486 (95 % UI: 14,289-16,803), and the DALYs cases increased from 718,136 (95 % UI: 659,858-778,283) to 961,460 (95 % UI: 886,807-1,042,734). Decomposition analysis revealed the epidemiological change contributed most to the incidence burden of very EOCRC. Countries or regions with Sociodemographic Index (SDI) between 0.4 and 0.8 had greater disease burden improvement potential through frontier analysis. Diet low in milk, diet low in calcium, alcohol use, and high body-mass index were the main contributors to deaths and DALYs. Conclusions: The increase in CRC burden among populations younger than 35 years globally requires vigilance from policy makers, physicians, and young individuals themselves, especially those regions experiencing faster growth burden of very EOCRC.

Linear vibration engines, due to their flexible compression expansion characteristics and the coupling mechanism of vibration, combustion, and gas exchange, are expected to become the research focus of new clean energy conversion devices. This paper develops a systematical dynamic-thermodynamic model that mutually transfers the interaction parameters between combustion model, pollution model and the insight the of a linear diesel engine, and an iterative calculation schedule is proposed to solute the systematical model for the simulation of scavenging pressure effect on combustion and pollution. The results indicate that when the scavenging pressures are considered from 1.1 bar to 1.7 bar in 0.1 bar interval, there is an optimum scavenging pressure of 1.3 bar for fast combustion, more heat release, high thermal efficiency, because it provides fast reciprocating, large compression ratio, high in-cylinder gas pressure and temperature, bringing CO concentration of 0.12 % and NO mass fraction of 0.032 %. Decreasing the scavenging pressure leads to slow compression and more residual exhaust gas for incomplete combustion, and the max HC and soot concentrations are 0.080 % and 2.5e-8 respectively. Enhancing the pressure gives low compression ratio for combustion and reduces NO concentration to 0.019 % and soot concentration to 1.1e-8.

The benefits of online homework are widely acknowledged for student learning. Numerous studies have provided evidence supporting the notion that the completion of an adequate amount of traditional homework is associated with enhanced academic success. However, there are inconsistent conclusions on the effect of homework completion on academic performance among the students who were exposed to online homework, particularly in China. In order to explore the behaviors of Chinese secondary students towards online homework, a correlational analysis is employed to determine the relationship between homework completion and academic performance among 103 students from China. Findings suggest a positive yet moderate association between online homework completion and academic performance. A follow-up qualitative interview with 10 purposefully selected students, based on the UX model by Topolewski, Krawczyk, Pallot & Huotari (2020), reveals that the cognitive and emotional factors are most influential on their behaviors towards online homework. Further studies are recommended to delve into the factors influencing students’ intention to engage with online homework. Additionally, limitations of this study are outlined.

The Solid desiccant air conditioning system is popular due to their thorough dehumidification, low energy consumption, and independent temperature and humidity control. In order to design, simulate and optimize the solid desiccant air conditioning system, an accurate model of desiccant wheel must be established. A prediction model by stacking ensemble learning for desiccant wheel is presented. The model uses an integration approach, Light Gradient Boosting Machine, Random Forest and Back Propagation Neural Network models are used as the first-level base models to learn the data, and the Linear Regression model as a meta-model integrates the output of the base model to obtain the final prediction results. Each base model uses Bayesian optimization for hyperparameter tuning. In addition, the contribution of each input feature and the decision-making process of the model are analyzed using the Shapley additive explanations. To evaluate the model, 13,095 data sets of desiccant wheel operation data were collected. The focus was on predicting the outlet temperature and humidity ratio. Results indicate that the proposed stacking model has notably enhanced its forecasting ability for these parameters. Coefficient of Determination (R2), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), and Mean Absolute Error (MAE) were used to measure this stacking model: the process side outlet temperature (R2 = 0.9467, RMSE=1.5239, and MAE = 1.2721), the process side outlet humidity ratio (R2 = 0.9743, RMSE = 0.5728, MAE = 0.4531). In conclusion, the proposed stacking model can provide reliable theoretical guidance for the solid air conditioning system with desiccant wheel as the core.

Pelvic exenteration is often required for primary rectal cancer beyond total mesorectal excision (PRC-bTME) and locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC). Some patients with radical resection can achieve long-term survival, but they need to face risks, such as huge surgical trauma, serious perioperative complications, permanent loss of organ function and decline in quality of life. Preoperative evaluation of PRC-bTME and LRRC should emphasize multidisciplinary collaboration and develop individualized diagnosis and treatment strategies. The principles of function preservation and risk-benefit balance in surgery oncology should be followed, and R0 resection should be emphasized. Perioperative complications, surgical trauma and organ function loss should be minimized to achieve the best quality control and balance point. This consensus was formulated by the Colorectal Cancer Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association and the Gastrointestinal Surgery Committee of China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care. The draft was formed based on the summary of domestic and foreign research progress and expert experience. After discussion, review and modification by experts, an anonymous voting was conducted for each major opinion, and in-depth verification was carried out according to the principles of evidence-based medicine. Finally, the Chinese expert consensus on the pelvic exenteration with primary rectal cancer beyond total mesorectal excision planes and locally recurrent rectal cancer (2023 edition) was formed. This consensus mainly summarizes the indications and contraindications of pelvic exenteration (PE) for PRC-bTME and LRRC, preoperative diagnosis and evaluation, perioperative treatment, as well as the resection scope, surgical methods, reconstruction of related organs, safety and complications of PE, postoperative follow-up and other issues, in order to provide guidance for PE in patients with PRC-bTME and LRRC.

This research investigates the ecological impacts of heavy metals in downstream river sediments with a focus on carbon emission efficiency in agriculture under the environmental regulation context. In this study, thirty sediment samples have been taken from the downstream region of the Shichuanhe River located in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, China, to analyze the availability of heavy metals. The results show that there are high ecological impacts in relation to the heavy metals and that impacts the carbon emission efficiency in agriculture directly. The analysis has also found the importance of significant environmental regulations in the management of such risks. This research has offered a unique angle on the relationship between heavy metal pollution and agricultural carbon release and has given important information on the improvement of environmental control measures. The implications highlight the need for the implementation of measures to enhance the policies that will help to prevent the ecological threats that are connected with heavy metals in the agricultural areas and, thus, improve the management of the environment.

Background: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have inhibitory control deficits. The combination of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and inhibitory control training produces good transfer effects and improves neuroplasticity. However, no studies have explored whether applying tDCS over the dlPFC improves inhibitory control and produces transfer effects in children with ASD. Objective: To explore whether multisession tDCS could enhance inhibitory control training (response inhibition), near-transfer (interference control) and far-transfer effects (sustained attention; stability of attention) in children with ASD and the generalizability of training effects in daily life and the class, as reflected by behavioral performance and neural activity measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Methods: Twenty-eight autistic children were randomly assigned to either the true or sham tDCS group. The experimental group received bifrontal tDCS stimulation at 1.5 mA, administered for 15 min daily across eight consecutive days. tDCS was delivered during a computerized Go/No-go training task. Behavioral performance in terms of inhibitory control (Dog/Monkey and Day/Night Stroop tasks), sustained attention (Continuous Performance and Cancellation tests), prefrontal cortex (PFC) neural activity and inhibitory control and sustained attention in the class and at home were evaluated. Results: Training (response inhibition) and transfer effects (interference control; sustained attention) were significantly greater after receiving tDCS during the Go/No-go training task than after receiving sham tDCS. Changes in oxyhemoglobin (HbO) concentrations in the dlPFC and FPA associated with consistent conditions in the Day/Night Stroop and Continuous Performance test were observed after applying tDCS during the inhibitory control training task. Notably, transfer effects can be generalized to classroom environments. Conclusion: Inhibitory control training combined with tDCS may be a promising, safe, and effective method for improving inhibitory control and sustained attention in children with ASD.

The objective of the proposed research study is to examine how the economic policy mandates and governance frameworks of central banks affect the implementation of climate-related economic measures. Empirical evidence supports a positive correlation between the adoption of climate-related economic policies and a broader mandate for monetary policy. The existing body of research contradicts the idea that an enhanced framework for governing economic stability will result in higher implementation of financial measures related to climate change. The study, which focuses on China from 2015 to 2023, concludes that enhanced economic stability governance, founded on less integrated arrangements, leads to more successful implementation of climate-related financial measures. For other criteria such as central bank independence, the existence of a democratic government, and membership in the Sustainable Banking Network, a positive and statistically significant influence is seen across all specifications. Physical risks associated with climate change, such as heat waves, droughts, floods, and storms, as well as transition risks represented by variables like per-person CO2 emissions, policies aimed at mitigating climate change, and the financial capacity to carry out climate adaptation plans, must also manifest. Even after accounting for a new dependent variable and several alternative model parameters, the findings hold up well. We employ a fixed-effects panel regression approach to control for unobserved heterogeneity and isolate the impact of time-varying variables on renewable energy production. This methodology ensures robust and consistent estimates, providing clear insights into how monetary policy adjustments influence renewable energy investments.

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have attracted increasing attention as promising candidates by anion exchanges and selective adsorption in the fluoride treatment field. In this study, three new ternary Zn-Co-Cr-LDHs were synthesized by primarily a one-step TEA-assisted hydrothermal process at various times. They were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, N2 gas adsorption and desorption curves and zeta potential. The effects of dosage amount, reaction duration, initial solution pH, temperature, and co-existing ions were evaluated systematically for the Zn-Co-Cr-LDHs in fluoride removal process. Compared to Zn-LDHs and Zn-Co-LDHs, three Zn-Co-Cr-LDHs showed excellent adsorption performance for F- with maximum adsorption amounts of 108.87 mg/g, 97.27 mg/g, and 97.62 mg/g, respectively. The coexisting anions have less effect on the adsorption of F-. The introduction Cr3+ ion modulation in the Zn-Co-LDHs greatly improved the adsorption of fluoride ions. The kinetic process of fluoride ion adsorption is in accordance with the quasi-secondary kinetic model and the Elovich model, and the adsorption isotherm is in accordance with the Langmuir model. The quasi-secondary kinetic and Elovich models suggest that the process is chemisorption-controlled ion exchange adsorption. Zn-Co-Cr-LDHs are expected to have potential applications in fluoride removal process.

Scientific assessment of the relationships and influencing factors between livestock and resource-environmental carrying capacity (LS-RECC) is essential for alleviating environmental pressure. The crop-livestock balance method was used to measure China’s livestock production potential from 2005 to 2020. The improved coupling coordination degree model (I-CCDM) and exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) were used to analyze the spatial-temporal coordinated development characteristics of the LS-RECC. Furthermore, geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) was used to identify the factors influencing the coordination development of the LS-RECC. The findings showed that (1) From 2005 to 2020, the nutrient demand for crop cultivation in China increased, and, the crop system nutrient demand exceeded the livestock nutrient supply in 2007 to 190 ×104 tons, reaching a maximum of 925 ×104 tons in 2019. However, the production potential of livestock in Ningxia, Tibet, Guizhou, Gansu, Yunnan, and Qinghai was severely overloaded. (2) The coupling coordination degree (CCD) of the LS-RECC showed a progressively increasing trend, which indicates that the sustainable development ability of China's livestock industry is constantly increasing. However, compared with that in eastern and central China, the coordinated development level of the LS-RECC in western China was lower, further indicating excessive livestock industry development in western China. (3) Environmental regulation had the strongest effect on the regional coordinated development of the LS-RECC, with obvious spatial differences. The economic development level had a positive effect, but urbanization and Engel's coefficients had the opposite effect. These results provide not only references for reducing environmental pressure on the livestock industry in China but also guidance for the sustainable development of the livestock industry in other large livestock production countries.

Rice storage proteins (RSPs) are plant proteins with high nutritional quality. As the second largest type of storage substance in rice, it is the main source of protein intake for people who consume rice as a staple food. The content and type of RSPs affect the appearance, processing quality and eating quality of rice. These effects involve the distribution of RSPs in rice grains as well as the interactions of RSPs with other components such as starch in rice grains. In the past two decades, some progress has been made in the genetic improvement of RSPs. However, the determination mechanism of protein content and composition in rice is still unclear, and the mechanism of the effect of RSPs on rice quality has not been elucidated. In this review, the composition, biosynthesis and distribution of RSPs, and quantitative trait loci mapping and cloning of RSP genes are summarized, the research progress of the influence of RSPs and their components on rice quality are reviewed, and the research directions in the future are proposed.

A woman diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and treated with Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors presented with a gradually enlarging bilateral submandibular lymph nodes swelling that had lasted several weeks. A lymph node biopsy showed epithelioid granulomatous lymphadenitis with caseous necrosis. Mycobacteria grew in acid-fast bacteria culture and were identified as Mycobacterium avium by polymerase chain reaction. The patient was diagnosed with cervical lymphadenitis caused by M. avium. A computed tomography scan showed no evidence of a mass or infection at other sites, including the lungs; therefore, the mass was excised without any antimicrobial treatments. Her neck mass had not recurred at 9 months after the excision. JAK inhibitors have emerged as an important new class of oral therapy for rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases. Physicians should be aware of the relatively rare complications, such as cervical lymphadenitis caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria, when using JAK inhibitors.

As a kind of promising aerospace material, TiAl alloys need to withstand extreme conditions such as high-rate impact loads and high temperatures. The mechanism on the failure and fracture of TiAl alloys under extreme conditions is related with the microstructure, including phase and grain size. In the present research, two kinds of TiAl alloys tailored with different microstructures, near lamellar (NL) and near gamma (NG), were fabricated by thermo-mechanical treatment. Microstructural characterization was analyzed by XRD and EBSD. The dynamic behavior of the TiAl alloys under different temperatures ranging from 293 K–873 K was investigated by a split Hopkinson pressure bar. The strain rate sensitivity and temperature sensitivity was analyzed. The microstructural evolution was concerned to understand the failure mechanism of the two kinds of the TiAl alloys. The NG-TiAl had the homogeneous deformation with synergy effect between homogeneous equiaxed grain and lamellar structure, and no failure occurred in NG-TiAl. However, the NL-TiAl showed heterogeneous deformation with both “orange peel effect” and cracks, which was attributed to large equiaxed grain and brittle γ-lamellae with similar orientation. Further, the cracks were easily nucleated and propagated from the interface between γ-lamellae structures, especially in the γ-lamellae structures parallel with the loading direction. Finally, the modified Johnson–Cook constitutive model was proposed to describe the deformation behavior, in which both strain rate hardening and temperature softening terms were expressed as a function of strain and strain rate.

Objective: Shewanella algae is a zoonotic marine bacterium that causes a variety of infections in immunocompromised patients or those who have been exposed to seawater. The development of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) resistance in S. algae are found in human and environment isolates during the past ten years, and thus the treatment options are decreasing. Methodology: In the study, we conduct a comparative genomic study to identify the resistant mechanism of TMP/SMX-resistance in S. algae. Results: We found the resistance of TMP/SMX in S. algae is associated with the existence of sul1 and dfrA12 within the class 1 integron. The gene cassette dfra12-aadA2-qacEΔ1/sul1 within the class 1 integron is highly conserved. In addition, the class 1 integron and encapsulated sul1 are significantly enriched in Enterobacteriaceae in NCBI and UniProt databases. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the horizontal transfer of TMP/SMX resistance via class 1 integron is most frequently occurred within Enterobacteriaceae and has spread to a wide range of sources including soil, poultry, and marine water.

Summary: Macroautophagy/autophagy plays a pivotal role in immune regulation. Its significance is evident in modulation of immune cell differentiation and maturation, physiologically and pathologically. Here, we investigate the role of macrophage autophagy on the development of atopic dermatitis (AD). By employing an MC903-induced AD mice model, we observe reduced cutaneous inflammation in macrophage Atg5 cKO mice compared with WT mice. Notably, there is a decreased infiltration of M2 macrophages in lesional skin from Atg5 cKO mice. Furthermore, impaired STAT6 phosphorylation and diminished expression of M2 markers are detected in autophagy-deficient macrophages. Our mechanistic exploration reveals that CEBPB drives the transcription of SOCS1/3 and SQSTM1/p62-mediated autophagy degrades CEBPB normally. Autophagy deficiency leads to CEBPB accumulation, and further promotes the expression of SOCS1/3. This process inhibits JAK1-STAT6 pathway activation and M2 marker expression. Together, our study indicates that autophagy is required for M2 activation and macrophage autophagy may be a promising target for AD intervention.

Layered bimetallic hydroxide (LDHs) nanomaterials have shown excellent potential in the field of recovery of pollutants from wastewater through anion exchange and surface electrostatic interaction. In this paper, three new ternary ZnCrNi-LDHs with the different graded porous were successfully prepared by controlling the morphology of the layer stacking using triethanolamine as the soft-template, and characterized by SEM, TEM, XPS, TG, BET and XRD. The ZnCrNi-LDHs exhibited higher adsorption capacity for pollutants such as methyl orange, sunset yellow and their mixed solutions. The results showed that there was a good synergistic adsorption effect in the adsorption process of mixed solutions. The maximum adsorption amounts of single methyl orange, sunset yellow, and mixed solutions of methyl orange and sunset yellow were 1834.63 mg·g−1, 1259.79 mg·g−1, 3270.59 mg·g−1 and 3294.38 mg·g−1, which shows that the adsorption amounts about synergistic adsorption effect for mixed solutions is much higher than those of single methyl orange and sunset yellow; Meanwhile, the maximum adsorption capacity is higher than most adsorbents. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model fitted the kinetic data of adsorption, while the equilibrium adsorption isotherm data followed the Freundlich model. The adsorption process contains both surface adsorption and interlayer anion exchange as determined by SEM, XRD, IR and zeta potential analysis. The research not only demonstrates that three ZnCrNi-LDHs materials showed excellent adsorption performance and practical interest as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of methyl orange, sunset yellow, and mixed solutions but also provides a strategy for the removal of mixed dye solutions.

Summary: Adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) is frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked in clinical practice due to its dual histological components and potential transformation from either adenocarcinoma (ADC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Our study aimed to differentiate ASC from ADC and SCC by incorporating features of enhanced CTs and clinical characteristics to build radiomics and deep learning models. The classification models were trained in Xiangya Hospital and validated in two other independent hospitals. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were used to estimate the performance. The optimal three-class classification model achieved a maximum AUC of 0.89 and accuracy of 0.81 in external validation sets, AUC of 0.99 and accuracy of 0.99 in the internal test set. These findings highlight the efficacy of our models in differentiating ASC, providing a non-invasive, timely, and accurate diagnostic approach before and during the treatment.

Membrane technology for carbon capture is becoming increasingly attractive to combat the excessive greenhouse gas emitted into the atmosphere, which involves the benefits of cost-effectiveness, environmental-friendly, easy scalability, high energy efficiency, simplicity in design, etc. However, most state-of-the-art membrane materials suffer from either low CO2 permeability, low selectivity towards CO2 separation, poor resistance to plasticization, or inadequate long-term stability, rendering it still challenging to be upscaled to an industrial level. Therefore, the development of advanced membrane materials as well as a reasonable design of the membrane separation process is crucial and urgent for its real-life application in the future. This account reviews the details of some recent research progress in our group on carbon capture from different scenarios including post-combustion carbon capture, biogas upgrading and natural gas sweetening and hydrogen purification. Notably, considerable efforts have been invested in the development of some novel membrane materials in our group, such as facilitated transport membranes, carbon molecular sieving membranes, mixed matrix membranes, composite membranes, and poly(ionic liquids)-based membranes. Meanwhile, some studies focusing on the techno-economic feasibility analysis of membrane technology have also demonstrated its promising application on practical carbon capture.

In this work, a clean microwave carbothermal reduction of Sb2O3 mineral to prepare metallic antimony ingot is proposed. Response surface methodology was used to optimize condition for microwave carbothermal reduction of Sb2O3. The roasting temperature, roasting duration, carbon powder ratio and NaCl addition ratio was collected to carry out a four-factor and three-level experiment. In the optimized conditions, a >77.0% yield of antimony ingot can be obtained under roasting temperature of 730 °C, roasting time of 60min, carbon powder ratio of 0.3, NaCl addition amount of 4%. More than 99% Sb content of metallic Sb ingot is obtained in the microwave field. The mechanism of microwave carbothermal reduction of Sb2O3 was investigated by XRD, SEM-EDS and Mapping analysis, the results show that the microwave reduction process is divided into three stages based on the melting point of antimony, namely, 25 °C–400 °C, 400 °C–630 °C, and above 630 °C, which differ in terms of phase transformation. In the microwave field, the reduction of Sb2O3 to Sb particles can be completed within 15 min. Microwave metallurgical technology is conducive to the sustainable development of antimony metallurgy, and also provides a clean technology for the metallurgy industry.

Background: COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that constitutes a great challenge to human health. At this stage, there are still cases of COVID-19 infection in some countries and regions, in which ischemic stroke (IS) is a risk factor for new coronavirus pneumonia, and patients with COVID-19 infection have a dramatically elevated risk of stroke. At the same time, patients with long-term IS are vulnerable to COVID-19 infection and have more severe disease, and carotid atherosclerosis is an early lesion in IS. Methods: This study used human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived monolayer brain cell dataset and human carotid atherosclerosis genome-wide dataset to analyze COVID-19 infection and carotid atherosclerosis patients to determine the synergistic effect of new coronavirus infection on carotid atherosclerosis patients, to clarify the common genes of both, and to identify common pathways and potential drugs for carotid atherosclerosis in patients with COVID-19 infection Results: Using several advanced bioinformatics tools, we present the causes of COVID-19 infection leading to increased mortality in carotid atherosclerosis patients and the susceptibility of carotid atherosclerosis patients to COVID-19. Potential therapeutic agents for COVID-19 -infected patients with carotid atherosclerosis are also proposed. Conclusions: With COVID-19 being a relatively new disease, associations have been proposed for its connections with several ailments and conditions, including IS and carotid atherosclerosis. More patient-based data-sets and studies are needed to fully explore and understand the relationship.

The niche breadth, niche overlap, and interspecific associations of species in Bayinbuluke alpine meadow were investigated using ecology statistics to explore the competitive connection between the species and restricted resources in the community and the stable coexistence relationships among populations under different nitrogen addition gradients in the short term. The findings demonstrate the following. (1) The importance value of species shifted, with the fertilization samples Festuca ovina and Poa annua becoming the species with the highest importance value. Species richness fell gradually as fertilization gradient progressed, while the number of species grew initially and subsequently decreased. (2) Under different fertilization methods, the niche width and niche overlap values of the principal species changed. A positive link was found between niche width values and critical values under fertilization treatment compared with the controls. (3) By using the variance ratio approach, Pearson’s correlation, and the association coefficient test, a positive correlation was discovered among species under low fertilization gradient treatment. However, a negative correlation was found under other gradients.

Riemerella anatipestifer is an important pathogen in waterfowl, and is generally multidrug resistant. This study assessed the current status of Riemerella anatipestifer antibiotic resistance and antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs), compared the results of different detection methods, and evaluated a new method of studying the association between antibiotic resistance and ARGs in Riemerella anatipestifer. In this study, 51 strains of Riemerella anatipestifer were isolated from ducks on several farms, their resistance to 28 antibiotics was assessed, and the isolates were subjected to whole-genome sequencing. The number of ARGs carried by Riemerella anatipestifer was predicted, compared, and analyzed, and the consistency between ARGs and antibiotic-resistance phenotypes was assessed. The potential for loss of resistance genes during the sequencing and assembly of genome-wide framework map was assessed, and a new ARG detection method was pilot tested. The 51 strains of Riemerella anatipestifer were multidrug resistant (MDR) and had high level of resistance to aminoglycosides, trimethoprim, lincosamides, polypeptides, and macrolides. Based on the genome-wide framework map of the 51 strains, 3 local databases of ABRicate software and 1 online database of CARD website were used to detect ARGs, and a mean of 4 to 5 ARGs were identified per isolate. Although the detection results differed according to the database used, the general performance was consistent. The online website detected more types of ARGs than the ABRicate software. The association between ARGs and antibiotic-resistance phenotypes was assessed, and the ermF gene was identified as a possible key ARGs regulating macrolide resistance of Riemerella anatipestifer. The method used to investigate and detect Riemerella anatipestifer ARGs was convenient and rapid, and had strong accuracy and pertinence. The ARGs detection method reported here combined the advantages of PCR and genome detection, and could greatly reduce workload and detect ARGs more precisely.

Bladder cancer is the ninth most diagnosed cancer in the world. This study aims to investigate the role and mechanisms of the taurine-upregulated gene 1 (TUG1)/miR-140-3p/annexin A8 (ANXA8) axis in bladder cancer. Western blotting and qRT-PCR determined the expression levels of ANXA8, miR-140-3p, TUG1, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), luciferase assay, and RNA pull-down assay validated the association among ANXA8, miR-140-3p, and TUG1. The biological functions were determined by colony formation, Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)/propidium (PI) staining, and transwell assays. Xenograft tumorigenesis detected tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Pathological analysis was examined by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analyses. ANXA8 was elevated in bladder tumors and cells. Knockdown of ANXA8 suppressed cell growth, migration, invasion, and EMT in UMUC-3 and T24 cells. ANXA8 was determined as a miR-140-3p target gene. Overexpression of miR-140-3p suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT via targeting ANXA8. TUG1 promoted ANXA8 expression via sponging miR-140-3p. Silencing of miR-140-3p or ANXA8 overexpression abrogated the tumor-suppressive effects of TUG1 silencing on bladder cancer cell growth and metastasis. The TUG1/miR-140-3p/ANXA8 axis was also implicated in tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo. TUG1 promotes bladder cancer progression and metastasis through activating ANXA8 by sponging miR-140-3p, which sheds light on the mechanisms of bladder cancer pathogenesis.

High temperature and high humidity are challenges threatening human health in deep underground spaces. A rotary dehumidifying air conditioning system is an appealing way to solve this problem with free cooling and free heating from different depths of groundwater. A closed-cycle rotary dehumidification air conditioning system in deep underground spaces is proposed. The process and regeneration channels in this proposed system are merged into an optimal channel by recovering heat and harvesting water from the regenerated air. The effects of working conditions, such as the flow configuration of the chilled water, the chilled water supply temperature, the ambient air humidity and the regeneration temperature, on the energy and exergy performance are experimentally investigated. The recommended the flow configuration of the chilled water is 1:5:4. Under typical operating conditions (32 °C, 14 g kg−1), the moisture removal of the system driven by 80 °C hot air, reaches 4.9 kW, the thermodynamic coefficient is 1.1, and the exergy efficiency approaches 50.05%. This closed-cycle system with heat and water recovery improves the energy and exergy performance, which is an effective technology option for being applied in deep underground spaces.

Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential toxic metal that is harmful to plants. To investigate the genetic mechanism of Cd tolerance in rice, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with Cd tolerance at the seedling stage were analyzed using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between PA64s and 93-11. A total of 36 QTLs associated with shoot length, root length, shoot dry weight, root dry weight and total dry weight were detected in Hangzhou and Lingshui of China. Among them, 15 QTLs were identified under the control condition and 15 QTLs were identified under the Cd stress condition, and 6 QTLs for Cd tolerant coefficient were detected on chromosomes 1, 3, 7 and 9. The qCDSL1.1 and qCDSL1.2 were identified in Hangzhou and Lingshui, respectively, and had overlapping intervals on chromosome 1. To further confirm the effects of qCDSL1.1 and qCDSL1.2, we developed a chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL), CSSLqCDSL1, in 93-11 background harboring qCDSL1.1/qCDSL1.2 from PA64s. Compared to 93-11, CSSLqCDSL1 had increased shoot length under the Cd stress condition. These results pave the way for further isolation of those genes controlling Cd tolerance in rice and marker-assistant selection of rice elite varieties with Cd tolerance.

An introgression line RBPH660, derived from wild rice Oryza rufipogon, showed stable resistance to brown planthopper (BPH). Segregation analysis indicated BPH resistance of RBPH660 was controlled by multiple genes/QTLs. By using the bulked segregant analysis (BSA)-seq method, two genomic regions harboring QTLs resistance to BPH were identified from 1.20 to 16.70 Mb on chromosome 4 and from 10.20 to 12.60 Mb on chromosome 9 in RBPH660, respectively. A major resistance locus, designated as Bph35 accounting for 51.27% of the phenotypic variation with a LOD score of 42.51, was mapped to the candidate region of chromosome 4 between InDel (insertion-deletion) markers PSM16 and R4M13. For fine mapping of Bph35, one simple sequence repeat and three newly developed InDel markers were used to screen the recombinants. Finally, the Bph35 locus was delimited in the region from 6.28 to 6.93 Mb and there were 18 predicted protein-encoding genes with a total of 114 non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variant sites between the resistant and susceptible parents. Out of these genes, Os04g0193950, encoding a putative NB-ARC (nucleotide- binding adaptor shared by APAF-1, R proteins and CED-4) and LRR (leucine-rich repeat) domain protein with nine non-synonymous SNP substitutions in its coding sequence regions, might be the candidate gene for Bph35. These findings would facilitate the map-based cloning of the Bph35 gene and development of resistant varieties against BPH in rice. Keywords: rice, brown planthopper, Bph35, bulked segregant analysis (BSA)-seq method, gene mapping

Precious non-noble metals have been constantly attracting research attention in order to realize an inexpensive, extra active and more stable electrocatalysts in terms of various oxidation states and structures for their applications in oxidation (splitting) of water. In the present work graphene oxide incorporated, MnO2-NiO composite metal oxide nanoflakes were synthesized on the stainless steel substrate using efficient electrodeposition route in alkaline media and drop casting method with further annealing treatment at 400 °C for 4 h. Initially MnO2-NiO nanoflakes were deposited using different cyclic sweep rates, later graphene oxide suspension was drop casted on the MnO2-NiO nanoflakes and subsequently subjected to annealing at 200 °C for 2 h. The prepared electrode material is denoted as GO/MnO2-NiO/SS and used as an electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Energy dispersive electron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy were used to study the crystalline nature and morphologies of the deposited films. The electrochemical properties of the electrode material were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry. The electrode exhibits low overpotential and small Tafel slope of 379 mV and 47.84 mVdec−1 at the current density of 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline (KOH) medium. In addition, the electrode shows a long time stability of 28800 s. Hence, the present study suggests that the GO incorporated Mn-Ni bimetal oxide modified electrode is suitable electrode material for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), owing to its facile preparation, inexpensive, easy handling and high active nature. Keywords: MnO2, NiO, Graphene oxide, Electrodeposition, Alkaline solution, Annealing, OER

ABSTRACT: In a broiler carcass production conveyor system, inspection, monitoring, and grading carcass and cuts based on computer vision techniques are challenging due to cuts segmentation and ambient light conditions issues. This study presents a depth image-based broiler carcass weight prediction system. An Active Shape Model was developed to segment the carcass into 4 cuts (drumsticks, breasts, wings, and head and neck). Five regression models were developed based on the image features for each weight estimation (carcass and its cuts). The Bayesian-ANN model outperformed all other regression models at 0.9981 R2 and 0.9847 R2 in the whole carcass and head and neck weight estimation. The RBF-SVR model surpassed all the other drumstick, breast, and wings weight prediction models at 0.9129 R2, 0.9352 R2, and 0.9896 R2, respectively. This proposed technique can be applied as a nondestructive, nonintrusive, and accurate on-line broiler carcass production system in the automation of chicken carcass and cuts weight estimation.

The aim of this research was to determine the effect of particle size on dog rose seed oil recovered by the method of Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE). Supercritical extraction implemented using dog rose seed particles (d1

To make the best use of the imbalance of container flows between Asia and North America, containers are employed to carry grain cargoes from North America to Asia. Three criteria and nine sub-criteria were used to help control the quality of the grain cargoes shipped in containers. AHP technique is employed through a survey to major containerised grain cargo shippers, consignees, and ocean carriers to measure the degree of importance of the determinants influencing the quality of grains transported by containers. Without appropriate facilities and strategies, containerised grains mildewed easily during ocean voyage. Researching findings provide strategies to effectively reduce the damage rate of containerized grains cargo and improve the quality of the origin of food supply chain. Keywords: Containerized Grain, Quality Management, AHP, Grain Logistics

Objective: To report audiological characteristics in a group of noise-exposed crew members on board ships. Methods and materials: Clinical and audiological measurements including pure-tone thresholds, acoustic immittance results and tinnitus questionnaires were collected from both the ship crew members (study subjects) and their land based colleagues (controls). Results: 1) Noise exposed crew members showed not only high frequency, but also low frequency hearing loss; 2) Hearing impairment increased with age, with 65.5% of crew members younger than 50 years showing normal hearing while only 14.9% of those older than 50 years had normal hearing; 3) hearing loss gradually increased with the extension of on board career time; and 4) Most study subjects reported high pitch tinnitus, significantly more than the control group although not significantly different among different age groups. Conclusion: Noise induced hearing impairment from working on board ships shows specific frequency and age characteristics. Understanding these characteristics is important for advancing relevant studies and for effective prevention of noise-induced hearing loss in ship crew members. Keywords: Noise, Hearing loss, Age-related hearing loss, Noise-induced hearing loss, Tinnitus

Gas emissions of workfaces in steeply inclined and extremely thick coal seams differ from those under normal geological conditions, which usually feature a high gas concentration and a large emission quantity. This study took the Wudong coal mine in Xinjiang province of China as a typical case. The gas occurrence of the coal seam and the pressure-relief range of the surrounding rock (coal) were studied by experiments and numerical simulations. Then, a new method to calculate the gas emission quantity for this special geological condition was provided. Based on the calculated quantity, a further gas drainage plan, as well as the evaluation of it with field drainage data, was finally given. The results are important for engineers to reasonably plan the gas drainage boreholes of steeply inclined and extremely thick coal seams. Keywords: Gas occurrence, Stress unloading area, Gas drainage plan, Gas emission quantity, Drainage boreholes

Rice sheath blight, caused by Rhizoctonia solani (Kühn), is a notorious soil-borne disease prevalent in many rice-growing regions. Although several sporadic studies of mycoviruses in R. solani AG-1 IA have been reported for single strain of R. solani AG-1 IA, there have been no reports describing the distribution and diversity of mycoviruses in natural populations. In this study, 43 R. solani AG-1 IA strains collected from different locations in China were examined for the presence of dsRNA elements to confirm the presence of viral infections. Electrophoretypes showed that 16 of the 43 fungal strains (37.2%) contained dsRNAs that can be characterized as viruses. Furthermore, the species-specific reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) showed dsRNA bands with similar sizes do not always contain the same virus but exist as mixed mycoviral infections. Thus, our findings indicate mycoviruses infecting R. solani AG-1 IA in China are diverse, widespread and universal.

The rock-breaking mechanism and effect of confined blasting were analysed by blasting and impact dynamic mechanics, fluid dynamic mechanics, fracture mechanics as well as blasting experiment. The results showed that the fracturing of surrounding rock in confined blasting condition is the result of coaction of rock pre-cracking by shock wave and stress wave and the continuing expanding crack-enhancement of confined medium, and the model of crack development of borehole surrounding rock in confined blasting condition was established. This study acquired the damage range of surrounding rock under the action of shock wave and stress wave, as well as the crack development characteristics of surrounding rock after the wedge-in confined medium into the crack space. Deep-hole confined blasting experiment on large rock showed that the high-efficient utilisation of in-hole explosive was achieved and the safety of rock blasting operation was ensured. Safe static rock-breaking under the action of high-efficient explosive blasting was achieved as well as the unification of super dynamic load of explosive blasting and static rock-breaking of water medium. Keywords: Shock wave, Confined medium, Water-wedge action, Crack development, Confined blasting

A numerical model based on a Continuum-based Distinct Element Method (CDEM) was used to carry out a dynamic simulation of the interaction between shield and rock strata movement in longwall mining. In Northern China, the Ordos coal field geological conditions and operational characteristics were used as a case example. The CDEM was constructed on Ordos coal field shield’s operation characteristics and geological conditions. Numerical modelling was carried out to investigate the effects of different mining heights on the caving process, movement characteristics, equilibrium and stability conditions of overburden as the interaction between shield and surrounding rocks. With the numerical model, the internal factors for changes in shield resistance under different mining heights was found. The quantitative relationship between mining heights and shield resistance was also obtained by the numerical simulation. Keywords: Numerical simulation, Shield resistance, Interaction between shield and surrounding rock, Mining heights

Background and objective: This was a prospective, randomized clinical study to compare the success rate of nasogastric tube insertion by using GlideScope™ visualization versus direct MacIntosh laryngoscope assistance in anesthetized and intubated patients. Methods: Ninety-six ASA I or II patients, aged 18–70 years were recruited and randomized into two groups using either technique. The time taken from insertion of the nasogastric tube from the nostril until the calculated length of tube had been inserted was recorded. The success rate of nasogastric tube insertion was evaluated in terms of successful insertion in the first attempt. Complications associated with the insertion techniques were recorded. Results: The results showed success rates of 74.5% in the GlideScope™ Group as compared to 58.3% in the MacIntosh Group (p = 0.10). For the failed attempts, the nasogastric tube was successfully inserted in all cases using rescue techniques. The duration taken in the first attempt for both techniques was not statistically significant; Group A was 17.2 ± 9.3 s as compared to Group B, with a duration of 18.9 ± 13.0 s (p = 0.57). A total of 33 patients developed complications during insertion of the nasogastric tube, 39.4% in Group A and 60.6% in Group B (p = 0.15). The most common complications, which occurred, were coiling, followed by bleeding and kinking. Conclusion: This study showed that using the GlideScope™ to facilitate nasogastric tube insertion was comparable to the use of the MacIntosh laryngoscope in terms of successful rate of insertion and complications. Resumo: Justificativa e objetivo: Este foi um estudo clínico prospectivo e randômico para comparar a taxa de sucesso da inserção de sonda nasogástrica (NG) usando as técnicas de visibilização pelo GlideScope® versus guiada pelo laringoscópio MacIntosh em pacientes anestesiados e intubados. Métodos: Foram recrutados 96 pacientes, ASA I ou II, entre 18-70 anos, e divididos randomicamente em dois grupos, com uma ou outra técnica. Foi calculado o tempo transcorrido desde a inserção da sonda NG, da narina até a inserção do comprimento calculado da sonda. A taxa de sucesso de inserção da sonda NG foi avaliada quanto à inserção bem-sucedida na primeira tentativa. As complicações associadas às técnicas de inserção foram registradas. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram taxas de sucesso de 74,5% para o grupo GlideScope®, me comparação com 58,3% para o grupo MacIntosh (p = 0,10). Para as tentativas que falharam, a sonda NG foi inserida com sucesso em todos os casos, usando as técnicas de resgate. A duração da primeira tentativa para ambas as técnicas não foi estatisticamente significativa: 17,2 ± 9,3 segundos no Grupo A e 18,9 ± 13,0 segundos no Grupo B (p = 0,57). No total, 33 pacientes desenvolveram complicações durante a inserção da sonda NG: 39,4% no Grupo A e 60,6% no Grupo B (p = 0,15). As complicações mais comuns ocorridas foram enrolamento, seguido de sangramento e dobradura. Conclusão: Este estudo mostrou que o uso do GlideScope® para facilitar a inserção de sonda nasogástrica foi comparável ao uso do laringoscópio MacIntosh quanto à taxa de sucesso de inserção e complicações. Keywords: Nasogastric tube, Videolaryngoscope, Direct laryngoscope, Complications, Palavras-chave: Sonda nasogástrica, Videolaringoscópio, Laringoscopia direta, Complicações

Purpose: Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture (TDR) needs early diagnosis and operation. However, the early diagnosis is usually difficult, especially in the patients without diaphragmatic hernia. The objective of this study was to explore the early diagnosis and treatment of TDR. Methods: Data of 256 patients with TDR treated in our department between 1994 and 2013 were analyzed retrospectively regarding to the diagnostic methods, percentage of preoperative judgment, incidence of diaphragmatic hernia, surgical procedures and outcome, etc. Two groups were set up according to the mechanism of injury (blunt or penetrating). Results: Of 256 patients with a mean age of 32.4 years (9e84), 218 were male. The average ISS was 26.9 (13e66); and shock rate was 62.9%. There were 104 blunt injuries and 152 penetrating injuries. Preoperatively diagnostic rate was 90.4% in blunt injuries and 80.3% in penetrating, respectively, P < 0.05. The incidence of diaphragmatic hernia was 94.2% in blunt and 15.1% in penetrating respectively, P < 0.005. Thoracotomy was performed in 62 cases, laparotomy in 153, thoracotomy plus laparotomy in 29, and combined thoraco-laparotomy in 12. Overall mortality rate was 12.5% with the average ISS of 41.8; and it was 21.2% in blunt injuries and 6.6% in penetrating, respectively, P < 0.005. The main causes of death were hemorrhage and sepsis. Conclusions: Diagnosis of blunt TDR can be easily obtained by radiograph or helical CT scan signs of diaphragmatic hernia. For penetrating TDR without hernia, “offside sign” is helpful as initial assessment. CT scan with coronal/sagittal reconstruction is an accurate technique for diagnosis. All TDR require operation. Penetrating injury has a relatively better prognosis.

A high resolution study of sediments, microfaunas (ostracods and foraminifers), and stable isotopes of ostracod shells from core PRD05, sampled from the Da'ao plain of the Pearl River Delta, provides new data about palaeoenvironmental changes during the Late Quaternary. The basal fluvial gravelly sediments of the core, representing the lowest deposits of the Quaternary at the core site, were possibly formed prior to the transgression associated with the last interglacial stage. This fluvial setting changed into a marginal marine setting during the last interglacial stage, any record of calcareous fossils were destroyed by subsequent dissolution during the last glacial phase, when the upper part of the deltaic sediments experienced subaerial oxidation, indicated by a mottled clay layer in the core. The postglacial sea-level rise in the South China Sea began at ~16,700 cal yr B. P. During the first phase of sea-level rise (from ~16,700 to 10,100 cal yr B. P.), a swamp environment developed at the core site. At ~10,100 cal yr B. P., marine waters intruded onto the Da'ao plain and reached the core site through the Modaomen channel. This timing was earlier than in other parts of the Pearl River Delta. Since then, a semi-enclosed estuarine environment developed and was maintained until ~5560 cal yr B. P. During this transgressive interval, short-term environmental fluctuations can be recognized based on microfauna and shell geochemical data. From ~10,100 to 8630 cal yr B. P., the sea-level rose, which was followed by a fall from ~8630 to 8520 cal yr B. P. An expanded transgression occurred between ~8520 and 7900 cal yr B. P. The time intervals from ~8520 to 8200 cal yr B. P. and from ~8080 to 7900 cal yr B. P. were marked by peak transgression. From ~7900 to 5560 cal yr B. P., the core site generally showed a reduced marine influence and enhanced freshwater input. A fluvial environment developed from ~5560 to 3100 cal yr B. P., and was succeeded by an alluvial plain setting.

【Abstract】Objective: To investigate the diagnos-tic and therapeutic effect of bronchofiberscopy in the manage-ment of severe thoracic trauma. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 207 consecutive patients with severe thoracic trauma enrolled in our hospital between January 2008 and June 2012. During the period, 488 bronchofiberscopies and lavages were done. The bronchofiberscope was inserted through tracheal inci-sion (282), nasal cavity (149) and oral cavity (57). Intensive SaO 2 monitoring as well as blood gas analysis were per-formed pre-, intra- and postoperatively. Simultaneously oxy-gen therapy or ventilatory support was given. Sputum cul-ture was done intraoperatively. Results: Diagnosis in 207 cases was confirmed by bronchofiberscopy. The result of sputum culture was posi-tive in 78 cases. Lavage was performed on 156 cases. SaO 2 significantly increased after bronchofiberscopies as well as lavages and PaO 2 obviously improved 2 h after surgery (both P

Abernethy malformation is a rare anomaly with partial or complete congenital absence of the portal vein and subsequent development of extrahepatic portocaval shunts. We present the case of a 28-year-old woman who was incidentally diagnosed with type II Abernethy malformation and multiple aneurysms during an investigation for nonspecific abdominal pain and fever. The patient had been diagnosed with Caroli’s disease at the age of 10 and liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension a few years before. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported with all such congenital anomalies associated together. Ultrasound, computed tomography, including three-dimensional reconstruction, and magnetic resonance imaging were performed which revealed a side-to-side shunt between the extrahepatic portal vein and the inferior vena cava, multiple aneurismal cystic dilation of the spleen artery and left renal artery, and extensive intrahepatic bile duct cysitic dilation with calculus formation. Etiology, clinical significance and management strategies with regard to these abnormalities are discussed.

The present study deals with the planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy of the Miocene–Pliocene sequence of three petroleum exploration wells (BY7-1-1, KP6-1-1 and KP9-1-1) in the Pearl River Mouth Basin (PRMB). In general, the three wells contain a fairly well-preserved, abundant foraminiferal fauna. The proposed planktonic foraminiferal zonation follows the scheme updated by Wade et al. (2011). Nineteen planktonic foraminiferal zones have been recognized, 14 zones (zones M1–M14) for the Miocene and 5 zones (zones PL1–PL5) for the Pliocene. The zonation is correlated with previously published biostratigraphic subdivisions of the Neogene succession in the PRMB and with international foraminiferal zonations. The zonal boundaries are mostly defined by the last appearance datum of zonal taxa of planktonic foraminifera, which is more reliable than the FAD (first appearance datum) events for ditch cutting sampling. Changes in the coiling of Globorotalia menardii (s. l.) are also used to define the zonal boundaries, where no LADs (last appearance datum) are available. The Fohsella fohsi group, comprising useful taxa for delimiting zonal boundaries of the middle Miocene in other areas, has a poor record within the Pearl River Mouth Basin due to unfavorable ecological conditions, and cannot be used for the studied wells. Different from the previously reported zonal scheme for the PRMB, the present zonation is based on correlation with the current standard planktonic foraminiferal zonation, with calibrated absolute ages.

OBJETIVO: Verificar a relação entre a excursão do músculo diafragma e as curvaturas da coluna vertebral em crianças respiradoras bucais. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 52 crianças de 5 a 12 anos de idade, de ambos os sexos. Por meio de avaliação otorrinolaringológica, foram divididas em dois grupos: respiradores bucais e respiradores nasais. Todos os participantes foram submetidos a exame de videofluoroscopia do músculo diafragma e a avaliação postural. A excursão do diafragma foi analisada pelo programa Adobe Photoshop®, e a avaliação postural através de fotografias em norma lateral esquerda, sendo analisadas pelo Software de Avaliação Postural. RESULTADOS: Os grupos estudados apresentaram diferença estatisticamente significante quanto ao comportamento das curvaturas da coluna vertebral (lordose cervical: p = 0,003; lordose lombar: p = 0,001; cifose torácica: p = 0,002; posição da pelve: p = 0,001) e da excursão do músculo diafragma (diafragma lado direito: p = 0,001; diafragma lado esquerdo: p = 0,001). O grupo respirador bucal apresentou diminuição da lordose cervical, aumento da cifose torácica, aumento da lordose lombar e anteversão da posição da pelve. A distância excursionada pelo músculo diafragma em crianças respiradoras bucais é menor que em crianças respiradoras nasais. Não houve significância estatística ao relacionar o comportamento das curvaturas da coluna vertebral com a excursão do músculo diafragma. CONCLUSÃO: Não há relação entre as curvaturas da coluna vertebral com a excursão do músculo diafragma nos grupos estudados.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between excursion of the diaphragm muscle and spinal curvatures in mouth breathing children. METHODS: A total of 52 children of both sexes, aged from 5 to 12 years, were studied. After otorhinolaryngological assessment, the children were divided into two groups: mouth breathers and nose breathers. All of the children underwent videofluoroscopic examination of the diaphragm muscle and postural assessment. Diaphragm excursion was analyzed using Adobe Photoshop® software, and postural assessment was recorded using photographs in left lateral view, which were then analyzed using SAPO postural assessment software. RESULTS: The groups studied exhibited statistically significant differences in terms of spinal curvatures (cervical lordosis: p = 0.003; lumbar lordosis: p = 0.001; thoracic kyphosis: p = 0.002; position of the pelvis: p = 0.001) and diaphragm excursion (right side diaphragm: p = 0.001; left side diaphragm: p = 0.001). The mouth breathing group exhibited reduced cervical lordosis, increased thoracic kyphosis, increased lumbar lordosis and the position of the pelvis was tilted forward. The distance traveled outwards by the diaphragm muscles of mouth breathing children was shorter than that traveled by the muscles of nose breathing children. The relationship between the behavior of spinal curvatures and diaphragm excursion had no statistical significance. CONCLUSION: There was no relationship between spinal curvatures and diaphragm excursion in the groups studied here.

Abstract.: Glycoprotein (GP) Ia/IIa plays a key role in platelet function by acting as a primary receptor for subendothelial collagen, thereby contributing to arterial thrombosis. In this study, we found that the expression level of platelet GPIa/IIa among Taiwan Chinese varies over sixfold and this difference relates either to the GPIa gene 807 C/T dimorphisms or the appearance of BglII restriction sequence within intron G. This is the first study to demonstrate the wide variation of platelet GPIa/IIa density in an Oriental population and its correlation to the GPIa gene polymorphisms. These results provide useful tools for predicting platelet GPIa/IIa density of Chinese. Keywords:: collagen, glycoprotein Ia/IIa density, glycoprotein Ia gene polymorphism