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Background Maternal and neonatal disorders account for substantial health loss across the lifespan from early childhood. These problems may be related to health inequality. Aim To provide evidence for improvement in health policies regarding maternal and neonatal disorder inequity. Design This was a population-based cross-sectional study based on 2019 Global Burden of Disease data. Methods Annual cases and age-standardized rates (ASRs) of incidence, prevalence, death, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in maternal and neonatal disorders between 1990 and 2019 were collected from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease study. Concentration curves and concentration indices were used to summarize the degree of socioeconomic-related inequality. Results For maternal disorders, the global ASRs of incidence, prevalence, death and DALYs were 2889.4 (95% uncertainty interval (UI), 2562.9–3251.9), 502.9 (95% UI 418.7–598.0), 5.0 (95% UI 4.4–5.8) and 324.9 (95% UI 284.0–369.1) per 100 000 women in 2019, respectively. The ASRs of maternal disorders were all obviously reduced and remained pro-poor from 1990 to 2019. In neonatal disorders, the global ASRs of incidence, prevalence, death and DALYs were 363.3 (95% UI 334.6–396.8), 1239.8 (95% UI 1142.1–1356.7), 29.1 (95% UI 24.8–34.5) and 2828.3 (95% UI 2441.6–3329.6) per 100 000 people in 2019, respectively. The global ASRs of incidence, death and DALYs in neonatal disorders have remained pro-poor. However, the socioeconomic-related fairness in the ASR of neonatal disorder prevalence is being levelled. Conclusions The global burden of maternal and neonatal disorders has remained high, and socioeconomic-related inequality (pro-poor) tended not to change between 1990 and 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a unique set of 54 overlapping narrow-band and two broader filters covering the entire optical range, the incoming Javalambre-Physics of the Accelerating Universe Astrophysical Survey (J-PAS) will provide a great opportunity for stellar physics and near-field cosmology. In this work, we use the miniJPAS data in 56 J-PAS filters and 4 complementary SDSS-like filters to explore and prove the potential of the J-PAS filter system in characterizing stars and deriving their atmospheric parameters. We obtain estimates for the effective temperature with a good precision (<150 K) from spectral energy distribution fitting. We have constructed the metallicity-dependent stellar loci in 59 colours for the miniJPAS FGK dwarf stars, after correcting certain systematic errors in flat-fielding. The very blue colours, including uJAVA − r, J 0378 − r, J 0390 − r, uJPAS − r , show the strongest metallicity dependence, around 0.25 mag dex−1. The sensitivities decrease to about 0.1 mag dex−1 for the J0400 − r, J0410 − r , and J 0420 − r colours. The locus fitting residuals show peaks at the J 0390, J 0430, J 0510, and J 0520 filters, suggesting that individual elemental abundances such as [Ca/Fe], [C/Fe], and [Mg/Fe] can also be determined from the J-PAS photometry. Via stellar loci, we have achieved a typical metallicity precision of 0.1 dex. The miniJPAS filters also demonstrate strong potential in discriminating dwarfs and giants, particularly the J 0520 and J 0510 filters. Our results demonstrate the power of the J-PAS filter system in stellar parameter determinations and the huge potential of the coming J-PAS survey in stellar and Galactic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a case report of a 32-year-old Chinese man with sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare neoplasm that primarily affects women. LAM in male patients is uncommon, and the mechanisms behind it are not well understood. The patient had a novel TSC2 mutation and somatic mosaic TSC2 mutations, which resulted in multi-system involvement including pulmonary LAM, kidney and liver angiomyolipomas, and sclerotic bone lesions. The study highlights the importance of gene sequencing in various tissues to establish a diagnosis in individuals who do not exhibit other symptoms of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). [Extracted from the article]

Background The relationship of osteoporosis and stroke is still not fully clarified. Apart from the well-known risk factors for stroke, bone mineral density (BMD) has gained more interest in recent years. Aim To further elucidate the relationship between BMD and stroke risk, a prospective cohort study in the Chinese rural population was conducted. Design Retrospective analysis of a family osteoporosis cohort. Methods Our subjects were selected from an osteoporosis cohort conducted in Anqing, China. All participants underwent a questionnaire assessment, clinical examinations and laboratory assessments. During the follow-up period, the number of people who had a stroke was recorded. Generalized estimating equation regression analysis was performed to determine the significance of the association between BMD and stroke. Results A total of 17868 people were included. A two-way interaction test of sex and BMD on stroke was significant (P  = 0.002). There was a significant difference in BMD and stroke morbidity in the male group (P  = 0.003). When BMD was assessed as quartiles and the lowest quartile was used as reference, a significantly lower risk for stroke was observed in Q2–4. Notably, no significant difference was observed in female participants with adjusted odds ratio (P  > 0.05). The P -value for interaction was calculated. The body mass index (P  = 0.014) and waist-to-hip ratio (P  = 0.027) were found to be significantly associated with BMD and stroke risk in female participants. Conclusions In Chinese rural areas, total BMD may negatively correlated with stroke, especially in men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Tripartite motif‐containing protein 21 (Trim21) is an E3 ubiquitin‐protein ligase that plays pivotal roles in various diseases. However, its role in mediating keratinocyte inflammation, which is a hallmark of psoriasis, has not been thoroughly elucidated. Objectives: To clarify whether Trim21 plays a pivotal role in regulating keratinocyte inflammation in psoriasis, while focusing on identifying key Trim21 substrates involved in mediating proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine production. Materials and methods: Cytokine and chemokine secretion was examined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in Trim21‐knockdown human keratinocytes. Downstream pathways and substrates of Trim21 were evaluated using immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence. The influence of Trim21 ubiquitination on its substrates was tested by in vitro ubiquitination assay, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence. The effectiveness of targeting Trim21 for psoriasis treatment was assessed in vivo with haematoxylin and eosin staining, immunofluorescence and qPCR. Results: Knocking down Trim21 expression alleviated keratinocyte inflammation. Trim21 colocalized with p65/nuclear factor (NF)‐κB in the cytosol and physically bound and ubiquitinated p65 via a lysine 63 (K63) linkage. Instead of changing p65 protein stability, Trim21 enhanced the interaction of p65 with IκB kinase, which promoted p65 phosphorylation, nuclear transport and downstream gene activation. Finally, both in vitro and in vivo experiments verified that topical application of Trim21‐specific small interfering RNA markedly ameliorated imiquimod‐induced psoriasis‐like lesions. Conclusions: Our study confirms that upregulated Trim21 in psoriatic epidermis ubiquitylates p65 and activates the NF‐κB pathway, which promotes keratinocyte inflammation. Hence, Trim21 represents a potential target for psoriasis treatment. What is already known about this topic? Tripartite motif‐containing protein 21 (Trim21) is implicated in the inflammatory response.Trim21 expression is upregulated in psoriatic epidermis.Keratinocytes from psoriatic skin secrete proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐8, IL‐15, IL‐23 and interferon‐γ, which evoke and promote the inflammatory process. What does this study add? The p65 subunit of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB is a newly recognized substrate of Trim21.Upregulated Trim21 in psoriatic epidermis ubiquitinates p65 and facilitates the activation of the NF‐κB pathway, promoting inflammation in keratinocytes.Trim21 is a potential target for the treatment of psoriasis. What is the translational message? Ubiquitination is involved in the inflammatory process in psoriasis.Targeting the ubiquitination system for future psoriasis treatment should be explored. Linked Comment:O'Shaughnessy. Br J Dermatol 2021; 184:8–9. Plain language summary available online [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: We aimed to purify an antimicrobial protein from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FS6 culture supernatant, verify its antimicrobial activity against Fusarium solani and evaluate its biocontrol potential for ginseng root rot. Methods and Results: The antimicrobial protein was purified from FS6 culture supernatant using ammonium sulphate precipitation, anion exchange and gel chromatography. Based on mass spectrometry results, the purified protein was identified as an antimicrobial protein of the LCI family and was designated APC2. The APC2 recombinant protein expressed in Escherichia coli (BL21) significantly inhibited F. solani and decreased the infection and spread of F. solani in ginseng root. An overexpressing APC2 strain FS6‐APC2 was constructed and shown to have enhanced antimicrobial activity compared to the wild‐type strain FS6. Conclusions: The APC2 protein shows strong antimicrobial activity against F. solani, reduces the incidence and severity of ginseng root rot caused by F. solani and exhibits a great biocontrol potential. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study reports the inhibitory activity of APC2 protein (LCI family) against F. solani and its protective efficacy on ginseng root rot. These findings provide a scientific basis for future research on the biocontrol mechanism, as well as the development and application of FS6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC‐I)‐dependent inhibitory receptors on natural killer (NK) cells have been found to contribute to NK cell dysfunction in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the roles of MHC‐I‐independent inhibitory receptors on NK cells in HCC remain poorly defined. In this study, we analyzed the expression of the MHC‐I‐independent inhibitory receptors sialic acid‐binding immunoglobulin‐like lectin (Siglec)‐7 and Siglec‐9 on NK cells by analyzing the peripheral blood of 35 HCC patients and 63 healthy donors. We observed that HCC patients had lower frequencies and total numbers of NK cells in the peripheral blood. Importantly, both the expression levels of Siglec‐7 on NK cells and the frequencies of Siglec‐7+ NK cells were significantly reduced in HCC patients, which was accompanied by a decrease in activating receptor and an increase in inhibitory receptor expression on NK cells. Moreover, Siglec‐7+ NK cells expressed higher levels of activating receptors and displayed stronger effector functions, compared with Siglec‐7− NK cells. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that reduced Siglec‐7 expression predicts NK cell dysfunction in HCC patients, suggesting that Siglec‐7 may be a potential marker of functional NK cell subset in HCC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Plant tissues are the reservoirs of beneficial and harmful microbes that regulates plant growth. In the present study, we investigated the diversity, function and colonization of sugarcane roots associated with Bacillus spp. Methods and Results: A total of 20 Bacillus strains were isolated and identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and their genetic diversity was examined by BOX, ERIC, REP, (GTG)5 PCR techniques. Among all Bacillus isolates, 65% showed indole acetic acid‐like compounds production, 50% solubilized phosphorus and 25% of the isolates were able to secrete siderophore. Moreover, all 20 Bacillus isolates showed antifungal activity against eight fungal pathogens and 11 of them (55%) antagonized tomato grey mold. Based on the plant growth‐promoting traits and antifungal potential, isolate Y8 was selected for root and plant tissue colonization assays and a greenhouse‐level sugarcane growth promotion study. Fluorescence microscopy results confirmed that isolate Y8 has a strong ability to colonize in the sugarcane root and leaves, and the root surface association of Y8 was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, greenhouse experimental results demonstrated that Y8 has a significant effect on enhancing sugarcane biomass and root length. Conclusions: Endophytic Bacillus strains have growth‐promoting properties and anti‐fungal ability that can enhance plant fitness in an eco‐friendly manner. Significance and Impact of the Study: Endophytic Bacillus strains would be a potential alternative to chemical fertilizer as well as a biocontrol agent in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungus, which causes vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). The aim of this study was to evaluate Mrr2 mutation and its expression levels and Candida drug resistance 1 (Cdr1) in C. albicans associated with fluconazole (FCA) resistance. We identified 80 isolates of C. albicans from 155 vaginal secretions and performed FCA drug sensitivity tests, using M27‐A3 micro‐broth dilution. We extracted DNA, sequenced Mrr2, and performed reverse transcriptase‐quantitative PCR polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) to detect mRNA expression levels of Mrr2 and Cdr1. In total, 40 isolates were sensitive, 10 were dose‐dependently sensitive, and 30 were resistant to FCA. Mrr2 mutation occurred in 56·67% isolates, which was significantly higher than that in the FCA sensitive group (26·08%, P < 0·05). The mRNA expression level of Cdr1 in the FCA resistant group was significantly higher than that in the sensitive group Cdr1 (0·42 ± 0·294 vs 0·25 ± 0·289, P < 0·05). The odds ratio of FCA‐resistant occurrence in C. albicans with Mrr2 mutation and high expression levels was 47·5 times higher than C. albicans without Mrr2 mutation and low expression levels. The results may provide new insights for improving VVC treatment. Significance and Impact of the Study: Significance and Impact of the Study: Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungus, which causes vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Fluconazole (FCA) is the most widely used drug in VVC infection. However, the widespread use of FCA has severely increased the incidence of FCA‐resistant fungus. Therefore, the mechanism underlying FCA resistance in C. albicans must be elucidated urgently. This study demonstrated that high expression of Cdr1 and Mrr2 may directly be linked to C. albicans resistance to FCA, and high expression of Mrr2 may promote high expression of Cdr1 and mediate resistance of C. albicans to FCA. The results may provide new insights for improving VVC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peach is a major crop in China, and like any other stone fruit, virus and virus‐like diseases can reduce the yield and quality of the fruit. Herein, we developed a multiplex RT‐PCR (mRT‐PCR) assay for simultaneously detecting three viruses known to infect peach: peach‐associated luteovirus (PaLV), peach virus D (PeVD) and nectarine stem‐pitting‐associated virus (NSPaV). Plant nad5 mRNA was used as the internal control. Field samples that were co‐infected with PaLV, PeVD and NSPaV were used; we identified three primer pairs to be the most specific for detecting these viruses, followed by determining the ideal concentration of each primer pair and optimizing the annealing temperature for mRT‐PCR. We also assessed the detection limit using serial dilutions of RNA and cDNA. The newly developed mRT‐PCR assay could simultaneously detect PaLV, PeVD and NSPaV. To validate the reliability of mRT‐PCR for virus detection, mRT‐PCR was used to detect viruses in the leaves of 21 peach plants collected in Liaoning Province, China. The obtained results revealed the presence of single and co‐infections. To conclude, the mRT‐PCR assay developed herein is sensitive, reliable and economical, and we believe that it can thus be used for large‐scale surveys of PaLV, PeVD and NSPaV. Significance and Impact of the Study: In this study, we developed a multiplex reverse transcriptase PCR (mRT‐PCR) assay for simultaneously detecting three viruses that infect peach: peach‐associated luteovirus (PaLV), peach virus D (PeVD) and nectarine stem‐pitting‐associated virus (NSPaV). This assay is simple, easy to perform, reliable and cost‐effective, and can thus be applied for large‐scale surveys of PaLV, PeVD and NSPaV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structures and propagating waves are often observed in solar wind turbulence. Their origins and features remain to be uncovered. In this work, we use 3D driven, compressible MHD turbulence simulations to investigate the global signatures of the driven fluctuations in whole spatial and temporal domain. With four-dimensional spatial-temporal (x, y, z, t) Fourier transformations implemented, we have identified two distinct main populations: waves, which satisfy the |$\omega -\boldsymbol {k}$| dispersion relations and are propagating; and structures, which satisfy the polarization relations but non-propagating (ω = 0). Whereas the overall turbulent energy spectrum is still consistent with k −5/3, the contributions from waves and structures show very different behaviour in |$\boldsymbol {k}$| space, with structures dominating at small k but waves becomes comparable to structures at large k. Overall, the fluctuations in the directions perpendicular to the large-scale mean field |$\boldsymbol {B_0}$| are a manifestation of structures, while along the parallel direction, the fluctuations are dominated by waves. Also, a significant portion of the incompressible structures are the Alfvénic nature, and with imbalanced increased, the waves predominantly propagate in one direction and nearly perpendicular to |$\boldsymbol {B_0}$|⁠. Differentiating the relative contributions from waves and structures could have important implications for understanding the non-linear cascade processes in the inertial range as well as particle-fluctuation interactions at small scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Purification of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) using Gram‐positive enhancer matrix (GEM) surface display technology and immunogenicity evaluation of the purified antigen. Methods and Results: A recombinant bifunctional protein containing a protein anchor domain and a 'virus anchor' domain was designed as a protein linker (PL) between PCV2 and GEM particles. By incubating with PL and GEM particles sequentially, PCV2 could be purified and enriched through a simple centrifugation process with GEM surface display technology. Our data showed that one unit (2·5 × 109 particles) of GEM particles with 80 μg PL could purify 100 ml of PCV2‐containing culture supernatant (viral titre: 106·5 TCID50 per ml−1) with a recovery rate up to 99·6%. The impurity removal efficiency of this method, calculated according to decreased total protein content during purification, was approximately 98%. Furthermore, in vivo experimentation showed that piglets immunized with purified PCV2 could elicit strong immune responses to prevent against PCV2 infection. Conclusion: Porcine circovirus type 2 could be efficiently purified and enriched with GEM display technology via a crucial PL, and the purified PCV2 could elicit effective immune responses against PCV2 infection. Significance and Impact of the Study: The GEM‐based purification method established here is cost‐efficient and high‐throughput, and may represent a promising large‐scale purification method for PCV2 vaccine production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) on the growth performance, creatine and energy metabolism, and carcass characteristics in growing-finishing pigs. In Exp. 1, Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire pigs (n = 180, 33.61 ± 3.91 kg average BW) were blocked by weight and sex, and allotted to 5 treatments with 6 replicates (3 gilts and 3 barrows per replicate pen). Diets were corn-soybean meal-basal diets supplemented with 0, 300, 600, 900, and 1,200 mg/kg of GAA and fed to the pigs for 98 d. From days 1 to 98, G:F increased (linear, P < 0.05) with increasing addition of dietary GAA. Using a broken-line model, the optimum level of dietary GAA was 300 mg/kg during the overall experimental period (days 1 to 98) to maximize G:F. Hot carcass weight, carcass length, and lean percentage showed a tendency to increase (quadratic, 0.05 < P < 0.10) with increasing addition of dietary GAA. On day 98, serum GAA and liver creatine tended to increase (linear, P = 0.10, 0.07) as dietary GAA increased. In addition, serum ATP on day 98 increased linearly (linear, P < 0.01), and muscle ATP and adenosine monophosphate increased quadratically (quadratic, P = 0.05) with incremental GAA supplementation. In Exp. 2, Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire pigs (n = 180, 53.19 ± 5.63 kg average BW) were blocked by weight and sex, and allotted to 5 treatments with 6 replicates (3 gilts and 3 barrows per replicate pen). Diets were corn-soybean meal-basal diets supplemented with 0, 150, 300, 600, and 1,200 mg/kg of GAA for 35 d. As dietary GAA increased, final BW, ADG, and G:F increased quadratically (quadratic, P < 0.01), and 300 mg/kg of GAA maximized ADG and final BW (P < 0.05).The results indicate that dietary GAA could increase the creatine and ATP load in the tissues of pigs and accordingly improve growth performance. Dietary supplementation with 300 mg/kg of GAA was suitable to maximize the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The kudzu bug, Megacopta cribraria (Fabricius), is an invasive pest of soybeans, Glycine max (L.) Merr., that has recently been detected in the United States. This study investigated whether there was a differential attraction of adult bugs to soybean growth stages, and whether the attraction was related to soybean constitutive volatiles. Greenhouse choice assays examined the behavioral orientation preference of adult bugs exposed to four growth stages of whole soybean plants: vegetative (V2), flowering (R1), pod (R3), and seed (R5). Results show that significantly more adults landed on plants in the early reproductive stage R1 than in other stages. Laboratory olfactometer assays also demonstrate that significantly more adult bugs were attracted to R1 plants, with females responding more strongly than males. Both greenhouse and olfactometer assays indicate that the differential attraction of adult bugs to soybean growth stages was mediated by plant constitutive volatiles. These results offer an insight into kudzu bug chemical and behavioral ecology and thus are of great significance for optimizing the timing of field scouting and treatment as well as the development of soybean pest management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prohormone convertase 1/3 is a serine endoprotease belonging to the subtilisin-like proprotein convertase family that is encoded by the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1) gene, and its major function is the processing and bioactivation of the proproteins of many kinds of neuroendocrine hormones, including insulin, cholecystokinin, and adrenocorticotropic hormone. The results of our previous genomewide association study indicated that the PCSK1 gene might be an important candidate gene for fatness traits in chickens. The objectives of this study were to investigate the tissue expression profiles of PCSK1 gene and to identify functional variants associated with fatness and growth traits in the chicken. The results indicated that PCSK1 mRNA was widely expressed in various tissues, especially neuroendocrine and intestinal tissues. Of these 2 tissue types, PCSK1 mRNA expression in lean males was significantly higher than in fat males. A SNP in the 3' untranslated region of PCSK1 (c.*900G > A) was identified. Association analysis in the Arbor Acres commercial broiler population and Northeast Agricultural University broiler lines divergently selected for abdominal fat content (NEAUHLF) population showed that the SNP c.*900G > A was associated with abdominal fat weight, abdominal fat percentage, BW, metatarsus length, and metatarsal circumference. In the 5th to 19th generation (G5 to G19) of NEAUHLF, the allele frequency of c.*900G > A changed along with selection for abdominal fat content. At G19, allele G of c.*900G > A was predominate in the lean line, whereas allele A was predominate in the fat line. Functional analysis demonstrated that allele A of c.*900G > A reduced mRNA stability and consequently downregulated gene expression. These results suggested that c.*900G > A was a functional SNP for fatness and growth traits in the chicken. The results of this study provide basic molecular information for the role of PCSK1 gene in avian growth and development, especially obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the major causes of cancer death worldwide, especially in Eastern Asia. Due to the poor prognosis, it is necessary to further dissect the underlying mechanisms and explore therapeutic targets of ESCC. Recently, studies show that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have critical roles in diverse biological processes, including tumorigenesis. Increasing evidence indicates that some lncRNAs are widely involved in the development and progression of ESCC, such as HOTAIR, SPRY4-IT1 and POU3F3. An emerging lncRNA, tissue differentiation-inducing nonprotein coding RNA (TINCR), has been studied in human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and has critical biological function, but its role in ESCC remains unknown. Here, we evaluated the expression profile of TINCR and its biological function in ESCC. In a cohort of 56 patients, TINCR was significantly overexpressed in ESCC tissues compared with paired adjacent normal tissues. Further, in vitro silencing TINCR via small interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of ESCC cells. Meantime, siRNA treatment induced apoptosis and blocked the progression of cell cycle. Taken together, our study suggests that TINCR promotes proliferation, migration and invasion of ESCC cells, acting as a potential oncogene of ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma ( ESCC) is one of the major causes of cancer death worldwide, especially in Eastern Asia. Due to the poor prognosis, it is necessary to further dissect the underlying mechanisms and explore therapeutic targets of ESCC. Recently, studies show that long noncoding RNAs (lnc RNAs) have critical roles in diverse biological processes, including tumorigenesis. Increasing evidence indicates that some lnc RNAs are widely involved in the development and progression of ESCC, such as HOTAIR, SPRY4- IT1 and POU3F3. An emerging lnc RNA, tissue differentiation-inducing nonprotein coding RNA ( TINCR), has been studied in human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and has critical biological function, but its role in ESCC remains unknown. Here, we evaluated the expression profile of TINCR and its biological function in ESCC. In a cohort of 56 patients, TINCR was significantly overexpressed in ESCC tissues compared with paired adjacent normal tissues. Further, in vitro silencing TINCR via small interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of ESCC cells. Meantime, siRNA treatment induced apoptosis and blocked the progression of cell cycle. Taken together, our study suggests that TINCR promotes proliferation, migration and invasion of ESCC cells, acting as a potential oncogene of ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted using 22-d-old Arbor Acres male broilers to study the kinetics of inorganic P absorption and the effect of P treatment on Type IIb sodium-phosphate cotransporter (NaP-IIb) mRNA and protein levels in ligated segments from different intestinal regions. In Exp. 1, the P absorption in different small intestinal segments at different postperfusion times (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, or 40 min) were compared. In Exp. 2, different small intestinal loops were perfused with solutions containing 0, 1.5, 3, 6, 12, 24, or 48 mmol P/L as KH2PO4, and P concentrations in perfusates were determined at 20 min after perfusion. The mRNA levels of NaP-IIb in different small intestinal loops and protein expression levels in the duodenums from the control group and the 6 or 48 mmol P/L group were analyzed. The results from Exp. 1 showed that P absorption increased in an asymptotic response to postperfusion time within 40 min in all the intestinal segments and P absorption was greater (P < 0.04) in the duodenum than in the other 2 segments at 20 min after perfusion, indicating that the duodenum is the main site of P absorption in the small intestine of chicks. In Exp. 2, the kinetic curves showed that P absorption in the duodenum was a saturated carrier mediated process and in the jejunum or ileum occurred with a nonsaturated diffusion process. In addition, the NaP-IIb mRNA levels were greater (P < 0.0001) in the duodenum than in the other 2 segments in the 3 groups (0, 6, or 48 mmol P/L), further indicating that P absorption in the duodenum occurred mainly by a saturated carrier mediated process. However, no significant differences (P = 0.20) in the NaP-IIb protein levels of the duodenum were observed among the 0, 6, and 48 mmol P/L groups. In conclusion, this study suggests by our criteria in ligated intestinal loops that the duodenum is the main site of P absorption and that P absorption may be a saturated carrier mediated process in the duodenum but a nonsaturated diffusion process in the jejunum or ileum of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by synovial fibroblast hyperplasia and bone erosion. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) play a pivotal role in RA pathogenesis through aggressive migration and matrix invasion, and certain proinflammatory cytokines may affect synoviocyte invasion. Whether interleukin (IL)-21 influences this process remains controversial. Here, we evaluated the potential regulatory effect of IL-21 on the migration, invasion and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression in RA-FLS. We found that IL-21 promoted the migration, invasion and MMP (MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13) production in RA-FLS. Moreover, IL-21 induced activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3) and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) pathways, and blockage of these pathways [PI3K/protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor LY294002, STAT-3 inhibitor STA-21 and ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059] attenuated IL-21-induced migration and secretion of MMP-3 and MMP-9. In conclusion, our results suggest that IL-21 promotes migration and invasion of RA-FLS. Therefore, therapeutic strategies targeting IL-21 might be effective for the treatment of RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the radiosensitivity of andrographolide on esophageal cancer cell line ECA109. The inhibition effects of andrographolide were measured using 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium ( MTT) assay. Clonogenic survival assay was used to evaluate the effects of andrographolide on the radiosensitivity of esophageal cancer cells. Immunofluorescence was employed to examine Bax expression. The changes in cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were assayed using flow cytometry. The expression of NF-κb/ Cleaved- Caspase3/ Bax/ Bcl-2 was measured using Western blot analysis. DNA damage was detected via γ- H2 AX foci counting. With a clear dose and time effects, andrographolide was found to inhibit the proliferation of esophageal cell line ECA109. The results of the clonogenic survival assay show that andrographolide could markedly enhance radiosensitivity ( P < 0.05) with a sensitizing enhancement ratio of 1.28. Andrographolide caused a dose-dependent increase in Cleaved- Caspase3/ Bax protein expression and a decrease in Bcl-2/ NF-κb expression. Apoptosis in andrographolide-treated ECA-109 increased significantly compared with the apoptosis in the simple drug and radiation combined with drug groups ( P < 0.001; P < 0.05). Moreover, compared with the independent radiation group, the andrographolide combined with radiation group increased the number of DNA double chain breaks. Andrographolide can increase the radiosensitivity of esophageal cell line ECA109. This result may be associated with the decrease in the NF-κb level and the induced apoptosis of esophageal cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), a worldwide distributive in-vasive pest, originated from the United States, and it was first reported in Guangdong province, China, in 2008. The effects of temperature and relative humidity (RH) on the life history traits of P solenopsis on Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. (Malvales: Malvaceae) were studied at seven constant temperatures (15, 20, 25, 27.5, 30, 32.5, and 35°C) and three RHs (45, 60, and 75%). The results showed that temperature, RH, and their interactions significantly influenced the life history traits of P. solenopsis. First instar was the most sensitive stage to extreme temperatures with very low survival rates at 15 and 35°C. At 25-32.5°C and the three RHs, the developmental periods of entire immature stage were shorter with values be-tween 12.5--18.6 d. The minimum threshold temperature and the effective accumulative temperature for the pest to complete one generation were 13.2°C and 393.7 degree-days, respectively The percentage and longevity of female adults significantly differed among different treatments. It failed to complete development at 15 or 35°C and the three RHs. Female fecundity reached the maximum value at 27.5°C and 45% RH. The intrinsic rate for increase (r), the net reproductive rate (R0), and the finite rate of increase (λ) reached the maximum values at 27.5°C and 45% RH (0.22 d, 244.6 hatched eggs, and 1.25 d-1, respectively). Therefore, we conclude that 27.5°C and 45% RH are the optimum conditions for the population development of the pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To retrospectively assess the value of left and right half symmetry analysis in prostate T2 weighted images (T2WI) for improving prostate cancer (PCa) screening. Methods: T2WI and other data of a total of 66 males were collected; the control group and cancer group had 33 patients each. Thresholding geometric active contours algorithm was used for prostate region segmentation, and the measure of local reflectional symmetry algorithm was applied to extract the longitudinal symmetry axes. After that, cross-correlation coefficients (CCs) of the left and right halves of each prostate were obtained. Results: Data analysis showed that the mean and variance of the value of the left and right half CCs of prostate T2WI in the cancer group and control group were 0.73?±?0.05 and 0.82?±?0.06, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.87, and the specificity and the sensitivity were 91% and 70%, respectively. The p?

The Arabidopsis vacuolar H+-pyrophosphatase (AVP1) has been well studied and subsequently employed to improve salt and/or drought resistance in herbaceous plants. However, the exact function of H+-pyrophosphatase in woody plants still remains unknown. In this work, we cloned a homolog of type I H+-pyrophosphatase gene, designated as PtVP1.1, from Populus trichocarpa, and investigated its function in both Arabidopsis and poplar. The deduced translation product PtVP1.1 shares 89.74% identity with AVP1. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantitative real-time PCR analyses revealed a ubiquitous expression pattern of PtVP1.1 in various tissues, including roots, stems, leaves and shoot tips. Heterologous expression of PtVP1.1 rescued the retarded-root-growth phenotype of avp1, an Arabidopsis knock out mutant of AVP1, on low carbohydrate medium. Overexpression of PtVP1.1 in poplar (P. davidiana × P. bolleana) led to more vigorous growth of transgenic plants in the presence of 150 mM NaCl. Microsomal membrane vesicles derived from PtVP1.1 transgenic plants exhibited higher H+-pyrophosphatase hydrolytic activity than those from wild type (WT). Further studies indicated that the improved salt tolerance was associated with a decreased Na+ and increased K+ accumulation in the leaves of transgenic plants. Na+ efflux and H+ influx in the roots of transgenic plants were also significantly higher than those in the WT plants. All these results suggest that PtVP1.1 is a functional counterpart of AVP1 and can be genetically engineered for salt tolerance improvement in trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Trichophyton violaceum is an anthropophilic dermatophyte that is endemic to parts of Africa and Asia and is sporadic in Europe. T. violaceum mainly causes tinea capitis in both children and adolescents. Although the infections caused by T. violaceum are of considerable medical importance, its antifungal susceptibility profile remains poorly examined. Methods: In this study, we tested the in vitro antifungal susceptibility of a set of clinical T. violaceum isolates obtained from tinea capitis patients, using the CLSI broth microdilution method. We tested eight antifungals and used isolates collected from Western China (21), Eastern China (12), the Middle East (1), Europe (20), South Africa (7) and Canada (1). Results: The geometric means of the MICs of the antifungals for all isolates were as follows (in increasing order): posaconazole, 0.021 mg/L; terbinafine, 0.023 mg/L; voriconazole, 0.062 mg/L; amphotericin B, 0.20 mg/L; itraconazole, 0.34 mg/L; caspofungin, 0.56 mg/L; fluconazole, 4.23 mg/L; and flucytosine, 8.46 mg/L. No statistically significant differences in the susceptibility profiles of T. violaceum were detected within the geographical regions tested. Conclusions: Posaconazole, terbinafine and voriconazole were shown to be the most potent antifungal agents against T. violaceum isolates obtained from tinea capitis patients worldwide. These results might help clinicians in developing appropriate therapies that have a high probability of successfully treating tinea capitis due to T. violaceum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to find a new radiation protector, platelet factor 4 (PF4) and to identify its effect on haemopoietic microenvironment in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Radiation damage on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ex and in vitro was set up as models. Growth curve analysis, clonogenic survival assay, FACS-Calibur™ (BD Immunocytometry Systems, San Jose, CA), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine immunofluorescence staining and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were employed to assess the characterization of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle and gene expression. Results: A dose- and time-dependent enhancement of cell viability and survival was observed for PF4 treatment along with 500 cGy γ-radiation in vitro. The same phenomena were noted in vivo, including enhancement of adherence and proliferation ability while inhibition of cell apoptosis, which were associated with a short-term decrease in the G0/G1 ratio owing to S phase arrest. These were accompanied with enhanced Bcl-2 expression and p53/p21 loss. Conclusion: These results uncover that PF4 might be a novel therapeutic approach, which could reduce DNA damage and increase survival of BMSCs, in part, by inhibiting p53/p21 axis and facilitating DNA damage repair. Advances in knowledge: This study explores the feasibility of a new radioprotector and hence may be clinically important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To display and analyse the imaging features of myomatous hepatic angiomyolipomas (MHAMLs). Methods: The imaging features (CT = 9; MRI = 10; ultrasound = 10; contrast-enhanced ultrasound = 4) of 14 patients with pathologically proven MHAMLs were reviewed retrospectively. Results: MHAMLs were surgically resected in the 14 patients (10 females and 4 males; age, 27-64 years; mean, 45 years), all of whom had negative hepatitis markers and were positive for the immunohistochemical stain homatropine methylbromide-45. The tumours were solitary and well defined, and ranged in size from 1.9 to 9.1 cm (mean, 5.7 cm). On dynamic contrast-enhanced CT, MRI and ultrasound scans, all tumours showed fast strong enhancement in the arterial phase and moderate washout in the portal venous and delayed phases, and the greater portions of the tumours were slightly lower than the surrounding hepatic parenchyma. In some cases, a small area of prolonged or increasing enhancement in the tumour was recognized in the delayed phase. Early draining vessels to the portal vein or hepatic vein could be seen in some cases. However, no capsular signs could be confidently identified in the delayed phase. Haemorrhagic cavities were recognized in two cases, and nodular low-intensity areas in the tumours on T2 weighted imaging that showed slow and faint enhancement on dynamic scans were seen in two cases. However, no necrosis was identified. Conclusion: Dynamic enhanced imaging studies revealed some specific features of MHAMLs that distinguish them from other hypervascular hepatic tumours, especially when combined with clinical features. Familiarity with imaging and clinical features of MHAMLs could avoid unnecessary surgical resection of these generally benign tumours. Advances in knowledge: This article systematically describes the imaging features of MHAMLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aberrant DNA methylation of promoter region CpG islands may serve as an alternative mechanism to genetic defects in the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes ( TSGs) in human malignancies. The aim of this study was to examine the promoter methylation status of the PTEN TSG and its association with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma ( ESCC) carcinogenesis in a Chinese Kazakh population, which is known to have a relatively high ESCC incidence and mortality. The methylation status of the PTEN promoter region was determined in patients with ESCC ( n = 95) and healthy individuals ( n = 65) using highly sensitive Sequenom Epityper assays. The methylation level of the PTEN gene was significantly higher in patients with ESCC than in healthy controls. The median methylation level was 10.0% (interquartile range [ IQR]: 7.0-11.0%) in patients with ESCC and 6.0% in controls ( IQR: 4.0-9.0%; P = 0.001). PTEN methylation levels were higher in male patients with ESCC than in male controls, whereas a trend toward significance was observed between female patients with ESCC and female controls ( P = 0.005 and P = 0.086, respectively). The PTEN methylation level was associated with histopathological grade and lymph node metastasis in patients with ESCC ( P = 0.002 and P = 0.009, respectively). To our knowledge, this is the first report to show the presence of PTEN promoter CpG hypermethylation in ESCC and its association with tumor metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate human papillomavirus type 16 ( HPV 16) prevalence in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma ( ESCC) in Xinjiang Kazakh patients and its role in ESCC carcinogenesis. One hundred and fifty cases of ESCC and 150 cases of corresponding normal esophageal mucosa (CNGM) samples were collected from north Xinjiang where the Kazakh ethnic group has lived since ancient times. HPV16 infection in ESCC and CNGM was detected by genotype-specific polymerase chain reaction. HPV16 DNA was detected in 55 of 150 ESCC samples (36.7%) and 24 of 150 corresponding normal esophageal mucosa samples (16%) with significant differences ( P < 0.001, odds ratio = 3.039, 95% confidence interval: 1.756-5.260). No statistically significant correlations were found between HPV16 infection and the age or gender of patients, tumor site, tumor cell differentiation, or lymph node metastasis ( P > 0.05). HPV16 infection is common in cases of ESCC in the Kazakh ethnic group in Xinjiang and may be involved in ESCC carcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Punctate palmoplantar keratoderma ( PPPK, OMIM 148600) is a rare hereditary disorder characterized by multiple punctate keratoses on the palms and soles. Recently, mutations in the genes α- and γ-adaptin-binding protein p34 ( AAGAB) and collagen, type XIV, α1 ( COL14 A1) have been reported to cause PPPK. Objectives To identify mutations in the genes AAGAB and COL14 A1 in three Chinese families with PPPK. Methods Genomic DNA of the family members and 100 healthy individuals was isolated. Direct sequencing of all polymerase chain reaction products of the whole coding regions of AAGAB and COL14 A1 was performed to identify the mutation. Results A heterozygous nonsense mutation c.61 C> T (p. Q21 X) was identified in AAGAB in two Chinese families with PPPK. We failed to detect any mutations in AAGAB or COL14 A1 in family 3. Conclusions A novel loss-of-function mutation within AAGAB associated with PPPK was identified from two Chinese pedigrees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although deaths associated with laboratory-confirmed influenza virus infections are rare, the excess mortality burden of influenza estimated from statistical models may more reliably quantify the impact of influenza in a population.Methods: We applied age-specific multiple linear regression models to all-cause and cause-specific mortality rates in Hong Kong from 1998 through 2009. The differences between estimated mortality rates in the presence or absence of recorded influenza activity were used to estimate influenza-associated excess mortality.Results: The annual influenza-associated all-cause excess mortality rate was 11.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.2-14.6) per 100,000 person-years. We estimated an average of 751 (95% CI, 488-990) excess deaths associated with influenza annually from 1998 through 2009, with 95% of the excess deaths occurring in persons aged ≥65 years. Most of the influenza-associated excess deaths were from respiratory (53%) and cardiovascular (18%) causes. Influenza A(H3N2) epidemics were associated with more excess deaths than influenza A(H1N1) or B during the study period.Conclusions: Influenza was associated with a substantial number of excess deaths each year, mainly among the elderly, in Hong Kong in the past decade. The influenza-associated excess mortality rates were generally similar in Hong Kong and the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel metabolomic method based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was applied to investigate serum metabolites in response to dietary Gin supplementation in piglets. Sixteen, 21-d-old pigs were weaned and assigned randomly to 2 isonitrog-enous diets: 1) Gin diet, which contained 1% L-Gln (as-fed basis), and 2) control diet, which contained L-Ala to make this diet isonitrogenous with the Gin diet. Serum samples were collected to characterize metabolites after a 30-d treatment. In addition, 4 liver samples per treatment were collected to examine enzyme activity and gene expression involved in metabolic regulation. Results indicated that 12 metabolites were altered (P < 0.05) by Gin treatment, including carbohydrates, AA, and fatty acids. A leave-one-out cross validation of random forest analysis indicated that Pro was most important among the 12 metabolites. Thus, these data demonstrate that the control and Gin-supplemented pigs differed (P < 0.05) in terms of metabolism of carbohydrates, Pro, Tyr, and glycerophospholipids. Principal component analysis yielded separate clusters of profiles between the Gin and control groups. Metabolic enzyme activities of Ala aminotransferase and hexoki-nase increased by 26.8% (P = 0.026) and 26.2% (P = 0.004) in the liver of Gin-supplemented pigs vs. control, respectively, whereas pyruvate kinase (PK) activity decreased by 29.1% (P = 0.001). The gene expression of PK in the liver decreased by 66.1% (P = 0.034) by Gin treatment for 30 d. No differences were observed for the mRNA abundance of mammalian target of rapamycin and PPARγ. On the basis of these data, Gin treatment affected carbohydrate, lipid, and AA metabolism in the whole body of the early weaned piglets. These findings provide insight into specific metabolic pathways and lay the groundwork for the complex metabolic alteration in response to dietary Gln supplementation of pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nature of pathogenic mechanisms associated with the development of multiple sclerosis ( MS) have long been debated. However, limited research was conducted to define the interplay between infiltrating lymphocytes and resident cells of the central nervous system ( CNS). Data presented in this report describe a novel role for astrocyte-mediated alterations to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein ( MOG)35-55-specific lymphocyte responses, elicited during the development of experimental autoimmune encephalitomyelitis ( EAE). In-vitro studies demonstrated that astrocytes inhibited the proliferation and interferon ( IFN)-γ, interleukin ( IL)-4, IL-17 and transforming growth factor ( TGF)-β secretion levels of MOG35-55-specific lymphocytes, an effect that could be ameliorated by astrocyte IL-27 neutralization. However, when astrocytes were pretreated with IFN-γ, they could promote the proliferation and secretion levels of MOG35-55-specific lymphocytes, coinciding with apparent expression of major histocompatibility complex ( MHC)-II on astrocytes themselves. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q PCR) demonstrated that production of IL-27 in the spinal cord was at its highest during the initial phases. Conversely, production of IFN-γ in the spinal cord was highest during the peak phase. Quantitative analysis of MHC-II expression in the spinal cord showed that there was a positive correlation between MHC-II expression and IFN-γ production. In addition, astrocyte MHC-II expression levels correlated positively with IFN-γ production in the spinal cord. These findings suggested that astrocytes might function as both inhibitors and promoters of EAE. Astrocytes prevented MOG35-55-specific lymphocyte function by secreting IL-27 during the initial phases of EAE. Then, in the presence of higher IFN-γ levels in the spinal cord, astrocytes were converted into antigen-presenting cells. This conversion might promote the progression of pathological damage and result in a peak of EAE severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY In this article, we reviewed our experience of treatment of cervical esophageal perforation caused by foreign bodies. Between 1980 and 2010, 42 patients were included in this study. There were 18 women and 24 men with a median age of 54 years. We divided the patients into three groups: the patients whose foreign bodies could not be extracted by otolaryngologists using endoscope ( n= 7), the patients who had some signs of abscess formation but the foreign bodies had been extracted using endoscope ( n= 25), and the patients who had no signs of abscess formation and the foreign bodies had been extracted ( n= 10). We treated the patients of the three groups with surgical treatment, drainage alone, and conservative treatment, respectively. The outcome of the current series was favorable. Our experience suggested that most of the cases can be treated conservatively or by drainage alone. If the foreign bodies of the esophagus could not be extracted using endoscope, surgical treatment including the removal of the foreign bodies, primary repair, and drainage should be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Regular alcohol drinking contributes both favourably and adversely to health in the Western populations, but its effects on overall and cause-specific mortality in China are still poorly understood.Methods: A nationally representative prospective cohort study included 220,000 men aged 40-79 years from 45 areas in China in 1990-91, and >40,000 deaths occurred during 15 years of follow-up. Cox regression was used to relate alcohol drinking to overall and cause-specific mortality, adjusting for age, area, smoking and education.Results: Overall, 33% of the participants reported drinking alcohol regularly at baseline, consuming mainly distilled spirits, with an estimated mean amount consumed of 372 g/week (46.5 units per week). After excluding all men with prior disease at baseline and the first 3 years of follow-up, there was a 5% [95% confidence interval (CI) 2-8] excess risk of overall mortality among regular drinkers. Compared with non-drinkers, the adjusted hazard ratios among men who drank <140, 140-279, 280-419, 420-699 and ≥ 700 g/week were 0.97, 1.00, 1.02, 1.12 and 1.27, respectively (P < 0.0001 for trend). The strength of the relationship appeared to be greater in smokers than in non-smokers. There was a strong positive association of alcohol drinking with mortality from stroke, oesophageal cancer, liver cirrhosis or accidental causes, a weak J-shaped association with mortality from ischaemic heart disease, stomach cancer and lung cancer and no apparent relationship with respiratory disease mortality.Conclusion: Among Chinese men aged 40-79 years, regular alcohol drinking was associated with a small but definite excess risk of overall mortality, especially among smokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In China, there have been few large prospective studies of the associations of body mass index (BMI) with overall and cause-specific mortality that have simultaneously controlled for biases that can be caused by pre-existing disease and smoking.Methods: Prospective cohort study of 224 064 men, of whom 40 700 died during follow-up between 1990-91 and 2006. Analyses restricted to 142 214 men aged 40-79 years at baseline with no disease history and, to further reduce bias from pre-existing disease, at least 5 years of subsequent follow-up, leaving 17 800 deaths [including 4165 stroke, 1297 coronary heart disease (CHD), 3121 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)]. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) per 5 kg/m(2) calculated within either a lower (15 to <23.5 kg/m(2)) or higher (23.5 to <35 kg/m(2)) range.Results: The association between BMI and all-cause mortality was U-shaped with the lowest mortality at ∼22.5-25 kg/m(2). In the lower range, 5 kg/m(2) higher BMI was associated with 14% lower mortality (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.82-0.91); in the upper range, it was associated with 27% higher mortality (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.15-1.40). The absolute excess mortality in the lower range was largely accounted for by excess mortality from specific smoking-related diseases: 54% by that for COPD, 12% other respiratory disease, 13% lung cancer, 11% stomach cancer. The excess mortality in the upper BMI range was largely accounted for by excess mortality from specific vascular diseases: 55% by that for stroke, 16% CHD. In this range, 5 kg/m(2) higher BMI was associated with ∼50% higher mortality from stroke (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.36-1.92) and CHD (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.12-1.95).Conclusions: For China, previous evidence may have overestimated the excess mortality at low BMI but underestimated that at high BMI. The main way obesity kills in China appears to be stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of extracellular CLA on proliferation and differentiation of cultured adipocytes and its dietary supplementation on backfat and intramuscular fat deposition in finishing pigs. Seven–day–old Duroc x Landrace x Large White pigs were killed to obtain adipocytes for culture. Adding 3 forms of CLA (cis–9, trans–li CLA, trans–lU, cis–12 CLA, or CLA mixture) at concentrations of 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, and 400 μM to culture medium for 10 d increased cell differentiation (P < 0.05). In addition, 3 forms of CLA enhanced cell proliferation (P < 0.05) at 50 to 350 μM and inhibited cell proliferation (P < 0.05) at a concentration of 400 μM. Seventy–two Duroc x Landrace x Large White crossbred gilts weighing 60.7 + 2.8 kg were randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 dietary treatments (control, 1.25% CLA, and 2.5% CLA). The pigs were slaughtered at 100.0 ± 5.7 kg. Dietary CLA increased lean percentage (3.5 to 4.7%; P = 0.07), intramuscular fat content (P < 0.05), and shear force (P < 0.05), but reduced 10thand first–rib backfat depth (P ◀ 0.05) and lipid oxidation (P < 0.05). The adipocyte diameter in backfat or LM was not affected by CLA. Supplemented CLA reduced ▵9–desaturase activity (P < 0.05) in backfat and LM, as well as fatty acid synthetase activity and lipoprotein lipase activity in backfat, but enhanced (P < 0.05) adipocyte fatty acid binding protein mRNA content in LM. These data indicate that dietary CLA regulates fat deposition by affecting adipocyte proliferation, adipocyte differentiation, gene expression, and key metabolic enzymes of lipid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the maintenance of retest learning benefits in young old and oldest old adults over an 8-month period in 3 cognitive abilities: reasoning, perceptual-motor speed, and visual attention. Twenty-four young old (aged 70-79 years, M = 74.2) and 23 oldest old adults (aged 80-90 years, M = 83.6) who participated in a previously published study (Yang, L., Krampe, R. T., & Baltes, P. B. [2006]. Basic forms of cognitive plasticity extended into the oldest-old: Retest learning, age, and cognitive functioning. Psychology and Aging, 21, 372-378) returned after an 8-month delay to complete 2 follow-up retest sessions. The results demonstrated that both young old and oldest old groups maintained about 50% of the original retest learning benefits. This extends the earlier findings of substantial long-term cognitive training maintenance in young old adults to a context of retest learning with oldest old adults, and thus portrays a positive message for cognitive plasticity of the oldest old. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated retest learning (i.e., performance improvement through retest practice) in the absence of item-specific effects (i.e., learning through memorizing or becoming familiar with specific items) with older adults. Thirty-one older adults (ages 60-82 years, M = 71.10, SD = 6.27) participated in an eight-session self-guided retest program. To eliminate item-specific effects, parallel versions of representative psychometric measures for Inductive Reasoning, Perceptual Speed, and Visual Attention were developed and administered across retest sessions. The results showed substantial non-item-specific retest learning, even controlling for anxiety, suggesting that retest learning in older adults can occur at a more conceptual level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esophageal leiomyoma can be enucleated safely and effectively by minimally invasive surgery. The laparoscopic approach has been a conventional option for this kind of tumor located near or at the esophagogastric (EG) junction. The aims of this study were to evaluate the surgical outcome of thoracoscopic resection of leiomyoma at the EG junction, and discuss factors affecting the incidence of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux. Fourteen patients who underwent thoracoscopic resection of esophageal leiomyoma located near or at the EG junction (<4 cm above the esophageal hiatus) from January 2002 to August 2007 were reviewed retrospectively. Tumor characteristics, surgical methods, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. A left approach of video-assisted thoracoscopy was used in 13 patients; a right approach was used for the other patient, whose multiple tumors were located in the EG junction and mid-esophagus. Postoperative recovery was uneventful in all patients, with no mucosa leakage or other significant complications. Mean tumor size was 3.2 cm (1.2–6.0 cm). Of the 14 patients, two had serpiginous leiomyoma, two had multiple tumors, and the others had solitary tumors. Mean postoperative stay in hospital was 7 days (4–11 days). Postoperative dysphagia was not reported, although gastroesophageal reflux was noted in one patient. Thoracoscopic resection of esophageal leiomyomas near or at the EG junction is feasible, with a low prevalence of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The bacterial diversity in a sequencing batch biofilm reactor (SBBR) treating landfill leachate was studied to explain the mechanism of nitrogen removal. Methods and Results: The total microbial DNA was extracted from samples collected from landfill leachate and biofilm of the reactor with the removal efficiencies of NH4+-N higher than 97% and that of chemical oxygen demand (determined by K2Cr2O7, CODCr) higher than 86%. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) fingerprints based on total community 16S rRNA genes were analyzed with statistical methods, and excised DNA bands were sequenced. The results of phylogenetic analyses revealed high diversity within the SBBR biofilm community, and DGGE banding patterns showed that the community structure in the biofilm remained stable during the running period. Conclusions: A coexistence of nitrifiers, including ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria, denitrifiers, including aerobic or anaerobic denitrifying bacteria and Anammox bacteria were detected, which might be the real matter of high removal efficiencies of NH4+-N and CODCr in the reactor. Significance and Impact of the Study: The findings in this study indicated that PCR-DGGE analysis could be used for microbial community detection as prior method, and the SBBR technique could provide preferable growing environment for bacteria with N removal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and merits of 80 W potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser prostatectomy in men with high cardiovascular or pulmonary risk, receiving oral anticoagulant medication, or with bleeding disorders. Methods: A prospective clinical trial was performed in 128 high-risk men with benign prostatic hyperplasia who underwent photoselective vaporisation of the prostate (PVP). The operation time, postoperative serum sodium and packed cell volume were recorded. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximal flow rate (Omax) and post-void residual urine volume (PVR) were measured at every follow-up visit. Results: In all patients, KTP laser prostatectomy was performed successfully. The mean (SD) operation time was 51.6 (22.8) mm. No blood transfusions were required. No major complications occurred during surgery, and there was no mortality. The mean (SD) catheterisation time was 2.8 (1.6) days. IPSS decreased from 19.2 (6.1 (before surgery to 11.5(8.2), 7.8 (6.4), 6.7 (5.3) and 6.1 (4.6), respectively, at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after. Qmax increased from 7.0 (2.8) mI/s to 14.5 (9.3), 20.2 (11.5), 21.3 (8.6) and 24.8 (8.0) ml/s, respectively. PVR decreased from 168 (89) ml to 35(29), 30 (26), 27(21) and 23(34) ml, respectively. Conclusions: 80 W KTP laser prostatectomy is a virtually bloodless, safe and effective procedure for men with high cardiovascular or pulmonary risk or bleeding disorders or taking oral anticoagulant medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Despite numerous advances in anesthesia, surgical techniques, and postoperative care for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) still account for postoperative morbidity. OBJECTIVE: To determine current risk factors for PPCs in CABG surgery patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort design was used. Health records were reviewed for patients (n=315) who had CABG surgery at a large quaternary healthcare center over a 4 month period. Pre-, peri-, and postoperative risk factors for PPCs were recorded as binary variables. Data were further assessed according to PPCs and non-PPCs using logistic regression models. RESULTS: PPCs occurred in 99.4% of this CABG surgical cohort. Atelectasis, pleural effusion, atelectasis with pleural effusion, and pneumonia were the most frequent PPCs post CABG surgery. Age >65 years, diabetes, and ASA classification >3 were found to be related to the presence of atelectasis. No significant risk factors were related to the development of pleural effusion or atelectasis with pleural effusion. Postoperative pneumonia was associated with previous myocardial infarction, ventilation >10 h, and hospital stay >5 days. History of bronchitis and COPD were related to postoperative pneumothorax; history of heart failure, COPD, and other lung diseases were related to postoperative pulmonary edema. CONCLUSION: These findings contribute to the understanding of PPCs in post-CABG surgery patients and assist in identification of patients at risk for developing PPCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]