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In the past few years, the prediction models have shown remarkable performance in most biological correlation prediction tasks. These tasks traditionally use a fixed dataset, and the model, once trained, is deployed as is. These models often encounter training issues such as sensitivity to hyperparameter tuning and "catastrophic forgetting" when adding new data. However, with the development of biomedicine and the accumulation of biological data, new predictive models are required to face the challenge of adapting to change. To this end, we propose a computational approach based on Broad learning system (BLS) to predict potential disease-associated miRNAs that retain the ability to distinguish prior training associations when new data need to be adapted. In particular, we are introducing incremental learning to the field of biological association prediction for the first time and proposed a new method for quantifying sequence similarity. In the performance evaluation, the AUC in the 5-fold cross-validation was 0.9400 +/- 0.0041. To better assess the effectiveness of MISSIM, we compared it with various classifiers and former prediction models. Its performance is superior to the previous method. Besides, the case study on identifying miRNAs associated with breast neoplasms, lung neoplasms and esophageal neoplasms show that 34, 36 and 35 out of the top 40 associations predicted by MISSIM are confirmed by recent biomedical resources. These results provide ample convincing evidence of this approach have potential value and prospect in promoting biomedical research productivity.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text., Phosphoglycerate mutase (PGAM) is a critical enzyme in glycolysis. PGAM2 is abundant in several types of tissues and malignant tumours. However, there is limited information regarding their clinicopathological significance in dysplastic nodules and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aims to investigate the prognostic value of PGAM2 as a new biomarker for HCC. The PGAM2 expression level was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in liver cirrhosis (n = 10), low-grade dysplastic nodules (n = 15), high-grade dysplastic nodules (n = 15) and HCCs (n = 20) and 178 pairs of HCC and adjacent peritumoral liver tissues. We selected X-tile software for counting cut-point based on the outcomes for prognosis analysis, and used Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox regression analysis can assess the prognosis of clinicopathologic parameters. Nuclear PGAM2 was significantly overexpressed in peritumoral liver tissues compared with HCC tissues (P = 0.0010). Kaplan–Meier analyses of 178 HCC samples revealed that nuclear PGAM2’s high expression level, but not cytoplasmic PGAM2, was significantly related to good overall survival rate (OS). In addition, univariate and multivariate Cox analyses indicated nuclear PGAM2 expression could be regarded as valuable predictors for OS in HCC. PGAM2 was highly expressed in HCC tissues than liver cirrhosis tissues, and nuclear PGAM2’s high expression might demonstrate HCC patients have poor postoperative results. Thus, nuclear PGAM2 can be regarded as valuable predictors for OS in HCC patients after surgery.

Objectives: Procalcitonin (PCT) has long been proved as an early diagnostic signal for postoperative outcomes. The purpose of this study is to explore the value of serum procalcitonin levels in predicting post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF), and further to declarethe relationship between postoperative PCT and short-term prognosis in patients after hepatectomy.Methods: Clinical data of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent hepatectomy from June 1st, 2019 to September 31st, 2020 at Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital had been retrospectively analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors related to PHLF. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the PHLF rate and 30-day survival after surgery.Results: A total of 885 patients with complete data were finally included in analysis, 311 of them with elevated serum PCT (≥1 ng/ml). Results of the logistic regression analysis suggested a significant association between PCT and PHLF [HR, 95%CI; 3.801 (1.825, 7.917), p < 0.001]. Other significant risk factors for PHLF included portal hypertension, portal blocking time (>30 min) and blood transfusion (>200 ml). Kaplan-Meier analysis also suggested a higher PHLF rate in elevated PCT patients [9.0% (95% CI, 7.3 to 12.8 VS. 1.9% (95% CI, 1.1–4.3)); p < 0.001]. For secondary outcomes, elevated PCT was also highly associated with postoperative sepsis, ICU admission, 30-day mortality and 3-month mortality.Conclusion: Elevated procalcitonin level in patients after hepatectomy is related to higher PHLF rate, with lower 30-day survival and poor short-term postoperative outcomes.

Background The Woman’s Condom, a newly designed condom for women, has obtained market approval in China, but it remains relatively unfamiliar to the migrant population. The aim of this study is to evaluate the short-term acceptability of the Woman’s Condom and influencing factors among internal migrants. Methods A longitudinal study was conducted among 1800 migrants in Beijing, Chongqing, and Shanghai in China between August 2013 and August 2014.Three-level model was implemented with the Statistical Analysis System software (v.9.4 SAS Institute) to analyze within-individual changes, between-individuals effects, and between-group effects. Results Three-level model analysis revealed statistically higher short-term acceptability of the Woman’s Condom among subjects who lived in Shanghai (β = 6.50, t = 2.76, p β = 3.05, t = 2.76, p β = − 1.69, t = − 7.55, p β = − 2.30, t = − 1.94, p = 0.05) were negatively related, while occupations of education, health, and civil staff (β = 1.50, t = 2.92, p β = 1.09, t = 5.54, p Conclusions The findings indicate that the Woman’s Condom enjoyed relatively high short-term acceptability among migrants in China. In order to popularize the Women’s Condoms in migrants, more publicity, consultation and training in open and prosperous areas should be strengthened.

Background: Domestic migrant populations are highly mobilized at a sexually active age, and often fail to meet their needs for contraception. Moreover, they assume sexual and reproductive health (SRH) risks and utilize fewer family planning services. Method: A quasi-experimental trial (community intervention) was adopted. Two-stage stratified cluster sampling was applied to recruit participants in Beijing and Chongqing. A comprehensive SRH/family planning intervention was implemented from August 4 2014 to August 3 2015. Propensity score matching (PSM) and multivariate probit models were adopted. Results: In total, 2100 and 2024 eligible participants were involved, and 815 and 629 pairs were matched by PSM in Beijing and Chongqing, respectively. The knowledge and attitudes of the participants regarding SRH and contraception were significantly improved through the comprehensive intervention. Reversible contraceptive methods were the most prevalent, couples largely decided to utilize condoms and family planning services. Conclusions: The comprehensive intervention had positive effects on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) for SRH/family planning among the domestic migrant population. The results acquired can be extrapolated to some extent, and the pattern of this intervention is well geared toward other similar settings in China.

Background Sexual frequency is associated with the quality of life. China’s internal migrants that are sexually active are more likely to participate in sexual behavior. However, less work has been undertaken to assess the sexual frequency and its predictors in migrants. Aim This study seeks to explore which factors were related to sexual frequency in migrants and how the association varies with different levels of sexual frequency. Methods A total of 10,834 men and 4,928 women aged 20–49 years from 5 cities in China were enrolled by multi-stage sampling during August 2013–August 2015. Outcomes Sexual frequency among migrants was determined by asking: How many times have you had sexual intercourse with a man/woman in the past 30 days? Results In this study, sexual frequency with an average age of 38.28 years was 5.06 (95% CI 5.01–5.11) time per month. Negative binomial showed that male gender, younger age, earlier age of sexual debut, masturbation, more knowledge of sexual and reproductive health, longer time together with a spouse, and higher school education and incomes were predictors of increased sexual frequency in migrants. Communicating with sexual partners frequently had the largest effect on sexual frequency compared with occasional communicating (β = 0.2419, incidence rate ratio = 1.27, 95% CI 1.23–1.31). In the quantile regression, months of cohabitation (β = 0.0999, 95% CI 0.08–0.12), frequent sexual communication (β = 0.4534, 95% CI 0.39–0.52), and masturbation (β = 0.2168, 95% CI 0.14–0.30) were positively related to lower levels of sexual frequency. Interestingly, migrants who had low and high sexual frequency would be affected in opposite directions by the knowledge of sexual and reproductive health. Clinical Translation Clinicians can more understand the relationship between sexual frequency and its factors that can as the symptom basis of sexually-related diseases. Conclusions The present findings indicate that specific demographic, socioeconomic, and epidemiological characteristics influenced sexual frequency among migrants. Sexual communication as the largest effect predictor to sexual frequency should be paid more attention to, to improve sexual activity of migrants.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) share common risk factors. We assessed renal function and the prevalence of CKD in patients with PAD and investigated the characteristics of the risk factors for CKD in this population. Renal function of 421 patients with PAD was evaluated. Among the participants, 194 (46.1%) patients had decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The prevalence of CKD was much higher among patients with PAD. Hypertension (odds ratios [ORs] 2.156, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.413-3.289, P < .001), serum uric acid (OR 3.794, 95% CI 2.220-6.450, P < .001), and dyslipidemia (OR 1.755, 95% CI 1.123-2.745, P = .014) were significantly associated with CKD and the independent risk factors for CKD in patients with PAD. CKD is common and has a high prevalence in a population with PAD. Patients with PAD may be considered as a high-risk population for CKD. Recognition and modification of risk factors for CKD might beneficially decrease CKD incidence and improve prognosis in patients with PAD.

Background Genital tract infections with ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) and chlamydia trachomatis (CT) are the most frequent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The aim of this study is to understand the prevalence of UU and CT among general internal married migrants and to explore some possible influencing factors, so as to provide some evidences for STIs prevention in China. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in three cities of China from March 2016 to February 2017. A total of 3180 internal-married migrants were included. The structured questionnaire survey, gynecological or andrology examination and laboratory detection were conducted by the trained research fellow s. The prevalence of UU and CT was laboratory-confirmed in this study. Results The prevalence of laboratory-confirmed UU and CT were 45.41%, 5.75%, respectively. The co-infection rate was 4.09%. The rates of UU and CT of Shanghai participants (54.01%, 7.35%) were the highest, and the lowest were that of Yinchuan (37.74%, 4.52%). In Urumqi, the prevalence of UU and CT were 44.77%, 5.42%, respectively, but it has the highest co-infection rate. The multiple stepwise logistic regressions found that the prevalence of UU among three cities were different, and the male’s UU infection was lower than that of women (OR=0.71, 95%CI:0.61-0.83), and the 20-34 age group participants had lower UU and CT risk, compared with that of 45-49 age group. Moreover, the white-collar workers had lower risk of UU infection (OR=0.64, 95%CI: 0.49-0.83), compared with laborer, and using condom could reduce the UU infection (OR=0.74, 95%CI: 0.63-0.87). Compared with urban migrants, the rural participants had higher risk of CT infection (OR=1.68, 95%CI: 1.12-2.52), and sex behavior during menstruation could increase the prevalence of CT (OR=1.49, 95%CI: 1.05-2.11). Conclusion The prevalence of UU and CT were high and the co-infection was also serious among general internal married migrants. More health promotion measures about UU and CT should be taken to help general migrants of China, especially women and those with lower social-economic status (laborers from rural area), risky sexual behaviors such as having sex during menstruation should be warned of and condom-use should be promoted.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in the development and progression of various diseases. However, traditional experimental approaches are difficult to detect potential human miRNA-disease associations from the vast amount of biological data. Therefore, computational techniques could be of significant value. In this work, we proposed a miRNA sequence similarity calculation model (MISSIM) to large-scale predict miRNA-disease associations by combined Chaos Game Representation (CGR) with Broad Learning System (BLS). In the five-cross-validation experiment, MISSIM achieved ACC of 0.8424 on the HMDD.

Migraine is a disabling neurovascular disorder, which increases risk of cardiovascular events and is a social burden worldwide. The present first-line anti-migraine medications can cause overwhelming side-effects, of which one includes the onset of cardiovascular disease. As one of the marketed Tibetan drugs, Ru-yi-Zhen-bao Pills (RYZBP) have been clinically used to treat cardiovascular disorders and as anti-migraine medication. However, there is currently no research exploring the anti-migraine actions of RYZBP.The current research was designed to assess the anti-migraine roles of RYZBP and explore the underlying mechanisms in a nitroglycerin (NTG)-induced migraine rat model trial.120 rats were randomly divided into the following six groups of 20 rats each: normal control group, model control group, positive control group, and RYZBP high/medium/low-dose groups (Ru-yi-Zhen-bao Pills; TH 1.00 g/kg, TM 0.50 g/kg and TL 0.25 g/kg). All rats were administered intragastrically for 7 consecutive days, which were subcutaneously injected with the NTG (10 mg/kg) after the last gavage (except in the normal control group). 3min after NTG treatment, 30 rats (5 rats from each group) were anesthetized and devoted to electroencephalogram(EEG) testing, which was used to evaluate the analgesic effect of RYZBP. One hour after NTG treatment, the rest of the 90 rats (15 rats from each group) were anesthetized and midbrain tissue sample was dissected. The dissection was then washed with physiological saline and collected. The histopathological changes in the periaqueductal gray(PAG) of 5 tissue samples were determined by aematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, as well as an estimation of substance P (SP) and neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) expression through immunohistochemically staining(IHC). Another 5 midbrain preparations were carried out to evaluate calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), proenkephalin (PENK), SP, and cholecystokinin (CCK) expressions by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The rest of the 5 brainstem tissues were then used to measure CCK, CGRP, and opioid peptide receptor (DORR) levels by western blotting(WB).In the EEG test, RYZBP (TM 0.50 g / kg) treatment transformed the EEG pain-wave of the NTG-induced migraine model rats in different time period. In the mechanism assay, compared with the model control group, RYZBP pretreatment reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, fibrosis and vacuolation of neuronal cells of PAG tissue seen by HE staining. IHC experiments further showed that RYZBPTM up-regulated SP expression levels and enhanced NK1R levels in the NTG-induced migraine rats (P 0.05). Therapeutic administration of RYZBP also increased PENK mRNA expression and DORR protein level. Both RT-qPCR and western blotting trials indicated that RYZBP treatment significantly decreased CCK and CGRP expression levels (P 0.01 or P 0.05) in the NTG-induced migraine rats.RYZBP has the potential to be an effective anti-migraine treatment through suppressing the EEG pain-wave, increasing the levels of SP, PENK, DORR and reducing expression of CCK and CGRP. Mediating the PAG anti-nociceptive channel and inhibiting central sensitization were the two potential mechanisms, which offers further evidence for clinical therapy.

Objective To discover critical genes contributing to the stemness and maintenance of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and provide new insights into the function of the leucine-rich repeat (LRR) family member Lrrc34 (leucine-rich repeat-containing 34) in SSCs from mice. Methods Bioinformatic methods, including differentially expressed gene (DEG), gene ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses, were used to uncover latent pluripotency-related genes. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence analyses were utilized to verify the mRNA and protein expression levels, respectively. RNA interference of Lrrc34 using siRNA was performed to detect its transient impact on SSCs. Results Eight DEGs between ID4-EGFP+ (G) and ID4-EGFP+/TSPAN8High (TH), eight DEGs between G and ID4-EGFP+/TSPAN8Low (TL) and eleven DEGs between TH and TL were discovered, and eleven protein-protein interaction (PPI) modules were found to be significant in the PPI network of DEGs. One of the DEGs, Lrrc34, was selected as a potential pluripotency-related gene due to its differential expression among ID4-EGFP+ spermatogonia subsets and its interaction with fibroblast growth factor 2 in the fifth module. Immunofluorescence experiments exhibited specific expression of Lrrc34 in a subpopulation of undifferentiated spermatogonia marked by LIN28A, and RT-PCR experiments confirmed the high expression of Lrrc34 in SSCs from P7 and adult mice. The transient knockdown of Lrrc34 in SSCs resulted in reduced colony sizes and significant changes in the transcriptome and apoptotic pathways. Conclusion Lrrc34 is highly expressed in mouse SSCs and is required for SSC proliferation in vitro through effects on transcriptome and signaling transduction pathways.

ObjectiveWith the increased population mobility and the transition in population policy, scholars are quite concerned about family planning/sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and related factors among internal migrant population of reproductive age. Therefore, the proposed study was designed to explore the association between factors related to family planning/SRH and contraceptive use as well as consistent condom use among the above-described population in China.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingThree municipalities in China, namely Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing.ParticipantsAmong the 6545 participants, 2099, 2414 and 2031 subjects came from Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing, respectively.ResultsA total of 6545 eligible participants were included as the full sample, 6188 of whom who had intercourse in the last 3 months were selected as the subsample. Among the subsample, 80.88% (5005/6188) adopted any form of contraceptive methods and 49.14% (3041/6188) consistently used condom in the last three sexual intercourses. Meanwhile, the involved participants had a better mastery of knowledge on SRH than on contraception (pConclusionsIn the current study, we revealed a high-level contraceptive prevalence, a relatively low-level consistent condom use and a poor mastery of knowledge on contraception and SRH. The Heckprobit selection model specified the existence of selection bias, providing evidence on the association between the factors on family planning/SRH and contraceptive use as well as consistent condom use, respectively. Our findings indicated that health institutions should offer appropriate technology and high-quality family planning/SRH services for the internal migrant population in China.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between gastrointestinal dysfunction (GD) and cirrhosis severity in cirrhotic patients, to provide evidences for the prevention and treatment of GD in cirrhotic patients. A total of 95 cirrhotic inpatients and outpatients, who were treated in the Department of Gastroenterology of Xinqu Hospital of the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, were enrolled in the present study, and assigned as the experimental group (cirrhosis group). According to Child–Pugh classification, these patients were divided into 3 groups: group A (n = 45), group B (n = 23), and group C (n = 27). Forty healthy adults who received health check-ups during the same period served as the control group. The gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms of cirrhotic patients were scored, and the fasting serum gastrin (GAS), motilin (MTL), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) levels were measured in all subjects. The potential correlations of GI symptom scores of patients in these cirrhosis groups with GI hormone levels and cirrhosis severity were analyzed. In cirrhotic patients, the GI symptom scores significantly increased. Furthermore, the symptom scores gradually increased along with the aggravation of liver damage. Moreover, serum GAS and VIP levels were significantly higher in the cirrhosis groups than in the control group, whereas MTL levels were significantly lower. These changes were significantly correlated with cirrhosis severity. The linear correlation analysis revealed that the GI symptom score was positively correlated with GAS and VIP levels, and negatively correlated with MTL level. In addition, the linear correlation analysis revealed that GI symptom score and GAS and VIP levels were positively correlated with cirrhosis severity, whereas MTL level was negatively correlated with cirrhosis severity. Cirrhotic patients have more obvious GI symptoms and higher GI hormone levels, which are closely correlated with the progression of liver cirrhosis and the degree of liver function damage.

Measuring grounding resistance is the only basis to judge the grounding of electrical equipment is good or not. Aim at the trouble on retracting and releasing of the current lead wire and voltage lead wire;the insecure connection Lead wire and grounding resistance tramegger、grounding crooked chisel and so on;The hectic trouble such as placing or picking the grounding resistance testing equipment, we developed the integrational measurement device of grounding resistance. It mainly introduces the structure and design principle of the device, and provides the related technical essentials. Combined with the actual application,and demonstrates its convenience and flexibility by the force of contrast; Through the case analysis, fully demonstrates the device is feasible、creative and rationality.

Starter is an important component of auto engine, its service life can be reflected by the durability test. According to the running conditions, requirements of the starter durability test were analyzed. So, an electrical control test system based CP1H PLC was established. The system includes PC monitor module achieved by configuration software, control module build by Omron CP1H PLC and actuator module with four engine test rigs. Then, the PLC hardware circuit was designed and the flow of control program was given. The test system has characteristics of versatility, automated control and high testing precision.

Recent advances in vitrification technology have markedly improved the efficacy of oocyte cryopreservation in terms of oocyte survival and pregnancy, as well as live birth rates. However, there still remains room for improvement in terms of vitrification techniques.The remaining challenges include the development of a less cytotoxic vitrification solution and of a safe vitrification device in order to have vitrification techniques considered as a standard clinical laboratory procedure.A systematic electronic literature search strategy has been conducted using PubMed (Medline) databases with the use of the following key words: oocyte, vitrification, cryoprotectant, preservation, pregnancy, and live birth. A list of published papers focused on the improvement of vitrification techniques to have the vitrification protocol standardized have been evaluated in full text for this review. Only key references were cited.Vitrification technology has made significant advancements and holds great promise, but many issues remains to be addressed before it becomes a standardized procedure in clinical laboratories such as the fact that oocyte vitrification may not require a high concentration of cryoprotectant in the vitrification solution when it has a suitable cooling and warming rate. There is also no consistent evidence that indicates the absence of risk to the vitrified oocytes when they are stored for a prolonged period of time in direct-contact with liquid nitrogen. The long-term development of infants born as a result of this technology equally remains to be evaluated.

Objective: Our aim was to assess the changes in induced abortion in different migrant groups in China between 2007 and 2014 and the contraceptive methods used prior to induced abortion. Methods: The studies of two population-based cross sections were conducted in urban China, involving 9146 sexually active migrant women. Within the selected sociodemographic subgroups, the changes in the percentage of women who had induced abortions, the proportion of pregnancies ending in induced abortions, the causes of induced abortions, and the methods of contraception were identified. A chi-squared test was used to calculate the differences in induced abortion in the subgroups. Results: Between 2007 and 2014, in the study groups from the major cities of China, the percentage of sexually active migrant women who had induced abortions increased 10.1%, from 21.8% to 24.0%. The proportion of pregnancies ending in induced abortions increased 23.7%, from 21.5% to 26.6%. Both of the aforementioned statistics increased significantly within most of the selected sociodemographic subgroups, especially in the 18&ndash, 19 and 45&ndash, 49 age groups. Over 50% of pregnancies were aborted in the cohabiting group, although this figure declined by 12.3% over the course of the seven-year study period. Contraceptive failure was the primary cause of induced abortion, although its contribution to induced abortion declined from 51.3% to 42.4%. The proportion of women not using contraception prior to induced abortion increased from 30.9% to 41.2%. Conclusion: The prevalence of induced abortion is high and continues to increase among sexually active migrant women in China. An increasing trend is forecasted over the next few decades. Special attention should be paid to the younger cohort of migrant women, especially 18&ndash, 19-year-olds, and unmarried cohabitants, who are increasingly seeking induced abortions.

This study attempted to explore how informed choice on contraceptive methods influenced induced abortions among reproductive-age immigrant women in China. A total of 3230 participants were recruited in Beijing, Shanghai, and Chongqing. Information on informed choice was collected by questionnaires. The annual incidence rate (spells) of induced abortions was 0.46 (1500/3230) among the participants. The sequence from the highest score to the lowest was long-term, short-term and natural contraceptive methods (p < 0.0001). Significant differences of rates in induced abortions were found in region, occupation, length of the first immigration up to now (year), purpose for immigration, number of children, marital status, sex preference, contraceptive methods, deciders of contraceptive methods and side effects. In the zero-inflated negative binomial model, the joint impacts showed when a participant with one child employed condoms or family planning service providers as the deciders of contraceptive methods introduced intrauterine devices, the occurrence of induced abortions was more likely to be reduced. Women who underwent side effects using pills were more likely to have had induced abortions.

In this paper, active disturbance rejection control method is used to implement the steering angle following control of steer-by-wire system for the simplification of controller designing. The dynamic model of steering performing system is established, and then a second order active disturbance rejection controller is designed to control the steering angle. On the electric vehicle with steer-by-wire system, the angle following test of steering performing system is carried out under the control of the second order active disturbance rejection controller. The results show that the designed active disturbance rejection controller can restrain the effect of system resistant force on the accuracy of angle following and meet the requirement of steer-by-wire system to the steering angle following function. At the same time, there isn’t necessary to get the accurate data of steering system and the design process of controller becomes simple with adopting active disturbance rejection control method.

The cables in 66 kV and 220 kV systems are used in single-phase style, and it must be grounded between the cables. The connection ways between different lengths of cables are in different ways, thus, it may occur influence to circuit parameters, especially to zero sequence impedance. In order to clarify the situation from theory analysis to calculate impedance under all kinds of connection modes, the paper gives an actual cable measured value, and introduces the correct measuring method, together, points out the matters needing attention in the measurement.

This study aims to investigate the gastrointestinal functions of patients with liver failure (LF) based on gastrointestinal dysfunction (GD) scores and serum gastrointestinal hormone levels. The GD in LF patients was scored using the gastrointestinal dysfunction scoring criteria. Serum gastrin (GAS), cholecystokinin (CCK), and motilin (MTL) levels were determined in LF patients. In addition, liver function and prothrombin activity were detected, and ultrasonography was performed. The GD score was significantly higher in the LF groups than in the control group. Compared with the control group, serum GAS, CCK, and MTL levels significantly increased in the LF groups, and was positively correlated with the severity of LF. Furthermore, in the LF groups, GD was positively correlated with the severity of LF. However, the GD score and serum GAS, CCK, and MTL levels in the acute LF group were not statistically different, when compared with those in the subacute LF group, acute-on-chronic LF group and chronic LF group. LF plays a key role in the development of GD, and may be the main cause of obvious gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting and anorexia, in LF patients. The severity of GD is not associated with LF type, but is positively correlated with the severity of LF, suggesting that GD in LF patients may have complicated mechanisms.

Animal experiments indicate that repeated exposure to ketamine adversely affects the developing brain. Whether it has the same effect on infants remains unclear. We recruited infants who were scheduled for 1 to 3 outpatient laser surgery treatments of benign facial growths with ketamine anesthesia. Patients were assigned to the Ket1, Ket2, or Ket3 group, according to the number of treatments. The Bayley Scales of Infant Development–Second Edition (BSID-II) was used to assess neurodevelopmental outcomes before the first and after the last therapy. Levels of S-100β were also measured. Bayley Scales of Infant Development–Second Edition scores after the last procedure were lower than those before the first surgery in the Ket3 group ( P < .05). S-100β levels after the last procedure were significantly higher than those before the first surgery in all groups ( P < .05). Our results suggest that 3 or more exposures to anesthetic ketamine have the potential to adversely affect neurodevelopment in infants.

Background: The commercial sexual behaviorual behavior maybe a high risk factor for STD/ HIV spread. To understand the commercial sexual behaviorual behavior and some potential influencing factors among migrants in Shanghai, Beijing, Chongqin, Chengdu, Shanxi and Hanzhou, we conducted this epidemiology survey. Methods: This study was an epidemiological cross-sectional survey that was conducted in Shanghai, Beijing, Chongqin, Chengdu, Shanxi and Hanzhou. During October 2011 to Feb. 2012, quantitative data was collected by the trained investigators using designed questionnaires through face to face anonymous in-depth questionnaire survey. Results: Total 783 migrants were enrolled in this study by multi-phrase sampling in 6 provinces and cities, 704 of whom had sexual behavior. The proportion of subjects who had commercial sexual behaviorual behavior was 4.60%. The results of uni-variate analysis showed that 8.20% of male subjects and 2.15% of women had commercial sexual behaviorual behavior. Multi-logistic regression showed that gender, sex partner for the first sexual lives were potential influencing factors of commercial sexual behaviorual behavior. Compared with men, women had lower commercial sexual behavior (OR=0.28, 95% CI: 0.13-0 .63). Those whose first sexual partner were not the spouse had slightly higher commercial sexual behavior (OR=2.26, 95%CI:0.91-5.65), but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.081). Conclusions: The commercial sexual behavior has played the "bridge" role on the spread of RE|TI/STD/HIV/AIDS from high-risk groups to the general population. Male migrants have higher risks of commercial sexual behavior, and those who had a non-spouse sex partners for the first time also had a higher commercial sexual behavior. To advocate safe sex and to reduce commercial sexual behavior, especially for male migrants should be put more emphasis on.

We realized a polarization-independent split-ratio-tunable optical beam splitter supporting two input and output ports through a stable interferometer. By adjusting the angle of a half-wave plate in the interferometer, we can tune the beam splitter reflectivities for both input ports from 0 to 1, regardless of the input light polarization. High-fidelity polarization-preserving transmission from input to output ports was verified by complete quantum process tomography. Nearly optimal interference effects at the beam splitter with various split ratios were observed by two-photon Hong-Ou-Mandel interference for different input polarization states. Such a beam splitter could find a variety of applications in classical and quantum optical technologies.

During in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment, most women require controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). COH with gonadotropins results in an increase in steroid hormonal levels; however, it is unclear what impact these high concentrations of steroid hormones have on cardiac heart function. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of high levels of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) during COH treatment on cardiac function in women undergoing IVF-ET. A total of 34 women with infertility due to tubal or male factors treated with COH and 28 women with normal menstrual cycles who underwent ovulation monitoring only were enrolled in this study. The serum levels of steroid hormones and the parameters of echocardiography at different time points during the natural menstrual cycles of the control group and the corresponding time points during COH treatment of the study group were compared. The independent sample with the t test, the paired sample with t test, χ(2) test, and Pearson correlation analysis were applied. The steroid hormonal levels were significantly different between natural menstrual cycles and COH treatment cycles. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) reached the highest level on day 7 after oocyte pickup; in contrast, ejection fraction (LVEF) was the lowest level on the same day. On day 16 after ET, E2 and P levels were maintained in the pregnant women in the study group; however, the levels of those hormones returned to those of a natural menstrual cycle in non-pregnant women. The parameters of LVEF and LVEDV significantly correlated with E2 concentrations. High levels of E2 during COH treatment may temporarily affect cardiac function, suggesting that COH intervention is relatively safe; however, a certain level of risk might exist.

A 16bit audio ΣΔ modulator is designed, with only 360µw power dissipation under 0.9V supply. A feedforward third-order single loop architecture is adopted to decrease the power dissipation. A novel double-boost switch is proposed in the design to decrease the on-resistance. A low power class-AB operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) with proposed self-adapted bias circuit is applied in the modulator, which make OTA can tolerate higher common mode input voltage than that with traditional bias circuit. The modulator is designed and fabricated in SMIC 0.18µm 1P6M CMOS technology, with the core area of 0.46 mm2. The test results show that the modulator achieves SNR 91db in 22KHz audio bandwidth.

A continuous-time sigma-delta modulator with 12 bits of resolution over a signal bandwidth of 5 MHz is presented. The simulation results show that it consumes 20 mW from a 1.8 V power supply, utilizing SMIC 0.18-um CMOS process.

Background To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of the combined regimen (consisting of condoms and emergency contraception pills (ECP)) and using condoms only for the purpose of preventing pregnancy. Methods One-thousand-five-hundred-and-sixty-two (1,562) couples as volunteers enrolled at nine centers in Shanghai. Eight-hundred-and-twelve (812) were randomized to use male condoms and ECP (i.e., Levonorgestrel) as a back-up to condoms (the intervention group) and 750 to use male condoms only(the control group), according to their working unit. Participants were visited at admission and at the end of 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. The cumulative life table rates were calculated for pregnancy and other reasons for discontinuation. Result The gross cumulative life table rates showed that the cumulative discontinuation rates for all reasons during the year of follow-up in the condoms plus emergency contraception group and the condoms only group were 7.76 ± 0.94 and 6.61 ± 0.91, respectively, per 100 women (χ2 = 0.41, p = 0.5227). The cumulative gross pregnancy rate of the condoms plus emergency contraception group and the condoms only group were 2.17 ± 0.52 and 1.25 ± 0.41, respectively, per 100 women (χ2 = 1.93, p = 0.1645). The Pearl Index in the condoms plus emergency contraception group and the condoms only group were 2.21% and 1.26%, respectively. Conclusion Male condoms remain a highly effective contraceptive method for a period of one year while consistently and correctly used. In addition, the lowest pregnancy rate followed from perfect use condom.