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Juan Liu,1,2 Yan Wang,2 Xiao-Yang Shi,2 Xin-Yu Liu,3 Cai-Hong Cui,1 Liang Qin,1 Qi-Xuan Wei,1 Zong-Bao Niu4 1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, 071000, People’s Republic of China; 2College of Nursing, Hebei University, Baoding, 071000, People’s Republic of China; 3Planning and Finance Office, Veterans Affairs Bureau, Lianchi District, Baoding, 071000, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, 071000, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Yan Wang, College of Nursing, Hebei University, No. 342, Yuhua East Road, LianChi District, Baoding, Hebei, 071000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 13582292161, Email ywang_dr06@163.comObjective: The present study aims to analyze the current situation of scientific fitness literacy in nurses and provide a basis for all-round strategies for its improvement.Methods: Nurses in tertiary hospitals were conveniently selected as subjects in order to investigate the current situation regarding the scientific fitness literacy of nurses. The selection process was completed via the demographics questionnaire and the adult scale of scientific fitness literacy in sports medicine integration. As the minimum sample size was 5– 10 times the number of variables in the study of exploring influencing factors of related variables and using the equation , given 20% of invalid questionnaires, the sample size should be > 600 persons. The methods used for statistical analysis were descriptive statistical analysis and the t-test.Results: The scientific fitness literacy score in nurses was 110.81 ± 25.04 (relative value: 69.7%); this consisted of 50.85 ± 11.19 (73.7%) for scientific fitness knowledge dimension, 25.99 ± 5.35 (78.8%) for scientific fitness attitude dimension, and 33.97 ± 13.59 (59.6%) for scientific fitness behavior and skill dimension. The results of the independent sample t-test and analysis of variance showed that the differences in gender, education level, position, exercise habits, and balanced diet in daily life among nurses (regarding scientific fitness literacy) were statistically significant (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Nurses generally have an above-average level of scientific fitness literacy; this is mainly due to their good cognition and attitude regarding scientific fitness. However, their scientific fitness behaviors and skills are greatly inadequate. They are especially weak in completing WHO’s recommended amount of exercise, mastering the cores of sports skills, undergoing a professional assessment before exercise, and developing exercise plans.Keywords: sports medicine, nurses, scientific fitness, literacy, situation

Background: Cytochrome c oxidase (COX) is a crucial mitochondrial enzyme in the electron transport chain of plants, implicated in energy production and stress responses. Despite its importance, the function of COX in leguminous plants, especially under heavy metal stress like cadmium (Cd), remains understudied., Methods and Results: In this study, COX genes (COX s) were identified based on the genome annotation file in mung bean (Vigna radiata (Linn.) R. Wilczek), and the gene structure, physicochemical properties and systematic relationships of the relevant amino acid sequences were analyzed by using bioinformatics method. The effects of Cd on the transcription levels and activities of COX in mung bean roots, stems, and leaves were detected to understand the mechanism of COX in mung bean in response to cadmium (Cd) stress. Transcriptome sequencing revealed tissue-specific expression with roots showed the highest levels. Cd stress significantly altered the expression and activity of VrCOXs, particularly in roots and stems, with varied responses among different genes., Conclusions: The differential response of VrCOX s to Cd stress indicates a role in the plant stress tolerance mechanism. The study provides insights into the function of COXs in legumes and a foundation for further research into Cd tolerance mechanisms, which could be vital for enhancing legume production and ensuring food safety in contaminated environments., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Not applicable. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Objective: The present study aims to explore the influencing factors of the scientific fitness literacy of nurses and provide a strategic basis for literacy improvement., Methods: A questionnaire on the influencing factors of scientific fitness literacy of nurses was designed by the group conducting the present study; the questionnaire was based on the socioecology model and the questionnaire preparation method. The general data questionnaire and the questionnaire on the influencing factors of scientific fitness literacy of nurses were adopted to investigate nurses in tertiary hospitals in order to analyze and discuss the influencing factors of their scientific fitness literacy., Results: (1) The questionnaire on the influencing factors of the scientific fitness literacy of nurses comprised five dimensions and 36 items. The overall item-content validity index was 0.833-1.000, the scale-content validity index was 0.974, and the overall Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.955; (2) the results of the pairwise Pearson correlation analysis showed that all five dimensions were positively correlated with the scientific fitness literacy of nurses; and (3) the results of the multiple linear regression analysis revealed that five dimensions, as well as the existence of exercise habits in daily life, had a significant impact on the scientific fitness literacy of nurses (P < 0.001)., Conclusion: The factors influencing the scientific fitness literacy of nurses involved all levels of the socioecological system. The methods of improving the awareness of the scientific fitness of nurses and providing opportunities for scientific fitness activities via the hospital played a critical role in literacy improvement. However, the lack of professional guidance and an atmosphere promoting scientific fitness might hinder literacy improvement., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Graptolites, fossils significant for evolutionary studies and shale gas exploration, are traditionally identified visually by taxonomists due to their intricate morphologies and preservation challenges. Artificial intelligence (AI) holds great promise for transforming such meticulous tasks. In this paper, we demonstrate that graptolites can be identified with taxonomist accuracy using a deep learning model. We construct the most sophisticated and largest professional single organisms image dataset to date, which is composed of >34,000 images of 113 graptolite species annotated at pixel-level resolution to train the model, develop, and evaluate deep learning networks to classify graptolites. The model's performance surpassed taxonomists in accuracy, time, and generalization, achieving 86% and 81% accuracy in identifying graptolite genus and species, respectively. This AI-based method, capable of recognizing minute morphological details better than taxonomists, can be integrated into web and mobile apps, extending graptolite identification beyond research institutes and enhancing shale gas exploration efficiency., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2023 The Authors.)

We investigated the effects of word length and frequency on eye movement control during Tibetan reading through two experiments. A preliminary experiment examined the predictive effect of word length and frequency on fixation duration and landing position using multiple linear regression analysis. In the formal experiment, we manipulated the length and frequency of target words simultaneously to investigate the effects of word length and frequency on fixation duration and landing position in Tibetan reading. In this study, we found that: (1) there were significant word-length and word-frequency effects affecting all lexical processing in Tibetan reading; (2) there are preferred viewing locations in Tibetan reading; specifically, for short words, it is the end, whereas for long words, it spans from the center to the beginning of the word; (3) word frequency does not affect preferred viewing location in Tibetan reading; (4) the preferred viewing position and the interaction of word length and viewing position found in this study supported the "strategy-tactics" approach.

Objective: To analyze the subcellular localization of GTPase of immunity-associated protein 2 (GIMAP2) for the further functional study., Methods: In the study, we first obtained the protein sequences of GTPase of immunity-associated protein 2 (GIMAP2) from National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database, and then performed a prediction analysis of its transmembrane structure, nuclear localization signal (NLS), nuclear export signal (NES) and subcellular localization through bioinformatics online tools. GIMAP2 gene amplified by PCR was inserted into the expression vector pQCXIP-mCherry-N1 and positive clones were selected by ampicillin resistance. After using methods to extract and purify, the sequenced recombinant plasmid pQCXIP-GIMAP2-mCherry, together with the retroviral packaging plasmids VSVG and Gag/pol, was transferred into HEK293FT cells by liposomes for virus packaging. The virus supernatant was collected 48 h after transfection and directly infected the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-436. Immunofluorescence staining was constructed to detect the localization of endogenous and exogenous GIMAP2 in MDA-MB-436 cells. Meanwhile, green fluorescent chemical dyes were used to label mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and lipid droplets in living MDA-MB-436 cells stably expressing the GIMAP2-mCherry fusion protein. Images for the three dye-labeled organelles and GIMAP2-mCherry fusion protein were captured by super-resolution microscope N-SIM., Results: Bioinformatics analysis data showed that GIMAP2 protein composed of 337 amino acids might contain two transmembrane helix (TM) structures at the carboxyl terminus, of which TMs were estimated to contain 40-41 expected amino acids, followed by the residual protein structures toward the cytoplasmic side. NES was located at the 279-281 amino acids of the carboxyl terminus whereas NLS was not found. GIMAP2 might locate in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. Sequencing results indicated that the expression vector pQCXIP-GIMAP2-mCherry was successfully constructed. Fluorescent staining confirmed that GIMAP2-mCherry fusion protein, co-localized well with endogenous GIMAP2, expressed successfully in the endoplasmic reticulum and on the surface of lipid droplets in MDA-MB-436 cells., Conclusion: GIMAP2 localizes in the endoplasmic reticulum and on the surface of LDs, suggesting potential involvement of GIMAP2 in lipid metabolism.

Although the regulatory network of G2/M phase transition has been intensively studied in mammalian cell lines, the identification of morphological and molecular markers to identify G2/M phase transition in vivo remains elusive. In this study, we found no obvious morphological changes between the S phase and G2 phase in mice intestinal epithelial cells. The G2 phase could be identified by Brdu incorporation resistance, marginal and scattered foci of histone H3 phosphorylated at Ser10 (pHH3), and relatively intact Golgi ribbon. Prophase starts with nuclear transformation in situ, which was identified by a series of prophase markers including nuclear translocation of cyclinB1, fragmentation of the Golgi complex, and a significant increase in pHH3. The nucleus started to move upwards in the late prophase and finally rounded up at the apical surface. Then, metaphase was initiated as the level of pHH3 peaked. During anaphase and telophase, pHH3 sharply decreased, while Ki67 was obviously bound to chromosomes, and PCNA was distributed throughout the whole cell. Based on the aforementioned markers and Brdu pulse labeling, it was estimated to take about one hour for most crypt cells to go through the G2 phase and about two hours to go through the G2-M phase. It took much longer for crypt base columnar (CBC) stem cells to undergo G2-prophase than rapid transit amplifying cells. In summary, a series of sequentially presenting markers could be used to indicate the progress of G2/M events in intestinal epithelial cells and other epithelial systems in vivo.

Partial deletions on the long arm of chromosome 13 lead to a number of different phenotypes depending on the size and position of the deleted region. The present study investigated 2 patients with 13q terminal (13qter) deletion syndrome, which manifested as anal atresia with rectoperineal fistula, complex type congenital heart disease, esophageal hiatus hernia with gastroesophageal reflux, facial anomalies and developmental and mental retardation. Array comparative genomic hybridization identified 2 regions of deletion on chromosome 13q31‑qter; 20.38 Mb in 13q31.3‑qter and 12.99 Mb in 13q33.1‑qter in patients 1 and 2, respectively. Comparisons between the results observed in the present study and those obtained from patients in previous studies indicate that the gene encoding ephrin B2 (EFNB2) located in the 13q33.3‑q34 region, and the gene coding for endothelin receptor type B, in the 13q22.1‑31.3 region, may be suitable candidate genes for the observed urogenital/anorectal anomalies. In addition, the microRNA‑17‑92a‑1 cluster host gene and the glypican 6 gene in the 13q31.3 region, as well as EFNB2 and the collagen type IV a1 chain (COL4A1) and COL4A2 genes in the 13q33.1‑q34 region may together contribute to cardiovascular disease development. It is therefore possible that these genes may be involved in the pathogenesis of complex type congenital heart disease in patients with 13q deletion syndrome.

Background: Traditional Chinese exercise (TCE) has widespread use for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease; however, there appears to be no consensus about the benefits of TCE for patients with cardiovascular disease. The objective of this systematic review was to determine the effects of TCE for patients with cardiovascular disease., Methods and Results: Relevant studies were searched by PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure. We covered only published articles with randomized controlled trials. The outcome measures included physiological outcomes, biochemical outcomes, physical function, quality of life, and depression. A total of 35 articles with 2249 cardiovascular disease patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. The pooling revealed that TCE could decrease systolic blood pressure by 9.12 mm Hg (95% CI -16.38 to -1.86, P=0.01) and diastolic blood pressure by 5.12 mm Hg (95% CI -7.71 to -2.52, P<0.001). Patients performing TCE also found benefits compared with those in the control group in terms of triglyceride (standardized mean difference -0.33, 95% CI -0.56 to -0.09, P=0.006), 6-minute walk test (mean difference 59.58 m, 95% CI -153.13 to 269.93, P=0.03), Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire results (mean difference -17.08, 95% CI -23.74 to -10.41, P<0.001), 36-Item Short Form physical function scale (mean difference 0.82, 95% CI 0.32-1.33, P=0.001), and Profile of Mood States depression scale (mean difference -3.02, 95% CI -3.50 to -2.53, P<0.001)., Conclusions: This study demonstrated that TCE can effectively improve physiological outcomes, biochemical outcomes, physical function, quality of life, and depression among patients with cardiovascular disease. More high-quality randomized controlled trials on this topic are warranted., (© 2016 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley Blackwell.)

We describe a 12-year-old girl with a retroperitoneal lymphatic malformation (LM) and horseshoe kidney. The imaging characteristics of the lesions are reported. Retroperitoneal LM coexisting with horseshoe kidney is extremely rare. We hypothesized that they might share the similar etiologic factors. Imaging examinations are helpful in the definition of the 2 lesions and the relationship between them, but no characteristic findings are available to diagnose retroperitoneal LM before surgery. Surgical excision is ideal to treat LM, and the prognosis is good. Although asymptomatic horseshoe kidney need not be treated, it is important for patients to receive regular follow-up because of the propensity for various complications., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The present report describes a 6-year-old boy with leiomyoma of the bladder and the imaging characteristics of the lesion, including images from ultrasonography, computed tomography, and the histopathologic examination. Leiomyoma of bladder is extremely rare in children. The present case, to our knowledge, represents the second reported case of bladder leiomyoma in pediatric patients since 1966. Although preoperative imaging can be useful to assess the disease extent, the final diagnosis depends on the histopathologic examination findings. Surgical excision is the ideal option to confirm the diagnosis and to treat the disorder. The prognosis is good after complete resection., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We report a 5-year-old boy with a cystic lymphatic malformation (LM) of bladder, and the imaging characteristics of the lesion are reported. Cystic LM of the urinary system is rare, and a location in the bladder is extremely rare. The exact mechanism of the lesion that occurs in bladder is unknown. This case is different from the 3 cases reported before, for it is only presented with a palpable pelvic mass and the lesion did not penetrate full thickness of bladder. Although imaging examinations are helpful in the definition of cystic LMs, no characteristic findings are available to diagnose a cystic LM of the bladder before surgery. The diagnosis is always made after surgical intervention. Surgical excision is ideal, and an extensive operation is not warranted because the lesion is benign. Once excised completely, the prognosis of the disease is good., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

China has suffered frequent source water contamination accidents in the past decade, which has resulted in severe consequences to the water supply of millions of residents. The origins of typical cases of contamination are discussed in this paper as well as the emergency response to these accidents. In general, excessive pursuit of rapid industrialization and the unreasonable location of factories are responsible for the increasing frequency of accidental pollution events. Moreover, insufficient attention to environmental protection and rudimentary emergency response capability has exacerbated the consequences of such accidents. These environmental accidents triggered or accelerated the promulgation of stricter environmental protection policy and the shift from economic development mode to a more sustainable direction, which should be regarded as the turning point of environmental protection in China. To guarantee water security, China is trying to establish a rapid and effective emergency response framework, build up the capability of early accident detection, and develop efficient technologies to remove contaminants from water.

An odorous tap water crisis that affected two million residents for several days occurred in Wuxi, China in the summer of 2007. Volatile sulfide chemicals including methyl thiols, dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, and dimethyl trisulfide were the dominant odorous contaminants in Lake Taihu and in tap water during the crisis. These contaminants originated from the decomposition of a massive cyanobacterial bloom that was triggered by illegal industrial discharges and inadequately regulated domestic pollution. A specific emergency drinking water treatment process was quickly developed using a combination of potassium permanganate oxidation and powdered activated carbon adsorption. The emergency treatment process removed the odor from the tap water and solved the crisis successfully in several days. This experience underscores the suggestion that a combination of stresses associated with eutrophication and industrial and domestic wastewater discharges can push an aquatic system to the tipping point with consequences far more severe than would occur if the system were subjected to each stress separately., (2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Lymphangioma in the bladder is extremely rare. An 8-year-old girl presented with a terminal hematuria associated with intermitted fever. Ultrasonography, computed tomogram, and retrograde urethrography showed a mass that was in the wall of the bladder. The tumor was red and found to be bulging into the bladder on the right lateral wall of the bladder by cystoscopy. A partial cystectomy was performed and histology revealed a lymphangioma of the bladder. The patient was followed up for 3 years with no evidence of recurrence. This case, to the authors' knowledge, represents the third reported case of lymphangioma of bladder.Lymphangiomas are benign, soft-tissue tumors of lymphatic origin. They rarely affect the urinary system and a location in the bladder is extremely rare. Only 2 cases of lymphangioma of the bladder have been reported worldwide since 1983. The present report describes a patient with a lymphangioma of the bladder and the imaging characteristics of the lesion are reported, including imagings of sonography, computed tomography, retrograde urethrography, and histologic examination., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine the outcome and management of infants with isolated hydronephrosis, detected prenatally and confirmed postnatally., Materials and Methods: Between January 1988 and January 2008, the files of 629 children (492 males and 137 females), who were diagnosed prenatally with isolated, unilateral hydronephrosis, and the diagnosis was confirmed postnatally, were retrospectively reviewed. The median follow-up time was 142 months. Serial ultrasonography and isotope diuretic renography nuclear imaging were performed. Hydronephrosis was assessed and classified according to the Society of Fetal Urology (SFU) grading system., Results: Initially, all of the children were treated conservatively. Stabilization occurred in all children with grade 1 hydronephrosis, in 87% of children (144) with grade 2 hydronephrosis, and in 30% of children (37) with grade 3 hydronephrosis. However, 13% of children (21) with grade 2 hydronephrosis, 70% of children (85) with grade 3 hydronephrosis, and 100% of children with grade 4 hydronephrosis received surgical intervention according to our predetermined criteria. Ninety-five patients (late pyeloplasty group) were treated for a reduction for a differential renal function (DRF) to less than 40%, and 80 children (early pyeloplasty group) underwent surgery for a DRF more than 40%, but hydronephrosis progressed to higher grades or failed to improve and had poor radiotracer clearance. Significant improvements after pyeloplasty were noted in both groups with respect to the DRF and the ratio of the depth of the calyces to the thickness of the parenchyma (C/P ratio; P < .0001). The improvement in DRF was greater in the late pyeloplasty group than the early pyeloplasty group (P = .044), whereas the improvement in the C/P ratio was greater in the early pyeloplasty group than the late pyeloplasty group (P = .001). The ipsilateral DRF was preserved in the early pyeloplasty group, whereas the ipsilateral DRF was still less than 40% in the late pyeloplasty group. The improvement in DRF was significant during the first year postoperatively and became stable thereafter. The C/P ratio was inversely correlated with the DRF in the patients before and after pyeloplasty (r = -0.257; P = .01; and r = -0.616; P = .001, respectively)., Conclusions: All infants with SFU-1 and most infants with SFU-2 hydronephrosis have relatively benign conditions and do not need an invasive procedure. Although greater improvement occurred in patients with an initial DRF less than 40%, the reduced DRF did not recover to the predeterioration level postoperatively. Earlier surgical intervention after a short period of strict clinical surveillance is beneficial for preserving renal function for patients with persistent SFU-3 or SFU-4 hydronephrosis., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Batch-scale experiments were done to quantitatively study the effect of inorganic chemical parameters on iron release in drinking water distribution systems. The parameters include acid-base condition, oxidation-reduction condition, and neutral ion condition. It was found that the iron release rate decreased with pH, alkalinity, the concentration of dissolved oxygen increasing, and the iron release rate increased with the concentration of chloride increasing. The theoretical critical formula of iron release rate was elucidated. According to the formula, the necessary condition for controlling iron release is that pH is above 7.6, the concentration of alkalinity and dissolved oxygen is more than 150 mg/L and 2 mg/L, and the concentration of chloride is less than 150 mg/L of distributed water.

This study investigates the regularity of the change on the physical and chemical water qualities in the distribution system during the process of water source switching in A city. Due to the water source switching, the water quality is chemical-astable. Because of the differences between the two water sources, pH reduced from 7.54 to 7.18, alkalinity reduced from 188 mg x L(-1) to 117 mg x L(-1), chloride (Cl(-)) reduced from 310 mg x L(-1) to 132 mg x L(-1), conductance reduced from 0.176 S x m(-1) to 0.087 S x m(-1) and the ions of calcium and magnesium reduced to 15 mg x L(-1) and 11 mg x L(-1) respectively. Residual chlorine changed while the increase of the chlorine demand and the water quantity decreasing at night, and the changes of pH, alkalinity and residual chlorine brought the iron increased to 0.4 mg x L(-1) at the tiptop, which was over the standard. The influence of the change of the water parameters on the water chemical-stability in the drinking water distribution system is analyzed, and the controlling countermeasure is advanced: increasing pH, using phosphate and enhancing the quality of the water in distribution system especially the residual chlorine.

Objective: To study the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3), hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in Wilms' tumor and their roles in the development of Wilms' tumor., Methods: The expression of Stat3, HIF-1alpha and VEGF were detected by the immunohistochemical staining in 52 specimens from Wilms' tumor tissues, 47 from adjacent kidney tissues and 8 from normal kidney tissues. The expression intensity was analyzed by computer image processing., Results: The expression of Stat3, HIF-1 and VEGF were significantly up-regulated in Wilms' tumor tissues compared to those in adjacent tissues and normal kidney tissues (P < 0.05). Stat3 and VEGF proteins in Wilms' tumor tissues of stage III-IV and high risk histopathology were significantly higher than those of stage I-II and low risk histopathology. The higher expression of HIF-1 in Wilms' tumor tissues was shown in tumors with high risk histopathology and tumor size > or = 6 cm., Conclusions: Increased expression of Stat3, HIF-1 and VEGF were found in Wilms' tumor tissues, and may be related to the development and angiogenesis of Wilms' tumor. Stat3 may regulate the expression of HIF-1 and VEGF, so it could be an effective target for inhibiting VEGF expression and angiogenesis of Wilms' tumor.

To better define the demographics, urothelial distribution and typical gross anatomic and radiologic appearances of fibroepithelial polyps of the ureter in children. We reviewed 15 cases of fibroepithelial polyps of the ureter with hydronephrosis from the archives of our department. Data were collected from radiographic studies, gross anatomic pathology and pathology and radiology reports and categorized by age, sex, clinical presentation, lesion size and location. The mean patient age was 9.1 years, and 80% were male. All of them presented with hematuria and/or flank pain. The polyps were located in the upper ureter or ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) and pelvis. Of the polyps, 60% were multiple polyps or filiform, and 40% were single or bilobed and 1-6 cm in size. Only four cases showed typical filling defect on intravenous urography. In five cases, sonography showed a mildly echogenic structure extending into the ureter from the renal pelvis. Enhanced CT revealed soft tissue filling UPJ or/and proximal ureter in six cases, and hydroureter was found in one case by three-dimensional (3D) image. Fibroepithelial polyps were diagnosed in all cases by postoperative histological examination. Fibroepithelial polyps are the most common benign tumors of the ureter. Congenital factor may be associated with the origin of fibroepithelial polyps in children. The preoperative diagnosis of ureteral polyps is difficult. A history of flank pain, hematuria or both, other than abdominal mass, light-to-moderate hydronephrosis with soft-tissue in UPJ or upper ureter, shown by sonography and radiological examination, may help in the diagnosis of ureteral polyps in children. Ureteral polyps should be recognized as an important etiology for hydronephrosis in children.

Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to analyze the microstructure, chemical composition, crystalline structure and compound constitute of the corrosion scale from cast iron pipe and galvanized steel pipe in drinking water distribution systems. The outer of the corrosion scale was compact, while the inner was porous. Iron was the primary chemical element of the corrosion scale, and the composition of the scale was iron compounds. The outer scale were ferric compounds such as alpha-FeOOH, gamma-FeOOH, alpha-Fe2O3, gamma-Fe2O3, FeCl3, while the inner were ferrous compounds such as Fe3O4, FeCl2, FeCO3. The characteristics of the corrosion scale was lying on hydraulic conditions and water quality in distribution systems, and the characteristics of iron pipe materials.

Background/purpose: Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are synthesized by cells in response to various stress conditions, including carcinogenesis. Some studies also showed that they might predict clinical prognosis. The aim of this study is to detect the expression of HSP70 and HSP90alpha in children with Wilms tumor and explore its clinical significance., Methods: The expression of HSP70 and HSP90alpha was evaluated in the tissue specimens of 30 patients (13 males and 17 females aged 5 months to 9 years with mean age of 37.4 +/- 23.9 months) with Wilms tumor by histochemistry and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction techniques. According to the NWTS3 study criteria, all patients were favorable histological types, including mesenchymal type in 6, blastemal type in 12, and epithelium type in 7, and mixed type in 5. The clinical staging of the tumor included stage I in 4, stage II in 8, stage III in 12, and stage IV in 6., Results: On the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction study, the amount of HSP70 and HSP90alpha mRNA in the tumor tissue was lower than in the controls. The HSP70 to beta-actin ratio was 0.74 +/- 0.14 and 1.38 +/- 0.22 in the tumor tissue and the normal kidney, respectively (P < .0001). The HSP90alpha to beta-actin ratio was 0.60 +/- 0.14 and 0.96 +/- 0.15 in the tumor tissue and the normal kidney, respectively (P < .0001). On immunolabeling, the expression of HSP70 and HSP90alpha was confined to blastemal and epithelial components, whereas the tumor stroma was negative. The expression of HSP70 and HSP90alpha was mainly located in the cytoplasm of the tubular epithelial cell, mesangial cell, and endothelial cell in the normal kidney. The positive expression rates of HSP70 and HSP90alpha proteins were significantly lower in the tumor group (73.3%, 22/30; 76.7%, 23/30) than in the control group (100%, 30/30; 100%, 30/30), P = .002 and P = 0.005, respectively. Positive correlation was found between HSP70 gene and protein expression (r = 0.64, P < .0001). Positive correlation was also found between HSP90alpha gene and protein expression (r = 0.67, P < .0001). HSP70 and HSP90alpha gene and protein expression showed no correlation with its corresponding tumor stages (P > .05). The expression of HSP70 and HSP90alpha genes was significantly higher in children who survived when compared with those patients who died during the follow-up period, P = .017 and P = 0.004, respectively. The positive expression rates of HSP70 and HSP90alpha proteins were also significantly higher in children who survived (82.6%, 19/23; 87.0%, 20/23) than in those who died (42.9%, 3/7; 42.9%, 3/7), P = .037 and P = 0.016, respectively., Conclusions: The expression of HSP70 and HSP90alpha decreased in Wilms tumor and is confined to blastemal and epithelial components; it was higher in patients who survived, which suggested that they might be of prognostic value.

Variation rule of iron in drinking water distribution systems was studied, and it was found that the iron released from the scale to the bulk water was the primary reason for iron overstep. The main chemical composition of the scale in cast iron pipe and galvanized steel pipe was iron in a northern city in China. In the drinking water distribution systems, when the value of dissolved oxygen or chlorine residual was low, the iron release phenomenon was severe. The reason for that was the passivation layer of the corrosion scale was destroyed in reductive condition and the result was a great amount of iron in ferrous form was released. According to the research results, the control methods for iron release and 'red water' phenomenon were indicated.

A field study on the estimation and analysis of iron stability in drinking water distribution system was carried out in a city of China. The stability of iron ion was estimated by pC-pH figure. It was found that iron ion was unstable, with a high Fe(OH)3 precipitation tendency and obvious increase in turbidity. The outer layer of the corrosion scale was compact, while the inner core was porous. The main composition of the scale was iron, and the possible compound constitutes of the outer scale were a-FeOOH, gamma-FeOOH, alpha-Fe2O3, gamma-Fe2O3, FeCl3, while the inner were Fe3O4, FeCl2, FeCO3. According to the characteristics of the corrosion scale, it was thought that the main reason for iron instability was iron release from corrosion scale. Many factors such as pipe materials, dissolved oxygen and chlorine residual affect iron release. Generally, higher iron release occurred with lower dissolved oxygen or chlorine residual concentration, while lower iron release occurred with higher dissolved oxygen or chlorine residual concentration. The reason was considered that the passivated out layer of scale of ferric oxide was broken down by reductive reaction in a condition of low oxidants concentration, which would result more rapid corrosion of the pipe and red water phenomenon.

Objective: To search the etiologic factor, clinical diagnosis points and treatment of postoperative intussusception (PI)., Methods: To retrospectively review the clinical materials of 14 cases with PI including the cause of disease and treatment., Results: PI occurred within 10 days (average 4 days) after the primary operation. Bowel obstructive symptoms gradually emerged. One case was diagnosed with intussusception by sonography and received enema reduction of intussusception by hydrostatic pressure. Thirteen cases were performed secondary operation. Small intestine was main site of intussusception. Manual reduction of the lesion was performed in 12 cases and bowel resection and anastomosis was done in 1 case with bowel necrosis., Conclusion: PI should be suspected if child presents with the symptoms of ileus in early postoperative period. Abdominal sonography may have some value on diagnosis of PI. Operation is the first choice for the treatment of PI.