Predictors of Improvement of Sarcopenia after Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Creation in Cirrhotic Patients.

To investigate the risk factors affecting the improvement of sarcopenia after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in cirrhotic patients, this study retrospectively analyzed the data of 111 cirrhotic patients with sarcopenia who underwent TIPS creation. Computed tomography-based measurement of skeletal muscle area was used to calculate skeletal muscle index (SMI) in all patients at baseline and 6 months after TIPS creation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors, which showed a significant increase in 6-month post-TIPS SMI compared with that at baseline in both men and women (for both, P < .001). Pre-TIPS SMI (odds ratio [OR], 0.93; 95% CI, 0.87-0.99; P = .031) and change in portal pressure gradient (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03-1.24; P = .009) were found to be independent risk factors for experiencing substantial improvement in post-TIPS SMI.

Ceramide synthase 3 affects invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma via the SMAD6 gene. / ç¥žç»é °èƒºåˆæˆé ¶3通过SMAD6åŸºå› å½±å“è‚ç»†èƒžç™Œçš„ä¾µè¢­å’Œè½¬ç§».

OBJECTIVES: Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have poor prognosis due to lack of early diagnosis and effective treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to better understand the molecular mechanisms associated with HCC and to identify effective targets for early diagnosis and treatment. This study is to explore the expression and biological role of ceramide synthase 3 (CerS3) in HCC. METHODS: A total of 159 pairs of HCC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues were obtained from the patients underwent radical resection in Shenzhen People's Hospital, and the total RNA and proteins from HCC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues were obtained. The expression of CerS3 protein and mRNA in HCC was detected by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and real-time PCR. In vitro experiments, Hep3B cells were divided into a control vector group and a CerS3 vector group, and the cells were transfected with retroviral vector containing control cDNA or CerS3 cDNA, respectively. HCCLM3 cells were divided into a normal control shRNA group and a CerS3 shRNA group, and the cells were transfected with lentiviral vectors containing normal control shRNA or CerS3 shRNA, respectively. MTT, EdU, Transwell and scratch method were used to detect cell proliferation, migration and invasion. RNA sequencing was performed to determine the downstream signal of CerS3. RESULTS: Compared with the corresponding adjacent tissues,the mRNA and protein levels of CerS3 were elevated in the HCC tissues, with significant difference (both P<0.05). The Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that the overall survival rate was significantly correlated with the presence of venous invasion (95% CI 1.8-9.2, P<0.01), TNM stage (95% CI 2.3-5.2, P<0.05), poor histological grade (95% CI 1.4-6.8, P<0.05), and CerS3 (95% CI 1.5-3.9, P<0.05). Furthermore, the high CerS3 expression levels in tumor tissues were significantly associated with shorter overall survival rates compared with the low CerS3 expression (P<0.05). Compared with the vector control group, the Hep3B cell viability, EdU positive cells, and migration and invasion cell numbers in the CerS3 vector group were significantly increased (all P<0.05). Compared with the shRNA normal control group, the HCCLM3 cell viability, EdU positive cells, and numbers of migrating and invasive cells in the CerS3 shRNA group were significantly lower (all P<0.05). The RNA sequencing confirmed that the small mothers against decapentaplegic family member 6 (SMAD6) gene as an oncogenic gene could promote the HCC metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically, the overexpression of CerS3 is closely related to poor clinical features and poor prognosis. Functionally, CerS3 participates in the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of liver cancer cells via activating SMAD6 gene.

Direct Growth of Perovskite Crystals on Metallic Electrodes for High-Performance Electronic and Optoelectronic Devices.

Metal halide perovskite has attracted enhanced interest for its diverse electronic and optoelectronic applications. However, the fabrication of micro- or nanoscale crystalline perovskite functional devices remains a great challenge due to the fragility, solvent, and heat sensitivity of perovskite crystals. Here, a strategy is proposed to fabricate electronic and optoelectronic devices by directly growing perovskite crystals on microscale metallic structures in liquid phase. The well-contacted perovskite/metal interfaces ensure these heterostructures serve as high-performance field effect transistors (FETs) and excellent photodetector devices. When serving as an FET, the on/off ratio is as large as 106 and the mobility reaches up to ≈2.3 cm2 V-1 s-1 . A photodetector is displayed with high photoconductive switching ratio of ≈106 and short response time of ≈4 ms. Furthermore, the photoconductive response is proved to be band-bending-assisted separation of photoexcited carriers at the Schottky barrier of the silver and p-type perovskites.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes in Tibetan sheep and yaks.

Few studies have been conducted on the distribution of Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes in Tibetan sheep and yaks, which live outdoors in extreme climate with high altitude. In this study, fecal specimens from 312 Tibetan sheep and 554 yaks in Qinghai, China, were collected and examined for E. bieneusi by PCR-sequence analysis of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer. Among them, 73 (23.4%) specimens from Tibetan sheep and 40 (7.2%) from yaks were positive for E. bieneusi. There were eight E. bieneusi genotypes in Tibetan sheep, including three known ones (BEB6, COS-I, and NESH5) and five novel ones (named as CHS13-CHS17). Similarly, seven E. bieneusi genotypes were found in yaks, including five known ones (J, BEB4, BEB6, COS-I, and NESH5) and two novel ones (named as CHN13 and CHN14). Most of the E. bieneusi genotypes and all frequent ones identified in the study belonged to group 2. One new subgroup of genotypes was identified within group 1. The distribution of E. bieneusi genotypes was different between Tibetan sheep and yaks, with BEB6 as the dominant one (42.5%) in Tibetan sheep and J as the dominant one (47.5%) in yaks. These data support the occurrence of host adaptation among E. bieneusi genotypes within group 2.

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis from yaks in the central western region of China.

BACKGROUND: Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are important causes of diarrheal diseases in humans and animals worldwide, and there is an increased interest in the role of animals in the mechanical transmission of these protozoa. To examine the role of yaks in this process, we examined the occurrence and genotypes of Cryptosporidium and G. duodenalis in yaks in western China. RESULTS: A total of 545 fecal specimens were collected from yaks from nine different counties in the central western region of China. The prevalence for Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis were 4.0 % (22/545) and 6.0 % (16/545), respectively. Mixed infections of Cryptosporidium and G. duodenalis were also detected in four specimens. The prevalence of both protozoa differed significantly between some age groups, with higher rates of infection in animals < 1 year old. Sequence analysis of the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene of the Cryptosporidium isolates identified the species as C. parvum (n = 12), C. bovis (n = 6), C. ryanae (n = 3), and C. ubiquitum (n = 1). Genotyping based on 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene from five C. parvum isolates identified all as IId with three isolates identified as IIdA15G1, one as IIdA18G1, and one as IIdA19G1. One C. ubiquitum isolate was identified as subtype VIIa. Amongst the G. duodenalis isolates, 16 were identified as assemblage E at the SSU rRNA gene. Four novel glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) subtypes and two triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) subtypes were found amongst the G. duodenalis assemblage E isolates. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of C. parvum subtype IIdA15G1, IIdA18G1, and IIdA19G1 isolates further confirms the dominance of the C. parvum IId subtypes in China. These findings also indicate that yaks may be a source of zoonotic Cryptosporidium infection, and this is the first report of G. duodenalis in yaks. The data presented here provides the basis for further genotyping or subtyping studies of G. duodenalis in yaks.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes in yaks (Bos grunniens) and their public health potential.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi, the most frequently diagnosed microsporidian species in humans, is also identified in a wide range of animals. To date, few data are available on E. bieneusi in yaks (Bos grunniens). In this study, we examined the occurrence and genotype identity of E. bieneusi in yaks in four counties in Qinghai Province of China. Of 327 fecal specimens examined by nested PCR analysis of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer, 23 (7.0%) were E. bieneusi-positive. DNA sequence analysis of the PCR products revealed the presence of five distinct genotypes: three Group 2 genotypes previously reported in cattle as well as humans (BEB4, I and J) and two novel genotypes (CHN11 and CHN12) belonging to the large zoonotic group (Group 1). Data of the study suggest that these animals could be potential reservoirs for human E. bieneusi infection.

Subtyping Cryptosporidium ubiquitum,a zoonotic pathogen emerging in humans.

Cryptosporidium ubiquitum is an emerging zoonotic pathogen. In the past, it was not possible to identify an association between cases of human and animal infection. We conducted a genomic survey of the species, developed a subtyping tool targeting the 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene, and identified 6 subtype families (XIIa-XIIf) of C. ubiquitum. Host adaptation was apparent at the gp60 locus; subtype XIIa was found in ruminants worldwide, subtype families XIIb-XIId were found in rodents in the United States, and XIIe and XIIf were found in rodents in the Slovak Republic. Humans in the United States were infected with isolates of subtypes XIIb-XIId, whereas those in other areas were infected primarily with subtype XIIa isolates. In addition, subtype families XIIb and XIId were detected in drinking source water in the United States. Contact with C. ubiquitum-infected sheep and drinking water contaminated by infected wildlife could be sources of human infections.

Enzymatic production of xylooligosaccharide from lignocellulosic and marine biomass: A review of current progress, challenges, and its applications in food sectors.

Over the last decade, xylooligosaccharides (XOS) have attracted great attentions because of their unique chemical properties and excellent prebiotic effects. Among the current strategies for XOS production, enzymatic hydrolysis is preferred due to its green and safe process, simplicity in equipment, and high control of the degrees of polymerization. This paper comprehensively summarizes various lignocellulosic biomass and marine biomass employed in enzymatic production of XOS. The importance and advantages of enzyme immobilization in XOS production are also discussed. Many novel immobilization techniques for xylanase are presented. In addition, bioinformatics techniques for the mining and designing of new xylanase are also described. Moreover, XOS has exhibited great potential applications in the food industry as diverse roles, such as a sugar replacer, a fat replacer, and cryoprotectant. This review systematically summarizes the current research progress on the applications of XOS in food sectors, including beverages, bakery products, dairy products, meat products, aquatic products, food packaging film, wall materials, and others. It is anticipated that this paper will act as a reference for the further development and application of XOS in food sectors and other fields.

Epidemiological Investigation of Yak (Bos grunniens) Fascioliasis in the Pastoral Area of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China.

The objective of this investigation was to understand the epidemiology of fascioliasis in yaks in the alpine pastoral areas of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China. The prevalence of Fasciola hepatica infection was estimated by examining eggs in the feces of yaks and by autopsy after the slaughter. Yaks were sampled from a total of 16 representative counties in Qinghai province, and risk factors were assessed based on regional and age characteristics. Fecal samples were obtained from 1542 yaks aged 0-1 (<1 year old), 1-2 (≥1 year old and <3 years old), and over 3 years (≥3 years old). In addition, 242 yaks over 3 years old who had not undergone fecal examinations were randomly selected for autopsy. A total of 267 fecal samples were positive for Fasciola spp. eggs. The average infection rate was 17.32% (0-60.61%), and the average infection intensity was 51.9 eggs per gram (epg) of feces, with intensities ranging from 18 to 112 epg. In Maduo, Dari, Zhiduo, Chengduo, and Datong counties, the Fasciola spp. eggs infection rate was zero. Fasciola spp. adult flukes were detected in 66 out of 242 yaks at autopsy, with a total infection rate of 27.27% and an average infection intensity of 21.2 (adult worms), with intensities ranging from 3 to 46 worms. Logistic regression model analysis showed that age was a significant risk factor for yak infection with Fasciola spp. In addition, the risk varied between regions: Haiyan, Gangcha, Duran, and Wulan were all high-risk areas for yak infection with Fasciola spp. The spatial distribution of the Fasciola spp. infection rate in each region showed a very weak negative correlation (Moran's I = -0.062), Duran formed a spatial distribution of high-low clusters with surrounding areas, and Datong formed a low-high clustering distribution characteristic with the surrounding areas. This investigation revealed that the infection rate of Fasciola spp. in yaks was higher on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Increasing age was a risk factor for infection with Fasciola spp.; different regions also have a different risk of Fasciola spp. infection. Only two regions showed clustering characteristics in the spatial distribution of infection rates. These findings extend the epidemiological information on Fasciola spp. infection in yaks and provide baseline data for the execution of control measures against Fasciola spp. infection.

Effects of chemotherapy and immunotherapy on microbial diversity in TME and engineered bacterial-mediated tumor therapy.

Tumor microbiota is a group of microorganisms located in tumor tissues with rich diversity that can promote tumorigenesis and development, and different types of tumors have different tumor microbiotas, which has important implications for tumor research, detection, and clinical treatment. In this review, we examine the diversity of the tumor microbiota, discuss the impact of chemotherapy and immunotherapy on tumor microbiota diversity, and summarize recent advances in the use of genetically engineered bacteria for the treatment of tumors. In addition, we propose key questions that need to be further addressed by the tumor microbiota.

Advances in the study of selenium and human intestinal bacteria.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans and has conveyed great a wide range of interests due to its contribution to health. Presently, the regulatory mechanisms of selenium on human health, especially the regulatory mechanisms of selenium on human intestinal (gut) microflora and its effects on diseases are receiving attention from academic circles. This review involves the effects of selenium on physical health, the relationship between selenium and intestinal microflora, and the progress of research between selenium, intestinal microflora, and diseases. Furthermore, the current status of research on the selenium, intestinal microflora, and diseases is also presented.

Research progress of electrochemical oxidation and self-action of electric field for medical wastewater treatment.

A large number of pathogenic microorganisms exist in medical wastewater, which could invade the human body through the water and cause harm to human health. With the global pandemic coronavirus (COVID-19), public health safety become particularly important, and medical wastewater treatment is an important part of it. In particular, electrochemical disinfection technology has been widely studied in medical wastewater treatment due to its greenness, high efficiency, convenient operation, and other advantages. In this paper, the development status of electrochemical disinfection technology in the treatment of medical wastewater is reviewed, and an electrochemical three-stage disinfection system is proposed for the treatment of medical wastewater. Moreover, prospects for the electrochemical treatment of medical wastewater will be presented. It is hoped that this review could provide insight and guidance for the research and application of electrochemical disinfection technology to treat medical wastewater.GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT.

The single-tube quantitative rapid detection of coliform bacteria based on enzyme-specific technology.

To detect coliform bacteria (CB) with simplicity and portability, a novel, single-tube quantitative rapid detection method was developed based on CB-specific enzymatic technology. This technology involved a simple multi-channel spectrometer which could detect 7 cfu mL-1 CB specifically, and the approach was applied to various food and water samples.

Krüppel-Like Factor 6 Silencing Prevents Oxidative Stress and Neurological Dysfunction Following Intracerebral Hemorrhage via Sirtuin 5/Nrf2/HO-1 Axis.

As a severe neurological deficit, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with overwhelming mortality. Subsequent oxidative stress and neurological dysfunction are likely to cause secondary brain injury. Therefore, this study sought to define the role of Krüppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) and underlying mechanism in oxidative stress and neurological dysfunction following ICH. An in vivo model of ICH was established in rats by injection of autologous blood, and an in vitro ICH cell model was developed in hippocampal neurons by oxyhemoglobin (OxyHb) exposure. Next, gain- and loss-of-function assays were performed in vivo and in vitro to clarify the effect of KLF6 on neurological dysfunction and oxidative stress in ICH rats and neuronal apoptosis and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in OxyHb-induced hippocampal neurons. KLF6, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) were highly expressed in hippocampal tissues of ICH rats, whereas sirtuin 5 (SIRT5) presented a poor expression. Mechanistically, KLF6 bound to the SIRT5 promoter and transcriptionally repressed SIRT5 to activate the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. KLF6 silencing alleviated neurological dysfunction and oxidative stress in ICH rats and diminished oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis in OxyHb-induced neurons, whereas SIRT5 overexpression negated its effect. To sum up, KLF6 silencing elevated SIRT5 expression to inactivate the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, thus attenuating oxidative stress and neurological dysfunction after ICH.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in yaks (Bos grunniens) on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau of China.

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that is extensively prevalent globally. Studies have indicated the presence of T. gondii infection in animals in some provinces of China, but little is known about T. gondii infection in yaks (Bos grunniens) on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. In the current study, to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of T. gondii, a total of 2784 serum samples were collected from 18 different sampling sites in eight counties of the Qinghai and Tibet regions of China from 2018 to 2019. Serum antibodies against T. gondii were detected in 261 yaks (9.38%) via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that seroprevalence differed significantly among different counties (ranging from 5.41% in Gangcha to 19.79% in Datong), by year in the Tibet Autonomous Region (from 2.34% in 2018 to 13.24% in 2019), and by age (from 5.59% in 0 < year ≤ 1 to 11.76% in year > 7) (p < 0.05). Climate, geographical conditions, and age are the main factors influencing T. gondii infection in yaks in these regions. Therefore, our study provides a data reference for public health and prevention of yak toxoplasmosis.

TITLE: Séroprévalence et facteurs de risque associés à l'infection par Toxoplasma gondii chez les yaks (Bos grunniens) du plateau Qinghai­Tibet en Chine. ABSTRACT: Toxoplasma gondii est un parasite intracellulaire largement répandu dans le monde. Des études ont indiqué la présence d'une infection par T. gondii chez les animaux dans certaines provinces de Chine, mais on connaît peu l'infection par T. gondii chez les yaks (Bos grunniens) sur le plateau Qinghai­Tibet. Dans la présente étude, pour déterminer la séroprévalence et les facteurs de risque associés de T. gondii, un total de 2784 échantillons de sérum ont été prélevés sur 18 sites d'échantillonnage différents dans huit comtés des régions du Qinghai et du Tibet en Chine entre 2018 et 2019. Des anticorps sériques contre T. gondii ont été détectés par dosage immuno-enzymatique (ELISA) chez 261 yaks (9,38 %). Nous avons constaté que la séroprévalence différait considérablement entre les différents comtés (allant de 5,41 % à Gangcha à 19,79 % à Datong), d'une année à l'autre dans la région autonome du Tibet (de 2,34 % en 2018 à 13,24 % en 2019), et par âge (de 5,59 % pour les animaux de moins d'un an à 11,76 % pour ceux âgés de plus de 7 ans) (p < 0,05). Le climat, les conditions géographiques et l'âge sont les principaux facteurs influençant l'infection à T. gondii chez les yaks de ces régions. Par conséquent, notre étude fournit des données de référence pour la santé publique et la prévention de la toxoplasmose du yak.

Preparation and properties of carboxymethyl chitosan/oxidized hydroxyethyl cellulose hydrogel.

Hydrogel wound dressing is a type of hydrophilic polymer, which has been widely studied and applied in biomedical field. In this study, a simple and non-toxic method was developed to prepare a new type of composite hydrogel, which was formed through the Schiff-base reaction between the aldehyde of Oxidized Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (OHEC) and the amino of Carboxymethyl Chitosan (CMCS). Hence, a series of tests toward this new composite hydrogel which contained its structure and performance was applied. Statistics achieved from those tests showed that this composite hydrogel comprised of some high-quality properties such as suitable gelation time, good swelling ability, suitable water evaporation rate, good blood compatibility and biocompatibility. Considering these properties, this hydrogel has a potential to be explored as wound dressing.

Prevalence and genetic diversity of Echinorhynchus gymnocyprii (Acanthocephala: Echinorhynchidae) in schizothoracine fishes (Cyprinidae: Schizothoracinae) in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China.

BACKGROUND: The schizothoracine fishes, an excellent model for several studies, is a dominant fish group of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). However, species populations have rapidly declined due to various factors, and infection with Echinorhynchus gymnocyprii is cited as a possible factor. In the present study, the molecular characteristics of E. gymnocyprii in four species of schizothoracine fishes from the QTP were explored. METHODS: We investigated the infection status of E. gymnocyprii in 156 schizothoracine fishes from the upper Yangtze River, upper Yellow River, and Qinghai Lake in Qinghai Province, China. The complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene and part of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene of 35 E. gymnocyprii isolates from these fishes were sequenced and their characteristics analyzed. In addition, we inferred phylogenetic relationships of the E. gymnocyprii populations based on the rRNA-ITS and cox1 sequences. RESULTS: The total prevalence of E. gymnocyprii in schizothoracine fishes was 57.69% (90/156). However, the prevalence among different species as well as that across the geographical locations of the schizothoracine fishes was significantly different. The results of sequence analysis showed that the four E. gymnocyprii populations from different hosts and regions of Qinghai Province were conspecific, exhibiting rich genetic diversity. Phylogenetic analysis based on rRNA-ITS and cox1 sequences supported the coalescence of branches within E. gymnocyprii; the cox1 gene of E. gymnocyprii populations inferred some geographical associations with water systems. In addition, three species of schizothoracine fishes were recorded as new definitive hosts for E. gymnocyprii. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecular description of E. gymnocyprii populations in schizothoracine fishes from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau that provides basic data for epidemiological surveillance and control of acanthocephaliasis to protect endemic fish stocks.

Extremely Low Program Current Memory Based on Self-Assembled All-Inorganic Perovskite Single Crystals.

Memory devices based on lead halide perovskite have attracted great interests because of their unique current-voltage hysteresis. However, current memory devices based on polycrystalline perovskites usually suffer from large intrinsic electronic current and parasitic leakage current due to the existence of grain boundaries, which further leads to high power consumption. Here, a low-power resistance switching random-access memory device is demonstrated by assembling single-crystalline CsPbBr3 on Ag electrodes. The assembled structure serves as a bipolar nonvolatile resistance switching memory device with a low program current (∼10 nA), good endurance, long data retention (>103 S), and big on/off ratio of ∼103. The low program current results in a power of ∼3 × 10-8 W, which is much lower than that of polycrystalline perovskite-based devices (10-1-10-6 W). It is found that the formation and annihilation of Ag and bromide vacancy conductive filaments contribute to the significant resistive switching effect. At a low resistive state, the conductive filaments originate from the accumulation of Br- ions at the drain. Furthermore, the conductive filaments are proved to be a cone shape, shrinking from the drain to the source.

An efficient rearing system rapidly producing large quantities of poultry red mites, Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari: Dermanyssidae), under laboratory conditions.

The poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, is one of the most economically deleterious ectoparasites affecting egg-laying hens in many parts of the world. New approaches to control D. gallinae often require the maintenance of colonies of D. gallinae under laboratory conditions. In the present study, we present an efficient rearing system for D. gallinae, consisting of a metal cage, a plastic storage box and a tray filled with water. Chicks were raised in the cage as host animals. A novel trap was developed to monitor the dynamic changes of mite populations, made with a plastic centrifuge tube and a disposable breathing mask with folds. Mite parameters were analyzed, including number of mites and eggs, survival and feeding rates, oviposition, hatchability and the proportion of D. gallinae at different life stages. The results show that the rearing system had a 53.5-fold increase in the number of mites over a period of six weeks after the introduction of mites. The survival rates of mites were above 94%, and the mean feeding rates ranged from 22.57% to 37.30%. The mean number of eggs per female ranged from 3.42 to 3.50, with the hatchability of eggs above 97%. Nymphs made up most of the population, ranging from 71.46% to 81.37%, while the population of larvae was minor and ranging from 7.54% to 13.04%. The mask trap used in this study was an effective and convenient device to shelter D. gallinae and monitor the dynamic changes of the mite population. The rearing system proved very effective in maintaining and reproducing colonies of D. gallinae, with great potential for the evaluation of the efficacy of vaccines or compounds against D. gallinae under laboratory conditions. It would be a useful tool for close observations in studies on the biology, acology and physiology of poultry red mites.

Amplitude response of conical multiwalled carbon nanotube probes for atomic force microscopy.

Carbon nanotubes are considered as great candidates for atomic force microscopy (AFM) probes because of their high aspect ratio and outstanding mechanical properties. In this work, we report that a conical AFM probe can be fabricated with arc discharge prepared multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with an individual MWCNT at the apex by dielectrophoresis. The amplitude-displacement curve of the conical MWCNT probe demonstrates that this structure can remain stable until the force exerted on it increases to 14.0 ± 1.5 nN (nanonewton). Meanwhile, the conical MWCNT probes are able to resolve complex structure with high aspect ratio compared to commercial AFM probes, suggesting great potential for various AFM applications.