Methylomonas defluvii sp. nov., a type I methane-oxidizing bacterium from a secondary sedimentation tank of a wastewater treatment plant.

An aerobic methanotroph was isolated from a secondary sedimentation tank of a wastewater treatment plant and designated strain OY6T. Cells of OY6T were Gram-stain-negative, pink-pigmented, motile rods and contained an intracytoplasmic membrane structure typical of type I methanotrophs. OY6T could grow at a pH range of 4.5-7.5 (optimum pH 6.5) and at temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 37 °C (optimum 30 °C). The major cellular fatty acids were C14 : 0, C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c and C16 : 1ω5c; the predominant respiratory quinone was MQ-8. The genome size was 5.41 Mbp with a DNA G+C content of 51.7 mol%. OY6T represents a member of the family Methylococcaceae of the class Gammaproteobacteria and displayed 95.74-99.64 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the type strains of species of the genus Methylomonas. Whole-genome comparisons based on average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridisation (dDDH) confirmed that OY6T should be classified as representing a novel species. The most closely related type strain was Methylomonas fluvii EbBT, with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, ANI by blast (ANIb), ANI by MUMmer (ANIm) and dDDH values of 99.64, 90.46, 91.92 and 44.5 %, respectively. OY6T possessed genes encoding both the particulate methane monooxygenase enzyme and the soluble methane monooxygenase enzyme. It grew only on methane or methanol as carbon sources. On the basis of phenotypic, genetic and phylogenetic data, strain OY6T represents a novel species within the genus Methylomonas for which the name Methylomonas defluvii sp. nov. is proposed, with strain OY6T (=GDMCC 1.4114T=KCTC 8159T=LMG 33371T) as the type strain.

Therapeutic effect and mechanism of electroacupuncture at Zusanli on plasticity of interstitial cells of Cajal: a study of rat ileum.

BACKGROUND: Electroacupuncture (EA) is one of the techniques of acupuncture and is believed to be an effective alternative and complementary treatment in many disorders. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects and mechanisms of EA at acupoint Zusanli (ST36) on the plasticity of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in partial bowel obstruction. METHODS: A Sprague Dawley rat model of partial bowel obstruction was established and EA was conducted at Zusanli (ST36) and Yinglingquan (SP9) in test and control groups, respectively. Experiments were performed to study the effects and mechanisms of EA at Zusanli on intestinal myoelectric activity, distribution and alteration of ICCs, expression of inflammatory mediators, and c-Kit expression. RESULTS: 1) EA at Zusanli somewhat improved slow wave amplitude and frequency in the partial obstruction rats. 2) EA at Zusanli significantly stimulated the recovery of ICC networks and numbers. 3) the pro-inflammatory mediator TNF-α and NO activity were significantly reduced after EA at Zusanli, However, no significant changes were observed in the anti-inflammatory mediator IL-10 activity. 4) EA at Zusanli re-expressed c-Kit protein. However, EA at the control acupoint, SP9, significantly improved slow wave frequency and amplitude, but had no effect on ICC or inflammatory mediators. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that EA at Zusanli might have a therapeutic effect on ICC plasticity, and that this effect might be mediated via a decrease in pro-inflammatory mediators and through the c-Kit signaling pathway, but that the relationship between EA at different acupoints and myoelectric activity needs further study.

Delay robustness-constrained control of integrating processes with optimal tracking and quantified disturbance rejection.

Regarding a general class of integrating processes subject to uncertain delays, this paper investigates a two-degree-of-freedom (2-Dof) control scheme with a proportional-derivative (PD) controller and disturbance observer (DOB). Relative delay margin is introduced as a paramount metric to evaluate the delay robustness, with which a set of novel and explicit tuning formulae for PD controller is analytically derived under the single external loop. In this individual frame, the stability boundaries associated with the governing parameters are first studied, indicating the nominal stability conditions for the 2-Dof control system. Then the optimal tracking problem is formulated and addressed with such delay robustness constraints. For the design of the internal loop, the performance of DOB will be quantified by the trade-off between the external relative delay margin and the disturbance rejection, thus retaining the original PD controller design. Besides, the stability in the nominal delay range is primarily concerned when demarcating the low-pass filter in DOB, based on which a critical time constant is obtained through exhaustive testing. Following the route of combining analytical design with quantitative adjustment, the synthetic tuning rules can provide prescribed robustness against delay uncertainty for integrating processes. Through conducting illustrative simulations and a water tank experiment, the efficiency and merit of the proposed scheme are demonstrated.

Prevalence, correlates, and network analysis of Internet addiction symptoms among Chinese pregnant and postpartum women.

OBJECTIVE: Excessive Internet use is a common health problem globally. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, correlates, and network structure of Internet addiction symptoms (Internet addiction hereafter) among Chinese pregnant and postpartum women. METHODS: This was a multicenter cross-sectional study using Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) to evaluate Internet addiction and quality of life (QOL), respectively. Univariate analyses, multivariate logistic regression analyses, and network analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of a total of 1,060 women who completed the study, 320 (30.19%, 95% CI=27.42%-32.96%) women reported Internet addiction during or after pregnancy. Women with previous adverse pregnancy experiences (OR=1.831, P=0.001) and physical comorbidities (OR=1.724, P=0.004) had a higher likelihood of developing Internet addiction. Internet addiction was significantly associated with poor QOL in all domains. Network analyses revealed that IAT item 16 (request an extension for longer time spent online) was the most central symptom in the analyses, and also one of the strongest bridging symptoms linking the Internet addiction and QOL communities. LIMITATIONS: This was a cross-sectional study, all study findings were based on self-reported data, and possible recall bias and selection bias may exist. CONCLUSION: Internet addiction is common among Chinese pregnant and postpartum women, and is significantly associated with lower QOL. Effective strategies, especially focusing on central symptoms, are needed to reduce the impact of Internet addiction and improve QOL in pregnant and postpartum women.

Secondhand smoking exposure and quality of life among pregnant and postnatal women: a network approach.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the prevalence of exposure to secondhand smoke, its correlates and its association with quality of life (QOL) among pregnant and postnatal Chinese women. DESIGN: This was a multicentre, cross-sectional study. SETTING: Participants were consecutively recruited from eight tertiary hospitals located in eight municipalities or provinces in China. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1140 women were invited to join this study and 992 (87.02%) completed all measures. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME: Measures women's secondhand smoking behaviour (frequency and location of exposure to secondhand smoking), and their QOL measured by the WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 211 women (21.3%, 95% CI 18.7% to 23.8%) had been exposed to secondhand smoking. Exposure to secondhand smoking was most common in public areas (56.4%), and residential homes (20.5%), while workplaces had the lowest rate of exposure (13.7%). Women with physical comorbidities were more likely to report secondhand smoking exposure, while older women, women living in urban areas, those with college or higher education level, and women in their second trimester were less likely to report exposure to secondhand smoking. Network analysis revealed that there were six significant links between secondhand smoke and QOL items. The strongest negative edge was the connection between secondhand smoke and QOL9 ('physical environment health', edge weight=-0.060), while the strongest positive edge was the connection between secondhand smoke and QOL3 ('pain and discomfort', edge weight=0.037). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of exposure to secondhand smoking is becoming lower among pregnant and postnatal women in China compared with findings reported in previous studies. Legal legislation should be maintained and promptly enforced to establish smoke-free environments in both public and private urban/rural areas for protection of pregnant and postnatal women, especially those who are physically vulnerable and less educated.

The Prevalence of Depression and Its Association With Quality of Life Among Pregnant and Postnatal Women in China: A Multicenter Study.

Background: This study examined the prevalence of depressive symptoms (depression hereafter) and its association with quality of life (QOL) among pregnant and postnatal women in China. Methods: In this multi-center, cross-sectional study, 1,060 pregnant and postnatal women from eight hospitals were assessed. Depression and QOL were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire - brief version, respectively. Results: The prevalence of depression was 7.45% (95% CI: 5.87-9.04%) in the sample. Women with depression had lower QOL in physical, psychological, social and environmental domains compared to those without. Women with physical comorbidities were more likely to suffer from depression (OR = 2.391, 95% CI = 1.384-4.130, P = 0.002). Conclusion: Due to its negative association with QOL, increased attention should be paid to depression in pregnant and postnatal women. Regular screening assessment and preventive measures should be adopted to reduce risk of depression in this population.

Prevalence of depression and its association with quality of life in clinically stable patients with COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: High risk of mental health problems is associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study explored the prevalence of depressive symptoms (depression hereafter) and its relationship with quality of life (QOL) in clinically stable patients with COVID-19. METHODS: This was an online survey conducted in COVID-19 patients across five designated isolation hospitals for COVID-19 in Hubei province, China. Depression and QOL were assessed with standardized instruments. RESULTS: A total of 770 participants were included. The prevalence of depression was 43.1% (95%CI: 39.6%-46.6%). Binary logistic regression analysis found that having a family member infected with COVID-19 (OR=1.51, P = 0.01), suffering from severe COVID-19 infection (OR=1.67, P = 0.03), male gender (OR=0.53, P<0.01), and frequent social media use to obtain COVID-19 related information (OR=0.65, P<0.01) were independently associated with depression. Patients with depression had lower QOL than those without. CONCLUSION: Depression is highly prevalent in clinically stable patients with COVID-19. Regular screening and appropriate treatment of depression are urgently warranted for this population.

Characteristic dysbiosis of gut microbiota of Chinese patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome by an insight into the pan-microbiome.

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is reported associated with the alteration of gut microbial composition termed as dysbiosis. However, the pathogenic mechanism of IBS remains unclear, while the studies of Chinese individuals are scarce. This study aimed to understand the concept of dysbiosis among patients with Chinese diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D), as a degree of variance between the gut microbiomes of IBS-D population and that of a healthy population. METHODS: The patients with IBS-D were recruited (assessed according to the Rome III criteria, by IBS symptom severity score) from the Outpatient Department of Gastroenterology of Peking University Third Hospital, and volunteers as healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled, during 2013. The 16S rRNA sequences were extracted from fecal samples. Ribosomal database project resources, basic local alignment search tool, and SparCC software were used to obtain the phylotype composition of samples and the internal interactions of the microbial community. Herein, the non-parametric test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test was carried out to find the statistical significance between HC and IBS-D groups. All the P values were adjusted to q values to decrease the error rate. RESULTS: The study characterized the gut microbiomes of Chinese patients with IBS-D, and demonstrated that the dysbiosis could be characterized as directed alteration of the microbiome composition leading to greater disparity between relative abundance of two phyla, Bacteroidetes (Z = 4.77, q = 1.59 × 10) and Firmicutes (Z = -3.87, q = 5.83 × 10). Moreover, it indicated that the IBS symptom features were associated with the dysbiosis of whole gut microbiome, instead of one or several certain genera even they were dominating. Two genera, Bacteroides and Lachnospiracea incertae sedis, were identified as the core genera, meanwhile, the non-core genera contribute to a larger pan-microbiome of the gut microbiome. Furthermore, the dysbiosis in patients with IBS-D was associated with a reduction of network complexity of the interacted microbial community (HC vs. IBS-D: 639 vs. 154). The disordered metabolic functions of patients with IBS-D were identified as the potential influence of gut microbiome on the host (significant difference with q < 0.01 between HC and IBS-D). CONCLUSIONS: This study supported the view of the potential influence of gut microbiome on the symptom of Chinese patients with IBS-D, and further characterized dysbiosis in Chinese patients with IBS-D, thus provided more pathological evidences for IBS-D with the further understanding of dysbiosis.

Uncut Esophagojejunostomy with Double Jejunal Pouch: An Alternative Reconstruction Method that Improves the Quality of Life of Patients after Total Gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is no optimal digestive tract reconstruction technique well recognized by scholars after total gastrectomy. In this study, a new reconstruction method, which is modified from the classic Roux-en-Y procedure, an uncut jejunal esophageal anastomosis with double jejunal pouch (UJEA-DJP) was established, and its advantages for improving the quality of life of patients who undergo total gastrectomy were analyzed. METHODS: Altogether 160 patients with gastric cancer enrolled in our center from September 2009 to March 2012 received radical D2 total gastrectomy. According to the reconstruction methods used, these patients were divided into three groups: UJEA-DJP (n = 63), Roux-en-Y (n = 45), and P-loop with Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy (P-RY; n = 52). The operation time for reconstruction, complications, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and the Visick classification among the three groups were analyzed. RESULTS: We found that UJEA-DJP has advantages over Roux-en-Y and P-RY regarding the time of digestive tract reconstruction, incidence rates for long-term complications, postoperative nutritional index, body weight recovery, and the Visick classification for subjective feelings (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The UJEA-DJP surgical procedure has the advantages of intestinal continuity and double-pouch construction, which can significantly reduce long-term complications and improve the long-term quality of life of patients after surgical procedure.

Learning curve for hand-assisted laparoscopic D2 radical gastrectomy.

AIM: To describe the learning curves of hand-assisted laparoscopic D2 radical gastrectomy (HALG) for the treatment of gastric cancer. METHODS: The HALG surgical procedure consists of three stages: surgery under direct vision via the port for hand assistance, hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery, and gastrointestinal tract reconstruction. According to the order of the date of surgery, patients were divided into 6 groups (A-F) with 20 cases in each group. All surgeries were performed by the same group of surgeons. We performed a comprehensive and in-depth retrospective comparative analysis of the clinical data of all patients, with the clinical data including general patient information and intraoperative and postoperative observation indicators. RESULTS: There were no differences in the basic information among the patient groups (P > 0.05). The operative time of the hand-assisted surgery stage in group A was 8-10 min longer than the other groups, with the difference being statistically significant (P = 0.01). There were no differences in total operative time between the groups (P = 0.30). Postoperative intestinal function recovery time in group A was longer than that of other groups (P = 0.02). Lengths of hospital stay and surgical quality indicators (such as intraoperative blood loss, numbers of detected lymph nodes, intraoperative side injury, postoperative complications, reoperation rate, and readmission rate 30 d after surgery) were not significantly different among the groups. CONCLUSION: HALG is a surgical procedure that can be easily mastered, with a learning curve closely related to the operative time of the hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery stage.

Three-step hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery for radical distal gastrectomy: an effective surgical approach.

OBJECTIVE: Three-step hand-assisted laparoscopic D2 radical gastrectomy (HALG) is a modified surgical technique based on hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) for the treatment of gastric cancer. This surgical approach is particularly easy and convenient for radical distal gastrectomy. In order to thoroughly understand the advantages of applying "three-step HALG" in distal gastrectomy, our center conducted a retrospective study to analyze data from patients who underwent HALG and laparoscopic-assisted D2 radical gastrectomy (LAG) during the corresponding time period. METHODS: The HALG procedure is performed in three steps, namely the operation performed through an auxiliary incision under direct vision, hand-assisted laparoscopic operation, and gastrointestinal tract reconstruction through the auxiliary incision under direct vision. This study performed comprehensive, in-depth comparative analyses on the clinical data of two groups of patients who underwent HALG and LAG. RESULTS: The auxiliary incision under the xiphoid was maximally utilized in the HALG procedure. The rate of conversion to open surgery in HALG group patients was significantly lower than in the LAG group (P = 0.03), and the operating time was significantly shorter in the HALG group than in the LAG group (P = 0.00). There was no significant difference in the pain rate score on postoperative day 2 and on the day of discharge between the HALG and LAG groups (P > 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in the time to recovery of bowel function, postoperative hospital stay, or postoperative complications (P > 0.05), although the values were all lower in the HALG group than in the LAG group. CONCLUSION: "Three-step HALG" is a highly feasible surgical approach for radical distal gastrectomy.

Transvaginal early fistula debridement and repair plus continuous vacuum aspiration via anal tube for rectovaginal fistula following rectal cancer surgery: report of four cases.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and superiority of transvaginal early fistula debridement and repair plus continuous vacuum aspiration via anal tube for rectovaginal fistula following rectal cancer surgery. METHODS: The clinical data of four cases of rectovaginal fistula following rectal cancer surgery were retrospectively analyzed in our center. After adequate preoperative preparation, the patients underwent transvaginal fistula debridement and repair plus continuous vacuum aspiration via anal tube under continuous epidural anesthesia. After surgery and before discharge, anti-infection and nutritional support was administered for 2 d, and fluid diet and anal tube vacuum aspiration continued for 7 d. RESULTS: All the four cases healed. Three of them healed after one operation, and the other patient had obvious shrinkage of the fistular orifice after the first operation and underwent the same operation for a second time before complete healing. The duration of postoperative follow-up was 2, 7, 8 and 9 months respectively. No recurrence or abnormal sex life was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Early transvaginal fistula debridement and repair plus continuous vacuum aspiration via anal tube are feasible for rectovaginal fistula following rectal cancer surgery. This operation has many advantages, such as minimal invasiveness, short durations of operation, short treatment cycles, and easy acceptance by the patient. In addition, it does not necessitate colostomy for feces shunt and a secondary colostomy and reduction.

Urinary function following laparoscopic lymphadenectomy for male rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Urinary function can be protected following open lateral node dissection (LND) with pelvic autonomic nerve preservation (PANP) for advanced rectal cancer. However data regarding urinary function after laparoscopic LND with PANP have not been reported. The goal of this study was to determine the effects of laparoscopic LND with PANP on urinary function in male patients with rectal cancer. METHODS: Urine flowmetry was performed using an Urodyn flowmeter. Patients were also asked to complete the standardized International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire before surgery and 6 months after. In total, this study consisted of 60 males with advanced rectal cancer. RESULTS: No significant differences were seen in maximal urinary flow rate, voided volume or residual volume before and after surgery. The total IPSS score increased significantly after surgery and at least 41 patients (68.3%) reported there was no change in one of the seven IPSS questions. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic LND with PANP was relatively safe in preserving urinary function.

Glulathione-S-transferases gene polymorphism in prediction of gastric cancer risk by smoking and Helicobacter pylori infection status.

AIM: To evaluate the association of glutathione S-transferases gene polymorphisms with the risk of gastric cancer, with reference to smoking and Helicobacter pylori infection. METHODS: We conducted a 1:1 matched case-control study with 410 gastric cancer cases and 410 cancer-free controls. Polymorphisms of GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 were determined using PCR-CTPP. RESULTS: The GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes were significantly associated with the risk of gastric cancer after adjusting for potential confounding factors (OR=1.68, 95% CI=1.32-2.23 for null GSTM1, OR=1.73; 95% CI=1.24-2.13 for null GSTT1). The combination of null GSTM1 and null GSTT1 conferred an elevated risk (OR=2.54, 95% CI=1.55-3.39). However, no association was found for GSTP1 polymorphism The smoking modified the association of GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes with the risk of gastric cancer. CONCLUSION: GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes are associated with increased risk of gastric cancer, and smoking modifies the association.

Stress-induced intestinal necrosis resulting from severe trauma of an earthquake.

AIM: To investigate the possible reasons and suggest therapeutic plan of stress-induced intestinal necrosis resulting from the severe trauma. METHODS: Three patients in our study were trapped inside collapsed structures for 22, 21 and 37 h, respectively. The patients underwent 3-4 operations after sustaining their injuries. Mechanical ventilation, intermittent hemodialysis and other treatments were also provided. The patients showed signs of peritoneal irritation on postoperative days 10-38. Small intestinal necrosis was confirmed by emergency laparotomy, and for each patient, part of the small bowel was removed. RESULTS: Two patients who all performed 3 operations died of respiratory complications on the first and second postoperative days respectively. The third patient who performed 4 operations was discharged and made a full recovery. Three patients had the following common characteristics: (1) Multiple severe trauma events with no direct penetrating gastrointestinal injury; (2) Multiple surgeries with impaired renal function and intermittent hemodialysis treatment; (3) Progressive abdominal pain and tenderness, and peritoneal irritation was present on post-traumatic days 10-38; (4) Abdominal operations confirmed segment ulcer, necrosis of the small intestine, hyperplasia and stiffness of the intestinal wall; and (5) Pathological examinations suggested submucosal hemorrhage, necrosis, fibrosis and hyalinization of the vascular wall. Pathological examinations of all 3 patients suggested intestinal necrosis with fistulas. CONCLUSION: Intestinal necrosis is strongly associated with stress from trauma and post-traumatic complications; timely exploratory laparotomy maybe an effective method for preventing and treating stress-induced intestinal necrosis.

[Hand-assisted laparoscopic radical gastrectomy: comparison between laparoscopic and open approach].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term outcomes after hand-assisted laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. METHODS: Between June 2010 and May 2011, a series of 15 patients underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic gastrectomy(HG), 16 patients underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy(LP), and 11 patients underwent open gastrectomy(OP). Short-term outcomes included operative time, blood loss, lymph nodes harvested, and the length of incision were collected after operation. RESULTS: The operative time was 150-200 min in HG, 180-220 min in LP, and 150-200 min in OP respectively. The time of laparoscopic procedure was 18-58 and 70-100 min respectively. The average incision length was 6.8 cm in HG, 5.6 cm in LP, and 13.5 cm in OP. The average number of lymph nodes harvested was 17.6, 15.1 and 16.4 respectively. The average estimated blood loss was 228 ml, 278 ml, and 427 ml respectively. The mean length of hospital stay was 9.9, 10.8, and 12.4 d. No anastomotic leakage, bleeding, or gastric paralysis were found. One wound infection case was found in OP. CONCLUSIONS: Hand-assisted laparoscopic gastrectomy is in concordance with the standardized treatment protocol for gastric cancer. Lymph node dissection is easier by HG, therefore HG can be an alternative for the radical resection of gastric cancer.