Role of clinical and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) features in the prediction of patients with intestinal lipoma developing intussusception.

Background: Intestinal lipoma is considered the most common benign tumor that causes intussusception. This retrospective case-control study aimed to present the clinical and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) features between intestinal lipomas with and without intussusception and examine risk factors that predict intussusception caused by intestinal lipomas. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 281 adult patients diagnosed with intestinal lipoma by radiologists using whole-abdominal MDCT between January 2015 and August 2022. Patients were divided into adult intussusception (AI) and non-AI groups based on MDCT images. Univariate logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for intestinal lipoma-induced intussusception. Results: A total of 281 patients with intestinal lipomas were included in the study, with an average age of 68.0±11.3 years, and the male to female ratio was about 1:1.4. Among them, 24 patients developed lipoma-induced intussusception. Patients in the AI group presented with more abdominal pain (70.8% vs. 47.1%, P=0.03), nausea/vomiting (37.5% vs. 14.8%, P=0.009), hematochezia/melena (29.2% vs. 11.3%, P=0.02), and abdominal tenderness (66.7% vs. 24.9%, P<0.001). Lipomas were more common in the small bowel (224/281, 79.7%) than the large bowel (57/281, 20.3%). Lipomas in the AI group showed more heterogeneous hypodensity (41.7% vs. 15.6%, P=0.004), longer length (median, 2.2 vs. 1.2 cm, P<0.001), and larger volume (median, 4.1 vs. 0.6 cm3, P<0.001). In the univariate logistic regression, lipoma density [odds ratio (OR) =3.875, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.609-9.331, P=0.003] and lipoma length (OR =3.216, 95% CI: 1.977-5.231, P<0.001) were risk factors for intestinal lipoma-induced intussusception. Conclusions: More patients in the AI group have digestive tract symptoms than those in the non-AI group. Lipoma density and length are risk factors for intussusception in patients with intestinal lipoma. In addition, the common site of intestinal lipoma may have changed from the colon to the small intestine.

Efficacy of microwave ablation in the treatment of large benign thyroid nodules: a multi-center study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and improvement of symptoms by ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) for patients with large benign thyroid nodules (BTNs). METHODS: Eighty-seven patients with 87 BTNs (≥ 4 cm) treated with MWA between April 2015 and March 2021 were enrolled in this retrospective multicenter study, with clinical and ultrasound examinations performed at the 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 12th months. A multivariable linear mixed effects model was employed to explore the alterations in volume and volume reduction ratio (VRR), as well as the potential factors associated with VRR. RESULTS: The mean age of the 87 patients was 45.69 ± 14.21 years (range 18-76 years), and the ratio of men to women was 1:4.8. The mean volumes were much decreased at the 12th month after ablation compared to the initial volumes (p < .001). The mean VRR was 76.09% at the 12th month. The technique efficacy (VRR > 50%) was 90.80% at the 12th month. A multivariate analysis revealed that VRR was related to the initial volume (p = .015), annular flow (p = .010), and nodule composition (p = .024). The mean symptomatic score decreased from 4.40 ± 0.28 to 0.26 ± 0.06 at the 12th month (p < .001). At the same time, the mean cosmetic score decreased from 3.22 ± 0.10 to 1.31 ± 0.08 (p < .001). CONCLUSION: MWA could serve as a safe and effective therapy for large BTNs, significantly reducing the volume of BTNs and significantly improving compressive symptoms and appearance problems. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Microwave ablation could serve as a safe and effective therapy for large benign thyroid nodules, leading to significant volume reduction and satisfied symptom and cosmetic alleviation period. KEY POINTS: • This multicenter study investigated the feasibility and safety of microwave ablation for large benign thyroid nodules. • After ablation, the nodule volume was significantly reduced, and patients' symptoms and appearance problems were significantly improved. • Microwave ablation is feasible for large benign thyroid nodules and has been a supplement treatment.

Using Self-Reported Sexual Positioning as an Indicator for Rectal Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Screening Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in China: A Missed Opportunity.

BACKGROUND: Rectal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) are escalating public health concerns. This study aimed to explore (1) the reliability of self-reported sexual positioning as an indicator for rectal CT and NG screening, and (2) factors associated with rectal CT and NG infections in Shenzhen, China. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2 settings in Shenzhen, China, from April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, and basic CT knowledge were collected. Urine and self-collected rectal swabs were collected for CT and NG testing. RESULTS: In total, 195 MSM participated in the study, and 5.1% tested positive for urogenital CT, 29.2% for rectal CT, 1.0% for urogenital NG, and 8.2% for rectal NG. Among those who reported exclusively insertive anal sex, 69.2% of CT infections and 85.7% of NG infections would have remained undetected with urine testing alone. Risk factors for rectal CT infection included engaging in both insertive and receptive anal sex, with a significant association found for coinfection with rectal NG. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported sexual positioning was found to be an unreliable indicator for CT and NG screening, as a substantial proportion of infections would have remained undetected. The findings suggest that CT and NG screening in China should be offered to all MSM regardless of self-reported sexual positioning, and that the dual CT/NG testing is recommended.

Clinical Presentations, MDCT Features, and Treatment of Three Types of Adult Intussusceptions Based on the Location.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the similarities and differences in clinical presentations, multidetector computed tomographic (MDCT) features, and treatment of three types of adult intussusceptions based on location. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 184 adult patients with 192 intussusceptions. Depending on the location, intussusceptions were classified as enteric, ileocolic, and colonic types. The similarities and differences of clinical presentations, MDCT features, and treatment of three types of adult intussusception were compared. Meanwhile, the three types of intussusceptions were further divided into surgical and conservative groups based on the treatment. Uni- and multivariate logistic analyses were used to identify risk factors for intussusception requiring surgery. RESULTS: Enteric and ileocolic intussusceptions were mainly presented with abdominal pain (78.46% and 85.71%). Hematochezia/melena (64.29%) was the main symptom of colonic intussusception. On MDCT, ileocolic intussusceptions were longer in length and had more signs of intestinal necrosis (hypodense layer, fluid collection and no/poor bowel wall enhancement) than enteric and colonic intussusceptions. Moreover, it was found that 93.88% (46/49) of ileocolic intussusception and 98.59% (70/71) of colonic intussusception belonged to the surgical group, whereas only 43.06% (31/72) of enteric intussusception belonged to the surgical group. Intussusception length (OR=1.171, P=0.028) and discernible lead point on MDCT (OR=21.003, P<0.001) were reliable indicators of enteric intussusception requiring surgery. CONCLUSION: Ileocolic intussusception may be more prone to intestinal necrosis than enteric and colonic intussusceptions, requiring more attention from clinicians. Surgery remains the treatment of choice for most ileocolic and colonic intussusceptions. Less than half of enteric intussusceptions require surgery, and MDCT features are effective in identifying them.

Predictors of malignant intussusception in adults using clinical manifestations and multidetector computed tomographic findings.

PURPOSE: To investigate the diagnostic performance of clinical manifestations and multidetector computed tomographic (MDCT) features in detecting predictors of malignant intussusception in adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 88 adults with 91 intussusceptions who were diagnosed by MDCT. Their clinical manifestations and MDCT features were reviewed and compared between the malignant and benign groups. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of malignant intussusception. RESULTS: There were 61 patients in the malignant group and 27 patients in the benign group. The malignant group had older age (mean, 62.61 vs 54.22 years, P = 0.014), more colon-related intussusception (89.06% vs 55.56%, P < 0.001), shorter intussusception length (median, 6.53 vs 9.73 cm, P = 0.009), higher maximum short axis diameter (mean, 4.85 vs 4.10 cm, P = 0.001), more enlarged lymph nodes (40.63% vs 11.11%, P = 0.006) than the benign group. Lead points were mainly presented as masses, which were irregular (44.74%) and lobular (28.95%) in the malignant group, and round or oval (92.00%) in the benign group. On the unenhanced MDCT, 90.62% of them in the malignant group showed non-hypodense. Multivariate analysis showed that intussusception length (P = 0.013), maximum short axis diameter (P = 0.007), non-round/oval lead point (P < 0.001) and non-hypodense lead point (P = 0.030) were independent factors of malignant intussusception. CONCLUSION: Malignant intussusception can be identified using independent predictors such as intussusception length, maximum short axis diameter, non-round/oval and non-hypodense lead point. When integrating these four factors, radiologists can make qualitative diagnoses withhigher sensitivity and specificity, allowing clinicians to develop more appropriate treatments.

Rapidly progressing primary pulmonary lymphoma masquerading as lung infectious disease: A case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Primary anaplastic large cell lymphoma of the lung represents a diagnostic challenge due to diverse manifestations and non-specific radiological findings, particularly in cases that lack extra-pulmonary manifestations and lung biopsy. CASE SUMMARY: A 40-year-old woman presented with a 6-d history of fever, dry coughing, and dyspnea. Her white blood cell count was 20100/mm3 with 90% neutrophils. PaO2 was 60 mmHg and SaO2 was 90% when breathing ambient air. Chest computed tomography (CT) identified a solid nodule, 15 mm in diameter, with a poorly defined boundary in the upper right lung, and several smaller solid nodules throughout both lungs. Pulmonary artery CT and subsequent bedside X-ray showed diffuse patchy shadows throughout both lungs. Repeated cultures of blood samples and alveolar lavage failed to identify any pathogen. Due to the mismatch between clinical and imaging features, we conducted a bone marrow biopsy, and the results showed proliferation along all three lineages but no atypical or malignant cells. The patient received empirical antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal treatments, as well as corticosteroids. The patient's condition deteriorated rapidly despite treatment. The patient died 6 d after hospitalization due to respiratory failure. Post-mortem lung biopsy failed to show inflammation but identified widespread infiltration of alveolar septum by anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive anaplastic cells. CONCLUSION: ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma could present as a primary pulmonary disease without extra-pulmonary manifestations.

Prediction of bowel obstruction caused by obturator hernia using risk factor categories on clinical characteristics and multidetector computed tomographic findings.

PURPOSE: To detect risk factors on clinical characteristics and multidetector computed tomographic (MDCT) findings for predicting bowel obstruction in patients with obturator hernia. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 47 patients who had an obturator hernia diagnosed by MDCT and/or surgery. The patients were divided into obstruction and non-obstruction group based on the presence or absence of bowel obstruction on MDCT images. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for predicting bowel obstruction. RESULTS: There were 26 patients (55.32%) in the obstruction group and 21 patients (44.68%) in the non-obstruction group. Patients in the obstruction group were older (P = 0.002) and had more women (P = 0.033) and lower body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.0001) than patients in the non-obstruction group. The non-obstruction group suffered fewer bowel obstruction symptoms (P = 0.0001), Howship-Romberg (HR) sign (P = 0.012), deaths (P = 0.008) and major postoperative complications (P = 0.047). The hernia sac in the obstruction group had greater mean major diameter (P = 0.0001) and volume (P = 0.001) than those in the non-obstruction group. Multivariate analysis showed that age [odds ratio (OR) 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00-1.39, P = 0.046] and major diameter of hernia sac (OR 68.17, 95% CI 4.52-1027.70, P = 0.002) were independent risk factors associated with bowel obstruction in patients with obturator hernia. CONCLUSIONS: Patient's age and major diameter of hernia sac are independent risk factors resulting in bowel obstruction in patients with obturator hernia. Obturator hernia repair before bowel obstruction development may result in better outcomes and fewer postoperative complications.

[Effects of Nano-magnesium Hydroxide on the Forms of Cadmium in Different Types of Soil].

The effects of nano-magnesium hydroxide and common magnesium hydroxide (100, 200, and 300 mg·kg-1) on the forms of cadmium in different types of cadmium contaminated soils (1, 5, 10, and 15 mg·kg-1) were studied under 28 days of continuous culture experiment. In the neutral soil, during the 28 days of culture, soil exchange Cd (EX-Cd) form distribution ratio (FDC) decreased at first and then increased with the culture time increasing under treatment of 1, 5, 10, and 15 mg·kg-1 Cd. The minima of soil EX-Cd FDC were found on the 14th day under 1 mg·kg-1 Cd and 5 mg·kg-1 Cd treatments, whereas the minima of soil EX-Cd FDC were observed on the 4th day under 10 mg·kg-1 Cd and 15 mg·kg-1 Cd treatments. The FDC of soil carbonate bound Cd (CAB-Cd), iron manganese oxidized Cd (FeMn-Cd), and organic bound Cd (OM-Cd) increased at first, then decreased, and finally, became stable, and the maxima of soil CAB-Cd, FeMn-Cd, and OM-Cd FDC were found on the 4th day, whereas the minima of soil CAB-Cd, FeMn-Cd, and OM-Cd FDC were observed on the 14th day. Soil residual Cd (RES-Cd) FDC increased gradually and then tended to becomes stable during the 28 days of culture. The soil EX-Cd FDC was 66.7%-81.8% at 1, 5, 10, and 15 mg·kg-1 Cd treatments, which was the main form of the soil. The FDC of soil Cd forms was in the order of EX-Cd > CAB-Cd > RES-Cd > FeMn-Cd > OM-Cd. Soil EX-Cd FDC reached the lowest value on the 14th Day. Soil EX-Cd FDC was reduced by nano-magnesium hydroxide and common magnesium hydroxide, and it decreased with the increase of the amount of magnesium hydroxide. During 0-28 days of culture, the soil EX-Cd FDC decreased by 11.4%-67.7%, 7.8%-37.2%, 7.7%-36.4%, 5.0%-28.8% (nano-magnesium hydroxide) and 0.5%-49.5%, 0.6%-15.0%, 1.0%-18.1%, 0.7%-14.6% (ordinary magnesium hydroxide) at 1, 5, 10, and 15 mg·kg-1 Cd treatments, respectively. The EX-Cd content of alkaline soil reached the lowest value on the 7th day of culture, and the EX-Cd content of acidic soil reached the lowest value on the 21st day under 1, 5, and 10 mg·kg-1 Cd treatments. The content of EX-Cd in neutral, acidic, and alkaline soils decreased with the increase of magnesium hydroxide content, and the content of EX-Cd in soil decreased with the increase of magnesium hydroxide amount. At the same amount, the effect of passivating soil EX-Cd under nanometer magnesium hydroxide treatment was superior to ordinary magnesium hydroxide treatment.

An Antisense Oligonucleotide Drug Targeting miR-21 Induces H1650 Apoptosis and Caspase Activation.

Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common malignant tumor in the world. Currently, chemotherapy is still the major method for non-small cell lung cancer treatment, but the problem of cancer drug resistance still exists, so we designed 5 different phosphorothioate oligonucleotides to silence key genes in tumor cell development, which could help avoid inducing cancer cell drug resistance. MicroRNAs have been shown to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of many malignancies, such as breast, colon, lung, and pancreatic cancer. According to the data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, miR-21 has been reported to be one of the top 20 differentially expressed microRNAs screened using the Morpheus online tool, and miR-21 has been revealed to regulate a series of biological behaviors in cancer cells, including cell proliferation, migration, invasion, metastasis, and apoptosis. In recent years, gene therapy has emerged as a new therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. Antisense oligonucleotides have recently been suggested as a novel approach for targeting microRNAs by antisense-based gene silencing. Five phosphorothioate oligonucleotides were designed, synthesized, and screened for anticancer activity. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the relative expression of miR21. Among these 5 sequences, only phosphorothioate oligonucleotide 4 inhibited the proliferation of H1650 cells, and this effect was due to the induction of cancer cell apoptosis by activating the caspase-8 apoptotic pathway. In conclusion, this research confirmed the anticancer activity of phosphorothioate oligonucleotide 4 and revealed the underlying mechanism, which has the potential to be a novel anticancer strategy.

[Application of Test Method for Dust Suppression Efficiency of Wind Erosion Dust Suppressant].

Wind erosion dust suppressant is an effective measure for controlling wind erosion dust. This study used the Portable In-Situ Wind Erosion Laboratory (PI-SWERL) to evaluate the efficiency of domestic and foreign dust suppressants and to compare their control efficiency of PM2.5 in terms of spraying methods, dilution factors, and wind speed. The following results were noted.① According to the recommended dilution factor, G and Enviroseal (ES) dust suppressant solutions were treated and tested, respectively. The control efficiency of particulate matter with diameters less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) corresponding to the droplet spraying method was better than the atomized spraying method; the G dust suppressant efficiency, at 99.5%, was better than ES and water, at 94.0% and 77.5%, respectively, at 17.2 m·s-1, which is equivalent to grade 8 wind. ② The G dust suppressant with dilution factors of 50, 100, 150, 200, and 400 times was tested. The dust suppression efficiency at a wind speed of 17.2 m·s-1 was 99.7%, 99.5%, 99.7%, 98.1%, and 95.9%, respectively. The best cost-effective dilution factor of G dust suppressant was 150 times. The efficiency of dust suppressants increased when the wind speed increased between 13.1 m·s-1 and 17.2 m·s-1. ③ The method of using PI-SWERL to test the efficiency of wind erosion dust suppressant can quantify the suppression efficiency of dust suppressant on PM2.5. It is recommended to conduct dust suppression during effective periods and to practice environmentally friendly methods of wind erosion dust suppression.

[Effect and mechanism of astragaloside â £ on Toll-like receptor pathway in fibrotic mice after renal ischemia-reperfusion].

The aim of this paper is to study the effect of astragaloside Ⅳ on renal fibrosis mice with ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and discuss the mechanism. Male C57BL/6 50 mice were randomly divided into four groups, namely Sham-operated group, model group, AS-Ⅳ prevention group and AS-Ⅳ treatment group. Since the day of surgery, the mice in astragaloside Ⅳ prevention group were treated with astragaloside Ⅳ by gavage for 30 days at the dose of 30 mg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹. At the 60th day after surgery, the mice in astragaloside Ⅳ treatment group were treated with astragaloside Ⅳ 100 by gavage for 30 days at the dose of 30 mg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹. The mice in Sham-operated group and model group were treated with double distilled water containing 0.1% ethanol instead of astragaloside Ⅳ. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were detected by chemical methods. Histopathological changes and collagen deposition of affected kidneys were observed under optical microscope by HE and Masson staining. The expression levels of Toll like receptor pathway related molecules (TLR4,MyD88,TRAF6,TRAM,TRIF,NF-κB,TNF-α,IL-6, IFN-γ) in affected kidneys were observed by immunohistochemistry, Western blot methods and reverse transcription-PCR atprotein and mRNA levels in each group. The results showed that the degrees of fibrosis and histopathological damage of affected kidneys of mice in model group were the most obvious. And the expression levels of TLR4/MyD88 dependent signaling pathway-related molecules (TLR4 and MyD88, TRAF6 and NF-κB) in affected kidneys of mice in model group were the highest. At the same time, there was no difference in the expression levels of TLR4/MyD88 independent signaling pathway-related molecules（TRAM, TRIF）among sham-operated group, model group, astragaloside IV prevention group and astragaloside Ⅳ treatment group. In astragaloside Ⅳ prevention group and astragaloside Ⅳ treatment group, the injury of affected kidney was obviously reduced, and the protein expression levels of TLR4/MyD88 dependent signaling pathway-related molecules were also correspondingly reduced; at the same time, the expressions of terminal inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α,IL-6, IFN-γ) were suppressed. Therefore, astragaloside Ⅳ may improve renal interstitial fibrosis in mice after IRI by inhibiting the expression of TLR4/MyD88 dependent signaling pathway and the release of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α,IL-6, IFN-γ), while the TLR4/MyD88 independent signaling pathway may not be involved in the process of renal fibrosis after ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Unsteady aeolian saltation.

Wind velocity and saltating grain count rate in the natural unsteady aeolian sediment transport are synchronously measured on the gently inclined windward slope of one horn of a large barchan. The obtained time series of these two variables are analyzed, by using the improved complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition and wavelet coherence, to investigate the wind-saltation interactions at different timescales. It is found that the wind-saltation trend relation obeys the traditional low-order polynomial expressions, and saltation mode is roughly proportional to its corresponding wind mode if they are strongly correlated. As a conclusion, it is probable to partly predict instantaneous saltation activities near the surface by the empirical trend and effective modes of wind speed at a given height.

[Emission Characteristics of Wind-Eroded Dust from Concrete Batching Plants in Beijing].

Concrete batching plants are a typical source of fugitive dust in Beijing. In this study, two concrete batching plants in Beijing were used to test wind erosion of dust with a Portable In-suit Wind Erosion Laboratory (PI-SWERL) designed by the Desert Research Institute (DRI). Sand and aggregate storage piles and paved roads in concrete batching plants were tested to determine the emission characteristics of wind eroded dust. Combining the frequencies of disturbance of storage piles and paved road surface with local meteorological data, localized wind erosion dust emission factors of PM2.5 were established. Results demonstrate that:①There are small differences in daily average emission factors for PM2.5 between the aggregate warehouse entrance area, concrete loading area, social road import area, and concrete batching plant entrance area, with these being 0.45, 0.41, 0.31, and 0.30 kg·(hm2·d)-1, respectively. ②Daily average emission factors for PM2.5 of coarse stone, fine stone, coarse sand, and fine sand storage piles are 0.10, 0.12, 0.26, and 2.02 kg·(hm2·d)-1, respectively. Emission factors of fine sand storage piles are 20.5, 16.8, and 7.7 times greater than those of coarse stone, fine stone, and coarse sand, respectively, and spring emission factors are 6.4, 3.4, and 1.3 times greater than those of summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. ③Daily average emission factors for PM2.5 of storage piles and paved roads are 1.13 and 0.37 kg·(hm2·d)-1, respectively 3.9 and 1.3 times higher than the wind erosion factor from storage piles from AP-42 files (c11s12 concrete batching, 1995); the uncertainty range of the emission factor is 34%-92%. ④It is recommended to strengthen watering, sweeping, and cleaning of paved roads, and to ensure fully enclosed storage and use of spray water to reduce wind erosion of dust from storage piles, especially from fine sand piles.

[Effects of Tetracycline Antibiotics on Growth and Characteristics of Enrichment and Transformation in Two Vegetables].

Pot experiments were carried out to study different levels (0, 50, and 150 mg·kg-1) of three tetracycline antibiotics[tetracycline (TC), oxytetracycline (OTC), and chlortetracycline (CTC)] on the growth, concentration of tetracycline antibiotics, and their characteristics of enrichment and transformation in two kinds of vegetables (lettuce and Chinese cabbage). The results showed that the fresh weight of shoots and roots of lettuce decreased by 1.56%-26.84% and 17.36%-51.04%, respectively, when exposed to tetracycline antibiotics compared to the control, while the fresh weight of shoots and roots of Chinese cabbage increased by 3.7%-7.3% and 3.1%-82.2%, respectively. The stomatal conductance (Gs) and transpiration rate (Tr) of lettuce and cabbage increased when exposed to tetracycline antibiotics, while the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of lettuce decreased by 32.43%-82.43% at 150 mg·kg-1 of TC compared to the control. Compared to the control, the activities of SOD in lettuce and cabbage decreased 29.17%-223.12% when exposed to tetracycline antibiotics, and the lowest activities of SOD in lettuce and cabbage were found in OTC treatments. The highest content of MDA in lettuce and cabbage was observed at 150 mg·kg-1 of TC (except for lettuce leaves). The contents of tetracycline antibiotics in the shoots and underground portions of Chinese cabbage were higher than that of lettuce, and higher contents of tetracycline antibiotics in vegetables were found with the CTC treatments. The residual amount of antibiotics in lettuce soil was higher than that in the Chinese cabbage soil, and the highest residual amount in the soil was observed with the OTC treatment. The bioconcentration factors (BCF) and transport factor (TF) of Chinese cabbage were, respectively, 1.07-7.35 and 1.15-2.25 times that of lettuce. OTC and CTC were more easily concentrated in the two vegetables. Therefore, OTC and CTC may bring a higher ecological risk.

Monitoring of aeolian desertification on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau from the 1970s to 2015 using Landsat images.

Aeolian desertification, one of the most serious environmental issues, has hampered socioeconomic development on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). However, research on aeolian desertification in this region has been limited. To develop a set of science-based preventive measures to mitigate desertification in this region, it is first necessary to clarify the status, evolution, and driving factors of aeolian desertification. In this study, based on extensive field investigations and a current classification system for aeolian desertification, we established a new system for interpreting aeolian desertified land (ADL) on the plateau using Landsat images from 1977, 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2015 and obtained the distribution of ADL through visual interpretation of the images. The results showed that ADL covered 392,914km2 (15.1% of the study area) in 2015, including gravel ADL, sandy ADL, and aeolian monadnocks. Controlled by climate, landforms, the type of Quaternary deposit, and human activities, ADL is scattered throughout the plateau but is concentrated mostly in the western and northern parts. Aeolian desertification on the plateau expanded from 1977 to 2000 and then began to reverse. The evolution during the study period is the result of the combined effects of natural and human factors. Irrational human activities were the dominant factor responsible for the expansion of ADL prior to 2000, whereas the subsequent reversal was mainly caused by climate change combined with large ecological restoration projects.

Risk of Congenital Syphilis (CS) Following Treatment of Maternal Syphilis: Results of a CS Control Program in China.

Background: Early screening for syphilis among pregnant women and the effective treatment of maternal syphilis is fundamental to prevent congenital syphilis (CS). Methods: We obtained data from the Shenzhen Program for Prevention of CS (SPPCS) and estimated incidence rates of CS among infants born to syphilis-seropositive women treated with different regimens or untreated for maternal syphilis. Results: A total of 4746 matched cases of syphilis-seropositive mothers and their infants were included for analyses, and 162 infants were diagnosed with CS, providing an overall incidence of 3.41% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.91%-3.98%). Among infants born to syphilis-seropositive women who had syphilis and were adequately treated before pregnancy, the incidence was 0.22% (95% CI, .05%-.66%). There were 159 cases of CS occurring in 3519 infants born to women who were syphilis-seropositive during their pregnancies, for an incidence of 4.52% (95% CI, 3.84%-5.28%). The incidence of CS was 1.82%-11.90% lower among infants born to the women treated with early benzathine penicillin G (BPG) compared with those treated with late BPG (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 8.06 [95% CI, 2.93-22.21]; P < .001), other antibiotics (aOR, 7.71 [95% CI, .86-69.28]; P = .068), or those untreated (aOR, 68.28 [95% CI, 29.64-157.28]; P < .001). The incidence rates were 0.22% (95% CI, .06%-.80%) and 0.59% (95% CI, .35%-1.02%) in infants born to women treated with 2 courses and 1 course of BPG, respectively, corresponding to a risk difference of 0.37% (aOR, 1.74; 95% CI, .37-8.26). Conclusions: Treatment of syphilis-seropositive pregnant women with 1 course of intramuscular BPG before 28 gestational weeks is critical for prevention of CS.

[Effect of Nano Zeolites on pH, CEC in Soil and Cd Fractions in Plant and Soil at Different Cadmium Levels].

Soil incubation experiment and pot experiment were carried out to investigate the influence of nano zeolite (NZ) and ordinary zeolite (OZ) on the soil pH, cation exchange capacity, concentration of soil Cd, soil Cd fraction and Cd uptake by Chinese cabbage when exposed to different Cd pollution levels(1, 5, 10 and 15 mg·kg-1). The results of soil incubation experiment showed that the nano zeolite and ordinary zeolite dose(5, 10 and 20 g·kg-1) increased the soil pH and cation exchange capacity, and decreased the concentration of soil exchangeable Cd, while increased the concentration of Cd in carbonate, Fe-Mn oxide, organic matter and residual fraction. The lowest EX-Cd was observed in the high nano zeolite (20 g·kg-1) treatment. The soil pH and cation exchange capacity was extremely negatively correlated with the concentration of soil exchangeable Cd(P<0.01),and extremely positively correlated with the concentration of soil Fe-Mn oxide Cd(P<0.01). The results of pot experiment showed that the FDC of exchangeable Cd in soil decreased by 6.4%-63.2%, and the FDC of water-extractable and ethnol-extractable Cd in Chinese cabbage decreased by 2.1%-56% and 11.8%-100% with zeolite application, respectively. Moreover, the reduction effect of nano zeolite on Cd concentration in soil and plant was better than that of ordinary zeolite. The FDC of Cd fraction in shoot of Chinese cabbage showed correlation with the FDC of carbonate Cd and organic matter Cd in soil(P<0.05) when exposed to 1 mg·kg-1 Cd pollution. Moreover, correlation was also found in the FDC of organic matter Cd and residual Cd in soil(P<0.05) under 5 mg·kg-1 Cd pollution.

Screening and identification of microRNA involved in unstable angina using gene-chip analysis.

Increasing evidence has suggested that microRNA (miRNA) may play a role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, which has led to a greater understanding of the complex pathophysiological processes underlying unstable angina (UA). The present study aimed to investigate changes in the miRNA expression profiles of patients with UA using gene-chip analysis, in order to further elucidate the pathogenesis of UA. Total RNA was extracted and purified from plasma samples collected from patients with UA and healthy controls. The samples underwent microarray analysis using an Exiqon miRCURY LNA™ microRNA Array. Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified by volcano plot filtering, and were validated using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). In addition, functional annotation of the differentially expressed miRNAs involved gene ontology analyses. Among the 212 miRNAs differentially expressed between the two groups, 82 were upregulated and 130 were downregulated. Notably, the results of the RT-qPCR were consistent with the gene-chip results. The miRNAs identified in the present study may be potential novel biomarkers for the prevention and early diagnosis of UA. Furthermore, the results of the present study suggested that UA occurs as a result of complex and dynamic processes regulated by numerous factors, including multiple miRNAs.

Giant liposarcoma of the esophagus: A case report.

Liposarcomas rarely develop in the aerodigestive tract. Here, we present a primary esophageal liposarcoma that was discovered between the T3 and T7 levels of the esophagus during right pleural exploration of a 51-year-old male patient. The patient had presented with non-specific symptoms, including progressive dysphagia over the previous 6 mo, without complaints of chest or epigastric pain, regurgitation, or weight loss. A radical three-hole esophagectomy was performed. The tumor was extremely large (14 cm × 7.0 cm × 6.5 cm), but completely encapsulated. Upon histological examination, the tumor was diagnosed as a giant, well-differentiated esophageal liposarcoma with a dedifferentiated component. Non-specific radiological and endoscopic results during the clinical work-up delayed diagnosis until post-operative histology was performed. In this report, the clinical, radiological and endoscopic diagnostic challenges specific to the case are discussed, as well as the surgical and pathological findings.

Effects of mild induced hypothermia on hippocampal connexin 43 and glutamate transporter 1 expression following traumatic brain injury in rats.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common cause of worldwide disability and mortality. Currently, the incidence and prevalence of TBI is markedly increasing and an effective therapy is lacking. Therapeutic hypothermia (32­35˚C) has been reported to reduce intracranial pressure and induce putative neuroprotective effects. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of mild induced hypothermia (MIH) on the expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) and glutamate transporter 1 (GLT­1) in the hippocampus following TBI in rats. A rat model of TBI was created using a modified weight­drop device, followed by 4 h of hypothermia (33˚C) or normothermia (37˚C). A wet­dry weight method was used to assess brain edema and spatial learning ability was evaluated using a Morris water maze. The levels of Cx43 and GLT­1 were detected by immunohistochemical and western blot analysis, respectively. The results demonstrated that MIH treatment improved TBI­induced brain edema and neurological function deficits. In addition, therapeutic MIH significantly downregulated Cx43 expression and upregulated the levels of GLT­1 in the hippocampus post­TBI. These findings suggested that treatment with MIH may provide a novel neuroprotective therapeutic strategy for TBI through reversing the increase in Cx43 protein and the decrease in GLT­1.