Synergistic disinfection of aerosolized bacteria and bacteriophage by far-UVC (222-nm) and negative air ions.

Air ionizers and 222-nm krypton-chlorine (KrCl) excilamp have proven to be effective disinfection apparatus for bacteria and viruses with limited health risks. We determined inactivation efficiencies by operating them individually and in combined modules. Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, non-enveloped dsDNA virus, and enveloped dsRNA virus were examined in a designed air disinfection system. Our results showed that the bioaerosols were inactivated efficiently by negative ionizers and far-UVC (222-nm), either used individually or in combination. Among which the combined modules of negative ionizers and KrCl excilamp had the best disinfection performance for the bacteria. The aerosolized virus P22 and Phi 6 were more susceptible to 222-nm emitted by KrCl excilamp than negative air ions. Significant greater inactivation of bacterial bioaerosols were identified after treated by combined treatment of negative air ion and far-UVC for 2 minutes (Escherichia coli, 6.25 natural log (ln) reduction; Staphylococcus epidermidis, 3.66 ln reduction), as compared to the mean sum value of inactivation results by respective individual treatment of negative ionizers and KrCl excilamp (Escherichia coli, 4.34 ln; Staphylococcus epidermidis, 1.75 ln), indicating a synergistic inactivation effect. The findings provide important baseline data to support the design and development of safe and high-efficient disinfection systems.

[Analysis of clinical and endoscopic characteristics of colorectal polyps in children].

To analyze the clinical and endoscopic characteristics of colorectal polyps in children, and to explore the detection rate, age and gender distribution characteristics, endoscopic treatment effect and follow-up monitoring of colorectal polyps in children, so as to provide reference for disease management of colorectal polyps in children. The clinical and endoscopic characteristics of children with colorectal polyps in Xi 'an Children's Hospital from January 2019 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into 5 groups according to age (y): 0

[Quantitative evaluation of global left ventricular myocardial work in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis by pressure-strain loop].

Objective: To quantitatively evaluate myocardial work in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis by using left ventricular pressure-strain loop. Methods: 70 cases with hepatitis B cirrhosis who were hospitalized in Henan Provincial People's Hospital from March to December 2020 were selected as the study group. Patients were divided into three subgroups according to the Child-Pugh score of liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class A, B, and C groups: 25, 25, and 20 patients, respectively). At the same time, 25 healthy volunteers were included as the control group. Global longitudinal strain (GLS), global myocardial work index (GWI), global work efficiency (GWE), global constructive work (GCW), and global wasted work (GWW) were obtained by applying pressure-strain loops. The differences were analyzed and compared among the four groups parameters. Results: Compared with the control group, the Child-Pugh class A group had decreased GLS, while Child-Pugh class B and C had decreased GLS, GWI, GWE, GCW, and increased GWW, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Compared with Child-Pugh class A group, Child-Pugh class B group had decreased GLS, GWE, and increased GWW, while Child-Pugh class C group had decreased GLS,GWI, GWE, GCW, and increased GWW, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Compared with Child-Pugh class B group, Child-Pugh class C group had decreased GLS, GWI, GWE, GCW, and increased GWW, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: The pressure-strain loop can detect early myocardial dysfunction, and has a certain value in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis evaluation of myocardial function changes in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis.

Experimental study on fire characteristics in cable compartment of utility tunnel with natural ventilation.

The fire characteristics under natural ventilation in the cable compartment of the utility tunnel are studied. A series of small-scale fire experimental tests are conducted to obtain the maximum temperature below the ceiling of different ignition vertical heights and cable types. In this paper, the ceiling temperature decay and heat release rate (HRR) are studied in the cable compartment of utility tunnel. Through experimental tests, the fire characteristics of placing the fire source on the near wall side 3.0 m away from the shaft of the utility tunnel cable compartment are studied. The results showed that under the action of natural ventilation, with the decrease of fuel quantity, the mass loss of cable decreases, and the maximum temperature below the ceiling of the cable compartment in the utility tunnel decreases. ZRYJV cables burn more sufficient combustion than RVVR cables. A new empirical association for total HRR is proposed. Those experimental test results are used as validation data for the newly proposed empirical correlation of total HRR. This paper hopes to provide some basic fire safety references for the utility tunnel planning of the urban underground cable compartment.

On the utility of hierarchical self-healing fiber bundle materials under different environments.

Bio-materials use a hierarchical structure to optimize their self-healing mechanical behavior. However, the utility may be restricted by different environments. In this paper, based on the previous work in Ji and Li (J Mater Sci 53:14858-14870, 2018) on the constitutive relation of hierarchical self-healing fiber bundle materials (FBMs), the stability is investigated for the mechanical-environmental interaction system established in Ji and Li (Int J Fract 212:105-112, 2018). With the principle of total potential, the stability criterion is proposed. The critical environment stiffness is derived and the system is therefore classified into the absolutely stable one and the conditionally stable one. For the conditionally stable system, the applied strain of FBMs reduces to be [0,[Formula: see text]], where [Formula: see text] is the cutoff strain. Finally, the toughness of hierarchical self-healing FBMs is studied for different interaction systems. The results show that in the absolutely stable system there exists a critical healing rate across which the toughness benefits from a hierarchical structure. In the conditionally stable system, the toughness is significantly affected by the environment stiffness, i.e., the toughness of a FBM increases with a rising hierarchical level, whereas it decreases with a rising healing rate. Moreover, the critical healing rate for toughness becomes greater compared to that in an absolutely stable system.

A piecewise constitutive model for collagen fiber tissues.

Inspired by Meyers et al. (Science, 2013), a piecewise model is established so as to individually predict both the heel region and the linear region of stress-strain curve. When the piecewise model satisfactorily predicts the experimental data, the constitutive parameters are precisely identified with definite physical significances. Along with this piecewise guideline, a complete constitutive model can be established for the whole stress-strain curve of collagen fiber tissues with the failure region as well. Graphical abstract.

[Clinical value of TDI combined with 2D-STI on evaluating the microcirculation dysfunction and left ventricular dysfunction in patients with non-obstructive coronary angina].

Objective: To explore the value of tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) combined with two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2D-STI) at rest on evaluating microcirculation dysfunction and left ventricular dysfunction in patients with angina and no obstructive coronary artery disease(ANOCA). Methods: This retrospective study recruited 78 ANOCA patients, who hospitalized in the People's Hospital of Liaoning Province from August 2019 to July 2021. These patients underwent conventional echocardiography examination, including TDI and 2D-STI, to evaluate the left ventricular dysfunction, and adenosine stress echocardiography (SE) to evaluate the coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR). ANOCA patients were divided into coronary microcirculation dysfunction CMD group (CFVR<2) and control group (CFVR≥2) according to CFVR. Clinical data, routine echocardiographic parameters, TDI parameters including isovolumic contraction time (IVCT), isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), ejection time (ET), and STI parameters including global longitudinal peak strain (GLS), time to peak (TTP); peak strain dispersion (PSD) were compared between the two groups. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of CMD and the predictive value of each parameter to construct a joint prediction model for the diagnosis of CMD in this patient cohort. Results: The mean age was (55.5±11.2) years, 43 (55%) patients were females in this patient cohort, 38 (49%) patienst were didvided into the CMD group and 40 (51%) into the control group. Age, prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and smokers were significantly higher in the CMD group than in the control group (all P<0.05). Tei index was higher, IVCT and TTP were longer, PSD was higher, ET was shorter, and absolute GLS was lower in the CMD group than in the control group (all P<0.05). The results of logistic regression analysis showed that longer IVCT, higher Tei index, higher time to PSD and lower absolute GLS were the independent risk factors of CMD. The ROC curve revealed that the predicting efficacy on CMD was satisfactiory with the combined predictors: AUC=0.884, sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 80%. Conclusions: TDI combined with 2D-STI is associated with a good diagnostic value on the diagnosis of CMD and left ventricular dysfunction in patients with ANOCA, which provides a feasible non-invasive tool for the diagnosis of CMD and risk stratification of patients with ANOCA.

[Study of the risk factors for recurrence of early and late stage hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatic artery embolization combined with radiofrequency ablation therapy].

Objective: To investigate the risk factors for recurrence of early and late stage hepatocellular carcinoma after receiving hepatic artery embolization combined with radiofrequency ablation therapy. Methods: 246 cases with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent hepatic artery embolization combined with radiofrequency ablation in Beijing You'an Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 2006 to January 2011 were selected. Clinical and follow-up data were collected. Univariate Cox analyses was used to determine the factors influencing recurrence of early and late stage HCC after hepatic artery embolization combined with radiofrequencies ablation. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine the independent factors. Results: 246 case with hepatocellular carcinoma were treated with hepatic artery embolization combined with radiofrequency ablation, with median follow-up time of 99 months. A total of 179 cases had recurrence and 67 cases had no recurrence. Considering 24 months as the limit, 95 cases had early recurrence and 84 cases had late recurrence. The 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year recurrence rates were 21.3%, 39.0%, 53.0%, 67.3%, and 77.6%, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the maximum tumor diameter (HR = 2.183, 95% CI: 1.414-3.369, P < 0.01) and tumor number (HR = 1.681, 95% CI: 1.110-2.545, P < 0.05) were independent factor influencing recurrence of early stage HCC after hepatic artery embolization combined with radiofrequency ablation. Liver cirrhosis (HR = 0.421, 95% CI: 0.272-0.651, P < 0.01) was an independent factor influencing recurrence of late stage HCC after hepatic artery embolization combined with radiofrequency ablation. Conclusion: Tumor diameter and number are independent factors influencing recurrence of early stage HCC, while liver cirrhosis is an independent factor influencing recurrence of late stage HCC after hepatic artery embolization combined with radiofrequency ablation therapy.

[Observation of efficacy and safety of stereotactic-EEG-guided three-dimensional radiofrequency thermocoagulation for the treatment of drug-resistant insular epilepsy].

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of stereotactic-EEG (SEEG)-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RF-TC) with three-dimensional lesioning in the treatment of drug-resistant insular epilepsy. Methods: Seven patients with drug-resistant insular epilepsy who underwent SEEG-guided RF-TC with three-dimensional ablation at the Department of Neurosurgery of Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University from February 2017 to June 2019 were retrospectively enrolled. Presurgical evaluation including semiology, EEG and imaging results suggested that the epileptogenic zone was located in the insular lobe. All patients underwent SEEG recording and three-dimensional RF-TC. Postoperative follow-up was conducted by outpatient visits or telephone, the clinical efficacy was evaluated based on Engel classification and the relevant complications were documented. Results: Seven patients were followed up at 18 months after surgery. Among them, 4 were seizure free (Engel ⅠA), 2 had nondisabling simple partial seizures (Engel ⅠB) and 1 achieved 75% decrease (Engel ⅢA) in seizure frequency. Postoperative complications occurred in 3 patients which included decreased sensation in the right lower extremity, decreased strength in the right upper extremity, glossolalia, decline in memory and comprehension. No permanent neurological dysfunction was detected. Conclusion: SEEG-guided RF-TC with three-dimensional lesioning is minimally invasive, safe and effective in the treatment of drug-resistant insular epilepsy and can serve as a complementary method for resection surgery.

Research Note: Effects of polysaccharide-enriched Acanthopanax senticosus extract on growth performance, immune function, antioxidation, and ileal microbial populations in broiler chickens.

Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) is a well-known, highly effective traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Polysaccharides extracted from AS (ASPS) have multiple pharmacologic and biological activities with potential use as additives in broiler chicken feed. This trial evaluated the effects of dietary ASPS on growth performance, immune function, antioxidation, and ileal microbial populations in broiler chickens. A total of 240 1-day-old Arbor Acres male broiler chicks were randomly divided into 4 groups, with 10 replicates of 6 chicks and fed a corn- and soybean-based diet supplemented with 0, 1, 2, or 4 g/kg ASPS. Compared with the control group, supplementation with 1 g/kg ASPS increased ADG and ADFI in the finisher and overall periods and decreased the feed conversion ratio in the finisher period (both P < 0.05). Serum IgA and IgM were significantly increased by supplementation with 1 and 2 g/kg of ASPS (P < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were increased and malondialdehyde concentration was decreased in birds fed ASPS-supplemented diets compared with those in the control group (P < 0.05). Polysaccharides extracted from AS supplementation increased Lactobacillus and decreased Escherichia coli and Salmonella counts in the ileal contents compared with the control diet (both P < 0.05). The results show that dietary ASPS improved growth performance, immune status, and antioxidant capacity and stimulated the growth of beneficial gut bacteria in broiler chickens. In conclusion, ASPS was effective as a natural additive in broiler chicken feed; 1 g/kg can be considered as the optimum dosage.

[Establishment of Mathematical Models for Skeletal Age Determination of Extremitas Sternalis of Clavicle in Shanxi Adolescents].

ABSTRACT: Objective To develop mathematical models for skeletal age determination with multiple statistic method based on the correlation between age and the growth of the epiphysis of extremitas sternalis of clavicle in Shanxi adolescents. Methods The 562 Shanxi sternoclavicular joint samples （454 cases of modelling, 108 cases of external verification） were scanned by the thin-section computed tomography. After volume rendering was obtained, indicators such as area of epiphysis, area of metaphysis, longest diameter of epiphysis and longest diameter of metaphysis of both extremitas sternalis of clavicle were collected. Indicators such as the ratio of area of epiphysis to area of metaphysis, and the ratio of longest diameter of epiphysis to longest diameter of metaphysis of both sides were calculated. Then multiple linear regression and random forest discriminant models were used to build mathematical models for age determination of adolescents. Results The obtained indicators exhibited a strong correlation with age （r>0.85）. The multiple linear regression model for males and females （all 4 indicators entering the model） based on the ratio of longest diameter of epiphysis to longest diameter of metaphysis and the ratio of area of epiphysis to area of metaphysis had an internal validation accuracy rate （±1.0 year） of over 92% and 108 cases had an external validation accuracy rate of over 70% （±1.0 year）. The out of bag error rates of random forest discriminant models were less than 2% for people over 18.0 years old （≥18.0 years old） and under 18.0 years old. The external validation accuracy rates of the 108 cases were over 80%. Conclusion The regression and discriminant models established in this study have certain reliability and accuracy and can be used in age determination of Shanxi adolescents.

[Strategies and challenges of immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma].

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is a common malignant tumor in China, which seriously threatens people's health and lives. In recent years, immunotherapy has provided new options for the treatment of HCC. Various emerging immunotherapy techniques, such as cell immunotherapy, tumor vaccines, oncolytic viruses and immune checkpoint inhibitors, are also gradually advancing to clinical applications. Immunotherapy for HCC should target the different immune characteristics of HCC patients and develop different individualized treatment strategies. In the process of formulating strategies, attention should be paid to key issues such as reversing the exhaustion of T cells, break through HCC immunosuppressive microenvironment, improving the immunotherapy specificity, enhancing the immune response of anti-HCC with adjuvant, timely and accurate evaluation of efficacy and safety, etc. In conclusion, individualization, specificity, safety and efficiency are the inevitable development trend of immunotherapy for HCC.

Wnt/beta-Catenin Signaling Contributes to Vincristine-Induced Neuropathic Pain.

Chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain (CNP) is the major dose-limiting factor in cancer chemotherapy. However, the mechanisms underlying CNP remain elusive. In the present study, CNP was induced by repeated intraperitoneal injection of vincristine (VCR) into male C57BL/6J mice. VCR administration caused significant activation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, which led to the activation of astrocytes, microglia, the release of inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and the activation of subsequent mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) signaling pathway in CNP mice. Blocking Wnt/beta-catenin signaling by intrathecal administration of the inhibitors of Wnt response (IWR) effectively attenuated VCR-induced neuropathic pain. Furthermore, IWR inhibited the activation of astrocytes, microglia, TNF-alpha, MCP-1 and MAPK/ERK signaling in the spinal cord, which was triggered by VCR-induced Wnt/beta-catenin signaling upregulation. These results suggest that Wnt/beta-catenin signaling plays a critical role in VCR-induced neuropathic pain and provides evidence for potential interfering with Wnt/beta-catenin signaling to ameliorate VCR-induced neuropathic pain.