[18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography and conventional imaging modalities in the diagnosis of diabetic foot osteomyelitis: a meta-analysis.

AIM: This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the comparative diagnostic efficacy of [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ([18F]FDG PET) and conventional imaging, MRI, and white blood cell (WBC) scintigraphy in detecting foot osteomyelitis among diabetic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An exhaustive search was conducted within the PubMed and Embase databases to identify publications available up until February 2024. Studies were included if they evaluated the diagnostic efficacy of [18F]FDG PET or the comparative diagnostic performance between PET and (MRI or WBC scintigraphy). Two researchers independently assessed the quality of the included studies, utilizing the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Performance Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. RESULTS: Nine retrospective or prospective studies involving 605 patients were included in the meta-analysis. For [18F]FDG PET, the overall sensitivity was 0.83(95% CI: 0.69-0.94), while the overall specificity was 0.92(95% CI: 0.86-0.97). In the head-to-head comparison, no significant difference of sensitivity was found between [18F]FDG PET and MRI (0.72 vs. 0.68, P=0.81), as well as between [18F]FDG PET and WBC scintigraphy (0.57 vs. 0.66, P=0.64). In addition, specificity was also found to be no significant difference between [18F]FDG PET and MRI (0.90 vs. 0.82, P=0.27), as well as [18F]FDG PET and WBC scintigraphy (0.81 vs. 0.93, P=0.09). CONCLUSION: [18F]FDG PET demonstrates similar sensitivity and specificity to MRI and WBC scintigraphy in detecting foot osteomyelitis among diabetic patients. MRI, often cited as a primary choice in guidelines, might be preferred due to its lower cost and lower dose. Further larger sample prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Characterization and identification of cellulase-producing Enterococcus species isolated from Tibetan yak (Bos grunniens) rumen and their application in various forage silages.

AIMS: Cellulase-producing Enterococcus species isolated from the rumen of Tibetan yak (Bos grunniens) were characterized, and their combined effects on the silage quality of various forages were studied. METHODS AND RESULTS: The two isolated strains with high cellulolytic potential were identified as Enterococcus faecalis (EF85) and E. faecium (EF83) by 16S rRNA sequencing. Both EF85 and EF83 could grow well at 15-55°C, pH 3·0-6·0 and in 3·0-6·5% NaCl. The cellulase secreted by EF85 and EF83 showed good stability at temperatures from 20 to 45°C and pH from 4·5 to 7·0. A commercial inoculant (CLP), a commercial cellulase (CE) and the two cellulolytic strains (EF85 + EF83) were added to whole-crop corn, sweet sorghum and Napier grass ensiling for 120 days respectively. In Napier grass silage, all inoculants significantly increased lactic acid content and ratio of lactic to acetic acid and decreased pH, butyric acid and ammonia nitrogen contents. The acid detergent fibre and cellulose contents in EF85 + EF83 treatment were significantly lower than those in the other treatments. In whole-crop corn and sweet sorghum silages, all additives had no significant effect on the fermentation quality, while CE and EF85 + EF83 markedly enhanced cellulose degradation and increased free sugar content. CONCLUSION: The combined inoculation of the cellulolytic strain EF85 and EF83 to various forages reduced the fibre content of the resulting silages. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Few studies involved inoculation of silage with Enterococcus species in different forage types. The isolated cellulolytic strains of E. faecalis EF85 and E. faecium EF83 could be a great alternative for commercial inoculants and enzymes in silage production.

Contributions of epiphytic microbiota on the fermentation characteristics and microbial composition of ensiled six whole crop corn varieties.

AIMS: The present study is aimed to reveal the variations in epiphytic microbial composition among six whole crop corn (WCC) varieties and their contributions on ensiling characteristics and microbial composition of WCC silage. METHODS AND RESULTS: Six WCC varieties (JS06, YS23, BS20, JS39, JS40 and JS26) were ensiled for 90 days. All WCC varieties were well fermented with low pH value (<4·0) and high LA (73·6-124 g kg-1 DM, dry matter) concentration. Of six varieties, JS40 had the highest LA (124 g kg-1 DM) concentration, which was supported by highest relative abundance of Lactobacillus. Pantoea was the most dominant epiphytic bacteria in all fresh WCC varieties; however, the secondary dominant genera among six WCC were absolutely difference. Lactobacillus became predominant genus in 90-day silages except YS23. YS23 kept the more bacterial genus from fresh to 90-day silages than other silages, meanwhile Acinetobacter and Enterobacter were the dominant bacteria in YS23 silages. CONCLUSIONS: Among six WCC varieties, JS40 silage had the highest LA. The variations in epiphytic microbiomes among fresh WCC affected terminal microbial community of 90-day silages. There were differences in fermentation characteristics among six WCC varieties, which might be partly attributed to variations in epiphytic microbiomes among fresh WCC. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The study not only enriches the research on microbial communities of plant phyllosphere but also provides theoretical basis for selecting WCC varieties and inoculants for the forage production.

Effect of sorbic acid and dual-purpose inoculants on the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of high dry matter rice straw silage.

AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of sorbic acid (SA) as a silage additive and its effects on fermentation quality and aerobic stability of high dry matter (DM) silage. METHODS AND RESULTS: High DM rice straw was ensiled with distilled water (C), 1 × 106  CFU per gram fresh weight (FW) Lactobacillus plantarum and 1 × 106  CFU per gram FW Lactobacillus buchneri (LP+LB) or SA for 45 days with a subsequent aerobic stability test. After ensiling, LP+LB silage had the highest lactic acid (LA) content and the lowest pH value, whereas SA silage had the highest DM and water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) contents, and the lowest ethanol and ammonia nitrogen (NH3 -N) contents among all silages (P < 0·001). Compared to C silage, SA significantly (P < 0·01) reduced the counts of yeasts but not lactic acid bacteria (LAB). During 6-day aerobic exposure, the continuous pH increase and LA decrease were observed in C and LP+LB silages, and there was no significant change in pH, DM, NH3 -N and WSC contents of SA silage over the whole aerobic exposure. The SA addition slowed the decline of LA and acetic acid (AA) contents as well as the growth of yeasts and aerobic bacteria under aerobic exposure. CONCLUSION: In this study, L. buchneri could not function in high DM rice straw silage while SA effectively improved both the fermentation quality and aerobic stability. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The SA was more effective than dual-purpose inoculants to improve the aerobic stability of high DM rice straw silage. Thus, SA can be served as a potential antifungal additive for silage with high DM.

Improvement of fermentation quality and cellulose convertibility of Napier grass silage by inoculation of cellulolytic bacteria from Tibetan yak (Bos grunniens).

AIMS: To isolate and identify cellulolytic bacteria from yak rumen and further evaluate the effects of the isolates on the silage quality, structural carbohydrates degradation and cellulose convertibility of Napier grass silage. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two out of 218 strains were selected based on their most extensive transparent zone and the highest filter paper disintegration rate. The two isolates (JFL12 and JF85) could grow normally at 15-55°C, pH 3·0-7·0 and NaCl (3·0, 6·5%), and were identified as Enterococcus casseliflavus and Enterococcus faecalis by 16S rDNA sequence analysis, respectively. Napier grass was ensiled with no additive control (C), Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp), JFL12, JF85, JFL12 + Lp and JF85 + Lp for 3, 5, 7, 14, 30 and 60 days. All inoculated silages had higher lactic acid content, lower pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3 -N) and lignocellulose contents than the control silage. Silages treated with JFL12 + Lp and JF85 + Lp had the lowest pH and NH3 -N contents, the highest lactic acid content and lignocellulose degradation among all treatments. The isolates with or without Lp significantly (P < 0·01) increased water soluble carbohydrates (WSC), glucose, fructose and sucrose contents as compared with the control silage. Silages treated with JFL12 + Lp and JF85 + Lp had higher glucose yield and cellulose convertibility than the other silages. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, the application of isolates (JFL12 and JF85) with Lp had synergistic effects on accelerating the degradation of structural carbohydrates and improving the silage quality. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Napier grass presents difficulty to ensiling due to its low WSC and high structural carbohydrates contents. The screened cellulolytic bacteria could be a candidate strain in improving fermentation quality and structural carbohydrates degradability of ensiled forages.

Effects of various epiphytic microbiota inoculation on the fermentation quality and microbial community dynamics during the ensiling of sterile Napier grass.

AIM: To investigate epiphytic microbiota transformation of forages, their adaptation and contributions to fermentation quality of silage. METHODS AND RESULTS: Gamma-irradiated chopped Napier grass were ensiled with distilled water (STR), extracted epiphytic microbiota of Napier grass (NAP), sudan grass (SUD), whole crop corn (WCC) and forage sorghum (FS). Inoculating Napier grass with WCC significantly increased lactic acid (LA) concentrations during the initial ensiling period followed by a decline after 30 days. Relative to other silages (except STR) inoculation with NAP resulted in lower LA and greater pH, ammonia-N and dry matter (DM) losses. Silage inoculated with FS and SUD maintained lower pH as well as higher (P < 0·05) LA concentrations after 60 days of storage. During day 3 of ensilage, WCC, NAP and SUD inoculated silage were dominated by bacterial genera of Lactobacillus, while Lactococcus dominated the FS silage. Final silages were dominated by Lactobacillus in all treatment silages, however Enterobacter (16·3%) in NAP and Acetobacter (25·7%) in WCC silage were also prominent during the final ensiling. CONCLUSION: The inoculation of epiphytic microbiota of forage sorghum and sudan grass positively influenced the microbial community and fermentability of sterile Napier grass silage. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first time to investigate the effects of various epiphytic microbiota as silage inoculants which can be used as alternative source of environmental friendly and economically feasible silage additives.

Evaluating empowerment in genetic counseling using patient-reported outcomes.

Data about patient reported outcomes from cancer genetics services (CGS) are lacking but are essential to guide service evaluation and improvements. We measured improvement in empowerment, following genetic counseling in Singapore using a culturally-adapted version of the Genetic Counseling Outcome Scale (GCOS-24); and sought to identify factors associated with change in empowerment. The GCOS-24 was administered to 155 patients of the CGS, at pre- and post-counseling or testing timepoints. Of which, 110 patients underwent genetic testing. Individual pre- and post-counseling responses were subjected to Rasch analysis; the scale was subsequently split into cognitive control (CC) and emotional control (EC) domains. Associations of baseline characteristics with changes in pre- and post-CC and EC scores were assessed using multiple regression analysis. Both CC and EC scores showed significant improvement following genetic counseling and testing. While all items in the CC domain of being showed increases at follow-up, aspects of EC related to alleviating negative emotions (P = .88) and hopelessness (P = .2) did not show significant improvement. Our study revealed significant improvement in empowerment in patients who have received cancer genetic counseling, while revealing a need to cultivate hope and facilitate the alleviation of negative emotions in patients during genetic counseling.

Assessment of inoculating various epiphytic microbiota on fermentative profile and microbial community dynamics in sterile Italian ryegrass.

AIMS: To evaluate the effects of various epiphytic microbiota from Italian ryegrass (IR), maize (MZ) and sorghum (SG) on fermentative profile and microbial community dynamics in sterile IR. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using microbiota transplantation, the irradiated IR was treated with the following: (i) sterile water; (ii) epiphytic microbiota on IR (IRIR); (iii) epiphytic microbiota on MZ (IRMZ); (iv) epiphytic microbiota on SG (IRSG). After 60 days of ensiling, MZ and SG microbiota significantly (P < 0·05) decreased lactic acid (LA) and acetic acid (AA) concentrations compared to IR microbiota, while SG microbiota notably (P < 0·05) reduced the ratio of LA to AA than MZ and IR microbiota. Apparently (P < 0·01) higher amounts of Lactobacillus genus were observed in IRIR and IRMZ groups on 60 day compared to IRSG group, and the dominant Lactococcus genus on 3 day was eventually replaced by Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillus in IRSG group. CONCLUSIONS: Exogenous microbiota could evidently affect the fermentative profile and microbial community dynamics of IR silage. The numbers of Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillus were mainly responsible for this. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Identifying the role of microbe during ensiling is of great significance to manipulate the fermentation products and improve the preservation of silage.

Research on function and mechanisms of a novel small molecule WG449E for hypertrophic scar.

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic scars are complications of severe wound healing characterized by excessive fibrosis associated with aberrant function of fibroblasts. However, no available drugs can be utilized to effectively treat these scars. The transforming growth factor ß (TGFß) signalling pathway regulates collagen synthesis and plays an important role in scar formation. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the anti-scar effects of TGFß inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Col1α2-luciferase reporter assay was used to screen the compounds suppress type I collagen gene transcription. Sulforhodamine B colorimetric assay and colony formation assay were used to test the compound's effect on cell proliferation. Wound healing and transwell assay were performed to test the cell migration and invasion. Western blotting, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and Q-PCR assay were used to determine the protein and mRNA levels. 3D cell contraction assay was used to examine the cell contraction. Flow cytometry was performed to analyse cell apoptosis. Masson stain, H&E stain and immunochemistry were used to analyse the scar formation in vivo. RESULTS: WG449E, as one of the most potent inhibitors, was identified to significantly downregulate the mRNA and protein levels of collagen in hypertrophic scar-derived fibroblasts through inhibiting Smad2/3 phosphorylation. WG449E inhibited the proliferation, migration and contraction of fibroblasts in vitro and in vivo. In addition, WG449E induced cell apoptosis through the activation of cleaved-caspase3. Moreover, WG449E significantly attenuated hypertrophic scar formation and collagen deposition in a mechanical load-induced mouse model. CONCLUSIONS: WG449E is a potential candidate for the treatment of hypertrophic scars.WG449E downregulates the mRNA and protein levels of collagen in hypertrophic scar-derived fibroblasts through inhibiting Smad2/3 phosphorylation and nucleic localization. WG449E blocks HSF migration and invasion by regulating F-actin assignment. In addition, WG449E induces HSF apoptosis through the activation of cleaved-caspase3.

Pediococcus acidilactici strains as silage inoculants for improving the fermentation quality, nutritive value and in vitro ruminal digestibility in different forages.

AIMS: To examine the characteristics of three isolated Pediococcus acidilactici strains (LTG7, LOG9 and LH9) and evaluate their effects on silage quality, nutritive value and in vitro ruminal digestibility in a variety of forages. METHODS AND RESULTS: One commercial inoculant Lactobacillus plantarum MTD-1 (G) and three isolated lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains were measured by morphological, physiological and biochemical tests. All the LAB strains were added to Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schred.) and oat (Avena sativa L.) for ensiling 30 days in laboratory silos (1 l) respectively. Isolated strains could grow normally at 5-20°C, pH 3·5-7·0 and NaCl (3·0, 6·5%), and were identified as P. acidilactici by sequencing 16S rDNA. In Italian ryegrass and oat silages, all inoculants obviously (P < 0·05) increased lactic acid (LA) contents, LAB numbers and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and decreased pH, undesirable micro-organism numbers, butyric acid and ammonia nitrogen (NH3 -N) contents compared with the corresponding controls. LTG7, LOG9 and G silages in Italian ryegrass and oat had markedly (P < 0·05) higher LA content and IVDMD, and lower pH and NH3 -N contents than LH9 silages. In tall fescue silage, LAB inoculants had no obvious (P > 0·05) effect on fermentation quality, while markedly (P < 0·05) enhanced IVDMD. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, strains LTG7 and LOG9 had similar potential with the commercial inoculant G in silage making. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Few studies involved inoculation of silage with P. acidilactici in different forage types. Analysis of effects of LAB strains with their physiological and biochemical characteristics help understand how LAB inoculants affect the digestibility.

Phylogenetic identification of lactic acid bacteria isolates and their effects on the fermentation quality of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) silage.

AIM: To isolate, screen and identify the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from elephant silage during the process of the fermentation and their effects on the fermentation quality of sweet sorghum silage. METHODS AND RESULTS: The isolated strains were identified based on morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics as well as 16S rRNA analysis. Seven LAB strains were isolated from elephant grass silage. Three strains (Pediococcus acidilactici (AZZ1), Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum (AZZ4), L. plantarum subsp. argentoratensis (AZZ7) and one commercial bacteria L. plantarum, ecosyl MTD/1(CB)) were chosen as additives at 6 log colony forming units per gram of fresh sweet sorghum grass in laboratory silos (680 g). Silos for each treatment were opened after 5, 7, 14, 30 and 60 days, respectively. All isolates were characterized as Gram-positive, catalase-negative and grow normally in 6·5% NaCl. The strains AZZ1, AZZ2 and AZZ5, were identified as Pediococcus genus while AZZ3, AZZ4, AZZ6 and AZZ7 were Lactobacillus genus. Compared to the control, all the isolates improved the silage quality of sweet sorghum silage, indicated by significantly (P < 0·05) lower pH and ammonia-nitrogen contents and undesirable micro-organism counts, and higher lactic acid (LA) contents and ratios of lactic acid/acetic acid. During ensiling, AZZ4 performed better among all of inoculants, indicated by significantly (P < 0·05) decreased on pH and ammonia-N contents and higher increased on LA contents. CONCLUSION: Strain AZZ4 is recommended as starter culture for sweet sorghum. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first time to investigate the effects of LAB isolates from elephant grass silage and use them as additives, which is to find out how LAB inoculants improve the fermentation quality of sweet sorghum silage.

[The effect of corneal biomechanical properties on opaque bubble layer in small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE)].

Objective: To investigate the influence of corneal biomechanical properties on opaque bubble layer (OBL) in small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). Methods: In this nested case control study, 20 patients (31 eyes) were enrolled in OBL group, while 51 patients (98 eyes) were included in non-OBL group. The parameters were obtained by Pentacam HR and Corvis ST examinations. Independent t test was used to analyze the difference of corneal biomechanical parameters between the two groups and multivariable logistics regression was applied to analysis the influence of corneal biomechanical properties on OBL. Results: This study enrolled 129 eyes in 71 cases including 30 males and 41 females, with a mean age of (22.50±5.18) years old. It has shown that the spherical equivalent (SE) [(-4.64±1.33) and (-5.78±1.61) D], central corneal thickness (CCT) [(572±29) and (550±32)µm], residual stromal thickness (RST)[(356±31) and (325±36 µm)], and lenticule thickness (LT) [(96±23) and (115±25) µm] were significantly different between OBL group and non-OBL group (t=3.58, -3.43, -5.68 and 3.64, respectively, P<0.05). There were significant differences in deflection amplitude at the first applanation and highest concavity (A1 DefA and HC DefA), deflection area at the highest concavity (HC DefArea), maximum deformation amplitude (DAmax), maximum deflection amplitude (DefAmax) and stiff parameter (SP) (108.85±13.77 and 100.19±14.13) between the two groups (t=-2.75, 2.41, 3.62, 4.09, 2.22 and -2.99, respectively, P<0.05). The OR and 95% confidence interval of SP in crude and adjusted logistics models were 1.04, (1.01-1.07) (P=0.005), and 1.01, (1.00-1.05) (P=0.426), respectively. Conclusions: The occurrence of OBL could be influenced by various corneal biomechanical factors. The thicker CCT, thicker RST and the stiffer cornea may increase the risk for the occurrence of OBL. Fully acknowledgement on the relationship between corneal biomechanics and surgical outcomes and evaluation of the occurrence of OBL in SMILE surgery is of great importance for improving the safety and predictability of SMILE. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55:115-121).

Effects of storage temperature and combined microbial inoculants on fermentation end products and microbial populations of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) silage.

AIMS: To examine five lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains (LCG9, LTG7, I5, TG1 and LI3) isolated from the Tibetan Plateau, and evaluate their combined effects on the silage quality of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) at three temperatures (10, 15 and 25°C). METHODS AND RESULTS: The isolated strains were evaluated by morphological, physiological and biochemical tests. Six combined inoculants LCG9+LI3, LCG9+I5, LCG9+TG1, LTG7+LI3, LTG7+I5 and LTG7+TG1 were added to Italian ryegrass for ensiling 30 days in laboratory silos (1L) at various temperatures, respectively. All the isolates could grow normally at 5-20°C, pH 3·5-7·0 and NaCl (3·0, 6·5%). Compared to three corresponding controls, all the inoculants improved the silage quality of Italian ryegrass at different temperatures, indicated by markedly (P < 0·05) higher lactic acid (LA) contents and ratios of lactic acid/acetic acid (LA/AA), and lower pH and ammonia nitrogen (NH3 -N) contents and undesirable micro-organism counts. At 10°C, LTG7+LI3, I5 or TG1 inoculants performed superior to LCG9+LI3, I5 or TG1 inoculants, evidenced by distinctly (P < 0·05) higher LA contents and ratios of LA/AA, and lower pH and NH3 -N contents. LTG7+LI3 or TG1 silages had obviously (P < 0·05) higher LAB counts than LTG7+I5 silage at 10°C. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, the combined inoculants LTG7 + LI3 or TG1 are recommended as starter cultures for Italian ryegrass silage at low temperatures. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Temperature is a key factor affecting ensilage. In cold regions, low temperature could be an adverse environmental condition during ensiling. However, few studies have focused on improving silage quality at low temperatures. Moreover, analysis of effects of combined LAB strains with their physiological and biochemical characteristics help us use combined LAB inoculants to realize the fermentation optimization.

Effect of lactic acid bacteria-treated King grass silage on the performance traits and serum metabolites in New Zealand white rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

This study examined the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici-treated silage of King grass (Pennisetum purpureophoides) on the productive traits and blood biochemistry of New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits. King grass was ensiled without or with L. plantarum (T1), P. acidilactici (T2) and P. acidilactici + L. plantarum (T3). A total of 72 male NZW rabbits (6 weeks) of similar weight and appearance were housed in groups in metallic cages in a completely randomized design. The performance traits, daily feed intake, body weight gain and feed convention ratio were not affected by the silage treatment. Triglyceride and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration was increased (p < .05) in T2 (0.92 mmol/L) compared to the other treatments. The superoxide dismutase (SOD), phosphorous (P) and magnesium (Mg) increased (p < .05) in T1 (658.01 nmol/ml, 5.1 mg/kg and 2.43 mg/kg, respectively) compared to the control and other experimental groups. Cu and Mn decreased (p < .05), while Zn increased (p < .05) in the treated groups compared to the control. The CP decreased (p < .05) in the treatment groups compared to the control. Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) increased (p < .05) in T2 (54.40%) compared to the other treatments. The inoculation of lactic acid bacteria-treated King grass silage supplementation positively affected rabbit performance and improved blood cholesterol profile, antioxidant status and improve nutrients digestibility.

Effect of ensiling whole crop oat with lucerne in different ratios on fermentation quality, aerobic stability and in vitro digestibility on the Tibetan plateau.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of ensiling different ratios of whole crop oat to lucerne on fermentation quality, aerobic stability and in vitro digestibility of silage on the Tibetan plateau. Four experimental treatments were produced varying in the ratio of forages on a fresh matter (FM) basis: 1) 100% oat (control, dry matter (DM) content: 317 g/kg), 2) 90% oat + 10% lucerne (OL10, DM content: 316 g/kg), 3) 80% oat+ 20% lucerne (OL20, DM content: 317 g/kg) and 4) 70% oat+ 30% lucerne (OL30, DM content: 318 g/kg). All treatments were packed into laboratory-scale silos and ensiled for 60 days and then subjected to an aerobic stability test for 15 days. Further, the four experimental treatments were incubated in vitro with buffered rumen fluid to study the nutrient digestibility. All silages were well preserved with low pH and NH3 -N contents, and high lactic acid contents and V-scores (evaluation of silage quality). Increasing the lucerne proportion increased (p < 0.05) crude protein (CP) content of silage, whereas neutral (NDF) and acid (ADF) detergent fibre contents were not affected. Under aerobic conditions, the control silage showed higher (p < 0.05) yeast counts (>105  cfu/g FM) followed by OL10 silage, and OL10 silage improved aerobic stability for 74 h. OL20 and OL30 silages showed fewer (p < 0.05) yeasts (<105  cfu/g FM) and markedly (p < 0.05) improved the aerobic stability (>360 h). After 48-h incubation, OL30 silage increased (p < 0.05) in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and neutral detergent fibre digestibility (IVNDFD) compared with the control silage. These results suggest that replacing oat with lucerne had no unfavourable effects on fermentation quality of silage, but improved CP content, aerobic stability IVDMD and IVNDFD. OL30 silage was the best among the three mixed silages.

[Epidemiological characteristics and relevant factors on the comorbidity of hyperactivity behavior and allergic diseases in preschool children].

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics and relevant factors on the comorbidity of hyperactivity behavior and allergic disease among preschool children in urban areas of Ma'anshan city. Methods: During April 2014 to April 2015, 91 kindergartens over 3 years old were investigated. In the investigation, 16 439 questionnaires were distributed to parents, and 15 291 valid questionnaires were collected. Conners abbreviated symptom questionnaire (brief symptom questionnaire) was filled out by parents to assess the children's hyperactive behaviors. Information of allergic disease history was reported by parents, including allergic dermatitis/eczema, food/drug allergy, allergic rhinitis and asthma. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression was used to analyze the relevant factors of comorbidity of hyperactivity behavior and allergy diseases. Results: The average age of the 15 291 children were (4.5±1.0) years old, among which 53.7% (8 218/15 291) were boys. The prevalence of hyperactive behaviors was 8.6%(1 317/15 291), and the comorbidity rate of hyperactivity and allergic deseases was 1.7% (258/15 291). After confounding factors including gender, age, delivery mode, father's age and pregnancy complications adjusted, poor sleep quality (OR=4.45, 95%CI: 2.85-6.94), long duration of watching TV at weekend (OR=1.39, 95%CI: 1.00-1.94) and poor eating behavior (OR=1.78, 95%CI: 1.07-2.98) were relevant factors of the comorbidity of hyperactivity and allergic diseases. Conclusion: The prevalence of comorbidity of hyperactivity behavior and allergic disease among preschool children in urban areas of Ma'anshan city was not high. Poor night sleep quality, long duration of watching TV and frequently picky eating were relevant factors of the comorbidity of hyperactive behaviors and allergic diseases.

Protein composition and movements of membrane swellings associated with primary cilia.

Dysfunction of many ciliary proteins has been linked to a list of diseases, from cystic kidney to obesity and from hypertension to mental retardation. We previously proposed that primary cilia are unique communication organelles that function as microsensory compartments that house mechanosensory molecules. Here we report that primary cilia exhibit membrane swellings or ciliary bulbs, which based on their unique ultrastructure and motility, could be mechanically regulated by fluid-shear stress. Together with the ultrastructure analysis of the swelling, which contains monosialodihexosylganglioside (GM3), our results show that ciliary bulb has a distinctive set of functional proteins, including GM3 synthase (GM3S), bicaudal-c1 (Bicc1), and polycystin-2 (PC2). In fact, results from our cilia isolation demonstrated for the first time that GM3S and Bicc1 are members of the primary cilia proteins. Although these proteins are not required for ciliary membrane swelling formation under static condition, fluid-shear stress induced swelling formation is partially modulated by GM3S. We therefore propose that the ciliary bulb exhibits a sensory function within the mechano-ciliary structure. Overall, our studies provided an important step towards understanding the ciliary bulb function and structure.

Characteristics of Lactobacillus parafarraginis ZH1 and its role in improving the aerobic stability of silages.

AIMS: Lactobacillus parafarraginis ZH1 isolated from silage was characterized, and the effects of inoculating ZH1 and Lact. buchneri (LB) on the aerobic stability of sweet corn stalk (SCS) silage and whole-plant oat (WPO) silage ensiled at 15 and 30°C were studied. METHODS AND RESULTS: After ensiling of SCS or WPO in plastic bottle silo for 45 days, silos were opened, and aerobic stability was studied by monitoring temperature change with thermo recorders in silage for 6 days. SCS silage and WPO silage were well conserved naturally at both storage temperatures. However, silages were prone to aerobic deterioration due to the presence of residual yeasts. ZH1 inoculated silages ensiled at both temperatures, LB inoculated silages ensiled at 30°C had better aerobic stability than the uninoculated silages and the LB-inoculated silage at 15°C. CONCLUSIONS: Strain ZH1 improved the aerobic stability of SCS silage and WPO silage ensiled at both 15 and 30°C, while LB improved the aerobic stability of silage only ensiled at the high temperature of 30°C. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The new strain ZH1 can be used as an effective inhibitor for aerobic deterioration of silage maintained from 15 to 30°C.

Upfront boost to gross disease followed by elective pelvic radiation improves compliance to radiation therapy delivery metrics in locally advanced vulvar cancer.

Locally advanced cancer of the vulva (LACV) is commonly diagnosed in older women (>65 years), and is treated using combined multimodality therapy (CMT) that includes radiation therapy (RT). Compliance to optimal RT metrics, including completion of > 20 fractions, overall treatment duration of < 8 weeks (56 days), and < 1 week intra-treatment break is associated with better disease outcomes. However, published results note that a significant number of patients with LACV do not adhere to these metrics. The aim of our study is to evaluate whether a modified sequence of RT delivery, treating the localized boost volume upfront followed by the larger elective nodal volume is associated with improved compliance to optimal RT delivery metrics.

The phytoestrogen daidzein may affect reproductive performance of Zhedong White geese by regulating gene mRNA levels in the HPG axis.

1. The effect of daidzein, a naturally occurring phytoestrogen, on the reproductive performance of 120 female Zhedong White geese was determined. The geese were divided into 4 groups which were fed on diets containing 0 (Control), 10 (Da1), 20 (Da2) and 30 (Da3) mg daidzein per kg diet. Egg production and weight, fertility and hatchability rates, concentrations of estradiol (E2), triiodothyronine (T3), progesterone (P4), thyroxine (T4) and growth hormone (GH) in serum, and mRNA levels of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), ß-follicle stimulating hormone (FSHß), follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), oestrogen receptor1 (ESR1), oestrogen receptor2 (ESR2), prolactin (PRL), prolactin receptor (PRLR), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPGA) were measured. 2. Daidzein increased egg weight and fertility but had no detectable effect on egg production and hatchability. 3. Daidzein affected serum P4 and GH concentrations and T4 rhythm, up-regulated GnRH mRNA and PRLR mRNA levels in the hypothalamus, down-regulated PRLR mRNA in the hypothalamus, PRL mRNA in the pituitary, and ESR2 mRNA levels in the ovary, respectively. The mRNA rhythms of PRLR in the hypothalamus, PRL, PRLR and FSHß in the pituitary, FSHR, ESR1 and ESR2 in the ovary were significantly changed in the Da2 group. 4. It is suggested that an appropriate dose of daidzein might improve reproductive performance by affecting serum hormone concentrations and rhythms and regulating gene mRNA levels in the HPGA of female Zhedong White geese.