Higher baseline subcortical net water uptake in computed tomography predicts malignant middle cerebral artery infarction in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

AIM: The objective of this study was to assess the predictive performance of net water uptake (NWU) based on the Alberta stroke program early CT score (ASPECTS) from different ASPECT regions in relation to the development of malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) of the MCA territory were retrospectively enrolled between January 2019 and July 2022. Patients were divided into two groups according to the follow-up CT after 24-48 hours: malignant and nonmalignant infarction. NWUs were measured on diverse ASPECT regions on admission non-contrast CT, namely affected ASPECTS-NWU (af-ASPECTS-NWU), subcortical ASPECTS-NWU (sc-ASPECTS-NWU), and cortical ASPECTS-NWU (c-ASPECTS-NWU). Baseline characteristics were collected for univariate analyses and multivariate regression analyses to explore the independent risk factors for malignant infarction. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted and compared. RESULTS: patients were included in the final analysis. Malignant MCA infarction was achieved in 42 (27.45%) patients and nonmalignant was 111 (72.55%). Compared with the nonmalignant infarction group, higher baseline National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) score, af-ASPECTS-NWU, c-ASPECTS-NWU, sc-ASPECTS-NWU, and lower ASPECTS were noted in the malignant infarction group (all P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression showed that only baseline sc-ASPECTS-NWU (>3.6%) was a positive factor for malignant MCA infarction. The ROC analysis indicated the highest predictive value of sc-ASPECTS-NWU for indicating malignant infarction with the area under ROC curve (AUC) 0.91. CONCLUSION: Higher baseline sc-ASPECTS-NWU was a quantitative predictor for malignant MCA infarction in patients with AIS, which could be helpful for treatment decisions.

MRI-based bone marrow radiomics for predicting cytogenetic abnormalities in multiple myeloma.

AIM: To develop a radiomics signature applied to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-images to predict cytogenetic abnormalities in multiple myeloma (MM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with newly diagnosed MM were enrolled retrospectively from March 2019 to September 2022. They were categorised into the high-risk cytogenetics (HRC) group and standard-risk cytogenetics (SRC) group. The patients were allocated randomly at a ratio of 7:3 into training and validation cohorts. Volumes of interest (VOI) was drawn manually on fat suppression T2-weighted imaging (FS-T2WI) and copied to the same location of the T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) sequence. Radiomics features were extracted from two sequences and selected by reproducibility and redundant analysis. The least absolute shrinkage selection operation (LASSO) algorithm was applied to build the radiomics signatures. The performance of the radiomics signatures to distinguish HRC with SRC was evaluated by ROC curves. The area under the curve (AUC), specificity, and sensitivity were also calculated. RESULTS: A total of 105 MM patients were enrolled in this study. The four and 11 most significant and relevant features were selected separately from T1WI and FS-T2WI sequences to build the radiomics signatures based on the training cohort. Compared to the T1WI sequence, the radiomics signature based on the FS-T2WI sequence achieved better performance with AUCs of 0.896 and 0.729 in the training and validation cohorts respectively. A sensitivity of 0.833, specificity of 0.667, and Youden index of 0.500 were achieved for the FS-T2WI radiomics signature in the validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The radiomics signature based on MRI provides a non-invasive and convenient tool to predict cytogenetic abnormalities in MM patients.

The effects and mechanisms of heat stress on mammalian oocyte and embryo development.

The sum of nonspecific physiological responses exhibited by mammals in response to the disruption of thermal balance caused by high-temperature environments is referred to as heat stress (HS). HS affects the normal development of mammalian oocyte and embryos and leads to significant economic losses. Therefore, it is of great importance to gain a deep understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effects of HS on oocyte and embryonic development and to explore strategies for mitigating or preventing its detrimental impacts in the livestock industry. This article provides an overview of the negative effects of HS on mammalian oocyte growth, granulosa cell maturation and function, and embryonic development. It summarizes the mechanisms by which HS affects embryonic development, including generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), endocrine disruption, the heat shock system, mitochondrial autophagy, and molecular-level alterations. Furthermore, it discusses various measures to ameliorate the effects of HS, such as antioxidant use, enhancement of mitochondrial function, gene editing, cultivating varieties possessing heat-resistant genes, and optimizing the animals'rearing environment. This article serves as a valuable reference for better understanding the relationship between HS and mammalian embryonic development as well as for improving the development of mammalian embryos and economic benefits under HS conditions in livestock production.

[Pathogenic characteristics and influence factors of bloodstream infection-induced severe sepsis in pediatric intensive care unit].

Objective: To summarize the pathogenic characteristics of bloodstream infection (BSI)-induced severe sepsis and analyze the influence factors in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Methods: Pediatric patients who were diagnosed with severe sepsis caused by BSI in the PICU of Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2016 to December 2021 were retrospectively selected and divided into survival group and death group according to their discharge outcomes. Clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, pathogenic characteristics and drug resistance of the patients were collected. The characteristics of pathogens, clinical and laboratory indicators were summarized, and the influencing factors of death in children with severe sepsis caused by BSI were analyzed based on binary multivariate logistic regression. Results: A total of 132 patients, aged [M (Q1, Q3)] 36 (10, 119) months, with BSI-induced severe sepsis were enrolled in this study, including 81 males and 51 females. There were 38 cases aged 36 (15, 120) months in the death group, including 23 males and 15 females. There were 94 cases, aged 36 (8, 108) months, in the survival group, including 58 males and 36 females. A total of 132 strains of pathogens were isolated, including 87 strains (65.9%) of Gram-negative bacteria. The top 5 pathogens were Klebsiella pneumoniae (24 cases, 18.2%), Escherichia coli (17 cases, 12.9%), Acinetobacter baumannii (13 cases, 9.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10 cases, 7.6%) and Staphylococcus aureus (10 cases, 7.6%). The proportion of multi-drug resistant bacteria in hospital-acquired BSI was higher than that in community-acquired BSI [52.9% (36/68) vs 15.6% (10/64), P=0.001]. The proportions of community-acquired infection were 58.5% (55/94) and 23.7% (9/38) in the survival and death groups, respectively, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The proportion of central venous catheter insertion before bloodstream infection in the death group was higher than that in the survival group [63.2% (24/38) vs 42.6% (40/94), P=0.034]. According to the binary multivariate logistic regression analysis, hospital-acquired infection (OR=4.80, 95%CI: 1.825-12.621, P=0.001), absolute neutrophil count (ANC) (OR=0.93, 95%CI: 0.863-0.993, P=0.030) and decreased albumin (OR=0.89, 95%CI: 0.817-0.977, P=0.014) were risk factors for death. Conclusions: The common pathogen of BSI-induced severe sepsis in PICU is Gram-negative bacteria. The proportion of multi-drug resistant organisms of BSI obtained in hospitals is high. Children with severe sepsis due to BSI with nosocomial acquired infection, ANC and decreased albumin have a high risk of death.

Discriminating minimal residual disease status in multiple myeloma based on MRI: utility of radiomics and comparison of machine-learning methods.

AIM: To explore the possibility of discriminating minimal residual disease (MRD) status in multiple myeloma (MM) based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and identify optimal machine-learning methods to optimise the clinical treatment regimen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 83 patients were analysed retrospectively. They were divided randomly into training and validation cohorts. The regions of interest were segmented and radiomics features were extracted and analysed on two sequences, including T1-weighted imaging (WI) and fat saturated (FS)-T2WI, and then radiomics models were built in the training cohort and evaluated in the validation cohort. Clinical characteristics were calculated to build a traditional model. A combined model was also built using the clinical characteristics and radiomics features. Classification accuracy was assessed using area under the curve (AUC) and F1 score. RESULTS: In the training cohort, only the bone marrow (BM) infiltrate ratio (p=0.005) was retained after univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis. In T1WI, the linear support vector machine (SVM) achieved the best performance compared to other classifiers, with AUCs of 0.811 and 0.708 and F1 scores of 0.792 and 0.696 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Similarly, in FS-T2WI sequence, linear SVM achieved the best performance with AUCs of 0.833 and 0.800 and F1 score of 0.833 and 0.800. The combined model constructed by the FS-T2WI-linear SVM and BM infiltrate ratio outperformed the traditional model (p=0.050 and 0.012, Delong test), but showed no significant difference compared with the radiomics model (p=0.798 and 0.855). CONCLUSION: The linear SVM-based machine-learning method can offer a non-invasive tool for discriminating MRD status in MM.

[Observation on the clinical outcomes of continued pregnancy following cesarean scar pregnancy in 55 women].

Objective: To observe the clinical outcomes of continued pregnancy in pregnant women with cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the pregnancy outcomes of 55 pregnant women who were diagnosed with CSP at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University during the first trimester of pregnancy from August 1st, 2018 to October 31st, 2021 and strongly requested to continue the pregnancy. Results: Of the 55 pregnant women, 15 terminated the pregnancy in the first trimester, 1 underwent hysterotomy at 23 weeks of gestation due to cervical dilation, and 39 (71%, 39/55) continued pregnancy to the third trimester achieving live births via cesarean section. The gestational age of the 39 pregnant women delivered by cesarean section was 35+6 weeks (range: 28+5-39+2 weeks), of whom 7 cases at 28+5-33+6 weeks, 20 cases at 34-36+6 weeks, and 12 cases at 37-39+2 weeks. The results of pathological examination were normal placenta in 3 cases (8%, 3/39), placenta creta in 4 cases (10%, 4/39), placenta increta in 9 cases (23%, 9/39) and placenta percreta in 23 cases (59%, 23/39). Among the 36 pregnant women who were pathologically confirmed as placenta accreta spectrum disorders (PAS) after surgery, the last prenatal ultrasonography showed placenta previa in 27 cases (75%, 27/36) and not observed placenta previa in 9 cases. The median intraoperative blood loss, autologous blood transfusion, and allogeneic suspended red blood cell infusion of 39 pregnant women during cesarean section were 1 000 ml (300-3 500 ml), 300 ml (0-2 000 ml) and 400 ml (0-2 400 ml), respectively. The uterine preservation rate was 100% (39/39), and only 1 case received cystostomy due to intracystic hemorrhage. The birth weight of the newborn was 2 580 g (1 350-3 800 g), and 1 case of mild asphyxia. Conclusions: Pregnant women with CSP who continue pregnancy under close monitoring after adequate ultrasound evaluation and doctor-patient communication could achieve better maternal and infant outcomes, but pregnant women with CSP are highly likely to continue pregnancy and develop into PAS. Effective hemostasis means and multidisciplinary team cooperation are needed in perinatal period for ensuring maternal and fetal safety.

A Canine Surgical Model of Stroke by Minimally Invasive Occlusion of the Proximal Middle Cerebral Artery.

In this study, a model of ischemic stroke by surgical proximal middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion was developed on 10 beagle dogs. The advantages of this model are the transtemporal approach and a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Dogs were randomly assigned to two groups: sham-operated (proximal MCA exposure without occlusion) and experimental (permanent proximal MCA occlusion) groups. Different evaluation methods were used to assess the consequences of MCA occlusion in dogs, including neurobehavioral tests, MRI, and immunohistochemical staining. Clear signs of cerebral infarction associated with the region supplied by MCA were confirmed and the model showed good repeatability and consistency. The model can serve as an appropriate large animal model to improve the translation of stroke therapeutics research from the laboratory to the clinical practice.

[Research progress in the etiology of hepatitis type E virus].

Hepatitis type E virus (HEV) is a significant infectious zoonotic disease that causes hepatitis E. The disease is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route through contaminated water or food and is transmissible between species and genera. The causative agent for the disease is the hepatitis type E virus, which is a member of the Hepadnaviridae family and a single-stranded RNA virus. Its 7.2 kb genome mainly contains three open reading frames (ORFs): ORF1 encodes a non-structural polyprotein that mediates viral replication and transcription; ORF2 encodes a capsid protein and free antigen that induce neutralizing antibodies; ORF3 partially overlaps with ORF2 and encodes a small multifunctional protein involved in virion formation and release. HEV has a unique dual life cycle: it is excreted into feces in the form of naked virions but circulates in the blood in the form of "quasi-enveloped" particles. The two kinds of virus particles adsorb and penetrate the host cell in distinct ways, then internalize and decapsulate to replicate the genome, thereby producing more virion and releasing it outside the cell to mediate the virus's spread. This paper reviews the morphological characteristics, genome structure, encoded proteins, and function of HEV virus-like particles in order to provide a theoretical basis for basic research and comprehensive disease prevention and control.

Aetiology of tinea capitis in China: a multicentre prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Tinea capitis is still common in developing countries, such as China. Its pathogen spectrum varies across regions and changes over time. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to clarify the current epidemiological characteristics and pathogen spectrum of tinea capitis in China. METHODS: A multicentre, prospective descriptive study involving 29 tertiary hospitals in China was conducted. From August 2019 to July 2020, 611 patients with tinea capitis were enrolled. Data concerning demography, risk factors and fungal tests were collected. When necessary, the pathogens were further identified by morphology or molecular sequencing in the central laboratory. RESULTS: Among all enrolled patients, 74·1% of the cases were in patients aged 2-8 years. The children with tinea capitis were mainly boys (56·2%) and were more likely than adults to have a history of animal contact (57·4% vs. 35·3%, P = 0·012) and zoophilic dermatophyte infection (73·5% vs. 47%). The adults were mainly female (83%) and were more likely than children to have anthropophilic agent infection (53% vs. 23·9%). The most common pathogen was zoophilic Microsporum canis (354, 65·2%), followed by anthropophilic Trichophyton violaceum (74, 13·6%). In contrast to the eastern, western and northeastern regions, where zoophilic M. canis predominated, anthropophilic T. violaceum predominated in central China (69%, P < 0·001), where the patients had the most tinea at other sites (20%) and dermatophytosis contact (26%) but the least animal contact (39%). Microsporum ferrugineum was the most common anthropophilic agent in the western area, especially in Xinjiang province. CONCLUSIONS: Boys aged approximately 5 years were the most commonly affected group. Dermatologists are advised to pay more attention to the different transmission routes and pathogen spectra in different age groups from different regions.

Association of aldehyde exposure with bone mineral density in the national health and nutrition examination survey (NHANES 2013-2014).

PURPOSE: The association between aldehyde exposure and bone health in humans remains unclear. This study was to evaluate the association of serum aldehydes with bone mineral density (BMD) and osteopenia/osteoporosis. METHODS: We analyzed the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cross-sectional data from 2013 to 2014. Weighted multivariate-adjusted linear regression and logistic regression models were used to assess the association between specific aldehydes and osteopenia/osteoporosis. Associations between aldehyde combinations and BMD were also evaluated using the restricted cubic spline (RCS) method. RESULTS: Compared with men in the first tertile, those in the third tertile of propanaldehyde concentration were negatively associated with proximal femur and lumbar spine BMD. Significant inverse associations were observed between benzaldehyde exposure and trochanter BMD in women. Benzaldehyde increased the risk of osteopenia/osteoporosis 2.75-fold [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06, 7.11] in the highest tertile in women compared to the lowest tertile concentration. In males, the prevalence of total femur, femur neck, and trochanter osteopenia/osteoporosis was significantly higher in the highest versus the lowest tertile of propanaldehyde exposure, with odds ratios (ORs) of 6.84 (95% CI = 2.33, 20.04), 2.72 (95% CI = 1.18, 6.27), and 3.26 (95% CI = 1.25, 8.56), respectively. RCS regression also showed decreased BMD continuously with increasing serum mixed aldehyde levels. CONCLUSIONS: Serum aldehyde concentrations were associated with low BMD and high osteopenia/osteoporosis risk in adults, with propanaldehyde and benzaldehyde being the most critical. Co-exposure to aldehyde combinations was negatively correlated with BMD.

Malignant acanthosis nigricans and diseases with extensive oral papillary hyperplasia.

Oral papillary lesions represent a variety of developmental and neoplastic conditions. Early diagnoses of different papillary lesions are challenging for oral medicine specialists. Malignant acanthosis nigricans (MAN) is a rare cutaneous disorder and a potential marker of underlying hidden tumours. It is characterized by papillary lesions that always involve the oral mucosa. In oral medicine specialities, MAN is not well understood. When the early signs of MAN are extensive oral lesions and slight cutaneous pigmentation without obvious florid cutaneous papillomatosis, the diagnosis can be incorrect or delayed. Oral medicine specialists should ask affected patients to provide details of their medical history and conduct a timely systemic examination.

Transcriptome analysis of oviduct in laying ducks under different stocking densities.

1. High stocking densities can lead to animal stress responses and lead to changes in bird behaviour, egg production and the fertility of laying birds. The oviduct plays a crucial role during the process of laying eggs. Therefore, it is essential to know how high stocking density affects oviduct function.2. In this study, a total of 2,115 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in duck oviduct tissues between different stocking density groups. These genes are mainly enriched in membrane components, calcium ion binding, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and focal adhesion. These pathways were closely related to the formation of eggs. This indicated that secretion and material transport functions of the oviduct are affected under high-density stocking. Further analysis showed that a total of 408 genes related to the transportation process were expressed in the oviduct, of which 96 genes were differentially expressed (LogFC≥1, P < 0.05). Forty-two of these DEGs belonged to the solute carrier family. The data showed that the expression of 31 transcripts was different between the two density groups. Expression of KCNJ15, SLC26A8, and TRPM5 was only seen in the high-density group (8/m2), while ATP13A3 and KCNIP2 were only expressed in the low-density group (4/m2).3. Consequently, high stocking density may affect the expression and splicing of genes related to molecular transport in the oviduct.

[Marsili syndrome manifested by fever: a case report and literature review].

Objective: To describe the clinical features, genetic characteristics, and diagnosis of Marsili syndrome, an extremely rare disease which should be differentiated from other fever disorders. Methods: The clinical data and diagnostic process of a case with Marsili syndrome, hospitalized in the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the Eighth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital in February 2021, were summarized. The exon regions of 20, 000 genes of peripheral blood were detected in the patient and her parents. Using key words of"Marsili syndrome"and"ZFHX2 gene mutation", the related literatures were searched in Wanfang and PubMed databases from January, 2000 to November, 2021. In addition, the literatures of congenital insensitivity to pain and anhidrosis were retrieved in Wanfang domestic database from the same period. Results: A 23-year-old female patient had suffered from recurrent fever for more than two years, accompanied by anhidrosis, insensitive to pain and weakened corneal reflex. The effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for fever was minimal. The ZFHX2 gene mutation was positive in the patient and her mother, while NTRK1 gene mutation specific to congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA) was negative. The ZFHX2 gene mutation was negative in her father. A total of 2 literatures of Marsili syndrome were retrieved and a total of 6 cases of Marsili syndrome in one family were reported worldwide up to now. These patients had a group of similar symptoms including fever, little or no sweating, and insensitivity to pain caused by skin burn and bone fracture. However, there was no abnormality in headache and visceral pain, and female patients' childbirth pain as well as tactile sensation in these cases. The corneal reflex was decreased or negative. They had less sensitivity to stimulus of capsaicin. The ZFHX2 gene mutation was positive, but NTRK1 gene was not detected in all patients. A total of 4 literatures were retrieved and a total of 34 cases of CIPA were reported in China. Though Marsili syndrome and CIPA exhibited a number of similar clinical manifestations, they were distinct diseases and had obviously different outcome. Conclusions: Marsili syndrome is an autosomal dominant genetic disease. It is extremely rare worldwide. In clinical practice, when a patient presents with unexplained recurrent fever and poor effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, especially with the symptoms of no sweating and insensitivity to pain, the possibility of Marsili syndrome should be considered and the ZFHX2 gene should be determined. Marsili syndrome appears to be a benign disease with a good prognosis. A definitive diagnosis can avoid ineffective treatment and its adverse effects. To our knowledge, there is currently no effective genetic therapy for this disease.

[Determination of creatinine and 2-thiothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid in urine by ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry].

Objective: To establish an ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of creatinine (Cre) and 2-thiothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (TTCA) in urine. Methods: In October 2020, the end-of-shift urine samples of the monitored subjects were taken, and the filtrate was prepared by centrifugation. After separated by ultra high performance liquid chromatography C18 column, acetonitrile and 0.2% acetic acid aqueous solution were used as mobile phases for gradient elution, the three quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry adopted an electrospray ion source (ESI) , the ion source temperature was 500 ℃ , and the air curtain gas flow rate was 31.4 L/min, qualitative and quantitative analysis of Cre and TTCA were carried out under the multiple reaction monitoring mode. Results: The linear range of Cre was 1.0-1 000.0 µg/L, the linear equation was y=947.3x-1605.6, and the correlation coefficient was 0.9994. The detection limit and the limit of quantitation were 0.3, 1.0 µg/L. When the addition concentrations were 50.0, 150.0 and 450.0 µg/L, the recovery rates were 92.8%-94.6% , the intra assay precisions were 3.6%-5.7% , and the inter assay precisions were 3.4%-5.4%. The linear range of TTCA was 0.1-200.0 µg/L, the linear equation was y=1164.7x-2243.9, and the correlation coefficient was 0.9991. The detection limit and the limit of quantitation were 0.03, 0.1 µg/L. When the addition concentrations were 10.0, 40.0 and 160.0 µg/L, the recovery rates were 90.8%-93.6%, the intra assay precisions were 4.6%-7.4%, and the inter assay precisions were 4.4%-6.9%. Conclusion: The sample pretreatment process of the ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of Cre and TTCA in urine is simple, and the continuous determination of Cre and TTCA in urine can be realized only by switching mass spectrometry parameters under the same chromatographic conditions, which is accurate and efficient, and each performance index of the method meets the determination requirements.

The potential pigmentation-related genes in spider mites revealed by comparative transcriptomes of the red form of Tetranychus urticae.

Colouration in spider mites is due to the presence of carotenoids with diverse colours, including yellows, oranges and reds. Tetranychus urticae has two main colour forms, red and green. Although a ketolase has been implicated in determining the colour, the underlying genetic basis of body colour divergence between the two forms has remained unclear. Based on a combination of comparative transcriptomes and RNA interference, we found that a gene encoding a cytochrome P450 enzyme of the CYP4 clan (CYP389B1) had remarkably high expression in adult females of the red T. urticae, as well as in hybrids obtained by crossing the red and green forms. Down-regulation of this gene by RNA interference resulted in decreased accumulation of red pigment. Up-regulation of the expressions of a scavenger receptor gene (SCARB1) and a mitochondrial glycine transporter (SLC25A38) also strongly contributed to red colour development in adult females. Suppressing the mRNA levels of these genes also resulted in reduced accumulation of red pigment in the three other spider mites with red body colour. Our results provide evidence that the body colour divergence between the two forms is caused by different expressions of pigmentation-related genes, and point to a possible role of a novel cytochrome P450 gene (CYP389B1) in regulating red-orange body colour. These findings expand the number of candidate cytochrome P450 genes involved in endogenous pigmentation and will help to understand their roles in determining colour patterns in mites and other species.

Bacillus velezensis WLYS23 strain possesses antagonistic activity against hybrid snakehead bacterial pathogens.

AIM: The aims of this study were to screen an antagonistic probiotic for the prevention and control of bacterial diseases in snakehead fish and to evaluate the antimicrobial activities, biosafety and biocontrol effect of the antagonistic strain. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, the WLYS23 strain exhibiting the most effective antagonistic properties against several fish pathogens was selected from the intestine of healthy snakehead fish. The strain was identified as Bacillus velezensis based on morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics, and phylogenetic analysis. This strain showed amylase, cellulase, protease and lipase activities according to extracellular enzyme activity assays. Moreover, the cell-free extract of the WLYS23 strain exhibited strong antibacterial activity, with MICs of ≤64 µg ml-1 for most fish pathogens. Additionally, the cell-free extract was heat and pH stable, and resistant to protease, whereas their antimicrobial activities were significantly influenced by metal ions at high concentration. The WLYS23 strain and its cell-free extract were safe for snakehead and zebrafish. The disease resistance of snakehead fish was significantly increased following administration of the WLYS23 strain and its cell-free extract respectively. The complete genome of the WLYS23 strain was sequenced and found to harbour seven gene clusters encoding secondary metabolites with antimicrobial activity. CONCLUSION: The WLYS23 strain possesses great potential as a biocontrol agent, which can be commercially developed to improve disease control in freshwater aquaculture. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Snakehead fish are important commercially farmed fish worldwide. However, the bacterial diseases caused by Aeromonas sp. and Nocardia seriolae in farmed snakehead fish lead to huge economic losses. Safe, economical and efficient probiotics are limited to prevent and control these diseases. Here, we provide a promising biocontrol agent with antagonistic activity against bacterial diseases of snakehead.

Transcriptome analysis of the bursa of Fabricius and thymus of laying ducks reveals immune gene expression changes underlying the impacts of stocking densities.

1. The thymus and bursa of Fabricius are important immune organs in poultry as they play essential roles in sustaining the normal immune function to maintain health. The following trial investigated whether the stocking density affected gene expressions in immune organs.2. Jinding ducklings were raised in either low or high density (4 or 8 birds/m2) conditions from four to 14 weeks of age, and were then slaughtered and tissues removed. Samples were subjected to high-throughput sequencing to sequence RNA extraction. After filtering calculations with R software, a total of 508 (thymus) and 1,356 (bursa of Fabricius) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, suggesting that stocking density has an effect on gene expression in duck immune organs.3. Out of a total of 112 immune factor genes and 112 immune pattern receptor genes in ducks, four thymus and 18 bursa of Fabricius genes were differentially expressed in ducks, which indicated that the change of stocking density could affect the expression of immune genes in poultry.

[Analysis of screening results and risk factors of high-risk populations of lung cancer in Nanchang city from 2018 to 2019].

Objective: To collate and analyze the screening results of high-risk lung cancer populations in communities in Nanchang from 2018 to 2019, and to explore the lung-positive nodules and risk factors for lung cancer. Methods: Data of the screening subjects in 8 administrative districts and 15 street health service centers in Nanchang city, Jiangxi province from November 2018 to October 2019 were collected, people at high risk of lung cancer was assessed, clinical screening of high-risk groups of lung cancer was conducted by low-dose helical computed tomography (LDCT), and risk factors for suspected lung cancer and lung-positive nodules were analyzed. Results: Of the 25 871 people participated in screening, 5 220 were at high risk for lung cancer and 15 374 without other malignant tumors were at high risk. There were 2 417 cases participated in clinical LDCT screening, including 193 cases of lung-positive nodules, 67 cases of suspected lung cancer, 912 cases of other lung diseases, the positive rate of lung cancer or lung-positive nodules was 10.76% (260/2 417). Univariate analysis showed that age, coarse grain intake, oil intake, housing heating, passive smoking, alcohol consumption and mental trauma were associated with positive pulmonary nodules or lung cancer (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that gender, age, housing heating, smoking and drinking were related to the occurrence of lung nodules or lung cancer (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Men are more likely to develop lung cancer or lung-positive nodules than women. The age is an independent risk factor for lung-positive nodules or lung cancer. In a certain range, age will increase the incidence of lung cancer, housing heating may be the protective factor for lung cancer, while smoking and drinking are risk factors.

[Prevalence and associated risk factors of pre-hypertension and hypertension in young and middle-aged population in Nanjing].

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of pre-hypertension and hypertension in young and middle-aged population in Nanjing. Methods: Subjects of the study were those who underwent physical examination in the physical examination center of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from 2009 to 2016. The prevalence and risk factors of pre-hypertension and hypertension in young (aged 18-44 years old) and middle-aged people (aged 45-59 years old) were analyzed. Results: A total of 142 857 participants aged 18-59 years old were analyzed. Among them, 64 220 cases in the pre-hypertension group and 13 912 cases in the hypertension group. The prevalence of hypertension was 9.74% (12.51% in males and 5.82% in females). The prevalence of pre-hypertension was 44.95% (53.31% in males and 33.15% in females). In the middle-aged group, the prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension were 51.68% and 15.13%, respectively, which was higher than that in the young group (37.95% and 4.13%, respectively). The prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension in 2013-2016 was 45.37% and 10.65%, respectively, which was higher than that in 2009-2012(44.52% and 8.78%). In addition, the prevalence of abnormal blood glucose metabolism, abnormal blood lipid metabolism and abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism in the pre-hypertension group was higher than that in the normal blood pressure group, but lower than that in the hypertension group (P<0.001). A logistic regression analysis indicated that age, overweight or obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia were risk factors of pre-hypertension in male. Age, overweight or obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia and hyper-low density cholesterolemia were associated with hypertension in male and with pre-hypertension and hypertension in female. Conclusions: Middle age, overweight/obesity, elevated fasting plasma glucose, elevated triglyceride and elevated total cholesterol were risk factors of pre-hypertension and hypertension in both men and women. Intervention on the related risk factors should be conducted as early as possible.

[A longitudinal study on the progression and influencing factors of myopia in primary school students from grade one to grade three in Hubei Province].

Objective: To investigate the longitudinal epidemiological characteristics of myopia in primary school students from grade one to grade three in Hubei province, and to analyze the main factors affecting the occurrence and development of myopia, so as to provide the direction and theoretical basis for the prevention and control of myopia in children and adolescents. Methods: Longitudinal study. A total of 13, 244 primary school students from grade one to grade three in 17 prefectures and forest districts of Hubei province were included in the study by means of random stratified cluster sampling. Among them, there were 7, 331 boys and 5, 913 girls with an age of (7.7±1.0) years. The same group of students were followed up for two years from October 2017 to October 2019 to complete three data collections. All included subjects underwent visual acuity examination, which required further automatic computer optometry after using cyclopentolate hydrochloride eye drops if the visual acuity was less than 1.0. In the questionnaire, the general situation and eye behavior of the included subjects were collected. The Chi-square test was used to compare the prevalence of myopia among different genders,different reproductive history and grades. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare the difference in the mean spherical equivalent refraction, and logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of myopia. Results: The prevalence of myopia was 23.10% at baseline in 2017, 28.67% after one year's follow-up and 33.26% after two years' follow-up among primary school students in grade one to grade three in Hubei province. The overall prevalence of myopia increased with time (χ²=307.47, P<0.05). It also increased with the increase of grades. After two years of follow-up, the myopia rate of students in grades one through three was 25.62%, 35.07% and 41.05%, respectively (χ²=200.98, P<0.05). In 2017, the prevalence of myopia was 21.62% in boys and 24.93% in girls, and it increased to 31.20% and 35.69% after 2 years of follow-up, respectively. Both the prevalence of myopia and the spherical equivalent refraction were higher in girls than in boys. Moreover, myopia was associated with parents' myopia (OR=1.17), less time for outdoor activities (OR=1.06), no rest after half an hour's study (OR=1.18), more time for daily exposure to electronic products (OR=1.07), longer time for extracurricular study (OR=1.09), and higher grades (OR=1.78). Children whose parents were more myopic and who ate sweets and fizzy drinks more often had greater levels of myopia. Conclusions: Myopia occurs early in primary school students of grade one to grade three in Hubei province and increases rapidly. More attention should be paid to good habits for eyes, regular screening, outdoor activities and girls. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 749-756).