[Application of modified urethral separation method in artificial urethral sphincter implantation and its influence on intraoperative urethral pressure profilometry].

Objective: To explore the application of modified urethral separation method in artificial urethral sphincter (AUS) implantation in patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and its influence on the results of urethral pressure profilometry. Methods: A prospective collection of clinical data was conducted on 25 patients with stress urinary incontinence who underwent modified urethral separation method in AUS implantation and underwent urethral pressure profilometry in Beijing Hospital, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University and the Second Hospital Affiliated to Tianjin Medical University from March 2019 to June 2023. The improved urethral separation method was to borrow part of the white membrane tissue of the cavernous body while freeing the dorsal side of the cavernous body of the urethra. The circumference of the urethra, sleeve size, and urethral pressure were recorded, the patient's autonomous urinary control before and after surgery and the changes of the international consultation on incontinence questionnaire-short form (ICI-Q-SF) score, incontinence quality of life questionnaire (I-QoL) score, urinary frequency score, nocturia score were compared. Follow-up was conducted in the clinic or by telephone at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after activation of the device, and once a year thereafter. Local skin status and urine control were assessed, residual urine volume was measured by ultrasound and subjective score scale was completed. Results: All patients were male, aged 27-85 (65.8±15.7) years old. The circumference of the cuff used in this study was 4.0 cm in 4 patients (16.0%), 4.5 cm in 16 patients (64.0%), 5.0 cm in 4 patients (16.0%), and 5.5 cm in 1 patient (4.0%). Among them, the urethral circumference matched the cuff size in 14 cases (56.0%), the urethral circumference was smaller than the cuff size in 4 cases (16.0%), and the urethral circumference was larger than the cuff size in 7 cases (28.0%). Preoperative urodynamic examination showed that the maximum urethral pressure (MUP) was (78.0±25.9) cmH2O, (1 cmH2O=0.098 kPa) and the maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) was (53.4±26.6) cmH2O. The MUP of AUS device in the inactivated state was (88.0±26.5) cmH2O, which was not significantly higher than that before operation (P>0.05). The MUCP was (68.2±24.5) cmH2O, which was significantly higher than that before operation (P<0.05). The MUP and MUCP of the AUS device in the activated state were (146.6±25.2) cmH2O and (123.0±28.3) cmH2O, which were significantly higher than those before surgery and in the inactivated state (both P<0.001). All patients in the group reached the social urinary control standards at the first month of device activation. During a follow-up period of 2-50 months, 22 patients (88.0%) used the initial AUS device and all met social urinary control standards. The AUS device was replaced in 1 case. One patient died of cerebrovascular accident. One patient removed the device due to complications. The number of pads [M (Q1, Q3)] used in 25 patients before and after operation was 4.5 (3.0, 6.5) and 1 (0, 1) respectively, with statistically significant differences (P<0.001). ICI-Q-SF score, I-QoL score, urinary frequency score and nocturia score of 25 patients were significantly improved after surgery (all P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications was 20.0% (5/25), including 2 cases of painless hematuria, 1 case of infection, 1 case of urethral erosion, and 1 case of dysuria. Except for one patient who experienced urethral erosion and had his sleeve removed, the remaining four patients regained social urination control with active support treatment, and no symptoms recurred until the last follow-up. Conclusion: The modified urethral separation method has no significant effect on urethral pressure in patients with SUI, and can increase the volume of peri-urethral tissue in the cuff, thereby reducing the risk of intraoperative urethral injury and the incidence of postoperative urethral erosion.

Growth performance, digestibility, blood metabolites, ruminal fermentation, and bacterial communities in response to the inclusion of gallic acid in the starter feed of preweaning dairy calves.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding gallic acid on the growth, nutrient digestibility, plasma metabolites, rumen fermentation, and bacterial community in the rumen fluid and feces of preweaning calves. Thirty-six female Holstein calves with similar ages (means ± SD; 3.1 ± 1.39 d) and body weights (40.8 ± 2.87 kg) were randomly assigned to receive 3 treatments. Calves were fed 1 of 3 treatments as follows: basal diet with no gallic acid (control), 0.5 g/kg gallic acid in starter diet (low), and 1 g/kg gallic acid in starter diet (high). The results showed that feeding gallic acid increased growth by improving the starter intake and average daily gain of the calves. The fecal score tended to decrease in a linear manner with the addition of gallic acid. Total-tract apparent protein digestibility tended to increase linearly with feeding gallic acid. Feeding gallic acid led to a linear increase in the plasma total protein and ß-hydroxybutyrate levels. In addition, feeding gallic acid linearly increased catalase and total antioxidant capacity levels and decreased malondialdehyde and tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations. The concentrations of total volatile fatty acids, propionate, butyrate, and valerate in the rumen fluid increased linearly with the addition of gallic acid, resulting in a linear pH reduction. Feeding gallic acid linearly increased the relative abundances of Prevotella_1, Saccharofermentans, and Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 and linearly decreased the relative abundance of Prevotella_7 in the rumen fluid. The Shannon index of ruminal bacterial communities linearly increased by feeding gallic acid. Feeding gallic acid linearly increased the relative abundances of Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005, Bacteroides, and Christensenellaceae_R-7_group in the feces. In summary, feeding gallic acid improved growth, antioxidant function, and rumen fermentation and altered the bacterial community in the rumen fluid and feces of preweaning dairy calves.

Research and application of a new multilevel fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method for cold stress in dairy cows.

Effective and comprehensive evaluation of cold stress is critical for healthy dairy cow breeding in the winter. Previous studies on dairy cow cold stress have considered thermal environmental factors but not physiological factors or air quality. Therefore, this study aimed to propose a multilevel fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) method for cold stress in dairy cows based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and a genetic algorithm (GA). First, the AHP was used to construct an evaluation index system for cold stress in dairy cows from 3 dimensions: thermal environment (temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and illumination), physiological factors (respiratory rate, body surface temperature), and air quality [NH3, CO2, inhalable particulate matter (PM10)]. Second, the consistency test of the judgment matrix was transformed into a nonlinear constrained optimization problem and solved using the GA. Next, based on fuzzy set theory, the comment set and membership function were established to classify the degree of cold stress into 5 levels: none, mild, moderate, high, and extreme. Then, the degree of cold stress in cows was obtained using multilevel fuzzy comprehensive judgment. To investigate the effect of illumination indicators on cold stress in dairy cows, 24 prelactation cows from the south and north sides were selected for a 117-d comprehensive cold stress evaluation. The results showed that the mean mild cold stress durations were 605.3 h (25.22 d) and 725.5 h (30.23 d) and the moderate cold stress durations were 67.2 h (2.8 d) and 96 h (4.0 d) on the south and north sides, respectively. Simultaneously, generalized linear mixed model showed that there were significant correlations between the daily cold stress duration and milk yield, feeding time, lying time, and active steps in the cows on both sides. This method can reasonably indicate cow cold stress conditions and better guide cold protection practices in actual production.

Improvement of feed intake, digestibility, plasma metabolites, and lactation performance of dairy cows fed mixed silage of sugar beet pulp and rice straw inoculated with lactic acid bacteria.

A study was conducted to investigate the inclusion effects of sugar beet pulp and rice straw mixture silage with inoculation (BRMS), in place of whole-plant corn silage (CS), on the dry matter intake, total-tract nutrient digestibility, plasma metabolites, rumen fermentation, and lactation performance in high-production dairy cows. Sixteen multiparous Holstein cows (body weight, 622 ± 35 kg; days in milk, 90 ± 11 d; mean ± standard deviation) were used in our experiments; the experiments were based on a repeated 4 × 4 Latin square design for 21 d, and each experimental period consisted of 14 d of adaptation, followed by 7 d of data collection. The 4 dietary treatments used were (dry matter basis): (1) 0% BRMS and 28.6% CS (0BRMS); (2) 4.3% BRMS and 24.3% CS (15BRMS); (3) 8.60% BRMS and 20.0% CS (30BRMS); and (4) 12.9% BRMS and 15.7% CS (45BRMS). The increasing inclusion of dietary BRMS was observed to linearly increase the total volatile fatty acids and the propionate concentration. The dry matter intake and digestibility values of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber increased linearly as the percentage of BRMS increased up to 45%. Milk yield linearly increased with the increase in the content of BRMS (39.0, 39.8, 40.9, and 40.3 kg/d for 0BRMS, 15BRMS, 30BRMS, and 45BRMS, respectively). The increasing inclusion of dietary BRMS induced a decrease in the ammonia nitrogen and milk urea nitrogen concentration, leading to a linear increase in milk protein production (1.15, 1.26, 1.35, and 1.27 kg/d for 0BRMS, 15BRMS, 30BRMS, and 45BRMS, respectively). In conclusion, the diets with the replacement of CS with BRMS up to 45% were beneficial to the production performance of high-production dairy cows, indicating that this method may be an appropriate use of sugar beet pulp and rice straw.

[Correlation between Helicobacter pylori enrichment and clinical and pathological characteristics of colorectal adenoma].

Objective: Aim to observe the enrichment of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) in adenoma tissue of patients with colorectal adenoma and analyze its effect on the clinical and pathological characteristics of colorectal adenoma. Methods: The data of 1 622 cases of gastroenteroscopy in the Endoscopy Center of Wenzhou Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2019 to June 2021 were collected retrospectively. The general data, gastric HP infection, clinical and pathological features, HP methyl blue special staining, HP immunohistochemical staining and toll-like receptor5(TLR5) protein immunofluorescence of colorectal adenomas were compared between the colorectal adenoma group (743 cases) and the control group (879 cases). Results: There were 743 cases in the colorectal adenoma group, aged (54.5±12.3) years, and 56.0% were male. There were 879 cases in the control group, aged (55.6±12.1), and 58.4% were male. Gastric Hp was positive in 361 cases in the colorectal adenoma group with a positive rate of 48.6% and in 331 cases in the control group with a positive rate of 37.7%. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Gastric HP infection significantly increased the risk of Hp enrichment in colorectal adenomas (OR=28.590;95%CI:18.554-44.055; P<0.001). At the same time, Hp enrichment in colorectal adenomas was the promoting factor of positive events in adenoma diameter, pathological adenoma type, and adenoma malignancy (RR=0.804,3.163,3.089,2.463, P<0.001). It was also found that the expression of TLR5 protein was increased in HP-enriched adenomas. Conclusion: There is a positive correlation between gastric HP infection and intestinal HP enrichment. The effect of intestinal HP enrichment on the clinical and pathological characteristics of colorectal adenoma is statistically significant, and its tumor-promoting effect may be related to the upregulation of mucosal TLR5 protein.

[A survey on the application of diagnostic and evaluation tools for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among respiratory physicians].

Objective: To investigate the current status of the application of diagnostic and assessment tools for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) by respiratory physicians in China. Method: An on-line questionnaire was designed to address the common questions in COPD diagnosis and evaluation, and this survey was conducted through Wechat. Result: A total of 3 204 valid questionnaires were collected. 71.7% of the physicians were from tertiary hospitals. 75.4% of the physicians diagnosed COPD strictly on the basis of lung function results after inhaled bronchodilators, and this percentage was higher in tertiary hospitals than in secondary hospitals(78.71% vs. 66.92%, P<0.01). 99.3% of the physicians evaluated symptoms of dyspnea, but 26.8% of physicians did not use a scoring system(CAT or mMRC) for quantitative assessment. Although 83.8% of physicians would use the guideline-recommended comprehensive assessment(ABCD classification), only 45.1% of them chose initial therapy exactly according to the classification. In addition, 28.3% of physicians did not routinely order blood eosinophil counts and 20.1% did not inquire the history of tuberculosis. Conclusions: Although most respiratory physicians followed the guidelines in the diagnosis and evaluation of COPD, the use of assessment tools was inadequate, which should be addressed in educational programs for COPD management.

[A case of aconitum kusnezoffii intoxication with severe arrhythmia].

Aconitum kusnezoffii is a traditional Chinese medicine of Ranunculaceae family. Its toxicity is relatively strong, and its dosage is similar to that of poisoning. In clinical practice, poisoning events are often caused by excessive dosage or improper use. There is no specific antidote for kusnezoff root poisoning. Severe kusnezoff root poisoning can cause malignant arrhythmia and even death.A case of severe kusnezoff monkshood poisoning was reported in January 2021, which was treated with nificaran hydrochloride for injection in the emergency medicine department of the First Hospital of Handan City. The patient developed ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation and AS syndrome. In addition to conventional treatment, the patient did not have arrhythmia again after intravenous injection of 25 mg of nifekalan load and continuous pumping of 0.4 mg/kg/h for 7 hours, and did not relapse after discontinuation of nifekalan 24 hours later. It is suggested that the malignant arrhythmia caused by clinical severe kusnezoff monkshood poisoning can be controlled by nifekalan. Whether nifekalan is superior to conventional antiarrhythmic drugs still needs more accumulation and verification of clinical application data.

Digestibility, lactation performance, plasma metabolites, ruminal fermentation, and bacterial communities in Holstein cows fed a fermented corn gluten-wheat bran mixture as a substitute for soybean meal.

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with a fermented corn gluten-wheat bran mixture (FCWM) on nutrient digestibility, lactation performance, plasma metabolites, ruminal fermentation, and bacterial communities in Holstein cows. Nine healthy multiparous (parity = 3) Holstein cows with similar body weights (624 ± 14.4 kg), days in milk (112 ± 4.2), and milk yields (31.8 ± 1.73 kg; all mean ± standard deviation) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 3 periods of 28 d. Cows were fed 1 of 3 dietary treatments in which FCWM replaced SBM as follows: basal diet with no replacement (0FCWM); 50% replacement of SBM with FCWM (50%FCWM); and 100% replacement of SBM with FCWM (100%FCWM). The diets were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous. The results showed that the total-tract digestibility of dry matter and crude protein increased linearly with increased dietary FCWM, and we found a trend for increased total-tract neutral detergent fiber and potentially digestible NDF digestibility. Milk yield tended to increase in a linear manner as more FCWM was consumed, and energy-corrected milk production was significantly increased with FCWM supplementation as a result of increased milk protein and lactose yields. Plasma glucose and IgG concentrations increased linearly with increasing FCWM supplementation, but plasma malondialdehyde concentration decreased linearly. Concentrations of total volatile fatty acids and propionate showed a linear increase with increasing FCWM supplementation, leading to a linear decrease in pH. The relative abundance of ruminal Prevotellaceae, Veillonellaceae, and Prevotella 1 increased linearly with increasing FCWM supplementation, and the relative abundance of ruminal Succinivibrionaceae and Muribaculaceae decreased linearly. The relative abundance of fecal Ruminococcaceae, Prevotellaceae, and Ruminococcaceae UCG-005 increased linearly with increasing FCWM supplementation, but the relative abundance of fecal Peptostreptococcaceae decreased linearly. Overall, the replacement of SBM with FCWM altered the composition of the ruminal bacterial community and improved nutrient digestibility, lactation performance, and ruminal fermentation in cows, providing a data reference for the use of FCWM in dairy production.

Association of PRKCA expression and polymorphisms with layer duck eggshell quality.

1. Eggshell quality is important for the poultry industry. Calcium is deposited during eggshell formation, and protein kinase C alpha (PRKCA) is involved in transmembrane transport of calcium ions in cells. However, the biological function of PRKCA in poultry is still not understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the association of mRNA expression and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the PRKCA gene with eggshell quality in laying ducks. 2. The mRNA expression and SNPs of the PRKCA gene were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and sequencing of PCR products in 45-week-old female Sansui ducks, which is a high production layer duck breed in China. The association of mRNA expression and SNPs in the PRKCA gene with layer duck eggshell traits was analysed using SPSS (v18.0) software. 3. The results demonstrated that PRKCA mRNA was widely expressed in all examined tissues, and expression was highest in kidney and lowest in the gizzard. Furthermore, the PRKCA mRNA level in uterus was significantly positively correlated with eggshell strength and eggshell weight (P < 0.05). Three novel SNPs, the synonymous mutations of g.9571770 T > C in exon 5, g.9583222 C > T and g.9583227 G > A in exon 7, were found in the PRKCA gene, giving four haplotypes and 10 diplotypes, which affected the mRNA secondary structure and free energy. The g.9583222 C > T and g.9583227 G > A mutations were significantly associated with eggshell strength (P < 0.05). Diplotype H1H1 was advantageous for increasing the strength and thickness of an eggshell. 4. In conclusion, the study showed that the mRNA transcription and genetic variation in the PRKCA gene could significantly affect the strength of duck eggshell and that the PRKCA gene is an important candidate gene for improving eggshell quality in poultry.

[Quality of life and related factors in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of life of patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), to compare the difference between IC/BPS and overactive bladder (OAB) pain syndrome, and to explore the related factors affecting the quality of life of IC/BPS patients. METHODS: The demographic data of female outpatients with IC/BPS in Beijing Hospital and other medical centers in China were collected. The quality of life of the patients was investigated by multi-angle questionnaires and compared with the data of OAB patients. According to the influence degree of quality of life, the patients with IC/BPS were divided into mild-moderate group and severe group. RESULTS: In this study, 109 patients with IC/BPS were included. The average age was (46.4±14.3) years and the average course of disease was (39.4±51.6) months. Compared with the OAB patients, the patients in IC/BPS group had a longer average course of disease (P=0.008), a lower proportion of the patients of first visit for the disease (P < 0.001), a higher score of the American Urological Association symptom index (AUA-SI) (P < 0.001), a lower body mass index (BMI) ratio (P=0.016), and a lower incidence of constipation (P=0.006). IC/BPS had the greatest impact on family life, followed by social activity. The score of IC/BPS related symptoms on family life was significantly higher than that of the OAB group (P=0.003). The top three symptoms of the IC/BPS patients were pain (45%), frequency (28%) and urgency (17%). The score of quality of life in the IC/BPS patients was significantly higher than that in the OAB patients (P < 0.001). Caffeine intake (P=0.034) and constipation (P=0.003) might be the factors influencing the quality of life of the patients with IC/BPS. CONCLUSION: IC/BPS has a great influence on the quality of life of patients. Caffeine intake and constipation may be related factors affecting the quality of life of patients with IC/BPS. Urologists should recommend changes in diet and lifestyle to reduce symptoms and improve the patients' quality of life.

[Application of urethral pressure profilometry in artificial urinary sphincter implantation].

Objective: To investigate the changes of maximum urethral pressure (MUP) and maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) after artificial urethral sphincter (AUS) implantation and their prognostic value. Methods: The clinical data of patients who had undergone AUS implantation in multiple medical centers between March and July 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Data of urethral pressure profilometry, pad usage, related scores and complications related to surgery were collected and compared. The primary endpoint was social continence (defined as 0-1 pad/d) 1 month after activation of the pump. Results: A total of five male patients were included in this study. Two underwent transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia, two underwent radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer, and one underwent urethral reunion, urethral stricture dilatation and cystostomy due to trauma from traffic accident. All patients had different degrees of urinary incontinence. The results of preoperative urethral profilometry test showed that the MUP of five patients were 52, 53, 88, 32, and 66 cmH(2)O(1 cmH(2)O=0.098 kPa), respectively, and the MUCP were 17, 52, 62, 27, and 40 cmH(2)O, respectively. AUS implantation was performed. The intraoperative urethral pressure profilometry showed that the MUP were 53, 113, 50, 77, and 89 cmH(2)O in the inactivated state, and the MUCP were 50, 97, 31, 71, and 51 cmH(2)O, respectively. In the activated state, the MUP were 112, 174, 193, 121, and 120 cmH(2)O, and the MUCP were 109, 160, 175, 114, and 92 cmH(2)O, respectively. All patients met the social continence (0-1 pad/d) criterion. No complications were reported during the follow-up. Conclusions: The relationship between the range of intraoperative urethral pressure and the effect of urinary control can be gained by measuring the specific values of MUP and MUCP during AUS implantation and the post-operative effects, which provides as a data basis for standardizing AUS implantation.

[Clinical study of yiqi huoxue recipe in the treatment of liver fibrosis of chronic viral hepatitis].

Objective: To clarify the clinical efficacy of Yiqi Huoxue recipe in the treatment of liver fibrosis of chronic viral hepatitis. Methods: An open, positive-drug, parallel-controlled study method was applied. A total of 207 cases of liver fibrosis with chronic hepatitis B and C diagnosed with liver biopsy and transient elastography were selected. According to the principle of syndrome differentiation in traditional Chinese medicine, self-made Yiqi Huoxue recipe (n = 127) and Fuzheng Huayu capsule (n = 80) were used for the treatment course of 24-48 weeks. Change score of TCM symptom, liver biochemistry, liver stiffness measurement (LSM), and noninvasive liver fibrosis index [aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI), and fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4)] were compared between the two groups to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Yiqi Huoxue recipe on liver fibrosis. Results: Yiqi Huoxue recipe group and Fuzheng Huayu capsule group baseline LSM, APRI and FIB-4 was compared, and there was no statistically significant difference between them (P > 0.05). Yiqi Huoxue recipe and Fuzheng Huayu capsule received patients had improved symptom scores to a certain extent. Hepatic facies, discomfort over liver area, and soreness and weakness of waist and knees (P < 0.05) was significantly improved in Yiqi Huoxue recipe than Fuzheng Huayu capsule. Liver biochemical indicators (ALT, AST, GGT, ALP) had gradually relapsed with the extension of treatment duration and the normalization rate between the two groups after 24 to 48 weeks had reached 100% vs. 100%, 100% vs. 93.8%, 96.8% vs. 92.3% and 87.5% vs. 81.8%. After 12 weeks of treatment, APRI values ​​of both groups had significantly reduced, and after 48 weeks of treatment, LSM values of both groups had significantly improved. Moreover, Yiqi Huoxue recipe FIB-4 score was significantly improved after 48 weeks of treatment, and the difference was statistically significant compared to Fuzheng Huayu capsule group (P < 0.05). After treatment, LSM, APRI, and FIB-4 total effectiveness in the two groups were 80.0% vs. 63.6%, P = 0.046; 68.4% vs. 52.0%, P = 0.052; 68.4% vs. 62.0%, P = 0.437, respectively. LSM total effectiveness was significantly higher in Yiqi Huoxue recipe treated group than Fuzheng Huayu capsule group. Conclusion: Traditional Chinese medicine Yiqi Huoxue decoction can be used as an optimal treatment for liver fibrosis of chronic viral hepatitis.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG modulates gastrointestinal absorption, excretion patterns, and toxicity in Holstein calves fed a single dose of aflatoxin B1.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG; ATCC 53013) on growth performance and hepatotoxicity in calves fed a single dose of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and to investigate the absorption, distribution, and elimination of AFB1 and the hydroxylated metabolite aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in rumen fluid, blood, and excretions. Twenty-four male Holstein calves were blocked for body weight and age and were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: (1) untreated control, (2) treated with 4.80 mg of AFB1 (AFB1 only), or (3) treated with 1 × 1010 cfu of LGG suspension and 4.80 mg of AFB1 (AFB1 plus LGG). The calves received LGG suspension in 50 mL of phosphate-buffered saline daily via oral administration for 14 d before and on the day they received a single oral dose of AFB1. Body weight was recorded at the beginning of the study (before LGG administration), at the day of AFB1 administration, and at the end of the trial. Rumen fluid, blood, urine, and feces samples were collected continuously for 96 h after AFB1 administration. Average daily gain (ADG) and plasma biochemical parameters were analyzed, and concentrations of AFB1 and AFM1 in the samples were determined for monitoring excretion pattern and toxicokinetics. The results showed that ADG was lower in AFB1-treated animals; LGG administration partially mitigated the decrease in ADG (0.85 ± 0.08 vs. 0.76 ± 0.18 kg of gain/d). The AFB1 treatment increased plasma aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Administration of LGG alleviated the AFB1-induced increase in plasma enzymes activity. The excretion patterns of AFB1 and AFM1 were surprisingly regular; toxins were rapidly detected in all samples after a single oral dose of AFB1, and the peak of toxins concentrations was sequentially reached in rumen fluid, plasma, urine, and feces (except AFM1 in rumen fluid), followed by an exponential decrease. The excretion curves showed that AFB1 and AFM1 concentrations were the highest in feces and urine, respectively. Administration of LGG decreased the concentrations of free AFB1 and AFM1 in rumen fluid and reduced the release of toxins into plasma and urine. Toxicokinetic parameters (except for the time of maximum concentration and the terminal half-life) were reduced by LGG administration. In conclusion, the absorption, distribution, and excretion of AFB1 and AFM1 were rapid in calves fed a single dose of AFB1. Urine was the main route for the excretion of AFM1, and the clearance pattern from the peak of concentration was well fitted by exponential decreasing function. Administration of LGG reduced the absorption of AFB1 in the gastrointestinal tract by increasing the excretion via the feces, thus alleviating the hepatotoxic effect of AFB1.

[Effect of RKIP on proliferation and migration of malignant melanoma cells and potential mechanism].

Objective: To explore the effect and mechanism of Rafkinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) on proliferation and migration of malignant melanoma cells in vitro. Methods: The RKIP overexpression and down-regulated stable transfected strains of mouse malignant melanoma cell line B16 were constructed by recombinant lentiviral transfection technique and established as RKIP overexpression group and RKIP down-regulation group, the mouse malignant melanoma B16 cells without any treatment were used as a blank control group, and the proliferation activity and migration ability of each group were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and cell scratch test. The relative expression levels of CyclinD1, Calcium-dependent cell adhesin, Ki-67, Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, MMP-13, MMP-2 and Phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein (PEBP-1) were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Western blot was used to detect the difference of RKIP expression and the protein expression level of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in each group. Results: Comparison of RKIP overexpression group and blank control group shown cell proliferation and migration were significantly inhibited in RKIP overexpression group (0.794±0.038 vs 1.200±0.081) (P<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in cell proliferation between RKIP down-regulation group and blank control group (1.077±0.084 vs 1.200±0.081) (P>0.05), and the cell migration ability of RKIP down-regulation group was significantly higher than that of the blank control group (P<0.001). In addition, there was no significant difference between the RKIP down-regulation group and the blank control group in PEBP-1 expression (P>0.05), while the expression levels of the remaining genes in the RKIP overexpression group were significantly lower than those in the blank control group, and the expression levels in the RKIP down-regulation group were significantly higher than those in the blank control group (P<0.001). Furthermore, the protein level of phosphorylated P65 (p-P65) in RKIP overexpression group was significantly lower than that in blank control group (0.080±0.000 vs 0.236±0.000), and RKIP down-regulation group was significantly higher than that in blank control group (1.139±0.001 vs 0.236±0.000) (both P<0.001). Conclusion: RKIP overexpression can inhibit the proliferation and migration of malignant melanoma cells, which may be related to the regulation of NF-κB signaling pathway-related protein p-P65.

[Sacral neuromodulation preliminary outcomes in male patients with idiopathic dysuria].

Objective: To assess the effectiveness and safety of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) therapy for men with idiopathic dysuria. Methods: From January 2012 to December 2016, a total of 26 patients treated with SNM therapy from multi-center across the country were retrospectively studied. The age ranged from 19 to 86 years with an average age of 45.2 years. Patients suffered from one or multiple urinary symptoms such as frequency of urination, urgency, urinary retention, etc. All patients had received more than two types of conservative therapy including oral and behavioral therapy, but had poor or no improvement. The voiding diary, urgency score and the quality of life score before implantation, in stageⅠ after implantation and stage Ⅱ after permanent implantation were recorded and compared. Results: A total of 22 patients chose to receive IPG at the end of stageⅠ therapy while 4 patients refused further stage Ⅱ therapy because of dissatisfactory effect. The conversion rate of stage Ⅰ to stage Ⅱ was 84.6% (22/26). The average follow-up time was 19.2 months, ranging from 3 to 63 months. The baseline of residual urine, voiding frequency and average voiding amount and those after stage Ⅰ therapy were [5 (0, 137.5) ] ml vs [0 (0, 40) ] ml, 14.6±6.1 vs 9.1±2.8, [100 (80, 135) ] ml vs [190 (150, 210) ] ml, respectively. The differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).However, no significant differences were found in urination volume and quality of life (QoL) before and after implantation(P>0.05). During an average follow-up time of 19.2 months after the permanent implantation, over 80% patients had an improvement of residual urine volume by more than 50% after permanent implantation while the improvement was 55.6% after stage Ⅰ therapy, suggesting that the improvement of residual urine volume might be positively correlated with the duration of regulation. No significant differences were found in other parameters between stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ therapy. No adverse events like wound infection and electrode dislocation happened during our study. Conclusions: SNM is an effective and safety procedure for male patients with idiopathic dysuria, with a relatively high transfer rate. The medium-term curative effect is stable. The duration of regulation may be positively correlated with the improvement of residual urine.

Retrospective Analysis of Forensic Appraisal of Post-traumatic Epilepsy in 30 Cases.

ABSTRACT: Objective To summarize the general characteristics and identification considerations of appraisal of post-traumatic epilepsy （PTE） in forensic clinical expertise. Methods Descriptive statistics were made on the general situations （age and sex）, injury sites, PTE grading, clinical manifestations and blood drug concentrations of 30 cases of PTE. Chi-square test was performed on the differences of sex composition, age group incidences, injury sites, clinical manifestations and PTE grading. Fisher's exact probability method was used to test the differences in clinical manifestations and PTE grading of each site and the differences in PTE grading of different clinical manifestations. Results PTE occurred more frequently among 21 to 40 year olds, more in males than in females, and more frequently in the temporal lobe and frontal lobe. The clinical manifestations were mostly partial seizures and the PTE grading was mostly mild PTE. There were no statistical significance in the differences in distribution of clinical manifestations and PTE grading of injury sites （P>0.05）. The difference in the PTE grading of different clinical manifestations had no statistical significance （P>0.05）. The blood drug concentration of the three identified people did not reach the effective concentration, which affected the final identification opinion. Conclusion In the identification of PTE, in addition to strictly grasping the necessary factors of identification, such as the history of craniocerebral trauma, and epileptic seizures, it is also suggested that attention should be paid to the detection of blood drug concentration. Overall analysis and comprehensive evaluation should be made.

Revealing potential functions of VBNC bacteria in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons biodegradation.

The bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-contaminated sites is not running smoothly, because of the lower activity of PAH-degrading bacteria in actual bioremediation applications. The phenomenon of "viable but nonculturable" (VBNC) state may be a main limiting factor for their poor biodegradation capabilities of PAHs. Due to their abilities of entering into the VBNC state, most of bacterial populations with PAH-degradation potential remain unculturable. Resuscitation of VBNC bacteria will enhance the degradation capability of indigenous bacteria which will eventually obtain their better capabilities in environmental bioremediation. Although evidences have been presented indicating that resuscitation of VBNC bacteria in polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-contaminated environments not only significantly enhanced PCB degradation, but also obtained novel highly efficient PCB-degrading bacteria, scanty information is available on the VBNC bacteria in PAH-contaminated sites. VBNC bacteria, as a vast majority of potential microbial resource could be the repository of novel highly efficient PAH-biodegraders. Therefore, studies need to be done on resuscitation of VBNC bacteria to overcome key bottlenecks in bioremediation of PAH-contaminated sites. This mini-review provides a new insight into the potential functions of VBNC bacteria in PAHs biodegradation. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: As the vast majority microbial resource, viable but nonculturable (VBNC) bacteria, which showed their potential functions in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) biodegradation, can be of great significance in environmental bioremediation. It is therefore important to resuscitate VBNC bacteria for their better capabilities. Meanwhile, preventing the indigenous functional community from entering into the VBNC state will also maintain the high activity of PAH-degrading bacteria in actual bioremediation applications. Undoubtedly, much more work needs to be done to reveal indigenous micro-organisms in the VBNC state from the perspective of environmental functions.

[Acute effects of intravenous fasudil with different dosage on patients with congenital heart defects and severe pulmonary arterial hypertension].

Objective: To compare the acute hemodynamic effects of intravenous fasudil with different dosage on patients with congenital heart defects (CHD) and severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Methods: Sixty patients (37±17 years old) with CHD and PAH were consecutively enrolled. All patients underwent heart catheterization. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: the regular dosage group and the large dosage group. At initiation and 30 min after intravenous fasudil(30 mg and 60 mg respectively), the following hemodynamic parameters were measured and calculated: right atrial pressure(RAP), pulmonary arterypressure(PAP) , systemic artery pressure (SAP), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure(PCWP) , pulmonary vascular resistance(PVR) and systemic vascular resistance( SVR), cardiac index (CI) and artery oxygen saturation (SaO(2)). Results: Compared with pre-medication, both mPAP and PVR tended to reduce significantly in the regular dosage group and the large dosage group: mPAP from (63.7±8.6)to (58.3±8.5)mmHg(P<0.01) and from (62.9±8.8) to(55.1±7.8)mmHg (P<0.01), respectively; PVR from(9.9±4.3)to (7.7±3.9) Wood(P<0. 01) and from (9.5±4.9)to(6.1±4.8)Wood(P<0.01); CI tended to increase significantly in the two groups: from (2.9±0.9) to (3.1±1.1) L·min(-1)·m(-2)( P<0.05) and from(3.0±0.8) to (3.5±1.6) L·min(-1)·m(-2)( P<0.05), respectively . Compared with the regular dosage group, both mPAP and PVR tended to reduce significantly in the large dosage group: mPAP (8.2±1.8) vs (4.2±1. 0)mmHg (P<0.05); PVR(3.7±1.1) vs (2.1±0.8 ) Wood (P<0.05) .Meanwhile , there was no significant difference in CI, SAP, SVR and SaO(2) between the two groups. Conclusion: Fasudil could improve the acute hemodynamic effects of patients with CHD and severe PAH, especially in the large dosage group.

[Comparative study on image quality of third-generation dual-source CT pulmonary angiography combined with advanced modeled iterative reconstruction].

Objective: To quantitatively evaluate the quality of advanced modeled iterative reconstruction (ADMIRE) combined with 70 kVp and linear blending images in low dose dual energy (70 kVp/sn150 kVp) pulmonary angiography. Methods: A total of 74 cases with normal BMI underwent dual-source CT dual-energy pulmonary angiography with small amount of contrast medium (30 ml) from 2015 to 2017 from the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were randomly assigned to protocol Ⅰ(100 kVp/sn140 kVp) or protocol Ⅱ(70 kVp/sn150 kVp). 70 kVp+ ADMIRE (group 1), linear blending+ ADMIRE (group 2), 100 kVp+ SAFIRE (group 3) images were obtained. CT value and noise standard deviation (SD) of pulmonary arteries were measured in pulmonary trunk artery, left pulmonary artery and left superior pulmonary artery, then SNR and CNR were calculated. Radiation dose parameters (CTDIvol, DLP) were recorded. Results: CT values of pulmonary artery of group 1 were significantly higher than those in group 2 and 3 (both P<0.05). In group 2, SD value of pulmonary artery was lower than that of group 1 and 3(both P<0.05). SD value of pulmonary trunk and left pulmonary artery in group 1 was higher than that in group 3 (P<0.05), SD value of left superior pulmonary artery had no significant difference between group 1 and group 3 (P>0.05). SNR and CNR value in group 1 and group 2 had no statistical difference, but they were both higher than that in group 3 (both P<0.05). The effective dose of protocolⅠwas 46% lower than protocol Ⅱ. Conclusion: ADMIRE combined with 70 kVp and linear blending images are better than SAFIRE combined with 100 kVp images, and radiation dose is reduced.70 kVp/sn150 kVp with small amount of contrast medium (30 ml) is a feasible dual energy pulmonary artery scanning protocol.

InP-based pseudomorphic InAs/InGaAs triangular quantum well lasers with bismuth surfactant.

An InP-based 2.1 µm InAs/In0.53Ga0.47As triangular quantum well laser grown with Bi surfactant has shown improved performance in comparison to the device with the same structure but grown without Bi surfactant. Under continuous-wave driving operation, the output light power is increased from 32.6 to 37.5 mW at the same injecting current of 850 mA at 200 K. The external differential and internal quantum efficiencies for the laser with Bi surfactant are 18.4% and 41%, respectively, which are correspondingly higher than 13.1% and 31% for the reference device. Furthermore, a decreased internal loss from 20.9 to 17.6 cm-1 for the Bi surfactant laser is also observed. These results suggest that Bi surfactant is promising for further enhancing performances of strained quantum well laser diodes.