Effects of ferritin heavy chain on oxidative stress, cell proliferation and apoptosis in geese follicular granulosa cells.

1. The ferritin heavy chain (FHC) has a vital impact on follicular development in geese, due to its ability to regulate apoptosis of granulosa cells (GCs) and follicular atresia. However, its specific regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. The present study characterised how FHC regulates oxidative stress, cell proliferation and apoptosis in goose GCs by interfering with and overexpressing the FHC gene.2. After 72 h of interference with FHC expression, the activity of GCs decreased remarkably (p < 0.05), reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and the expression levels of antioxidant enzyme genes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) increased significantly (p < 0.05). The overexpression of FHC for 72 h was found to significantly reduce the expression of CAT and SOD genes (p < 0.05).3. Interfering with FHC expression revealed that the expression levels of the cell proliferation gene Aurora kinase A (AURORA-A) were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while the expression levels of the apoptosis genes B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) and cysteine aspartate-specific protease 8 (CASPASE 8) increased (p < 0.05). Further research has shown that, when interfering with FHC expression for 72 h, apoptosis rate increased by 1.19-fold (p < 0.05), but the current data showed a lower apoptosis rate after FHC overexpression by 59.41%, 63.39%, and 52.31% at three different treatment times (p < 0.05).4. In conclusion, FHC improved the antioxidant capacity of GCs, promotes GCs proliferation, and inhibits GCs apoptosis of ovarian follicles in Sichuan white geese.

[The value of midnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test combined with ACTH stimulation test in the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism subtypes].

Objective: To explore the value of the midnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test combined with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test in the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism (PA) subtypes. Methods: A cross-sectional study. Clinical data of patients diagnosed with PA at the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2020 to September 2022, who completed the midnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test combined with ACTH stimulation test, were analysed retrospectively. The clinical characteristics and trial results of patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and idiopathic hyper aldosteronism (IHA)were compared. The efficacy of the midnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test combined with ACTH stimulation test in distinguishing APA and IHA was evaluated by drawing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and the cut-off value of the diagnostic indicator was determined with the maximum Youden index. Results: A total of 82 patients with PA were included, including 43 males and 39 females, aged (50.8±11.4) years old. They were divided into APA group (n=49) and IHA group (n=33) based on PA subtype. There was no statistically significant difference in body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure between the two groups (all P>0.05). The blood potassium and orthostatic renin levels in the APA group were lower than those in the IHA group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.001). The orthostatic plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), orthostatic aldosterone to renin ratio (ARR), PAC before and after captopril challenge test(CCT), ARR after CCT, PAC before and after saline infusion test (SIT), and the proportion of unilateral lesions in the APA group were all higher than those in the IHA group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.001). After the midnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test combined with ACTH stimulation test (30, 60, 90, 120 min), the PAC and PAC/cortisol levels in the APA group were significantly higher than those in the IHA group (all P<0.05). The PAC at 90 min showed the highest diagnostic capability according to the area under the ROC(AUC) (0.930,95%CI:0.874-0.986), and the Youden index was the highest at a PAC cut-off value of 39.05 ng/dl(0.766). The sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing APA from IHA were 91.8% and 84.8%, respectively. Conclusions: The midnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test with ACTH stimulation test could be useful for differentiating the subtypes of PA. Among them, the PAC and PAC/cortisol at 90 min showed best diagnostic efficacy.

[The role of peripheral retinal defocus in myopia progression].

The increasing incidence of myopia has become a global public health concern. Exploring the mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of myopia is crucial for prevention and control. This paper reviews the role of peripheral retinal defocus mechanisms in the development of myopia, with particular emphasis on the interaction between accommodation lag and peripheral retinal defocus, as well as the impact of optical intervention on myopia control effectiveness. In recent years, researchers have developed various optical tools for myopia prevention and control based on the peripheral retinal defocus theory, such as peripheral defocus spectacle lenses, orthokeratology lenses, and peripheral defocus soft contact lenses. This paper aims to provide clinicians with the latest research findings to deepen their understanding of the mechanisms involved in myopia development and to guide the future development and clinical application of myopia prevention and control products.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by minimally invasive esophagectomy for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a prospective multicenter randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant therapy is recommended for locally advanced esophageal cancer, but the optimal strategy remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT) followed by minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligible patients staged as cT3-4aN0-1M0 ESCC were randomly assigned (1 : 1) to the nCRT or nCT group stratified by age, cN stage, and centers. The chemotherapy, based on paclitaxel and cisplatin, was administered to both groups, while concurrent radiotherapy was added for the nCRT group; then MIE was carried out. The primary endpoint was 3-year overall survival. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03001596). RESULTS: A total of 264 patients were eligible for the intention-to-treat analysis. By 30 November 2021, 121 deaths had occurred. The median follow-up was 43.9 months (interquartile range 36.6-49.3 months). The overall survival in the intention-to-treat population was comparable between the nCRT and nCT strategies [hazard ratio (HR) 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58-1.18; P = 0.28], with a 3-year survival rate of 64.1% (95% CI 56.4% to 72.9%) versus 54.9% (95% CI 47.0% to 64.2%), respectively. There were also no differences in progression-free survival (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.59-1.16; P = 0.27) and recurrence-free survival (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.71-1.60; P = 0.75), although the pathological complete response in the nCRT group (31/112, 27.7%) was significantly higher than that in the nCT group (3/104, 2.9%; P < 0.001). Besides, a trend of lower risk of recurrence was observed in the nCRT group (P = 0.063), while the recurrence pattern was similar (P = 0.802). CONCLUSIONS: NCRT followed by MIE was not associated with significantly better overall survival than nCT among patients with cT3-4aN0-1M0 ESCC. The results underscore the pending issue of the best strategy of neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced bulky ESCC.

Observation of the Exotic 0_{2}

We report here the first observation of the 0_{2}^{+} state of ^{8}He, which has been predicted to feature the condensatelike α+^{2}n+^{2}n cluster structure. We show that this state is characterized by a spin parity of 0^{+}, a large isoscalar monopole transition strength, and the emission of a strongly correlated neutron pair, in line with theoretical predictions. Our finding is further supported by the state-of-the-art microscopic α+4n model calculations. The present results may lead to new insights into clustering in neutron-rich nuclear systems and the pair correlation and condensation in quantum many-body systems under strong interactions.

Effects of gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone on testicular development and reproduction-related gene expression in roosters.

Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) plays a crucial role in regulating reproduction in the hypothalamus of poultry and has been intensely investigated since its discovery. This study aimed to assess the effects of GnIH on testicular development, as well as on reproduction-related hormone release and gene expression levels in roosters. The administration of exogenous GnIH resulted in a significant reduction in testis weight, testis volume and semen quality (p < 0.05). Additionally, exogenous GnIH significantly up-regulates the expression of GnIH, and down-regulates the expression of PRL (p < 0.05). GnIH application also decreased the GnRH, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and luteinizing hormone ß subunit(LHß)gene expression levels. Meanwhile, by neutralizing the effects of endogenous GnIH through immunization, testicular development on day 150 in roosters was significantly promoted. Compared to the control condition, GnIH immunization significantly down-regulated the expression of the VIP and PRL genes (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we found that exogenous GnIH treatment inhibited testicular development, reduces PRL gene expression, and suppressed reproductive performance in roosters. Conversely, GnIH immunization down-regulated VIP and PRL genes, activates the reproductive system, and promotes the reproductive activity and testicular development of roosters.

Comparative transcriptomic analysis reveals candidate genes for seasonal breeding in the male Lion-Head goose.

1. Due to seasonal breeding, geese breeds from Southern China have low egg yield. The genetic makeup underlying performance of local breeds is largely unknown, and few studies have investigated this problem. This study integrated 21 newly generated and 50 publicly existing RNA-seq libraries, representing the hypothalamus, pituitary and testis, to identify candidate genes and importantly related pathways associated with seasonal breeding in male Lion-Head geese.2. In total, 19, 119 and 302 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in the hypothalamus, pituitary and testis, respectively, of male Lion-Head geese between non-breeding and breeding periods. These genes were significantly involved in the neuropeptide signalling pathway, gland development, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, JAK-STAT signalling pathway, cAMP signalling pathway, PI3K-Akt signalling pathway and Foxo signalling pathway.3. By integrating another 50 RNA-seq samples 4, 18 and 40 promising DEGs were confirmed in hypothalamus, pituitary and testis, respectively.4. HOX genes were identified as having important roles in the development of testis between non-breeding and breeding periods of male Lion-Head geese.

Three novel structural variations at the major histocompatibility complex and IL12B predispose to psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Structural variations (SVs; defined as DNA variants ≥ 50 base pairs) have been associated with various complex human diseases. However, research to screen the whole genome for SVs predisposing to psoriasis is lacking. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association of SVs and psoriasis. METHODS: Using imputation, we performed a genome-wide screen of SVs on five independent cohorts with 45 386 participants from the Han Chinese population. Fine-mapping analysis, genetic interaction analysis and RNA expression analysis were conducted to explore the mechanism of SVs. RESULTS: In total, we obtained 4535 SVs and identified two novel deletions [esv3608550, odds ratio (OR) 2·73 (P < 2·00 × 10-308 ); esv3608542, OR 0·47 (P = 7·40 × 10-28 )] at 6q21·33 (major histocompatibility complex), one novel Alu element insertion [esv3607339; OR 1·22 (P = 1·18 × 10-35 )] at 5q33·3 (IL12B) and confirmed one previously reported deletion [esv3587563; OR 1·30 (P = 9·52 × 10-60 )] at 1q21·2 (late cornified envelope) for psoriasis. Fine-mapping analysis including single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and small insertions/deletions revealed that esv3608550 and esv3608542 were independently associated with psoriasis, and a novel independent SNP [rs9378188; OR, 1·65 (P = 3·46 × 10-38 )] was identified at 6q21·33. By genetic interaction analysis and RNA expression analysis, we speculate that the association of two deletions at 6q21·33 with psoriasis might relate to their influence on the expression of HLA-C. CONCLUSIONS: We have constructed the most comprehensive SV map for psoriasis thus far and enriched the genetic architecture and pathogenesis of psoriasis, and highlight the non-negligible impact of SVs on complex diseases.

A rapid detection of tomato yellow leaf curl virus using recombinase polymerase amplification-lateral flow dipstick assay.

Tomato yellow leaf curl disease which is caused by Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) is economically important and a widely spread tomato disease in China. Rapid and accurate detection methods are important in the control TYLCV. Here, a rapid method was developed to identify TYLCV on the basis of recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) that can be visualized in 5 min using lateral flow dipsticks. The sensitivity and the specificity of this method were evaluated. This method can detect 0·5 pg DNA after 30 min at 37°C without any expensive instrumentation. In addition, it showed higher sensitivity than a PCR method when purified DNA was used. Moreover, the TYLCV was specifically detected, whereas other viruses infecting tomato produced negative results. The crude tomato extracts used in this assay has potential application in minimally equipped plant clinic laboratories. This method will facilitate the early and rapid detection of TYLCV for the timely application of control measures.

[Effect of RBP2 gene silencing on proliferation, migration and invasion of ovarian epithelial cancer SKOV3/DDP cells and its mechanism].

Objective: To explore the effect of down-regulation of retinol binding protein 2 (RBP2) expression on the biological characteristics of ovarian cancer cells and its mechanism. Methods: Knockdown of RBP2 and cisplatin (DDP)-resistant ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3/DDP-RBP2i was established, the negative control group and blank control group were also set. Cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) was used to detect the cell proliferation ability, flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis, scratch test and Transwell invasion test were used to detect cell migration and invasion ability, real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot were used to detect the expressions of molecular markers related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The effect of RBP2 on the growth of ovarian cancer was verified through experiment of transplanted tumors in nude mice, and the relationships between RBP2 expression and tumor metastasis and patient prognosis were analyzed using the clinical data of ovarian cancer in TCGA database. Results: After down-regulating the expression of RBP2, the proliferation ability of SKOV3/DDP cell was significantly reduced. On the fifth day, the proliferation activities of SKOV3/DDP-RBP2i group, negative control group and blank control group were (56.67±4.16)%, (84.67±3.51) and (87.00±4.00)% respectively, with statistically significant difference (P<0.001). The apoptosis rate of SKOV3/DDP-RBP2i group was (14.19±1.50)%, higher than (8.77±0.75)% of the negative control group and (7.48±0.52)% of the blank control group (P<0.001). The number of invasive cells of SKOV3/DDP-RBP2i group was (55.20±2.39), lower than (82.60±5.18) and (80.80±7.26) of the negative control group and the blank control group, respectively (P<0.001). The scratch healing rate of SKOV3/DDP-RBP2i group was (28.47±2.72)%, lower than (50.58±4.06)% and (48.92±4.63)% of the negative control group and the blank control group, respectively (P<0.001). The mRNA and protein expressions of E-cadherin in the SKOV3/DDP-RBP2i group were higher than those in the negative control group (P=0.015, P<0.001) and the blank control group (P=0.006, P<0.001). The mRNA and protein expression of N-cadherin in SKOV3/DDP-RBP2i group were lower than those in the negative control group (P=0.012, P<0.001) and the blank control group (P=0.005, P<0.001). The mRNA and protein expressions of vimentin in SKOV3/DDP-RBP2i group were also lower than those in the negative control group (P=0.016, P=0.001) and the blank control group (P=0.011, P=0.001). Five weeks after the cells inoculated into the nude mice, the tumor volume of SKOV3/DDP-RBP2i group, negative control group and blank control group were statistically significant different. The tumor volume of SKOV3/DDP-RBP2i group was smaller than those of negative control group and blank control group (P=0.001). Bioinformatics analysis showed that the expression of RBP2 in patients with metastatic ovarian cancer was higher than that without metastasis (P=0.043), and the median overall survival of ovarian cancer patients with high RBP2 expression was 41 months, shorter than 69 months of low RBP2 expression patients (P<0.001). Conclusion: Downregulation of the expression of RBP2 in SKOV3/DDP cells can inhibit cell migration and invasion, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of EMT.

[The standardized diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis].

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by synovial inflammation of the joints with high risk of disability. In recent years, remarkable progress has been made towards the diagnosis and treatment of RA, and the international RA guidelines have been also kept updated. Nevertheless, there are many challenges in China, especially inadequate number of rheumatologists and insufficient experience in the diagnosis and treatment of RA. Therefore, Chinese Rheumatology Association drafted the standardized diagnosis and treatment of RA based on the available evidence, so as to improve the management of RA patients in China.

[The mediating role of anxiety and depression for family members of ICU patients in perceived social support and fatigue].

To analyze the mediating role of anxiety and depression in perceived social support and fatigue in ICU patients' families, and to provide a theoretical evidence for alleviating their fatigue status. A total of 223 family members of ICU patients who received treatment at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University from October 2020 to April 2021 were selected as the study subjects. The general data questionnaire, perceived social support scale (PSSS), generalized anxiety disorder scale (GAD-7), patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) and fatigue assessment instrument (FAI) were used to conduct a survey. Among 223 family members of ICU patients, 155(69.51%) had fatigue problems. There were statistically significant differences in total fatigue scores of ICU patients' family members in terms of gender, age, education level, relationship with patients, residence, payment method and per capita monthly income (P<0.05). Anxiety, depression and fatigue were negatively correlated with perceived social support (r are -0.353, -0.276 and -0.416, respectively, all P<0.01). Depression and fatigue were positively correlated with anxiety (r are 0.808 and 0.703, respectively, all P<0.01), and fatigue was also positively correlated with depression (r= 0.665, P<0.01). Anxiety and depression had a partial mediating effect on perceived social support and fatigue, and the total indirect effect size was 52.64%. Comprehensive intervention on the level of social support, anxiety and depression is helpful to improve the fatigue status of ICU patients' family members.

[Preclinical study of T cell receptor specifically reactive with KRAS G12V mutation in the treatment of malignant tumors].

OBJECTIVE: KRAS gene is one of the most common mutations of proto-oncogenes in human tumors, G12V is one of the most common mutation types for KRAS. It's challenging to chemically acquire the targeted drug for this mutation. Recent studies reported that this mutation peptides can form a neoepitope for T cell recognition. Our study aims to clone the T cell receptor (TCR) which specifically recognizes the neoepitope for KRAS G12V mutation and constructs TCR engineered T cells (TCR-T), and to investigate if TCR-Ts have strong antitumor response ability. METHODS: In this study, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes were obtained from one colorectal cancer patient carrying KRAS G12V mutation. Tumor-reactive TCR was obtained by single-cell RT-5' rapid-amplification of cDNA ends PCR analysis and introduced into peripheral blood lymphocytes to generate TCR-Ts. RESULTS: We obtained a high-affinity TCR sequence that specifically recognized the HLA-A*11:01-restricted KRAS G12V8-16 epitope: KVA11-01. KVA11-01 TCR-T could significantly kill various tumor cells such as PANC-1, SW480 and HeLa (overexpressing HLA-A*11:01 and KRAS G12V), and secreting high levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Non-specific killing experiments suggested KVA11-01 specifically recognized tumor cells expressing both mutant KRAS G12V and HLA-A*11:01. In vivo assay, tumor inhibition experiments demonstrated that infusion of approximately 1E7 KVA11-01 TCR-T could significantly inhibit the growth of subcuta-neously transplanted tumors of PANC-1 and HeLa (overexpressing HLA-A*11:01 and KRAS G12V) cells in nude mice. No destruction of the morphologies of the liver, spleen and brain were observed. We also found that KVA11-01 TCR-T could significantly infiltrate into tumor tissue and had a better homing ability. CONCLUSION: KVA11-01 TCR-T cells can effectively target a variety of malignant tumor cells carrying KRAS G12V mutation through in vitro and in vivo assay. KVA11-01 TCR-T cells have excellent biological activity, high specificity of target antigen and homing ability into solid tumor tissue. KVA11-01 TCR-T is expected to be an effective treatment for patients with KRAS G12V mutant solid malignancies.

[Role of personalized 3D printing in brain protection after decompressive craniectomy].

Objective: To explore the application value of personalized three-dimensional (3D) printed protective cap in brain protection after decompressive craniectomy (DC). Methods: Fourty-five patients who underwent DC from January 2021 to October 2021 were selected, including 26 males and 19 females, aged 5-73 (50±13) years old. The brain CT data were imported into 3D Slicer software to rebuild the protective cap through 3D printing. The cap was worn on the head of the patient, thereby preventing secondary braindamage. The follow-up results were compared with 53 patients without protective capduring the same period. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in age, skull defect location and follow-up time between the two groups (all P>0.05).Among 45 patients, 47 brain protective caps (2 cases with bilateral skull defects) were successfully designed. The time for image post-processingand 3D printing was (21.2±6.0) min and (62.4±8.3) min, respectively. There were 6 cases of low compliance, 9 cases of moderate compliance, 32 cases of high compliance, respectively. Six cases with low conformity were redesigned and printed, 2 of 9 cases with moderate conformity were redesigned and printed, and the remaining 7 cases reached high compliance after grinding and packaging. In the current study, 45 patients with brain protective caps were followed up for 3 months, and no secondary brain injury occurred. However, among 53 patients without brain protective caps during the same period, 4 patients had secondary accidental brain compression. The incidence of injury was 7.5 %, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Conclusion: Brain protective cap designed based on cranial CT and 3D printing can be used in patients with skull defects to protect the brain tissue from secondary crush damage and has certain clinical value.

Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 5: an Important Regulator of Early Osteogenic Differentiation of hMSCs.

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) is broadly bioactive, but its role in osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) remains to be clarified. Here, we demonstrated that IGFBP5 expression was markedly increased during the early osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. We then over-expressed and knocked down this gene in hMSCs and evaluated the impact of manipulation of IGFBP5 expression on osteogenic differentiation based upon functional assays, ALP staining, and expression of osteogenic markers. Together, these analyses revealed that IGFBP5 over-expression enhanced early osteogenic differentiation, as evidenced by increased ALP staining and osteogenic marker induction, whereas knocking down this gene impaired the osteogenic process. Over-expression of IGFBP5 also markedly bolstered the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation level, while IGFBP5 knockdown suppressed this signalling activity. We additionally compared the impact of simultaneous IGFBP5 overexpression and ERK1/2 inhibitor treatment to the effect of IGFBP5 over-expression alone in these hMSCs, revealing that small molecule-mediated EKR1/2 inhibition was sufficient to impair osteogenic differentiation in the context of elevated IGFBP5 levels. These findings indicated that IGFBP5 drives the early osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs via the ERK1/2 signalling pathway. Our results offer value as a foundation for future efforts to study and treat serious bone-related diseases including osteoporosis.

[Effect of primary lesion resection on the prognosis of patients with advanced breast cancer].

Objective: To explore the effect of the resection of the primary lesion on the prognosis for patients with stage Ⅳ breast cancer. Methods: A total of 132 breast cancer patients who were first diagnosed as stage Ⅳ in the Hebei Cancer Hospital from June 2008 to June 2015 were divided into two groups: the primary resection group (n=85) and the unresection group (n=47). The influences of primary resection, timing of operation, lymph node removal or dissection and radiotherapy on the prognosis of stage Ⅳ breast cancer patients were analyzed. Results: Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that visceral metastasis was an independent influencing factor for primary lesion resection in stage Ⅳ breast cancer patients (OR=2.590, 95% CI: 1.090-6.159). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that primary resection was an independent factor for the improvement of prognosis in stage Ⅳ breast cancer patients (OR=0.582, 95% CI: 0.400-0.847). The median overall survival (OS) was 37.20 months in the resection group, which was higher than 24.10 months in the unresection group (χ(2)=8.108, P=0.004). Among patients aged ≥50 years old, the median OS was 39.30 months in the resection group and 23.03 months in the unresection group, and the difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=14.191, P<0.001). The median OS was 38.00 months in the 66 patients with the operation time from diagnosis to resection of primary lesion<6 months (n=66), and 35.20 months for ≥6 months (n=19) (χ(2)=4.430, P=0.035), the difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=4.430, P=0.035). The median OR of axillary lymph node dissection and axillary lymph node excision group were 45.37 months and 33.44 months, respectively, the difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=7.832, P=0.005). The median OS of postoperative radiotherapy group and non-radiotherapy group were 44.80 months and 33.20 months, respectively, the difference was not statistically significant (χ(2)=2.950, P=0.086). Conclusion: Resection of the primary lesion may prolong the survival time of some advanced breast cancer patients.

[Characteristics and related factors of plantar pressure in the chronic ankle instability individuals].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze characteristics and related factors of the plantar pressure during the level walking and single leg standing in the chronic ankle instability (CAI) individuals. METHODS: From April 2019, 75 CAI individuals and 40 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. Both of the static and dynamic plantar pressure were measured during six times level walking and three times single leg standing testing. The data including peak force, time to peak force in various foot contact areas and the time to boundary (TTB) and velocity of center of pressure (COP) were measured and compared between the affected side and the unaffected side and between the CAI cases and the healthy individuals. The correlations between the plantar pressure and the gender, Beighton score, affected side and body mass index (BMI) were analyzed. RESULTS: The characteristics of plantar pressure distribution in the CAI individuals included: (1) During the level walking, the affected side showed the similar pressure contribution as the unaffected side (P>0.05). While compared with healthy individuals, there was a significantly higher peak force in the 5th metatarsal area (t=-3.86, P=0.03) of the affected side, lower peak force in the 1st (t=2.99, P=0.02), 2nd metatarsal head areas (t=2.09, P=0.01) of the affected side, medial hindfoot areas of both sides (affected, t=2.33, P=0.01; unaffected, t=3.74, P=0.02) and toes areass of both sides (affected, t=2.23, P=0.01; unaffected, t=3.28, P=0.02) and a delay to peak force in the 4th metatarsal head area (t=3.33, P=0.01) of the affected side. (2) During the single leg standing, the CAI individuals showed significantly worse balance control in the anterior/posterior direction (P < 0.05) and lateral/medial direction (P < 0.05) compared with the healthy controls, and the affected side had more severe balance control deficit in the lateral/medial direction (P < 0.05). (3) The women (P < 0.05) and the individuals with higher Beighton scores (P < 0.05) showed worse balance control deficit in the lateral/medial direction. CONCLUSION: CAI individuals showed significantly a more lateral shifted plantar distribution during the level walking compared with the healthy individuals and the tendency was worse on the affected sides, and showed worse balance control in the anterior/posterior direction and lateral/medial direction during the single leg standing. The women and those with generalized ligament laxity showed significantly worse balance control.

[Survey on present status of noise exposure of workers in metal processing industry].

Objective: To investigate the distribution of noise exposure between non-steady state noise and steady-state noise for metal processing workers, which will provide scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of noise hazards in metal processing industry. Methods: The cross-section method was used to investigate the noise exposure of 737 workers from three metal processing industries in Zhejiang Province from October to December 2017. The general demographic information and occupational history were collected by questionnaire. The noise was recorded by individual noise meters, and the noise exposure intensity (equivalent continuous A-weighted noise exposure level normalized to an 8 h-working-day, L(Aeq, 8 h)) and kurtosis were calculated. Results: Workers exposed to noise in the metal processing industry were mainly 18-40 years old (527 workers, 71.51%) , men (570 workers, 77.34%) , and junior high school education background (416 workers, 56.45%) . There were 572 workers (77.61%) with noise exposure intensity (L(Aeq, 8 h)) greater than 85 dB (A) , 558 workers (75.71%) exposed to non-steady state noise (kurtosis ≥4) , and 634 workers (86.02%) with exposure duration less than 8 years. Among the 30 work types investigated, the work types with noise intensity reaching 100% were the stamping, welding and others from a children's car manufacturing factory in Ningbo, operating, chamfering, tapping, and thread rolling from an automobile parts manufacturing factory in Ningbo; The work types with a rate of 100% exposed to non-steady state noise were the grinding from a children's car manufacturing factory in Ningbo, assembling, assembly operating and others from an automobile brake manufacturing factory in Wenzhou, and polishing from an automobile parts manufacturing factory in Ningbo. Conclusion: Metal processing workers have a high rate of over-standard exposed to high noise intensity and a high proportion exposed to non-steady state noise. It is necessary to take sound insulation and noise reduction engineering control, and strengthen personal protection and occupational health management measures to prevent and control the noise hazards.

Effects of steam explosion pretreatment and Lactobacillus buchneri inoculation on fungal community of unensiled and ensiled total mixed ration containing wheat straw during air exposure.

AIM: To compare the effects of steam explosion and Lactobacillus buchneri inoculation on fungal community in ensiled total mixed ration (TMR) during aerobic exposure. METHODS AND RESULTS: The TMRs were prepared using wheat straw with or without steam explosion, sweet potato residue, lucerne hay, maize meal and soybean meal, and ensiled with or without L. buchneri inoculation. Fungal communities were detected by high-throughput sequencing. All ensiled TMRs were well ensiled and steam explosion has a major effect on improving aerobic stability. The fungal species, such as Xeromyces bisporus and Cryptococcus victoriae, that dominated in the TMR decreased after ensiling, with a concomitant increase in Candida humilis, Pichia kudriavzevii, Aspergillus flavus and Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Most mould species decreased, with C. humilis and P. kudriavzevii dominating during aerobic exposure. CONCLUSION: Steam explosion could improve the aerobic stability in ensiled TMR by inhibition of C. humilis. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: High-throughput sequencing used in this study provides insight into the fungal community in ensiled TMR during aerobic exposure, which could contribute towards elucidating the mechanism by which aerobic deterioration develops.

Influences of melatonin and endotoxin lipopolysaccharide on goose productive performance and gut microbiota.

1. This study investigated the impact of melatonin and LPS on goose growth and the intestinal microbiome.2. Geese were injected with a control solution (C), LPS solution (L), melatonin solution (M), and both LPS and melatonin solution (LM), respectively. Faecal samples from each group were used to analyse microbial diversity and function for geese with different treatments.3. The results showed that the M group had a little improvement in growth compared with the C group, but were much higher than the L and LM groups. A clear distinction between M and other groups was seen with regard to alpha and beta diversity in the biome. The dominant bacteria phyla were Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria spp. in all groups. Unclassified bacteria were dominant in all groups at the genus level. Significant KEGG enrichment pathways in the M group were involved in processing metabolism and genetic information, while the L group was related to processing metabolism and environmental information.4. This study provided a foundation for future studies targeting the specific effect of important bacterial populations on goose growth performance.