Experimental Limits on Solar Reflected Dark Matter with a New Approach on Accelerated-Dark-Matter-Electron Analysis in Semiconductors.

Recently a dark matter-electron (DM-electron) paradigm has drawn much attention. Models beyond the standard halo model describing DM accelerated by high energy celestial bodies are under intense examination as well. In this Letter, a velocity components analysis (VCA) method dedicated to swift analysis of accelerated DM-electron interactions via semiconductor detectors is proposed and the first HPGe detector-based accelerated DM-electron analysis is realized. Utilizing the method, the first germanium based constraint on sub-GeV solar reflected DM-electron interaction is presented with the 205.4 kg·day dataset from the CDEX-10 experiment. In the heavy mediator scenario, our result excels in the mass range of 5-15 keV/c^{2}, achieving a 3 orders of magnitude improvement comparing with previous semiconductor experiments. In the light mediator scenario, the strongest laboratory constraint for DM lighter than 0.1 MeV/c^{2} is presented. The result proves the feasibility and demonstrates the vast potential of the VCA technique in future accelerated DM-electron analyses with semiconductor detectors.

[HbA1c comparison and diagnostic efficacy analysis of multi center different glycosylated hemoglobin detection systems].

Objective: Compare and analyze the results of the domestic Lanyi AH600 glycated hemoglobin analyzer and other different detection systems to understand the comparability of the detection results of different detectors, and establish the best cut point of Lanyi AH600 determination of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in the diagnosis of diabetes. Methods: Multi center cohort study was adopted. The clinical laboratory departments of 18 medical institutions independently collected test samples from their respective hospitals from March to April 2022, and independently completed comparative analysis of the evaluated instrument (Lanyi AH600) and the reference instrument HbA1c. The reference instruments include four different brands of glycosylated hemoglobin meters, including Arkray, Bio-Rad, DOSOH, and Huizhong. Scatter plot was used to calculate the correlation between the results of different detection systems, and the regression equation was calculated. The consistency analysis between the results of different detection systems was evaluated by Bland Altman method. Consistency judgment principles: (1) When the 95% limits of agreement (95% LoA) of the measurement difference was within 0.4% HbA1c and the measurement score was≥80 points, the comparison consistency was good; (2) When the measurement difference of 95% LoA exceeded 0.4% HbA1c, and the measurement score was≥80 points, the comparison consistency was relatively good; (3) The measurement score was less than 80 points, the comparison consistency was poor. The difference between the results of different detection systems was tested by paired sample T test or Wilcoxon paired sign rank sum test; The best cut-off point of diabetes was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Results: The correlation coefficient R2 of results between Lanyi AH600 and the reference instrument in 16 hospitals is≥0.99; The Bland Altman consistency analysis showed that the difference of 95% LoA in Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital in Jiangsu Province (reference instrument: Arkray HA8180) was -0.486%-0.325%, and the measurement score was 94.6 points (473/500); The difference of 95% LoA in the Tibetan Traditional Medical Hospital of TAR (reference instrument: Bio-Rad Variant II) was -0.727%-0.612%, and the measurement score was 89.8 points; The difference of 95% LoA in the People's Hospital of Chongqing Liang Jiang New Area (reference instrument: Huizhong MQ-2000PT) was -0.231%-0.461%, and the measurement score was 96.6 points; The difference of 95% LoA in the Taihe Hospital of traditional Chinese Medicine in Anhui Province (reference instrument: Huizhong MQ-2000PT) was -0.469%-0.479%, and the measurement score was 91.9 points. The other 14 hospitals, Lanyi AH600, were compared with 4 reference instrument brands, the difference of 95% LoA was less than 0.4% HbA1c, and the scores were all greater than 95 points. The results of paired sample T test or Wilcoxon paired sign rank sum test showed that there was no statistically significant difference between Lanyi AH600 and the reference instrument Arkray HA8180 (Z=1.665,P=0.096), with no statistical difference. The mean difference between the measured values of the two instruments was 0.004%. The comparison data of Lanyi AH600 and the reference instrument of all other institutions had significant differences (all P<0.001), however, it was necessary to consider whether it was within the clinical acceptable range in combination with the results of the Bland-Altman consistency analysis. The ROC curve of HbA1c detected by Lanyi AH600 in 985 patients with diabetes and 3 423 patients with non-diabetes was analyzed, the area under curve (AUC) was 0.877, the standard error was 0.007, and the 95% confidence interval 95%CI was (0.864, 0.891), which was statistically significant (P<0.001). The maximum value of Youden index was 0.634, and the corresponding HbA1c cut point was 6.235%. The sensitivity and specificity of diabetes diagnosis were 76.2% and 87.2%, respectively. Conclusion: Among the hospitals and instruments currently included in this study, among these four hospitals included Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital in Jiangsu Province (reference instrument: Arkray HA8180), Tibetan Traditional Medical Hospital of TAR (reference instrument: Bio-Rad Variant Ⅱ), the People's Hospital of Chongqing Liang Jiang New Area (reference instrument: Huizhong MQ-2000PT), and the Taihe Hospital of traditional Chinese Medicine in Anhui Province (reference instrument: Huizhong MQ-2000PT), the comparison between Lanyi AH600 and the reference instruments showed relatively good consistency, while the other 14 hospitals involved four different brands of reference instruments: Arkray, Bio-Rad, DOSOH, and Huizhong, Lanyi AH600 had good consistency with its comparison. The best cut point of the domestic Lanyi AH600 for detecting HbA1c in the diagnosis of diabetes is 6.235%.

[Clinical significance of pathological diagnosis and genetic abnormalities detection in gastrointestinal stromal tumor using endoscopic biopsy].

Objective: To investigate the clinical significance of pathological diagnosis and genetic abnormalities detection of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) using endoscopic biopsy. Methods: Patients with GIST diagnosed by endoscopic biopsy (from January 1st, 2016 to August 1st, 2018, at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University) were included in this study. This retrospective study evaluated the histopathologic and immunohistochemical (IHC) features, genetic abnormalities of the tumors and the treatment and clinical course of the patients. Results: Totally 4 095 cases of GIST were collected, among which 67 patients (67/4 095, 1.6%) underwent endoscopic biopsy. Forty-eight patients (71.6%) were male and 19 (28.4%) were female, with a mean age of 61 years (range 31-90 years). Fifty-nine lesions were located in stomach and eight in duodenum. Of all the 67 cases, 47 were spindle type, 14 were epithelioid type, and 6 mixed type. IHC staining showed the positive rates were 100.0% (64/64) for DOG1, 98.4% (62/63) for CD117, 87.5% (56/64) for CD34, 3.6% (2/56) for S-100 protein, 12.1% (7/58) for α-SMA, 12.3% (7/57) for desmin and 4.0% (2/50) for CKpan. Morphologically, 34 cases were malignant; three cases (all epithelioid type) were originally misdiagnosed as poorly differentiated carcinoma; missed-diagnosis were found in four cases (spindle type) due to the insufficient diagnostic tumor cells. The genetic abnormality detection rate in the biopsy tissue was 38.8% (26/67),among them two patients were lost to follow up after biopsy, 33 patients received surgical resection, 16 cases underwent operation after neoadjuvant therapy and 16 patients with advanced disease underwent continuous imatinib therapy, with the genetic testing rate of 6.1% (2/33), 10/16 and 14/16, respectively. Conclusions: Endoscopic biopsy is a useful but rare method for the preoperative diagnosis of GIST. For majority of biopsy, accurate pathological diagnosis and auxiliary examination can be completed to guide clinical treatment. A thorough history in combination with endoscopic finding is essential to avoid misdiagnosis (epithelioid type) and missed diagnosis (spindle type) in suspicious cases. Genetic testing should be recommended in patients who will undergo targeted therapy after endoscopic biopsy, and it can provide valuable information and guidance for clinical treatment.

Constraints on Sub-GeV Dark Matter-Electron Scattering from the CDEX-10 Experiment.

We present improved germanium-based constraints on sub-GeV dark matter via dark matter-electron (χ-e) scattering using the 205.4 kg·day dataset from the CDEX-10 experiment. Using a novel calculation technique, we attain predicted χ-e scattering spectra observable in high-purity germanium detectors. In the heavy mediator scenario, our results achieve 3 orders of magnitude of improvement for m_{χ} larger than 80 MeV/c^{2} compared to previous germanium-based χ-e results. We also present the most stringent χ-e cross-section limit to date among experiments using solid-state detectors for m_{χ} larger than 90 MeV/c^{2} with heavy mediators and m_{χ} larger than 100 MeV/c^{2} with electric dipole coupling. The result proves the feasibility and demonstrates the vast potential of a new χ-e detection method with high-purity germanium detectors in ultralow radioactive background.

Exotic Dark Matter Search with the CDEX-10 Experiment at China's Jinping Underground Laboratory.

A search for exotic dark matter (DM) in the sub-GeV mass range has been conducted using 205 kg day data taken from a p-type point contact germanium detector of the CDEX-10 experiment at China's Jinping underground laboratory. New low-mass dark matter searching channels, neutral current fermionic DM absorption (χ+A→ν+A) and DM-nucleus 3→2 scattering (χ+χ+A→ϕ+A), have been analyzed with an energy threshold of 160 eVee. No significant signal was found; thus new limits on the DM-nucleon interaction cross section are set for both models at the sub-GeV DM mass region. A cross section limit for the fermionic DM absorption is set to be 2.5×10^{-46} cm^{2} (90% C.L.) at DM mass of 10 MeV/c^{2}. For the DM-nucleus 3→2 scattering scenario, limits are extended to DM mass of 5 and 14 MeV/c^{2} for the massless dark photon and bound DM final state, respectively.

[New understanding about the concept of minimally invasive endoscopic surgery--ERBEC].

As a vital component of gastroenterology and endoscopology, minimally invasive endoscopic surgery has expanded its technology from surface to depth, from inside to outside, from intraluminal to extraluminal lesions, and from organic diseases to functional diseases. This paper summarizes the experience of minimally invasive endoscopic surgery in the recent two decades, and in combination with the current development trend, puts forward understanding about the concept of minimally invasive endoscopic surgery--ERBEC, namely elements, reservation-resection, bilateral-benefit, expansion, collaboration, in order to truly benefit patients through new methods and concepts.

Direct Detection Constraints on Dark Photons with the CDEX-10 Experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory.

We report constraints on the dark photon effective kinetic mixing parameter (κ) with data taken from two p-type point-contact germanium detectors of the CDEX-10 experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. The 90% confidence level upper limits on κ of solar dark photon from 205.4 kg-day exposure are derived, probing new parameter space with masses (m_{V}) from 10 to 300 eV/c^{2} in direct detection experiments. Considering dark photon as the cosmological dark matter, limits at 90% confidence level with m_{V} from 0.1 to 4.0 keV/c^{2} are set from 449.6 kg-day data, with a minimum of κ=1.3×10^{-15} at m_{V}=200 eV/c^{2}.

[The correlation between blood pressure response to cold pressor test and long-term blood pressure changes].

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between blood pressure response to cold pressor test (CPT) and follow-up blood pressure after 8 years in subjects, and to evaluate the predictive value of CPT for long-term blood pressure levels. Methods: A total of 365 individuals from eight natural villages were enrolled by stratified cluster sampling from Mei County, Shaanxi Province in 2004. Baseline characteristics of subjects were collected and CPTs were conducted. Subjects were followed up in 2009 and 2012, respectively. According to the maximal change of systolic response (SR), the area under the curve (AUC) of systolic blood pressure change (AUC-SBP), the maximal change of diastolic response (DR) and the AUC of diastolic blood pressure change (AUC-DBP) in CPT, the individuals were divided into four quartile groups by above parameters, respectively: group Ⅰ (P(25)), group Ⅱ (P(50)), group Ⅲ (P(75)) and group Ⅳ (P(100)). The correlation between blood pressure response to CPT and the follow-up blood pressure was analyzed. Results: (1) There were no significant differences in baseline blood pressure levels and prevalence of hypertension among four quartile groups no matter it was grouped on SR, DR, AUC-SBP or AUC-DBP. (2) The prevalence of hypertension in each group from lowest (P(25)) to highest (P(100)) in 2012 was 25.64%, 30.67%, 38.03%, 55.74% on SR grouping (P<0.01), and 27.5%, 29.17%, 38.46%, 57.35% on AUC-SBP grouping (P<0.05), respectively. (3) There were no significant differences in the prevalence of hypertension among four groups in 2012 (P>0.05) either on DR or on AUC-DBP grouping. (4) The random effects model analysis showed that the correlation coefficient between SR, AUC-SBP and long-term systolic blood pressure increase were 1.91 (P<0.05) and 1.44 (P<0.05), respectively, and the correlation coefficient between DR, AUC-DBP and long-term diastolic blood pressure increase were 0.82 (P<0.05) and 0.78 (P>0.05), respectively. Age, male, body mass index, and fasting blood glucose were independent risk factors for long-term blood pressure elevation, and age, body mass index and fasting blood glucose positively correlated with changes in long-term blood pressure (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Individual systolic blood pressure response to CPT can be used as a predictor of long-term hypertension.

[Comparison of the clinical characteristics between RNA positive and negative patients clinically diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019].

Objective: To raise awareness about 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) and reduce missed diagnosis rate and misdiagnosis rate by comparing the clinical characteristics between RNA positive and negative patients clinically diagnosed with NCP. Methods: From January 2020 to February 2020, 54 patients who were newly diagnosed with NCP in Wuhan Fourth Hospital were included in this study. RT-PCR method was used to measure the level of 2019-nCov RNA in pharyngeal swab samples of these patients. The patients were divided into RNA positive and negative group, and the differences of clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics were compared. Results: There were 31 RNA of 2019-nCov positive cases, and 23 negative cases. Common clinical symptoms of two groups were fever (80.64% vs. 86.96%) , chills (61.29% vs. 52.17%) , cough (80.64% vs. 95.65%) , fatigue (61.30% vs. 56.52%) , chest distress (77.42% vs.73.91%) . Some other symptoms were headache, myalgia, dyspnea, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. The laboratory and radiological characteristics of two groups mainly were lymphopenia, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, increased C-reactive protein, increased lactate dehydrogenase, decreased oxygenation index, normal white blood cell count and bilateral chest CT involvement. There was no statistically significant difference in other clinical characteristics except for dyspnea between two groups. Conclusions: RNA positive and negative NCP patients shared similar clinical symptoms, while RNA positive NCP patients tended to have dyspnea. Therefore, we should improve the understanding of NCP to prevent missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis; In addition, more rapid and accurate NCP diagnostic approaches should be further developed.

[Application of a new solid adsorbent tube for the determination of three kinds of epoxy eompounds in air].

Objective: To develop a new solid sorbent tube for simultaneously capturing ethylene oxide (EO) , propylene oxide (PO) and epichlorohydrin (ECH) in air, and establish a complete set of method. Methods: In June 2018, EO, PO and ECH in air were captured by the new solid sorbent tube filled with carbon aerogel adsorbent, desorbed with solution of 5% (V/V) methanol-methylene chloride, separated through capillary chromatographic column, and then analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector. Results: The linear ranges of EO, PO and ECH were 0.24-960.00, 0.60-2384.00 and 0.12-472.40 mg/L respectively, and the related coefficients were between 0.99995-0.99997. The relative standard deviations (RSD) within the group were 1.66%-4.09%, 1.36%-4.43%, and 1.99%-5.65%, respectively, and the RSD between the group were 2.69%-4.95%, 2.77%-5.30%, and 3.27%-6.67%, respectively. The average desorption efficiencies were 88.25%-94.50%, 98.17%-98.60%, and 97.79%-101.04%, respectively. The samples could be stored at 4 ℃ refrigerator for at least 27 days. Conclusion: The newly developed solid sorbent tube filled with carbon aerogel adsorbent and its complete set of gas chromatography method could be used for sampling and quantitative detection of EO, PO and ECH in workplace air.

Search for Light Weakly-Interacting-Massive-Particle Dark Matter by Annual Modulation Analysis with a Point-Contact Germanium Detector at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory.

We present results on light weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) searches with annual modulation (AM) analysis on data from a 1-kg mass p-type point-contact germanium detector of the CDEX-1B experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. Datasets with a total live time of 3.2 yr within a 4.2-yr span are analyzed with analysis threshold of 250 eVee. Limits on WIMP-nucleus (χ-N) spin-independent cross sections as function of WIMP mass (m_{χ}) at 90% confidence level (C.L.) are derived using the dark matter halo model. Within the context of the standard halo model, the 90% C.L. allowed regions implied by the DAMA/LIBRA and CoGeNT AM-based analysis are excluded at >99.99% and 98% C.L., respectively. These results correspond to the best sensitivity at m_{χ}<6 GeV/c^{2} among WIMP AM measurements to date.

Constraints on Spin-Independent Nucleus Scattering with sub-GeV Weakly Interacting Massive Particle Dark Matter from the CDEX-1B Experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory.

We report results on the searches of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) with sub-GeV masses (m_{χ}) via WIMP-nucleus spin-independent scattering with Migdal effect incorporated. Analysis on time-integrated (TI) and annual modulation (AM) effects on CDEX-1B data are performed, with 737.1 kg day exposure and 160 eVee threshold for TI analysis, and 1107.5 kg day exposure and 250 eVee threshold for AM analysis. The sensitive windows in m_{χ} are expanded by an order of magnitude to lower DM masses with Migdal effect incorporated. New limits on σ_{χN}^{SI} at 90% confidence level are derived as 2×10^{-32}∼7×10^{-35} cm^{2} for TI analysis at m_{χ}∼50-180 MeV/c^{2}, and 3×10^{-32}∼9×10^{-38} cm^{2} for AM analysis at m_{χ}∼75 MeV/c^{2}-3.0 GeV/c^{2}.

[Simultaneous determination of four kinds methyl acrylate compounds in workplace air].

Objective: To develop a solvent desorption-gas chromatography method for simultaneous determination of methyl methacrylate (MMA) , ethyl methacrylate (EMA) , n-propyl methacrylate (PMA) and butyl methacrylate (BMA) in workplace air. Methods: MMA, EMA, PMA and BMA in workplace air were captured by charcoal tubes and desorbed with carbon disulfide, separated through capillary chromatographic column, and then analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector. Results: The linear ranges of MMA, EMA, PMA and BMA were 0-8 305.00 mg/L, 0-9 080.50 mg/L, 0-8 899.00 mg/L and 0-8 371.00 mg/L respectively, and the related coefficients were between 0.999 96-0.999 98. The relative standard deviations (RSD) within the group were 0.56%-1.71%, 0.45%-1.65%, 0.51%-1.49% and 0.45%-1.50% respectively, and the RSD between the group were 1.14%-2.79%, 0.79%-2.13%, 0.93%-2.30% and 1.09%-2.84% respectively. The average desorption efficiencies were 95.76%-99.58%, 97.82%-102.28%, 98.55%-102.28%and 98.70%-102.40% respectively. The minimum quantification concentrations were 0.12 mg/m(3), 0.10 mg/m(3), 0.07 mg/m(3) and 0.07 mg/m(3) respectively (3.00 L sample) . The samples could be stored at room temperature for at least 7 days. Conclusion: This method could be used for monitoring of MMA, EMA, PMA and BMA in workplace air.

Limits on Light Weakly Interacting Massive Particles from the First 102.8 kg×day Data of the CDEX-10 Experiment.

We report the first results of a light weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) search from the CDEX-10 experiment with a 10 kg germanium detector array immersed in liquid nitrogen at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory with a physics data size of 102.8 kg day. At an analysis threshold of 160 eVee, improved limits of 8×10^{-42} and 3×10^{-36} cm^{2} at a 90% confidence level on spin-independent and spin-dependent WIMP-nucleon cross sections, respectively, at a WIMP mass (m_{χ}) of 5 GeV/c^{2} are achieved. The lower reach of m_{χ} is extended to 2 GeV/c^{2}.

[A multicenter, randomized, controlled, phase â £ clinical study of PEG-rhG-CSF for preventing chemotherapy induced neutropenia in patients with breast cancer].

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of polyethylene glycal recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (PEG-rhG-CSF) in preventing chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in patiens with breast cancer. Methods: There were two parts in the present phase Ⅳ clinical study. One was a randomized, controlled clinical study. Patients in this study received PEG-rhG-CSF or rhG-CSF in the first cycle and followed with both PEG-rhG-CSF in the rest of 3 cycles. The other one was a single arm study. Patients who developed Ⅲ/Ⅳ grade neutropenia in the screening cycle received PEG-rhG-CSF in the rest of 3 cycles chemotherapy. Results: In the first cycle of randomized, controlled study, the incidence of Ⅳ grade neutropenia are 31.48% and 35.58% respectively in PEG-rhG-CSF and rhG-CSF group, with no statistically significant differences (P=0.527 6). The duration of Ⅳ grade neutropenia respectively are 2.22±1.58 and 3.00±1.59 days, with a statistically significant difference (P=0.016 6). In the single arm study, the incidence of Ⅳ grade neutropenia was 57.76% in screening cycle. And the incidence decreased to 16.35%, 10%, and 8.57% in the followed 3 cycle after the use of PEG-rhG-CSF. The incidence of adverse effects was 5.06%, and the major adverse effect was bone pain which with an incidence of 2.8%. Conclusion: The fixed 6mg dose of PEG-rhG-CSF can effectively prevent neutropenia in patients with breast cancer in multicycle chemotherapy and it has a low incidence of adverse events and mild adverse reaction.

[Determination of glycidyl methacrylate in the air of workplace captured adsorbent tube by gas chromatography].

Objective: To develop a new solid sorbent tube for capturing glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) in workplace air, and establish a complete set of method. Methods: GMA in workplace air was captured by the new solid sorbent tube filled with carbon aerogel adsorbent, desorbed with solution of 50% (V/V) dimethylformamide-carbon disulfide, separated through capillary chromatographic column, and then analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector. Results: The linear range of GMA was 0.38-604.80 mg/L, and the related coefficient was 0.999 82. The within-run and the between-run precision were 1.11%-2.80% and 2.53%-4.84% respectively. The average desorption efficiency was 93.20%-94.97%. The minimum quantification concentration and The minimum quantification concentration were 0.02 and 0.07 mg/m(3) respectively (3.00 L sample) . Samples could be stored for at least 8 days at room temperature. Conclusion: The newly developed solid sorbent tube and its complete set of gas chromatography method is simple, and has high sensitivity and precision, so it can be used for sampling and quantitative detection of GMA in workplace air.

[Determination of volatile organic compounds in air by portable gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy].

Objective: To investigate the method of portable gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) for the determination of common volatile organic compounds in air. Methods: The static volumetric method was used, with highly purified nitrogen gas as the diluents gas, to prepare the mixed standard gas of common volatile organic compounds with various mass concentrations. A portable GC-MS handheld probe was used for sampling and measurement, retention time and characteristic ion were used for qualitative analysis, and the full-scan mode was used for quantitative analysis. Results: The correlation coefficient of 12 volatile organic compounds determined by this method was higher than 0.999. The minimum detection mass concentration was 0.02~0.12 mg/m3, and the minimum quantitative mass concentration was 0.07~0.40 mg/m3. The relative standard deviation of precision was 4.10%~12.50%; the relative deviation of acetone, benzene, methylbenzene, and dimethylbenzene was-13.56% , 9.03% , -10.82% , and 8.67% , respectively. Conclusion: Portable GC-MS method can be used for the qualitative analysis and quantification of volatile organic compounds in occupational hazard factors and provide technical supports for identification of occupational hazard factors.

SNPs in the 5'-regulatory region of the tyrosinase gene do not affect plumage color in ducks (Anas platyrhynchos).

Tyrosinase, encoded by the TYR gene, is the rate-limiting enzyme in the production of melanin pigment. In this study, plumage color separation was observed in Cherry Valley duck line D and F1 and F2 hybrid generations of Liancheng white ducks. Gene sequencing and bioinformatic analysis were applied to the 5'-regulatory region of TYR, to explore the connection between TYR sequence variation and duck plumage color. Four SNPs were found in the 5'-regulatory region. The SNPs were in tight linkage and formed three haplotypes. However, the genotype distribution in groups with different plumage color was not significantly different, and there were no changes in the transcription factor binding sites between the different genotypes. In conclusion, these SNP variations may not cause the differences in feather color observed in this test group.

Peroral endoscopic remyotomy for failed Heller myotomy: a prospective single-center study.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Recurrence/persistence of symptoms occurs in approximately 20 % of patients after Heller myotomy for achalasia. Controversy exists regarding the therapy for patients in whom Heller myotomy has failed. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), a new endoscopic myotomy technique, for patients with failed Heller myotomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 12 patients with recurrence/persistence of symptoms after Heller myotomy, as diagnosed by established methods and an Eckardt score of ≥ 4, were prospectively included. The primary outcome was symptom relief during follow-up, defined as an Eckardt score of ≤ 3. Secondary outcomes were procedure-related adverse events, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure on manometry, reflux symptoms, and medication use before and after POEM. RESULTS: All 12 patients underwent successful POEM after a mean of 11.9 years (range 2 - 38 years) from the time of the primary Heller myotomy. No serious complications related to POEM were encountered. During a mean follow-up period of 10.4 months (range 5 - 14 months), treatment success was achieved in 11/12 patients (91.7 %; mean score pre- vs. post-treatment 9.2 vs. 1.3; P < 0.001). Mean LES pressure was 29.4 mmHg pre-treatment and 13.5 mmHg post-treatment (P < 0.001). One patient developed mild reflux symptoms and required intermittent medication with proton pump inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: POEM seems to be a promising new treatment for failed Heller myotomy resulting in short-term symptom relief in > 90 % of cases. Previous Heller myotomy may make subsequent endoscopic remyotomy more challenging, but does not prevent successful POEM.

Changes to daily feed intake during the laying period alters embryonic MSTN and MYOG gene expression in genetically fat and lean lines of chickens.

1. Broiler breeders are unable to self-regulate feed intake to a level that permits reproductive function and restricted feeding is normal for broiler parent stock. The aim of this study was to determine whether myostatin (MSTN) and myogenin (MYOG) mRNA expression could be altered in relation to differences in body composition of the embryos and the hen's diet. 2. A 2 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted with two dietary intake levels (100% and 75% of nutrition recommendation) and two broiler genotypes (Fat line and Lean line). Hens (384 of each line) were randomly divided at 23 weeks of age into 4 treatments, with each treatment represented by 12 replicates of 16 birds each. The experiment started when the rate of lay reached 5% and continued until 54 weeks of age. 3. There were significant effects of line and dietary intake, and interactions between them on MSTN and MYOG mRNA expression levels in embryonic tissues. The trend in MSTN mRNA expression level over the embryonic period was similar between lines. Low daily feed intake did not alter the trend in MSTN mRNA expression levels in either line, but significantly changed the peak values. MYOG mRNA expression varied by line and over time, with a delay in the Lean line. Low daily feed intake influenced the trend in MYOG mRNA expression levels in both lines and delayed its onset.