Synthesis of shape-controlled covalent organic frameworks for light scattering detection of iron and chromium ions.

Fabricating covalent organic frameworks with different morphologies based on the same structural motifs is both interesting and challenging. Here, a TTA-TFP-COF was synthesized by both solvothermal and room temperature methods, with 2,4,6-Tris(4-aminophenyl)-1,3,5-triazine (TTA) and 1,3,5-tris(4-formylphenyl)-benzene (TFP) as raw material. Using different synthesis conditions and adding aniline and benzaldehyde as regulators in the synthesis process, we found that these processes could slow down the reaction speed, increase the exchange and metathesis reactions of dynamic reversible reactions, and improve the reversibility of the reaction system. Thus, controllable synthesis of TTA-TFP-COF with different morphologies, including micro-particles, hollow tubes with controllable diameters, and micro-flowers was achieved. Our further study found that metal ions, Fe3+ and Cr3+ ions, could coordinate with N and O in TTA-TFP-COF and partially destroy the structure of TTA-TFP-COF. The particle size of the TTA-TFP-COF became smaller, thus resulting in the decrease of the light scattering intensity of the COF. An excellent linear relationship exists between the light scattering changes (ΔI) and metal ions concentration (c) from 2.0 to 350.0 µM for Fe3+ and 40.0-800.0 µM for Cr3+, respectively. Thus, rapid and selective analytical methods for detecting metal ions were developed by TTA-TFP-COF here.

Chinese expert consensus on imaging diagnosis of drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the major infectious diseases in the world with a high incidence rate. Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is a key and difficult challenge in the prevention and treatment of TB. Early, rapid, and accurate diagnosis of DR-TB is essential for selecting appropriate and personalized treatment and is an important means of reducing disease transmission and mortality. In recent years, imaging diagnosis of DR-TB has developed rapidly, but there is a lack of consistent understanding. To this end, the Infectious Disease Imaging Group, Infectious Disease Branch, Chinese Research Hospital Association; Infectious Diseases Group of Chinese Medical Association of Radiology; Digital Health Committee of China Association for the Promotion of Science and Technology Industrialization, and other organizations, formed a group of TB experts across China. The conglomerate then considered the Chinese and international diagnosis and treatment status of DR-TB, China's clinical practice, and evidence-based medicine on the methodological requirements of guidelines and standards. After repeated discussion, the expert consensus of imaging diagnosis of DR-PB was proposed. This consensus includes clinical diagnosis and classification of DR-TB, selection of etiology and imaging examination [mainly X-ray and computed tomography (CT)], imaging manifestations, diagnosis, and differential diagnosis. This expert consensus is expected to improve the understanding of the imaging changes of DR-TB, as a starting point for timely detection of suspected DR-TB patients, and can effectively improve the efficiency of clinical diagnosis and achieve the purpose of early diagnosis and treatment of DR-TB.

Prediction of Central Lymph Node Metastasis in cN0 Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma by CT Radiomics.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the feasibility of the preoperative prediction of pathological central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) status in patients with negative clinical lymph node (cN0) papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) using a computed tomography (CT) radiomics signature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 97 PTC cN0 nodules with CLNM pathology data (pN0, with CLNM, n = 59; pN1, without CLNM, n = 38) in 85 patients were divided into a training set (n = 69) and a validation set (n = 28). For each lesion, 321 radiomic features were extracted from nonenhanced, arterial and venous phase CT images. Minimum redundancy and maximum relevance and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator were used to find the most important features with which to develop a radiomics signature in the training set. The performance of the radiomics signature was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration curves and decision curve analysis . RESULTS: Three nonzero the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator coefficient features were selected for radiomics signature construction. The radiomics signature for distinguishing the pN0 and pN1 groups achieved areas under the curve of 0.79 (95% CI 0.67, 0.91) in the training set and 0.77 (95% CI 0.55, 0.99) in the validation set. The calibration curves demonstrated good agreement between the radiomics score-predicted probability and the pathological results in the two sets (p= 0.399, p = 0.191). The decision curve analysis curves showed that the model was clinically useful. CONCLUSION: This radiomic signature could be helpful to predict CLNM status in cN0 PTC patients.

Recent advances in simultaneous detection strategies for multi-mycotoxins in foods.

Mycotoxin contamination has become a challenge in the field of food safety testing, given the increasing emphasis on food safety in recent years. Mycotoxins are widely distributed, in heavily polluted areas. Food contamination with these toxins is difficult to prevent and control. Mycotoxins, as are small-molecule toxic metabolites produced by several species belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium growing in food. They are considered teratogenic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic to humans and animals. Food systems are often simultaneously contaminated with multiple mycotoxins. Due to the additive or synergistic toxicological effects caused by the co-existence of multiple mycotoxins, their individual detection requires reliable, accurate, and high-throughput techniques. Currently available, methods for the detection of multiple mycotoxins are mainly based on chromatography, spectroscopy (colorimetry, fluorescence, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering), and electrochemistry. This review provides a comprehensive overview of advances in the multiple detection methods of mycotoxins during the recent 5 years. The principles and features of these techniques are described. The practical applications and challenges associated with assays for multiple detection methods of mycotoxins are summarized. The potential for future development and application is discussed in an effort, to provide standards of references for further research.

Early life body mass index trajectories and albuminuria in midlife: A 30-year prospective cohort study.

Background: Albuminuria is a marker of vascular dysfunction and is associated with chronic renal and cardiovascular diseases. Data on the association between the longitudinal patterns of weight change early in life and albuminuria later in life are limited. We aimed to identify the body mass index (BMI) trajectory across a 30-year span and evaluate its association with middle-age albuminuria. Methods: Of the 4623 participants aged 6-18-year-old recruited by Hanzhong Adolescent Hypertension Study cohort in northern China from March 10, 1987 to June 3, 2017, a total of 1,825 participants followed up with 6 visits over 30 years were enrolled. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify distinct BMI trajectories in longitudinal analyses. Albuminuria was defined as a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) ≥ 30 mg/g. Findings: Three distinct BMI trajectories were identified: low-increasing (n = 671, 36.8%), moderate-increasing (n = 940, 51.5%), and high-increasing (n = 214, 11.7%); male participants exhibited a steeper increase in BMI than females. The uACR was increased linearly from the low- to high-increasing group. A total of 201 individuals developed albuminuria, with an incidence of 11.0%. Compared with the low-increasing group, the odds ratio (OR) of albuminuria in middle age was 2.13(95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26 to 3.61) for the high-increasing group after full adjustment for age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, marital status, systolic blood pressure, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. The unadjusted ORs of the high-increasing BMI group were 5.08 (2.76-9.37) for males and 3.45 (1.78-6.69) for females, and the association remained significant in males in the fully adjusted models. Interpretation: Higher BMI trajectories are associated with higher uACR and an increased risk of albuminuria in middle age, especially in males. Identifying long-term BMI trajectories from an early age may assist in predicting the risk of renal diseases and cardiovascular disease later in life. Funding: This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81600327, 82070437, 81870319, 82070549, and 82170437), Natural Science Basic Research Program of Shaanxi Province (2021JM-257 and 2021JM-588), Institutional Foundation of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University (2019QN-06 and 2021ZXY-14), the Clinical Research Award of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University of China (XJTU1AF-CRF-2019-004, XJTU1AF2021CRF-021, and XJTU1AFCRF-2017-021), Research Incubation Fund of Xi'an People's Hospital (FZ-61), Grants from the Major Chronic Non-communicable Disease Prevention and Control Research Key Project of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (2017YFC1307604 and 2016YFC1300104).

Associations of Renalase With Blood Pressure and Hypertension in Chinese Adults.

Objective: Renalase, a novel secretory flavoprotein with amine oxidase activity, is secreted into the blood by the kidneys and is hypothesized to participate in blood pressure (BP) regulation. We investigated the associations of renalase with BP and the risk of hypertension by examining renalase single nucleopeptide polymorphism (SNPs), serum renalase levels, and renal expression of renalase in humans. Methods: ① Subjects (n = 514) from the original Baoji Salt-Sensitive Study cohort were genotyped to investigate the association of renalase SNPs with longitudinal BP changes and the risk of hypertension during 14 years of follow-up. ② Two thousand three hundred and ninety two participants from the Hanzhong Adolescent Hypertension Study cohort were used to examine the association of serum renalase levels with hypertension. Renalase expression in renal biopsy specimens from 193 patients were measured by immunohistochemistry. ③ Renalase expression was compared in hypertensive vs. normotensive patients. Results: ① SNP rs7922058 was associated with 14-year change in systolic BP, and rs10887800, rs796945, rs1935582, rs2296545, and rs2576178 were significantly associated with 14-year change in diastolic BP while rs1935582 and rs2576178 were associated with mean arterial pressure change over 14 years. In addition, SNPs rs796945, rs1935582, and rs2576178 were significantly associated with hypertension incidence. Gene-based analysis found that renalase gene was significantly associated with hypertension incidence over 14-year follow-up after adjustment for multiple measurements. ② Hypertensive subjects had higher serum renalase levels than normotensive subjects (27.2 ± 0.4 vs. 25.1 ± 0.2 µg/mL). Serum renalase levels and BPs showed a linear correlation. In addition, serum renalase was significantly associated with the risk of hypertension [OR = 1.018 (1.006-1.030)]. ③ The expression of renalase in human renal biopsy specimens significantly decreased in hypertensive patients compared to non-hypertensive patients (0.030 ± 0.001 vs. 0.038 ± 0.004). Conclusions: These findings indicate that renalase may play an important role in BP progression and development of hypertension.

Analysis of Risk Factors for Lymph Node Metastases in Elderly Patients with Papillary Thyroid Micro-Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: With guidance from the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Cancer Staging Manual, 8th edition, we explored the characteristics of central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) of papillary thyroid micro-carcinoma (PTMC) in elderly patients ≥55 years of age. Our goal was to provide references for establishing a lymph node dissection scheme in such patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of thyroid cancer patients admitted to the Head and Neck Surgery Center of Sichuan Cancer Hospital, Chengdu, China, from January 2015 to September 2018. Then, we screened and analyzed eligible PTMC cases in strict accordance with our inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: The study included 107 patients, including 24 men and 83 women. Median age was 59.99 ± 4.58 years. The maximum diameter range of the cancer foci was 4-10 mm, and the median was 7.59 ± 1.78 mm. Unilateral lobectomy had been performed in 32 cases, total thyroidectomy in 75 cases and lateral cervical lymph node dissection in 21 cases. There were 60 cases of CLNM (56.07%) and 13 cases of lateral cervical lymph node metastasis (12.10%). The sensitivity of preoperative ultrasound in predicting CLNM was 100%, but its accuracy was only 50.47%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that multiple cancer foci (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.632), extra-thyroidal expansion of cancer focus (AUC = 0.721), and irregular nodules (AUC = 0.603) were independent risk factors for CLNM of PTMC in elderly patients (P < 0.05). Overall predictability for PTMC-CLNM was 80.30%. CONCLUSION: 1) Preoperative color Doppler ultrasound is not recommended as the basis for cervical lymph node dissection in PTMC patients. 2) For multiple cancer foci, irregular nodules, and elderly patients with PTMC extra-thyroidal expansion, we recommend a prophylactic central lymph node dissecting. 3) Nonsurgical observation of PTMC in elderly patients with low risk should be carefully selected.

Degradation Characteristics of Phosphorus in Phytoplankton-Derived Particulate Organic Matter and Its Effects on the Growth of Phosphorus-Deficient Microcystis aeruginosa in Lake Taihu.

To illustrate the contribution of phytoplankton-derived particulate organic matter (PPOM) to endogenous phosphorus (P) cycling and its effects on cyanobacteria blooms, PPOM characteristics, the degradation mechanism, and the growth of P-deficient Microcystis aeruginosa were studied in Lake Taihu. Results showed that PPOM is the most important P pool in the water column during cyanobacteria bloom, accounting for more than 80% of the total P (TP) in the water. During PPOM degradation, the particulate orthophosphate (Ortho-P) is the main species of P release from PPOM in the early degradation stage. The variations of polyphosphate (Poly-P) and phosphodiesters (Diester-P) contents were most significant, which were degraded completely within four days and eight days. Cell density and growth rate of M. aeruginosa using PPOM as P source were similar to those growing on Na2HPO4. The above results show that P in PPOM can be converted into available P by degradation, thus promoting the growth of M. aeruginosa. Therefore, the contribution of P release from PPOM degradation needs to be paid attention to in lake eutrophication control in the future.

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of the efficacy of propolis mouthwash in cancer therapy-induced oral mucositis.

PURPOSE: This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of propolis mouthwash in cancer patients with therapy-induced oral mucositis. METHODS: This was a systematic review of randomized control trails (RCTs). We searched ten electronic databases for studies published prior to April 06, 2017. The included RCTs were published in English and Chinese. The Jadad score was used to evaluate the quality of the articles identified. Two reviewers independently evaluated each of the studies. The data were entered into Review Manager (RevMan) 5.3 software and checked for accuracy. Outcome incidence analysis was performed using odds ratios (ORs). RESULTS: Of the 352 articles identified, five potentially relevant articles met our inclusion criteria. These 5 RCTs included a total of 209 participants. The Jadad score for methodological quality was 3.60 ± 0.55. No obvious publication bias was noted. The incidence of severe oral mucositis was significantly lower in the propolis group than in the control group (OR = 0.35, p = 0. 003). The corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was 0.18 to 0.70. Between-study heterogeneity was low (I2 = 0.000, p = 0.45). No side effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Propolis mouthwash is effective and safe in the treatment of severe oral mucositis. To maintain propolis safety, propolis usage should occur under the supervision of medical staff and health professionals. Future multi-center studies and a clinical protocol are needed to confirm the current findings regarding the efficacy and safety of propolis mouthwash.

Promoted Interaction of C/EBPα with Demethylated Cxcr3 Gene Promoter Contributes to Neuropathic Pain in Mice.

DNA methylation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic pain. However, the specific genes regulated by DNA methylation under neuropathic pain condition remain largely unknown. Here we investigated how chemokine receptor CXCR3 is regulated by DNA methylation and how it contributes to neuropathic pain induced by spinal nerve ligation (SNL) in mice. SNL increased Cxcr3 mRNA and protein expression in the neurons of the spinal cord. Meanwhile, the CpG (5'-cytosine-phosphate-guanine-3') island in the Cxcr3 gene promoter region was demethylated, and the expression of DNA methyltransferase 3b (DNMT3b) was decreased. SNL also increased the binding of CCAAT (cytidine-cytidine-adenosine-adenosine-thymidine)/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα) with Cxcr3 promoter and decreased the binding of DNMT3b with Cxcr3 promoter in the spinal cord. C/EBPα expression was increased in spinal neurons after SNL, and inhibition of C/EBPα by intrathecal small interfering RNA attenuated SNL-induced pain hypersensitivity and reduced Cxcr3 expression. Furthermore, SNL-induced mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia were markedly reduced in Cxcr3-/- mice. Spinal inhibition of Cxcr3 by shRNA or CXCR3 antagonist also attenuated established neuropathic pain. Moreover, CXCL10, the ligand of CXCR3, was increased in spinal neurons and astrocytes after SNL. Superfusing spinal cord slices with CXCL10 enhanced spontaneous EPSCs and potentiated NMDA-induced and AMPA-induced currents of lamina II neurons. Finally, intrathecal injection of CXCL10 induced CXCR3-dependent pain hypersensitivity in naive mice. Collectively, our results demonstrated that CXCR3, increased by DNA demethylation and the enhanced interaction with C/EBPα, can be activated by CXCL10 to facilitate excitatory synaptic transmission and contribute to the maintenance of neuropathic pain. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Peripheral nerve injury induces changes of gene expression in the spinal cord that may contribute to the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain. CXCR3 is a chemokine receptor. Whether it is involved in neuropathic pain and how it is regulated after nerve injury remain largely unknown. Our study demonstrates that spinal nerve ligation downregulates the expression of DNMT3b, which may cause demethylation of Cxcr3 gene promoter and facilitate the binding of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α with Cxcr3 promoter and further increase CXCR3 expression in spinal neurons. The upregulated CXCR3 may contribute to neuropathic pain by facilitating central sensitization. Our study reveals an epigenetic mechanism underlying CXCR3 expression and also suggests that targeting the expression or activation of CXCR3 signaling may offer new therapeutics for neuropathic pain.

Identification of Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Biotypes from Different Host Plants in North China.

BACKGROUND: The cotton-melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a polyphagous species with a worldwide distribution and a variety of biotypes. North China is a traditional agricultural area with abundant winter and summer hosts of A. gossypii. While the life cycles of A. gossypii on different plants have been well studied, those of the biotypes of North China are still unclear. RESULTS: Host transfer experiments showed that A. gossypii from North China has two host-specialized biotypes: cotton and cucumber. Based on complete mitochondrial sequences, we identified a molecular marker with five single-nucleotide polymorphisms to distinguish the biotypes. Using this marker, a large-scale study of biotypes on primary winter and summer hosts was conducted. All A. gossypii collected from three primary hosts-hibiscus, pomegranate, and Chinese prickly ash-were cotton biotypes, with more cotton-melon aphids found on hibiscus than the other two species. In May, alate cotton and cucumber biotypes coexisted on cotton and cucumber seedlings, but each preferred its natal host. Both biotypes existed on zucchini, although the cucumber biotype was more numerous. Aphids on muskmelon were all cucumber biotypes, whereas most aphids on kidney bean were cotton biotypes. Aphids on seedlings of potato and cowpea belong to other species. In August, aphids on cotton and cucumber were the respective biotypes, with zucchini still hosting both biotypes as before. Thus, the biotypes had different fitnesses on different host plants. CONCLUSIONS: Two host-specialized biotypes (cotton and cucumber) are present in North China. Hibiscus, pomegranate, and Chinese prickly ash can serve as winter hosts for the cotton biotype but not the cucumber biotype in North China. The fitnesses of the two host-specialized biotypes differ on various summer hosts. When alate aphids migrate to summer hosts, they cannot accurately land on the corresponding plant.

CXCL13 drives spinal astrocyte activation and neuropathic pain via CXCR5.

Recent studies have implicated chemokines in microglial activation and pathogenesis of neuropathic pain. C-X-C motif chemokine 13 (CXCL13) is a B lymphocyte chemoattractant that activates CXCR5. Using the spinal nerve ligation (SNL) model of neuropathic pain, we found that CXCL13 was persistently upregulated in spinal cord neurons after SNL, resulting in spinal astrocyte activation via CXCR5 in mice. shRNA-mediated inhibition of CXCL13 in the spinal cord persistently attenuated SNL-induced neuropathic pain. Interestingly, CXCL13 expression was suppressed by miR-186-5p, a microRNA that colocalized with CXCL13 and was downregulated after SNL. Spinal overexpression of miR-186-5p decreased CXCL13 expression, alleviating neuropathic pain. Furthermore, SNL induced CXCR5 expression in spinal astrocytes, and neuropathic pain was abrogated in Cxcr5-/- mice. CXCR5 expression induced by SNL was required for the SNL-induced activation of spinal astrocytes and microglia. Intrathecal injection of CXCL13 was sufficient to induce pain hypersensitivity and astrocyte activation via CXCR5 and ERK. Finally, intrathecal injection of CXCL13-activated astrocytes induced mechanical allodynia in naive mice. Collectively, our findings reveal a neuronal/astrocytic interaction in the spinal cord by which neuronally produced CXCL13 activates astrocytes via CXCR5 to facilitate neuropathic pain. Thus, miR-186-5p and CXCL13/CXCR5-mediated astrocyte signaling may be suitable therapeutic targets for neuropathic pain.

[Distribution of Press-sensitive Acupoints in Patients with Tinnitus].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the regularity of distribution of press-sensitive acupoints on the body surface in tinnitus patients, so as to provide evidence for selecting suitable acupuncture points in the treatment of tinnitus. METHODS: Sixty-three cases of tinnitus patients (from 25 to 75 years in age) were recruited in the present study. The patient was asked to take a sitting, supine and prone position, successively, and the operator used the thumb to moderately press the subject's head, neck, back, four limbs below the knee- and elbow joints along the three Hand- and three Foot-yang and yin meridians. Those acupoints that appeared pressing pain, or soreness-distension, numbness, or radiation feeling more than 10 times were brought into the sequence analysis by using the Excel 2010. RESULTS: A total of 131 press-sensitive acupoints including 41 points with an appea-rance frequency of more than 10 times were found in the 63 tinnitus patients. These 41 acupoints distributing in the top three meri-dians were the Gallbladder Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang, Tri-energizer Meridian of Hand-Shaoyang and Spleen Meridian of Foot-Taiyin, and their involved regions were those below the knee-joints, bilateral sides of the head and marginal portion of the ear, sites bellow the elbow-joints, back-waist, successively in the appearance frequency. The top ten acupoints are Wangu (GB 12), Yifeng (SJ 17), Waiguan (SJ 5), Quchi (LI 11), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Fengchi (GB 20), Taichong (LR 3), Shousanli (LI 10) and Zulinqi (GB 41), in sequence. CONCLUSIONS: The press-sensitive acupoints in tinnitus patients distribute principally in the Gallbladder Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang, and below the knee-joint, and the most sensitive acupoints are Wangu (GB 12) and Yifeng (SJ 17). These findings may provide an objective basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment of tinnitus.

Enteral Nutritional Support in Patients with Head Injuries After Craniocerebral Surgery.

AIM: To explore the effect of early enteral (EN) and parenteral nutritional (PN) support on head-injured patients after craniocerebral surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We randomly divided 120 head trauma patients into two groups: those receiving EN and those receiving PN support (60 patients each). Physiological and biochemical indices, monitoring time and cost, and the incidence of complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: More patients presented with complications in the PN than the EN group, and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). One week after surgery, albumin (ALB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and blood glucose (GLU) levels were 39.6 ± 3.3 U/L, 51.4 ± 5.6 U/L, and 9.6 ± 5.2 mmol/L, respectively, in the EN group, and monitoring time and cost were 4.0 ± 1.2 days and 1.2 ± 1.0 thousand yuan, respectively. In the PN group, ALB, ALT, and GLU levels were 34.3 ± 3.4 U/L, 65.5 ± 6.1 U/L, and 15.1 ± 4.0 mmol/L, respectively, and monitoring time and cost were 6.2 ± 1.5 days and 1.8 ± 2.0 thousand yuan, respectively. We detected significant differences between the two groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Early EN support is superior to PN support in head-injured patients after craniocerebral surgery.

A comparison of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) with other surveillance tools for Echinococcus granulosus diagnosis in canine definitive hosts.

BACKGROUND: Cystic echinococcosis is highly prevalent in northwest China. A cost-effective, easy to operate diagnostic tool with high sensitivity and specificity would greatly facilitate the monitoring of Echinococcus infections in canine definitive hosts. METHODS: The primers used in the LAMP assay were based on the mitochondrial nad5 gene of E. granulosus sensu stricto (E. granulosus s.s., or E.g.s.s.) and were designed using Primer Explorer V4 software. The developed LAMP assay was compared with a conventional PCR method, copro-ELISA and microscopy, using the faeces of dogs experimentally infected with E.g.s.s., and field-collected faeces of domestic dogs including 190 from Qinghai province highly endemic for E.g.s.s. and 30 controls from an area in Gansu, where a domestic dog de-worming program was in operation. RESULTS: The positivity rates obtained for the field-collected faecal samples were 12.6%, 1.6% and 2.1% by the LAMP, PCR and copro-ELISA assays, respectively. All samples obtained from the control dogs were negative. Compared with the conventional PCR, the LAMP assay provided 88.8% specificity and 100% sensitivity. The higher sensitivity of the LAMP method was also shown by the fact that it could detect the presence of laboratory challenge dog infections of E. granulsous s.s. four days earlier than the PCR method. Three copro-samples shown positive by the commercial copro-ELISA were all negative by LAMP, PCR and microscopy, which suggests these samples may have originated from another infection rather than E. granulsous s.s., possibly E. shiquicus or E. Canadensis, which is also present in China. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a potentially useful surveillance tool for determining the prevalence of canine E. granulosus s.s. infections in the field. The LAMP assay may lead to a more cost-effective and practicable way of tracking Echinococcus infections in canids, especially when combined with the copro-ELISA.

Systematic evaluation on the use of acellular dermis matrix graft in prevention Frey syndrome after parotid neoplasm surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effectiveness and safety of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) graft in preventing Frey syndrome after parotid neoplasm surgery, we reviewed foreign reported clinical randomized controlled trials systematically. Based on this review, we aimed to assess the effectiveness of ADM graft and provide reliable evidence for clinical application. METHODS: We reviewed foreign-language databases, such as MEDLINE, applied meta-analysis with Rev.Man 5, and drew forest plots with odds ratio as effect size. RESULTS: Three trials were recruited. The morbidity of Frey syndrome in experimental group was significantly lower than that in control on both subjective index and objective index, with odds ratios at 0.03 (95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.11) and 0.03 (95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.12), respectively. There was no significant difference between ADM group and blank control in total adverse reactions and complication incidence, whereas results differed for a kind of specific adverse reaction or complication. CONCLUSIONS: Based on existing research data, implanting ADM could effectively prevent Frey syndrome, and its poor prognosis effects did not significantly increase, which suggested that its total safety was reliable. Nevertheless, further investigations about the difference on a specific adverse reaction or complication were still needed.

[Effect of second-line treatment with capecitabine and thalidomide in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer].

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the efficacy and tolerability of capecitabine plus thalidomide in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who previously underwent gemcitabine-based therapy. METHODS: Sixty-one patients with unresectable or metastatic PC who had progressed on single-agent Gem or a Gem-containing regimen were enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. One group (31 patients) was treated with capecitabine alone, and another group was treated with capecitabine plus thalidomide. Capecitabine was administered orally twice a day at a dose of 1, 250 mg/m(2) for 14-day followed by 7-day rest and oral thalidomide 100 mg was given daily without interruption until disease progression or occurrence of unacceptable toxicity. RESULTS: The PFS was 2.8 months (95%CI 2.4 - 3.2) vs. 3.1 months (95%CI 2.6-3.6, P < 0.05) and the OS was 6.1 months (95%CI 5.3 - 6.9) vs. 6.3 months (95%CI 5.2 - 7.4, P = 0.426). In the capecitabine alone group, one patient experienced a partial response (PR), 10 patients showed stable disease (SD) and 20 patients had progressive disease (PD). The another group, two patients experienced a partial response (PR), 11 patients SD, and 17 patients PD. The disease control rates were 35.5% and 43.3%, respectively. The major adverse reaction in the two groups was grade 3 diarrhea. CONCLUSION: Capecitabine plus thalidomide regimen is marginally effective and well tolerated in the second-line setting in patients with gemcitabine-refractory advanced pancreatic cancer.

[Influence of electroacupuncture stimulation of delivery-facilitating acupoints with different stimulating parameters on serum endocrine hormones of late-stage pregnant rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of "Hegu" (LI 4) and "Sanyinjiao"(SP 6; a classical delivery-facilitating acupoint recipe) at different parameters on endocrine hormone levels of late-stage pregnant rats, so as to find the better stimulation parameters for delivery facilitation. METHODS: Ninety-six female Wistar rats were randomly divided into eight groups: normal control (normal), pregnancy (model), EA-15 Hz, EA-30 Hz, EA-50 Hz, EA-2 Hz/ 15 Hz, EA-2 Hz/30 Hz and EA-2 Hz/50 Hz, with 12 rats in each group except EA-30 Hz group (n = 10). EA stimulation (0.2 to 0. 3 mA) was delivered to bilateral LI 4 for 20 min and then bilateral SP 6 for 5 min (25 min). The contents of serum estradiol (E2), progesterone (P) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were detected by ELISA. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, serum E2, P and PGE2 contents were significantly increased in the pregnancy model group (P<0.01), and E2/ P level was downregulated mildly (P>0.05). Compared with the model group, the contents of serum E2 in the EA-15 Hz, EA-30 Hz, EA-50 Hz, EA-2 Hz/15 Hz and EA-2 Hz/50 Hz groups, serum PGE2 contents in the EA-15 Hz, EA-30 Hz and EA-2 Hz/50 Hz groups, and E2/P levels in the EA-15 Hz, EA-30 Hz, EA-50 Hz and EA-2 Hz/50 Hz groups were significantly increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), whereas serum P contents in the EA-15 Hz, EA-30 Hz, EA-50 Hz and EA-2 Hz/50 Hz groups were significantly down-regulated (P<0. 01, P<0. 05). The effects of EA-2 Hz/50 Hz group were significantly superior to those of EA-2 Hz/15 Hz and EA-2 Hz/ 30 Hz groups in raising serum E2 and E2/P levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). No significant differences were found among the EA-15 Hz, EA-30 Hz, EA-50 Hz and EA-2 Hz/50 Hz groups in raising serum E2, PGE2 and E2/P levels, and among the EA-30 Hz, EA-50 Hz and EA-2 Hz/50 Hz groups in lowering serum P levels (P>0. 05). It displayed that the effects of EA at 15 Hz, 30 Hz and 2 Hz/50 Hz on the abovementioned 4 indexes were relatively better. CONCLUSION: EA of LI 4 and SP 6 at 15 Hz, 30 Hz and 2 Hz/ 50 Hz can effectively up-regulate serum E2, PGE2 and E2/P levels and down-regulate serum P content in pregnancy rats, which may contribute to its effect in promoting labor.

Angiopoietin-2 expression is correlated with angiogenesis and overall survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

This study sought to determine the expression of angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and assess their correlations with tumor progression, angiogenesis, vessel maturation, and clinical survival. Tumor tissue from 102 OSCC patients, adjacent noncancerous oral tissue from 79 OSCC patients, and normal oral mucosa from 35 control patients were examined for Ang-2 and VEGF expression using conventional immunohistochemistry. Microvessel density (MVD) and vessel maturation index (VMI) were assessed by double-label immunohistochemistry staining using anti-CD34 and anti-alpha-smooth muscle actin, respectively. Although the proportion of OSCC samples positive for Ang-2 or VEGF expression was significantly higher than that observed in the adjacent noncancerous tissue and normal oral mucosa (P < 0.001), neither Ang-2 nor VEGF expression was associated with the clinicopathological parameters analyzed in OSCC patients. However, MVD and VMI were significantly associated with the expression of Ang-2 (P = 0.001 and P = 0.014, respectively); VEGF expression was associated MVD (P = 0.004). The MVD of OSCC tissues expressing both Ang-2 and VEGF was significantly higher than observed in the double-negative samples (P < 0.05). Multivariate regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses revealed that Ang-2 was negatively associated with the overall survival of OSCC patients. Expression of Ang-2 was associated with angiogenesis and vessel maturation in OSCC. Further studies will evaluate the prognostic value of determining Ang-2 expression in OSCC.

[Comparison of recurrence and complication by different thyroidectomy in the treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinoma as initial treatment: a meta-analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the total thyroidectomy or subtotal resection and gland lobe and isthmus lobectomy as initial treatment to TNM stage I and II differentiated thyroid cancer. The difference between recurrence rate and surgical complications were analysed. METHODS: The literatures published between 1972-2012 were searched in Pubmed, Medline, Wanfang database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese scientific Journals database and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. According to the inclusion and deletion criteria, 17 articles were included to compare the postoperative recurrence and complications in randomized controlled or case-control studies, involving 13 articles in recurrence rate and 11 articles in complications.RevMan5.0 software package was used to perform meta-analysis. RESULTS: Thirteen articles involved with the recurrence rate, the total case number was 3511. Among these cases, 414 recurred, overall recurrence rate was 11.59%, of which, 150 recurred cases in total or subtotal resection group (experimental group), the recurrence rate was 6.51%; 264 recurred cases in gland lobe lobectomy plus isthmus group (control group), the recurrence rate was 21.83%. Comparing the two groups, the odds ratio (OR) and their 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 0.26 [0.21,0.33], Z value was 11.33, P < 0.01, which showed that the recurrence rate in experimental group was significantly lower than that in control group.Eleven articles involved with the complications, the total case number was 2388, 166 cases had postoperative complications. The complication rate was 6.95%, of which, 109 cases in experimental group, the complication rate was 8.52%; 57 cases in control group, the complication rate was 5.15%. Compared with the two groups, OR values and their 95%CI was 3.63 [2.47, 5.33], Z was 6.58, P < 0.01, the experimental group had significantly higher incidence of complications. CONCLUSION: For I and II differentiated thyroid cancer, total thyroidectomy or subtotal resection may reduce the chance of recurrence, but the postoperative complications is higher; while gland lobe and isthmus lobectomy has lower postoperative complications, but may increase the risk of relapse.