Diverse polarization angle swings from a repeating fast radio burst source.

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are millisecond-duration radio transients1,2 of unknown origin. Two possible mechanisms that could generate extremely coherent emission from FRBs invoke neutron star magnetospheres3-5 or relativistic shocks far from the central energy source6-8. Detailed polarization observations may help us to understand the emission mechanism. However, the available FRB polarization data have been perplexing, because they show a host of polarimetric properties, including either a constant polarization angle during each burst for some repeaters9,10 or variable polarization angles in some other apparently one-off events11,12. Here we report observations of 15 bursts from FRB 180301 and find various polarization angle swings in seven of them. The diversity of the polarization angle features of these bursts is consistent with a magnetospheric origin of the radio emission, and disfavours the radiation models invoking relativistic shocks.

Second Data Release from the European Pulsar Timing Array: Challenging the Ultralight Dark Matter Paradigm.

Pulsar Timing Array experiments probe the presence of possible scalar or pseudoscalar ultralight dark matter particles through decade-long timing of an ensemble of galactic millisecond radio pulsars. With the second data release of the European Pulsar Timing Array, we focus on the most robust scenario, in which dark matter interacts only gravitationally with ordinary baryonic matter. Our results show that ultralight particles with masses 10^{-24.0} eV≲m≲10^{-23.3} eV cannot constitute 100% of the measured local dark matter density, but can have at most local density ρ≲0.3 GeV/cm^{3}.

[The analysis of features of first-onset neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease within 1 year after delivery].

To explore the clinical features and influencing factors of first-onset neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease (NMOSD) within 1 year after delivery. A single center, observational cohort study was used to retrospectively analyze 12 patients with first-onset NMOSD within 1 year after delivery hospitalized in the Department of Neurology of Beijing Tong Ren Hospital from June 2015 to June 2018(short as the postpartum onset group). 12 patients with first-onset NMOSD without 1 year after delivery hospitalized in our department during the same period were selected (short as the control group). The results showed the next recurrence interval in the postpartum onset group was longer than the control group [the postpartum onset group: (6.1±3.5) years, the control group: (1.6±1.5) years, t=3.622,P=0.005], the times of relapses were less than the control group [the postpartum onset group: (1.8±1.4) times, the control group:4.0 (3.0, 7.3) times, Z=-3.122,P=0.002], and expanded disability status scale (EDSS) of the last follow-up was lower than the control group [the postpartum onset group: 3.0(2.3, 3.9), the control group: 4.5(4.0, 6.0), Z=-3.358,P=0.001] with statistically significant differences. The recurrence rates of 1 year, 3 years and 5 years in the postpartum onset group (0%, 16.7%, 33.3%) were lower than control group (58.3%, 83.3%, 91.7%) with statistically significant differences (χ2=8.000,P=0.014;χ2=10.667,P=0.003; χ2=8.711,P=0.009). After the second delivery, the recurrence rate in postpartum onset group was 100% (n=3) and in control group was 50%(n=2), but the difference was not statistically significant (χ2=2.100,P=0.429). In the postpartum onset group, combination of autoimmune disease was consistent with positive in serum AQP-4 antibody moderately (Kappa=0.5, P=0.046). Positive in other autoimmune antibodies were consistent with positive in serum AQP-4 antibody moderately (Kappa=0.5, P=0.046). Combination of autoimmune disease were consistent with positive in serum other autoimmune antibodies well (Kappa=0.667, P=0.021). In conclusion, the first-onset NMOSD within 1 year after delivery have longer next recurrence interval, less times of relapses, lower relapse rate, better long-term prognosis of central nervous system, and they have trend to suffering from recurrent after the second delivery. For the females, combined with autoimmune disease or autoimmune antibody, who are ready for pregnancy, could detect serum AQP-4; if serum AQP-4 positive, they are recommended to prevent the occurrence of NMOSD after delivery.

[The facility design and operation effect of control vehicle emissions hazard in test section of automobile assembly workshop].

The hazard of vehicle emissions mainly come from the four wheel positioning, drum test and vehicle emissions test sections in automobile assembly workshop, which can lead to abnormal hemoglobin and hepatic insufficiency in workers. We researched on preventing toxic gases technologies for the vehicle emissions generated by these three sections, designed the ventilation facilities, and then detected and evaluated the operation effect, thereby improving the working environment, ensuring the occupational health of workers, and providing scientific basis for the control of vehicle emissions hazards.

[Efficacy and safety of anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma after TACE combined with TKI therapy].

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) receptor monoclonal antibody (MoAb) in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after treatment of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). Methods: From February 2019 to February 2020, 56 HCC patients who relapsed after TACE-TKI treatment in Department of Interventional Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University were enrolled. All patients received anti-PD-1 MoAb (sintilimab injection) and followed up every 6 weeks. According to mRECIST, the curative effect was evaluated as complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) or progressive disease (PD). Objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS) and treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were recorded. Univariate analysis by Chi-square test and binary logistic regression model was used to determine the influencing factors of DCR. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard regression model were used to analyze the survival data. Results: A total of 48 patients were enrolled in this study including 42 males and 6 females, with a median age of 55 years (29-71 years). ECOG scores comprised of 0 in 24 cases, 1-2 in 24 cases. Thirty-six patients were in Child-Pugh grade A of liver function and 12 cases were grade B. The median follow-up time was 4.5 months. There were 2 patients achieved CR, 12 patients with PR and 16 with SD. ORR was 29.2%, DCR was 62.5%. The independent influencing factors of DCR was ECOG score and AFP level (P=0.031, P=0.012). Median PFS was 4.1 months (95%CI 2.7-5.4 months), and ECOG score was the independent influencing factor of PFS (P=0.042). Treatment-related adverse events were reported in 70.8% (34/48) patients. Incidence of grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ TRAEs was 22.9% (11/48). Conclusion: In patients with HCC who relapse from TACE and TKI treatment, anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody is efficacious safe especially in those with ECOG 0 score.

[Analysis of EGFR mutation and clinical features of lung cancer in Yunnan].

Objective: To analyze the EGFR mutation profile of lung cancer patients in Yunnan, and to provide evidence for clinical personalized treatment. Methods: Demographic and clinical data of 2 967 lung cancer patients undergoing EGFR identification were collected and analyzed from January 2014 to August 2019 in Yunnan Cancer Hospital. Results: The proportion of EGFR mutation in 2 967 patients with lung cancer was 46.2%. Univariate analysis showed that the proportion of EGFR mutation in women was higher than that in men (P<0.001) and displayed a downward trend with age (P=0.03). The mutation rate of ethnic minorities was higher than Han (P=0.012). Mutation rate in patients without smoking history was higher than those with smoking history (P<0.001), and patients without drinking history was higher than patients with drinking history (P<0.001). Mutation rate in patients without family history of lung cancer was higher than those with family history (P=0.008). The mutation rate of adenocarcinoma was higher than other pathological types (P<0.001). The mutation rate was different among stages, and it was higher in early patients than that in advanced patients (P<0.001). The mutation rate of tissue specimens was higher than those of cytology and peripheral blood samples (P<0.001). The mutation rate of Xuanwei area was lower than that in non-Xuanwei area (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that gender (P<0.001), age (P=0.036), smoking history (P<0.001), pathological type (P<0.001), specimen type (P<0.001), and whether or not Xuanwei area (P<0.001) were the independent factors of EGFR mutation.The EGFR mutation was more common in female, non-smokers, adenocarcinoma, non-Xuanwei area, tissue specimen and young lung cancer patients.The mutation types of EGFR in 1 370 cases mainly included 19-Del and L858R. The predominant mutation of EGFR in Xuanwei area was L858R, while in non-Xuanwei area was 19-Del.The mutation rates of G719X, G719X+ L861Q, G719X+ S768I, and S768I in Xuanwei were higher while the mutation rates of 19-Del, L858R, and 20-ins were lower than non-Xuanwei area (P<0.05). The 19-Del mutation rate of ethnic minorities is higher than that of Han (P<0.001). The combined mutation rate of G719X, L861Q in Han was higher than that of ethnic minorities (P=0.005). Conclusions: The EGFR mutation rate in lung cancer patients in Yunnan is similar to Asian and Chinese, and higher in female, non-smokers, adenocarcinomas, young and non-Xuanwei area patients. The most common types of EGFR mutation in Yunnan are 19-Del and L858R. The predominant mutation of EGFR in Xuanwei area is L858R, while in non-Xuanwei area is 19-Del. The mutation rates of G719X, G719X+ L861Q, G719X+ S768I and S768I are higher in Xuanwei patients than those in non-Xuanwei patients. The combined mutation rate of G719X and L861Q in Han nationality is higher than that of ethnic minorities.

[Driver genes expression and clinical characteristics of targeted therapy in non-small cell lung cancer in Yunnan-Kweichow Plateau].

Objective: To analyze the expressions of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) driver genes and their mutation distribution characteristics in the Yunnan-Kweichow plateau, and to provide evidences for personalized molecular targeted therapy of lung cancer in high-incidence areas. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical records of patients with NSCLC who underwent combined lung cancer 8 gene detection, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), rat sarcoma viral oncogene (RAS), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), RET proto-oncogene (RET), v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (BRAF), ROS proto-oncogene 1 (ROS1), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2), and cellular-mesenchymal to epithelial transition factor (MET), from January 2016 to August 2019 in Yunnan Cancer Hospital. Besides, we analyzed the expressions of NSCLC driver genes and their mutation distributions. Results: The positive rate of NSCLC driver genes in Yunnan was 67.05%(1 508/2 249). The mutation rates in Xishuangbanna (76.92%), Yuxi (72.38%), Xuanwei (71.88%), Qujing (71.24%), and Honghe (71.79%) were significantly higher than other areas. The mutation rates of Hui (84.38%), Hani (85.00%), Zhuang (75.00%), Buyi (100%), Manchu (100%), Tujia (100%) and Achang (100%) are significantly higher than the minority national average. Driver gene mutations were related to gender (P<0.001), smoking history (P<0.001), age (P<0.001), pathological type (P<0.001), and whether the Xuanwei area (P=0.027), but not related to the nationality (P=0.748) and family history of lung cancer (P=0.676). The mutation rates of EGFR, RAS, BRAF, HER-2 and MET genes were 44.46%, 10.98%, 1.24%, 0.89% and 0.76%, and the rearrangement rates of ALK, RET and ROS1 genes were 4.67%, 1.29% and 0.89%, respectively.The mutation rate of EGFR in females was 56.67%, which was higher than 33.19% in males (P<0.001). The mutation rate of RAS in males was 12.66%, which was higher than 9.17% in females (P=0.010). The mutation rate of RAS in the Han was 11.49%, which was higher than 7.17% in the minority (P=0.032). The rate of RAS mutation in Xuanwei patients was 24.74%, significantly higher than 8.15% in non-Xuanwei area (P<0.001), and the EGFR mutation rate was 40.63%, which was lower than 45.25% in non-Xuanwei area (P=0.045). The rate of ALK rearrangement in Xuanwei patients was 1.56%, which was significantly lower than 5.31% in the non-Xuanwei area (P<0.001), and no HER-2 mutation patients were detected in Xuanwei area. The mutation rate of EGFR in patients with non-smoking history was 51.10%, significantly higher than 29.70% of patients with smoking history (P<0.001). Meanwhile, the rate of ALK rearrangement with non-smoking history patients was 5.35%, which was also higher than 3.16% of patients with smoking history (P<0.001). The rate of RAS mutation in patients with non-smoking history was 9.34%, lower than 14.63% of patients with smoking history (P=0.008). Conclusions: The positive rate of driven gene expression in NSCLC patients from the Yunnan-Kweichow Plateau is slightly lower than the national average. The rates of EGFR and RAS mutations are similar to the domestic average. The rates of ROS1, ALK and RET genes rearrangements and the rates of BRAF, HER2 and MET gene mutations are slightly lower than the national average. EGFR, RAS and ALK genes in the NSCLC patients from Yunnan-Kweichow Plateau have high positive rates, and display different demographic and clinical characteristics, which are of great significance in the selection of targeted therapy populations.

Accuracy of detecting vertical root fractures in non-root filled teeth using cone beam computed tomography: effect of voxel size and fracture width.

AIM: To investigate simultaneously the effect of voxel size and fracture width on the accuracy of detecting vertical root fractures (VRFs) in non-root filled teeth when using cone beam computed tomography. METHODOLOGY: Fifty-one of 161 extracted human permanent teeth (16 anterior teeth, 132 premolars and 13 mandibular molars) were selected randomly for VRF induction with two fracture widths. All teeth were scanned with four CBCT units at different voxel sizes provided by the units. Three observers classified the presence or absence of VRF using a 5-point scale. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and area under the ROC curve (AUC) were calculated. AUCs amongst voxel sizes and between the fracture widths were compared using the Z test. Intra- and inter-observer agreement was assessed using weighted Cohen kappa. RESULTS: For the NewTom VGi and ProMax 3D Mid CBCT unit, no significant differences were found amongst voxel sizes for the AUCs, irrespective of the fracture width (P > 0.05). There were significant differences between images scanned with voxel size 250 and 160 µm (P = 0.02), and images scanned with voxel size 250 and 80 µm for AUCs in the narrow VRF group for the 3D Accuitomo 170 unit (P = 0.03). For i-CAT FLX, significant differences were found between the voxel protocols of 300 µm and of the other three voxel sizes for AUC, sensitivity and NPV (P < 0.05). Significant differences between the wide and the narrow VRF groups for AUCs were found for 3D Accuitomo 170 (P = 0.01) and ProMax 3D Mid (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Cone beam computed tomography was accurate for detecting VRF in non-root filled teeth. Fracture width had an effect on the detection of VRF. The effect of the voxel size on the detection of VRF depended on the CBCT unit used.

Involvement of tau phosphorylation in traumatic brain injury patients.

OBJECTIVES: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in significant morbidity and mortality throughout the world. In TBI patients suffering cognitive, emotional, and behavioral deficits, the leading cause derives from the physical injury to the central nervous system (CNS) that impairs brain function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Here, we applied a targeted approach to understand the potential mechanisms of neuron damage after TBI. Tau protein phosphorylation was compared in the brain tissues collected from patients underwent brain surgery based on the assessment of brain injury extent by Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). RESULTS: The results indicated that the levels of phosphorylated tau were significantly higher in the severe and extremely severe TBI groups, compared to the moderate group of patients. Phosphorylated, but not the total tau protein was uniquely correlated with the GCS score (R2 =.7849, P<.01) in 142 TBI patients. Consistently, the activities of key players associated with tau hyperphosphorylation GSK-3ß and PP2A showed parallel correlations with the severity of TBI as well. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the enhanced tau protein phosphorylation occurs upon severe neuron injures and may contribute to the pathological structural changes of CNS leading to brain damage of TBI.

[Clinical significance and distribution of BRCA genes mutation in sporadic high grade serous ovarian cancer].

Objective: To investigate the mutations of BRCA genes in sporadic high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) and study its clinical significance. Methods: Sixty-eight patients between January 2015 and January 2016 from the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University were collected who were based on pathological diagnosis of ovarian cancer and had no reported family history, and all patients firstly hospitalized were untreated in other hospitals before. (1) The BRCA genes were detected by next-generation sequencing (NGS) method. (2) The serum tumor markers included carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA(125), CA(199), and human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) were detected by the chemiluminescence methods, and their correlation was analyzed by Pearson linear correlation. Descriptive statistics and comparisons were performed using two-tailed t-tests, Pearson's chi square test, Fisher's exact tests or logistic regression analysis as appropriate to research the clinicopathologic features associated with BRCA mutations, including age, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, platinum-based chemotherapy sensitivity, distant metastases, serum tumor markers (STM) . Results: (1) Fifteen cases (22%, 15/68) BRCA mutations were identified (BRCA1: 11 cases; BRCA2: 4 cases), and four novel mutations were observed. (2) The levels of CEA, CA(199), and HE4 were lower in BRCA mutations compared to that in control group, while no significant differences were found (P>0.05), but the level of CA(125) was much higher in BRCA mutation group than that in controls (t=-3.536, P=0.003). Further linear regression analysis found that there was a significant linear correlation between CA(125) and HE4 group (r=0.494, P<0.01), and the same correlation as CEA and CA(199) group (r=0.897, P<0.01). (3) Single factor analysis showed that no significant differences were observed in onset age, FIGO stage, distant metastasis, and STM between BRCA(+) and BRCA(-) group (P>0.05), while significant differences were found in CA(125) and sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy between the patients with BRCA mutation and wild type (P<0.05). The multiple factors analysis showed that the high level of CA(125) was a independent risk factor of BRCA mutations in sporadic HGSOC (P=0.007). Conclusion: The combination of CA(125) with BRCA have great clinical significance, the mutation of BRCA gene could guild the clinical chemotherapy regiments.

[Association between single nucleotide polymorphism of BARD1 gene and BRCA1 gene mutation in epithelial ovarian cancer].

Objective: To investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of BARD1 gene and BRCA1 gene in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Methods: Nineteen EOC patients with BRCA1 gene mutation and 50 EOC cases without BRCA1 gene mutation between January 2016 and October 2016 were collected, and all EOC were diagnosed by pathological method. BARD1 gene variants were detected by next generation sequencing (NGS). The SNP of BARD1 gene was analyzed by Pearson linear correlation. Logistic regression analysis was used to research the clinicopathologic features and BRCA1 gene mutation associated with BARD1 gene SNP. Pearson's chi-square test was used to analyze the association between BARD1 gene Val507Met, Arg378Ser and Pro24Ser with different clinicopathologic features and BRCA1 gene mutation risk. Results: (1) Eight BARD1 gene variants were found in 69 ovarian cancer patients, in which Val507Met, Arg378Ser and Pro24Ser were common variants, and the rate of mutation were all 54% (37/69). (2) There was a significant linear correlation among Val507Met, Arg378Ser and Pro24Ser (all P<0.01). (3) Obvious differences were found in Val507Met, Arg378Ser and Pro24Ser of BARD1 gene between BRCA1(+) and BRCA1(-) (all P<0.05) . (4) No differences were found between BARD1 gene Val507Met, Arg378Ser and Pro24Ser and the clinicopathologic features (all P>0.05), while obvious differences were found in BRCA1 gene mutation compared to the controls group. The risk of BRCA1 mutation in Val507Met and Arg378Ser were more evident in subjects with negative family history, positive menopause history, negative tubal ligation, onset age (≤60 years old) and sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy in EOC (all P<0.05), while Pro24Ser was only more evident in positive menopause history of EOC (P<0.05). Conclusions: BARD1 Val507Met, Arg378Ser and Pro24Ser are the common genotypes, which are associated with BRCA1 mutation in EOC. The family history, menopause history, tubal ligation, onset age and sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy have effects on BARD1 SNP in the risk of BRCA1 gene mutation.

Effects of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus on the fitness of the vector Diaphorina citri.

AIMS: The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama transmits the bacterium 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' (Las), which causes citrus huanglongbing (HLB) disease. Although many studies have been conducted on the biology of ACP on different host plants, few have taken the plant, Las bacteria and the vector insect within one context to evaluate the effects of Las on the fitness of ACP under field conditions. Understanding the relationship between Las and ACP is critical for both ACP and HLB disease management. METHODS AND RESULTS: We estimated the development and survival of ACP immatures, the longevity and fecundity of ACP female adults in four treatments (Las-positive or -negative ACP on Las-infected and -free citrus plants). Las-positive ACP immatures developed significantly faster on Las-infected citrus than those on Las-free plants. The fecundity and longevity of Las-positive female adults were also greater, or longer on Las-infected citrus shoots, whereas the survival of Las-positive immatures was significantly lower on Las-infected citrus shoots, compared to those that developed on Las-free plants. Similarly, the intrinsic rate of population increase (rm ) was highest (0·1404) when Las-positive ACP fed on Las-infected citrus shoots and the lowest (0·1328) when the Las-negative ACP fed on Las-free citrus shoots. CONCLUSIONS: Both the Las infection in ACP and citrus plants had obvious effects on the biology of ACP. When compared to the Las infection in ACP insects, the Las infection in citrus shoots had a more significant effect on the fitness of ACP. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: To efficiently prevent the occurrence and spread of HLB disease, it is critical to understand the ecological basis of vector outbreaks and disease incidence, especially under field conditions. Thus, this study has increased our understanding of the epidemiology of HLB transmitted by psyllids in nature.

[Risk factors for pulmonary fibrosis in patients with paraquat poisoning].

Objective: To investigate the risk factors for pulmonary fibrosis in patients with paraquat (PQ) poisoning. Methods: A total of 120 patients with PQ poisoning who were admitted from January 2012 to December 2014 were enrolled. According to the presence or absence of pulmonary fibrosis, the patients were divided into non-pulmonary fibrosis group (67 patients) and pulmonary fibrosis group (53 patients) . The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score was obtained on days 1 and 3 of poisoning. Routine blood test results, blood biochemical parameters, and radiological parameters were recorded, and the patients with PQ poisoning were followed up for survival and pulmonary fibrosis. Results: A total of 39 patients with PQ poisoning died, resulting in a mortality rate of 32.5%. There were 53 patients who developed pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, yielding an incidence rate of 44.2%. Compared with the non-pulmonary fibrosis group, the pulmonary fibrosis group had a significantly higher age, a significantly higher dose of PQ, and significantly higher APACHE II scores on days 1 and 3 of poisoning (P<0.01) , as well as significantly higher white blood cell (WBC) count and neutrophil count on day 1, significantly higher levels of urea nitrogen, creatinine, and blood glucose on days 1 and 3, and significantly higher activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P<0.01) . The logistic regression analysis showed that the dose of PQ, WBC count and neutrophil count on day 1, APACHE II scores on days 1 and 3 of poisoning, levels of urea nitrogen, creatinine, and blood glucose, and activities of AST and ALT were associated with the development of pulmonary fibrosis in patients with PQ poisoning. Conclusion: Oral dose of PQ, APACHE II scores on days 1 and 3 of poisoning, levels of urea nitrogen, creatinine, and blood glucose, activities of AST and ALT, and WBC count and neutrophil count on day 1 are risk factors for pulmonary fibrosis in patients with paraquat poisoning.

[Influencing factors for trauma-induced tibial infection in underground coal mine].

Objective: To investigate the influencing factors for trauma-induced tibial infection in underground coal mine. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 1 090 patients with tibial fracture complicated by bone infection who were injured in underground coal mine and admitted to our hospital from January 1995 to August 2015, including the type of trauma, injured parts, severity, and treatment outcome. The association between risk factors and infection was analyzed. Results: Among the 1 090 patients, 357 had the clinical manifestations of acute and chronic bone infection, 219 had red and swollen legs with heat pain, and 138 experienced skin necrosis, rupture, and discharge of pus. The incidence rates of tibial infection from 1995 to 2001, from 2002 to 2008, and from 2009 to 2015 were 31%, 26.9%, and 20.2%, respectively. The incidence rate of bone infection in the proximal segment of the tibia was significantly higher than that in the middle and distal segments (42.1% vs 18.9%/27.1%, P<0.01) . As for patients with different types of trauma (Gustilo typing) , the patients with type III fracture had a significantly higher incidence rate of bone infection than those with type I/II infection (52.8% vs 21.8%/24.6%, P<0.01) . The incidence rates of bone infection after bone traction, internal fixation with steel plates, fixation with external fixator, and fixation with intramedullary nail were 20.7%, 43.5%, 21.4%, and 26.1%, respectively, suggesting that internal fixation with steel plates had a significantly higher incidence rate of bone infection than other fixation methods (P<0.01) . The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the position of tibial fracture and type of fracture were independent risk factors for bone infection. Conclusion: There is a high incidence rate of trauma-induced tibial infection in workers in underground coal mine. The position of tibial fracture and type of fracture are independent risk factors for bone infection. Vacuum sealing drainage and Ilizarov technique can achieve a satisfactory therapeutic effect.

Synergism between arsenic trioxide and cyclopamine in the inhibition of PC3 cell survival via the Hedgehog signaling pathway.

Previous studies have shown that Hh signaling is overexpressed in the development and progression of prostate cancer (PCa), suggesting that Hh pathway inhibitors might be an effective strategy in the treatment of PCa. The combination of chemotherapeutic agents is one of the main approaches in cancer treatment, with the objective of improving efficacy. In the present study, we examined the effect of combing arsenic trioxide (ATO), a useful agent for Hedgehog-driven cancers, and cyclopamine (CYA), a classic Hh pathway inhibitor, on the suppression of PC3 cells (i.e., an androgen-independent PCa cell line). The combination of ATO and CYA more effectively inhibited the proliferation of PC3 cells than either single agent alone. In a xenograft mouse model, the combination of ATO and CYA significantly reduced tumor weight and volume in nude mice that were implanted with PC3 cells. The combination of ATO and CYA in PC3 cells resulted in a more distinct mode of Hh pathway inhibition and strengthened the S phase arrest. The present results indicate that a combination of ATO and CYA may be a rational strategy for treating PCa.

Cloning and prokaryotic expression of the porcine lipasin gene.

Lipasin has recently been demonstrated to be involved in lipid metabolism. In this study, two specific primers were used to amplify the lipasin open reading frame from porcine liver tissue. The polymerase chain reaction product was cloned to a pGEM®-T Easy Vector, digested by SalI and NotI, and sequenced. The lipasin fragment was then cloned to a pET21(b) vector and digested by the same restriction enzyme. The recombinant plasmid was transferred to Escherichia coli (BL21), and the lipasin protein was induced with isopropyl-ß-D-thiogalactopyranoside. The protein obtained was identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and western blotting. A pET-lipasin prokaryotic recombinant expression vector was successfully constructed, and a 25.2-kDa protein was obtained. This study provides a basis for further research on the biological function of porcine lipasin.

Attenuated mRNA expression of lipid metabolism genes in primary hepatocytes following lipopolysaccharide treatment in dairy cows.

The influence of ruminal acidosis on ruminal microbiology and metabolite production has received considerable attention, but little is known regarding the systemic manifestations that arise from ruminal acidosis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is released in the gastrointestinal tract upon ingestion of high-grain or high-fat diets, and it has been implicated in the etiology of multiple energy- and lipid-related metabolic disturbances in ruminants. The liver plays a crucial role in the acute phase response to intruding pathogens. The effect of blood LPS in subacute ruminal acidosis on lipid metabolism in the liver has not been established. In this study, cell cultures were photographed using an inverted microscope. We observed that hepatocytes changed their morphologies from irregular triangle to circular (contraction) shapes; the number of contracted cells increased with the increasing LPS doses. This suggests that LPS can promote cell contraction and take off the wall, ultimately leading to cell apoptosis. With changes in LPS exposure, hepatocyte number also changes. We explored lipid metabolism in the liver using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to detect the expression of key lipid metabolism enzymes in hepatocytes. We found that Toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway mediated by LPS could attenuate mRNA expression of fatty acid synthesis genes and increase the expression of fatty acid transport genes in primary hepatocytes following LPS treatment in dairy cows.

Cardioprotective effects mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel in exercise conditioning.

We investigated the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel [mito-K (ATP)] in exercise preconditioning of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Eighty SD rats were randomly divided into high-, moderate-, low-intensity, and control groups. The exercise groups were divided into control and inhibited groups. The control group was divided into model and sham groups. Eight rats were randomly selected from each group for analysis. At 40 and 50 min after ischemia-reperfusion, respectively, J point and T-wave values and QT intervals were significantly higher in the control model group than in the control sham group; ECG parameters were significantly lower in the exercise group than in the control group; ECG parameters were lower in the 5-HD-inhibited group than in the corresponding exercise model group. The trends of serum enzymes (serum muscle kinase isoenzyme, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate transaminase) were consistent with ECG parameter changes at 40 and 50 min after ischemia and reperfusion, respectively. Compared with the sham group, the control model group showed significantly decreased left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) and maximum rate of left ventricular pressure development (dP/dtmax) and significantly increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP). LVSP and dP/dtmax were significantly higher and LVEDP was significantly lower in the control group than in the exercise model group. LVSP and dP/dtmax were significantly lower and LVEDP was significantly higher in the inhibited group than in the corresponding exercise group. Long-term exercise can produce a preconditioning effect that exerts an ischemia-reperfusion cardioprotective effect. Mito-K (ATP) mediates the cardioprotective effects of exercise preconditioning.

Expression of the porcine lipoic acid synthase (LIAS) gene in Escherichia coli.

Lipoic acid synthase, which exists primarily in mitochondria, participates in the biosynthesis of intrinsic lipoic acid. The lipoic acid synthase gene in pig is known as LIAS. To further investigate the biological functions of the protein that is encoded by LIAS, we cloned the open read frame of porcine LIAS (GenBank No. JN797612.1) into the expression vector pET-28α(+). The resulting pET-28α(+)-Lias recombinant vector was introduced into the Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) strain. With induction by isopropyl ß-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside, the recombinant E. coli strain can express the target protein that has a molecular weight of 41.58 kDa, which was confirmed by Western blotting.

Effects of lipopolysaccharide on the stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase mRNA level in bovine primary hepatic cells.

This study aimed to compare the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase (SCD) gene expression in mouse primary hepatic cells. To obtain sufficient total RNA, primary hepatic cells were plated on 6-cm diameter-type collagen 1-coated dishes (1 x 106 cells per dish). The test was divided into 6 groups with 6 replications per group. The 6 groups were treated with the following volumes of LPS (0.1 mg/mL): 0, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, and 8 µL. The cells were cultured for 24 h, and the total RNA was extracted from samples. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze SCD mRNA levels. With increasing LPS amounts, the SCD mRNA expression first decreased and then increased slightly; the expression was the lowest in the 2-µL LPS condition. The SCD mRNA levels from the 4- and 8-µL LPS conditions were slightly higher than that from the 2-µL LPS condition, but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). The SCD mRNA level from the 2-µL LPS condition was obviously lower than that from the 0-, 1-, and 1.5-µL LPS condition, and the differences were significant (P < 0.05), and the SCD mRNA levels from the 0-, 1-, and 1.5-µL LPS conditions were not significantly different (P > 0.05). The SCD mRNA levels from the 4- and 8-µL LPS conditions were obviously lower than those from the 0- and 1-µL LPS conditions, and the differences were significant (P < 0.05).