[Clinicopathological features of early gastric cancer after Helicobacter pylori eradication].

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features of early gastric cancers after Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication. Methods: The clinical data of 26 cases of gastric cancer that were diagnosed after H. pylori eradication and 45 cases without H. pylori eradication in the 989 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the People's Liberation Army (the former 152 Hospital), Pingdingshan, China from 2013 to 2021 were collected. The histological, immunophenotypic and clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared, and discussed with review of the related literature. Results: Among the gastric cancer patients with H. pylori eradication, there were 20 males and 6 females with a median age of 65 years (range 53 to 77 years). The cancer involved the upper part of the stomach in 12 cases, the middle part of the stomach in 4 cases, and the lower part of the stomach in 10 cases. The median diameter of the tumors was 12 mm (range 4-29 mm). According to the Paris Classification, 4 cases were 0-Ⅱa, 4 cases were 0-Ⅱb, 18 cases were 0-Ⅱc. White light endoscopy showed that the lesions were reddish to yellowish. The lesion boundary was clear in 12 cases and was unclear or gastritis-like changes in 14 cases, while the irregular microvascular structure and microsurface structure, as well as the relatively visible spinous boundary, were visible under narrow-band imaging. There were 20 cases of well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma, 4 cases of highly to moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma, and 2 cases of well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma with papillary adenocarcinoma. Compared with gastric cancers without H. pylori eradication, gastric cancers diagnosed after H. pylori eradication was associated with lower nucleus-cytoplasm ratio (<50%), normal epithelial coverage on the cancer surface, mild atypical epithelial coverage on the cancer surface, elongation of non-cancerous glands in the cancer tissue and subepithelial progression of cancerous glands were higher (P<0.05). The cellular immunophenotypes were gastric type in 6 cases, intestinal type in 4 cases and gastrointestinal mixed type in 16 cases. Conclusions: The early gastric cancers diagnosed after H. pylori eradication are more subtle clinically and mostly well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. The important morphological features of gastric cancer diagnosed after H. pylori eradication are decreased cytological atypia and overlying normal epithelium or mildly atypical epithelium of the cancer. Understanding and recognizing these morphological features are helpful to make correct endoscopic and pathological diagnoses.

Disrupting a phospholipase A2 gene increasing lipid accumulation in the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica.

AIMS: Phospholipase A2 (PLA2 ) is a diverse superfamily that hydrolyzes fatty acyl ester bonds at the sn-2 position of phospholipids. The correlation between phospholipid metabolism and the anabolism of neutral lipids remains unclear in yeasts. This study aims to explore the effects of PLA2 on lipid accumulation in the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study identified an actively expressed phospholipase A2 gene (PLA2-3, YAIL0_E16060g) in Y. lipolytica by quantitative PCR analysis. The gene PLA2-3 was disrupted in the strain po1gΔKu70 by homologous recombination and in the strain po1g-G3 by a CRISPR-Cas9 system, which caused an increase in stress sensitivity while the cell growth was not altered under fermentative conditions. Lipid production was performed in both flasks and bioreactors. The results showed that the lipid titre and lipid content were improved over 25% and 8-30%, respectively, in PLA2-3 disrupted strains compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Disruption of the phospholipase PLA2-3 gene could effectively improve lipid production in Y. lipolytica. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study presented a strategy on improving the lipid production of oleaginous yeasts and a similar strategy might be used in other oleaginous microbes.

Impact of an intervention programme on knowledge, attitudes and practices of population regarding severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in endemic areas of Lu'an, China.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of the population regarding severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in endemic areas of Lu'an in China were assessed before and after an intervention programme. The pre-intervention phase was conducted using a sample of 425 participants from the 12 selected villages with the highest rates of endemic SFTS infection. A predesigned interview questionnaire was used to assess KAP. Subsequently, an intervention programme was designed and applied in the selected villages. KAP was re-assessed for each population in the selected villages using the same interview questionnaire. Following 2 months of the programme, 339 participants had completed the re-assessed survey. The impact of the intervention programme was evaluated using suitable statistical methods. A significant increase in the KAP and total KAP scores was noted following the intervention programme, whereas the proportion of correct knowledge, the positive attitudes and the effective practices toward SFTS of respondents increased significantly. The intervention programme was effective in improving KAP level of SFTS in populations that were resident in endemic areas.

Improving the artificial diet for adult of seven spotted ladybird beetle Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) with orthogonal design.

In this study, an orthogonal array design with 16 factors at two levels (216) was performed to develop an artificial diet rearing the adults of seven spotted ladybird beetle Coccinella septempunctata. The parameters of weight gain and survival rate of adults, preoviposition period, fecundity and hatching rate of diet-fed adults were monitored. The 16 factors were included: pork liver, infant formula, sucrose, olive oil, yolk, corn oil, yeast powder, cholesterol, casein, casein hydrolysate, vitamin powder, 65% juvenile hormone III, protein powder, vitamin E, honey and pumpkin. Results indicated that pork liver, sucrose, yolk, yeast powder, juvenile hormone, pumpkin and honey were the main ingredients of the artificial diet contributing to weight gain and survival rate of adults, preoviposition period, fecundity and hatching rate. A follow-up fed with a selection of improved formulas confirmed the validity of the optimization as predicted by the orthogonal array analysis, indicating the usefulness of this method for selecting artificial diets for C. septempunctata. The weight gain and fecundity of adults reared on the improved artificial diet were 87.46 and 62.70% of those reared on Aphis craccivora; the survival rate and hatch rate were similar between the diet-fed and aphid-fed, while the preoviposition period was significantly shorter for C. septempunctata fed on the diet than on A. craccivora. The latter formula was superior to any formerly developed formulas and may thus have potential for the improved artificial diet mass rearing of C. septempunctata.

[Clinical study on locking plate for the treatment of non-osteoporotic complex proximal humeral fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To describe long-term results of locking plate used for the treatment of non-osteoporotic fresh three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures with at least 2 years follow-up. METHODS: The functional outcomes and the complications of non-osteoporotic three- and four-part fresh proximal humeral fractures treated with locking plate were assessed retrospectively. The active range of motion, the Constant score, the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score, the visual analogue score (VAS) were employed to evaluate the postoperative shoulder function, and the radiographic images were taken to evaluate the neck-shaft angle of the proximal humeral and postoperative implant-related complications. RESULTS: From January 2007 to October 2014, 107 consecutive fresh three- and four-part non-osteoporotic fresh proximal humeral fractures were treated with a locking plate in our department. Among them, 67 patients completed at least 2 years follow-up. The average follow-up time was (43.9±23.3) months (range: 24-108 months). The mean Constant score was 87.1±11.7 (range: 51-100), the mean UCLA score was 30.5±3.9 (range: 18-35), the mean VAS score was 1±2 (range: 0-7). The mean active forward flexion was 159.0°±19.3° (range: 80°-180°), the mean external rotation was 36.8°±19.5°(0°-80°) and the mean internal rotation was T11 level (T2-LS level). There were 11 patients who suffered from complications. Screw perforations were observed in 5 (7.5%) patients, avascular necrosis of the humeral head was observed in 9 (13.4%) patients and traumatic osteoarthritis was observed in 5 (7.5%) patients. Six patients showed two or more complications. There was no significant difference in outcomes when comparing the patients with three- part fractures (31 patients) with those with four-part fractures (36 patients). The rates of complications and avascular necrosis were significantly higher in the four-part fracture group than in the three-part fracture group. CONCLUSION: The locking plate is an effective method in treating three- and four-part non-osteoporotic fresh proximal humeral fractures. Strict surgical indication and precise surgical skill are the key points for successful treating non-osteoporotic fresh proximal humeral fractures. There is a higher rate of complications and avascular necrosis of the humeral head in the four-part fractures than in the three-part fractures.

[Efficacy analysis of two-stage reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for treating postoperative deep infection after surgeries for proximal humeral fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical results of two-stage reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for treating postoperative deep infection after surgeries for proximal humeral fractures. METHODS: From January 2013 to December 2014, 8 consecutive patients with postoperative deep infection after surgeries for proximal humeral fractures who were treated with two-stage reverse total shoulder arthroplasty were retrospectively reviewed after the final follow-up. There were 1 man and 7 women with a mean age of (58.5±6.4) years, of whom 3 left shoulders and 5 right shoulders were involved. There were 2 patients with periprosthetic infection after hemiarthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures, and 6 patients with humeral head necrosis as well as implant-associated infection after open reduction internal fixation for proximal humeral fractures with the locking plate. The diagnosis of postoperative deep infection was confirmed by either the preoperative cultures or the intraoperative biopsies during the first-stage surgery. At the first-stage surgery, all the patients underwent a thorough debridement, and then an antibiotic-impregnated bone cement spacer was placed after the removal of prosthesis or locking plate. During the second-stage surgery, the cement spacer was removed, and then a revision shoulder arthroplasty with the reverse shoulder prosthesis was performed in all the patients who were routinely followed up after the second-stage surgery. The visual analogue score (VAS), Constant score and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score were employed to evaluate the postoperative shoulder function. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was (19.9±8.0) months (range 12 to 35 months). At the end of the follow-up, the median forward elevation [100° (60°, 140°) vs. 25° (0°, 90°), P=0.011], the median external rotation [15° (0°, 50°) vs. 5° (0°, 20°), P=0.048], and the median internal rotation [L4 (buttock, T12) vs. buttock (buttock, L3), P=0.041] were all significantly improved postoperatively. The median Constant score [53.5 (32, 74) vs. 29.0 (10, 57), P=0.012], the median UCLA score [20.5 (9, 26) vs. 9.5 (5, 15), P=0.012], and the median VAS score [1.5 (0, 5) vs. 5.0 (0, 8), P=0.018] were all significantly improved after the surgery. No recurrence of infection, prosthetic loosening or neurovascular injury was noted by the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: two-stage reverse total shoulder arthroplasty was an effective treatment for the postoperative deep infection after surgeries for proximal humeral fractures. The shoulder function was postoperatively improved to a certain degree.

[Arthroscopic coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction versus open modified Weaver-Dunn procedure for acromioclavicular joint dislocations:comparison of curative effect].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the surgical outcomes between arthroscopic coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction and open modified Weaver-Dunn procedure for the treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocations. METHODS: From January 2011 to June 2012, 63 consecutive patients with acromioclavicular joint dislocations who were treated with either arthroscopic coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction or open modified Weaver-Dunn procedure were retrospectively reviewed after the final follow-up. There were 49 men and 14 women with a mean age of (40.3±10.6) years. The mean time from injury to surgery was (10.3±5.3) d. According to the Rockwood classification, there were 45 patients with type V injury and 18 patients with type III injury. All the patients with type III injury claimed high level of sport activity. The patients were divided into the arthroscopic surgery group (32 cases) or the open surgery group (31 cases) depending on the type of the surgery that each patient had taken. All the patients were routinely followed up after the surgery. The visual analogue score (VAS), American shoulder and elbow surgeons(ASES) score and University of California Los Angeles(UCLA) score were employed to evaluate the postoperative shoulder function. The postoperative radiographs of both shoulders were taken for each patient to evaluate the loss of reduction of the acromioclavicular joint. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was (29.6±6.0) months (range: 24 to 43 months). No significant difference was found between the arthroscopic surgery group and the open surgery group with regard to the patient's age [(41.0±10.5) years vs. (38.0± 10.8) years], gender (male/female,24/8 vs.25/6), classification (V/III,22/10 vs.23/8), time from injury to surgery [(10.6±4.9) d vs.(10.1±5.7) d], dominant involvement (19/32 vs.17/31)and mean follow-up time [(29.8±6.4) months vs.(29.5±5.5) months], P>0.05. At the end of the last follow-up, no significant difference was noted between the two groups regarding the mean forward elevation [(164.4±17.2) degrees vs.(162.6±12.9) degrees], mean external rotation [(60.9±17.0) degrees vs.(57.3±15.8) degrees], mean internal rotation [(T12±3 vertebrae) vs.(T12±3 vertebrae)], mean ASES scores (96.0±5.1 vs. 94.5±3.8)and UCLA scores (34.2±1.5 vs. 33.7±1.4), P>0.05.The rate of loss of reduction was significantly lower in the arthroscopic surgery group (1/32) compared with the open surgery group (7/31, P=0.026). CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment for acromioclavicular joint dislocations with either arthroscopic reconstruction or open modified Weaver-Dunn procedure could yield good results with no significant difference between the two groups as for the postoperative shoulder function. The rate of loss of reduction was lower in the arthroscopic surgery group compared with that of the open surgery group.

[Clinical follow-up study after open Latarjet procedure in patients with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the results of treating patients with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation using open Latarjet technique in a retrospective study, and to discuss the detail of the surgical technique and the results of the procedure. METHODS: In the study, 22 patients with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation treated with open Latarjet technique were followed up. The average duration of the follow-up was 66.0 months. An X-ray film and a CT scan were performed before the surgery to evaluate the degenerative change of the gleno-humeral joint and the bony defect of the glenoid. An X-ray film and a CT scan were repeated at the end of the final follow-up to find out if there was any progression of the degenerative change of the gleno-humeral joint and if the transferred coracoid process united. Physical examinations, American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Constant-Murley score and Rowe questionnaire were used to evaluate the patients' shoulder function before the surgery and at the end of the final follow-up. RESULTS: Before the surgery the average forward elevation, external rotation and internal rotation were 158.2°±28.7°, 55.3°±15.2° and T10 (T3-buttock) respectively. The average ASES score, Constant-Murley score and Rowe score were 77.6±17.5, 88.3±12.5 and 40.2±12.0, respectively. At the end of the final follow-up, no redislocation happened. The average forward elevation, external rotation and internal rotation were 167.7°±12.7°, 54.3°±16.5° and T10 (T3-L3), respectively(P=0.138, P=0.765, P=0.439).No sigificant restriction was detected after the surgery regarding forward elevation,external rotation and internal rotation. The mean ASES score, Constant-Murley score, and Rowe score significantly improved to 93.7±9.1 (P=0.001), 95.6±5.6 (P=0.008) and 96.4 ±4.4 (P<0.001) respectively after the surgery. A progression of the degenerative change of the gleno-humeral joint was detected in 3 patients. A non-union of the transferred coarcoid was detected in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: Open Latarjet procedure is effective in treating the recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation patient with severe glenoid defect. No significant progression of the degenerative change of the gleno-humeral joint is detected in average 5-year follow-up.

[Modified arthroscopic Latarjet procedure for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability].

OBJECTIVE: To present the surgical technique and to evaluate the results of the modified arthroscopic Latarjet procedure. METHODS: Arthroscopic Latarjet procedure has proven to be a reliable method of treatment for difficult anteroinferior instability of the shoulder joint. However, there is no anterior capsule reattachment and too much subscapularis damage for the classic procedure. From February 2013, we modified the classic procedure with reattachment of anterior joint capsule and muscle-tendon junction splitting of subscapularis. Coracoid graft position was evaluated using CT scanning. RESULTS: From March 2012 to August 2014, 51 modified Latarjet procedures were successfully performed arthroscopically for patients with anterior shoulder instability. According to the CT scanning at the final follow up, the graft was flush with the glenoid in 94.1%, and medially placed in 5.9%. Vertical positioning was perfect in 96.0% (2 to 5 o'clock), too high in 2.0%, and too low in 2.0%. There were no cases of recurrent dislocation or subluxation. CONCLUSION: The modified arthroscopic Latarjet procedure has shown satisfactory results with good graft positioning. It is a minimal invasive and accurate approach, which combines the advantages of the open procedure.

H558R polymorphism in SCN5A is associated with Keshan disease and QRS prolongation in Keshan disease patients.

Keshan disease (KSD), a potentially fatal cardiomyopathy, has very high incidence in some selenium-poor regions of China. KSD may be accompanied with a variety of arrhythmia, which is associated with mutations in the gene coding for cardiac voltage-gated sodium channel (SCN5A). The molecular mechanism of KSD is still largely obscure. We aimed to determine the association between the H558R polymorphism of SCN5A and KSD. We recruited 71 patients with KSD and 80 geographical region-matched control subjects in our study. Vital sign and electrocardiographic (ECG) measurements were performed for heart rate, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, PR interval, QT interval, QRS duration, ST-T changes and complete right bundle branch block (CRBBB), and H558R polymorphism was genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) method and sequencing. A significant association was found between the H558R polymorphism of exon 12 and KSD. Allele C carriers had a decreased risk for KSD with an odds ratio of 0.332 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.160-0.692] as well as for QRS prolongation in KSD patients with an odds ratio of 0.089 (95%CI, 0.022-0.361). Our results provide support to the association between H558R polymorphism and the decreased risk for KSD. H558R polymorphism might increase susceptibility to KSD, and SCN5A containing the polymorphism might be a predisposing gene for QRS prolongation.

Different dexamethasone doses in the perioperative period improve short-term outcomes of total hip arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different dexamethasone doses in the perioperative period of total hip arthroplasty (THA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We randomly divided 180 patients into three groups: three perioperative saline injections (Group A, placebo); two perioperative doses of 15 mg dexamethasone plus a postoperative saline injection at 48 h (Group B); and three perioperative doses of dexamethasone (10 mg) (Group C). Primary outcomes were postoperative pain at rest and while walking. We also recorded consumption of analgesics and antiemetics, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, postoperative length of stay (p-LOS), range of motion (ROM), nausea, Identity-Consequence-Fatigue-Scale (ICFS), and severe complications (e.g., incidence of surgical site infection, SSI and gastrointestinal bleeding, GIB). RESULTS: Group B and C had significantly lower pain scores at rest than Group A on postoperative day 1. Group B and C also had significantly lower dynamic pain score, CRP, and IL-6 than Group A on postoperative day 1, 2, and 3. Patients in Group B and C had lower PONV incidence, reduced use of analgesics and antiemetics, improved ROM, shorter p-LOS, lower VAS nausea score, and lower ICFS than Group A patients. On postoperative day 3, patients in Group C had significantly lower dynamic pain and ICFS scores, IL-6, and CRP than Group B patients, as well as higher ROM. None of the groups exhibited SSI or GIB. CONCLUSIONS: Dexamethasone provides short-term advantages in reducing pain, PONV, inflammation, and ICFS, and increasing ROM in the early postoperative period after THA. Dexamethasone efficacy in reducing post-THA pain, inflammation, and PONV at 10 mg and 15 mg is similar during the first 48 h. Dexamethasone (30 mg) divided into three 10 mg doses was superior to two doses (15 mg) in reducing pain, inflammation, and ICFS, as well as in increasing ROM on postoperative day 3.

The efficacy of aggressive warming combined with tranexamic acid during total hip arthroplasty: a single-center retrospective study from southern China.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of aggressive warming combined with tranexamic acid (TXA) during total hip arthroplasty (THA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 832 patients who underwent THA from October 2013 to June 2019 were divided into three groups according to the order of admission. There were 210 patients from October 2013 to March 2015 in group A, 302 patients from April 2015 to April 2017 in group B, and 320 patients from May 2017 to June 2019 in group C. Group A was the control group and was not given any measures. Group B was administered intravenously with 15 mg/kg TXA before skin incision and 3 h later without aggressive warming. Group C was administered intravenously with 15 mg/kg TXA before skin incision and 3 h later with aggressive warming. We evaluated the differences in the intraoperative blood loss, changes in core body temperature of patients at different stages during the operation, postoperative drainage, hidden blood loss, transfusion rate, drop of hemoglobin (Hb) on postoperative day 1 (POD1), prothrombin time (PT) of POD1, average hospitalization day, and complications. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences among the three groups during the intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative changes in core body temperature, postoperative drainage, hidden blood loss, blood transfusion rate, drop of Hb on POD1 and average hospital stay (p<0.05). There was no statistical difference in PT on POD1 and the incidence of complications (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Aggressive warming combined with TXA can significantly reduce the blood loss and transfusion rate of THA, and accelerate the recovery. We also observed that it does not increase the postoperative complications.

The effect of the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol and the reduced use of opioids on postoperative outcomes in elderly patients with colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess the impact of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways and the reduced use of opioids on postoperative outcomes in elderly colorectal cancer (CRC) patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia (GA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical data from 99 elderly patients who underwent laparoscopic CRC surgery in the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University from April 2021 to April 2023 were retrospectively analyzed and grouped based on the method of pain control measures received. Of 99 patients, 51 received conventional doses of opioid drugs (conventional group), and 48 patients were treated with reduced doses of opioids based on the principles of ERAS (low-dose group). Perioperative characteristics, postoperative pain level, cognitive function, serum biochemical index levels, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The first exhaust time, defecation time, and bedtime activity time of the low-dose group were compared to the conventional group (p<0.05). On the first day after the surgery, the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score of the low-dose group was higher than the conventional group (p<0.05). After the surgery, the levels of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) decreased in both groups, while the levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) increased. However, compared to the conventional group, the low-dose group had higher levels of BDNF and lower levels of NSE and 5-HT (p<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the low-dose group was lower than that in the conventional group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ERAS protocol and the reduced use of opioid drugs in CRC patients who underwent surgery under GA is associated with an analgesic effect that is comparable to that of conventional opioid use. Reduced dosage of opioid drugs lessened cognitive impairment and lowered the incidence of adverse reactions in surgical patients with CRC.

Butanol production from corncob residue using Clostridium beijerinckii NCIMB 8052.

AIMS: To determine whether corncob residue (CCR) could be a good substrate for butanol production. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, Ca(OH)2 detoxification technique was used to remove inhibitors of lignocellulose enzymatic hydrolysis. During fermentation of untreated corncob residue hydrolysate (CCRH) by Clostridium beijerinckii NCIMB 8052, cell growth was inhibited and only 3·8 g l⁻¹ acetone, butanol and ethanol (ABE) was produced. After pretreatment with Ca(OH)2, enzymatic hydrolysis of CCR resulted in 49·3 g l⁻¹ total sugars, about twofold of that of untreated one. In the fermentation of the Ca(OH)2-detoxified CCRH, sugar utilization ratio was increased by 27·3%. When using the Ca(OH)2-detoxified CCRH supplemented with 10 g l⁻¹ glucose, 16·0 g l⁻¹ ABE was produced, resulting in an ABE yield of 0·32 and a productivity of 0·33 g l⁻¹ h⁻¹. CONCLUSION: The results in this study suggest that CCR was a good carbon source for ABE fermentation. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: It is the first time to use CCR as substrate for butanol production. Ca(OH)2 detoxification pretreatment was proved to be an effective method to improve enzymatic digestibility of lignocellulose.

[Esthetic proportions of maxillary anterior tooth among 300 normal occlusion college students in Shanxi province].

Objective: To explore the relationship between the width ratios of maxillary anterior teeth, the width/height ratios of maxillary central incisor and the esthetic proportions among individual normal occlusion, and to provide reference for the esthetic design of anterior teeth. Methods: A total of 300 Shanxi Medical University students who were residents from Shanxi province with normal occlusion (110 males, 190 females, aged 18-30 years) were recruited in this study from October 2020 to March 2021. Standardized digital photographs of the maxillary anterior tooth in natural head position were obtained, the perceived width of the maxillary anterior teeth (maxillary central incisors, lateral incisors and canines) on the left and right sides and height of maxillary central incisor were measured on the standardized digital photographs, then the width ratios of adjacent maxillary anterior teeth including the lateral incisor/central incisor width ratio (LI∶CI), the canine/lateral incisor width ratio (C∶LI), and the width/height ratios (W/H ratio) of the maxillary central incisor were calculated. The independent sample t test was used to compare the sex differences of each measurement project, Single sample t test was used to compare the difference of adjacent maxillary anterior teeth width ratios with golden proportion (0.618 and 0.618), Preston proportion (0.66 and 0.84), the recurring esthetic dental (RED) proportion (0.70 and 0.70). The percentage of anterior tooth width/intercanine width was calculated, the number and proportion of teeth conforming to golden percentage (25%, 15%, 10%)±1% or modified golden percentage (22.5%, 15.0%, 12.5%)±1% were calculated. The number and proportion of width/height ratio of maxillary central incisor ranged from 0.75 to 0.85 was counted. Results: The widths of maxillary central incisor, lateral incisor and canine were (8.50±0.52), (6.23±0.53) and (5.18±0.55) mm, respectively, the corresponding tooth of male [(8.74±0.49), (6.37±0.52), (5.41±0.47) mm] was significantly higher than that of female [(8.37±0.50), (6.15±0.52), (5.04±0.54) mm] (t=6.40, 3.55, 6.23,P<0.05). The width ratio of maxillary lateral incisor/central incisor was 0.73±0.05, and there was no significant difference between genders (t=-1.06, P>0.05). The width ratio of canine/lateral incisor was 0.84±0.10, and it was significantly higher in male (0.85±0.10) than in female (0.82±0.10) (t=2.42, P<0.05). Two width ratios of maxillary anterior teeth were significantly different from golden proportion and the RED proportion (t=38.50, 35.74, 11.48, 22.20, P<0.05). The lateral incisor/central incisor was significantly different from that of Preston proportion (t=24.66, P<0.05), while the canine/lateral incisor was not significantly different from that of Preston proportion (t=-0.92, P>0.05). In this study, a total of 0% (0/600) of central incisors, 63.0% (378/600) of lateral incisors and 5.8% (35/600) of canines met the golden percentage±1%. There were 42.8% (257/600) of central incisors, 63.0% (378/600) of lateral incisors and 56.7% (340/600) of canines met the modified golden percentage±1%. The width/height ratio of maxillary central incisors was 0.86±0.08, and there was no significant difference between genders (t=-0.88, P>0.05). Only 36.3% (218/600) of the subjects in this study ranged from 0.75 to 0.85. Conclusions: Gender differences should be considered in the esthetic design of anterior teeth; for the width ratios of maxillary anterior teeth, the golden proportion, the RED proportion and golden percentage do not accord with the natural tooth morphological characteristics of Shanxi nationality college students in normal occlusion. Preston proportion and modified golden percentage are of more reference value. The width/height ratio of maxillary central incisors is different from 0.75-0.85.

[Effect of gastrodin on bone tissue around implants in type 2 diabetic rats].

Objective: To study the effect of gastrodin on oxidative stress and bone tissue around implants in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats (T2DM), so as to provide therapeutic basis for the problems of poor osseointegration and long repair period of implants in type 2 diabetic patients, to provide the basis for the development of new therapeutic drugs. Methods: Forty SD rats aged 5 weeks were divided into control group (n=10) and model group (n=30). The model group was fed with high glycolipid diet for 4 weeks and injected with 35 mg/kg streptozocin. The T2DM were divided into diabetic group (n=10) and gastrodin group (n=10). Pure screw titanium implants were placed in the metaphysis of both tibia. Rats in gastrodin group were given gastrodin 13.6 mg/kg everyday, while the control group and diabetic group were given the same dose of saline solution. Blood glucose was measured every two weeks after operation in all rats. After 4 and 8 weeks, the contents of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured to analyze the oxidative stress level in rats. The expression of anti-apoptosis protein [B cell lymphoma/lewkmia-2 (bcl-2)]and apoptosis protein [bcl-2-associated X protein (bax)] was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. HE staining and micro-CT scanning were used to analyze the osseointegration around the implants. Results: The blood glucose of gastrodin [(12.98±2.53), (13.64±1.96), (14.58±3.40) and (12.84±2.82) mmol/L] were significantly lower than that of diabetic group [(20.97±2.27), (17.94±3.76), (23.66±2.90) and (21.22±2.67) mmol/L] at corresponding time point (P<0.017). Four and 8 weeks following surgery, the MDA concentration in gastrodin group [(5.21±1.60) and (3.47±1.17) nmol/ml] was significantly lower than that in diabetic group [(11.42±5.11) and (7.31±1.37) nmol/ml] at the corresponding time points (P<0.017), while SOD activity in gastrodin group [(42.89±6.00) and (53.12±9.73) U/ml] was significantly higher than those in diabetic group [(27.09±6.11) and (32.08±2.97) U/ml] at the corresponding time points (P<0.017). Immunohistochemistry showed that the bcl-2 expression in gastrodin group was significantly higher than that in diabetic group at 4 and 8 weeks following surgery (P<0.017), while the bax expression in gastrodin group was significantly lower than that in diabetic group (P<0.017). Four weeks after surgery, the bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV), connection density (Conn.D), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) in gastrodin group were significantly higher than those in diabetic group (P<0.017). There was no significant difference in trabecular separation/spacing (Tb.sp) between gastrodin group and diabetic group (P<0.017). Eight weeks after surgery, the BV/TV, Tb.N in gastrodin group were significantly higher than those in the diabetic group (P<0.017). There was no significant difference in Conn.D between gastrodin group and diabetic group (P<0.017). There was no significant difference in Tb.Th and Tb.sp in three groups (P<0.017). The trabecular structure in gastrodin group was better than that in diabetic group by HE staining. Conclusions: Gastrodin can decrease blood glucose, improve oxidative stress, protect bone tissue from apoptosis and promote bone formation around implants in T2DM.

[Effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis injected through tail vein on the expressions of biomarkers in neural stem cells and neurons of wild-type rats hippocampus].

Objectives: To study the effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) injected through tail vein on the molecular expression levels of biomarkers of neural stem cells (NSC) and neurons in the hippocampus of wild-type adult rats, and the effects on hippocampal neurogenesis. Methods: Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 3 groups based on the table of random numbers (n=6 in each group). In low-intensity group and high-intensity group, rats were injected intravenously through tail vein with 200 µl Pg ATCC33277 [1.0×103 and 1.0×108 colony forming unit (CFU), respectively] 3 times per week for 8 weeks. In the sham group, 200 µl of phosphate buffer saline (PBS) was given instead. Behavioral tests: the navigation and the exploration tests using Morris water maze (MWM) were applied to evaluate learning and memory ability of rats. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect cells positively expressing nestin, doublecortin (DCX) and neuronal nuclei (NeuN) in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of rats in each group. Western blotting was used to evaluate the expression levels of nestin, DCX and NeuN in rat hippocampus. Results: Learning and memory abilities: on day 5 of navigation test, the lagency time was 22.83 (16.00, 38.34) s in the high-intensity group, significantly longer than the sham group [5.59 (5.41, 6.17) s] (t=-11.17, P<0.001). There were no significant differences between the low-intensity group [9.85 (8.75, 21.01) s] and the sham group (t=-6.83, P=0.080). Results in the exploration test showed that, in the high-intensity group, the number of fime crossing over the previous platform area within 60 s was 1.50 (1.00, 2.00), significantly less than the sham group [4.00 (2.75, 4.00)] (t=9.75, P=0.003); no significant differences between the low-intensity group [2.50 (2.00, 3.00)] and the sham one (t=4.50, P=0.382). Immunohistochemistry showed that the nestin+ cell density in the low-intensity group [(35.36±4.32) cell/mm2] and high-intensity group [(26.51±5.89) cell/mm2] were significantly lower than the sham group [(59.58±14.15) cell/mm2] (t=24.21, P=0.018; t=33.07, P=0.005); as for the mean absorbance of DCX+ cells, the low-intensity group (0.007±0.002) and the high-intensity group (0.006±0.002) were significantly lower than the sham group (0.011±0.001) (t=0.004, P=0.018; t=0.006, P=0.005); compared with the sham group [(1.13±0.14)×103 cell/mm2], the density of NeuN+ neurons in the high-intensity group [(0.75±0.08)×103 cell/mm2] was significantly reduced (t=0.38, P=0.017), and was not significantly changed in the low-intensity group [(0.88±0.19)×103 cell/mm2] (t=0.25, P=0.075). Western blotting results showed that, compared with the sham group, the expression levels of nestin, DCX, and NeuN were significantly reduced in the high-intensity group (t=0.74, P<0.001; t=0.18, P=0.014; t=0.35, P=0.008), but were not statistically changed in the low-intensity group (t=0.18, P=0.108; t=0.08, P=0.172; t=0.19, P=0.077). Conclusions: Pg injected through tail vein may reduce learning and memory abilities of wild-type rats, and may reduce the number of nestin, DCX, and NeuN-positive cells, and the protein expression levels of the above molecules in the hippocampus.

[Dynamic esthetic analysis of the anterior teeth in normal occlusion in individuals aged 18-49 years].

Objective: To investigate the relationship between age, sex, length of upper lip and the exposure of maxillary central incisor. Methods: A total of 304 participants in normal occlusion (154 males, 150 females, aged 18-49 years) were recruited in this study from patients, visited the Medical Examination Center, Affiliated People's Hospital, Shanxi Medical University from January 2019 to August 2020. Participants were divided into 18-29 years old group (104, 53 males, 51 females), 30-39 years old group (110, 56 males, 54 females) and 40-49 years old group (90, 45 males, 45 females). Facial photography was used to record the facial state during the mandibular postural position, "che" pronunciation position and posed smile. The upper lip length, upper lip thickness and the exposure of maxillary central incisor were measured by ImageJ. The differences of measurement items in each group and the gender differences of each measurement item were analyzed. The length of upper lip and the exposure of upper central incisor in the mandibular postural position were analyzed by Pearson correlation. Results: In the mandibular postural position, the length of upper lip was (21.9±2.2), (22.5±2.5) and (23.1±2.2) mm in the 18-29 years old, 30-39 years old and 40-49 years old groups, and the length of upper lip in the 40-49 years old group was significantly larger than that in the 18-29 years old group (P<0.05). The exposure of upper central incisor in the 40-49 years old group during the mandibular postural position, "che" pronunciation position and posed smile [(1.4±1.2), (4.7±2.4), (7.7±2.4) mm, respectively] were significantly lower than those in the 18-29 years old group [(2.3±1.4), (5.5±2.2) and (8.8±2.0) mm] (P<0.05). The exposure of upper central incisor in the 30-39 years old group during the mandibular postural position and posed smile [(1.8±1.4), (8.2±2.0) mm, respectively] was significantly lower than those in the 18-29 years old group (P<0.05). With the increase of age, the exposure of upper central incisor decreased gradually. In the same group, the exposure of upper central incisor in the female during the mandibular postural position and "che" pronunciation position (except 40 to 49 years old group) were significantly larger than those in the male (P<0.05), and there was no statistically significant difference between the sexes in the posed smile (P>0.05). There was a significant linear correlation between the exposure of upper central incisor and the length of upper lip at the mandibular postural position in normal occlusion aged 18-49 (r=-0.325, P<0.01). Conclusions: Gender factor should be considered in the esthetic design of anterior teeth. The exposure of anterior teeth in the mandibular postural position and "che" pronunciation position is more valuable than that in the posed smile. The length of upper lip in normal occlusion aged 40-49 was significantly shorter than that aged 18-29, and the exposure of upper central incisors was significantly reduced.

Do distribution and expansion of exotic invasive Asteraceae plants relate to leaf construction cost in a man-made wetland?

Exotic species especially Asteraceae plants severely invade wetlands in Shenzhen Bay, an important part of the coast wetland in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Bay Area, China. However, the reasons causing their expansion are unclear. The leaf traits and expansion indices of six invasive Asteraceae plants from the Overseas Chinese Town (OCT) wetland were studied and the results showed that nearly 45% of the total plant species (31 out of 69 species) in the OCT wetland, belonging to 15 families and 27 genera, were exotic invasive species. The expansion indices of six Asteraceae species negatively correlated with their leaf construction cost based on mass (CCM), caloric values and carbon concentration, but their relations with ash content were positive. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that CCM was the most important factor affecting the expansion of an exotic species, indicating CCM may be an important reason causing the expansion of exotic species in coastal wetlands.