[Clinical application value of modified Lee grading system to evaluate the degree of foraminal stenosis in patients with intervertebral foraminal lumbar disc herniation].

Objective: To investigate the clinical application value of the modified Lee grading system (abbreviated as the modified system) in evaluating the degree of intervertebral foraminal stenosis(IFS) in patients with foraminal lumbar disc herniations(FLDH). Methods: MRI data of 83 patients with FLDH-IFS (34 patients in the operation group and 49 patients in the conservative group) in Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University and Yantai Yantaishan Hospital from March 2018 to February 2021 were retrospectively collected. There were 43 males and 40 females, ranged from 34 to 82 years old, with an average of (61±10) years. MRI images of selected patients were independently evaluated and recorded by two radiologists in a blind method, using both the Lee grading system (abbreviated as Lee system) and the modified system, respectively and each method was evaluated twice. The difference between the evaluation level of the two systems, and the agreement of observer assessments of the two systems were compared, and the correlation between the evaluation level of the two grading systems and the clinical treatment modalities was analyzed. Results: The percentage of nongrade 3 (grade 0-2) patients with effective conservative treatment according to the two grading systems was 94.6 % (139/147) and 64.2 % (170/265), respectively. The percentage of grade 3 patients requiring surgical treatment according to the two grading systems was 69.2 % (128/185) and 61.2 % (41/67), respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the evaluation levels of the modified system and the Lee system (Z=-5.16, P=0.001). In the Lee system, the intra-observer observation consistency Kappa values of the two radiologists were 0.735 and 0.542, respectively, which were highly and moderately consistent; and the inter-observer observation consistency Kappa values were 0.426-0.521, which were moderate consistency. In the modified system, the intra-observer consistency Kappa values of the two radiologists were 0.900 and 0.921, respectively, and the consistency was almost completely consistent; and the inter-observer consistency Kappa values were 0.783-0.861, which were highly consistent or almost completely consistent. Lee system and clinical treatment modalities was correlative (rs=0.39,P<0.001), and modified system and clinical treatment modalities was correlative (rs=0.61,P<0.001). Conclusion: According to FLDH-IFS, the modified system can comprehensively and accurately grade, with high reliability and reproducibility. The evaluation level has a more significant correlation with clinical treatment modalities.

[Analysis of volatile organic components of organic solvents used in Bao'an District of Shenzhen].

Objective: To understand the volatile organic components in the organic solvents used by enterprises in Baoan District, Shenzhen. Methods: From January to December 2020, a total of 541 organic solvent samples used by 86 companies were collected for volatile organic component analysis, and the main volatile components and high-risk occupational hazards in organic solvents used in different industries were analyzed. Results: A total of 201 volatile organic components were detected in 541 organic solvents. The top 5 components detected include xylene (29.76%, 116/541), toluene (21.81%, 118/541), methanol (20.70%, 112/541), n-hexane (14.79%, 80/541) and ethylbenzene (14.23%, 77/541). The detection rates of benzene, trichloroethylene, n-hexane, and 1, 2-dichloroethane, which were high-risk occupational hazards, were 2.40% (13/541), 3.70% (20/541), 14.79% (80/541), and 1.66% (9/541), respectively. The volatile components in organic solvents used in different industries was different. Benzene is more frequently detected in organic solvents used in the printing industry, trichloroethylene was more frequently detected in organic solvents used in the electronics industry, and n-hexane was more commonly found in organic solvents used in the electronics industry, printing and other industries, and 1, 2-dichloroethane has been more frequently detected in organic solvents used in the machinery industry. Conclusion: There are many types of organic solvents used by enterprises in Bao'an District, with complex components and differences in different industries.

[Effects of protein disulfide isomerase on hyperglycemia and hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in H9c2 cardiomyocytes].

Objective: To explore the effect of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) in diabetic ischemic heart disease. Methods: We established an in vitro model of high glucose and hypoxia/reoxygenation in H9c2 rat myocardial cells. Cultured cells were divided into four groups: Control, high glucose (HG), hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) and HG+H/R. Changes in PDI expression mediated by PDI adenovirus(Ad-PDI) infection and siRNA(PDI-siRNA) transfection in myocardial cells were observed by inverted fluorescence microscopy. We also measured lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) activity and malondialdehyde(MDA) and high molecular weight(HMW)-APN concentrations. PDI, APN, cleaved caspase-3, and glucose regulated protein 78 (Grp78) protein expression were detected. Results: PDI expression was significantly decreased in the HG, H/R and HG+H/R groups compared to the Control group; however, LDH activity[(179.7±10.4) U/L、(218.4±18.4) U/L、(328.2±5.3) U/L vs (91.0±11.0) U/L], MDA concentration[(7.0±0.4) µmol/L、(10.0±1.0) µmol/L、(11.7±1.0) µmol/L vs (4.2±1.8) µmol/L], cleaved caspase-3, and Grp78 expression were increased. Interestingly, APN and HMW-APN expression were decreased [(2.01±0.21) µg/L、(1.64±0.27) µg/L、(1.20±0.14) µg/L vs (2.62±0.12) µg/L, all P<0.05]. Over expression of PDI attenuated high glucose and hypoxia/reoxygenation induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in H9c2 cardiomyocytes(all P<0.05), and simultaneously increased APN and HMW-APN expression [(2.86±0.03) µg/L vs (3.03±0.10) µg/L、(2.06±0.05) µg/L vs (2.31±0.06) µg/L、(1.83±0.07) µg/L vs (1.96±0.11) µg/L、(1.20±0.06) µg/L vs (1.39±0.09) µg/L]. PDI-siRNA transfection increased LDH activity, MDA concentration, and cleaved caspase-3 and Grp78 expression, and decreased APN and HMW-APN expression [(0.75±0.09) µg/L vs (0.59±0.09) µg/L、(0.62±0.04) µg/L vs (0.53±0.05) µg/L、(0.55±0.14) µg/L vs (0.51±0.12) µg/L、(0.48±0.12) µg/L vs (0.35±0.08) µg/L] in response to different treatments in cultured H9c2 cardiomyocytes (all P<0.05). Conclusion: PDI may regulate the expression of APN and HMW-APN, and play an important role in the function of diabetic ischemia-reperfusion cardiomyocytes.

[Analysis on the incidence of occupational diseases in Bao'an District of Shenzhen city from 2006 to 2019].

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of occupational diseases in Bao'an District of Shenzhen from 2006 to 2019, so as to provide scientific basis for formulating occupational disease prevention policies and measures. Methods: In September 2020, the information of new occupational disease cases in Bao'an District of Shenzhen from 2006 to 2019 was collected through the national occupational disease and occupational health information monitoring system, and the classification, disease type distribution, population distribution and industry and enterprise scale distribution of new occupational disease cases were analyzed. Results: From 2006 to 2019, a total of 762 new occupational diseases were reported in Bao'an District of Shenzhen, of which the top three were occupational ear, nose, throat and oral diseases (233 cases, accounting for 30.58%) , occupational chemical poisoning diseases (219 cases, accounting for 28.74%) , occupational pneumoconiosis and other respiratory diseases (127 cases, accounting for 16.67%) . The classification composition of occupational diseases was different in different years, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . New occupational diseases are mainly distributed in the manufacturing industry (394 Eaterprises, caccouling 93.59%) , concentrated in (346 cases, accounting for 47.66%) and medium-sized enterprises (199 cases, accounting for 27.4%) small enterprises. Conclusion: New occupational diseases in Bao'an District of Shenzhen should focus on small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises, carry out risk assessment of occupational hazards, implement classified and hierarchical supervision of occupational health, and implement occupational health protection.

[Observation and analysis of lens turbidity lesion induced by low intensity 635 nm laser radiation].

Objective: To study the characteristics of the lens turbidity after long-term exposure to low intensity 635nm laser. Methods: Cluster sampling method was adopted to select 812 employees in a laser leveler workshop in a city of Guangdong Province from January 2014 to December 2018. They were divided into the control group, diffuse reflection (DR) group and direct vision (DV) group for retrospective observation and analysis of lens turbidity. The laser irradiation intensity of each group was investigated, the position and shape of lens opacity were analyzed, and the influencing factors were statistically analyzed with the repeated measurement data of dichotomy. Results: The laser irradiance and radiant exposure of DV group were between 0.72×10(-4) and 9.92×10(-4) mW/cm(2) and between 2.61×10(-2) and 1.53 J/cm(2), respectively. The subjects were mainly diagnosed with lens turbidity lesion, especially for the DV group. Most of lesions occurred in the pole and periphery of the anterior cortex. The lesions exhibited multipoint patterns with greyish white color. The turbidity rates in DV group (before work and work for 1, 2, 3 years) were 0%, 1.99% (8/402) , 4.98% (20/402) and 6.72% (27/402) , respectively, in the order of observation points. The statistical analysis of single factor effect showed that the turbidity rate was higher in DV group and higher in the second year in the DV group (P<0.01) . Multi-factor analysis of the laser effect on the lens showed that the main effect between groups, between the observation point were statistically significant (P<0.05) , but no statistical significance in the interaction between group×observation points (P>0.05) . Conclusion: Lens turbidity lesion can be caused by long-term exposure to low intensity 635 nm laser, so the product safety classification should be strictly strengthened. It is necessary to strengthen the protection of laser photochemical damage in the production process.

[Adult femur CT modeling and 3D automatic measurement of anatomical parameters].

Objective: To reconstruct a 3D model from adult femur CT scan data and automate a measurement of femoral anatomical parameters to study the characteristics of Chinese femur anatomical parameters. Methods: Using Mimics17.0, models from the CT data of 148 adult patients were established. The completed model was imported into Geomagic Studio and the anatomical landmarks of the femur were extracted to establish 3D coordinate system and unified coordinate system. Programmed with Matlab, using the nearest point iterative ICP algorithm and the 3D automatic extraction algorithm of anatomical landmarks to provide precision positioning, the femoral anatomical parameters were automatically measured and analyzed. The data were compared by using independent sample t test. Results: In this group, the diameter of the male femoral condyle was (84.1±3.6) mm, and it was (74.8±3.3) mm in the female; the anteroposterior diameter of the male femoral condyle was (66.5±3.7) mm, and it was (61.2±3.5) mm in the female; the diameter of the male ball head was (48.8±2.1) mm and it was (43.4±2.2) mm in the female; the differences between the two genders were all statistically significant (t=16.21, 8.84, 15.20, all P<0.05). The male femoral moment radius was (112.5±24.5) mm, and it was (124.7±19.2) mm in the female (t=3.30, P=0.002). The neck angle in male participants was 124.9°±4.0°, and it was 126.1°±5.5° in the female (t=1.40, P>0.05). As the height growed, most of the anatomical parameters increased accordingly. Conclusions: The 3D automatic measurement of femoral anatomical parameters is more reproducible and accurate than manual measurement. It is necessary to establish and enrich the femoral anatomical database to design and develop internal fixation products that meet the needs of Chinese people.

[Analysis of herpes zoster incidence and hospitalization in three areas of Beijing in 2015 based on health information system of medical institutions].

Objective: Using data of health information system (HIS) of medical institutions to study the incidence and hospitalization of herpes zoster in three districts of Beijing. Methods: According to the different level of economic development and geographical features in Beijing, 3 districts of Xicheng, Changping and Miyun were chosen and all 110 medical institutions of the first level and above in the 3 districts are included in the survey. All the outpatient and inpatient herpes zoster cases in 2015 were retrospectively reviewed by HIS system. After distinguishing the reduplicated cases, Using the first outpatient case as a molecule and the resident population as denominator to estimate the annual incidence rate, as well as the annual hospitalization rate was estimated based on primary diagnostic hospitalized cases as molecule and the resident population as denominator. Results: A total of 32 313 primary visit outpatient cases were investigated, of which 18 360 cases (56.8%) were women and 20 923 cases (64.8%) were ≥50 years old. The overall estimated incidence of the 3 districts was 8.8‰ with an increase trends with age and reached to the highest in ≥80 years old (30.5/1 000). The incidence of Xicheng, Changping and Miyun districts are respectively 16.2‰, 4.0‰ and 5.7‰. A total of 701 primary visit inpatient cases were identified, of which 366 cases (52.2%) were women and 651 cases (92.9%) were ≥50 years old. The estimated annual hospitalization rate was 19.4/100 000, with the primary and secondary diagnostic hospitalization rate are respectively 5.9/100 000 (212 cases) and 13.5/100 000 (489 cases). The disease types of secondary diagnostic inpatient herpes zoster cases were as follows: cardiovascular disease (19.0%, 93 cases), stroke (14.5%, 71 cases), pneumonia/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (14.1%, 69 cases), tumor (12.5%, 61 cases) and diabetes (5.7%, 28 cases). Conclusion: Most of the herpes zoster cases in Beijing are over 50 years old, and the incidence of female is slightly higher than male. This disease should become a public health issue of great concern.

[Characteristic analysis of organic fluorosis caused by appliying of touch screen anti-fingerprint nanocoating material].

Objective: To analysis pathogenic conditions and pathogenic characteristics of organic fluorosis caused by applying of anti-fingerprint coating material on touch screen glass of the mobile phone. Methods: To collect clinical data and analyze the causes and pathogenic characteristics of poisoning through surveying occupational health, detecting occupational hazards in the workplace, collecting clinical data and diagnosing of occupational diseases. 6 employees in workshop 1 of packaging were as the organic fluorine exdposed group, and 16 employees in other workshops were as the non-exposed group. Results: Organic fluorine chemicals (perfluoro-1, 3-dimethylcyclohexane, hexadecafluoroheptane, perfluoro-hexane, perfluoromethy lopentane, perfluoro-2-methyl-2-pentene, etc.) can be volatilized by spraying and baking of anti-fingerprint nano-coating material on touch screen. The relative percentage of volatile components in air is 85.65%. Four cases of acute poisoning were caused by organic fluorosis deposited in a dustless air conditioning workshop with poor ventilation.The clinical manifestations of the patients were acute bronchitis, pulmonary edema and/or myocarditis. The average concentration of urine fluorine in the organic fluorine exposed group was 13.7± 4.4 mmol/mol creatinine, which was 4-5 times higher than that of other non-organic fluorine exposed groups. The difference of urine fluorine level between the organic fluorine exposed group and non exposed group was statistically significant (P<0.01) . The main indicators were abnormal for the blood oxygen saturation of finger pulse under suction air, leukocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, hypersensitivec-reactive protein, procalcitonin, l-lactate dehydrogenase, forebrain diuretic natriuretic peptide, hypersensitive troponin T in the four cases. One case was myocardial ischemia, four cases had bilateral lung symmetrically exudative lesions, one case was accompanied by a small amount of pleural pericardial effusion. Conclusion: Acute organofluorine poisoning can caused by the applying of the fingerprint nano-coating material on touch screen of the mobile phone. Attention should be paid to occupational poisoning caused by the applying of the small molecular perfluoroalkanes (olefins) in new industries, new processes and new materials.

Respiratory training during rehabilitation of acute organic fluorine-poisoned patients treated by non-invasive positive pressure ventilation.

This paper aimed to analyze the effects of respiratory training on pulmonary function during the rehabilitation period for acute organic fluorine-poisoned patients treated by non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV). Sixty-two acute organic fluorine-poisoned patients admitted to the Xinxiang Central Hospital, Xinxiang City, China, from May 2012 to March 2016 were selected and randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 31 cases in each. Both groups received NIPPV. The patients in the control group exercised daily, while the patients in the observation group received contracting lips-abdominal breathing training. The therapeutic effects, pulmonary ventilation function, serum levels of α-antitrypsin1 (α-AT1), surfactant protein D (SP-D), neutrophil elastase (NE), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1), and quality of life were analyzed and compared between the two groups both before and after the administration of treatment. The total effective rate of the observation group was 93.55%, which was significantly higher when compared with the control group (74.19%) (P less than 0.05). The levels of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, vital capacity (VC), carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLco), and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) of the observation group were better when compared with the control group and had statistical significance (P less than 0.05). Before treatment, the serum levels of α-AT1, SP-D, NE, and TGF-ß1, and quality of life had no statistical significance in either group (P>0.05); after treatment, these indexes and the quality of life for the observation group were significantly higher when compared with the control group, with statistical significance (P less than 0.05). The respiratory training in acute organic fluorine-poisoned patients treated by NIPPV can improve the serum indexes, dilute toxicity, and recover pulmonary function, which play key roles in improving the therapeutic effects and quality of life of patients, and is worthy of clinical promotion.

[Application of Ischemia Modified Albumin for Acute Ischemic Heart Disease in Forensic Science].

OBJECTIVES: To explore the application value and forensic significance of ischemia modified albumin （IMA） in pericardial fluid to diagnose sudden cardiac death. METHODS: IMA level in pericardial fluid was detected in acute ischemic heart disease group （n=36）, acute myocardial infarction group （n=6）, cardiomyopathy group （n=4） and control group （n=15） by albumin cobalt binding method. The levels of IMA were compared among these groups. The best cut-off IMA value was estimated and the sensitivity and specificity of acute myocardial ischemia group was distinguished from control group by receiver operating characteristics （ROC） curve. RESULTS: The IMA level in acute ischemic heart disease group was significantly higher than that of control group （P<0.05）. Compared with acute myocardial infarction group and cardiomyopathy group, the IMA level in acute ischemic heart disease group had no significant difference （P>0.05）. The cut-off value for the identification of acute myocardial ischemia which obtained by ROC analysis was 40.65 U/mL. And the sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing acute ischemia cardiac disease was 60.0% and 80.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The IMA value in pericardial fluid can be a reference marker for the diagnosis of acute myocardial ischemia, which also can provide objective basis for the forensic identification of sudden cardiac death.

[Application of IMA and H-FABP in Forensic Diagnosis of Sudden Cardiac Death].

Acute myocardial ischemia is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death. The diagnosis of early myocardial ischemia is a hot point in forensic medicine, which is also an early and important part for a prevention against myocardial infarction. This paper conducts a comprehensive discussion of the structure, function, clinical value and forensic medicine application prospect of ischemia modified albumin （IMA） and heart-type fatty acid binding protein （H-FABP), aiming to determine whether the two proteins can be used as biochemical detection indicators of early myocardial ischemia for the diagnosis of sudden cardiac death in forensic medicine.

[Determination of acrylonitrile in injection molding process: data analysis and recommendations].

Objective: To investigate whether the identification of acrylonitrile, an occupational hazard factor for the industry of injection molding and plastic products, reported in literature is reasonable, and to put forward some recommendations. Methods: Professional articles published from 1990 to 2016 were searched, and an analysis was performed for the data on the determination of acrylonitrile in the industry of injection molding and plastic products from 2003 to 2016 in Longhua Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Shenzhen. Results: According to the literature, the detection rate of acrylonitrile was 10.7%, and the detection results did not exceed the limit. Conclusion: At present, acrylonitrile may not be used as a routine test item for the industry of injection molding and plastic products, in order to save manpower and material resources.

[Expression of CD10 in cancer-associated fibroblasts and its effect on initiation and progression of colorectal carcinoma].

Objective: To study CD10 expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) and related effect on colorectal cancer initiation and progression. Methods: A total of 226 surgical removed colorectal cancer specimens were collected with patient follow-up data. A panel of immunohistochemical markers(CD10, Ki-67, p53, cyclin D1 and ß-catenin) were evaluated in carcinomas, adjacent adenomas and paired normal colorectal mucosa with correlation of clinicopathological parameters. Results: CD10 expression was not detected in the normal colorectal mucosa by immunohistochemistry. The percentages of CD10 expression in CAF were 80.1% (181/226) in carcinoma tissue and 58.4% (132/226) in adjacent adenomas, respectively. SMA was positive and desmin was negative. The proliferation index of Ki-67 was 84.1%(190/226) in tumor tissue, 63.7%(144/226)in adenoma zone, and 7.1% (16/226) in the normal mucosa. The rate of p53 mutation was 50.4% (114/226)in tumor tissue, 53.1%(120/226)in adenoma and 8.8%(20/226)in the normal mucosa. The expression rate of cyclin D1 was 83.6%(189/226) in tumor tissue, 48.7%(110/226)in adenoma zone, but negative in the normal mucosa. For normal tissue, the percentages of ß-catenin expression was 53.1%(120/226), 95.6%(216/226) and 10.6%(24/226) in the cell membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus, respectively.The ß-catenin expression in cell membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus was 17.7%(40/226), 100.0% (226/226) and 49.1% (111/226), respectively, in the tumor cells. The expression of Ki-67, p53, cyclin D1 and ß-catenin in the tumor cells was positively associated with CD10 in CAF (P<0.05). The CD10 expression was different in patients with different gender, age and differentiation degree (P<0.05), whereas the depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis and tumor emboli did not relate to it. Overall survival rates in CD10 negative group were higher than that in CD10 positive group. Conclusions: CD10 is only expressed in CAF. Significant correlation is found between CAF with high CD10 expression and neighboring tumor cells with p53, Ki-67 and cyclin D1 expression and nuclear ß-catenin expression. CD10-positive CAF and p53, ß-catenin, cyclin D1 and Ki-67-labelled colorectal cancer cells together with nuclear ß-catenin expression may provide helps for diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma from an angle of tumor interstitial microenvironment. CAF with CD10 expression may promote the initiation and progression of colon cancer cells by activating Wnt signaling pathway.

Meta-analysis on postoperative complications of wristband acupoint pressure therapy.

Through searching database such as MEDLINE, CNKI, etc., this paper assesses the effect of wristband acupoint pressure, acting on the neiguan acupoint, to relieve postoperative complications of adults (mainly nausea and vomiting) using nine randomized controlled trials (RCT) and RevMan5.0. In the experimental group, acupoint pressure wristband effectively reduced the incidence rate of postoperative vomiting by acting on the neiguan point, compared to the placebo control group (RR=0.50, 95% CI: 0.37~0.66, P < 0.01). As to the incidence rate of postoperative nausea, there was no statistical significance between the experimental group and the placebo control group (RR=0.85, 95% CI: 0.72~1.00, P < 0.05). It was revealed that the application of acupoint pressure wristband on neiguan point in postoperative care could effectively relieve postoperative vomiting; while postoperative vomiting was not relieved distinctly. Therefore, researchers are required to carry out more reliable RCT test for further study and discussion, and nurses can bring in acupoint pressure wristband for researches on its effectiveness and adaptability.

Mapping quantitative trait loci with additive effects and additive x additive epistatic interactions for biomass yield, grain yield, and straw yield using a doubled haploid population of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Biomass yield is one of the most important traits for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-breeding programs. Increasing the yield of the aerial parts of wheat varieties will be an integral component of future wheat improvement; however, little is known regarding the genetic control of aerial part yield. A doubled haploid population, comprising 168 lines derived from a cross between two winter wheat cultivars, 'Huapei 3' (HP3) and 'Yumai 57' (YM57), was investigated. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for total biomass yield, grain yield, and straw yield were determined for additive effects and additive x additive epistatic interactions using the QTLNetwork 2.0 software based on the mixed-linear model. Thirteen QTL were determined to have significant additive effects for the three yield traits, of which six also exhibited epistatic effects. Eleven significant additive x additive interactions were detected, of which seven occurred between QTL showing epistatic effects only, two occurred between QTL showing epistatic effects and additive effects, and two occurred between QTL with additive effects. These QTL explained 1.20 to 10.87% of the total phenotypic variation. The QTL with an allele originating from YM57 on chromosome 4B and another QTL contributed by HP3 alleles on chromosome 4D were simultaneously detected on the same or adjacent chromosome intervals for the three traits in two environments. Most of the repeatedly detected QTL across environments were not significant (P > 0.05). These results have implications for selection strategies in wheat biomass yield and for increasing the yield of the aerial part of wheat.

[Molluscicidal effect of 25% wettable powder of pyriclobenzuron sulphate in hilly schistosomiasis-endemic regions].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the molluscicidal effect of 25% wettable powder of pyriclobenzuron sulphate (WPPS) against Oncomelania snails in hilly schistosomiasis-endemic regions and test its toxicity to fish. METHODS: In October 2020, a snail-infested setting which had been cleared was selected in Nanjian County, Yunnan Province and divided into several blocks, and the natural snail mortality was estimated. 25% WPPS was prepared into solutions at concentrations of 1 and 2 g/L, and 25% wettable powder of niclosamide ethanolamine salt (WPNES) was prepared into solutions at a concentration of 2 g/L. The different concentrations of drugs were sprayed evenly, and the same amount of water was used as blank control. Snails were surveyed using the systematic sampling method 1, 3 and 7 days post-treatment, and snail survival was observed. A fish pond was selected in Nanjian County, and 2 kg 25% WPPS was evenly sprayed on the water surface to allow the effective concentration of 20 g/L. Fish mortality was estimated 8, 24, 48 and 72 h post-treatment. RESULTS: One-day treatment with 1 and 2 g/L WPPS and 2 g/L WPNES resulted in 97.99%, 97.99% and 94.11% adjusted snail mortality rates (χ2 = 3.509 and 3.509, both P values > 0.05), and the adjusted snail mortality was all 100% 3 d post-treatment with 1 and 2 g/L WPPS and 2 g/L WPNES, while 7-day treatment with 1 and 2 g/L WPPS and 2 g/L WPNES resulted in 91.75%, 86.57% and 57.76% adjusted snail mortality rates (χ2 = 14.893 and 42.284, both P values < 0.05). Treatment with 2 g/L WPPS for 72 h resulted in a 0.67% cumulative mortality rate of fish. CONCLUSIONS: 25% WPPS is effective for snail control and highly safe for fish, which is feasible for use in hilly schistosomiasis-endemic regions.

Prospective Analysis of Fruit and Vegetable Variety on Health Outcomes in Community-Dwelling Chinese Older Adults.

OBJECTIVES: Evidence on the topic regarding fruit and vegetable (FV) variety and health outcomes among older adults is limited. This study explored the prospective association of fruit variety, vegetable variety and combined FV variety with the risk of sarcopenia, frailty, all-cause and cause-specific mortality in community-dwelling Chinese older adults. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling Chinese older adults aged ≥65 years in Hong Kong. MEASUREMENTS: Fruit variety, vegetable variety and combined FV variety at baseline were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire and the variety scores were stratified into tertiles. Sarcopenia (Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019), frailty (Cardiovascular Health Study) and all-cause and cause-specific mortality (retrieved from an official database) were assessed at 14-year follow-up. Adjusted binary logistic regression or Cox proportional hazards model were performed to examine the association of fruit variety, vegetable variety and combined FV variety with each health outcome. Data are presented as hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Baseline dietary data of 3992 participants (median age: 72 years (interquartile range: 68-76), 49.9% women) was available. There were 436 and 371 participants who were newly identified as having sarcopenia and frailty respectively, and 1654 all-cause mortality, 367 cardiovascular diseases (CVD) mortality and 534 cancer mortality over 14-year. Tertiles of fruit variety, vegetable variety and combined FV variety were not associated with sarcopenia, frailty, CVD mortality and cancer mortality. Participants in the highest tertile of fruit variety (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.70-0.95, p-trend 0.010), vegetable variety (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.67-0.89, p-trend <0.001) and combined FV variety (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.67-0.89. p-trend <0.001) showed lower risk of all-cause mortality compared with participants in the lowest tertile. CONCLUSION: Among community-dwelling Chinese older adults, FV variety was not associated with sarcopenia, frailty, CVD mortality and cancer mortality over 14-year. Higher fruit variety, vegetable variety and combined FV variety were associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality. Promoting a wide FV variety might be recommended to benefit the health and longevity of this population.

A study of labial groove-textures of upper central incisors by Shadow Moiré technology.

The labial groove-textures of upper central incisors were defined and explored to imitate the elaborate groove-textures for aesthetic restorations. In the current study, 158 upper central incisors were selected from 79 volunteers aged from 19 to 24 and recruited from Sichuan University in Chengdu of China. The length, width, depth, combination and distribution of the horizontal and vertical grooves on the labial surface were investigated by an optical measurement method, based on the Shadow Moiré technology and Temporal Fourier analysis. Vertical grooves were confirmed to be present in 94% of the samples and horizontal grooves in 77%. Perfect symmetry was shown in the vertical grooves of the same tooth, as well as in the homonymous teeth. The majority of horizontal grooves were distributed in the proximity of the cervical fourth and the middle of the crown. Based on the combination and distribution of the grooves, eight basic labial groove-texture types of maxillary central incisors were classified. The subtle morphological characters of natural teeth could be recorded by the new method, and it could also provide the minute groove-texture for dentists and technicians to achieve an aesthetic appearance for a restoration.