Effect of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide on efficacy, hemodynamics and NT-proBNP in elderly patients with heart failure.

AIM: To investigate the effects of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (rhBNP) on efficacy, hemodynamics, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in elderly patients with heart failure (HF). METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, the clinical data of 112 HF patients who visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine between March 2019 and October 2022 were analyzed. On the basis of standard HF treatment, 52 patients additionally treated with milrinone intravenous were set as the control group (Con) and 60 patients with rhBNP were set as the observation group (Obs). The therapeutic efficacy and pre- and post-treatment echocardiographic indexes, NT-proBNP and hemodynamics were recorded and compared, and the adverse drug reactions and quality of life scores after treatment were counted. RESULTS: The Obs group showed a markedly higher post-treatment overall response rate than the Con (P=0.002). Besides, more obvious improvement of NT-proBNP and hemodynamic indexes were determined in the Obs group compared to the Con (P=0.000). Evidently ameliorated left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) were observed in both groups after treatment, with more pronounced improvement in the Obs group (all P=0.000). The Obs group also exhibited an evidently lower incidence of adverse reactions and a better quality of life than the Con after treatment (P=0.000). CONCLUSIONS: rhBNP can effectively improve the cardiac function and hemodynamics in elderly HF patients, with high safety and few adverse reactions.

Genicular artery embolization for the treatment of knee pain secondary to mild to severe knee osteoarthritis: One year clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of genicular artery embolization (GAE) in patients with mild-to-severe knee osteoarthritis up to 12 months after GAE. MATERIALS & METHODS: This prospective single-center study included patients who had knee osteoarthritis for >1 year with moderate-to-severe pain after failed conservative treatment for >6 months. Baseline imaging features were evaluated to determine Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade and magnetic resonance imaging (MOAKS) scores. GAE was performed using 150-350 µm embolic polyvinyl alcohol particles. The visual analog scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were used to evaluate knee pain, stiffness, and function at baseline and follow-up. The primary endpoints were changes in VAS and WOMAC scores at 12 months. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients (n = 37 knees) aged 66.6 ± 8.7 years were enrolled. The patients were categorized into two groups: mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis (n = 28, KL grades 2-3) and severe osteoarthritis (n = 9, KL grade 4). GAE was successfully performed in all patients, with no major adverse events. Three to six branches of the genicular artery were embolized. The mean VAS and WOMAC scores in the mild-to-moderate group significantly decreased (6.6 at baseline vs. 3.0 at 12 months and 49.4 vs. 27.4, respectively, all P < 0.001). The mean VAS and WOMAC scores in the severe group significantly decreased at 12 months (7.3 vs. 4.4 and 58.1 vs. 40.6, respectively, all P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: GAE is a well-tolerated and effective treatment that significantly improves pain symptoms and function in patients with mild-to-severe knee osteoarthritis.

Effectiveness and safety of probiotics on patients with severe acute pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of probiotics in conjunction with early enteral nutrition for the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). This study focused on multiple clinical endpoints, including mortality rate, risk of organ failure, and duration of hospital stay. METHODS: In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The study adhered to the Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome framework and utilized randomized controlled trials to examine the impact of probiotics on patients with SAP. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted independently by 2 evaluators, with discrepancies resolved collaboratively, or by a third adjudicator. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square statistics, I2 metrics, and both fixed- and random-effects models, as dictated by heterogeneity levels. RESULTS: The meta-analysis covered 6 randomized controlled trials. Compared to control groups (placebo or standard care without probiotics), probiotics did not significantly reduce mortality rates or organ failure risk. However, they notably shortened hospital stays by a weighted mean difference of -5.49 days (95% confidence interval: -10.40 to -0.58; P = .010). The overall bias risk was low to moderate. CONCLUSIONS: Probiotics combined with early enteral nutrition did not significantly improve mortality rates or reduce the risk of organ failure in patients with SAP, but shortened hospital stays. Further studies are required to corroborate these findings.

[The Characteristics of T Lymphocyte Reconstitution after Haploid Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in SAA and Its Relationship with aGVHD].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the recovery characteristics of T cell subsets in patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) who received haploid hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(HSCT) and its relationship with acute graft-versus-host disease(aGVHD). METHODS: The clinical data of 29 SAA patients who received haploid hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the department of hematology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital from June 2018 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The absolute counts of CD3+T, CD4+T, CD8+T lymphocytes and the ratio of CD4+T/CD8+T lymphocytes in all patients before transplantation, 14, 21, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after transplantation were analyzed. The proportion of T lymphocytes was compared in the non-aGVHD group, the grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ aGVHD group and the grade III-IV aGVHD group. RESULTS: The counts of all T cells in 27 patients were far below the normal level at 14 and 21 days after transplantation, but there was obvious heterogeneity. There was a certain relationship between T cell immune reconstitution and conditioning regimen, age, and immunosuppressive treatment before transplantation. CD3+T cells showed a steady upward trend at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after transplantation, and returned to the normal levels at 120 days after transplantation; faster recovery of CD4+T cells was closely related to aGVHD, which was at 30, 60, 90, 120 days after transplantation showed a slow upward trend, and which was still far below the normal level of 120 days after transplantation. CD8+T cell counts began to recover at 14 and 21 days after transplantation, and the recovery was earlier than the CD4+T cells, and its recovery speed was rapid 30 and 60 days after transptantation, which showed an upward trend and exceeded the normal levels 90 days after transplantation. Since CD8+ T cells reconstituted quickly, while the CD4+ T cells reconstitution was slowly, which made the long-term CD4+T/CD8+T cell ratio after transplantation was inverted . Compared with the non-aGVHD group, the absolute counts of CD3+T, CD4+T, and CD8+T cells in the aGVHD group were significantly higher than those in the non-aGVHD group at each time period after transplantation. In the aGVHD group, grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ aGVHD occurred more frequently in the early post-transplantation period (within 14-21 days), the grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ aGVHD group mostly occurred within 30-90 days after transplantation, and CD3+T, CD4+T, CD8+T cell counts in the grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ aGVHD group were significantly higher than those in the grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ aGVHD group; and the greater the proportion of CD4+T, the more severe the degree of aGVHD. CONCLUSION: The speed of T cell immune reconstitution after SAA haploid transplantation is different, which is related to the conditioning regimen, age, and immunosuppressive therapy before transplantation. The rapid recovery of CD4+ T cells is closely related to the occurrence of aGVHD.

Impacts of slurry application methods and inhibitors on gaseous emissions and N2O pathways in meadow-cinnamon soil.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of mitigation practices (slurry application methods and inhibitors applications) on gas emissions and identify the soil N2O production pathways in cattle slurry applied soil using isotopocule mapping approach. First, we compared the NH3 and N2O emissions of cattle slurry applied soil in a summer maize field experiment in north China plain (NCP) with four treatments: control (CK, no fertilization), slurry application using surface (SA-S), slurry application using band application (BA-S), and chemical fertilizer application using band application (BA-C). Then, an incubation experiment was conducted to investigate the mitigation effect of nitrification inhibitors (dicyandiamide, DCD) and denitrification inhibitors (procyanidins, PC) and their combination (DCD + PC) on gaseous N emissions with slurry applied using incorporation (IA) or surface application (SA) methods. The results showed that the total gaseous N emissions (N2O-N and NH3-N) in field were in the order of SA-S (1534 mg m-2) > BA-S (338 mg m-2) > BA-C (128 mg m-2) > CK (55 mg m-2), and the dominant N loss contributor varied from NH3 in SA-S (∼89%) to N2O in BA-S (∼94%) and BA-C (∼88%). Moreover, the isotopocule mapping approach indicated that emitted N2O of the slurry applied soil in field appeared to have lower rN2O values and led to more N2O + N2 emissions at the initial fertilization period. The incubation experiment indicated that the N2O emissions of slurry-applied soil were significantly reduced by DCD (∼45%) and DCD + PC (∼67%) application in comparison with CK (p < 0.05), and the stronger contributions of bacterial denitrification/nitrifier denitrification to N2O production were revealed by the lower δ15NSP in N2O using the isotopocule mapping approach. In conclusion, in NCP the gaseous losses of the slurry applied field can be largely reduced by using incorporation method, and greater reduction could be achieved given the simultaneous application of nitrification/denitrification inhibitors.

Mitigating gas emissions from poultry litter composting with waste vinegar residue.

The composting process is important in the recycling of organic wastes produced in agriculture, food, and municipal waste management. This study explored the suitability of using waste vinegar residue (WVR) as an amendment in poultry litter (PL) composting. Four treatments, including poultry litter (CK), poultry litter+vinegar residue (VR), poultry litter+vinegar residue+lime (VR_Ca) and poultry litter+vinegar residue+biochar (VR_B), were conducted. During a 42-day composting period, the dynamics of carbon dioxide (CO2), ammonia (NH3), nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) emissions, as well as the physicochemical properties and abundances of the bacteria and fungi of the feedstock were tracked to examine the potential barriers in the co-composting of WVR and PL. Compared to those of the CK, using a WVR amendment lowered the pH, increased the electrical conductivity significantly at the early stage, resulted in a strong inhibition of bacterial and fungal growth and delayed the thermophilic period of poultry litter composting while significantly reducing NH3 and N2O and GHG (CO2-e) emissions. A preadjustment of the WVR with alkaline biochar or lime lengthened the thermophilic period and increased the germination index (GI) by alleviating the inhibitory effect of the WVR on bacterial and fungal growth during composting. However, such preadjustment might reduce the mitigation effect on NH3. In conclusion, WVR can be recycled through co-composting with poultry litter, and the additional mitigation of N losses and N conservation can be achieved without halting compost quality.

Study on the Protective Effect of Schizandrin B against Acetaminophen-Induced Cytotoxicity in Human Hepatocyte.

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) occurs frequently worldwide. Acetaminophen (APAP) is a common drug causing DILI. Current treatment methods are difficult to achieve satisfactory results. Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide safe and effective treatment for patients. Schizandrin B (Sch B), the main component of Schisandra, has a protective effect on liver. However, the potential mechanism of Sch B in the treatment of APAP induced liver injury has not been elucidated to date. In our research, we studied the effect of Sch B on protecting damaged liver cells and explored the potential mechanism underlying its ability to reduce APAP liver injury. We found that Sch B could reduce hepatocyte apoptosis, oxidative stress injury and inflammatory response. These effects were positively correlated with the dose of Sch B. Sch B regulated glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase expression by upregulating the expression of p21-activated kinase 4 and polo-like kinase 1. Sch B could inhibit the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway and regulate the expression of apoptosis-related proteins to reduce the incidence of cell apoptosis. In addition, Sch B reduced the expression levels of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines in hepatocyte. Consequently, we described for the first time that Sch B could not only activate the pentose phosphate pathway but also inhibit the MAPK-JNK-ERK signaling pathway, thereby achieving antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects and inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis. These findings indicated the potential use of Sch B in curing liver damage induced by APAP.

Separation efficiency of different solid-liquid separation technologies for slurry and gas emissions of liquid and solid fractions: A meta-analysis.

Solid-liquid separation (SLS) technology is widely used in the slurry management in animal farms. This study conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of 45 published articles to evaluate the differences in separation efficiencies (SEX-SF) of various SLSs and the changes of gas emissions before and after the separation during on-farm slurry storage. The results indicated that the SEX-SF of the untreated raw slurry and acidified slurry were consistently greater than those of the digested slurry, and centrifugation resulted in greater SEX-SF than the other mechanical methods. Both measured and simulated data showed that the centrifuge technology had greater reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to the screw press (56.1-58.0% vs. 38.9-40.2% for untreated slurry, and 29.7-30.2% vs. 22.5-23.2% for digested slurry), mainly due to CH4 reduction. Additionally, we identify the need for further assessment of the environmental risks that are associated with SLSs for the development of an optimal slurry management chain.

Inhibition of Inflammation and Regulation of AQPs/ENaCs/Na+-K+-ATPase Mediated Alveolar Fluid Transport by Total Flavonoids Extracted From Nervilia fordii in Lipopolysaccharide-induced Acute Lung Injury.

Aims: The occurrence of vascular permeability pulmonary edema in acute lung injury (ALI) is related to the imbalance of alveolar fluid transport. Regulating the active transport of alveolar fluid by aquaporins (AQPs), epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs), and Na+-K+-ATPase can effectively reduce the edema fluid in the alveolar cavity and protect against ALI. We evaluated the therapeutic effects of total flavonoids, extracted from Nervilia fordii (TFENF), and investigated its potential mechanisms of alveolar fluid transport in a rat ALI model. Materials and methods: A model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 5 mg/kg)-induced ALI was established in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats through the arteriae dorsalis penis. SD rats were divided into six groups, including the vehicle, LPS model, TFENF (6 mg/kg, 12 mg/kg, 24 mg/kg), and dexamethasone group (DEX group, 5 mg/kg). The wet-to-dry (W/D) lung weight ratio, oxygenation index, and histopathological observation were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of TFENF. The mRNA expression of AQPs, ENaCs, and pro-inflammatory cytokines was determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction, whereas protein expression was determined using immunohistochemistry. The Na + -K + -ATPase activity was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: LPS significantly stimulated the production of inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1ß, and disrupted the water transport balance in the alveolar cavity by inhibiting AQPs/ENaCs/Na + -K + -ATPase. Pretreatment with TFENF reduced the pathological damage and W/D ratio of the lungs and ameliorated the arterial blood oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) and oxygenation index. TFENF further decreased the mRNA level of TNF-α and IL-1ß; increased the expression of AQP-1, AQP-5, αENaC, and ßENaC; and increased Na + -K + -ATPase activity. Moreover, the regulation of AQPs, ßENaC, and Na + -K + -ATPase and the inhibition of TNF-α and IL-1ß by TFENF were found to be dose dependent. Conclusion: TFENF protects against LPS-induced ALI, at least in part, through the suppression of inflammatory cytokines and regulation of the active transport capacity of AQPs/ENaCs/Na + -K + -ATPase. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of TFENF as phytomedicine to treat inflammation and pulmonary edema in ALI.

Impact of biochar application on gas emissions from liquid pig manure storage.

Biochars have been used to reduce gas emissions from manure composting practices and to recover nutrients from wastewater because of their effective sorption capacity. However, relatively less is known about the impacts of different alkaline biochars on the gas emissions from liquid manure. Materials including two commercial biochars prepared from walnut shell (WA) and coconut shell (CC), respectively, and coal (CO) were applied (with manure/biochar ratio of 20:1 in weight) to examine their influence on NH3, CH4, and N2O emissions from liquid pig manure during a 68-d period in comparison with a control (CK, without biochars), and to investigate the evolution of the manure N mass balances and the changes in biochar properties during liquid manure storage to understand the characteristics of biochar. Compared with the CK, the application of WA, CC, and CO biochars increased the NH3 emissions by 4.00, 3.87, and 1.23 times, respectively, the absorbed N content of the biochars was markedly lower than the enhanced gaseous losses through NH3 emissions. Similarly, the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the manure with WA, CC, and CO biochar application were 6.28, 5.55, and 0.83 times greater than those observed with the CK, respectively, and were mainly attributed to the enhanced CH4 emissions. The significant contribution (5%-12%) of indirect GHG emissions from the enhanced NH3-N losses was also identified. The hypothesis for the enhanced gas emissions from liquid manure with biochar addition has been discussed in the present study; however, further investigation in the future is warranted.

Trade-offs of gaseous emissions from soils under vegetable, wheat-maize and apple orchard cropping systems applied with digestate: An incubation study.

Land application of digestate from anaerobic digestion causes various gaseous emissions. A soil core incubation experiment was carried out in the laboratory to investigate the trade-offs of NH3, N2O and CH4 emissions from soils collected from vegetable, arable and orchard cropping systems. Digestate derived from liquid cattle manure was applied to the soil cores through the surface (SA) and incorporation application (IA) methods under three soil moisture conditions (40%, 60%, and 80% water-filled pore space, WFPS). Gaseous emissions from vegetable soil were significantly greater (P< .05) than those from soils under the other two cropping systems under similar conditions, particularly under a high moisture condition. The greenhouse gas emissions (GHG, in term of CO2-equivalents) of all soils increased with the increasing soil moisture contents, mainly due to rapidly increasing N2O emissions. Trade-offs in the emissions of these three gases were observed between SA and IA. As expected, SA was characterized by greater NH3 and CH4 but lower N2O emissions compared to IA. The increase in GHG under IA could be offset only somewhat by the reduced NH3 (and this reduced indirect N2O) and CH4 emissions under lower moisture conditions (<60% WFPS), which indicates a requirement for other strategies to control gaseous emissions from wet soils applied with digestate. In conclusion, an environmentally friendly strategy for digestate application should consider the soil moisture, types of soils and application methods, and all the presented suggestions need to be verified in the field in the future.Implications: This study shows that digestate incorporation can decrease NH3 but increase GHG emissions verse the surface application method, where the increased GHG could only be offset by the NH3 reductions at relatively dry soil condition, indicating an urgent requirement to mitigating GHG emissions under moist soil condition.

Microstructure changes in whiter matter relate to cognitive impairment in Wilson's disease.

Purpose: Wilson's disease (WD) is a genetic disorder of copper metabolism with pathological copper accumulation in the brain. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the damaged white matter and the impaired cognitive function in WD patients. Materials and methods: Thirty WD adolescents and thirty age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. All subjects had received brain MRI, including conventional and diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) scans. The DTI parameter of fractional anisotropy (FA) was calculated by diffusion kurtosis estimator software. The t test was used to compare the differences between two groups. The correlation between cognitive function and whiter matter disorders were analyzed by linear regression. The results of FA parameter and MD parameter intergroup analysis were both corrected with False Discovery Rate (FDR) simulations by SPSS. Results: WD adolescents showed significantly lower scores of time-based prospective memory (TBPM) and verbal fluency test (VFT) compared with HC. We found significantly higher FA in the right thalamus, right lentiform nucleus, left thalamus, left lentiform nucleus, and brain stem in WD adolescents. Besides, WD adolescents exhibited significantly lower FA in right cerebellum and cingulum and left middle frontal lobe compared with controls (P<0.05). There were significantly negative correlations between FA in bilateral lentiform and thalamus and cognitive impairment in WD adolescents (P<0.05). Conclusion: The whiter matter of WD adolescents was impaired and mainly distributed in subcortical brain regions. The impaired cognitive function was affected by the damaged whiter matter. The present study may be helpful for recognition and understanding of WD.

Impacts of feedlot floor condition, deposition frequency, and inhibitors on N2O and CH4 emissions from feedlot dung and urine patches.

Patches of dung and urine are major contributors to the feedlot gas emissions. This study investigated the impacts of dung deposition frequency (partly reflecting animal stocking density of a feedlot), dairy feedlot floor conditions (old floor indicated with the presence of consolidated manure pad [CMP] vs. new floor with the absence of consolidated manure pad [CMPn]), and application of dicyandiamide (DCD) and hydroquinone (HQ) on nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) emissions from patches in the laboratory, and the integrative impacts were expressed in terms of global warming potential (CO2-equivalent). Dung deposition frequency, feedlot floor condition, and application of inhibitors showed inverse impacts on N2O and CH4 emissions from patches. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the dung, urine, and dung+urine patches on the CMP feedlot surface were approximately 7.48, 87.35, and 7.10 times those on the CMPn feedlot surface (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, GHG emissions from CMP and CMPn feedlot surfaces under high deposition frequency condition were approximately 10 and 1.7 times those under low-frequency condition. Moreover, application of HQ slightly reduced the GHG emission from urine patches, by 14.9% (P > 0.05), while applying DCD or DCD+HQ significantly reduced the GHG, by 60.3% and 65.0%, respectively (P < 0.05). Overall, it is necessary to include feedlot management such as animal stocking density and feedlot floor condition to the process of determining emission factors for feedlots. In the future, field measurements to quantitatively evaluate the relative contribution of nitrification and denitrification to the N2O emissions of feedlot surfaces are highly required for effective N2O control. IMPLICATIONS: This study shows that feedlot CH4 and N2O emissions inversely respond to the dicyandiamide (DCD) application. Applying DCD significantly reduces GHG emissions of feedlot urine patches. Feedlot floor condition and stocking density strongly impact feedlot GHG emissions. Including feedlot floor condition and stocking density in the feedlot EF determining process is necessary.

Nitrogen removal performance and microbial community changes in subsurface wastewater infiltration systems (SWISs) at low temperature with different bioaugmentation strategies.

Poor nitrogen removal efficiency (mainly nitrate, NO3--N) at low temperatures strongly limits application of subsurface wastewater infiltration systems (SWISs). Seven psychrophilic strains (heterotrophic nitrifying bacteria and aerobic denitrifying bacteria) were isolated and added to SWISs to investigate the effect of embedding and direct-dosing bioaugmentation strategies on sewage treatment performance at low temperature. Both bioaugmentation strategies improved ammonium (NH4+-N) removal efficiencies, and the embedding strategy also exhibited satisfactory NO3--N and total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiencies. Pyrosequencing results of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene indicated that the embedding strategy significantly decreased the indigenous soil microbial diversity (p < .05) and altered the bacterial community structure, significantly increasing the relative abundance of Clostridia, which have good nitrate-reducing activity.

Expression of programmed cell death1 in T follicular helper cells is regulated by prostaglandin E2 secreted by HBV-infected HepG2.2.1.5 cells.

The present study aimed to investigate the distribution of T follicular helper (Tfh)-cell subsets in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and determine the underlying mechanism of HBV regulation of Tfh cells. The frequency of peripheral blood Tfh subsets was analyzed using flow cytometry. The expression level of programmed cell death­1 (PD­1) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was quantified using reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The PGE2 level in culture supernatant was detected using enzyme­linked immunosorbent assay. A Transwell chamber was used to co­culture Tfh cells with HepG2 and HepG2.2.1.5. The percentage of inducible T­cell costimulator (ICOS)+ and total Tfh cells was high at the immune activation (IA) group; however, it was reduced in the immune tolerance (IT), responders with HBsAg seroconversion (RP) and healthy control (HC) groups. The percentage of PD­1+ Tfh cells was significantly higher in IA and IT compared with RP and HC. The ratio of PD­1+/total Tfh cells was positively correlated with the load of HBV DNA; therefore, this ratio may act as an indicator for HBV replication. The expression level of PD­1 in Tfh cells was higher in the HepG2.2.1.5 co­cultured group compared with the HepG2 group, this may be due to the high PGE2 expression level in HBV­infected HepG2.2.1.5 cells. The findings of the present study revealed an imbalanced distribution of PD­1+ Tfh cells in patients with HBV at different immune phases. Additionally, HBV may upregulate the expression of PD­1 in Tfh cells by promoting HepG2.2.1.5 to secret PGE2. Identifying the effect of HBV on Tfh­cell subsets is crucial for improving immuno-based therapy for HBV.

[Ultrasonic analysis on the effect of strengthening exercise with strong tendon on lumbosacral multifidus muscles].

OBJECTIVE: To study effects of strengthening exercise with strong tendon on the lumbosacral multifidus muscle. METHODS: Among 30 healthy volunteers, there were 21 males and 9 females, with an average age of(31.30±6.48) years old(ranged, 25 to 55 years old). The mean BMI was (21.70±1.95) kg/m²(ranged, 18.1 to 24.9 kg/m²). The ultrasonic image was used to analyze the thickness of lumbosacral multifidus(LM) under the follow conditions: supine position, and supine position with leg lifting 30°, 60°, 90°; seat and hip flexion, flexion to limit position, front to limit position with both hands climbing and strengthening the kidneys and the waist. RESULTS: The average lumbosacral multifidus thickness was (16.867±2.460) mm, (19.010±2.510) mm, (22.477±2.220) mm, and(27.593±2.370) mm respectively in supine position with leg lifting 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°. There were statistical differences(F=423.619, P<0.05). The average lumbosacral multifidus thickness was (25.810±2.440) mm, (15.677±2.130) mm, and (15.533±2.110) mm respectively in seat and hip flexion, flexion to limit, front to limit positions with both hands climbing and strengthening the kidneys and the waist. There were statistical differences(F=597.789, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: When healthy volunteers in Shi's Orthopedics strengthen muscle exercises training, multifidus thickness is increased with the increasing of leg degree, reduced with the increasing of the flexion degree. It can change the stretching state of multifidus muscle by a specific training, so as to achieve the purpose of training the multifidus muscle.

[Study on Ammonia Emission Rules in a Dairy Feedlot Based on Laser Spectroscopy Detection Method].

It needs on-line monitoring of ammonia concentration on dairy feedlot to disclose ammonia emissions characteristics accurately for reducing ammonia emissions and improving the ecological environment. The on-line monitoring system for ammonia concentration has been designed based on Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) technology combining with long open-path technology, then the study has been carried out with inverse dispersion technique and the system. The ammonia concentration in-situ has been detected and ammonia emission rules have been analyzed on a dairy feedlot in Baoding in autumn and winter of 2013. The monitoring indicated that the peak of ammonia concentration was 6.11 x 10(-6) in autumn, and that was 6.56 x 10(-6) in winter. The concentration results show that the variation of ammonia concentration had an obvious diurnal periodicity, and the general characteristic of diurnal variation was that the concentration was low in the daytime and was high at night. The ammonia emissions characteristic was obtained with inverse dispersion model that the peak of ammonia emissions velocity appeared at noon. The emission velocity was from 1.48 kg/head/hr to 130.6 kg/head/hr in autumn, and it was from 0.004 5 kg/head/hr to 43.32 kg/head/hr in winter which was lower than that in autumn. The results demonstrated ammonia emissions had certain seasonal differences in dairy feedlot scale. In conclusion, the ammonia concentration was detected with optical technology, and the ammonia emissions results were acquired by inverse dispersion model analysis with large range, high sensitivity, quick response without gas sampling. Thus, it's an effective method for ammonia emissions monitoring in dairy feedlot that provides technical support for scientific breeding.

CH4 and N2O emissions from China's beef feedlots with ad libitum and restricted feeding in fall and spring seasons.

Accurately quantifying methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from beef operations in China is necessary to evaluate the contribution of beef cattle to greenhouse gas budgets at the national and global level. Methane and N2O emissions from two intensive beef feedlots in the North China Plain, one with a restricted feeding strategy and high manure collection frequency and the other with an ad libitum feeding strategy and low manure collection frequency, were quantified in the fall and spring seasons using an inverse dispersion technique. The diel pattern of CH4 from the beef feedlot with an ad libitum feed strategy (single peak during a day) differed from that under a restricted feeding condition (multiple peaks during a day), but little difference in the diel pattern of N2O emissions between two feeding strategies was observed. The two-season average CH4 emission rates of the two intensive feedlots were 230 and 198gCH4animal(-1)d(-1) and accounted for 6.7% and 6.8% of the gross energy intake, respectively, indicating little impact of the feeding strategy and manure collection frequency on the CH4 conversion factor at the feedlot level. However, the average N2O emission rates (21.2g N2Oanimal(-1)d(-1)) and conversion factor (8.5%) of the feedlot with low manure collection frequency were approximately 131% and 174% greater, respectively, than the feedlot under high frequency conditions, which had a N2O emission rate and conversion factor of 9.2g N2Oanimal(-1)d(-1) and 3.1%, respectively, indicating that increasing manure collection frequency played an important role in reducing N2O emissions from beef feedlots. In addition, comparison indicated that China's beef and dairy cattle in feedlots appeared to have similar CH4 conversion factors.

[Evaluation of the blood flow in common hepatic tumors by multi-slice spiral CT whole-liver perfusion imaging].

OBJECTIVE: To study the characteristics of blood flow in common hepatic tumors by 256-slice spiral CT whole-liver perfusion imaging. METHODS: Seventy-one patients with hepatic tumors were examined retrospectively by 256-slice spiral CT whole-liver perfusion. Among them, twenty-seven cases were of primary hepatic cancer, twenty-four cases of hepatic hemangioma, and twenty cases of hepatic metastases.Regions of interest (ROIs) were placed in the tumor parenchyma (Area A), peritumoral hepatic parenchyma (Area B), and normal hepatic parenchyma (Area C), respectively. The time density curves (TDC) were drawn, and perfusion parameters including hepatic arterial perfusion(HAP), portal venous perfusion(PVP), total liver perfusion(TLP) and hepatic erfusion index(HPI) were obtained. The values of ROIs were measured, and the perfusion parameters in the areas A, B, C of different hepatic tumors were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The values of HAP, PVP, HPI in the tumor parenchyma of primary hepatic carcinoma were (20.00 ± 11.41)ml · min(-1) · 100 ml(-1,) (32.31 ± 21.06)ml · min(-1) · 100 ml(-1,) (52.31 ± 30.55)ml · min(-1) · 100 ml(-1,) and (39.67 ± 11.19)%, showing significant difference as compared with those in peritumoral hepatic parenchyma and in normal hepatic parenchyma(P<0.05). The values of HAP, TLP, and HPI in the tumor parenchyma of hepatic hemangioma were (40.39 ± 29.23)ml · min(-1) · 100 ml(-1,) (132.72 ± 132.65) ml · min(-1) · 100 ml(-1,) and (35.51 ± 15.12)%, were significantly different as compared with those in the peritumoral hepatic parenchyma and in normal hepatic parenchyma(P<0.05). The values of HAP, PVP, HPI in the tumor parenchyma of hepatic metastases were (17.43 ± 12.27)ml · min(-1) · 100 ml(-1,) (36.19 ± 34.99) ml · min(-1) · 100 ml(-1,) and (37.86 ± 14.49)%, significantly different as compared normal hepatic parenchyma (P<0.05). The HAP, PVP, and TLP of tumor tissue and the PVP and HPI of peritumoral tissue in different hepatic tumors were statistically significantly different (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The multi-slice spiral CT whole-liver perfusion has certain value in the diagnosis of common hepatic tumors. Perfusion parameters in different areas of common hepatic tumors have their own hemodynamic characteristics.

[Whole-liver perfusion imaging by multi-slice spiral computed tomography based on Couinaud segments for evaluation of the blood flow state in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the blood flow characteristics of hepatitis B cirrhosis based on Couinaud's hepatic segments and to analyze the correlation between perfusion parameters of liver cirrhosis in the hepatic segments and between the different Child-Pugh classifications by using the pattern of whole liver perfusion detected by multi-slice spiral computed tomography (MSCT). METHODS: Whole-liver perfusion enhanced CT imaging scan was performed for 51 patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis (including 24 classified as Child-Pugh A, 19 as Child-Pugh B, and 8 as Child-Pugh C) and 20 patients without any liver abnormalities (who served as the control group).The perfusion parameters of Couinaud's segments were measured in order to compare the blood perfusion differences among the Couinaud's hepatic segments in liver cirrhosis. The blood flow characteristics were analyzed for each lobe and compared between groups, and the time to peak and peak of enhancement values of the aorta and portal veins and spleen were recorded and compared between groups.The F-test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The liver cirrhosis group showed higher time to peak for aorta and portal veins and spleen but lower peak of enhancement values than the control group. The hepatic arterial perfusion (HAP) was significantly higher in segment 3 than in segment 7 were (11.40+/- 5.72 vs.9.46+/-5.18 mL/min/100 mL; P less than 0.05). In addition, the differences of the portal venous perfusion (PVP) and total hepatic perfusion (THP) were significant between the liver lobes in various groups (P less than 0.05). The HAP and hepatic perfusion index (HPI) were not significantly different between the groups, but the HAP and HPI in every lobe were higher in the Child C subgroup than in either the Child A or Child B subgroups. CONCLUSION: The cirrhotic liver has different blood flow in the various Couinaud's segments. Whole-liver perfusion MSCT can reflect the hemodynamic changes of liver cirrhosis and Child-Pugh classification, and as such may be helpful for distinguishing the normal liver from the cirrhotic liver.