[Comparison of the efficacy of thulium fiber laser and holmium laser lithotripsy in the treatment of upper urinary tract stones].

Objective: To compare the efficacy of thulium fiber laser (TFL) and holmium laser (HL) in the treatment of upper urinary tract stones. Methods: A total of 76 patients diagnosed with upper urinary tract stones by radiographic examination and who required ureteroscopy lithotripsy or retrograde intrarenal stone surgery were prospectively enrolled from the Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine between January 2022 and June 2022. Patients were divided into TFL group (n=38) and HL group (n=38) in a 1∶1 ratio according to the randomization schedule. The perioperative outcomes and stone-free rate of two groups were recorded and compared. Results: Finally, the clinical data of 71 patients were completely collected, including 55 males and 16 females, with a mean age of (45.7±14.1) years old. There were 36 patients in TFL group and 35 patients in HL group, and there was no significant difference in age, body mass index, gender, Charlson comorbidity index, stone site, stone location, stone size and stone density between two groups (all P>0.05). All the surgeries were successfully performed with no intraoperative complications. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of operation time, stone displacement during lithotripsy, visual field clarity, changes in hemoglobin, leukocyte, and C-reactive protein, and length of postoperative hospital stay (all P>0.05), but the laser action time[M (Q1,Q3)] in the TFL group was 30.0 (20.0, 48.8)s, which was significantly shorter than that in the HL group [90.0 (50.0, 120.0)s, P<0.001]. The stone-free rates of TFL group and HL group were 97.2% (35/36) and 88.6% (31/35), and there was no significant difference (P=0.337). The postoperative complication incidences of TFL group and HL group were 36.1% (13/36)and 22.9% (8/35), respectively, and the difference was not significant either (P=0.221). For ureter stones, the laser action time in TFL group was 22.5 (20.0, 43.8)s, which was significantly shorter than that in HL group [80.0 (50.0, 120.0)s, P<0.001]. For stones with maximum diameter≤10 mm, the laser action time in TFL group was 20.0 (10.0, 25.0)s, which was significantly shorter than that in HL group [50.0 (40.0, 80.0)s, P<0.001]. For stones with maximum diameter>10 mm, the laser action time in TFL group was 60.0(42.5, 180.0)s, which was significantly shorter than that in HL group [180.0(120.0, 210.0)s, P=0.035]. For stones with density≤1 000 CT, the laser action time in TFL group was 30.0 (20.0, 45.0)s, which was significantly shorter than that in HL group [95.0 (47.5, 120.0), P=0.001]. For stones with density>1 000 CT, the laser action time in TFL group was 30.0 (20.0, 90.0)s, which was significantly shorter than that in HL group [80.0 (55.0, 180.0)s, P=0.033]. Conclusion: TFL lithotripsy is an effective and safe surgical procedure for the treatment of upper urinary tract stones, with similar clinical efficacy but shorter laser action time compared to HL lithotripsy.

[Research progress on prevention and local intervention of oral mucositis in patients with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation].

Oral mucositis (OM) is a common complication during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. When OM occurs, with the destruction of oral mucosal barrier function, the formation of oral bacterial environment is accelerated, which has a negative impact on the life quality and clinical outcomes of patients. OM can be prevented by keeping the oral cavity clean, using the mouthwash properly, and limiting the delivery of cytotoxic drugs to oral tissues. This review describes the research progress on the prevention and local intervention of OM in patients with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, in order to provide ideas for the selection of clinical intervention and management strategies on OM, and to provide references for exploring effective management methods for OM.

Protective effects of sodium ferulate on flap transplantation via anti-inflammatory modulation and oxidative stress inhibition.

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) has brought attention to flap failure in reconstructive surgery. To improve the prognosis of skin transplantation, we performed experimental IRI by surgical obstruction of blood flow and used sodium ferulate (SF) to prevent IRI in rats. After SF treatment, the morphological and histological changes of the skin flaps were observed by H&E and Masson's trichrome staining. We also detected the expression levels of COX-1, HO-1, and Ki67 by immunohistochemical and western blot analysis. Moreover, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to identify the content of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) in peripheral blood and skin tissue. Compared with the model group, SF treatment significantly improved the recovered flap area (%) and promoted collagen synthesis. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression was significantly inhibited by heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction after SF treatment. Furthermore, SF significantly inhibited the levels of TNF-α in peripheral blood, MPO and MDA in the skin tissue, and the increased synthesis of NO. Our results showed the protective effects of SF on IRI after flap transplantation and we believe that the protective effects of SF was closely related to the alleviation of the inflammatory response and the inhibition of the oxidative stress injury.

Protective effects of sodium ferulate on flap transplantation via anti-inflammatory modulation and oxidative stress inhibition

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) has brought attention to flap failure in reconstructive surgery. To improve the prognosis of skin transplantation, we performed experimental IRI by surgical obstruction of blood flow and used sodium ferulate (SF) to prevent IRI in rats. After SF treatment, the morphological and histological changes of the skin flaps were observed by H&E and Masson's trichrome staining. We also detected the expression levels of COX-1, HO-1, and Ki67 by immunohistochemical and western blot analysis. Moreover, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to identify the content of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) in peripheral blood and skin tissue. Compared with the model group, SF treatment significantly improved the recovered flap area (%) and promoted collagen synthesis. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression was significantly inhibited by heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction after SF treatment. Furthermore, SF significantly inhibited the levels of TNF-α in peripheral blood, MPO and MDA in the skin tissue, and the increased synthesis of NO. Our results showed the protective effects of SF on IRI after flap transplantation and we believe that the protective effects of SF was closely related to the alleviation of the inflammatory response and the inhibition of the oxidative stress injury.

[Effects of free perforator propeller flap from buttock in repairing deep wound of buttock].

Objective: To explore the effects of free perforator propeller flap from buttock in repairing deep wound of buttock. Methods: From February 2016 to May 2018, 27 patients with buttock skin and soft tissue defects caused by various reasons were admitted to the Burn and Plastic Surgery Center of the 940th Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force of People's Liberation Army, including 19 males and 8 females, aged from 28 to 70 years. Among the protopathy, there were 14 cases of pressure sores, 7 cases of scar carcinoma, 2 cases of low-temperature scald, 2 cases of abscess, and 2 cases of pilonidal sinus. The wounds were located in the sacrococcygeal region in 15 cases, the ischial tuberosity in 8 cases, and the rest area of buttock in 4 cases after injury or lesion resection. The size of wounds ranged from 4.0 cm×4.0 cm to 12.0 cm×6.0 cm after debridement or extended resection. The free perforator propeller flaps from buttock with areas of 8.0 cm×4.0 cm-16.0 cm×6.0 cm were used to repair the wounds, and the donor sites were selected adjacent to the wounds where the skins were relatively loose. All flaps took buttock free perforator vessels as the axis and were transferred in propeller-type to repair the wounds. The donor sites were directly closed and sutured. The survival, complications, and follow-up of flaps were recorded. Results: All the flaps survived 100% in 27 patients. Congestion formed under flaps 2-6 days post operation in 2 patients due to inadequate drainage, which were healed after dressing change and drainage for 14-18 days. The sutures of flaps in the other cases were removed in 10-14 days post operation, and the wounds were healed. Follow-up for 2-12 months showed that the shapes of flaps and the donor sites were plump, which were not much different from the healthy sides, and the flaps could bear weight. Conclusions: Repairing buttock deep wound with buttock free perforator propeller flap has good effects. The donor site can be designed in the area adjacent to the wound where the skin is relatively loose and can be directly closed and sutured while repairing the wound, which can ensure plump buttock appearance.

[Research Progress on Determination of Drowning Site].

The bodies found in water are one of the most common types in forensic practice. The discovery site of the body is often not the drowning site. However, the determination of drowning site is vital for the identification of victim. Inorganic particles and planktons, such as granular impurities, diatoms and bacteria, are valuable markers for the diagnosis of drowning. By comparing the granular impurities and planktons in tissues and suspicious drowning mediums, the drowning site can be concluded based on their similarity of types and distribution, which has practical applied value. In this paper, the research progress on determination of drowning site is summarized to provide reference for the peers.

Analysis of serum microRNA expression in male workers with occupational noise-induced hearing loss.

Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is a prevalent occupational disorder that impairs auditory function in workers exposed to prolonged noise. However, serum microRNA expression in ONIHL subjects has not yet been studied. We aimed to compare the serum microRNA expression profiles in male workers of ONIHL subjects and controls. MicroRNA microarray analysis revealed that four serum microRNAs were differentially expressed between controls (n=3) and ONIHL subjects (n=3). Among these microRNAs, three were upregulated (hsa-miR-3162-5p, hsa-miR-4484, hsa-miR-1229-5p) and one was downregulated (hsa-miR-4652-3p) in the ONIHL group (fold change >1.5 and Pbon value <0.05). Real time quantitative PCR was conducted for validation of the microRNA expression. Significantly increased serum levels of miR-1229-5p were found in ONIHL subjects compared to controls (n=10 for each group; P<0.05). A total of 659 (27.0%) genes were predicted as the target genes of miR-1229-5p. These genes were involved in various pathways, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Overexpression of miR-1229-5p dramatically inhibited the luciferase activity of 3' UTR segment of MAPK1 (P<0.01). Compared to the negative control, HEK293T cells expressing miR-1229-5p mimics showed a significant decline in mRNA levels of MAPK1 (P<0.05). This preliminary study indicated that serum miR-1229-5p was significantly elevated in ONIHL subjects. Increased miR-1229-5p may participate in the pathogenesis of ONIHL through repressing MAPK1 signaling.

Outbreak of mass mortality of yearling groupers of Epinephelus (Perciformes, Serranidae) associated with the infection of a suspected new enteric Sphaerospora (Myxozoa: Myxosporea) species in South China Sea.

A suspected new enteric Sphaerospora species was believed to be directly associated with the mass mortality of yearling groupers of Epinephelus spp. in South China. The epizootic generally emerged from late September to late April of the following year. The infection prevalence and mortality rate were significantly negatively correlated with fish size. Clinical signs included anorexia, cachexia and extrusion of white pulp-like substance from anus after gentle pressure on the abdomen. Upon necropsy, severe intestinal oedema, thin and transparent intestinal wall, swollen spleen, kidney and gall bladder could be observed. Wet preparation of the infected samples showed large amount of typical disporous plasmodia of the genus Sphaerospora, but no mature spores were observed. Epidemiological investigation showed that this parasite exclusively infected Epinephelus groupers. Histopathologically, this species mainly infected the epithelium of intestine and kidney tubules and caused severe epithelia sloughing and the collapse of intestinal villus. Interestingly, this enteric myxosporidiosis did not cause severe emaciation of infected fish for mass mortality usually emerged within 2-3 days after appearance of clinical signs. The species was most genetically related to Sphaerospora fugu (89% sequence identity) and phylogenetically positioned within marine Sphaerospora lineage. This is the first report of enteric sphaerosporosis of groupers.

[The situation of social support and its relationship with antenatal depression among 1 075 Zhejiang primiparas in their third trimesters].

Objective: To investigate the situation of social support (SS), and explore its relationship with antenatal depression (AD) among Zhejiang primiparas in their third trimesters. Methods: From March to August 2016, a cross-sectional study was conducted and the questionnaire was used at the outpatient consulting room of one maternity hospital in Hangzhou. Inclusion criteria includes the primiparas over 18 years old, gestation from 30 to 36 weeks, been able to understand and complete the questionnaires independently, no family history and history of mental disorders and no use of psychotropic drugs, without serious illness and so on. Exclusion criteria was that the primiparas were unable to complete all the contents of the questionnaire and of poor compliance. 1 150 questionnaires were actually given out, and 1 075 questionnaires were valid, so the valid rate was 93.48%. AD was evaluated by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and SS was evaluated by the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS). SS between the non-AD group and the AD group was compared. The correlation between SS and AD was analyzed. Binary logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship between SS and AD. The level of SS was divided by average scores, groups lower than the average score was defined as the low-score group, groups higher than the average score was defined as the high-score group. Results: The prevalence of AD (score≥9) was 27.3% (293/1 075) among Zhejiang primiparas in their third trimesters. The scores of family support, friend support and other support, and the total score of SS among the non-AD group were 24.80±2.83, 23.40±3.00, 21.91±3.54 and 70.11±7.92, respectively, which were higher than those in the AD group (22.71±3.88, 21.45±3.59, 19.95±3.97, 64.10±10.01), (t values were 8.43, 8.29, 7.83 and 9.25, respectively, P<0.001 for all). The scores of family support, friend support and other support, and the total score of SS were negatively correlated with AD (rs values were-0.26,-0.25,-0.22 and-0.28, respectively, P<0.001 for all). Compared with low-score group, the scores of family support, friend support and other support, and the total score of SS among the high-score group had a lower risk of antenata depression among primiparas in their third trimesters, OR(95%CI) values were 0.56 (0.41-0.77), 0.66(0.47-0.92), 0.57(0.41-0.79) and 0.36(0.27-0.48), respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of AD among Zhejiang primiparas was relatively high, and AD was negatively associated with SS level. We suggest adding SS in community pregnancy health management service in the future.

[Lay emphasis on early rehabilitation after extensive burn to prevent severe complications in late stage].

The mental disorders, scar, and dysfunction will affect the work and study of patients with extensive burn, which can further affect the quality of life and the rate of return to society. Under the premise of saving life, the function of patients with extensive burn should be reserved as much as possible for a better living quality. In addition to the specialized treatment, body positioning, therapeutic exercise, orthosis application, and psychotherapy can be used in the early stage of burn rehabilitation. Early rehabilitation training is beneficial to the circulatory system, immune system, functional and psychological recovery of patients. It can also improve the quality of extensive burn treatment, and decrease deformities and the incidence of complications in the late stage.

[Screening on key techniques used for surveillance and disposal of public health emergencies].

Objective: To explore the key techniques used for surveillance and disposal of infectious diseases, food poisoning and hospital infection to improve the ability of surveillance and disposal on public health emergency. Methods: Framework on surveillance and disposal of infectious diseases, food poisoning and hospital infection was set up, based on literature review and expert group discussion. Delphi method and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution comprehensive evaluation method were used for ordering preference by similarity, to screen key techniques set for surveillance and disposal of the above said events. Results: Framework to be used for selecting key techniques was designed, based on the classification of emergency events, processing cycle of emergency events and level of techniques. Twenty six public health experts were selected for a 2-round consultation, with their authority as 0.796. Ten key techniques with important significance for surveillance and disposal of infectious diseases, food poisoning and hospital infection were selected from each event. Among these key techniques, the early-warning system was recognized as the key technique, important for the surveillance and disposal of all three emergency events. Items as technology used for unknown pathogenic microorganism detection, personal protection, gene sequencing and tracing technology, microorganism molecular typing technology, nucleic acid detection technology etc. were the key techniques and need to develop for the surveillance and disposal of infectious diseases and iatrogenic infection. Data regarding key technologies on security and privacy, early warning and forecasting, field rapid detection were sorted out that all in need to improve the surveillance programs on disposal of infectious diseases and food poisoning. Data exchange appeared another key technique on infectious diseases, with toxin detection and other 5 techniques the key techniques for food poisoning. Data collection, standardization and other 3 techniques appeared as the key techniques on iatrogenic infection. Conclusions: Key techniques were selected in this study to meet the requirements of surveillance, disposal of infectious disease, food poisoning and iatrogenic infection. Authority of the experts got improved in the two-round consultation, ensuring the reliability of the results of screening and providing a scientific basis for the further research and priority development of the key techniques.

Outbreak of enteric microsporidiosis of hatchery-bred juvenile groupers, Epinephelus spp., associated with a new intranuclear microporidian in China.

A new enteric microsporidian was found to be associated with the mass mortality of hatchery-bred juvenile groupers, Epinephelus spp., in China. The outbreak usually occurred during the rainy season between May and November when water temperature ranged from 26 to 30 °C and salinity from 28 to 34 ppt, although this microsporidian can be detected year round. External clinical signs included severe emaciation, white faeces syndrome, anorexia, sinking to the bottom of culture ponds and mass mortality (up to 90%). Upon necropsy, severe intestinal oedema and thin and transparent intestinal wall could be observed. The mature spores are tiny, measuring 1.3-1.5 (1.35 ± 0.13) × 1.6-2.4 (2.16 ± 0.31) µm and can be found in the cytoplasm and the nucleoplasm of most enteric epithelial cells of host. Epidemiological investigation showed that this species was distributed throughout most of the culture area of grouper fingerlings in Fujian, Guangdong, Hainan and Guangxi provinces in China, with maximum prevalence of 95%. Molecular analysis based on the partial small subunit rRNA sequence (1045 bp) placed this species within the Enterocytozoonidae, but sequence identities to other species were below 90%. The exact taxonomic position warrants study of the ultrastructural characteristics of the developmental stages.

[The relationship between type ⠡ diabetes mellitus and hearing loss：a Meta-analysi].

Objective:Analysis of the relationship between type 2 diabetes and hearing loss through the available literature.Method:According to the main keyword retrieval databases at home and abroad,and in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the literature,the listening incidence rate,OR value,the frequency of pure tone hearing threshold,tests the average standard deviation were chose as the evaluation index. Meta analysis was carried out using Rev Man5.3 software. Result:According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,the articles were screened and included in the final to meet the requirements of the 17 studies. The prevalence of hearing loss in patients with type II diabetes mellitus was 21.0%-74.6%,which was 2.54 times higher than the control group. The difference was statistically significant between the two groups(OR=2.54,95% CI 1.85-3.49,P<0.000 01). In addition,the hearing threshold of all frequencies in type Ⅱ diabetes group was higher than that of control group(Z=5.03,P<0.000 01). Conclusion:Type 2 diabetes can affect hearing loss,especially at the high frequencies.

[Influencing factors for the use of earplugs in workers exposed to noise in a city].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the current status of hearing loss and the use of earplugs in workers exposed to noise who have been provided earplugs in a city, as well as major influencing factors for the use of earplugs. METHODS: Cluster random sampling was used to conduct a questionnaire survey in workers exposed to noise who had been provided earplugs in 15 enterprises with noise exposure in a city from June to December, 2014. RESULTS: In the workers exposed to noise who had been provided earplugs, the rate of high-frequency anomaly in both ears was 57.8%, and the workers who kept wearing earplugs only accounted for 55.4%. The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that the protective factors for the use of earplugs included workers' own feeling of hearing condition (OR=1.704), comfort of earplugs (OR= 1.892), enterprise's inspection of the use of earplugs (OR=1.461), workers' knowledge of the function and usage of earplugs (OR=1.581), workers' understanding of the necessity of earplugs (OR=4.482), workers' initiative to search for related data (OR=4.029), the use of earplugs by colleagues (OR=5.071), and reminders from family members or friends (OR=2.678) (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The workers exposed to noise in this city have a high rate of abnormal hearing, and only half of the workers keep wearing earplugs during work. The use of earplugs is related to the factors including workers' own feeling of hearing condition, comfort of earplugs, workers' knowledge of protection, the enterprise' s management of hearing protection, and environmental support.

Characterization and identification of streptococci from golden pompano in China.

Streptococcal infections cause significant mortality and high economic losses in the fish farm industry worldwide, including in the culture of golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus L., a species gaining popularity in China. A total of 9 streptococcal strains were isolated from cage-cultured diseased golden pompano in Beihai, Zhanjing, and Shenzhen, China, between 2012 and 2014. Conventional and rapid identification systems were used to determine that the isolates were Streptococcus agalactiae, S. iniae, and S. dysgalactiae subsp. dysgalactiae. All isolates were gram-positive cocci cells in pairs or short-chain, non-motile, catalase negative, α or ß hemolytic cocci. The results of multiplex PCR assays and 16S rRNA BLAST analysis also showed that the ß hemolytic strains were S. agalactiae and S. iniae and the α hemolytic strain was S. dysgalactiae subsp. dysgalactiae, respectively. Pathogenicity assays revealed that S. agalactiae (lethal dose [LD50]: 6.38 × 10(4) CFU ml(-1)) was more virulent for golden pompano than S. iniae (LD50: 1.47 × 10(7) CFU ml(-1)) and S. dysgalactiae subsp. dysgalactiae (LD50: 2.57 × 10(6) CFU ml(-1)) when they were challenged by intraperiotoneal (i.p.) injection. The results of antibiotic susceptibility showed that all strains were extremely susceptible to cefradine, erythromycin, and cefotaxime but resistant to gentamicin, penicillin G, novobiocin, neomycin, ciprofloxacin, roxithromycin, furazolidone, enrofloxacin, norfloxacin, kanamycin, ampicillin, tetracycline, and vancomycin This is the first report of a phenomenon of golden pompano coinfection with S. agalactiae and S. iniae, which will contribute to the diagnosis and prevention of streptococcicosis.

[The value of PHI/PCA3 in the early diagnosis of prostate cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of prostate health index (PHI) and prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3) in the early diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: A total of 190 patients with abnormal serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) or abnormal digital rectal examination were enrolled. They were all underwent initial biopsy and 11 of them were also underwent repeated biopsy. In addition, 25 healthy cases (with normal digital rectal examination and PSA<4 ng/ml) were the control group.The PHI and PCA3 were detected by using immunofluorescence and Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP). The sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis were determined by ROC curve.In addition, the relationship between PHI/PSA and the Gleason score and clinical stage were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 89 patients were confirmed PCa by Pathological diagnosis. The other 101 patients were diagnosed as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The sensitivity and specificity of PCA3 test were 85.4% was 92.1%. Area under curve (AUC) of PHI is higher than AUC of PSA (0.727>0.699). The PHI in peripheral blood was positively correlated with Gleason score and clinical stage. CONCLUSIONS: The detection of PCA3 and PHI shows excellent detecting effectiveness. Compared with single PSA, the combined detection of PHI and PCA3 improved the diagnostic specificity. It can provide a new method for the early diagnosis in prostate cancer and avoid unnecessary biopsies.

[Effects of autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction on erectile dysfunction of hypertensive rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of autologous adipose stromal vascular fraction (SVF) injection into corpora cavernosa on the hypertension-associated erectile dysfunction (ED) in rats and its possible mechanism. METHODS: Healthy male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) at 30-week (n=40) and homologous rats with normal blood pressure (WKY) (n=20) were selected. Noninvasive blood pressure meter was used to measure the systolic blood pressure (SBP) at the tail. Cervical subcutaneous injection of apomorphine was applied to test penile erectile function. The rats with ED were divided into hypertension-associated ED rats treated with autologous SVF injection into corpora cavernosa (ED-SHR-SVF group) (n=8) and hypertension-associated ED rats treated with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) injection into corpora cavernosa (ED-SHR-PBS group) (n=8). The intracavernosal pressure (ICP) was measured in each group. Western blot and RT-PCR were conducted to test protein and mRNA expressions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in corpora cavernosa. RESULTS: The tail SBP in SHR rats was significantly higher than that in WKY rats ((197.47±6.82) mmHg vs (125.23±4.65) mmHg, P<0.05). The erectile rate in SHR rats was 60% (24/40), and that in WKY rats was 100% (20/20). After 5 V electrical stimulation, the ICP in the ED-SHR-SVF group was significantly higher than in the ED-SHR-PBS group ((83.42±3.21) mmHg vs (52.37±3.11) mmHg, P<0.05). The protein and mRNA expressions of eNOS in the ED-SHR-SVF group were significantly higher than in the ED-SHR-PBS group (0.43±0.03 vs 0.18±0.05, 0.92±0.05 vs 0.41±0.06, both P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High blood pressure can cause ED in rats, which could be mitigated by autologous SVF injection. The mechanism may be related to up-regulation of eNOS expression in corpus cavernosa.

Oral administration of putrescine and proline during the suckling period improves epithelial restitution after early weaning in piglets.

Polyamines are necessary for normal integrity and the restitution after injury of the gastrointestinal epithelium. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of oral administration of putrescine and proline during the suckling period on epithelial restitution after early weaning in piglets. Eighteen neonatal piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Large Yorkshire) from 3 litters (6 piglets per litter) were assigned to 3 groups, representing oral administration with an equal volume of saline (control), putrescine (5 mg/kg BW), and proline (25 mg/kg BW) twice daily from d 1 to weaning at 14 d of age. Plasma and intestinal samples were obtained 3 d after weaning. The results showed that oral administration of putrescine or proline increased the final BW and ADG of piglets compared with the control (P < 0.05). Proline treatment decreased plasma D-lactate concentration but increased the villus height in the jejunum and ileum, as well as the percentage of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) positive cells and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity in the jejunal mucosa (P < 0.05). The protein expressions for zonula occludens (ZO-1), occludin, and claudin-3 (P < 0.05) but not mRNA were increased in the jejunum of putrescine- and proline-treated piglets compared with those of control piglets. The voltage-gated K+ channel (Kv) 1.1 protein expression in the jejunum of piglets administrated with putrescine and the Kv1.5 mRNA and Kv1.1 protein levels in the ileum of piglets administrated with proline were greater than those in control piglets (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that polyamine or its precursor could improve mucosal proliferation, intestinal morphology, as well as tight junction and potassium channel protein expressions in early-weaned piglets, with implications for epithelial restitution and barrier function after stress injury.

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the spermatic cord: case report and literature review.

This case study reports on a rare case of malignant fibrous histiocytoma arising in the right spermatic cord. An 80-year old male presented with a 2-week history of a right inguinal mass, with mild pain in the same region. Ultrasonography and computed tomography showed a mass arising from the right spermatic cord. A right radical orchiectomy was performed with wide dissection of the mass; the right testicle and epididymis were found not to be grossly involved. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and recovered well. The patient and his family refused further adjuvant radiotherapy. There was no evidence of recurrence or metastasis during 20 months of regular follow-up. The diagnosis, histological classification, treatment and prognosis of this case are presented, together with a review of the literature.

Sensitive and rapid detection of Vibrio corallilyticus by loop-mediated isothermal amplification targeted to the alpha subunit gene of RNA polymerase.

AIMS: A diagnostic protocol was developed for rapid detection of Vibrio corallilyticus by method of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). METHODS AND RESULTS: For cloning and sequencing of rpo A gene of V. corallilyticus, a set of four LAMP primers were designed by targeting the rpoA gene. With Bst DNA polymerase, the reaction time and temperature were optimized for 70 min at 65 degrees C, respectively. The amplification products were detected by electrophoresis. The detection limit of V. corallilyticus by LAMP was 3.6 x 10(3) CFU ml(-1) (8 CFU per reaction), but PCR could detect up to 3.6 x 10(4) CFU ml(-1) (72 CFU per reaction). The LAMP method was ninefold more sensitive than conventional PCR. The results also indicated that the LAMP reaction was highly specific to V. corallilyticus. CONCLUSIONS: The LAMP assay was a sensitive, specific and cost-effective method for the rapid detection of V. corallilyticus. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This LAMP method provides an important diagnostic tool for the detection of V. corallilyticus infection. It can replace laborious biochemical tests for the identification of V. corallilyticus.