[Clinical diagnostic practices for Chinese developmental dyslexia].

Objective: To explore the optimization of the standardized assessment tool for clinical diagnosis of Chinese developmental dyslexia (DD). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to December 2023, in which 130 primary school children in grades 1 to 3 with clinical signs of literacy lag and positive screening results on the screening scales were recruited from the outpatient clinic of Child Health Care Medical Division, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Chinese dyslexia screening behavior checklist for primary students (CDSBC) was used as the screening scales, and supplemented by dyslexia checklist for Chinese children. Referring to the standard procedure of the"expert advice on diagnosis and intervention of Chinese developmental dyslexia", the developmental dyslexia scale for standard mandarin (DDSSM) was used to evaluate the children's literacy-related cognitive abilities and conduct the diagnostic assessment, and divided the children into learning backward group and the DD group. The t-test and χ2 test were used to compare the differences in the distribution of intelligence, literacy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder between the two groups. Spearman's correlation was used to analyze the correlation between the scores for each cognitive ability in the DDSSM and the CDSBC. Results: Of the 130 children, 90 were male, aged (8.3±1.0) years; 40 were female, aged (8.1±0.9) years. A final diagnosis of DD was made in 59 cases, of which 41 were males. There was no statistically significant difference in operational intelligence quotient (101±15 vs.100±15, t=0.53, P>0.05) and statistically significant difference in literacy of DDSSM (32±5 vs.21±4, t=11.56, P<0.001) between the learning backward group and the DD group. Eighteen cases (25.4%) of the learning backward group were children with attention deficit subtype attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD-I), and 16 cases (27.1%) in DD group, the difference in incidence between the two groups was not statistically significant (χ2=0.05, P>0.05). There were correlations between the DDSSM (for oral vocabulary, morphological awareness and orthographic awareness) and the CDSBC total score (r=-0.42, -0.32, -0.35, all P<0.01), but the correlations for visuospatial perception and rapid automatized naming with CDSBC total score were not statistically significant (r=-0.09 and -0.20,both P>0.05). Conclusion: For literacy-related cognitive abilities, screening scales CDSBC are not sufficiently useful for assessment, so the introduction of standardized assessment tools DDSSM is an optimization of the clinical diagnosis of Chinese DD, which is crucial for achieving accurate diagnosis and intervention.

Differentiation between atypical sinonasal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and inverted papilloma.

AIM: To seek additional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features to improve the accuracy of differentiation between atypical sinonasal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and inverted papilloma (IP) using conventional MRI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRI examinations from 44 atypical cases (21 NHLs and 23 IPs) in sinonasal regions were reviewed retrospectively. Imaging features included tumour laterality, extension, T1-weighted imaging (WI)/T2WI signal intensity homogeneity and ratios, enhancement homogeneity and ratios, and ADCmean. RESULTS: In cases of NHL, homogeneous signal intensity was often observed on T2WI, which was homogeneous and significantly less enhanced than the turbinate, with lower ADCmean. Whereas in IPs, heterogeneous signal intensity was seen on T2WI, which was heterogeneous and of comparable enhancement to the turbinate, and higher ADCmean values were commonly seen. An ADCmean cut-off point of 1.10 × 10-3 mm2/s achieved 100% sensitivity, 90% specificity, and 90% accuracy. In addition, special features were observed that support the distinction between the two tumours, including intestinal pattern enhancement in NHL and spot-like appearance on T2WI and enhancement in IP. CONCLUSIONS: ADCmean was the most valuable metric for differentiating between the atypical sinonasal NHLs and IPs.

[Value of thyroid 99mTcO4- imaging ROI ratio for estimating 131I dose in individualized treatment of hyperthyroidism].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of using thyroid 99mTcO4- imaging ROI ratio instead of 24 h radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) for estimating 131I dose in individualized treatment of hyperthyroidism. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 132 patients receiving 131I treatment in our department between January and June, 2019. According to their 3 h/24 h RAIU peak ratio, the patients were divided into peak forward (≥80%) group and no peak forward (< 80%) group. In the former group, the therapeutic 131I dose was calculated based the Marinelli formula (131I dose=thyroid mass×planned amount/24 h RAIU), and in the latter group, the correlation between the ROI ratio and the 24 h RAIU was analyzed, and the 131I dose was calculated using a modified Marinelli formula where 24 h RAIU was replaced by a converted ROI ratio. The two groups of patients were compared for antithyroid drug type and discontinuation time, thyroid hormones and related antibodies, thyroid area, thyroid mass and 131I dose. All the patients were and followed up for one year to analyze the treatment efficacy. The ROI ratios after the treatment were analyzed in the two groups using ROC curves. RESULTS: There was a significant positive correlation between the ROI ratio and 24 h RAUI in the no peak forward group (Y=58.13 + 0.2X, R2=0.118, P < 0.05), and the formula for calculating 131I dose was converted into: 131I dose=thyroid mass× planned amount/(58.13+0.2×ROI ratio)%. Before the treatment, therapeutic 131I dose, thyroid hormone levels, TRAb, 3 h and 24 h RAIU, thyroid area, thyroid mass, and ROI ratio all differed significantly between the two groups (P < 0.05). At 3 months after treatment, thyroid hormone levels, TRAb, TPOAb, thyroid area, thyroid mass, ROI ratio, response rate, hypothyroidism rate, cure rate, remission rate, and nonresponse rate were similar between two groups (P>0.05). At the 1-year follow-up, the composition ratios of hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and cured cases remained similar between two groups (P>0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that at 3 months after treatment, the optimal cutoff values of ROI ratio for predicting hyperthyroid recurrence and hypothyroidism were 15.79 and 6.33, respectively. CONCLUSION: Thyroid 99mTcO4- imaging ROI ratio can be used for calculating 131I dose in individualized treatment of hyperthyroidism and for prognostic evaluation of the patients.

Beamline simulations using monochromators with high d-spacing crystals.

Monochromators for synchrotron radiation beamlines typically use perfect crystals for the hard X-ray regime and gratings for soft X-rays. There is an intermediate range, typically 1-3 keV (tender X-rays), which common perfect crystals have difficulties covering and gratings have low efficiency, although some less common crystals with high d-spacing could be suitable. To evaluate the suitability of these crystals for a particular beamline, it is useful to evaluate the crystals' performance using tools such as ray-tracing. However, simulations for double-crystal monochromators are only available for the most used crystals such as Si, Ge or diamond. Here, an upgrade of the SHADOW ray-tracing code and complementary tools in the OASYS suite are presented to simulate high d-spacing crystals with arbitrary, and sometimes complex, structures such as beryl, YB66, muscovite, etc. Isotropic and anisotropic temperature factors are also considered. The YB66 crystal with 1936 atomic sites in the unit cell is simulated, and its applicability for tender X-ray monochromators is discussed in the context of new low-emittance storage rings.

Analysis of contrast-enhanced spectral chest CT optimal monochromatic imaging combined with ASIR and ASIR-V.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to explore the application of spectral chest CT optimal monochromatic imaging combined with ASIR and ASIR-V to optimize the image quality in the arterial phase. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 62 patients who had undergone contrast-enhanced chest CT examination using spectral CT were included. Twelve sets of arterial phase images were acquired using GSI mode. The CNR, BHA values and subjective scores were statistically analysed. Thus, optimal monochromatic images were obtained. Then, the images were acquired by reconstruction using ASIR and ASIR-V at 30%, 50% and 70% levels. Six sets of images were obtained and compared with QC and the monochromatic image under FBP mode. RESULTS: In FBP mode, the CNR of 80-keV images was 7.7±2.0, showing no significant difference with QC images (p > 0.05). The BHA value in the blood vessels was 45.2±23.1, which was lower than that in QC images (p < 0.05). The subjective image quality score of 80-keV images was 4.50±0.62. No significant difference was found in QC images (p > 0.05). The subjective score of the artefacts was 2.45±0.62, which was lower than that of QC images (p < 0.05). Thus, 80 keV was chosen as the optimal monochromatic energy to be reconstructed with ASIR and ASIR-V. The CNR of the 80keV+50% ASIR-V group was 13.9±4.3, which was higher than those of 140-kVp and 80-keV images in FBP (p < 0.05). The subjective score was 4.90±0.298, which was higher than that of other groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with conventional chest CT images in the arterial phase, 80keV+50% ASIR-V images can effectively eliminate beam-hardening artefacts and improve image quality.

The relationship between hepatitis B virus serum DNA, RNA and quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen, and the predictive value for mother-to-child transmission: an observational cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationships between hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, HBV RNA and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and to evaluate their predictive value for mother-to-child transmission of HBV. DESIGN: An observational cohort study. SETTING: First Hospital of Jilin University. POPULATION: HBsAg-positive and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) -positive pregnant women were recruited. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from mothers before delivery, and HBV infection of infants was evaluated at 7 months of age. RESULTS: Overall, 268 mothers and 271 infants were enrolled. HBV DNA and HBsAg levels were correlated (rs = 0.699; P < 0.001), and HBV DNA (rs = 0.500; P < 0.001) and HBsAg (rs = 0.372; P < 0.001) were both correlated with HBV RNA. The areas under the curve for HBV DNA, HBsAg and HBV RNA for prediction of infection were 0.69 (95% CI 0.57-0.82), 0.63 (95% CI 0.51-0.76) and 0.65 (95% CI 0.52-0.78), respectively. Higher HBV DNA (odds ratio [OR] 4.77, 95% CI 1.44-15.86), higher HBsAg (OR 4.13, 95% CI 1.12-15.25) and higher HBV RNA (OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.09-9.32) were risk factors for HBV infection. Analysis of the HBV DNA-RNA-HBsAg Score revealed that it was an independent predictive factor for mother-to-child transmission (the OR of Score 3 was 8.81, 95% CI 2.79-27.82). CONCLUSION: HBV DNA, HBV RNA and HBsAg were correlated in HBeAg-positive pregnant women. HBsAg could be considered as a substitute marker of HBV DNA for HBeAg-positive pregnant women in low-income regions. We should pay special attention to pregnant women with high levels of all three markers. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: HBsAg could be considered as a substitute marker of HBV DNA for HBeAg-positive pregnant women in low-income regions. Special attention should be given to pregnant women with high levels of all three markers (HBV DNA, HBV RNA and HBsAg).

Unravelling strong electronic interlayer and intralayer correlations in a transition metal dichalcogenide.

Electronic correlations play important roles in driving exotic phenomena in condensed matter physics. They determine low-energy properties through high-energy bands well-beyond optics. Great effort has been made to understand low-energy excitations such as low-energy excitons in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), however their high-energy bands and interlayer correlation remain mysteries. Herewith, by measuring temperature- and polarization-dependent complex dielectric and loss functions of bulk molybdenum disulphide from near-infrared to soft X-ray, supported with theoretical calculations, we discover unconventional soft X-ray correlated-plasmons with low-loss, and electronic transitions that reduce dimensionality and increase correlations, accompanied with significantly modified low-energy excitons. At room temperature, interlayer electronic correlations, together with the intralayer correlations in the c-axis, are surprisingly strong, yielding a three-dimensional-like system. Upon cooling, wide-range spectral-weight transfer occurs across a few tens of eV and in-plane p-d hybridizations become enhanced, revealing strong Coulomb correlations and electronic anisotropy, yielding a two-dimensional-like system. Our result shows the importance of strong electronic, interlayer and intralayer correlations in determining electronic structure and opens up applications of utilizing TMDCs on plasmonic nanolithrography.

[Preoperative diagnostic value of 99mTc- MIBI SPECT/CT imaging combined with semiquantitative analysis in hyperparathyroidism and factors affecting its efficacy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of technetium-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile single photon emission/ computed tomography (99mTc- MIBI SPECT/CT), 99mTc- MIBI double- phase scintigraphy (DPS) DPS and ultrasound (US) in preoperative localization of hyperparathyroidism (HPT) and explore the factors affecting the diagnostic efficacy of 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 104 patients with HPT undergoing surgical resection between January, 2015 and July, 2019. Preoperative 99mTc-MIBI imaging was performed in all the patients, and 82 patients also received US examination preoperatively. Semi-quantitative analysis was used to draw the region of interest and calculate the lesion/ ipsilateral deltoid muscle (T/NT) uptake ratio. The sensitivity and detection performance of 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT, DPS and US in the diagnosis of HPT patients were compared, and the correlations of the T/NT ratios of parathyroid adenoma (PA) and parathyroid hyperplasia (PH) with the expression levels of COX-2 and Bcl-2 were analyzed. RESULTS: The diagnostic sensitivity of 99mTc- MIBI SPECT/CT, DPS and US for HPT was 95.19% (99/104), 91.3% (95/104) and 81.71% (67/82), respectively, demonstrating a significantly higher diagnostic sensitivity of 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT than US (χ2=9.59, P=0.008). For PH lesions, 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT had the highest diagnostic sensitivity, followed by DPS and then by US (P < 0.05), but their sensitivity did not differ significantly for PA (P>0.05). The T/NT ratio in fatty hyperplastic glands was significantly lower than that in fat-free hyperplastic glands (P=0.009). In PA, Bcl-2 expression was significantly lower in false negative lesions than in true positive lesions (P=0.046), but Cox-2 expression did not show such a difference (P>0.05). In PH lesions, the expressions of Bcl-2 and Cox- 2 did not differ significantly between false negative than true positive lesions (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT has a high sensitivity for HPT localization, and the T/NT ratio is positively correlated with the lesion volume. An increased expression of Bcl-2 in PA lesions and a decreased cell fat content in PH lesions can facilitate the detection of HPT glands by 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT.

[Analysis of brain perfusion single-photon emission tomography images using an easy Zscore imaging system for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) images of cerebral blood flow perfusion using an easy Z-score imaging system (eZIS) and explore the value of SPECT and eZIS in early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 71 subjects undergoing brain perfusion SPECT examination in our department from September, 2018 to September, 2020 and identified 31 eligible subjects for this study. Among these subjects, according to the NIA-AA criteria (2011 edition), 12 were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment due to AD (MCI) and 11 with AD dementia stage (AD); 8 elderly subjects were healthy without cognitive impairment (NC). All these subjects underwent brain perfusion SPECT, and eZIS-assisted analysis was used to obtain the index values (severity, range and ratio). The differences in the severity, extent and ratio among the 3 groups were compared, and the diagnostic efficacy of single and joint analysis of the 3 indexes for early AD was analyzed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in gender, age and education level among the 3 groups (P>0.05). Compared with those in NC group, the Mini Mental State Examination Scale (MMSE) scores were significantly lowered in AD group and MCI group; the MMSE score was significantly lower in AD group than in MCI group (P < 0.05). The patients with AD had significantly greater disease severity and extent than those with MCI group; the severity, range and ratio in both AD group and MCI group were significantly higher than those of NC group, but the ratio did not differ significantly between AD group and MCI group (P>0.05). In single index analysis, severity had the highest diagnostic performance (AUC=0.911) and sensitivity (87.0%); the diagnostic performance and sensitivity of joint analysis were better than those of single analysis, and joint analysis of range and ratio showed high diagnostic performance (AUC=0.948) and sensitivity (87.0%). CONCLUSION: The analysis of brain perfusion SPECT using an eZIS program can be useful for early diagnosis of AD.

Influences of low level of dietary calcium on bone characters in laying hens.

Cage layer fatigue (CLF), which is commonly caused by calcium deficiency in the feed, leads to loss of structural bone and increase of bone fragility. In order to investigate the influence of low-calcium diets on bone quality and strength, histopathology, and egg quality, 72 laying hens were randomly allocated to 2 groups at 22 wk of age and received low calcium and control calcium until 34 wk, respectively. Egg production, feed consumption, BW, and egg quality were measured throughout. Bone mineral density, bone biomechanical properties, and histomorphology of femurs and tibias were assessed after birds were sacrificed in 26, 30, and 34 wk. The results showed that low-calcium (1.5%) diets decreased BW, feed consumption, and egg production. The broken eggs rate increased, and the eggshell strength and thickness were lower in treated birds than those in control birds at 30 wk and 34 wk. Femoral and tibial bone index and bone mineral density were lower, cortical thicknesses were thinner, and bone length were shorter over time when birds are in a low-calcium diet than those in control birds. In biomechanical properties, the values of stiffness, Young's modulus, and breaking strength were lower in both femurs and tibias in low-calcium hens at 30 wk and 34 wk than those in bones of control hens. In histomorphology of bone, the cortex turned thinner and there were more cavities in cortex and cancellous bone; the trabecular bone network was fewer, thinner, less cohesive, and generally fragmented; and trabeculae were less well-connected in low-calcium birds. Some cell nuclei in cancellous bone disappeared, and vacuolation was observed in bone cells. There appeared osteoid in cortex bone and cancellous bone in tibias. It was concluded that low-calcium diets could facilitate the development of osteoporosis characterized by an increase of osteoid and loss of structural bone and decrease the values of bone quality and strength, accompanied with a decrease in egg production and egg qualities, which may elucidate the developing mechanism of CLF.

Emergency general surgery in a public hospital in Malaysia.

INTRODUCTION: Patients undergoing emergency general surgery (EGS) are at risk for death and complications. Information on the burden of EGS is critical for developing strategies to improve the outcomes. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, medical records of all general surgical operations in a public hospital were reviewed for the period 1st January 2017 to 31st December 2017. Data on patient demographics, operative workload, case mix, time of surgery and outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: Of the 2960 general surgical operations that were performed in 2017, 1720 (58.1%) of the procedures were performed as emergencies. The mean age for the patients undergoing emergency general surgical procedures was 37.9 years (Standard Deviation, ±21.0), with male preponderance (57.5%). Appendicitis was the most frequent diagnosis for the emergency procedures (43%) followed by infections of the skin and soft tissues (31.6%). Disorders of the colon and rectum ranked as the third most common condition, accounting for 6.7% of the emergency procedures. Majority of emergency surgery (59.3%) took place after office hours and on weekends. Post-operative deaths and admissions to critical care facilities increased during EGS when compared to elective surgery, p<0.01. CONCLUSIONS: EGS constitutes a major part of the workload of general surgeons and it is associated significant risk for death and post-operative complications. The burden of EGS must be recognised and patient care systems must evolve to make surgery safe and efficient.

Sunflower seed oil containing ginseng stem-leaf saponins (E515-D) is a safe adjuvant for Newcastle disease vaccine.

Vaccination is an effective method to prevent Newcastle disease (ND) in chickens. Marcol 52 and #10 white oil are mineral-based adjuvants and can be found in commercial inactivated ND virus vaccines. The present study demonstrated that a vegetable origin oil E515-D had lower polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and higher flash point than the commercial products Marcol 52 and #10 white oil. E515-D could be mixed with an aqueous phase containing ND virus antigen to form a stable water-in-oil vaccine emulsion and exhibited more potent adjuvant effects on the immune response than Marcol 52 and #10 white oil. Moreover, the absorption of E515-D-adjuvanted vaccine was faster than absorption of Marcol 52- and #10 white oil-adjuvanted vaccines when ND virus vaccines were injected in broilers. Therefore, E515-D was safe and could be a suitable adjuvant used in vaccines for food animals. In addition，E515-D is not easy to be flammable during shipping and storage owing to its higher flash point.

Antioxidative stress of oral administration of tea extract granule in chickens.

The present study was to evaluate antioxidative effect of tea extract granule (TEG) on oxidative stress induced by cyclophosphamide (Cy) in chickens. In experiment 1, chickens were randomly divided into 5 groups with 10 birds in each. Groups 3 to 5 were orally administered TEG in drinking water for 7 D at doses of 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg body weight, respectively. After that, groups 2 to 5 received intramuscular injection of Cy (100 mg/kg BW) for 3 D. Group 1 was not treated as a control. In experiment 2, chickens were grouped in the same way as in experiment 1. Groups 2 to 5 received intramuscular injection of Cy (100 mg/kg BW) for 3 D. After that, groups 3 to 5 were orally administered TEG in drinking water for 7 D at doses of 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg BW, respectively. Results showed that Cy injection induced significantly decreased body weight and oxidative stress. Oral administration of TEG before or after Cy injection increased body weight, the thymus, bursa, and spleen indices, total antioxidant capacity, and the levels of glutathione; elevated the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase; as well as decreased the protein carbonyl content, lipid peroxide, and malondialdehyde. In addition, TEG administration reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species. Therefore, TEG could be a promising agent against oxidative stress in the poultry industry.

HMGA1-mediated miR-671-5p targets APC to promote metastasis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma through Wnt signaling.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of miR-671-5p on metastasis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and underlying mechanism involved. The migration and invasion of ccRCC cells were determined by transwell and boyden assays in vitro and in vivo. Genes mRNA and protein expression were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot analysis, respectively. The target gene of miRNA was confirmed by luciferase reporter assays. Transcriptional regulation of miRNA by transcription factor was detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP). The expression of miRNA in clinical specimens were detected by in situ hybridization (ISH). miR-671-5p promoted migration and invasion of ccRCC in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, miR-671-5p directly targeted APC to activate Wnt signaling, thus inducing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in ccRCC. Intriguingly, miR-671-5p expression was transcriptionally enhanced by HMGA1. Consistently, bioinformatics analysis suggested that HMGA1 was positively correlated with miR-671 expression, however, miR-671 was negatively correlated with APC. In situ hybridization analysis showed that miR-671-5p was upregulated in ccRCC compared with paracarcinoma and correlated with poor prognosis of ccRCC patients. In addition, univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that miR-671-5p expression was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in ccRCC patients. Our data suggest that miR-671-5p is a tumor enhancer in regulating of ccRCC metastasis, and miR-671-5p may be utilized as a factor for the clinical diagnosis and prognosis of ccRCC.

Validation of the Short-Form Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLS-SF12) and Its Determinants among People Living in Rural Areas in Vietnam.

Background: Health literacy (HL) is an important factor in improving health inequalities in poor and marginalized groups. Assessing comprehensive HL is critical. In this study, we validated the use of a comprehensive short-form HL survey tool (HLS-SF12) and examined the determinants of HL among people in rural areas. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2019 on 440 people residing in mountainous areas in Vietnam. Health literacy was measured using the HLS-SF12. Personal characteristics were also collected. We analyzed data using confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency analysis, and regression analysis. Results: The questionnaire demonstrated a good construct validity with satisfactory goodness-of-fit indices and item-scale convergent validity. The tool was reliable and homogeneous with Cronbach's alpha = 0.79, with no floor/ceiling effects. People who were married had lower HL (regression coefficient B = -3.12; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -5.69, -0.56; p = 0.017) compared with those who never married. Higher education attainment (B = 3.41 to 10.44; p < 0.001), a better ability to pay for medication (B = 4.17 to 9.89; p < 0.001), and a tendency to view health-related TV/radio more often (B = 5.23 to 6.15; p < 0.001) were associated with higher HL. Conclusions: The HLS-SF12 is a valid survey tool for the evaluation of HL in rural populations. A number of personal characteristics were strongly associated with HL.

Effect of genistein on the gene expressions of androgen generating key enzymes StAR, P450scc and CYP19 in rat ovary.

In this investigation, the effects of genistein (GEN) on the expression of steroidogenic genes such as steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), side-chain cleavage enzymes (P450scc) and cytochrome P450 aromatase (CYP19) were assessed. For this study, forty young female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats at aged 2-3 months (200±20 g) and forty aged female SD rats aged 10-12 months (490±20 g) were selected. Also, based on weight they were divided into a negative control group (NC), three different GEN dose groups, which received GEN of 15, 30, 60 mg/kg, and a positive control group (PC). The experiment lasted 30 days. Concentrations of serum hormones were determined by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Gene and protein expressions of StAR, P450scc and CYP19 were determined by Real-Time PCR and western blot techniques. It was observed that 30-60 mg/kg GEN could increase the expression of androgen generating key enzymes in the young rat ovary. GEN also significantly increased progesterone and E2 levels in the serum of aged rats and reduced the levels of LH and FSH in the serum of both young and aged rats. Compared with young rats, the effect of GEN on the ovary of aged rats was stronger and a lower dose of GEN (15 mg/kg) showed an obvious effect on these indicators. GEN influenced both estrogen level and indicators associated with estrogen and androgen transformation processes, which indicates that GEN can impair the growth and maturation of the ovary.

Combined adjuvant effect of ginseng stem-leaf saponins and selenium on immune responses to a live bivalent vaccine of Newcastle disease virus and infectious bronchitis virus in chickens.

Vaccination with a live bivalent vaccine of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a routine practice in poultry industry in China. This study was designed to evaluate ginseng stem-leaf saponins (GSLS) in combination with selenium (Se) for their adjuvant effect on the immune response to vaccination against NDV and IBV in chickens. A live bivalent vaccine of NDV and IBV was diluted in saline solution containing GSLS or Se or both and used to immunize chickens via a intraocular-and-intranasal route. Results showed that GSLS promoted significantly higher NDV- and IBV-specific antibody responses with the highest antibody response detected in GSLS-Se group. The increased antibody was capable of neutralizing NDV and IBV. In addition, GSLS-Se enhanced lymphocyte proliferation and production of IFN-γ and IL-4. More importantly GSLS-Se was found to promote early production and prolong the duration of the antibody responses. In order to improve the efficacy of vaccination in chicken flocks, the diluent containing GSLS-Se deserves further studies to evaluate its effect on other chicken vaccines.

Estrogenic properties of genistein acting on FSHR and LHR in rats with PCOS.

The purpose of the study was to study the activity of the phytoestrogen genistein (GEN) act- ing on FSHR and LHR in rat ovaries with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Sixty rats were di- vided into six groups. Rats in the dose group received genistein at a concentration of either 5 (low genistein dose group, L-gen), 10 (middle genistein dose group, M-Gen) or 20 (high genistein dose group, H-Gen) mg per kg of body weight per day. Estrogen group (EG, received 0.5 mg/kg Dieth- ylstilbestrol). Concentration of sex hormones in serum was quantified by enzyme-linked immuno- sorbent assay (ELISA). Expressions of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and lutein- izing hormone receptor (LHR) protein were determined by immunohistochemistry. Treatment with genistein resulted in a strong stimulation of the concentration of sex hormone in serum. The concentration of progesterone and FSH was significantly higher in H-Gen when compared to the PCOS model control group (MG) (P ⟨ 0.01). In contrast, the concentration of testosterone, LH and the ratio of LH/FSH decreased in GEN treatment groups compared to MG, the effect was statistically significant, tested by the ANOVA test (p⟨0.01). For hormone receptor activity, treat- ment with genistein resulted in an improvement of ovarian function with LHR protein expression being enhanced and FSHR protein expression being suppressed. Our results demonstrate that Genistein played a significant role in regulating FSH and LH receptor expression to improve perimenopausal ovarian and uterine function.