Seroprevalence and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in beef cattle and goats in Hunan province, China.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are closely related protozoan parasites that are considered important causes of abortion in livestock, causing huge economic losses. Hunan Province ranks 12th in the production of beef and mutton in China. However, limited data are available on the seroprevalence, risk factors and molecular characterization of T. gondii and N. caninum in beef cattle and goats in Hunan province, China. METHODS: Sera of 985 beef cattle and 1147 goats were examined for the presence of specific antibodies against T. gondii using indirect hemagglutination test (IHAT) and anti-N. caninum IgG using competitive-inhibition enzyme-linked immunoassay assay (cELISA). Statistical analysis of possible risk factors was performed using PASW Statistics. Muscle samples of 160 beef cattle and 160 goats were examined for the presence of T. gondii DNA (B1 gene) and N. caninum DNA (Nc-5 gene) by nested PCR. The B1 gene-positive samples were genotyped at 10 genetic markers using the multilocus nested PCR-RFLP (Mn-PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: Specific IgG against T. gondii were detected in 8.3% (82/985) and 13.3% (153/1147) and against N. caninum in 2.1% (21/985) and 2.0% (23/1147) of the beef cattle and goats, respectively. Based on statistical analysis, the presence of cats, semi-intensive management mode and gender were identified as significant risk factors for T. gondii infection in beef cattle. Age was a significant risk factor for T. gondii infection in goats (P < 0.05), and age > 3 years was a significant risk factor for N. caninum infection in beef cattle (P < 0.05). PCR positivity for T. gondii was observed in three beef samples (1.9%; 3/160) and seven chevon samples (4.4%; 7/160). Genotyping of PCR positive samples identified one to be ToxoDB#10. The N. caninum DNA was observed in one beef sample (0.6%; 1/160) but was negative in all chevon samples. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first large-scale serological and molecular investigation of T. gondii and N. caninum and assessment of related risk factors in beef cattle and goats in Hunan Province, China. The findings provide baseline data for executing prevention and control of these two important parasites in beef cattle and goats in China.

Implementation of Individualized Low-Dose Computed Tomography-Guided Hook Wire Localization of Pulmonary Nodules: Feasibility and Safety in the Clinical Setting.

Background: CT-guided hook-wire localization is an essential step in the management of small pulmonary nodules. Few studies, however, have focused on reducing radiation exposure during the procedure. Purpose: This study aims to explore the feasibility of implementing a low-dose computed tomography (CT)-guided hook wire localization using tailored kVp based on patients' body size. Materials and Methods: A total of 151 patients with small pulmonary nodules were prospectively enrolled for CT-guided hook wire localization using individualized low-dose CT (LDCT) vs. standard-dose CT (SDCT) protocols. Radiation dose, image quality, characteristics of target nodules and procedure-related variables were compared. All variables were analyzed using Chi-Square and Student's t-test. Results: The mean CTDIvol was significantly reduced for LDCT (for BMI ≤ 21 kg/m2, 0.56 ± 0.00 mGy and for BMI > 21 kg/m2, 1.48 ± 0.00 mGy) when compared with SDCT (for BMI ≤ 21 kg/m2, 5.24 ± 0.95 mGy and for BMI > 21 kg/m2, 6.69 ± 1.47 mGy). Accordingly, the DLP of LDCT was significantly reduced as compared with that of SDCT (for BMI ≤ 21 kg/m2, 56.86 ± 4.73 vs. 533.58 ± 122.06 mGy.cm, and for BMI > 21 kg/m2, 167.02 ± 38.76 vs. 746.01 ± 230.91 mGy.cm). In comparison with SDCT, the effective dose (ED) of LDCT decreased by an average of 89.42% (for BMI ≤ 21 kg/m2) and 77.68% (for BMI > 21 kg/m2), respectively. Although the images acquired with the LDCT protocol yielded inferior quality to those acquired with the SDCT protocol, they were clinically acceptable for hook wire localization. Conclusions: LDCT-guided localization can provide safety and nodule detection performance comparable to SDCT-guided localization, benefiting radiation dose reduction dramatically, especially for patients with small body mass indexes.

Tele-Mentored Handheld Ultrasound System for General Practitioners: A Prospective, Descriptive Study in Remote and Rural Communities.

BACKGROUND: Rural general practitioners (GPs) have insufficient diagnostic information to deal with complex clinical scenarios due to the inequality in medical imaging resources in rural and remote communities. The objective of this study is to explore the value of a tele-mentored handheld ultrasound (tele-HHUS) system, allowing GPs to provide ultrasound (US) services in rural and remote communities. METHODS: Overall, 708 patients underwent tele-HHUS examination between March and October 2021 and March and April 2022 across thirteen primary hospitals and two tertiary-care general hospitals. All US examinations were guided and supervised remotely in real time by US experts more than 300 km away using the tele-HHUS system. The following details were recorded: location of tele-HHUS scanning, primary complaints, clinical diagnosis, and US findings. The recommendations (referral or follow-up) based on clinical experience alone were compared with those based on clinical experience with tele-HHUS information. RESULTS: Tele-HHUS examinations were performed both in hospital settings (90.6%, 642/708) and out of hospital settings (9.4%, 66/708). Leaving aside routine physical examinations, flank pain (14.2%, 91/642) was the most common complaint in inpatients, while chest distress (12.1%, 8/66) and flank discomfort (12.1%, 8/66) were the most common complaints in out-of-hospital settings. Additionally, the referral rate increased from 5.9% to 8.3% (kappa = 0.202; p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: The tele-HHUS system can help rural GPs perform HHUS successfully in remote and rural communities. This novel mobile telemedicine model is valuable in resource-limited areas.

Facile synthesis of lipase-loaded starch nanoparticles as recyclable biocatalyst in Pickering interfacial systems.

To develop recyclable biocatalyst used in Pickering interfacial systems, the pH-responsive monomer [2-(dimethylamine)ethyl methacrylate] (DMAEMA) was grafted onto the maize starch molecule via free radical polymerization. Subsequently, combined with the gelatinization-ethanol precipitation and lipase (Candida rugosa) absorption process, an enzyme-loaded starch nanoparticle with DMAEMA grafting (D-SNP@CRL) was tailor-made, showing a nanometer size and regular sphere. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed a concentration-induced enzyme distribution within D-SNP@CRL, thereof the outside-to-inside enzyme distribution was proved to be optimum in achieving the highest catalytic efficiency. Benefited from the tunable wettability and size of D-SNP@CRL under pH variation, the generated Pickering emulsion could be readily applied as the recyclable microreactors for the n-butanol/vinyl acetate transesterification. This catalysis exhibited both highly catalytic activity and good recyclability, making the enzyme-loaded starch particle a promising green and sustainable biocatalyst in the Pickering interfacial system.

Ultrasonographic findings of Pachydermodactyly (PDD): A case report.

Pachydermodactyly (PDD) is a rare and benign dermatological disease. Several diagnostic imaging modalities have been used in the evaluation of the disease, for instance, X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), while ultrasonography was largely underused. In addition to the dermal thickening recorded in previous literature, we also observed the thickening of the collateral ligament by ultrasound. Based on this finding, some treatments that may damage ligaments, such as intralesional corticosteroids or surgery, should be carefully selected.

[Characteristics and Functional Status of Victims with Fractured Injury in Lushan Earthquake].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the functional limitations and characteristics of victims with fractured injury in Lushan Earthquake. METHODS: A total of 113 patients admitted to the hospital from April 20th to 30th 2013 for treatment of fractured injury in Lushan Earthquake were recruited for this study. They were evaluated by the department of rehabilitation medicine in West China Hospital using a questionnaire. RESULTS: The most common cause of injury was falling (39.82%). Vertebral fractures (26.55%) was the most common type of injury. Most injure was light (80.53%), but incidence of complications was high (89.37%). Motor functional limitations included restricted range of motion (97.35%), balance functional limitation (89.38%) and decreased muscle force (87.61%). Limited cardiopulmonary function and limited circular function occurred in about 19.47% of patients. About 76. 11% patients had restricted activities of daily living capacities, predominantly in bathing (96.46%), stair climbing (86.73%), and walking (78.76%). Pain symptoms were common (97.35%), with 4-6 in visual analogue scale (VAS) values accounting for 40.71% of those reporting pains. Limited psychological function, professional function and social function was reported by 46.02%, 99.12% and 100% patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Fractured injury of Lushan earthquake victims has its own characteristics. Increased attention should be paid to the restoration of psychological function, professional function and social function.

[Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on Osteogenic Differentiation and Wnt/ß-catenin Signaling Pathway in Rat Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of pulsed electromagnetic tields (FEMFs) on osteogemc differentiation and Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway in rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). METHODS: Rat BMSCs were isolated and the passage 3 cells were divided into 3 groups. Cells were cultured in LG-DMEM complete medium for 1 d to ensure fully adherent. Then, change the medium. Cells were maintained in complete medium (Control group) or in osteo-induction medium (OM group). The cells in PEMFs group were cultured in complete medium and exposed to 8 Hz, 3. 8 mT PEMF stimulation for 40 min/d. The intervention lasted for 21 d. Cell proliferation activity was determined by using MTT. The effects of PEMF onosteogenic differentiation were assessed by ALP and Alizarin Red S staining. Various osteoblast-relevant genes and genes of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling were analyzed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: We. found that OM could significantly promote the proliferation of BMSC at 7 d, 14 d, 21 d (P<0. 05), but the effect was not obviously found in PEMFs group. For osteogenic differentiation, the positive rates of ALP or Alizarin Red S staining were detected higher in PEMFs/ OM group (P < 0. 05). Quantitative RT-PCR revealed PEMFs or OM could increase mRNA levels of Wnt1, Wnt3a, LRP5, ß-catenin, BMP-2, Runx2, ALP, OC at special time point (P<0. 05). Compared to OM group, PEMFs have a lower expression in each detection, but the trends were consistent. CONCLUSION: PEMFs (8 Hz, 3. 8 mT) could induce the osteogenic differentiation of rat BMSCs via activating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

[Effects of whole body vibration on structural and functional remodeling of subchondral bones in rabbits with early osteoarthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of whole body vibration therapy (WBVT) on structural and functional remodeling of subchondral bone in rabbits with early Osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Twenty-four adult rabbits received anterior cruciate ligament transaction (ACLT) to establish knee osteoarthritis model. The rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: ACLT group and WBVT+ ACLT group. The rabbits in the WBVT+ ACLT group received whole body vibration treatment (Frequency: 40 Hz; Amplitude: 2-4 mm; 40 min/d, 5 d/week, 4 weeks) two months after surgery. After interventions, the left femur and tibia of all rabbits were placed in a Micro-CT scanning system. The bone volume fraction (BVF), trabecular thickness (Tb. Th), trabecular spacing (Tb. Sp), trabecular number (Tb. N), volumetric BMD (vBMD), and tissue BMD (tBMD) of the bones of femoral condyle and tibia were analysed using three-dimensional reconstruction Micview V2.1.2 and ABA analysis software. Geomagic Studio 11.0 software were used to calculate modulus (EM), reaction force (RF) and average Von Miss stress (VMF). RESULTS: Higher levels of BVF, Tb. N, Tb. Th, EM, RF, VMF, vBMD and tBMD and lower levels of Tb. Sp were found in distal femora and tibia of the rabbits in the WBVT+ACLT group compared with the controls (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: WBVT can effectively improve bone microstructure and mechanical properties of rabbits with early knee osteoarthritis.

[Effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on cartilage and subchondral bone remodeling in rabbits with ACLT-induced osteoarthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on the protection of cartilage and subchondral bone remodeling in rabbits with osteoarthritis induced by anterior cruciate ligament transaction (ACLT). METHODS: Anterior cruciate ligament transaction was performed on 24 adult rabbits to establish knee osteoarthritis models. The rabbits were randomly divided into two groups, with one group receiving extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and the other group serving as controls. The ESWT was set at energy 0.16 MPa/time, frequency 5 Hz, 1 200 shock per side, 3 times per week, and a total of 6 times in 4 weeks. Histological observations were undertaken with articular cartilages under mascroscope and microscope; bone mineral density (BMD) was measured. The subchondral bones of femoralcondyle and tibial plateau were given a bone histomorphometry analysis. The levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and nitric oxide (NO) were detected by ELISA. The expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP 3, MMP-13) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1) in cartilage were determined by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Lower levels of histological result in medial femoral condyles (by both mascroscope and microscope examinations) and higher levels of BMD (in distal femora) were found in the ESWT treated rabbits compared with the controls (P < 0.05). The ESWT treated rabbits also had decreased trabecular bone relative volume and trabecular bone thickness, increased bone separation, lower levels of expressions of MMP-1 and MMP-3, and higher levels of TIMP-1. CONCLUSION: ESWT can protect cartilage from damages and prevent subchondral sclerosis through regulating MMP-1, MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in cartilages and modulating subchondral bone metabolisms.

Combinatorial synthesis of pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline and pyrrolo[3,2-a]acridine derivatives via a three-component reaction under catalyst-free conditions.

A combinatorial synthesis of pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline and pyrrolo[3,2-a]acridine derivatives is described as a three-component reaction of aromatic aldehyde, 1H-indol-5-amine, and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds under catalyst-free conditions. The 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds include 5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione, cyclopentane-1,3-dione, and 2H-indene-1,3-dione. It is interesting that the designed reactions gave aromatized or unaromatized products, which depend on the reaction temperature and reactants of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds.

Combinatorial synthesis of pyrazoloquinoline and pyrazoloacridine derivatives with high regioselectivity.

Three-component reaction of aldehyde, 1H-indazol-6-amine and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds in EtOH under catalyst-free conditions, generates the corresponding pyrazolo[3,4-a]acridine, cyclopenta[b]pyrazolo[3,4-f]quinoline, indeno[1,2-b]pyrazolo[3,4-f]quinoline and benzo[h]pyrazolo[3,4-a]acridine derivatives in high yields and regioselectivity, respectively. The dicarbonyl compounds include 5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione, cyclopentane-1,3-dione, 2H-indene- 1,3-dione and 2-hydroxynaphthalene-1,4-dione.