[Observation of dynamic position and morphological changes of temporomandibular joint discs under Angle's classification].

Objective: To observe the dynamic changes of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc in joint movement under different Angle's classification, providing reference for understanding joint functional movement and providing a basis for more accurate clinical imaging diagnosis. Methods: A total of 30 patients (13 males and 17 females) with temporomandibular disorders who were admitted to Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University and General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army from January 2022 to April 2024 were enrolled. Thirty adults (13 males and 17 females) with different Angle's classification, with an average age of (34.4±8.5) years, were subjected to dynamic imaging of their TMJ from the closed position to the maximum opening position, and then to the closed position using MRI. The position and morphological changes of the articular discs were observed. Results: The results showed that volunteers with no displacement of the articular disc in Class Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ relationships had different shapes of the articular disc during open and closed mouth movements. However, in the maximum opening position, the articular disc were all located directly below the maxillary nodules, and their shape is double concave. In terms of irreversible anterior displacement of the articular disc, in class Ⅰ Angle, the posterior zone of the disc contacts the anterior inclined plane of condyle from the maximum opening position back to the front of the closing position. In Class Ⅱ, the posterior zone of the disc contacts the anterior inclined plane of condyle from the beginning of opening position to maximum opening position. In Class Ⅲ, the posterior zone of the disc is always in contact with the anterior inclined plane of condyle throughout the entire movement process. And among them, the articular disc presents a forward displacement state at the closing position, its morphology undergoes folding phenomenon. When the openness is 2.5 cm, the articular disc moves up to a certain extent, and is closer to the anterior inclined plane of condyle, and its shape is also partially changed; When the openness is 4.3 cm, the shape of the articular disc, located between the anterior inclined plane of the joint node and the posterior inclined plane of the condyle, is typical double concave, which is sufficient to show that the articular disc is reversible when maximum opening position is reached. In terms of reversible anterior disc displacement, in class Ⅰ Angle, the posterior zone of the disc contact with the anterior inclined plane of condyle at the beginning of the opening position and the end of the closing position. In classⅡ Angle, the posterior zone of the articular disc is not in contact with the anterior inclined plane of condyle. In Class Ⅲ Angle, the posterior zone of the articular disc contact with the anterior inclined plane of condyle at the end of the closing position. Conclusions: Multi level dynamic MR imaging data of the temporomandibular joint can dynamically observe the movement of the temporomandibular joint, intuitively and accurately display the position and shape of the articular disc during movement, and can serve as a useful supplement to static conventional MR imaging of the TMJ. The patient's TMJ needs to reach the maximum opening position in order to determine whether the joint disc displacement can be reversible or not.

[Adolescent female reproductive system dysplasia: a clinical study of 356 cases].

Objective: To explore the age of onset and consultation, the main clinical manifestations, common types of combined malformations, the relationship of endometriosis, surgical prognosis and different types of proportion of adolescent female reproductive system dysplasia. Methods: The medical records of 356 patients (aged 10-19) with female reproductive system dysplasia in Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University from January 2003 to August 2018 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Results: (1) Among the 356 adolescent dysplasia patients, uterine dysplasia (23.6%, 84/356), oblique vaginal septum syndrome (OVSS; 22.5%, 80/356) and vaginal dysplasia (21.6%, 77/356) were the most frequent ones, followed by multi-sectional dysplasia (16.0%, 57/356), other types of developmental abnormalities like external genitaliaand urogenital fistula (13.5%, 48/356) and Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKH syndrome; 2.8%, 10/356). (2) There were significant differences between the median age of onset and the age of consultation of patients with OVSS and other types of abnormalities except hymen atresia (both P<0.05). In contrast, there were no significant differences between the age of onset and the age of consultation of the patients of uterine dysplasia, vaginal dysplasia, hymen atresia, MRKH syndrome and multi-sectional dysplasia (all P>0.05). (3) The clinical manifestations were lack of specificity, and mainly abnormal finding was lower abdominal pain. (4) After admission, the majority of patients underwent comprehensive cardiopulmonary examination (71.3%, 254/356) and urinary system examination (63.5%, 226/356). Only 18.3% (65/356) of patients had completed abdominal organ examination, and 5.9% (21/356) skeletal system examination. About other systemic malformations, urological malformations were the most common (27.5%, 98/356), followed by anorectal malformation (0.6%, 2/356), heart malformations (0.3%, 1/356), and spinal malformations (0.3%, 1/356). 46.4% (84/181) of the surgical patients were diagnosed with combined endometriosis. Patients with obstructive genital tract malformations were more likely to combine with endometriosis than non-obstructive ones [50.3% (74/147) vs 29.4% (10/34); P<0.05]. However, there was no significant difference between the severity of endometriosis of those two kinds (P>0.05). (5) Totally 308 patients were followed up successfully with a median of 25.0 years old, and 20 cases were treated again; 12.0% (37/308) of them were suffering from menstrual disorder and 33.1% (102/308) of them with dysmenorrhea. Totally 130 patients had sexually active reported no sexual problems. Conclusions: Uterine dysplasia, OVSS and vaginal dysplasia are the most common syndromes in adolescent female reproductive system dysplasia along with frequent cases of coexisting urinary malformations and increasing risks of endometriosis. Meanwhile, the lack of specificity of clinical manifestations might delay the timely diagnosis and treatment after the onset of symptoms. Nonetheless, most patients could achieve good surgical outcomes.

[Research progress in functional regeneration methods and mechanisms of taste buds].

Gustation is one of the most important human senses. Taste dysfunctions, which may be due to aging, tongue cancer surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, affect life quality. That is why the need for taste bud regeneration has received more attention. At present, research on development and renewal of taste cells provides a basis for taste bud regeneration; molecular mechanisms related to taste bud regeneration are being continuously uncoverd, aiding in the identification of more accurate targets for therapy. New methods such as nerve regeneration, tissue engineering, and cytokine therapy have emerged. The author reviews the mechanism and the latest methods of taste bud regeneration of lingual epithelium, aiming to open new horizions for the prevention and treatment of gustatory diseases, and provide theoretical references for its regeneration.

[Diagnostic value of high frequency oscillation in localization of type â ¡ focal cortical dysplasia epilepsy].

Retrospective analysis was conducted on 9 patients with type Ⅱ focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) who underwent stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) implantation in the Department of Neurosurgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from November 2020 to February 2023. The onset area, onset time, and frequency of high-frequency oscillations (HFO) were analyzed and the correlation of HFOs with interictal, preictal, and ictal periods. SEEG recordings of 80-500 Hz HFOs were observed in both interictal and ictal periods in 9 patients, with 6 patients exhibiting fast ripples (FR) in the range of 250-500 Hz. Surgical resection of the seizure onset area and FR-generating electrodes was performed, and postoperative follow-up for over 2 years indicated Engel I in 5 cases. 6 patients showed continuous discharge during the preictal period, and the distribution index of continuous discharge was positively correlated with seizure frequency. HFOs in the range of 80-500 Hz were present in all four seizure onset patterns during the ictal period. The onset area and FR-emitting electrode were surgically removed in 6 patients with continuous discharge and overlapping HFOs during the preictal period, with 5 cases of Engel I. Type Ⅱ FCD discharges exhibited complexity, high discharge indices, and a close association with HFOs. Compared with the spike wave, the electrode range of HF is more limited, and the incidence of HF before attack is significantly increased, which is closely correlated with the onset area. The simultaneous occurrence of HFO and the spike waves has higher diagnostic value than the individual occurrence, effectively enhancing surgical efficacy.

[Mediating effects of obesity and metabolic factors in hyperuricemia and prehypertension].

Objective: To assess the mediating effects of obesity and metabolic factors in the relationship between hyperuricemia (HUA) and prehypertension. Methods: A total of 9 399 individuals were selected using a multistage stratified whole-group random sampling method from 90 villages (neighborhood committees) in 30 towns (streets) of 5 districts (counties) in Fuzhou. A total of 4 754 study subjects were included. A linear regression model was used to analyze the association of HUA with obesity and metabolic factors. Single-factor and multi-factor logistic regression models were used to analyze the association of HUA, obesity, and metabolic factors with prehypertension. Mediating effects models were used to analyze the mediating effects of obesity and metabolic factors on the association between HUA and prehypertension. Results: After adjusting for confounders, the association between HUA and cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, BMI, waist circumference, creatinine, and urea nitrogen were significantly correlated (P<0.001). HUA, waist circumference, BMI, and triglycerides were significantly associated with prehypertension (P<0.001). Waist circumference, BMI, and triglycerides mediated the relationship between HUA and prehypertension, with OR (95%CI) of 1.018 (1.007-1.027), 1.010 (1.002-1.018), and 1.010 (1.003-1.017) (P<0.001), with mediating proportions of 7.76%, 4.31%, and 4.31% respectively. No mediating effect of cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, creatinine, and urea nitrogen was found on the relationship (P>0.05). Conclusions: Waist circumference, BMI, and triglycerides all had mediating effects in the association between HUA and prehypertension. For the general population, weight control, waist circumference, and a high-fat diet should be used to reduce the occurrence of prehypertension.

Effects of drinking water temperature in winter on growth performance, water consumption, surface temperature, and intestinal development of geese from 21 to 49 days of age.

This research aimed to investigate the effects of drinking water temperatures on growth performance, water consumption, surface temperature, organ indices, blood parameters, and intestinal development of geese, and determine the optimal drinking water temperature for 21 to 49-d geese. A total of 192 twenty-one-day male Yuzhou white geese were allocated randomly to 4 groups with 8 replicate pens per group according to the drinking water temperature (drinking water temperature [7℃-12℃] at ambient temperature [TC], 18℃ [T1], 27℃ [T2], and 36℃ [T3], respectively). The results showed that increasing drinking water temperature did not significantly improve the BW, ADG, and ADFI of geese (P > 0.05), whereas drinking warm water of 36℃ for geese had a trend to increase FCR (0.05 < P < 0.1). Geese in group T2 drank the most water per day on average, whereas geese in group TC drank the least (P < 0.001). Geese in groups T1, T2, and T3 had higher eyes temperatures than group TC (P < 0.001). No significant differences were found on the organ indices and blood biochemical parameters (P > 0.05). Geese from group T1 had higher crypt depth and muscularis thickness of duodenum (P < 0.05), and lower ratio of villus height to crypt depth than other groups (P < 0.001). Geese from group T1 had higher activities of trypsin in duodenum and jejuna and amylase in jejuna at 49 d than other groups (P < 0.01). Overall, these data indicate drinking water at 18℃ can increase water consumption and eyes temperature, and improve the activity of digestive enzymes and promote intestinal development. Under our experimental conditions, we recommend that the optimal drinking water temperature for geese from 21 to 49 d of age is 18°C.

Effects of citric acid supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology and microbiota, and blood parameters of geese from 1 to 28 days of age.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of citric acid (CA) supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology, intestinal microbiota, and blood parameters of geese from 1 to 28 d of age and evaluate the optimum additional level of citric acid. A total of 180 one-day-old male goslings were randomly allotted to 5 treatment groups of 36 birds with 6 replications. The control group was fed a basal diet, and the other groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, and 2.00% of citric acid, respectively. The results showed that goslings fed the diet supplemented with 1.00% CA had higher final body weight (FBW) and average daily gain (ADG) than other groups (P < 0.05). The CA supplementation at 0.25 to 1.00% improved the morphology of duodenum or jejunum (P < 0.05). The jejunal content pH value was significantly reduced with the addition of CA compared with the control group (P < 0.05). As citric acid levels increased, the IgA concentrations in plasma increased and then decreased, and the goslings fed 1.00% CA supplementation had the highest IgA concentrations (P < 0.05). The supplementation of 1.00% and 2.00% CA in diet significantly reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in plasma (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found on some indices related to liver function in plasma (P > 0.05), while creatinine significantly increased by the 2.00% CA supplementation (P < 0.05). Besides, the higher Coliform level in cecal content and worse intestinal morphology were observed when CA supplementation was up to 2.00%. Hence, the dietary CA supplementation (especially 1.00%) in goslings improves the growth performance, intestinal morphology, immunity and antioxidant, while excessive CA addition may cause negative effects. According to the quadratic polynomial model, the addition of CA in diet for obtaining maximum average daily feed intake (ADFI) should be 1.09% (10.9 g/kg diet) for goslings from 1 to 28 d of age.

[Clinical pathologic analysis and review of literature on 11 cases of calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor].

Objective: To improve the understanding of histological variants of calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor (CEOT). Methods: In this retrospective study, 11 cases of CEOT diagnosed from January 2008 to March 2022 were enrolled in the Department of Oral Pathology of Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University. Among them, 10 were male and 1 was female. The patients were 19 to 58 years old [(43.0±11.9) years] and the course of disease was 2 weeks to 5 years. The clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed and the follow-up of patients ranged from 1 to 8 years, including 8 cases with follow-up data and 3 cases lost to follow-up. Furthermore, the related domestic and international literature was reviewed. Results: Eleven cases of CEOT included 6 cases of classic CEOT, 2 cases of clear cell CEOT, 2 cases of Langerhans cell-rich variant of CEOT and 1 case of non-calcified CEOT. In 6 cases of classic CEOT, the ratio of occurrence in mandible to maxilla was 2∶1, the ratio in central parts to peripheral parts was 5∶1, 2 cases were associated with unerupted teeth and 3 cases showed local aggressiveness. Histopathologically, classic CEOT showed eosinophilic epithelial cells, amyloid and calcification with Ki-67 value<5%. Among 4 cases with follow-up information, 1 case recurred after 1 year and 3 cases did not recur for 3 to 8 years. In 2 cases of clear cell CEOT, they both occurred in the periphery of mandible, pathologically showing a mix of lamellar balloon-like clear cells and typical CEOT, positive for CK5/6 and p63 in the area where the epithelial cells and clear cells were located, scattered positive for periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) in clear cells, which indicated the presence of glycogen. The maximum Ki-67 value was 5% in this type. One case lost to follow-up and the other case did not recur for 1 year follow-up after surgery. In 2 cases of Langerhans cell-rich variant of CEOT, they were cystic solid lesions and both occurred in the anterior maxilla. Langerhans cells were scattered in the epithelium and non-calcified amyloid glomeruli were present. Two cases were followed up for 1 year and 2 years without recurrence after surgery. One case of non-calcified CEOT that occurs within the jan showed invasion of surrounding soft tissues and the highest of Ki-67 value at 8% in all 11 cases without recurrence at 1 year follow-up. Conclusions: The histological pattern of classic CEOT is unique, and it is necessary to prompt the understanding of several histological variants derived from it.

Effects of feed trough positioning height on growth performance, feed loss, feeding environment, and behavior of geese.

In the traditional feeding pattern of geese, the feed trough will be placed on the ground for a long time and hurts the living environment. This research aimed to investigate the effect of 4 different feed trough positioning heights on growth performance, blood parameters, feed loss, water consumption, feeding environment, and behavior of geese and determine the optimal trough positioning height for 28 to 70-d geese. A total of one hundred ninty-two 28-d male Yuzhou white geese were allocated randomly to 4 groups with 6 replicate pens per group according to the trough positioning height (on the ground [D], one-third [L], two-thirds [M], and the same height of geese's beak above the ground [H], respectively). The results show that the growth performance and blood biochemical parameters have no significant difference among groups (P > 0.05). The average daily feed loss and water consumption presented the lowest value in group H (P < 0.01). The hygienic condition index of the feed and feed trough increased as trough positioning height. Feed from group H had a higher cleanliness score than other groups (P < 0.001). The count of microbes (total bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli) on the surface of the feed trough from group H was lower than other groups (P < 0.001). Geese from group H had shorter daily feeding and drinking time than other groups (P < 0.05). Overall, these data indicate the same trough positioning height with geese's beaks could lower feed loss, and water consumption and improve hygienic conditions without damage to growth performance and will be the optimal choice for geese.

Effects of ambient temperature on the growth performance, fat deposition, and intestinal morphology of geese from 28 to 49 days of age.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of ambient temperature on the growth performance, fat deposition, and intestinal morphology of geese from 28 to 49 d of age. A total of 120 twenty-eight-day-old geese were randomly allotted to 5 environmentally controlled chambers with ambient temperatures set at 18, 21, 24, 27, and 30°C from 28 to 49 d of age, respectively. The feed intake, 49 d body weight, and weight gain decreased linearly or quadratically (P < 0.05) as ambient temperature increased and declined to a minimum when the temperature increased to 30°C. The feed/gain showed a linear or quadratic (P < 0.05) increasing response to increasing temperature. According to broken-line regression, the upper critical levels of ambient temperature from 28 to 49 d of age for weight gain and feed intake were 25.19 and 23.97°C, respectively. As ambient temperature increased from 18 to 30°C, the abdominal fat weight, abdominal fat rate, and subcutaneous fat thickness decreased linearly (P < 0.05) and were accompanied by linearly increasing liver fat content (P < 0.05), but the ambient temperature had no effect on intermuscular fat width or breast muscle fat content (P > 0.05). There were no differences in jejunal, ileal, or cecal morphology for geese raised at 18, 21, 24, 27, and 30°C (P > 0.05). The duodenal villus height showed a linear decreasing response to increasing ambient temperature, but the ambient temperature had no effect on crypt depth, villus width, muscularis thickness, or villus height/crypt depth of the duodenum (P > 0.05). These results indicate that high ambient temperature decreased growth performance and fat deposition and impaired duodenal morphology of geese. Under our experimental conditions, we recommend that the upper critical ambient temperature for geese from 28 to 49 d of age be 25.19°C.

Effects of ambient temperature on growth performance, blood parameter, and fat deposition of geese from 14 to 28 days of age.

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of ambient temperature on the growth performance, blood parameter, and fat deposition in geese from 14 to 28 d of age in order to establish their optimal temperature requirements. A total of 150 14-day-old geese were allocated randomly to 5 environmentally controlled chambers with ambient temperature set at 18, 21, 24, 27, and 30°C from 14 to 28 d of age, respectively. As ambient temperature increased from 18 to 30°C, the feed intake decreased linearly (P < 0.05) and was accompanied by linearly or quadratically (P < 0.05) decreasing 28-day-old body weight, weight gain, and feed/gain. The upper critical level of ambient temperature from 14 to 28 d of age for 28-day-old body weight and weight gain were 25.83 and 26.17°C, respectively. There were no differences in plasma biochemical parameters or plasma hormones between geese fed at ambient temperature regimen at 18, 21, 24, 27, and 30°C. The abdominal fat weight and abdominal fat rate decreased linearly (P ≤ 0.05) with higher ambient temperature, but the ambient temperature had no effect on subcutaneous fat thickness or intermuscular fat width. It was concluded that the upper critical temperature of the ambient temperature for geese from 14 to 28 d of age was 26.17°C and high ambient temperature could lead to growth depression.

[Analysis on the imported Coronavirus Disease 2019 related cluster epidemic in rural areas of Chengdu].

An epidemiological investigation was carried out on a local cluster of outbreak caused by imported cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in rural areas of Chengdu in December 2020, to find out the source of infection and the chain of transmission. According to Prevention and Control Protocol for COVID-19 (Version 7), field epidemiological investigation was adopted, combined with big data technology, video image investigation, gene sequencing and other methods to carry out investigation into COVID-19 cases and infections source tracing, analyze the epidemiological association, and map the chain of transmission. From December 7 to 17, 2020, 13 local COVID-19 confirmed cases and 1 asymptomatic case were diagnosed in Chengdu, of which 12 cases (85.71%) had a history of residence and activity in the village courtyard of Taiping (TP), Pidu (P) District, Chengdu. From November 8, 2020 to November 28, 2020, a group of inbound people form Nepal were transferred to the designated entry personnel quarantine hotel of P District which was adjacent to the TP village. During quarantine, there were 5 cases who tested positive for COVID-19. Through gene sequencing alignment, genes of local cases and Nepalese imported cases from the same period are homologous, all belong to the lineage of L2.2.3 (B.1.36 according to Pangolin lineage typing method). According to the results of field epidemiological investigation and gene sequencing analysis, the index case was most likely infected by contact with household waste of quarantine site. Under the situation of normalization prevention and control of COVID-19, sentinel monitoring of fever clinics in primary medical institutions is the key to early detection of the epidemic. The multi-department joint epidemiological investigation and the application of gene technology are the core links of the investigation and traceability of modern infectious diseases. The allocation of public health resources in rural areas needs to be strengthened. We need to improve the capacity for early surveillance and early warning of the epidemic in rural areas.

Effect of stocking density on growth performance, feather quality, serum hormone, and intestinal development of geese from 1 to 14 days of age.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of stocking density on growth performance, feather quality, serum hormone, and intestinal development of geese from 1 to 14 d of age. A total of 450 one-day-old geese were randomly allotted to 45 battery cage (0.65 m × 0.62 m) pens according to 5 stocking densities (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 birds/m2). The results showed that ADG and ADFI were reduced (P < 0.05) as stocking density increased from 15 to 35 birds/m2, but increasing stocking density did not influence (P > 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) and body measurement traits. High stocking density significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the feather quality of back, thoracoabdominal, wing, and tail. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was found in serum concentration of adrenocorticotrophic hormone, cortisol, corticosterone, triiodothyronine, and thyroxine. The weight of cecum and intestine decreased (P < 0.05) as the stocking density increased. Increasing stocking density decreased (P < 0.05) jejunal villus height and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio, and increased (P < 0.05) jejunal crypt depth and ileal crypt depth in geese. Consequently, the high stocking density could depress the growth and impaired feather quality and intestinal development of geese. Under our experimental conditions, we recommend that the stocking density of geese from 1 to 14 d of age should not more than 20 birds/m2.

Enhanced anticancer activity and endocytic mechanisms by polymeric nanocarriers of n-butylidenephthalide in leukemia cells

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the antitumor mechanisms of n-butylidenephthalide (BP) and to further examine the delivery efficacy of polycationic liposome containing PEI and polyethylene glycol complex (LPPC)-encapsulated BP in leukemia cells. Method MTS, flow cytometric and TUNEL assays were performed to assess cell viability and apoptosis. BP and BP/LPPC complex delivery efficiency was analyzed by full-wavelength fluorescent scanner and fluorescence microscope. The expressions of cell cycle- and apoptosis-related proteins were conducted by Western blotting. Results The results showed that BP inhibited leukemia cell growth by inducing cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis. LPPC-encapsulated BP rapidly induced endocytic pathway activation, resulting in the internalization of BP into leukemia cells, causing cell apoptosis within 1 h. Conclusions LPPC encapsulation enhanced the cytotoxic activity of BP and did not influence the effects of BP induction that suggested LPPC-encapsulated BP might be developed as anti-leukemia drugs in future (AU)

[Clinical analysis of 9 cases of a novel stent assisted intestinal bypass for preventing anastomotic leakage in laparoscopic assisted radical resection of rectal cancer].

Objective: To examine the safety and effectiveness of a novel stent assisted intestinal bypass for preventing anastomotic leakage in laparoscopic assisted radical resection of rectal cancer. Methods: The clinical data of 9 patients with rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic radical resection and stent assisted intestinal bypass from September 2019 to June 2020 at the Department of Anus & Intestine Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University were retrospectively analyzed. There were 6 males and 3 females, aged (62.1±6.8) years (range: 53 to 75 years), underwent laparoscopic assisted radical resection of rectal cancer and stent assisted intestinal bypass. A degradable diverting stent was placed at the end of the ileum, and a drainage tube was placed at the proximal end of the stent to bypass the intestinal contents. After operation, the patients were given a diet with less residue. From the 14th day after operation, abdomen X-ray films were taken every 5 to 7 days to observe the destination of the stent dynamically. When the stent was observed to be disintegrated into pieces, the drainage tube was clamped for 3 days to observe any side effects before the tube was removed. The operation time, the time of removing the bypass tube and the total hospital stay were recorded. Results: Laparoscopic assisted radical resection of rectal cancer and stent assisted intestinal bypass were successfully performed in all patients. The operation time was (230.4±48.0) minutes (range: 150 to 318 minutes), and the time of removing shunt tube was (28.8±4.6) days (range: 22 to 34 days). The duration of hospitalization was (21.0±8.6) days (range: 9 to 34 days). Postoperative pathological examination showed 7 cases of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, 1 case of moderately well differentiated adenocarcinoma and 1 case of mucinous adenocarcinoma. There were 2 cases of T1, 4 cases of T2 and 3 cases of T3. The number of lymph node dissection was 13.4±3.5 (range: 6 to 18), 3 cases were positive and 6 cases were negative. The post-operation follow-up time was 6 to 16 months, no anastomotic leakage or stenosis was found. Conclusion: Stent assisted intestinal bypass for the prevention of anastomotic leakage in laparoscopic assisted radical resection of rectal cancer is safe and feasible, and shows good short-term effect.

Enhanced anticancer activity and endocytic mechanisms by polymeric nanocarriers of n-butylidenephthalide in leukemia cells.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the antitumor mechanisms of n-butylidenephthalide (BP) and to further examine the delivery efficacy of polycationic liposome containing PEI and polyethylene glycol complex (LPPC)-encapsulated BP in leukemia cells. METHODS: MTS, flow cytometric and TUNEL assays were performed to assess cell viability and apoptosis. BP and BP/LPPC complex delivery efficiency was analyzed by full-wavelength fluorescent scanner and fluorescence microscope. The expressions of cell cycle- and apoptosis-related proteins were conducted by Western blotting. RESULTS: The results showed that BP inhibited leukemia cell growth by inducing cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis. LPPC-encapsulated BP rapidly induced endocytic pathway activation, resulting in the internalization of BP into leukemia cells, causing cell apoptosis within 1 h. CONCLUSIONS: LPPC encapsulation enhanced the cytotoxic activity of BP and did not influence the effects of BP induction that suggested LPPC-encapsulated BP might be developed as anti-leukemia drugs in future.

Effect of feeding frequency on the growth performance, carcass traits, and apparent nutrient digestibility in geese.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding frequency on growth performance, carcass traits, and apparent nutrient digestibility in geese from 28 to 70 D of age. In experiment 1, a total of 240 geese were distributed in a completely randomized design into 4 treatments and 6 replicates of 10 birds each. The treatments were free access to the feeder (ad libitum) and access to the feeder 3, 4, and 5 times daily. Geese fed 3 times daily had a lower (P < 0.05) BW, ADG, and ADFI and a higher (P = 0.064) feed conversion ratio (FCR) from 28 to 41 D of age compared with the other groups. Geese fed 4 times daily had a higher (P < 0.05) ADG and ADFI and a lower (P < 0.05) FCR from 42 to 55 D of age compared with ad libitum fed geese. Geese fed 3 times daily had a higher (P < 0.05) ADG from 56 to 69 D of age than geese fed ad libitum and 4 times daily. No differences (P > 0.05) in BW, ADFI, ADG, and FCR were observed between ad libitum and feeding frequency groups from 28 to 69 D of age. Carcass traits and gastrointestinal development were not affected (P > 0.05) by feeding frequency. In experiment 2, the apparent nutrient digestibility in geese from 71 to 77 D of age fed using different feeding frequencies was determined using the total fecal collection method. Feeding frequency did not affect (P > 0.05) the apparent digestibility of DM, CP, crude ash, calcium, phosphorous, or ether extract in geese. Our study demonstrates for the first time that compensatory growth can be gained by enhancing feed intake when a lower feeding frequency is imposed on geese. Both ad libitum feeding and fixed feeding frequency for 3 to 5 times daily are suitable for geese from 28 to 70 D of age to achieve optimum production.