Children with severe neurological symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection during Omicron pandemic in China.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of children with severe neurological symptoms associated with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection during the Omicron pandemic in China. METHODS: This study used a questionnaire to obtain data from pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) centers in seven tertiary hospitals in Northeast China from December 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023. RESULTS: A total of 255 patients were confirmed to have SARS-CoV-2 infection, and 45 patients (17.65 %) were included in this study. Of these, seven (15.6%) patients died, and the median time from admission to death was 35 h (IQR, 14-120 h). Twenty (52.6%) survivors experienced neurological sequelae. Patients with platelet counts lower than 100 × 109/L had a higher incidence of complications such as multiple organ dysfunction, mechanical ventilation rate, and mortality. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) always reveals cerebral tissue edema, with some severe lesions forming a softening site. CONCLUSION: Children infected with SARS-CoV-2 often exhibit severe neurological symptoms, and in some cases, they may rapidly develop malignant cerebral edema or herniation, leading to a fatal outcome. An early decrease in platelet count may associated with an unfavorable prognosis. IMPACT: Since early December 2022, China has gradually adjusted its prevention and control policy of SARS-CoV-2; Omicron outbreaks have occurred in some areas for a relatively short period. Due to the differences in ethnicity, endemic strains and vaccination status, there was a little difference from what has been reported about children with SARS-CoV-2 infection with severe neurological symptoms in abroad. This is the first multicenter clinical study in children with nervous system involvement after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection in China, and helpful for pediatricians to have a more comprehensive understanding of the clinical symptoms and prognosis of such disease.

Automatic Speaker Positioning in Meetings Based on YOLO and TDOA.

In recent years, many things have been held via video conferences due to the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic around the world. A webcam will be used in conjunction with a computer and the Internet. However, the network camera cannot automatically turn and cannot lock the screen to the speaker. Therefore, this study uses the objection detector YOLO to capture the upper body of all people on the screen and judge whether each person opens or closes their mouth. At the same time, the Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) is used to detect the angle of the sound source. Finally, the person's position obtained by YOLO is reversed to the person's position in the spatial coordinates through the distance between the person and the camera. Then, the spatial coordinates are used to calculate the angle between the person and the camera through inverse trigonometric functions. Finally, the angle obtained by the camera, and the angle of the sound source obtained by the microphone array, are matched for positioning. The experimental results show that the recall rate of positioning through YOLOX-Tiny reached 85.2%, and the recall rate of TDOA alone reached 88%. Integrating YOLOX-Tiny and TDOA for positioning, the recall rate reached 86.7%, the precision rate reached 100%, and the accuracy reached 94.5%. Therefore, the method proposed in this study can locate the speaker, and it has a better effect than using only one source.

Virulence, Antibiotic Resistance, and Phylogenetic Relationships of Aeromonas spp. Carried by Migratory Birds in China.

This study aimed to evaluate antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and the genetic diversity of Aeromonas isolated from migratory birds from Guangxi Province, Guangdong Province, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Jiangxi Province, and Inner Mongolia in China. A total of 810 samples were collected, including fresh feces, cloacal swabs, and throat swabs. The collected samples were processed and subjected to bacteriological examination. The resistance to 21 antibiotics was evaluated. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using concatenated gltA-groL-gyrB-metG-PPSA-recA sequences. Eight putative virulence factors were identified by PCR and sequencing, and a biofilm formation assay was performed using a modified microtiter plate method. In total, 176 Aeromonas isolates were isolated including A. sobria, A. hydrophila, A. veronii, and A. caviae. All isolates showed variable resistance against all 16 tested antibiotic discs, and only one antibiotic had no reference standard. Six kinds of virulence gene markers were discovered, and the detection rates were 46.0% (hlyA), 76.1% (aerA), 52.3% (alt), 4.5% (ast), 54.0% (fla), and 64.2% (lip). These strains were able to form biofilms with distinct magnitudes; 102 were weakly adherent, 14 were moderately adherent, 60 were non-adherent, and none were strongly adherent. Our results suggest that migratory birds carry highly virulent and multidrug-resistant Aeromonas and spread them around the world through migration, which is a potential threat to public health.

Arabidopsis Transcription Factors SPL1 and SPL12 Confer Plant Thermotolerance at Reproductive Stage.

Plant reproductive organs are vulnerable to heat, but regulation of heat-shock responses in inflorescence is largely uncharacterized. Here, we report that two of the SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE (SPL) transcriptional factors in Arabidopsis, SPL1 and SPL12, act redundantly in thermotolerance at the reproductive stage. The spl1-1 spl12-1 inflorescences displayed hypersensitivity to heat stress, whereas overexpression of SPL1 or SPL12 enhanced the thermotolerance in both Arabidopsis and tobacco. RNA sequencing revealed 1939 upregulated and 1479 downregulated genes in wild-type inflorescence upon heat stress, among which one-quarter (1,040) was misregulated in spl1-1 spl12-1, indicating that SPL1 and SPL12 contribute greatly to the heat-triggered transcriptional reprogramming in inflorescence. Notably, heat stress induced a large number of abscisic acid (ABA) responsive genes, of which ∼39% were disturbed in heat induction in spl1-1 spl12-1 inflorescence. Preapplication of ABA and overexpression of SPL1 restored the inflorescence thermotolerance in spl1-1 spl12-1 and in the ABA biosynthesis mutant aba2-1, but not in the pyl sextuple mutant defective in ABA receptors PYR1/PYL1/PYL2/PYL4/PYL5/PYL8. Thus, inflorescence thermotolerance conferred by SPL1 and SPL2 involves PYL-mediated ABA signaling. The molecular network consisting of SPL1 and SPL12 illustrated here shed new light on the mechanisms of plant thermotolerance at the reproductive stage.

A cross-sectional study of regions and conditions of Keshan disease in Harbin / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective In order to accumulate data for the final evaluation and acceptance of the Twelfth Five-Year Plan of National Endemic Disease Prevention and Control,we investigated the endemic scopes and basic situation of Keshan disease (KD) in Harbin.Methods According to the Criteria for Diagnosis of Keshan Disease (WS/T 210-2011),we conducted clinical survey of KD prevalence in 10 KD endemic counties in Harbin in 2013.2011-2015,we detected and searched for cases in 10 ward counties of Keshan disease.According to the Delimitation and Classification of Keshan Disease Areas and the Evaluation of Endemic Disease Control and Elimination,we determined the regional type,the situation of control and elimination of the disease,at the same time all KD patients were positioned by global positioning system (GPS).Results There were 2 KD endemic counties,12 endemic townships,and 37 KD patients in Harbin.All 12 townships were the light endemic regions of KD.Other townships were conformed to be the history regions with KD.The management index scores of KD reached the elimination requirements which were more than 85 points in every region county (city).Ten region counties got to technical standards for KD elimination.Harbin basically reached the index of KD elimination.The GPS satellite positioning of KD patients were concentrated in the 45.1-45.5 degrees north latitude,and 127.7-128.3 degrees east longitude.Conclusion The regions of KD endemic areas have narrowed down and the prevalence rate has declined significantly in Harbin,which have reached the basic elimination standards of KD by the 12th Five-Year Plan.

A cross-sectional study of Kaschin-Beck disease areas and epidemic situation in Harbin / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective To master the area scope and epidemic situation of Kaschin-Beck disease (KBD) in Harbin,and to accumulate data and information for the midterm examination and evaluation of the 12th Five-Year Plan of the National Endemic Disease Prevention and Control.Methods In the original 10 counties (districts,cities) of Harbin with KBD,2 surveys were carried out from 2011 to 2015,5 townships were extracted in each county (district,city),3 villages were extracted in each township,clinical investigation and X-ray examination of 7-12 years old children were carried out;according to the criteria for Diagnosis of Kaschin-Beck Disease,a clinical survey was conducted in 2013 in the 10 counties (districts,cities) with KBD.According to the KBD prevalence and X-ray examination results in each county (district,city),reference to Criteria for Control of Kaschin-Beck Disease Areas,Criteria for Delimitation and Classification of Kaschin-Beck Disease Area,Evaluation Methods for Endemic Diseases Control and Elimination,the types of the disease areas,control and eliminating situation were determined;organization and management of the control and prevention measures were evaluated.Results Currently,there were 10 counties (districts,cities),373 villages,6 969 patients with KBD in Harbin.According to the KBD area division and control standard,369 villages were light KBD areas (prevalence of clinical degrees Ⅰ and above patients or detection rate of 7-12 children by X-ray for local residents ≤ 10％) and 4 villages were medium KBD areas (prevalence of clinical degrees Ⅰ and above patients or detection rate of 7-12 children by Xray for local residents ＞ 10％-≤20％).Clinical census showed that the people under 20 years had no cases with degree Ⅰ and above in each village,X-ray detection rate was 0 in 7-12 years old children,in line with the standards of history KBD areas.There were no clinical KBD cases in 7-12 years old children in all villages of KBD areas,positive detection rate of children by X-ray was 0 in the sampling KBD area villages,in line with the standards of eliminate technical standards of KBD area village.The management index scores of KBD were from 85 to 95 points in every area county (district,city),getting to the eliminating requirement which was more than 85 points.Conclusion The KBD areas have narrowed down and prevalence has declined significantly in Harbin,which has reached the area eliminating standards and the index of basically eliminating KBD proposed by the 12th Five-Year Plan.

[Light and temperature indices during the seeding stage of spring maize in Hetao irrigation district, Inner Mongolia, China].

We collected the experimental dataset of a spring-maize in Hetao irrigation district (Bayannaoer, Inner Mongolia) during 2012 and 2013, as well as the crop data observed in related agrometeorological stations to investigate the impacts of light and temperature variation on maize development during the seedling stage to derive adequate light and temperature indices for different suitability. Furthermore, polynomial fitting was applied to interpolate the temperature indices for each day of the whole seedling period to draw the dynamics of the temperature indices and to better characterize its influence on maize development during the seedling stage. The results suggested that the emergence and development rates increased by 11% and 12%, respectively when the average temperature increased 1 °C during the sowing-emergence period and emergence-jointing period, and the biological lowest temperature was 7.4 and 11.9°C , respectively. The optimum temperature at the sowing-emergence stage ranged from 16.0 to 18.0°C , and the leaf area index at the three-leaf stage reached 0.0172 and above. The optimum temperature at the emergence-jointing stage ranged from 21.6 to 23.0°0C , and the photosynthesis/growth of plant tissue was positively correlated with the temperature. The leaf area index in the jointing period could reach 2.15 and the plant height was 120 cm. At the emergence-jointing stage, when the sunshine percentage 74%, or the daily sunshine hours ≥11.0 h . d-1 , or the total sunshine hours ≥540 h, the dry mass of plant tissue could

Mesalazine sustained-release granules taking once daily or multi-times daily in the treatment of mild to moderate active ulcerative colitis：a randomised controlled clinical trial / 中华消化杂志

Objective To investigate the efficacy ,safety and compliance of mesalazine sustained‐release (SR) granules taking once daily or multi‐times daily in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate active ulcerative colitis .Methods Sixty patients with mild to moderate active ulcerative colitis were divided into group A ,B and C with 20 patients in each group .Group A received mesalazine SR granules 4 g once daily ,Group B with 2 g each time and twice daily ,Group C with 1 g each time and four times daily . The total course was eight weeks . The vital signs ,Mayo score ,compliance and adverse effects of patients were monitored at 0 ,4th ,8th weeks .At 0 and 8th weeks ,colonoscopy were performed . The parameters of efficacy assessment were clinical complete remission rate , clinical remission rate , efficacy rate ,mucosal healing rate ,remission time and safety .The F test ,t test or Chi‐square test was performed for comparison among groups .Results The clinical complete remission rate of group A ,B and C was 20% (4/20) ,10% (2/20) and 10% (2/20) ,respectively .The clinical complete remission rate was 70% (14/20) ,65% (13/20) and 70% (14/20) ,respectively .The efficacy rate was 95% (19/20) ,85%(17/20) and 90% (18/20) ,respectively .The mucosal healing rate was 70% (14/20) ,60% (12/20) and 50% (10/20) ,respectively .The side effects rate was 20% (4/20) ,15% (3/20) and 20% (4/20) .There was no significant difference between groups (all P > 0 .05) .The remission time of group A and B was (15 .4 ± 3 .7) days and (15 .6 ± 2 .9) days ,which were both shorter than that of group C (18 .4 ± 3 .6) days ,and the differences were statistically significant (t= 2 .661 and 2 .710 ,both P< 0 .05) .There was no significant difference among three groups in gender ,disease course , severity , location and clinical remission rate of sub‐groups .Conclusions The efficacy and safety of mesalazine SR granules taking once daily or multi‐times daily are similar in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate active ulcerative colitis .Once daily have better compliance than other regimens .

Control of cotton fibre elongation by a homeodomain transcription factor GhHOX3.

Cotton fibres are unusually long, single-celled epidermal seed trichomes and a model for plant cell growth, but little is known about the regulation of fibre cell elongation. Here we report that a homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-ZIP) transcription factor, GhHOX3, controls cotton fibre elongation. GhHOX3 genes are localized to the 12th homoeologous chromosome set of allotetraploid cotton cultivars, associated with quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for fibre length. Silencing of GhHOX3 greatly reduces (>80%) fibre length, whereas its overexpression leads to longer fibre. Combined transcriptomic and biochemical analyses identify target genes of GhHOX3 that also contain the L1-box cis-element, including two cell wall loosening protein genes GhRDL1 and GhEXPA1. GhHOX3 interacts with GhHD1, another homeodomain protein, resulting in enhanced transcriptional activity, and with cotton DELLA, GhSLR1, repressor of the growth hormone gibberellin (GA). GhSLR1 interferes with the GhHOX3-GhHD1 interaction and represses target gene transcription. Our results uncover a novel mechanism whereby a homeodomain protein transduces GA signal to promote fibre cell elongation.

Interaction between two timing microRNAs controls trichome distribution in Arabidopsis.

The miR156-targeted squamosa promoter binding protein like (SPL) transcription factors function as an endogenous age cue in regulating plant phase transition and phase-dependent morphogenesis, but the control of SPL output remains poorly understood. In Arabidopsis thaliana the spatial pattern of trichome is a hallmark of phase transition and governed by SPLs. Here, by dissecting the regulatory network controlling trichome formation on stem, we show that the miR171-targeted lost meristems 1 (LOM1), LOM2 and LOM3, encoding GRAS family members previously known to maintain meristem cell polarity, are involved in regulating the SPL activity. Reduced LOM abundance by overexpression of miR171 led to decreased trichome density on stems and floral organs, and conversely, constitutive expression of the miR171-resistant LOM (rLOM) genes promoted trichome production, indicating that LOMs enhance trichome initiation at reproductive stage. Genetic analysis demonstrated LOMs shaping trichome distribution is dependent on SPLs, which positively regulate trichome repressor genes TRICHOMELESS 1 (TCL1) and TRIPTYCHON (TRY). Physical interaction between the N-terminus of LOMs and SPLs underpins the repression of SPL activity. Importantly, other growth and developmental events, such as flowering, are also modulated by LOM-SPL interaction, indicating a broad effect of the LOM-SPL interplay. Furthermore, we provide evidence that MIR171 gene expression is regulated by its targeted LOMs, forming a homeostatic feedback loop. Our data uncover an antagonistic interplay between the two timing miRNAs in controlling plant growth, phase transition and morphogenesis through direct interaction of their targets.

Diagnostic value of ultrasonic elastography in benign and malignant thyroid nodules：a Meta-analysis / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrasonic elastography (UE) in benign and malignant thyroid nodules by Meta analysis. Methods Computer was used to search China national knowledge infrastructure(CNKI), Wanfang database, and relevant Chinese articles about UE in assessing diagnostic accuracy of benign and malignant thyroid nodules were collected. According to the diagnostic test criteria recommended by Cochrane Screening and Diagnostic Test Group, the literatures were screened and feature information was included in the study. The quality evaluation tool of diagnostic test accuracy(QUADAS-2) was used to assess the quality of the literatures; Meta analysis was performed with Meta-DiSc 1.4 software, and receiver operating characteristic curve(SROC) was drawn. Results According to the key words, two hundred and thirty-one articles were retrieved initially, and finally 16 articles were included after screening; the quality of five articles was grade A; eight was grade B; and three was grade C. Sixteen articles contained 1 325 patients with 1 641 thyroid nodules. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.87 [95%confidence interval (CI): 0.84 - 0.89] and 0.84 (95%CI: 0.82 - 0.86), respectively; the pooled positive and negative likelihood ratios were 5.85 (95%CI:4.47-7.65) and 0.17(95%CI:0.13 - 0.21), respectively; the area under the curve of SROC was 0.93, standard error(SE) =0.01. Conclusion The results of meta-analysis suggest that UE has high value in the diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules.

Composite reconstruction of the hip following resection of periacetabular tumors: middle-term outcome.

The records of 18 patients with periacetabular tumors who underwent composite reconstruction of the hip following resection of periacetabular tumors were analyzed retrospectively. The mean follow-up period was 49.4 months (range, 28-100 months). During follow-up, 3 patients died and one had recurrence. Fifteen patients achieved favorable walking function; 8 had normal hip function and 7 had partial recovery of flexion function of the hip. The mean MSTS rating for hip function was 76.9%. Two patients had common peroneal nerve injury which was resolved in one of them. Middle-term follow-up showed that composite reconstruction of the hip following resection of periacetabular tumors can effectively remove tumors and provide favorable hip function for these patients. This approach is simple and less costly, and can be widely used.

[Phosphate adsorption characteristics on the desert particulates of inflow Yellow River].

Adsorption behaviors of phosphate on the desert particulates of inflow Yellow River were investigated in natural water (river water and sea water) and the experimental data was fitted by both the improved Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm adsorption models. The results show that (1) With more clear physical meaning and more reasonable fitting parameters, the improved Langmuir isotherm adsorption model is much better for describing phosphate adsorption on the desert particulates than the improved Freundlich isotherm adsorption model; (2) The maximum phosphorus (P) adsorption capacity Qmac is in the range of 41.322-357.143 mg x kg(-1), which is the biggest in Y2 (Juyanhai Lake particulates). There is remarkable positive correlation between Qmax and organic matter of the particulates (Y1-Y5); (3) Except for Y1 (Badain Jaran Desert particulates), the EPC0 (zero equilibrium P concentration) of the particulates are higher than the concentration of P in corresponding water. The EPC0 of P adsorption on Y1 in Yellow River is lower than P concentration in corresponding water (0.010 mg x L(-1) < 0.053 mg x L(-1)), while the EPC0 of P adsorption on Y1 in Bohai Sea water is higher than the P concentration in their corresponding water (0.109 mg x L(-1) > 0.074 mg x L(-1)), which shows that Y1 adsorbs P from the water of the Yellow River, then it releases its NAP (native adsorbed exchangeable phosphorus) into Bohai Seawater. However, in the process of the P exchange between other desert particulates and their corresponding water, only desorption phenomenon were observed, which means all other desert particulates release P to their corresponding water; (4) The adsorption isotherms of phosphate on the desert particulates of inflow Yellow River are cross-axis-type with over 0.00, a new cross-axis-type adsorption-desorption model, which provide a better explanation for adsorption characteristics of P and for the dual role of natural particulates.

[Temporal change in annual air temperature and heat island effect in a coastal city and an inland city at mid-latitude in China during 1956-1998].

Temporal changes in air temperature and urban heat island (UHI) effects during 1956-1998 were compared between a coastal city, Ji' nan, and an inland city, Xi' an, which were similar in latitude, size and development. During 1956-1978, except that the annual mean minimum temperature in Ji' nan increased by 0.37 degrees C x 10 a(-1), the temperature variables in the two cities did not display any apparent trend. During 1979-1998, all temperature variables of the two cities showed an increasing trend. Comparing with that in Ji' nan, the increasing rate of annual mean maximum temperature and annual mean temperature in Xi' an was greater, but that of annual mean minimum temperature was smaller. In the two cities, heat island effect occurred during 1956-1978 but without any apparent trend, whereas during 1979-1998, this effect increased with time, especially in Xi' an where the annual mean minimum temperature and annual mean temperature increased by 0.22 degrees C x 10 a(-1) and 0.32 degrees C x 10 a(-1), respectively. Both the level and the inter-annual variation of the heat island effect were much greater in Ji' nan than in Xi' an, but the increasing rate of this effect was greater in Xi' an than in Ji' nan. Obvious differences were observed in the increasing rate of annual mean maximum air temperature, annual mean air temperature, and annual mean minimum temperature as well as the heat island effect in Ji' nan, whereas negligible differences were found in Xi' an. Among the three temperature variables, annual mean minimum temperature displayed the most obvious increasing trend and was most affected by heat island effect, while annual mean maximum temperature was most variable inter-annually. Geographical location not only affected the magnitude of urban warming, but also affected the mode of urban warming and the strength of heat island effect.

[Effects of electro-warmed needle of inner-Mongolian medicine on serum TNF-alpha, ACTH and corticosterone contents in fatigue rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electro-warmed needle (EWN, of Inner-Mongolian medicine) on fatigue rats' behavior, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortex (HPA) axis activity and immune system so as to reveal its neuro-endocrino-immune mechanism. METHODS: Male SD rats were randomized into control (n=20), model (n=20) and EWN (n=19) groups. Fatigue model was established by forcing the rat to swim in a water pool till exhaustion, once daily, continuously for 21 days. "Dinghui" (central spot over the bregmatic bone) and "Xinxue" (the center of the depression beneath the 7th thoracic vertebra) were punctured with silver needles which were warmed electrically by using a MLY-I Electrical Needle-warming Apparatus, once every 3 days, 7 sessions altogether. On the 21st day of modeling, swim-exhaustion duration (SED), and immobility time and struggle times in tail suspension test were measured. Twenty-four hours after the last swim, the rats' serum TNF-alpha, ACTH an corticosterone contents were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Compared with control group SED, immobility time and struggle times in tail suspension test in model group decreased, increased and lowered respectively and significantly (P < 0.01, 0.05); while in comparison with model group, the first 2 indexes of EWN group increased and lowered respectively and significantly (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found between EWN and model groups in struggle times (P > 0.05). Compared with control group, serum TNF-alpha, ACTH and corticosterone contents in model group increased significantly (P < 0.01), while in comparison with model group, the 3 indexes of EWN group were significantly lower (P < 0.01, 0.05). CONCLUSION: EWN treatment can reduce fatigue-induced increase of serum TNF-alpha, ACTH and corticosterone levels, and raise motor ability, suggesting a favorable regulation of HPA axis and immune function after EWN and improvement of fatigue in fatigue