[The identification of a novel reassortant H3N2 avian influenza virus based on nanopore sequencing technology and genetic characterization].

Objective: To identify a novel reassortant H3N2 avian influenza virus using nanopore sequencing technology and analyze its genetic characteristics. Methods: The positive samples of the H3N2 avian influenza virus, collected from the external environment in the farmers' market of Guangzhou, were cultured in chicken embryos. The whole genome was sequenced by targeted amplification and nanopore sequencing technology. The genetic characteristics were analyzed using bioinformatics software. Results: The phylogenetic trees showed that each gene fragment of the strain belonged to the Eurasian evolutionary branch, and the host source was of avian origin. The HA gene was closely related to the origin of the H3N6 virus. The NA gene was closely related to the H3N2 avian influenza virus from 2017 to 2020. The PB1 gene was closely related to the H5N6 avian influenza virus in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Fujian Province from 2016 to 2022 and was not related to the PB1 gene of the H5N6 avian influenza epidemic strain in Guangzhou. The other internal gene fragments had complex sources with significant genetic diversity. Molecular characteristics indicated that the strain exhibited the molecular characteristics of a typical low pathogenic avian influenza virus and tended to bind to the receptors of avian origin. On important protein sites related to biological characteristics, this strain had mutations of PB2-L89V, PB1-L473V, NP-A184K, M1-N30D/T215A, and NS1-P42S/N205S. Conclusions: This study identified a novel reassortant H3N2 avian influenza virus by nanopore sequencing, with the PB1 gene derived from the H5N6 avian influenza virus. The virus had a low ability to spread across species, but further exploration was needed to determine whether its pathogenicity to the host was affected.

[Research on quantitative evaluation of revise requirements of Specifications of Air Sampling for Hazardous Substances Monitoring in the Workplace (GBZ 159-2004)].

Objective: To conduct quantitative evaluation on the revise requirements of Specifications of Air Sampling for Hazardous Substances Monitoring in the Workplace (GBZ 159-2004) , clarify the problems and suggestions during its implementation for improvement, and provide a basis for the revision of the standard. Methods: From April to September 2021, stratified convenient sampling method was adopted and semi-open questionnaire was used to investigate the occupational health personnel in CDC, occupational prevention and control institutes, employers, third-party technical service institutions and universitie. The entropy weight of each index and the score based on entropy weight of GBZ 159 were calculated. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to describe the correlation between the two indexes and radar chart was drawn for comprehensive evaluation. Results: A total of 151 questionnaires were received from the respondents, of which 147 were valid, with an effective recovery rate of 97.35%, involving 29 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. The median G scores of the necessity and urgency of GBZ 159 revision based on entropy weight were 2.84 and 3.17, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (M=-25.50, P<0.001) . The trend of the score G of necessity and urgency based on entropy weight was basically the same for all secondary items (r(s)=0.9998, P<0.001) , and the score G of urgency based on entropy weight was higher than that of necessity. The highest score G of necessity and urgency based on entropy weight was "3.13 long time sampling", which were 7.56 and 8.23 respectively. This was followed by "3.12 short time sampling", which were 7.19 and 7.13 respectively. Conclusion: GBZ 159 has encountered some new problems and challenges in the implementation process, and some of its technical indicators have been out of line with the actual practice of occupational health at present. These are the two items that urgently needs to be revised and improved, such as "3.13 long time sampling" and "3.12 short time sampling" and other items need to be revised and improved.

[Study on the implementation effect evaluation of Specifications of Air Sampling for Hazardous Substances Monitoring in the Workplace (GBZ 159-2004)].

Systematically evaluate the implementation of Specifications of Air Sampling for Hazardous Substances Monitoring (GBZ 159-2004) , so as to provide technical basis for the future standard revision. The semi-structured interview method was used to interview the industry experts from centers for disease control and prevention, occupational disease prevention and control hospitals/institutes, employers, third-party technical service institutions and universities, and the induction method was used to refine the topics and relevant suggestions. Some technical indicators of GBZ 159 are not suitable for the current actual work of occupational health, and need to be revised and improved urgently. The revised GBZ 159 should comply with the current situation of China's industrial development and the development of occupational health testing equipment in the new era, and improve the relevant technical requirements of sampling quality control.

[Epidemiological characteristics of mpox epidemic in Guangzhou].

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of mpox epidemic in Guangzhou and provide scientific evidence for the prevention and control of the disease. Methods: Based on the mpox surveillance system in Guangzhou, suspected mpox cases with fever and rash were reported by local hospitals at all levels to centers for disease control and prevention in Guangzhou for sampling, investigation and diagnosis. Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the clinical characteristics and treatment of the mpox cases and positive detection rate reported in Guangzhou as of 24:00 on June 23. Whole genome sequencing of the virus isolates was performed using Illumina Miniseq high-throughput sequencing platform. Results: The first mpox case in Guangzhou was reported on June 10 in 2023. As of 24:00 on June 23, a total of 25 confirmed mpox cases were reported. All the mpox cases were men with a M(Q1,Q3) of 32 (26, 36) years, the majority of the cases were MSM (96.0%). The main clinical features were rash (100.0%, 25/25), lymphadenectasis (100.0%, 25/25) and fever (52.0%, 13/25). Rash usually occurred near the genitals (88.0%, 22/25). The close contacts, mainly family members (40.4%, 23/57), showed no similar symptoms, such as fever or rash. The positive rate of mpox virus in household environment samples was 30.5%. The analyses on 3 complete gene sequences of mpox virus indicated that the strains belonged to West African type Ⅱb clade, B.1.3 lineage. Conclusions: Hidden transmission of mpox virus had occurred in MSM in Guangzhou. However, the size of affected population is relatively limited, and the possibility of wide spread of the virus is low.

[Survival and prognosis analysis of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma treated with standard treatment paradigm].

Objective: To analyze the survival and prognosis of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients receiving standard first-line therapy. Methods: Data of clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with HL diagnosed in Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CHCAMS) from January 1st, 2000 to December 31st, 2018 who received standard first-line treatment were retrospectively analyzed and compared with that of HL patients who received treatment in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database in the United States during the same period. Factors associated with freedom from progression (FFP) of patients in CHCAMS were analyzed. Treatment and survival data of patients with relapsed/refractory HL (r/rHL) who had failed the standard first-line treatment during the corresponding period in CHCAMS were collected to analyze the outcomes of salvage therapy. Results: A total of 764 HL patients in CHCAMS were included in this study. The median age was 30 years (range, 14-83 years), with 424 males and 340 females. By February 26th, 2022, the patients were followed-up for a median time of 111 months(range, 0.3-262.0 months). Lymphoma-specific survival (LSS) rate and overall survival (OS) rate at 10 years for HL patients in CHCAMS was 91.7% (95%CI: 89.5%-93.9%) and 87.1% (95%CI: 84.5%-89.8%), respectively. LSS and OS rate at 10 years for HL patients from SEER database was 86.8% (95%CI: 86.3%-87.2%) and 79.0% (95%CI: 78.5%-79.5%), respectively. The unadjusted LSS and OS rate for patients in CHCAMS were higher than those for patients from SEER database (both P<0.001). No significant difference was observed in LSS and OS rate (both P>0.05) between the two groups after adjustment. European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer staging system (early-stage unfavorable: HR=2.35, 95%CI: 1.13-4.89, P=0.023; advanced stage: HR=5.44, 95%CI: 2.62-11.30, P<0.001) and serum ß2 microglobulin (HR=1.67, 95%CI: 1.08-2.58, P=0.021) were influencing factors of FFP for patients in CHCAMS. The complete remission rate, median progression-free survival (PFS), 5-year PFS rate and 5-year OS rate for the 116 patients with r/rHL was 37.9% (95%CI: 29.6%-47.0%), 15.0 months (95%CI: 9.9-20.1 months), 29.9% (95%CI: 20.9%-38.9%) and 62.9% (95%CI: 54.1%-71.7%), respectively. Conclusions: The outcomes of HL patients receiving standard first-line treatment are excellent. However, the therapeutic effect of HL patients who incurrs disease progression or relapse after standard first-line treatment is not satisfying.

Risk factors for Clostridioides difficile infection in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Clostridioides difficile is considered an urgent threat to human health by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In recent years, C. difficile has been reported increasingly as a cause of gastrointestinal disease in children, and the prevalence of hospital-acquired C. difficile infection and community-acquired CDI in children is increasing. AIM: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of risk factors for CDI in children. METHODS: MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, OVID, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang (Chinese), SinoMed (Chinese) and Weipu (Chinese) were searched from inception to 12th January 2022. Observational studies (cohort, case-control and cross-sectional) on CDI in children were included in the analysis. Data were pooled using a fixed or random-effects model, and odds ratios (OR) were calculated. FINDINGS: In total, 25 observational studies were included in the analysis. Prior antibiotic exposure [OR 1.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-2.97], prolonged hospitalization (OR 14.68, 95% CI 13.24-16.28), history of hospitalization (OR 3.67, 95% CI 1.91-7.06), gastric acid suppressants (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.41-2.73), male gender (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.05-1.32), neoplastic disease (OR 3.40, 95% CI, 2.85-4.07), immunodeficiency (OR 4.18, 95% CI 3.25-5.37), solid organ transplantation (OR 4.56, 95% CI 3.95-5.27) and enteral feeding (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.05-4.62) were associated with increased risk of CDI. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis provides further evidence for the susceptibility factors of CDI to improve clinicians' awareness of CDI, and prevent C. difficile-associated diarrhoea in children.

[Health-adjusted life expectancy in residents in Guangzhou, 2010-2019].

Objective: To analyze the spatiotemporal distribution of life expectancy (LE) and health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE) in Guangzhou from 2010 to 2019, and quantize the comprehensive impact of different causes and sequelae on health. Methods: The LE, HALE, and cause-excluded health adjusted life expectancy (CEHALE) were estimated using cause-of-death surveillance datasets from Guangzhou Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention from 2010 to 2019 and open data from the Global Burden of Disease Study. Joinpoint log-linear regression model was used to analyze the temporal trend and described spatial distribution. Results: In 2019, the LE in residents in Guangzhou was 82.9 years (80.1 years in men and 85.9 years in women), and the HALE was 75.6 years (74.0 years in men and 77.3 years in women). Compared with the urban fringe, the central urban area had higher LE and HALE, and the differences between LE and HALE were small. The LE and HALE in Guangzhou showed an increasing trend from 2010 to 2019. The LE increased by 2.8 years (AAPC=0.4, 95%CI: 0.3-0.4), with the increase of 2.8 years in men and 2.9 years in women. The HALE increased by 2.4 years (AAPC=0.3, 95%CI: 0.3-0.4), with the increase of 2.5 years in men and 2.2 years in women. The median healthy life lost due to communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases was 6.2 years (AAPC=-4.2, 95%CI: -5.3--3.1), while the median healthy life lost due to non-communicable diseases was 14.7 years (AAPC=1.6, 95%CI: 0.9-2.3), the median healthy life expectancy reduced by injury was 6.3 years (AAPC=-3.5, 95%CI: -4.5--2.6). Musculoskeletal disorders, skin and subcutaneous diseases, cardiovascular diseases, nutritional deficiencies, diabetes and kidney diseases were the top five diseases causing healthy life expectancy loss. Conclusion: The LE and HALE in residents in Guangzhou increased steadily from 2010 to 2019, but the quality of life in the urban fringe was lower than that of the central urban area. Non-communicable diseases were the leading causes of healthy life expectancy loss. Health policies and prevention measures should be developed according to area specific characteristics, and social medical resources should be rationally allocated to key diseases to reduce their disease burden.

Age and Sex Differences in the Association of Sleep Duration and Overweight/Obesity among Chinese Participants Age above 45 Years: A Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the association between sleep duration and obesity and estimate the attributable risk of sleep in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study surveys (CHARLS). METHODS: A total of 9061 adults aged 45 years above from CHARLS (2011-2015) were included. The main outcome of this study was incident overweight/obesity specific to general and abdominal obesity. Overweight/obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 23.0 (kg/m2) and BMI≥27.5 (kg/m2), respectively. Abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference ≥90 cm for men and ≥80 cm for women. Self-reported sleep durations were obtained using a structured questionnaire. We assessed hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as well as the population attributable fraction (PAF) for associations between sleep duration and obesity. RESULTS: 986 and 606 participants were identified as overweight and general obesity respectively, 1253 experienced abdominal obesity events. In multivariable-adjusted models, participants with daytime sleep of 0-30 minutes and more than 30 minutes associated with 30% (HR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.56-0.87) and 35% (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.55-0.78) decreased incident overweight risk respectively compared to those having no daytime sleep, this association also found among females and middle-aged, not males or elderly. Similarly, 0-30 minutes (HR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.48-0.96) and more than 30 minutes of daytime sleep (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.59-0.91) were associated with a reduced risk of abdominal obesity, similar results also found among females and middle-aged. Compared with 7-9 hours of nocturnal sleep, people who slept 5-7 hours had a reduced risk of overweight (HR: 0.59, 95% CI=0.47-0.74),but not found in subgroups. The hazard role of long nocturnal sleep for abdominal obesity was only found among elderly (HR: 2.33, 95% CI=1.35-4.04) and males (HR: 2.24, 95% CI=1.17-4.29). Compared with moderate total sleepers (7-9hours/day), participants with short total sleep duration exhibited an elevated risk of overweight (HR: 1.13, 95% CI=1.00-1.28), this also found among middle-aged. The PAF for inadequate total sleep duration (<7 hours/day) was 10.77% for overweight individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Insufficient sleep duration was associated with an elevated risk of overweight only detected among middle-aged not elderly and other subgroups specific by age. The risks for abdominal obesity were increased for males and middle-aged with long nocturnal sleep. Daytime sleep may significantly reduce the risk of overweight and abdominal obesity in female and middle-aged individuals. The link between sleep duration and obesity requires further study.

Association between insulin-like growth factor-1 and cardiovascular events: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of cohort studies.

BACKGROUND: Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) has increasingly been reported as linked to cardiovascular (CV) events; however, reported results have been inconsistent, and no meta-analysis has been undertaken to quantitatively assess this association. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for cohort articles published up to December 1, 2020. Fixed or random-effects models were used to estimate the summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of CV events in relation to IGF-1. Restricted cubic splines were used to model the dose-response association. RESULTS: We identified 11 articles (thirteen cohort studies) covering a total of 22,995 participants and 3040 CV events in this meta-analysis. The risk of overall CV events reduced by 16% from the highest to the lowest IGF-1 levels (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.72-0.95), while the occurrence of CV events reduced by 28% (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.56-0.92), but not for CV deaths, however (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.65-1.55). We also found linear associations between IGF-1 levels and CV events. With each per 45 µg/mL IGF-1 increase, the pooled RRs were 0.91 (95% CI 0.86-0.96), 0.91 (95% CI 0.85-0.97) and 0.91 (95% CI 0.84-0.98) for overall CV events, for the occurrence of CV events, and for CV deaths, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings based on cohort studies support the contention that any increase in IGF-1 is helpful in reducing the overall risk of CV events. As an important biomarker for assessing the likelihood of CV events, IGF-1 appears to offer a promising prognostic approach for aiding prevention.

A novel 27-bp indel in the intron region of the YBX3 gene is associated with growth traits in chickens.

1. The DNA/RNA binding protein YBX3 is associated with gene transcription, DNA repair, and the progression of various diseases and is highly conserved from bacteria to humans.2. The following experiment found a 27-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in the intron region of the YBX3 gene through resequencing. In cross-designed, F2 resource groups, the indel was significantly associated with broiler weight and body size at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks of age and several other traits (semi evisceration weight (SEW), evisceration weight (EW), semi evisceration rate (SER), evisceration rate (ER), head weight (HW), claw weight (CLW), wing weight (DWW), gizzard weight (GW), pancreas weight (PW), chest muscle weight (CMW), leg weight (LW), leg muscle weight (LMW), shedding weight (SW), carcase weight (CW) and pectoral area (PA)) (P < 0.05).3. The insertion-insertion (II) genotype was significantly associated with the greatest growth traits and carcase traits, whereas the values associated with the insertion-deletion (ID) genotype were the lowest in the F2 reciprocal cross chickens.4. The mutation sites were genotyped in 3611 individuals from 13 different chicken breeds and cross-designed F2 resource groups. The II genotype is the most important in commercial broilers, and the I allele frequency observed in these breeds was relatively high. However, there is still considerable potential in breeding dual-purpose chickens and commercial laying hens.5. The mRNA expression of the YBX3 gene in tissues from different breeds and developmental stages demonstrated that the 27-bp indel may affect the entire development process of poultry by affecting muscle development. These findings are beneficial for elucidating the function of the YBX3 gene and facilitating enhanced production in the chicken industry.

Ventilation and air cleaning to limit aerosol particle concentrations in a gym during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SARS-CoV-2 can spread by close contact through large droplet spray and indirect contact via contaminated objects. There is mounting evidence that it can also be transmitted by inhalation of infected saliva aerosol particles. These particles are generated when breathing, talking, laughing, coughing or sneezing. It can be assumed that aerosol particle concentrations should be kept low in order to minimize the potential risk of airborne virus transmission. This paper presents measurements of aerosol particle concentrations in a gym, where saliva aerosol production is pronounced. 35 test persons performed physical exercise and aerosol particle concentrations, CO2 concentrations, air temperature and relative humidity were obtained in the room of 886 m³. A separate test was used to discriminate between human endogenous and exogenous aerosol particles. Aerosol particle removal by mechanical ventilation and mobile air cleaning units was measured. The gym test showed that ventilation with air-change rate ACH = 2.2 h-1, i.e. 4.5 times the minimum of the Dutch Building Code, was insufficient to stop the significant aerosol concentration rise over 30 min. Air cleaning alone with ACH = 1.39 h-1 had a similar effect as ventilation alone. Simplified mathematical models were engaged to provide further insight into ventilation, air cleaning and deposition. It was shown that combining the above-mentioned ventilation and air cleaning can reduce aerosol particle concentrations with 80 to 90% , depending on aerosol size. This combination of existing ventilation supplemented with air cleaning is energy efficient and can also be applied for other indoor environments.

Strengthening mechanism and corrosion resistance of beta-type Ti-Nb-Zr-Mn alloys.

In order to achieve an effective balance between plasticity and strength, a group of Ti-26Nb-xZr-yMn (x = 4, 7, 10 wt% and y = 3, 5 wt%) alloys were designed to evaluate the effects of Mn and Zr on the microstructures, mechanical properties and strengthening effects of the TiNb system. All the investigated alloys illustrate a monolithic ß phase in their microstructure and they all possess substantial true plasticity (~160%) and true maximum strength (~ 950 MPa) without fracture during the compression tests within the load capacity of 100 kN. The contribution of solid-solution, grain-boundary and dislocation strengthening mechanisms have been evaluated using the strengthening model for ß Ti alloys for all the investigated alloys. Among the investigated alloys, Ti-26Nb-4Zr-5Mn demonstrates the highest true yield strength (654 MPa), dislocation density (2.45 × 1015 m-2) and hardness (242 HV) along with improved strain hardening ability in terms of strain hardening indices (0.42 and 0.09). Furthermore, based on the superior mechanical properties among the investigated alloys, the electrochemical performance of Ti-26Nb-4Zr-3Mn and Ti-26Nb-4Zr-5Mn have also been analyzed in this work. The electrochemical measurements show that both alloys have almost similar corrosion potential and corrosion current density in simulated body fluid, i.e., -0.45 V and 0.838 nA/cm2 for Ti-26Nb-4Zr-3Mn, -0.48 V and 0.839 nA/cm2 for Ti-26Nb-4Zr-5Mn, respectively.

[Effects of PNPLA3, TM6SF2 gene polymorphisms and its interactions with smoking and alcohol drinking on hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma].

Objective: To explore the SNP effects of patatin-like phospholipase domain which containing 3 (PNPLA3), transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2) gene, environmental effects of smoking, alcohol drinking and interaction between gene-gene, gene-environment and drinking-smoking on hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC). Methods: We collected anticoagulant peripheral blood from patients of HBV-HCC, chronic hepatitis B (CHB), liver cirrhosis (LC) and from healthy controls to detect the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3) gene loci rs738409 and transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2) gene loci rs58542926, using the flight mass spectrometry method. The optimal assignment value of gene polymorphisms was defined by using the online SNP stats. Hardy-Weinberg (H-W) balance was tested for SNP. Effects of the genetic and environmental factors to HBV-HCC were analyzed by using the multiple classification logistic regression method. The gene-gene, gene-smoking and alcohol drinking interaction effects were investigated by Fork-Life analysis and binary logistic regression methods. Results: The frequency distribution of CHB group rs738409 loci seemed not in conformity with the H-W balance (χ(2)=11.980, P<0.005). Two loci frequency distributions in the other groups were all in accordandce with the H-W balance. After adjusting for influences on age and sex and comparing to the healthy group, the rs58542926 mutation appeared as OR=1.659, 95%CI: 1.026-2.684, P=0.039, in the HBV-HCC group. When comparing to CHB group, the HBV-HCC group presented that drinking as OR=1.680, 95%CI: 1.121-2.519, P=0.012. When comparing to the LC group, the ORs of drinking and smoking were 1.539 (1.071-2.213) and 1.453 (1.005-2.099) respectively, in the HBV-HCC group. When comparing to the CHB+LC group, interactions between the HBV-HCC group were found rs738409 and rs58542926 on additive model OR=1.548 (U=1.885, P=0.029) and OR=1.658 (P=0.024) on logistic regression model while drinking was rs738409 on interaction additive model with OR=1.811(U=1.965, P=0.024). As for drinking and mutation of rs738409, the multiplication model of logistic regression showed no statistically significant differences. Interaction between smoking and drinking appeared as OR=1.756 (P<0.001) in the logistics regression multiplication model. Conclusions: Factors as mutation of TM6SF2, smoking and drinking all appeared as risk factors for HBV-HCC. Mutations of both PNPLA3 and TM6SF2, together with smoking and drinking all served as risk factors for HBV-HCC. However, the mutation of single PNPLA3 appeared as a protective factor on HBV-HCC.

Effect of sodium selenite and selenium yeast on performance, egg quality, antioxidant capacity, and selenium deposition of laying hens.

This study compared the effects of sodium selenite and selenium yeast and their combination on laying performance, egg quality, antioxidant capacity, and selenium (Se) contents in tissues and eggs. Two-hundred-eighty-eight Jing Hong layers that were similar in laying rate (87.5 ± 0.38%) and body weight (1.70 ± 0.02 kg) were randomly distributed into 4 treatments for 11 wk (from 203 d old to 279 d old) with 9 replicates of 8 hens per replicate. The diets (corn-soybean meal diet) were supplemented with 0 [blank control (BC)], 0.3 mg/kg Se from sodium selenite (SS), 0.15 mg/kg Se from sodium selenite and 0.15 mg/kg Se from Se yeast (SS+SY), or 0.3 mg/kg Se from Se yeast (SY). Results showed that the laying rate of the SS+SY group increased significantly (P < 0.05) compared to the BC and SY groups. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in egg quality between the Se-supplemented diets and the BC diet. The serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was increased (P < 0.01) in hens fed Se-supplemented diets compared to the BC diet. The liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of the SY group was increased significantly (P < 0.05) compared to the BC group. Significant increase (P < 0.01) due to SY supplementation was noted in the serum vitamin E content compared to BC and SS. Layers fed Se-supplemented diets had higher (P < 0.01) contents of Se in the serum, liver, and kidney compared to the BC diet. Compared to BC, Se content in eggs was significantly increased (P < 0.05) by feeding supplementary Se. In conclusion, the effects of SS and Se yeast were approximately equal in promoting antioxidant capacity of laying hens, while Se yeast is easier to deposit into eggs and tissues. The diet with added equal amounts of the 2 sources of Se was more cost effective and affordable than a comparable amount of Se yeast to obtain the promising production performance and nearly similar Se deposition.

[A prospective study of the efficacy and safety of maintenance therapy with recombinant human thrombopoietin in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia: a multicenter study].

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of maintenance therapy with reduced dose of rhTPO in the patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who attained stable platelet (PLT) counts after daily administration of rhTPO. Methods: Treatment was started with a daily administration of rhTPO (300 U/kg) for 2 consecutive weeks. Patients who attained stable PLT≥50×10(9)/L were enrolled to maintenance therapy starting with every other day administration of rhTPO, then adjusted dose interval to maintain platelet count (30-100) ×10(9)/L. Results: A total of 91 eligible patients were enrolled. Fourteen patients discontinued the study due to noncompliance (12/14) and investigator decision (2/14) . Among 77 patients who completed the study, 38 patients with the administration of rhTPO at every other day or less could maintain PLT≥30×10(9)/L for 12 weeks. The percentage of patients with a platelet response (PLT≥30×10(9)/L) at 4(th) week, 8(th) week and 12(th) week of maintain therapy was 92.6% (63/68) , 82.7% (43/52) and 85.0% (34/40) , respectively. Median platelet counts remained in the range of (70-124) ×10(9)/L. The overall incidence of rhTPO-related adverse events was 7.7%. All the adverse events were generally mild. Conclusion: Extending the dose interval of rhTPO is feasible to maintain stable platelet count in the patients with ITP, but the optimal dose interval is uncertain and might vary with individuals.

Suicide among immigrant population in Norway: a national register-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate differences in suicide risk among immigrant population in Norway compared with native Norwegians, with respect to associated country group of origin. METHODS: Based on the entire national population, a nested case-control design was adopted using Norwegian national longitudinal registers to obtain 23 073 suicide cases having occurred in 1969-2012 and 373 178 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) for suicide were estimated using conditional logistic regression analysis adjusting for socio-economic factors. RESULTS: Compared with native Norwegians, suicide risk was significantly lower in first- and second-generation immigrants but higher in Norwegian-born with one foreign-born parent and foreign-born individuals with at least one Norwegian-born parent. When stratifying data by country group of origin, first-generation immigrants had lower ORs in most of the strata. Subjects born in Asia and in Central and South America with at least one Norwegian-born parent had a significantly higher risk of suicide. The observed results remained mostly unchanged in the analyses controlled for socio-economic status. CONCLUSIONS: Suicide risk is lower in first- and second-generation immigrants but higher in subjects born in Norway with one foreign-born parent and those born abroad with at least one Norwegian-born parent, with notable differences by country group of origin.

Psychosocial therapy and causes of death after deliberate self-harm: a register-based, nationwide multicentre study using propensity score matching.

BACKGROUND: Psychosocial therapy after deliberate self-harm might be associated with reduced risk of specific causes of death. METHOD: In this matched cohort study, we included patients, who after an episode of deliberate self-harm received psychosocial therapy at a Suicide Prevention Clinic in Denmark between 1992 and 2010. We used propensity score matching in a 1:3 ratio to select a comparison group from 59 046 individuals who received standard care. National Danish registers supplied data on specific causes of death over a 20-year follow-up period. RESULTS: At the end of follow-up, 391 (6.9%) of 5678 patients in the psychosocial therapy group had died, compared with 1736 (10.2%) of 17 034 patients in the matched comparison group. Lower odds ratios of dying by mental or behavioural disorders [0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37-0.79], alcohol-related causes (0.63, 95% CI 0.50-0.80) and other diseases and medical conditions (0.61, 95% CI 0.49-0.77) were noted in the psychosocial therapy group. Also, we found a reduced risk of dying by suicide as well as other external causes, however, not by neoplasms and circulatory system diseases. Numbers needed to treat were 212.9 (95% CI 139.5-448.4) for mental or behavioural disorders as a cause of death, 111.1 (95% CI 79.2-210.5) for alcohol-related causes and 96.8 (95% CI 69.1-161.8) for other diseases and medical conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that psychosocial therapy after deliberate self-harm might reduce long-term risk of death from select medical conditions and external causes. These promising results should be tested in a randomized design.

[Clinical features and scalp video electroencephalogram analysis of patients with insular epilepsy].

Objective: To explore the clinical and scalp video electroencephalographic(EEG) characteristics of insula lobe epilepsy identified by intracranial electrode, and to provide some references for early diagnosis and clinical evaluation in patients with insula lobe epilepsy. Methods: A total of 12 patients diagnosed with insula lobe epilepsy identified by intracranial electrode were included from Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University from January 2013 to December 2015.Their clinical and EEG data were analyzed. Results: 91.7% of patients had sensory aura before seizure, and had clear consciousness at onset initial time.Visceral motor and visceral sensation were the most common symptoms, and the epilepsy was always ended with somatic movement.There was no prominent characteristic changes in scalp EEG. Conclusions: Clinical features are important for insula lobe epilepsy diagnosis.When patients present symtoms aforementioned, insula lobe epilepsy should be considered.

National study of suicide method in violent criminal offenders.

BACKGROUND: Gaining a greater knowledge of the mechanisms and means by which violent offenders die by suicide can inform tailored preventive strategies. METHODS: Using interlinked national Danish registry data we constructed a nested case-control study dataset of all adult suicides during 1994-2006: N=9708 cases and N=188,134 age and gender matched living controls. Completely ascertained International Classification of Diseases 10th revision cause-specific mortality codes were examined, with all criminal charges since 1980, and covariate information on psychiatric treatment and socio-demographics. Self-poisonings were classified as 'nonviolent' suicide and all other methods as being 'violent' ones. RESULTS: Compared with the general population, risk among male and female violent offenders was strongly and significantly elevated for suicide by either a violent or a nonviolent method, although the relative risk was greater for nonviolent suicide. These patterns were also observed among nonviolent offenders, albeit with smaller effect sizes. Risk was especially raised for self-poisoning with narcotics & hallucinogens. We could only examine the full range of suicide methods in male violent offenders. In these men, hanging was the most frequently used method, although risk was markedly and significantly elevated virtually across the entire range of regularly used suicide methods. LIMITATIONS: We lacked sufficient statistical power for undertaking a detailed profiling of specific suicide methods among female violent offenders. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that comprehensive and broadly-based preventive approaches are needed for tackling the markedly raised risk of suicide by both violent and nonviolent means in this population. Their high relative risk for self-poisoning by illicit or illegal drugs underlines the importance of access to means and of prevailing subculture.