Development and validation of a circulating tumor DNA-based optimization-prediction model for short-term postoperative recurrence of endometrial cancer.

BACKGROUND: Endometrial cancer (EC) is a common gynecological malignancy that typically requires prompt surgical intervention; however, the advantage of surgical management is limited by the high postoperative recurrence rates and adverse outcomes. Previous studies have highlighted the prognostic potential of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) monitoring for minimal residual disease in patients with EC. AIM: To develop and validate an optimized ctDNA-based model for predicting short-term postoperative EC recurrence. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 294 EC patients treated surgically from 2015-2019 to devise a short-term recurrence prediction model, which was validated on 143 EC patients operated between 2020 and 2021. Prognostic factors were identified using univariate Cox, Lasso, and multivariate Cox regressions. A nomogram was created to predict the 1, 1.5, and 2-year recurrence-free survival (RFS). Model performance was assessed via receiver operating characteristic (ROC), calibration, and decision curve analyses (DCA), leading to a recurrence risk stratification system. RESULTS: Based on the regression analysis and the nomogram created, patients with postoperative ctDNA-negativity, postoperative carcinoembryonic antigen 125 (CA125) levels of < 19 U/mL, and grade G1 tumors had improved RFS after surgery. The nomogram's efficacy for recurrence prediction was confirmed through ROC analysis, calibration curves, and DCA methods, highlighting its high accuracy and clinical utility. Furthermore, using the nomogram, the patients were successfully classified into three risk subgroups. CONCLUSION: The nomogram accurately predicted RFS after EC surgery at 1, 1.5, and 2 years. This model will help clinicians personalize treatments, stratify risks, and enhance clinical outcomes for patients with EC.

Efficacy of an mHealth-delivered behavioral intervention on weight loss and cardiometabolic risk in African American postpartum people with overweight or obesity: the SnapBack randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a mobile health (mHealth)-delivered behavioral intervention on changes in postpartum weight and cardiometabolic risk factors (blood pressure [BP], lipids, and hemoglobin A1c) over 12 months. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial of 300 African American postpartum people with overweight and obesity enrolled in Philadelphia Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clinics was conducted. Participants were randomized to usual WIC care (n = 151) or a 12-month mHealth-delivered intervention (n = 149) comprising behavior change goals, interactive self-monitoring text messages, and counseling support. RESULTS: Intervention and usual-care participants did not significantly differ in 12-month mean postpartum weight change (1.1 vs. 1.6 kg, p = 0.5; difference -0.6 kg, 95% CI: -2.3 to 1.2). However, high intervention engagement led to weight loss compared with weight gain among those who were less engaged (-0.6 vs. 2.4 kg, p = 0.01; difference -3.0 kg, 95% CI: -5.4 to -0.6). The intervention reduced systolic BP relative to usual care (-1.6 vs. 2.4 mm Hg, p = 0.02; difference -4.0 mm Hg, 95% CI: -7.5 to -0.5), but this effect did not extend to other cardiometabolic risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Among African American postpartum people enrolled in WIC, an mHealth-delivered intervention reduced systolic BP but not additional cardiometabolic risk factors or weight. Intervention participants with high engagement had significantly better postpartum weight outcomes, and thus, next steps include addressing barriers to engagement.

Clavulanic Acid-Mediated Increases in Anterior Cingulate Glutamate Levels are Associated With Decreased Cocaine Craving and Brain Network Functional Connectivity Changes.

Background: There is an urgent need for pharmacological treatment for cocaine (COC) use disorder (CUD). Glutamatergic transmission in the prefrontal cortex is affected by addictive behaviors. Clavulanic acid (CLAV), a glutamate transporter GLT-1 (excitatory amino acid transporter) activator, is a clinical-stage medication that has potential for treating CUD. Methods: In a pilot study, nine participants with CUD received 500 mg CLAV with dose escalations to 750 mg and 1000 mg over 10 days. In 5 separate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sessions, brain anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) glutamate level and resting state network (RSN) functional connectivity (FC) were assessed using MR spectroscopy and functional MRI. Craving was assessed at the same time points, between baseline (before CLAV), 6 days, and 10 days of CLAV. Independent component analysis with dual regression was used to identify RSN FC changes from baseline to Days 6 and 10. Relationships among glutamate, craving, and resting state FC values were analyzed. Results: Participants who achieved high ACC glutamate levels after CLAV treatment had robust decreases in COC craving (r = -0.90, P = 0.0009, n = 9). The salience network (SN) and executive control network (ECN) demonstrated an association between increased FC after CLAV treatment and low baseline ACC Glu levels (SN CLAV 750 mg, r = -0.82, P = 0.007) (ECN CLAV 1000 mg, r = -0.667, P = 0.050; n = 9). Conclusions: Glutamate associated changes in craving and FC of the salience and executive control brain networks support CLAV as a potentially efficacious pharmacological treatment for CUD.

Activation of MAL2 by RAD21 inhibits the expression of MHC-I in immune evasion of endometrial cancer.

CD8+ T cells are the primary mediators of anticancer immunity, and modulation of the CD8+ T cell response has been a central focus of immunotherapy to treat cancer. When CD8+ T cells specifically recognize antigenic peptides presented by the MHC-I on tumor cells, they become activated and kill the tumor cells. However, one pivotal mechanism through which tumor cells evade immune surveillance is to reduce their antigen presentation. To identify novel immunotherapeutic targets, we specifically focused on the role of MAL2 in immune evasion in endometrial cancer (EC) and the underlying mechanism. MAL2 was overexpressed in EC tissues and cells and its transcription was enhanced by RAD21. Knockdown of MAL2 or RAD21 inhibited malignant behavior and immune evasion of EC cells by repressing MHC-I expression and the cytotoxic effects of CD8+ cells. Conversely, MAL2 promoted immune evasion of EC cells and tumor growth in mice in the presence of RAD21 knockdown. These results indicate that RAD21 activation of MAL2 inhibits antigen processing and presentation of MHC-I, thereby inducing immune evasion of EC cells. We further suggest that RAD21 and MAL2 may serve as novel targets for EC immunotherapy.

Characterization of recombinant human lactoferrin expressed in Komagataella phaffii.

This work presents a thorough characterization of Helaina recombinant human lactoferrin (rhLF, Effera™) expressed in a yeast system at an industrial scale for the first time. Proteomic analysis confirmed that its amino acid sequence is identical to that of native human LF. N-linked glycans were detected at three known glycosylation sites, namely, Asparagines-156, -497, and -642 and they were predominantly oligomannose structures having five to nine mannoses. Helaina rhLF's protein secondary structure was nearly identical to that of human milk lactoferrin (hmLF), as revealed by microfluidic modulation spectroscopy. Results of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and analytical ultracentrifugation analyses confirmed that, like hmLF, Helaina rhLF displayed well-folded globular structures in solution. Reconstructed solvent envelopes of Helaina rhLF, obtained through the SAXS analysis, demonstrated a remarkable fit with the reported crystalline structure of iron-bound native hmLF. Differential scanning calorimetry investigations into the thermal stability of Helaina rhLF revealed two distinct denaturation temperatures at 68.7 ± 0.9 °C and 91.9 ± 0.5 °C, consistently mirroring denaturation temperatures observed for apo- and holo-hmLF. Overall, Helaina rhLF differed from hmLF in the N-glycans they possessed; nevertheless, the characterization results affirmed that Helaina rhLF was of high purity and exhibited globular structures closely akin to that of hmLF.

A study on satisfaction evaluation of Chinese mainstream short video platforms based on grounded theory and CRITIC-VIKOR.

In recent years, Chinese short video platforms have experienced vigorous development, accompanied by increasing expectations and demands from users. This study aims to explore the factors influencing user satisfaction on mainstream Chinese short video platforms and provide a scientific and objective evaluation framework to support the enhancement of user satisfaction and the development of short video platforms. Through a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, multiple mainstream Chinese short video platforms were evaluated and analyzed. Firstly, semi-structured interviews with users were conducted using Grounded Theory to delve into the key factors shaping users' expectations, needs, and satisfaction towards short video platforms. Secondly, the CRITIC-VIKOR method was employed to assign comprehensive weights to various factors and to evaluate the satisfaction levels of the mainstream platforms. The study revealed that the core categories affecting user satisfaction include content quality and interaction, trust and values, and user experience. The weighted values of the main categories are as follows: interface and interaction design 0.124, personalized experience 0.115, platform stability and performance 0.075, privacy and security 0.133, user service and communication 0.060, social impact and values 0.124, content quality and diversity 0.088, social interaction 0.094, and advertising experience 0.186. Furthermore, the satisfaction evaluation of mainstream short video platforms indicated that bilibili platform garnered the highest user satisfaction among surveyed users. This study provides specific directions for improving user experience and enhancing user satisfaction for short video platforms, while also offering a evaluation framework based on Grounded Theory and CRITIC-VIKOR method for similar studies, thus expanding the theoretical and practical fields of user satisfaction research.

Clavulanic Acid Decreases Cocaine Cue Reactivity in Addiction-Related Brain Areas, a Randomized fMRI Pilot Study.

Background: Preclinical studies show that clavulanic acid (CLAV) inhibits cocaine self-administration. This study investigates the effect of CLAV on regions of brain activation in response to cocaine cues during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in participants with cocaine use disorder (CUD). Methods: A double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trial with thirteen individuals with severe CUD who were randomized to treatment with CLAV (N = 10, 9 completers) 500 mg/day or matched placebo (PBO) (N = 3) for 3 days. fMRI was used to assess brain reactivity to 18 alternating six-second video clips of cocaine or neutral scenes. In this paradigm, participants were exposed to three different stimulus conditions: NEUTRAL, WATCH (passive watching), and DOWN (actively inhibiting craving while watching). Results: Participants who received CLAV demonstrated a significant reduction in brain activity in the anterior cingulate gyrus (p = 0.009) and the caudate (p = 0.018) in response to DOWN cocaine cues. There was a trend toward lessened cue reactivity in other regions implicated in CUD. Conclusion: CLAV reduced the response of the brain regions associated with motivation and emotional response during the DOWN condition compared to PBO, suggesting CLAV may strengthen voluntary efforts to avoid cocaine use. This pilot data supports the use of CLAV for CUD. (Trial registered in ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04411914).

Virtual Reality for the Management of Pain and Anxiety for IR Procedures: A Prospective, Randomized, Pilot Study on Digital Sedation.

PURPOSE: To assess the analgesic and anxiolytic effects of virtual reality (VR) augmentation in patients undergoing peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement or fine-needle aspiration thyroid biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective, single-center randomized controlled trial with 107 patients enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to receive standard of care (SOC) or SOC+VR during PICC or thyroid biopsy procedures. Pain and anxiety were individually measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) before and after the procedure. Vital signs including heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were recorded. One-way analysis of variance test and Games-Howell post hoc analysis were used to assess effect size and statistical significance between SOC and SOC+VR measures. RESULTS: The PICC cohort consisted of 59 patients (33 in SOC+VR and 26 in SOC), with a median age of 53.1 years (interquartile range [IQR], 38.3-62.7 years). The thyroid biopsy cohort consisted of 48 patients (26 in SOC+VR and 22 in SOC), with a median age of 60.1 years (IQR, 49.0-67.2 years). One-way analysis of individuals undergoing thyroid biopsies with adjunctive VR revealed an effect size of -1.74 points (SE ± 0.71; P = .018) on VAS pain scale when compared with SOC. Analysis of individuals undergoing PICC placements revealed an effect size of -1.60 points (SE ± 0.81; P = .053) on VAS anxiety when compared with SOC. CONCLUSIONS: VR as a nonpharmacologic adjunct reduced some procedure-related pain and anxiety without increasing the procedural duration.

Fourier Phase Analysis of Dynamic Antral Contraction Scintigraphy: New Software, Reference Values, and Comparisons to Conventional Gastric Emptying.

Dynamic antral contraction scintigraphy (DACS) has been used to evaluate for gastric dysmotility by measuring antral contraction frequency and ejection fraction (EF). Fourier phase image analysis has the potential to assess gastric antral contractions for dyssynchrony as has been used for analyzing nuclear cardiology ventriculography (multigated acquisition studies) for cardiac dyssynchrony. The aims of this study were to determine whether Fourier phase analysis helps to characterize antral motility physiology, whether Fourier phase analysis correlates with conventional gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES), and which DACS parameters may aid in diagnosing gastric dysmotility, particularly delayed gastric emptying (GE). Methods: DACS and GES of healthy volunteers (n = 22) were compared with patients (n = 99) with symptoms of gastroparesis. New DACS Fourier phase analysis software was developed. Results: GE was delayed (n = 53) or normal (n = 46) in patients. There was a linear correlation between the time for the stomach to empty 50% of the meal and the percentage total proximal and distal in-phase antral pixels at 30 min (r = 0.37, P = 0.0001) and 60 min (r = 0.26, P = 0.007). In healthy volunteers, the mean proximal-to-distal ratio of in-phase antral pixels increased from 1.67 (30 min) to 2.65 (120 min) (P = 0.035), and EF increased from 23% (30 min) to 32% (120 min) (P = 0.022). Multivariable regressions of percentage total proximal and distal in-phase antral pixels (30 min) and EF (60 min) were the best predictors of abnormal GE (adjusted odds ratio, 3.30 [95% CI, 1.21-9.00] and 2.97 [95% CI, 1.08-8.21], respectively). Conclusion: This study used Fourier phase analysis to analyze DACS in healthy volunteers and patients with symptoms of gastroparesis. In addition to establishing reference values, new physiologic information on antral motility was obtained. In healthy volunteers, there was an increasing proximal-to-distal ratio of in-phase antral pixels and antral EF over time after meal ingestion. The percentage total proximal and distal in-phase antral pixels at both 30 and 60 min correlated well with GE values for the time for the stomach to empty 50% of the meal. For symptomatic patients, the percentage total proximal and distal in-phase antral pixels at 30 min and the EF at 60 min after meal ingestion correlated with delayed GE on conventional GES. Thus, Fourier phase analysis of DACS appears to have potential to further aid in diagnosing gastric dysmotility in GES.

Abatement of environmental pollution by research on electrical resistivity and conductivity mechanism of poplar dust.

Under conventional processing conditions, the resistivity of wood dust is in the range of insulating materials, which can induce a dust cloud explosion when there are static sparks. This paper took the fast-growing poplar wood commonly used in Chinese wood processing and studied the effects of moisture content, temperature, and particle size on the electrical resistivity value of sanded wood dust. Orthogonal analysis was conducted on the influencing factors. The results showed that the influence of moisture content on electrical resistivity was the most significant factor, followed by temperature and particle size. Further experiments have shown that when the moisture content increased from 6% to 32%, the resistivity decreased from 109 Ω cm to 105 Ω cm, which reached the suitable resistivity range of static discharge method. The ion concentration of wood dust extracted in cold water and hot water and the resistivity of poplar dust residue after extraction were determined. Nine metal ions (a total of 105.02 mol/g) were detected in cold-water extract, and the concentrations of K+, Na+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ accounted for 99.8%. The original poplar dust and the extracted poplar dust were measured and analyzed. The changes in water-soluble ion content, functional groups, crystallinity, and complexes of the wood dust before and after ion dissolution, jointly led to changes in the electrical resistivity of the wood dust (a difference of 2-4 orders of magnitude). It was verified that the way wood dust conducts electricity is through ion conduction. There were more abundant capillary system structures between poplar dust particles, allowing water-soluble ions to move more freely with water channels. The larger specific surface area and higher temperature also promoted the dissolution of water-soluble ions, which affected the electrical resistivity.

Exploring the Impact of Insertion/Deletion in FTO and PLIN1 Genes on Morphometric Traits in Sheep.

This study aimed to identify InDels from the FTO and PLIN1 genes and to analyze their association with morphometric traits in Hu sheep (HS), Dupor sheep (DS), and Small Tail Han sheep (STHS). The FTO and PLIN1 genes were genotyped using the insertion/deletion (InDel) method. A one-way ANOVA with SPSS 26.0 software (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA) was used to assess the effect of the InDel FTO and PLIN1 genes on morphometric traits. The results revealed significant associations between certain InDels and the morphometric traits in different breeds of sheep. Specifically, FTO-2 was significantly associated with cannon circumference (CaC) in HS rams and body height (BoH) in HS ewes (p < 0.05). FTO-2 was also significantly associated with chest width (ChW), CaC, head length (HeL), and coccyx length (CoL) in the STHS breed (p < 0.05). FTO-3 showed significant associations with BoH in HS rams and BoH, back height (BaH), ChW, and chest depth (ChD) in HS ewes (p < 0.05). FTO-3 was also significantly associated with ChW in the DS and STHS breeds (p < 0.05). FTO-5 was significantly associated with body weight (BoW) in the DS breed and BoH in the STHS breed (p < 0.05). Furthermore, PLIN1 was significantly related to BoW in the DS breed and was significantly associated with CoL and forehead width (FoW) in the STHS breed (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the study suggested that InDels in the FTO and PLIN1 genes could provide practical information to improve morphometric traits in sheep breeding.

Seasonal Variations and Factors that Influence Diverticular Bleeding in the United States of America.

BACKGROUND: Seasonal variation in hospitalizations for diverticulitis has a sinusoidal pattern, peaking in summer. Little is known about seasonal, regional trends, and risk factors associated with hospital admissions regarding diverticular bleeding in the United States. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional population database review using the healthcare cost and utilization project's national inpatient sample. METHODS: Patients that had diagnoses of diverticulitis with bleeding or diverticulosis with bleeding admitted from January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2017, were identified and stratified by month and season. Then, the potential effects of region, age, gender, race, and patient risk factors on seasonal admissions for diverticular bleeding were explored, and data were analyzed in SAS and presented in Excel using chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. RESULTS: Of the 54191 hospitalized cases for diverticular bleeding, the peak and the lowest seasons were spring and summer (25.5% vs. 24.2%, P<0.0001). A significant seasonal pattern in comorbidities was also identified, and those with diabetes (P<0.0001), hypertension (HTN) (P<0.0001), obesity (P<0.0001), and those on anticoagulants (P=0.016) all had more bleeding events in the spring. This was noted across US regions, gender, race, and age. Eventually, the southern region had the most admissions for diverticular bleeding at 40.9% (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: A better understanding of these seasonal and regional trends may provide a mechanism to identify a potential trigger for diverticular bleeding events. This helps identify individuals at greatest risk for hospitalization, as well as prepare hospitals to allocate supplies appropriately during the seasons.

Understanding the Challenges Faced by Esophageal and Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer Survivors.

The primary aim of this study is to characterize long-term quality of life (QOL) in patients with esophageal and gastroesophageal junction (EGEJ) cancers who underwent curative intent treatment. EGEJ survivors were recruited to participate in a one-time cross-sectional survey study using validated questionnaires assessing QOL. Chart review was conducted for patient demographics and clinical characteristics. Spearman correlation coefficients, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Fisher's exact test were used to assess relationships between patient characteristics and long-term outcomes. QOL was relatively high in this sample, as evidenced by high median scores on the functional scales and low median scores in the symptom domains of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ)-C30, with an overall median global health score of 75.0 (range 66.7-83.3). Patients using opiates at the time of survey reported lower role functioning (P = .004), social functioning (P = .052), and overall global health (P = .041). Younger patients had significantly higher rates of reflux (P = .019), odynophagia (P = .045), choking (P = .005), and cough (P = .007). Patients using opiates or of younger age had lower QOL and higher symptoms in this cohort of long-term EGEJ survivors.

Research Note: Association of VIPR-1 gene polymorphism with growth traits in meat type Japanese quail (Coturnix Japonica).

This study aimed to analyze the polymorphism of the vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor-1 (VIPR-1) gene and its association with growth traits in quail using the PCR-RFLP and sequencing techniques. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples of 36 female Savimalt (SV) quails and 49 female French Giant (FG) quails. Growth traits were measured and used for VIPR-1 gene analysis, as body weight (BW), tibia length (TL), chest width (CW), chest depth (CD), sternum length (SL), body length (BL), and tibia circumference (TC). The results showed that 2 SNPs (BsrD I and HpyCH4 IV) were detected in exon 4 to 5 and exon 6 to 7 of the VIPR-1 gene, respectively. The results of association showed that the BsrD I site was not significantly associated with growth traits at 3 or 5 wk of age in the SV strain (P < 0.05), while the BsrD I site was significantly associated with BL at 3 or 5 wk of age in FG (P < 0.05). The HpyCH4 IV site was significantly associated with TL, CW, CD, SL, and BL at 3 wk of age in the SV strain (P < 0.05), while the HpyCH4 IV site was significantly correlated with BW, CW, SL, and BL at 5 wk of age in SV (P < 0.05). The HpyCH4 IV site was significantly associated with TL and TC at 3 wk of age in FG (P < 0.05), while the HpyCH4 IV site was significantly associated with TC at 5 wk of age in FG (P < 0.05). Four haplotype combinations based on 2 SNPs showed significantly association with BW, CW, CD, SL, BL, and TC at 3 or 5 wk of age in SV (P < 0.05). There was not significant association between 3 haplotype combinations with growth trait at 3 or 5 wk of age in FG (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the VIPR-1 gene could be used as a molecular genetic marker to improve growth traits in quail.

Role of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of placenta accreta.

INTRODUCTION: To analyze the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in suspicious cases for prenatal detection of placenta accreta (PA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 50 placental MRI exams performed on a 1.5T scanner were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists in consensus.HASTE(half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin echo)and True-FISP (true fast imaging with steady-state precession) sequences were acquired. Findings from MRI were compared with the final diagnosis, which was determined by clinical findings at delivery and pathological examination of specimens. RESULTS: Of 50 pregnant women in the analysis, 33 required cesarean hysterectomy, and 17 underwent cesarean delivery.MRI signs such as myometrial thinning, loss of T2 hypointense interface(loss of retroplacental clear space on US), heterogenous intraplacental sign, and intraplacental T2 dark bands were more likely to be seen in this group. In this group, the cases that were finally clinically and pathologically confirmed were 12, 16, and 22 cases of placenta accreta vera, placenta increta, and placenta percreta respectively. CONCLUSION: MRI is particularly useful in cases where US is inconclusive and to assess the extent to which the placenta penetrates the uterine serosa and invades outward into surrounding tissues.MRI has become a routine examination for patients with suspected PA in clinical practice.

Research Note: Association of IGF-1R gene polymorphism with egg quality and carcass traits of quail (Coturnix japonica).

Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) gene is the main effector of insulin-like growth factor (IGF), which plays an important role in growth, development and reproduction of the animal organism. This study aimed to investigate the association of IGF-1R gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with egg quality and carcass traits of quail by direct sequencing. In this study, genomic DNA was extracted from quail blood samples of 46 Chinese yellow (CY) quail, 49 Beijing white (BW) quail and 48 Korean (KO) quail strains. Egg quality and carcass traits were measured and used for IGF-1R gene analysis in 3 quail strains. The results showed that 2 SNPs (A57G and A72T) of the IGF-1R gene were detected in 3 quail strains. The A57G was significantly associated with yolk width (YWI) in BW strain (P < 0.05). Whereas A72T was significantly associated with egg shell thickness (EST) in BW strain (P < 0.05), and significantly associated with egg weight (EW), egg long (EL), and egg short (ES) in KO strain (P < 0.05). Haplotypes based on 2 SNPs showed significant effect on EST in 3 quail strains (P < 0.05), it also has a significant effect on EW in KO strain (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, A72T was significantly associated with liver weight (LW) and dressing percentage (DP) in 3 strains (P < 0.05). Haplotypes showed significant effect on LW (P < 0.05). Therefore, the IGF-1R gene may be a molecular genetic marker to improve egg quality and carcass traits in quails.

Utility of the CANUKA Scoring System in the Risk Assessment of Upper GI Bleeding.

BACKGROUND: The Canada-United Kingdom-Adelaide (CANUKA) score was developed to stratify patients who experience upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) to predict who could be discharged from the emergency department. Our aim was to determine if the CANUKA score could be utilized for UGIB in-patients undergoing endoscopy in predicting adverse outcomes. We additionally sought to establish a CANUKA score cut point to predict adverse outcomes and in-hospital mortality and compare this to established scoring systems. METHODS: Between January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019 all patients who underwent upper endoscopy after admission for UGIB were identified. We assigned a CANUKA score and compared the area under the receiver operating curve to established scoring systems. RESULTS: Our data set included 641 patients, with a mean age of 59.5±14.5 years. A CANUKA score ≥10 was associated with an adverse outcome [unadjusted odds ratio, 3.08 (1.79, 5.27)]. No patients experienced an adverse outcome with a CANUKA score <4. No patients died with a CANUKA score <6. Those with a CANUKA score of <10 had an in-hospital mortality of 2.1% compared with 6.8% for those with a score ≥10 ( P =0.008). AIMS65 had the best area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.809) for predicting mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The CANUKA score may serve utility as a predictor of adverse outcomes and mortality in patients admitted with UGIB undergoing endoscopy. Future studies, ideally prospective and multicenter, will be needed to validate its clinical utility.

Research Note: Polymorphisms of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone gene and their association with growth traits in quail (Coturnix Coturnix).

This study aimed to identify polymorphisms of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) gene and their association with growth traits in quail by PCR and direct sequencing. Genomic DNA was extracted from quail blood samples of 36 from Savimalt (SV) and 49 from French Giant (FG). Growth traits were measured and used for candidate gene analysis, as body weight (BW), shank length (SL), chest width (CW), chest depth (CD), breastbone length (BBL), body length (BL), and shank circumference (SC). The results showed that a total of 20 SNPs were detected in GnRH gene, whereas 8 SNPs were significantly associated with growth traits (P < 0.05). The T215C, G279A, C458T, A520G, and C547G were significantly associated with SL at 3 wk of age in the FG strain, whereas A583T was significantly related to BBL and BL, and C591T was significantly related to SL, BBL, and BL, whereas A592G was significantly correlated with SL, CW, CD, BBL, and BL (P < 0.05). The 8 SNPs were significantly related to CW, CD, and BBL at 3 wk of age in the SV strain, whereas A583T, C591T, and A592G were significantly associated with BW (P < 0.05). The G279A showed significant correlations with SL at 5 wk of age in FG, whereas A583T showed significant associations with SC in FG, and C591T was significantly associated with BW and SC in FG, whereas A592T was significantly related to BW, SL, and CD in FG (P < 0.05). The T215C, G279A, C458T, A520G, and C547G were significantly correlated with BW, CW, BBL, and BL at 5 wk of age in SV, whereas A583T, C591T, and A592G were significantly related to BW, SL, CW, BBL, and BL (P < 0.05). Haplotypes based on 8 SNPs showed significant correlation with BW, SL, CW, CD, BBL, BL, and SC in FG (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the GnRH gene could be used as a molecular genetic marker to provide theoretical foundation to improve growth traits in quail.

A comparison of primary and secondary eye removal after open globe injury: A multi-centre study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to compare the characteristics and surgical outcomes of patients who underwent primary eye removal surgery after open globe injury with those who underwent secondary eye removal surgery after open globe repair. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This was a retrospective review of subjects who underwent evisceration or enucleation within 3 months of an open globe injury, at three Level I trauma centres in three U.S. cities between July 2014 and July 2020. RESULTS: 19 patients underwent primary eye removal and 20 underwent secondary eye removal. The most common mechanism of trauma in patients who underwent primary eye removal was gunshot. Compared to the secondary eye removal group, patients who underwent primary eye removal were significantly more likely to be male; have longer hospital stays; be discharged to another care facility rather than home; have facial fractures; suffer intracranial injury; and be unable to consent themselves for surgery. Both groups had a low surgical complication rate with one case of socket contracture in each group. CONCLUSIONS: The standard of care for an open globe injury is prompt repair, but there are occasions when the globe is so damaged that it is deemed unrepairable. We found that globes that required primary eye removal were more often due to gunshot wounds, and that there was greater morbidity associated with these injuries. The authors' preferred surgical approach was evisceration with placement of a silicone sphere; patient outcomes demonstrate that this method was found to be safe, with a low complication and infection rate.

Combustible wood dust explosions and impacts on environments and health - A review.

Wood dust is the major wastes from timber and wood-based panel processing, including wood sawing, sanding, chipping, flaking, etc., which easily causes fire and explosions. The fine wood dust had risks of inhaling the dust air, causing problems to the respiratory system of workers, as well as the explosive risk of the wood dust-air mixture. Wood dust explosions occur worldwide, which have caused massive damages to equipment, buildings, and environments, killed people, and threatened human health. This study was aimed at exploring the causes, affecting factors, mechanisms, models of wood dust explosions, and their environmental/health impacts through reviewing and analyzing the collected data in order to minimize wood dust explosion risks by improving of safety procedures in the wood processing industry. To better understood and prevent wood dust explosion cases in the future, this review collected the explosion reports and analyzed the accident information through the following aspects: 1) Summarization of published review articles regarding wood dust explosions in Introduction, 2) Scrutinization of wood dust explosion cases and design of testing device, 3) Exploration of effects of wood dust properties and surrounding conditions on explosion and their mechanisms, 4) Investigation of methods for reducing wood dust explosion risks, 5) Modeling and simulation of wood dust explosions, 6) Examination of environmental and health impacts of wood dust explosions. Finally, the findings in this review were summarized in Conclusions. By collecting dust explosion reports, reviewing literature, and analyzing the collected data, wood dust explosions can be better understood. The results of this study can be useful for the design of equipment and dust absorption systems, as well as further suggestion of safety improvement procedures to minimize or eliminate risks of wood dust-related fire and explosion in the wood processing industry and mitigate its impacts on environments and health.