[Dislocation into the anterior chamber and spontaneous repositioning of a dexamethasone intravitreal implant: a case report].

A 61-year-old male patient presented with blurred vision in the right eye for 1 day. The patient had previously undergone phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation (10 years ago) and intravitreal implantation of dexamethasone (due to uveitis) in the eye. There was edema in the inferior cornea, along with Descemet membrane folds. The rod-shaped dexamethasone implant was visible in the inferior anterior chamber. Without pupil dilation, the patient was asked to keep a supine position and avoid head tilting for 1 day. The implant spontaneously relocated into the vitreous cavity, resulting in a reduction of corneal edema. This suggests that the dislocation of the intravitreal implant into the anterior chamber may be caused by a local zonular abnormality, and the dislocated implant has the potential to reposition itself spontaneously.

Anisotropic magnetoresistance and electronic features of the candidate topological compound praseodymium monobismuthide.

PrBi, a sister member of the rare-earth monopnictide family, is an excellent candidate for studying extreme magnetoresistance and nontrivial topological electronic states. In this study, we perform angular magnetoresistance measurements as well as bulk and surface band structure calculations on this compound. PrBi's magnetoresistance is revealed to be significantly angle-dependent and shows a fourfold symmetry as always observed in the nonmagnetic isostructural counterparts, including LaSb, LaBi, and LuBi. Its angular magnetoresistance can be reproduced well using the semiclassical two-band model. The deduced parameters suggest that PrBi hosts an elongated electron pocket with a mobility anisotropy of ∼3.13 and is slightly uncompensated in its carrier concentration. Our bulk and surface band structure calculations confirm the anisotropic electronic features. Moreover, we reveal that a nodal-line-shaped surface state appears at the X̄ point, and is associated with the quadratic dispersion along the -X̄ direction, and the linear type-I Dirac dispersion along the X̄-M̄ direction. Owing to the type-I Dirac dispersion feature, PrBi could serve as a promising material platform for studying many unexpected physical properties, such as the highly anisotropic transport and valley polarization of electrons.

Intracranial plaque characteristics on high-resolution MRI and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels: association and clinical relevance in acute cerebral infarction.

AIM: To investigate the association between intracranial plaque characteristics and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, and their combined effects on the occurrence of acute cerebral infarction (ACI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty-three patients with recent ischaemic events in the territory of middle cerebral artery or basilar artery were enrolled and divided into the ACI group (n=93) and non-ACI group (n=50) according to clinical data and diffusion-weighting imaging (DWI) results. All recruited patients underwent high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess intracranial plaque characteristics, including plaque enhancement, standardised wall index, stenosis ratio, T1 hyperintense component, remodelling pattern, plaque area, plaque burden, and maximum wall thickness. hs-CRP levels were further grouped into the low group (<1 mg/l), the intermediate group (1-3 mg/l), and the high group (≥3 mg/l). Multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve were constructed to evaluate the association between intracranial plaque characteristics and hs-CRP levels, as well as their synergistic effects on determining the occurrence of ACI. RESULTS: High hs-CRP levels were associated with strong plaque enhancement (p<0.001, odds ratio [OR] = 7.497). Strong plaque enhancement (p=0.002, OR=2.109) and high hs-CRP levels (p=0.009, OR=3.893) were independently associated with the occurrence of ACI after adjustments for sex, age, and other traditional atherosclerotic risk factors. The combination of hs-CRP levels and strong plaque enhancement provided incremental information to determine ACI with an AUC of 0.823, which was significantly higher than that of strong plaque enhancement (0.711) and hs-CRP levels (0.686), respectively. CONCLUSION: High hs-CRP levels were associated with strong plaque enhancement. The synergistic effects of hs-CRP levels and strong plaque enhancement provided incremental effects on the occurrence of ACI.

Assessment of the degree of arterial stenosis in intracranial atherosclerosis using 3D high-resolution MRI: comparison with time-of-flight MRA, contrast-enhanced MRA, and DSA.

AIM: To compare the accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) high-resolution (HR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA), contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA), and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in measuring the degree of stenosis in intracranial atherosclerosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with intracranial artery ischaemic events underwent HR-MRI, TOF-MRA, and CE-MRA analysis, and some of these patients underwent DSA examination. The correlation between different methods for measuring the degree of lumen stenosis was analysed. The accuracy of HR-MRI, TOF-MRA, and CE-MRA was evaluated and compared with that of DSA. RESULTS: A total of 189 arterial stenoses were identified in 93 patients. Of these, 72 patients with 142 arterial stenoses underwent DSA examination. A very strong correlation between HR-MRI and CE-MRA measurements was shown (r=0.839, p<0.0001). The correlation between HR-MRI and TOF-MRA measurements was strong (r=0.720, p<0.0001). A very strong correlation between HR-MRI and DSA measurements was found (r=0.864, p<0.0001), and a similar correlation was observed between CE-MRA, and DSA measurements (r=0.843, p<0.0001). The correlation between TOF-MRA and DSA measurements was strong (r=0.686, p<0.0001). There was substantial agreement between HR-MRI and DSA measurements (K = 0.772) and between CE-MRA, and DSA measurements (K = 0.734) that was slightly higher than the agreement between TOF-MRA and DSA measurements (K = 0.636). CONCLUSION: HR-MRI can accurately measure stenosis (especially for moderate and severe stenosis) in intracranial atherosclerosis by direct visualisation of the vessel lumen and steno-occlusive plaque.

[Research advances on the mechanism of refractory healing of diabetic foot ulcer].

The number of patients with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) has increased progressively year by year. Refractory DFU has brought great burden to the country and individuals. How to accelerate the healing of DFU has become the main emphasis of research. However currently, the mechanism of its refractory healing is not fully elucidated, and the correlation between the various mechanisms are not high. Therefore, its clinical standardization, and precise clinical diagnosis and treatment still face several challenges. Based on the progress of clinical research and basic research at home and abroad, this paper reviewed the specific mechanisms that lead to refractory DFU, with the focus on chronic inflammation, bacteria biofilm formation, high oxidative stress, growth factor inhibition, impaired microcirculation, and accumulation of advanced glycation end products.

[Correlation between serum uric acid and creatinine ratio and metabolic syndrome based on physical examination population in Nantong area].

To investigate the relationship between serum uric acid to creatinine ratio (SUA/Cr) and metabolic syndrome (MS) and other indexes on physical examination population in Nantong area. Using the method of cross-sectional study, 8 148 physical examiners in the physical examination center of the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from January 2017 to April 2020 were used as the research objects, and the clinical data and serum biochemical indicators such as smoking and alcohol addiction, physical examination and so on were collected. According to the standard diagnosis of MS of Diabetes Society of Chinese Medical Association, the patients were grouped according to the quartile of SUA/Cr and the clinical data of each group were compared. Pearson correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to explore the correlation between SUA/Cr and clinical indicators and the relationship between SUA/Cr and the risk of MS. The results showed that UA and SUA/Cr were the lowest in normal metabolism group, followed by abnormal metabolism group and the highest in MS group, The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (H=919.21 and 629.34, P<0.001). According to the SUA/Cr quartile, the population was divided into four groups. After adjusting for gender, age, smoking history and drinking history, SUA/Cr in group Q1 was positively correlated with BMI and TG (r=0.061 and 0.080, P<0.05), but negatively correlated with HDL-C (r=-0.057, P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression results showed that after adjusting for age, sex, smoking history and drinking history, the risk of MS for BMI, SBP, DBP, FBG, TG, HDL-C and SUA/Cr [OR (95%CI)] were: 1.44 (1.41-1.47), 1.07 (1.06-1.07), 1.10 (1.10-1.11), 1.83 (1.73-1.92), 1.89 (1.79-1.99), 0.08 (0.06-0.10) and 1.54 (1.47-1.62). Compared with SUA/Cr group Q1, the risk of MS in group Q2, Q3 and Q4 increased by 75%, 162% and 346%, respectively. In conclusion, there was an independent positive correlation between SUA/Cr and MS risk in Nantong area.

[Effect of bone anabolic therapy on bone remodeling and bone density in geriatric patients with osteoporosis and falling syndrome].

BACKGROUND: Older adults with severe osteoporosis are the most vulnerable group of geriatric patients. They are shown the purpose of anti-osteoporotic therapy, which should be effective and safe. Teriparatide showed a decrease in the risk of fractures, an increase in BMD. In Russia, the use of teriparatide in the geriatric population is extremely scarce. AIM: assess clinical course, bone metabolism parameters and efficacy of bone-anabolic therapy in elderly and senile patients with severe osteoporosis and falls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The longitudinal prospective study included 100 patients 60 years and older with severe osteoporosis who had one or more falls within the last year. All patients were prescribed calcium and vitamin D preparations and bone-anabolic therapy (teriparatide 20 mg daily subcutaneously). The duration of follow-up was 24 months and included 3 visits: screening, at 12 and 24 months. The effectiveness of bone-anabolic therapy was carried out on the basis of assessing the frequency of new fractures, reduction of pain, changes in BMD according to X-ray densitometry, dynamics of bone metabolism markers. RESULTS: All patients had severe osteoporosis and aggravated comorbidity status, suffered a fall within the last year, and also low-energy fractures in the past. One in three patients had a vertebral fracture, one in five had a proximal femoral fracture. Prior to the start of the study, 61 patients received antiosteoporotic therapy. During the follow-up, 4 patients died, 96 patients completed the study. Against the background of teriparatide therapy, a decrease in the number of new cases of low-energy fractures and the number of patients with chronic pain was obtained. An increase in BMD was noted in the lumbar spine after 24 months and in the femoral neck after 12 months. There was no negative dynamics of the BMD. Also after 12 months, an increase in P1NP and C-terminal telopeptide of collagen type 1 was noted, after 24 months - osteocalcin and C-terminal telopeptide. CONCLUSION: The use of teriparatide can be recommended as an effective intervention to treat severe osteoporosis in geriatric patients with falls.

[In vivo osteogenic evaluation of titanium implants with strontium loaded nanotubes].

Objective: To evaluate the in vivo osteogenic activity of titanium implants with strontium loaded TiO2 nanotubes (NTSr). Methods: The strontium loaded titanium nanotubes were formed on pure titanium implants through anodization and hydrothermal treatment, and the unmodified titanium (Control) and sheer TiO2 nanotubes (NT) were set to be control groups and treatment group. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to evaluate the Sr release at 28 days. Field emission scanning electron microscopes (FE-SEM) was used to view the micro-topography, atomic force microscope was used to exam the surface roughness, and nano-indenter was used to evaluate the hardness of three groups (n=3). Three groups of implant samples were inserted into the distal femoral metaphysis of New Zealand rabbits (n=4 at each time point). After 4 weeks and 12 weeks, samples were harvested. Micro-CT scanning, immunofluorescent and histological examinations were carried out. Results: The strontium ions could be released slowly for at least 28 days [the Sr concentration at 28 Day was (2.6±1.5) ng/ml]. NTSr coating exhibited a nanoscale tube array (the diameter was about 70 nm), and the surface roughness of implant was increased with the nanobube coating [Control (34.8±5.3) nm, NT (66.2±4.3) nm, NTSr (85.7±10.6) nm, F=37.59, P<0.001]. The surface roughness (Ra) of NT and NTSr groups was higher than the control group (P<0.05). Comparing to Control implants, NTSr implants exhibited a better osteogenic ability [the bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) value was Control (24.7±1.1)% vs. NTSr (37.7±1.9)% at 4 weeks (P<0.05), and Control (40.7±0.9)% vs. NTSr (51.9±2.1)% at 12 weeks (P<0.05)]. The fluorescent examination revealed that NTSr coating can also accelerated the generation of new bone tissue (bone tissue area% labelled by alizarin red at day 7 was Control (19.2±2.9)% vs. NT (35.4±3.7)% vs. NTSr (40.9±0.9)% (F=42.74, P<0.01). The results in the NT and NTSr group were statistically higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions: The strontium loaded TiO2 nanotubes can enhance new bone formation around titanium implants.

[Early outcomes of excimer laser atherectomy for below-the-knee lesions in patients with diabetic foot].

Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of excimer laser atherectomy (ELA) in the treatment of diabetic foot with below-the-knee(BTK) lesions. Methods: The clinical data of 11 patients with diabetic foot with BTK lesions who underwent ELA at Department of Vascular Surgery,Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University and Department of Vascular and Wound Treatment Center,Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University from September 2019 to May 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.There were 10 males and 1 female,aged 70.5 years(range:41 to 83 years).There were 20 lesions in 12 limbs,including 19 chronic total occlusion.All of the limbs were classified as Rutherford class 5 and suffered ulceration.The surgical efficacy,complications and ankle brachial index(ABI) after operation were record. Results: All patients underwent the operation successfully,the technical success rate was 12/12.No distal embolization,flow-limiting dissection,perforation or bailout stenting was occurred.The follow-up period was 8.2 months(range:3 to 13 months).The ABI increased from 0.58(range:0.24 to 1.57) before operation to 0.88(range:0.68 to 1.05) after operation.At 3 months after the operation,1 limb (1/12) underwent endovascular operation again due to restenosis,ulcers were healed in 5 limbs(5/12),and no amputation (limb/toe),death or loss of follow-up patients.Six months after the operation,2 patients were lost to follow-up and 2 died,ulcers were healed in 6 limbs(6/8),1 limb (1/8) underwent toe amputation due to prolonged healing of ulcers of toe. Conclusion: ELA is feasible and effective in the treatment of DF with BTK lesions,providing a new option of debulking atherectomy in such a group of patients.

[Effect of underdilated stent on the occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation].

Objective: To evaluate whether underdilated stent could reduce the occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation. Methods: A total of 197 patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, who had underwent TIPS creation at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, were analyzed retrospectively, including 110 males and 87 females with age 25-79 (54±11) years old. Uncovered and covered stents with 8 mm diameter were implanted in all subjects, and then dilated by balloon catheters with 6 mm or 8 mm diameter. The patients were divided into two groups, including underdilated group (6 mm, n=105) and control group (8 mm, n=92).Kaplan-Meier curves were used to illustrate cumulative rate of HE, and the differences were assessed with the log-rank test. Multivariate analyses with a Cox regression model were conducted to explore the risk factors for HE. Results: During a median follow-up period of 29 (12-54) months, 16 (15.2%) patients developed HE in the underdilated group and 27 (29.3%) patients in the control group. There was a significant difference in the cumulative rate of HE (P=0.014), but no statistical differences were found in terms of variceal rebleeding, shunt dysfunction and survival between the two groups (P=0.608, P=0.659, P=0.968). In multivariated analysis, group assignment (underdilated vs. control, HR=0.291, 95%CI 0.125-0.674, P=0.004) was identified as an independent risk factor for HE after TIPS creation. Conclusion: Underdilated TIPS could reduced the risk of HE compared with completely dilated TIPS, with comparable risk of variceal rebleeding, shunt dysfunction and mortality. And it is worthy of applying this technique to a large sample of patients in clinical practice.

[Debulking strategy of endovascular treatment for lower extremity artery lesions].

Objective: To explore the debulking strategy of lower extremity artery lesions. Methods: Retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 101 patients underwent debulking therapy at Department of Vascular Surgery,Zhongshan Hospital,Fudan University from June 2019 to June 2020.There were 74 males and 27 females,aged (73.2±11.7)years (range:35 to 93 years).There were 31 cases in Rutherford class 3,39 cases in class 4 and 31 cases in class 5. Hypertension occurred in 72 patients. One hundred and forty lesions were treated in 101 patients. Among them, there were 13 lesions(9.3%) in iliac artery,72 lesions(51.4%) in superficial femoral artery,41 (29.3%) lesions in popliteal artery,10 lesions(7.1%) in tibiofibular trunk,and 4 lesions(2.9%) in below the knee artery.Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) was mainly used in acute thrombosis,excimer laser ablation (ELA) was mainly used for chronic in-stent restenosis and chronic stenosis or totally occlusive lesions,while directional atherectomy (DA) was mainly used for short calcified lesions. Results: All of the patients underwent debulking therapy. Eighty-two lesions(58.6%,82/140) were treated by PMT, 56 (40.0%,56/140) were treated by ELA,and 2 (1.4%,2/140) were treated by DA.The ankle-brachial index of the patient was 0.44±0.19 before surgery, 0.87±0.17 immediately after surgery (t=-16.26, P<0.01), and 0.81±0.20 at 6 months after surgery(t=-14.67,P<0.01),and 0.79±0.15 (t=-14.12,P<0.01) at 12 months after surgery. At 12 months,the primary patency was 86.1% (87/101),mortality was 5.0% (5/101), freedom from major-amputation survival rate was 93.1% (94/101),and target lesion reintervention rate was 9.9% (10/101). Conclusions: Debulking is feasible and effective to eliminate the arterial contents and maximize the acquisition of lumen.Selection of suitable debulking methods for different segments and lesions would be helpful to improve the technical success and obtain satisfactory results.

AMP-activated protein kinase contributes to ROS-mediated p53 activation in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

OBJECTIVE: Cisplatin is a widely used anticancer drug that provokes various side effects. Nephrotoxicity is one of the well-known major side effects in the chemotherapeutic use of cisplatin. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and p53 play important roles in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is known to be sensitively activated by ROS and can directly activate p53. The present study investigated the role of AMPK on cisplatin-induced apoptosis in rat renal epithelial NRK-52E cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: NRK-52E cells were treated with cisplatin in the absence or presence of specific ROS scavenger and AMPK inhibitor for indicated times under the serum-free condition. The expression and phosphorylation levels of proteins were evaluated by Western blot and densitometry analysis. RESULTS: Cisplatin induced apoptotic cell death through ROS-mediated p53 activation, which is associated with AMPK activation. AMPK inhibitor suppressed cisplatin-induced p53 activation, as well as AMPK activation. Interestingly, ROS scavenger also diminished cisplatin-induced p53 activation and AMPK activation. Furthermore, cisplatin induced phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), which attenuated p53 activation, but did not affect the expression levels of total p53, cleaved caspase-3 and PARP. Meanwhile, inhibition of AMPK induced premature phosphorylation of eIF2α in cisplatin-treated cells. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these suggest that AMPK may be required for activation of p53 by oxidative stress in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Moreover, eIF2α phosphorylation may interrupt the AMPK-activated p53 in NRK-52E cells exposed to cisplatin, but does not critically affect cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity because AMPK activation can be disrupted eIF2α phosphorylation.

Giant magnetoresistance and topological Hall effect in the EuGa4antiferromagnet.

We report on systematic temperature- and magnetic field-dependent studies of the EuGa4binary compound, which crystallizes in a centrosymmetric tetragonal BaAl4-type structure with space groupI4/mmm. The electronic properties of EuGa4single crystals, with an antiferromagnetic (AFM) transition atTN∼ 16.4 K, were characterized via electrical resistivity and magnetization measurements. A giant nonsaturating magnetoresistance was observed at low temperatures, reaching∼7×104% at 2 K in a magnetic field of 9 T. In the AFM state, EuGa4undergoes a series of metamagnetic transitions in an applied magnetic field, clearly manifested in its field-dependent electrical resistivity. BelowTN, in the ∼4-7 T field range, we observe also a clear hump-like anomaly in the Hall resistivity which is part of the anomalous Hall resistivity. We attribute such a hump-like feature to the topological Hall effect, usually occurring in noncentrosymmetric materials known to host topological spin textures (as e.g., magnetic skyrmions). Therefore, the family of materials with a tetragonal BaAl4-type structure, to which EuGa4and EuAl4belong, seems to comprise suitable candidates on which one can study the interplay among correlated-electron phenomena (such as charge-density wave or exotic magnetism) with topological spin textures and topologically nontrivial bands.

[Application and value of excimer laser ablation in the treatment of lower limb atherosclerotic obliterans].

Objective: To evaluate the results of excimer laser ablation (ELA) in the treatment of lower limb atherosclerotic obliterans (ASO). Methods: From June 2019 to March 2020, patients who underwent ELA combined with drug-coated balloon (DCB) for lower limb atherosclerotic obliterans (ASO) were enrolled. Demographics, lesion characteristics, procedure-related outcomes and complications were collected and analyzed. Results: Thirty patients were enrolled, including 21 males and 9 females. The mean age was (76.5±10.5) years. The mean lesion length was (11.7±6.4) cm. A total of 41 lesions, including in-stent restenosis (ISR) in 12 (29.3%), chronic totally occlusion (CTO) at initial treatment in 24 (58.5%), and severe stenosis in 5 (12.2%) patients. Sixteen (51.6%) patients were classified as Peripheral Arterial Calcium Scoring System (PACSS) category 4. The technical success rate was 93.5%. Incidence of distal embolization and bailout stenting was 12.9% and 6.5%, respectively. The mean follow-up time was (6.6±3.0) months. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) was significantly increased from 0.43(0.32,0.55) preoperatively to 0.91(0.87,1.01) postoperatively (Z=-5.43, P<0.01) and 0.82(0.73,1.02) (Z=-3.99, P<0.01) three months after surgery. The 3-month major-amputation free survival rate was 96.7%, primary patency rate was 100%, the target lesion reintervention (TLR) rate was 0 and ulcer healing rate was 76.9%. Conclusion: Debulking of ELA is feasible and effective for both ISR and CTO at initial treatment, providing a new option for DCB preparation and reducing stent implantation.

[Effects of irisin on lipid in mice and glycolipid metabolism in obese mice induced by diet].

Objective: To explore the role of low-dose irisin in the browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) and activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in mice, and its effect on the metabolic function of diet induced obesity. Methods: A total of 22 C57/BLKS/J male mice fed with normal diet and 8 fed with high fat diet were separately divided into experimental and control group. The experimental group was given irisin (0.8 ng/g, 200 µl), while the control group was given the same volume (200 µl) of phosphate buffer saline every day for 14 consecutive days intraperitoneally. Food intake and body weight of mice were collected regularly every day. After intervention, the mice were killed and the changes of lipid content and activity in adipose tissue were detected by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The effects of irisin at different concentrations (0, 20 and 40 nmol/L) on primary white adipocytes and brown adipocytes were evaluated by immunohistochemistry on uncoupling protein 1(UCP1). In order to further evaluate whether irisin has the function of improving metabolism, the changes of serum indexes and hepatic steatosis in mice fed with high-fat diet were monitored. Results: The primary white and brown adipocytes derived from mice were successfully cultured and identified in vitro. In NCD mice, the weight gain of mice with irisin was lower than that of control mice [(-0.78±0.98) vs (0.27±0.55) g]. Histopathology showed that the area of white adipocytes with irisin was smaller than controls [(14.78±8.44) vs (29.49±12.97) µm2] and the brown adipocytes were larger than controls [(0.92±0.35) vs (0.19±0.12) µm2] (both P<0.05), while the expression of UCP1 in both adipose tissues was significantly higher in irisin group. After irisin treatment, the levels of blood glucose [(7.18±0.41) vs (13.48±2.07) mmol/L, P<0.01]and cholesterol [(2.38±0.26) vs (3.89±0.93) mmol/L, P<0.05] were significantly lower than controls, and the content of lipid droplets in liver cells was less than controls [ (2.73±1.96)% vs (14.04±6.29) %, P<0.001]. Conclusions: Low dose irisin can promote the browning of WAT and activate BAT, reducing the body weight of mice by producing heat. Irisin can also effectively improve diet-induced obesity and related metabolic disorders in mice.

[Regional iterative phase extraction Dixon water-lipid separation method based on second order differential quality weighting].

OBJECTIVE: To propose a regional iterative phase extraction Dixon method based on second order difference quality weighting (SOD-RIPE) for improving water-lipid separation in heterogeneous magnetic field. OBJECTIVE: The in-phase angle of the asymmetric in-phase and opposite phase image matrix was eliminated using the Dixon's signal model to obtain J1 and J2, from which the possible water signal magnitude (B, S) and in-phase and opposite phase difference (P1, P2) was derived using the Cosine law. The phase quality map R of J2 was calculated using the second-order difference, and the phase difference was weighted to obtain (Pv, Pu). The Pv and Pu were iteratively selected to obtain the Pf. The water-fat separation diagram (W, F) was obtained using the least square method to bring the Pf into the Dixon signal model. OBJECTIVE: Water-lipid separation was performed using 1000 pairs of in- and opposite-phase images on a Philips in Genia II 3.0T magnetic resonance scanner. The SOD-RIPE algorithm achieved better separation and stability than the automatic growth method and RIPE in all the parts of the body and in the stability test, and had a similar performance to mDixon-XD algorithm. OBJECTIVE: SOD-RIPE can achieve robust water-fat separation with a good stability and can be used as a general Dixon water-fat separation method.

Rumen fluid transplantation affects growth performance of weaned lambs by altering gastrointestinal microbiota, immune function and feed digestibility.

Although rumen fluid transplantation (RT) has been developed to confer benefits for adult ruminants by altering gastrointestinal tract microbiota, the question remains whether RT can also benefit weaned lambs. Hence, in this study, thirty-eight pre-weaning lambs were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: control lambs (CON) received 25 ml of normal saline solution, and lambs in two RT groups received 25 ml of rumen fluid either from 3-month-old lambs (LT) or from one-year-old adult ewes (AT). The effects on their growth performance, nutrient digestibility, some blood parameters and gastrointestinal tract microbiota were monitored. There were differences (P < 0.05) in rumen bacterial composition between the groups at weaning, at 3 months and at 1 year. Rumen fluid transplantation decreased (P < 0.05) average daily feed intake, average daily gain in live weight and apparent digestibility of ether extract in the LT group, and it decreased (P < 0.05) apparent digestibility of NDF and ADF in the AT group. Rumen fluid transplantation also increased (P < 0.05) concentrations of serum immunoglobulin A in the AT group and increased (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of interleukin-6, interferon alpha and D-lactate in both LT and AT groups. Bacterial α-diversity in the rumen and rectum was not affected by RT (P > 0.05), but a bacterial community change was observed after RT, and the abundance of some dominant bacteria in both rumen and rectum changed after RT (P < 0.05). Analysis of correlations between the parameters indicated that the altered gastrointestinal microbiota and accelerated maturity of rumen microorganisms induced by RT caused some impairment of gastrointestinal integrity and immunity, which led to decreased feed intake, reduced feed digestibility and lower growth performance of the weaned lambs. In conclusion, rumen fluid transplantation altered the gastrointestinal microbiota causing adverse effects on feed intake, feed digestibility and growth performance of the weaned lambs.

Respiratory failure among patients with COVID-19 in Jiangsu province, China: a multicentre retrospective cohort study.

This study was a retrospective multicentre cohort study of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosed at 24 hospitals in Jiangsu province, China as of 15 March 2020. The primary outcome was the occurrence of acute respiratory failure during hospital stay. Of 625 patients, 56 (9%) had respiratory failure. Some selected demographic, epidemiologic, clinical and laboratory features as well as radiologic features at admission and treatment during hospitalisation were significantly different in patients with and without respiratory failure. The multivariate logistic analysis indicated that age (in years) (odds ratio [OR], 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.10; P = 0.0002), respiratory rate (breaths/minute) (OR, 1.23; 95% CI: 1.08-1.40; P = 0.0020), lymphocyte count (109/l) (OR, 0.18; 95% CI: 0.05-0.69; P = 0.0157) and pulmonary opacity score (per 5%) (OR, 1.38; 95% CI: 1.19-1.61; P < 0.0001) at admission were associated with the occurrence of respiratory failure. Older age, increased respiratory rate, decreased lymphocyte count and greater pulmonary opacity score at admission were independent risk factors of respiratory failure in patients with COVID-19. Patients having these risk factors need to be intensively managed during hospitalisation.

[Application effect of sustainable skin-stretching device in scalp and soft tissue defect].

Objective: To explore the application effect of sustainable skin-stretching device in scalp and soft tissue defect. Methods: From June 2017 to January 2020, 5 patients (3 males and 2 females, aged 31-57 (38.0±2.1) years) with large area of scalp and soft tissue defect and skull exposure were admitted to Department of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery of the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University. The wound area ranged from 16.0 cm×8.0 cm to 18.0 cm×12.0 cm. The sustainable skin-stretching device was installed after debridement operation for scalp wound. The wound was stretched from the 3rd day after installation of the device, at a basic speed of 1 mm/d and finished for 3 times on average. During stretching, close attention was paid to the changes in blood flow of the wound margin and the subjective feeling of the patients. When the result was negative in the squeezing and pinching test for wound margin after stretching, the further stretching was stopped, the final stretching state was maintained for 3 days, and the wounds were sutured directly. The wound healing during stretching of sustainable skin-stretching device and the occurrence of complications were observed. The rest wound areas after stretching for 5, 10, 15, and 20 days were measured. The wound healing and hair growth were observed during follow-up. Results: All the wounds of 5 patients was sutured directly after stretching for 19-23 d. There was no tension blister on the margin of wounds during stretching, and the margin of wounds healed well after being sutured without skin necrosis. After stretching treatment for 5-20 d, the wound areas were gradually decreased. During follow-up of 2-11 (4.5±1.5) months, the elasticity, color, feeling, and regenerated hair growth of the stretched scalp tissue were close to those of the surrounding normal skin tissue. The linear scar formed on the margin of wounds, but no scar formed on the wounds. Conclusions: The application of sustainable skin-stretching device can reduce the difficulty in repairing scalp and soft tissue defect, with the regenerated hair growing well after treatment, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Disease progression in patients with COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study in China.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical features of disease progression among patients with COVID-19 to help early identification of patients at high risk.DESIGN: This was a retrospective, multi-centre cohort study. From 10 January to 29 February 2020, all cases diagnosed with COVID-19 at 24 hospitals (with complete medical records) in Jiangsu Province, China were recruited. The primary outcome was deterioration in condition, i.e., the dramatic progression from asymptomatic or mild or moderate status into severe or critically ill status during 14 days´ follow-up.RESULTS: Of the 625 patients in Jiangsu, none died; 597 patients were asymptomatic or had mild or moderate disease on admission, of whom 36 (6%) experienced disease deterioration to become severe or critically ill.CONCLUSION: Disease deterioration to severe or critically ill status was associated with age, pulmonary opacity score, lymphocyte count on admission and exposure to the pandemic centre in Wuhan.