[Diagnostic value of 3D fast spin-echo sequence scanning combined with multislice spiral CT in knee cruciate ligament injury].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential value of three-dimensional fast spin echo（3D-SPACE） combined with multilayer spiral CT （MSCT） in the diagnosis of knee cruciate ligament injury, to provide a new direction for the optimization of subsequent clinical diagnosis. METHODS: A total of 120 patients with knee cruciate ligament injury were treated from April 2020 to April 2021, aged from 21 to 68 with an average of（41.52±4.13） years old. For all patients, separate MSCT scanner scans, 3D-SPACE sequence scans alone and 3D-SPACE sequence combined with MSCT scans were used. The injury and classification of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligament of the knee were compared, the length of the anterior-medial bundle and posterolateral bundle and its angle of the knee with the horizontal plane were observed, the diagnostic value of 3 diagnostic methods in knee cruciate ligament injury were determined. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the 3D-SPACE sequence scan alone and the MSCT test alone on the total diagnostic rate and grading total diagnostic rate（P>0.05）. The total diagnostic rate and grading total diagnostic rate of 3D-SPACE scan combined with MSCT were significantly higher than those of 3D-SPACE scan or MSCT alone（P<0.05）. The 3D-SPACE sequence scan alone and the MSCT detection alone had no significant difference in the measurement values related to the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments of the knee joint（P>0.05）. 3D-SPACE sequence scanning combined with MSCT detection on the knee joint anterior and posterior cruciate ligament related measurements were significantly higher than the 3D-SPACE sequence scan or MSCT detection alone（P<0.05）. The area under the ROC curve estimated by 3D-SPACE sequence scanning combined with MSCT was 0.960, which was significantly higher than that of 3D-SPACE sequence scanning and MSCT alone evaluating the area under the ROC curve line of 0.756 and 0.795. The combined 3D-SPACE sequence scanning and 3D-SPACE sequence scanning MSCT analysis and prediction models were statistically different（Z=2.236, P<0.05）, and MSCT alone and 3D-SPACE sequence scanning combined with MSCT analysis and prediction models were statistically different（Z=2.653, P<0.05）. CONCLUSION: The application of 3D-SPACE sequence combined with MSCT scanning for knee cruciate ligament injury can improve the diagnosis rate of patients with knee cruciate ligament injury.It can be used as a diagnostic tool for patients with knee cruciate ligament injury and is worthy of clinical application.

Co-transfer of IncFII/IncFIB and IncFII plasmids mediated by IS26 facilitates the transmission of mcr-8.1 and tmexCD1-toprJ1.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to characterise the whole-genome structure of two clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae strains co-harbouring mcr-8.1 and tmexCD1-toprJ1, both resistant to colistin and tigecycline. METHODS: K. pneumoniae strains TGC-02 (ST656) and TGC-05 (ST273) were isolated from urine samples of different patients hospitalised at separate times in 2021. Characterisation involved antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), conjugation assays, whole-genome sequencing (WGS), and bioinformatics analysis. Comparative genomic analysis was conducted on mcr-8.1-carrying and tmexCD1-toprJ1-carrying plasmids. RESULTS: Both K. pneumoniae isolates displayed a multidrug-resistant phenotype, exhibiting resistance or reduced susceptibility to ampicillin, ampicillin/sulbactam, cefazolin, aztreonam, amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, apramycin, tigecycline and colistin. WGS analysis revealed that clinical strain TGC-02 carried the TmexCD1-toprJ1 gene on a 200-Kb IncFII/IncFIB-type plasmid, while mcr-8 was situated on a 146-Kb IncFII-type plasmid. In clinical strain TGC-05, TmexCD1-toprJ1 was found on a 300-Kb IncFIB/IncHI1B/IncR-type plasmid, and mcr-8 was identified on a 137-Kb IncFII/IncFIA-type plasmid. Conjugation experiments assessed the transferability of these plasmids. While transconjugants were not obtained for TGC-05 despite multiple screening with tigecycline or colistin, pTGC-02-tmex and pTGC-02-mcr8 from clinical K. pneumoniae TGC-02 demonstrated self-transferability through conjugation. Notably, the rearrangement of pTGC-02-tmex and pTGC-02-mcr8 via IS26-based homologous recombination was observed. Moreover, the conjugative and fusion plasmids of the transconjugant co-harboured the tmexCD1-toprJ1 gene cluster and mcr-8.1, potentially resulting from IS26-based homologous recombination. CONCLUSION: The emergence of colistin- and tigecycline-resistant K. pneumoniae strains is concerning, and effective surveillance measures should be implemented to prevent further dissemination.

A Method for Predicting the Creep Rupture Life of Small-Sample Materials Based on Parametric Models and Machine Learning Models.

In view of the differences in the applicability and prediction ability of different creep rupture life prediction models, we propose a creep rupture life prediction method in this paper. Various time-temperature parametric models, machine learning models, and a new method combining time-temperature parametric models with machine learning models are used to predict the creep rupture life of a small-sample material. The prediction accuracy of each model is quantitatively compared using model evaluation indicators (RMSE, MAPE, R2), and the output values of the most accurate model are used as the output values of the prediction method. The prediction method not only improves the applicability and accuracy of creep rupture life predictions but also quantifies the influence of each input variable on creep rupture life through the machine learning model. A new method is proposed in order to effectively take advantage of both advanced machine learning models and classical time-temperature parametric models. Parametric equations of creep rupture life, stress, and temperature are obtained using different time-temperature parametric models; then, creep rupture life data, obtained via equations under other temperature and stress conditions, are used to expand the training set data of different machine learning models. By expanding the data of different intervals, the problem of the low accuracy of the machine learning model for the small-sample material is solved.

A flow self-regulating superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery bypass based on side-to-side anastomosis for adult patients with moyamoya disease.

OBJECTIVE: Side-to-side (S-S) superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass was reportedly used to treat a special moyamoya disease (MMD) patient with collaterals arising from the donor STA. However, the S-S technique is not routinely performed to date, and its benefits are still unknown for adult MMD. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of routine use of the S-S technique for adult MMD. METHODS: The authors retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 50 adult patients (65 hemispheres, including 30 in the end-to-side [E-S] group and 35 in the S-S group) with MMD who underwent STA-MCA bypass. The patient demographic characteristics, clinical courses, technical details, intraoperative blood flow data, postoperative and preoperative relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) values, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores, and short-term revascularization results were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences observed in terms of the baseline characteristics, bypass patency rates, postoperative/preoperative rCBF values, incidence of cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS), mRS scores, and short-term revascularization results between the 2 groups (all p > 0.05). Intraoperative blood flow analysis showed that the increase of STA flow in the E-S group was significantly higher than that of proximal STA flow in the S-S group (p = 0.008). Although the increases of proximal and distal recipient flow in the E-S group seemed greater than those in the S-S group, the results were not statistically significant (p = 0.086 for proximal flow and p = 0.076 for distal flow). CHS symptoms in the S-S group were milder and with much shorter duration. The follow-up angiographic data of the representative case demonstrated that both frontal and parietal STA branches and the occipital artery participated in postoperative collateralization. CONCLUSIONS: S-S anastomosis can achieve comparable clinical effects to standard E-S construction. S-S anastomosis used in adult MMD demonstrated mild CHS symptoms with short duration and had the potential to arouse all scalp arteries as donor sources for revascularization through the intact distal STA branch via flow self-regulation.

Transmission Pattern of Measles Virus Circulating in China During 1993-2021: Genotyping Evidence Supports That China Is Approaching Measles Elimination.

BACKGROUND: To provide useful insights into measles elimination progress in China, measles surveillance data were reviewed, and the transmission patterns of measles viruses circulating in China during 1993-2021 were analyzed. METHODS: Measles incidence data from the National Notifiable Disease Reporting System of the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention were analyzed. A total of 17 570 strains were obtained from 30 of 31 provinces in mainland China during 1993-2021. The recommended genotyping window was amplified. Genotyping analysis was conducted for comparison with the reference strains. Phylogenetic analyses were performed to identify genetic relationships among different lineages within the genotypes. RESULTS: With high coverage of routine immunization and intensive supplementary immunization activities, measles incidence has shown a downward trend since 1993, despite 2 resurgences, reaching a historic low level in 2020-2021 (average 0.5 per million). During 1993-2021, 9 genotypes including domestic genotype H1; imported genotypes B3, D4, D8, D9, D11, G3, and H2; and vaccine-associated genotype A were identified. Among them, the genotype H1 strain circulated endemically in China for more than 25 years; the last strain was detected in Yunnan Province in September 2019. Multiple imported genotypes have been identified since 2009 showing different transmission patterns. Since April 2020, no imported strains have been detected, while vaccine-associated genotype A continues to be detected. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence of low incidence during 2020-2021 and virological surveillance data in this study confirm that China is currently approaching measles elimination.

The Involvement of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Glioma: From Early Detection to Immunotherapy.

Glioma is a brain tumor that arises in the central nervous system and is categorized according to histology and molecular genetic characteristics. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNAs longer than 200 nucleotides in length. They have been reported to influence significant events such as carcinogenesis, progression, and increased treatment resistance on glioma cells. Long non-coding RNAs promote cell proliferation, migration, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and invasion in glioma cells. Various significant advancements in transcriptomic profiling studies have enabled the identification of immune-related long non-coding RNAs as immune cell-specific gene expression regulators that mediates both stimulatory and suppressive immune responses, implying lncRNAs as potential candidates for improving immunotherapy efficacy against tumors and due to the lack of different diagnostic and treatments for glioma, lncRNAs are potential candidates to be used as future diagnostic, prognostic biomarker and treatment tools for glioma. This review's primary purpose is to concentrate on the role of long non-coding RNAs in early glioma identification, treatment, and immunotherapy.

Comparative study on molecular epidemiology of measles H1 outbreak and sporadic cases in Shandong Province, 2013-2019.

BACKGROUND: Measles caused by measles virus (MeV) is a highly contagious viral disease which has also been associated with complications including pneumonia, myocarditis, encephalitis, and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. The current study isolated 33 strains belonging to 2 groups, outbreak and sporadic strains, in 13 cities of Shandong province, China from 2013 to 2019. Comparison of genetic characterization among 15 outbreak strains and 18 sporadic strains was performed by analyzing nucleotide sequences of the C-terminal region of N protein gene (N-450). RESULTS: All 33 stains belonged to genotype H1. The outbreak strains and sporadic strains distributed crossly in phylogenetic tree. Sequences alignment revealed some interesting G to A transversion which changed the amino acids on genomic sites 1317, 1422, and 1543. The nucleotide and amino acid similarities among outbreak isolates were 98-100% (0-10 nucleotide variations) and 97.7-100%, respectively; They were 97.3-100% and 96.6-100%, respectively for sporadic isolates. Evolutionary genetics analysis revealed that the mean evolution rates of outbreak and sporadic isolates were 1.26 N 10- 3 and 1.48 N 10- 3 substitutions per site per year separately, which were similar with corresponding data before 2012. Local transmission analysis suggested that there were three transmission chains in this study, two of them originated from Japan. Outbreak cases and sporadic cases emerged alternatively and were reciprocal causation on the transmission chains. CONCLUSIONS: Our study investigated the phylogeny and evolutional genetics of MeV during a 7-year surveillance, and compared epidemic and genetic characteristics of outbreak strains and sporadic strains. These results underscore the importance of evolutionary study alongside with sporadic cases in discovering and tracing possible outbreaks, especially in the stage of measles elimination.

[Analysis of ADAR gene variant in a Chinese pedigree affected with dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical features and genetic basis for a Chinese pedigree affected with hereditary dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria (DSH). METHODS: Peripheral blood samples of the proband and his mother were collected and subjected to PCR and Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: The patient has conformed to the typical pattern of DSH and manifested with hyperpigmentation, hypo- and hyperpigmentation spots on the back of hands, feet and face. Sanger sequencing confirmed that the proband and his mother have both harbored heterozygous splicing variant c.2762+1G>T in exon 9 of the ADAR gene, which was unreported previously. The same variant was not detected among 100 healthy controls. According to the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the variant was predicted to be pathogenic (PVS1+PM2+PP4). CONCLUSION: The c.2762+1G>T variant of the ADAR gene probably underlay the DSH in this pedigree. Above finding has enriched the spectrum of ADAR gene mutations.

The roles of protein load test in quantitatively evaluating renal function after severe unilateral ureteral obstruction in adult rabbits.

BACKGROUND: The accuracy of dynamic renal scintigraphy in evaluating the function of hydronephrotic kidneys is controversial. This study sought to investigate the effects of ureteral obstruction on renal function and the role of the protein load test (PLT) in evaluating hydronephrotic kidneys' function. METHODS: A ureteral obstruction model was generated with New Zealand white rabbits. The baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and the GFR during the PLT were measured by dynamic renal scintigraphy at weeks 6, 9, and 12 after obstruction and the renal reserve GFRs were calculated. The renal GFR differences between different time points and between the PLT and baseline status were compared. RESULTS: (I) Both the baseline GFRs (t=11.287, P=0.000) and the GFRs during the PLTs (t=16.235, P=0.000) of the hydronephrotic kidneys were significantly lower than those of the contralateral kidneys. (II) The baseline GFRs of the obstructed kidneys were not significantly different 6, 9, and 12 weeks after obstruction (F=0.122, P=0.887), but their net reserve GFRs (F=8.419, P=0.004) and relative reserve GFRs (F=3.770, P=0.049) gradually decreased over time. (III) There was no significant correlation between the net reserve GFRs (r=-0.006, P=0.977) or the relative reserve functions (r=-0.022, P=0.920) of the obstructed kidneys and their baseline GFRs. However, there was a significant negative correlation between the net reserve GFRs (r=-0.590, P=0.002) or the relative reserve functions (r=-0.546, P=0.006) of the obstructed kidneys and the duration of obstruction. (IV) The reserve GFRs of the obstructed kidneys were not proportional to their baseline GFRs. CONCLUSIONS: The functional changes in hydronephrotic kidneys are not sensitively reflected by baseline GFRs. GFRs during the PLTs and the reserve GFRs play important roles in the early and accurate evaluation of the function of obstructed kidneys.

Transmission Dynamics of the Rubella Virus Circulating in China During 2010-2019: 2 Lineage Switches Between Genotypes 1E and 2B.

BACKGROUND: To provide a better understanding of the progress on rubella control and elimination in China, a genetic analysis was conducted to examine the transmission pattern of the endemic rubella virus in China during 2010-2019. METHODS: A total of 4895 strains were obtained from 29 of the 31 provinces in mainland China during 2010-2019. The genotyping regions of the strains were amplified, determined, and assembled. Genotyping analysis and lineage division were performed by comparisons with the World Health Organization reference strains and reported lineage reference strains, respectively. Further phylogenetic analyses were performed to compare the genetic relationship. RESULTS: During 2010-2019, the domestic lineage 1E-L1 and multiple imported lineages of rubella viruses including 2B-L1, 1E-L2, and 2B-L2c were identified. Further analysis of the circulation trend of the different lineages indicated that 2 switches occurred among the lineages. The first shift was from lineage 1E-L1 to 2B-L1, which occurred around 2015-2016, followed by the lowest rubella incidence in 2017. The second shift was from lineage 2B-L1 to 1E-L2 and 2B-L2c, which occurred around 2018-2019, coinciding with rubella resurgence and the subsequent nationwide epidemic during 2018-2019. Insufficient genomic information worldwide made it impossible to trace the origin of the imported viruses. CONCLUSIONS: China was moving toward rubella elimination, as evidenced by the fact that previous endemic lineages were not detected. However, rubella reemerged in 2018 2019 due to the newly imported rubella viruses. Therefore, to realize the rubella elimination goal, joint efforts are required for all countries worldwide.

A High Resolution MRI Study of the Relationship Between Plaque Enhancement and Perforator Stroke after Stenting for Symptomatic Vertebrobasilar Artery Stenosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Perforator stroke is one of the most common complications of vertebrobasilar arterial stenting. We investigated whether perforator stroke after vertebrobasilar arterial stenting is associated with plaque enhancement in patients with severe vertebrobasilar artery stenosis. METHODS: We studied patients with symptomatic vertebrobasilar arterial stenosis who underwent stenting from January 2017 to July 2020. Patients who underwent high resolution magnetic resonance imaging were recruited among them. Demographic data, risk factors of atherosclerosis, procedure details, and characteristics of imaging were extracted from electronic health records and imaging data. Plaque features were investigated by high resolution magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: 136 patients were enrolled in this study, 39 of whom fulfilled the inclusion criteria. 18 patients (46.2%) had obvious plaque enhancement among the 39 patients, and 21 (53.8%) had plaque non-enhancement. 21 patients (53.8%) had diffuse distribution, and 22 patients (56.4%) had irregular plaques surface. Patients were divided into plaque enhanced and plaque non-enhanced groups according to the degree of plaque enhancement. Clinical characteristics and other plaque features were similar between two groups. Procedure-related perforator stroke was identified in 4 patients (10.3%). Patients with plaque enhancement were more likely to have perforator stroke after stenting compared with those with plaque non-enhancement (22.2% versus 0%, P = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Plaque enhancement in high resolution magnetic resonance imaging may be associated with perforator stroke after vertebrobasilar artery stenting.

Influence of Early Bladder Imaging in Experimental Rabbits on the Quantitative Determination of Glomerular Filtration Rate by the Gates Method.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of early bladder imaging (EBI) in experimental rabbits on the quantitative calculation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by the Gates method. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of dynamic renal scintigraphy (DRS) in experimental rabbits. We calculated renal uptake during minutes 1-2 and 2-3 by correcting bladder radioactivity and computed the split GFR by renal uptake. Then, the EBI and GFR between 1-2 min and 2-3 min were compared, respectively. RESULTS: The EBI proportion (57.3%) at 2-3 min of DRS was higher than that (8.5%) at 1-2 min (P < 0.05). The correlations between the 1-2 min and 2-3 min uptake rates of unobstructed kidneys after correction (r = 0.952-0.979) were higher than those before correction (r = 0.859-0.936). However, the correlation between the two in obstructed kidneys was not improved (r before = 0.967 versus r after = 0.968). For unobstructed kidneys, the difference in GFR based on 2-3 min uptake between before and after correction was significant (P < 0.05), but not in obstructed kidneys (P > 0.05). For GFR based on 1-2 min uptake, the difference between before and after correction was not significant in obstructed or unobstructed kidneys (P > 0.05). Before correction, the GFR of unobstructed kidneys of 10.5% of the rabbits in the protein load test was lower than that in the baseline status, but not so after correction. CONCLUSION: The 2-3 min EBI on DRS has a significant influence on the GFR calculated by the Gates method in experimental rabbits. Controlling water intake or calculating the GFR by 1-2 min renal uptake helps to avoid the influence of EBI on GFR.

Value of AFP and PIVKA-II in diagnosis of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma and prediction of vascular invasion and tumor differentiation.

BACKGROUND: To explore the value of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) in diagnosis of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their relationship with vascular invasion, tumor differentiation and size. METHODS: A total of 433 participants were enrolled in this study including 266 cases with HBV-related HCC, 87 cases with HBV DNA positive benign liver disease and 80 healthy individuals. Then we explored the correlation between AFP, PIVKA-II serum level and several pathological features such as vascular invasion, tumor differentiation and size. The value of these two markers used singly or jointly in diagnosing HBV-related HCC was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The ROC curve was also plotted to identify AFP, PIVKA-II serum cut-off values that would best distinguish HBV-related HCC patients with and without vascular invasion. RESULTS: The level of AFP and PIVKA-II in HBV-related HCC group was significantly higher (Z was 7.428, 11.243 respectively, all P < 0.01). When AFP and PIVKA-II were used as the individual tumor marker, the areas under the ROC curve (AUC) of HBV-related HCC diagnosis were 0.765 (95% CI, 0.713 ~ 0.8170) for AFP, 0.901 (95% CI, 0.868 ~ 0.935) for PIVKA-II, and 0.917 (95% CI, 0.886 ~ 0.948) for AFP and PIVKA-II simultaneously. The serum levels of AFP and PIVKA-II were positively correlated with tumor differentiation and size. High AFP and PIVKA-II expression was significantly associated with the presence of vascular invasion (P was 0.007 and 0.014 respectively). The AFP level > 64.4 ng/ml or PIVKA-II level > 957.61mAU/ml was the best critical value to predict the presence of vascular invasion. CONCLUSION: Our results validate that AFP and PIVKA-II play a significant role in the diagnosis of HBV-related HCC. The diagnostic value of AFP and PIVKA-II combined detection or single assay of PIVKA-II is higher than that of separate assay of AFP. Moreover, their concentration has important clinical value in judging tumor size, tumor cell differentiation and vascular invasion.

The features of technetium-99m-DTPA renal dynamic imaging after severe unilateral ureteral obstruction in adult rabbits.

BACKGROUND: It is controversial to evaluate the function of hydronephrotic kidneys by renal dynamic imaging (RDI). Our aim was to study the features of renal dynamic imaging (RDI) at different stages after unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and to investigate a method that could be reasonably used to evaluate renal function and predict renal functional recoverability. METHODS: We made UUO models using fifteen adult New Zealand white rabbits and systematically observed the changes in kidney morphology, blood flow, radiotracer distribution and function by RDI. We then compared the differences in terms of imaging features between different periods and analyzed the relationship between blood flow and function in obstructed kidneys. RESULTS: 1) Obstructed kidneys gradually became larger than preoperative kidneys and contralateral kidneys (P<0.05) and reached their peak size between days 42 and 56, after which they gradually got smaller in size. 2)The correlation between the blood perfusion of the obstructed kidney and the obstruction duration (r = 0.125, P = 0.045) was very weak. In the initial period of obstruction, the perfusion of the obstructed kidney significantly decreased, followed by a sharp rebound in later days, and then the perfusion declined again. The peak in blood perfusion was on day 7. 3) The uptake rate of the obstructed kidney drastically decreased in the early stage and became lower than that of the contralateral kidney and the kidney before the operation (P<0.05), after which uptake increased gradually; the peak was on day 28. After that, uptake gradually decreased. 4) The grading of the radiotracer distribution in obstructed kidneys was positively correlated with the obstruction duration (r = 0.975, P = 0.000), and a uniform renal distribution was an early feature of obstruction. 5) The blood perfusion of the obstructed kidney and its functioning frequently increased or decreased simultaneously, but sometimes there was also a mismatch. The peak of renal blood perfusion recovery occurred prior to the peak of renal function recovery. CONCLUSION: In different periods of severe UUO, the imaged features of obstructed kidneys were different. These features are beneficial for determining the degree of hydronephrosis and renal function and predicting renal functional recoverability.

Does baseline renal function always decrease after unilateral ureteral severe obstruction? -experimental validation and novel findings by Tc-99m diethylene triamine pentaacetate acid (DTPA) dynamic renal scintigraphy.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of consensus concerning changes in renal function after unilateral ureteral obstruction. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of ureteral obstruction on renal morphology and function and to explore the effectiveness of dynamic renal scintigraphy in evaluating obstructive renal function. METHODS: We established a model of right ureteral obstruction using New Zealand white rabbits. We measured the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) before the operation and from days 1 to 82 after obstruction, observed the changes in bilateral kidney sizes and the GFR, and then compared the differences between the left and right kidneys. RESULTS: The difference between left and right kidney sizes was not significant before obstruction (t=-0.430, P=0.674); the right kidneys increased in size after obstruction and were larger than the left kidneys (P≤0.001). Obstructed kidneys demonstrated a morphological process of decelerated expansion and retraction. The difference in GFR between the left and right kidneys was not significant before obstruction (t=1.77, P=0.098); during days 1-21 and 42-82 after obstruction, the GFR of the right kidneys decreased and was lower than that of the left kidneys (P<0.001); on day 28, the GFR difference between the left and right kidneys (t=1.62, P=0.130) and the difference in the right kidney GFR before and after obstruction (t=1.03, P=0.323) were not significant. The GFR of obstructed kidneys rapidly declined initially, experienced a tortuous process of repeated dormancies and multiple self-recoveries, and then gradually declined. CONCLUSIONS: The GFR in hydronephrotic kidneys is fluctuating. Thus, evaluating the true function of hydronephrotic kidneys using only baseline GFR is difficult; however, combining baseline GFR with renal morphology to assess obstructive renal function and its recoverability can provide more meaningful results.

Inaccuracy of Thyroid to Background Uptake Ratio in Evaluating Technetium-99m-pertechnetate Thyroid Uptake and Establishing an Improved Algorithm.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the accuracy of thyroid to background uptake ratio (UR) in the evaluation of 99mTc-pertechnetate thyroid uptake (TcTU) and establishment of an improved algorithm. METHODS: This study was conducted on the thyroid images of 322 patients with thyroid diseases and 67 controls. For the purpose of the study, URs of the images were calculated, and then corrected by standardized thyroid area size to establish a corrected uptake ratio (CUR). Subsequently, the accuracy between UR and CUR was compared. RESULTS: The results of linear regression using weighted least squares (using TcTU as a dependent variable and CUR, UR, or thyroid area size as independent variables) showed that CUR (t=105.5, P=0.000), UR (t=31.9, P=0.000), and thyroid area size (t=15.9, P=0.000) are influential factors of TcTU. Furthermore, the standardized coefficient of CUR (ß=0.983) was obviously higher than those of UR (ß=0.851) and thyroid area size (ß=0.629). The linear goodness-of-fit between CUR and TcTU (R=0.983) was better than that between UR and TcTU (R=0.851). In addition, the total concordance rate between CUR and TcTU (96.7%) was significantly higher than that between UR and TcTU (83.0%; χ2=42.9, P=0.000). Discordance rates of CUR in large thyroid area (1.4% vs. 13.4%, χ2=17.0, P=0.000) and small thyroid area (3.3% vs. 42.2 %, χ2=44.3, P=0.000), were significantly lower than that of UR. In the abnormal thyroid areas, the discordance rates of UR obviously increased as compared to those of CUR. The UR overestimated the thyroid uptake in small thyroid areas and underestimated it in large thyroid areas. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings, CUR is more accurate than UR in measuring 99mTcO4- thyroid uptake; accordingly, it is more significant in the diagnosis of thyroid disease.

False Negativity of Tc-99m Labeled Sodium Phytate Bone Marrow Imaging Under the Effect of G-CSF Prescription in Aplastic Anemia: A Case Report.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a hematopoietic cytokine which controls the differentiation and growth of hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow. We report a severe aplastic anemia (SAA) patient with false-negative 99mTc sodium phytate bone marrow imaging findings under concurrent G-CSF therapy. The first bone marrow imaging showed a normal bone marrow activity. However, the bone marrow biopsy pathology report revealed a lack of hematopoietic cells. Furthermore, the complete blood count indicated severe pancytopenia resulting in the diagnosis of aplastic anemia (AA). A second marrow scan implemented after the stoppage of G-CSF showed an abnormal bone marrow activity, which matched the pathology reports. Accordingly, the concurrent administration of G-CSF was considered as the cause of false-negative bone marrow imaging findings obtained in the first scan. Consequently, it should be kept in mind that a 99mTc sodium phytate bone marrow scintigraphy during the concurrent administration of G-CSF may lead to the achievement of false negative results because it induces changes in bone marrow mimicking a normal marrow scan in patients with AA.

Progress towards rubella elimination after implementation of rubella immunization for over 20 years in Shandong province, China.

The rubella vaccine has been included in the immunization program in Shandong province of China since 1995. Here we observed the rubella vaccine coverage, epidemiology, serosurvey, and virological surveillance data, in order to identify the challenges impeding the progress towards to its elimination following the implementation of rubella immunization over a 21-year period in Shandong province. We first noted that the annual increase in vaccination coverage resulted in decreased rate of rubella incidence, which was maintained at a low level. Second, the average age of rubella patients had shifted to the 15-29-year age group, making this group the main population affected by the rubella virus (RV). Third, more than 90% of the study population were immune to rubella. However, the positive rate of rubella IgG in some cities was relatively lower indicating that an insufficient proportion of individuals had been vaccinated. Finally, the transmission of the genotype 1E RV was gradually interrupted due to the implementation of rubella vaccination. Unfortunately, the endemicity of the imported genotype 2B RV was established due to the pockets with unvaccinated people. Therefore, comprehensive vaccination coverage of the population, combined with high quality monitoring of rubella, is necessary to achieve the rubella elimination goal.

Exploring the Microbiota of Faba Bean: Functional Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria.

This study investigated the metabolic traits of 27 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains belonging to different species, previously isolated from faba bean. The activities assayed, related to technological and nutritional improvement of fermented faba bean, included peptidases, ß-glucosidase, phytase, as well as exopolysaccharides synthesis and antimicrobial properties. In addition, the bacteria performance as starter cultures during faba bean fermentation on proteolysis, antioxidant potential, and degradation of condensed tannins were assessed. Fermentative profiling showed that only 7 out of 27 strains were able to metabolize D-raffinose, particularly Leuc. mesenteroides I01 and I57. All strains of Pediococcus pentosaceus exerted high PepN activity and exhibited ß-glucosidase activity higher than the median value of 0.015 U, while phytase activity was largely distributed among the different strains. All the weissellas, and in lower amount leuconostocs, showed ability to produce EPS from sucrose. None of the strains did not survive the simulated gastrointestinal tract with the exception of P. pentosaceus I56, I76, 147, I214, having a viability of 8-9 log CFU/ml at the end of the treatment. None of the strains showed antimicrobial activity toward Staphylococcus aureus, while eight strains of P. pentosaceus exhibited a strong inhibitory activity toward Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. Generally, the doughs fermented with pediococci exhibited high amount of total free amino acids, antioxidant activity, and condensed tannins degradation. These results allowed the identification of LAB biotypes as potential starter cultures for faba bean bioprocessing, aiming at the enhancement of faba bean use in novel food applications.

Analysis of complete genomes of the rubella virus genotypes 1E and 2B which circulated in China, 2000-2013.

Rubella viruses of genotypes 1E and 2B are currently the most frequently detected wild-type viruses in the world. Genotype 1E viruses from China have been genetically distinct from genotype 1E viruses found elsewhere, while genotype 2B viruses found in China are not distinguishable from genotype 2B viruses from other areas. Genetic clusters of viruses of both genotypes were defined previously using sequences of the 739-nt genotyping window. Here we report phylogenic analysis using whole genomic sequences from seven genotype 1E and three genotype 2B viruses which were isolated in China between 2000 and 2013 and confirm the subgrouping of current circulating genotypes 1E and 2B viruses. In addition, the whole genomic characterization of Chinese rubella viruses was clarified. The results indicated that the Chinese rubella viruses were highly conserved at the genomic level, and no predicted amino acid variations were found at positions where functional domains of the proteins were identified. Therefore, it gives us the idea that the rubella control and elimination goal should be achieved if vaccine immunization coverage continues maintaining at the high level.