MiR-146a alleviates acute lung injury via inhibiting Notch 1 signaling pathway targeting macrophage.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is associated with the leukocyte infiltration and inflammation. Previous studies have shown that miR-146a is a valid regulator of the macrophage polarization in vitro inflammatory model. However, it is unclear whether miR-146a plays a protective role in ALI via modulating macrophage inflammation. To explore the potential therapeutic effect mechanism of miR-146a on ALI. We analyzed the expression of miR-146a in acute injured lung tissues and differentiated macrophage. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) were employed in provoking the macrophage to polarization. We used miR-146a mimics to improve the overexpression of miR-146a and investigated the effect of increased miR-146a on LPS-induced ALI mice via the target of macrophage polarization. We showed that the expression of miR-146a markedly decreased in injured lung tissue and type M1 macrophage, while increased miR-146a expression exhibited in type M2 macrophage. Moreover, overexpression of miR-146a in LPS-induced macrophage reversed inflammatory M1 phenotype to anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype and mitigated inflammatory level via inhibiting Notch 1 signaling pathway. Hence, inflammation, infiltration, integrity of capillary barrier, and histology in ALI model were corrected after miR-146a overexpression treatment. These results suggested that miR-146a promotes type M2 macrophage polarization via restraining Notch 1 signaling pathway. Overexpression of miR-146a prevents inflammation damage and ameliorates lung damage after LPS induction. Therefore, miR-146a may serve as a promising target for the therapy of ALI in the future.

Captopril alleviates epilepsy and cognitive impairment by attenuation of C3-mediated inflammation and synaptic phagocytosis.

Evidence from experimental and clinical studies implicates immuno-inflammatory responses as playing an important role in epilepsy-induced brain injury. Captopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi), has previously been shown to suppress immuno-inflammatory responses in a variety of neurological diseases. However, the therapeutic potential of captopril on epilepsy remains unclear. In the present study, Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were intraperitoneally subjected to kainic acid (KA) to establish a status epilepticus. Captopril (50 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered daily following the KA administration from day 3 to 49. We found that captopril efficiently suppressed the KA-induced epilepsy, as measured by electroencephalography. Moreover, captopril ameliorated the epilepsy-induced cognitive deficits, with improved performance in the Morris water maze, Y-maze and novel objective test. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis indicated that captopril reversed a wide range of epilepsy-related biological processes, particularly the glial activation, complement system-mediated phagocytosis and the production of inflammatory factors. Interestingly, captopril suppressed the epilepsy-induced activation and abnormal contact between astrocytes and microglia. Immunohistochemical experiments demonstrated that captopril attenuated microglia-dependent synaptic remodeling presumably through C3-C3ar-mediated phagocytosis in the hippocampus. Finally, the above effects of captopril were partially blocked by an intranasal application of recombinant C3a (1.3 µg/kg/day). Our findings demonstrated that captopril reduced the occurrence of epilepsy and cognitive impairment by attenuation of inflammation and C3-mediated synaptic phagocytosis. This approach can easily be adapted to long-term efficacy and safety in clinical practice.

Transferability and reproducibility of the EpiSkin™ Micronucleus Assay.

A novel in vitro 3D micronucleus assay was developed in China using the EpiSkin™ 3D human skin model. This EpiSkin™ Micronucleus Assay showed good predictivity and reproducibility during internal validation and is expected to contribute to in vitro genotoxicity testing as a follow-up for positive results from 2D micronucleus assay. Having developed the assay in one laboratory, further work focused on the transferability and inter-laboratory reproducibility in two additional Chinese authority laboratories (Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Zhejiang Institute for Food and Drug Control). Formal training was provided for both laboratories, which resulted in good transferability based on the results of two positive compounds, such as mitomycin C and vinblastine. Independent experiments were then performed, and inter-laboratory reproducibility was checked using 2-acetylaminofluorene, 5-fluorouracil, 2,4-dichlorophenol, and d-limonene. The dose-responses of the positive control chemical, mitomycin C, were similar to those of the developing laboratory, and all test chemicals were correctly classified by all laboratories. Overall, there was a good transferability as well as intra- and inter-laboratory reproducibility of the EpiSkin™ Micronucleus Assay. This study further confirmed the assay's robustness and provided confidence to enter following validation stages for scientific acceptance.

Prospective assessment of a nasopharyngeal carcinoma risk score in a population undergoing screening.

Despite evidence suggesting the utility of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) markers to stratify individuals with respect to nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) risk in NPC high-risk regions, no validated NPC risk prediction model exists. We aimed to validate an EBV-based NPC risk score in an endemic population undergoing screening for NPC. This prospective study was embedded within an ongoing NPC screening trial in southern China initiated in 2008, with 51 235 adult participants. We assessed the score's discriminatory ability (area under the receiver-operator-characteristics curve, AUC). A new model incorporating the EBV score, sex and family history was developed using logistic regression and internally validated using cross-validation. AUCs were compared. We also calculated absolute NPC risk combining the risk score with population incidence and competing mortality data. A total of 151 NPC cases were detected in 2008 to 2016. The EBV-based score was highly discriminating, with AUC = 0.95 (95% CI = 0.93-0.97). For 90% specificity, the score had 87.4% sensitivity (95% CI = 81.0-92.3%). As specificity increased from 90% to 99%, the positive predictive value increased from 2.4% (95% CI = 1.9-3.0%) to 12.5% (9.9-15.5%). Correspondingly, the number of positive tests per detected NPC case decreased from 272 (95% CI = 255-290) to 50 (41-59). Combining the score with other risk factors (sex, first-degree family history of NPC) did not improve AUC. Men aged 55 to 59 years with the highest risk profile had the highest 5-year absolute NPC risk of 6.5%. We externally validated the discriminatory accuracy of a previously developed EBV score in a high-risk population. Adding nonviral risk factors did not improve NPC prediction.

Synergistic effects of stromal cell-derived factor-1α and bone morphogenetic protein-2 treatment on odontogenic differentiation of human stem cells from apical papilla cultured in the VitroGel 3D system.

Pulp-dentin regeneration in the apical region of immature permanent teeth represents a significant clinical challenge. Tissue engineering approaches using bioactive molecules and scaffolds may have the potential to regenerate the natural apical structure of these teeth, representing a superior alternative to existing treatment regimens. The aims of this study are (i) to evaluate the VitroGel 3D system, an animal origin-free polysaccharide hydrogel, as a possible injectable scaffold for pulp-dentin regeneration and (ii) to investigate the effects of stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) and bone morphogenetic protein-2(BMP-2) cotreatment on odontogenic differentiation of human stem cells from apical papilla (SCAP) cultured in the VitroGel 3D system. The morphology, viability and proliferation of SCAP cultured in the VitroGel 3D system were measured via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), live and dead cell staining and CCK-8 assays. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis were further used to evaluate the odontogenic differentiation of SCAP cultured in the VitroGel 3D system in vitro. Finally, the odontogenic differentiation was assessed in vivo through ectopic subcutaneous injection. The results showed that SCAP cultured in 3D hydrogel demonstrated favorable viability and proliferation. SDF-1α and BMP-2 cotreatment enhanced odontogenic differentiation-related gene and protein expression in vitro and promoted odontogenic differentiation of SCAP in vivo. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the VitroGel 3D system promoted SCAP proliferation and differentiation. Moreover, SDF-1α cotreatment had synergistic effects on BMP-2-induced odontogenic differentiation of human SCAP cultured in the VitroGel 3D system both in vitro and in vivo.

Sulforaphane prevents rat cardiomyocytes from hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in vitro via activating SIRT1 and subsequently inhibiting ER stress.

AIM: Sulforaphane (SFN), a natural dietary isothiocyanate, is found to exert beneficial effects for cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of SFN in a model of myocardial hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury in vitro. METHODS: Cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes pretreated with SFN were subjected to 3-h hypoxia followed by 3-h reoxygenation. Cell viability and apoptosis were detected. Caspase-3 activity and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was measured. The expression of ER stress-related apoptotic proteins were analyzed with Western blot analyses. Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) activity was determined with SIRT1 deacetylase fluorometric assay kit. RESULTS: SFN (0.1-5 µmol/L) dose-dependently improved the viability of cardiomyocytes, diminished apoptotic cells and suppressed caspase-3 activity. Meanwhile, SFN significantly alleviated the damage of ΔΨm and decreased the expression of ER stress-related apoptosis proteins (GRP78, CHOP and caspase-12), elevating the expression of SIRT1 and Bcl-2/Bax ratio in the cardiomyocytes. Co-treatment of the cardiomyocytes with the SIRT1-specific inhibitor Ex-527 (1 µmol/L) blocked the SFN-induced cardioprotective effects. CONCLUSION: SFN prevents cardiomyocytes from H/R injury in vitro most likely via activating SIRT1 pathway and subsequently inhibiting the ER stress-dependent apoptosis.

Estimation of cancer burden in Guangdong Province, China in 2009.

BACKGROUND: Surveying regional cancer incidence and mortality provides significant data that can assist in making health policy for local areas; however, the province- and region-based cancer burden in China is seldom reported. In this study, we estimated cancer incidence and mortality in Guangdong Province, China and presented basic information for making policies related to health resource allocation and disease control. METHODS: A log-linear model was used to calculate the sex-, age-, and registry-specific ratios of incidence to mortality (I/M) based on cancer registry data from Guangzhou, Zhongshan, and Sihui between 2004 and 2008. The cancer incidences in 2009 were then estimated according to representative I/M ratios and the mortality records from eight death surveillance sites in Guangdong Province. The cancer incidences in each city were estimated by the corresponding sex- and age-specific incidences from cancer registries or death surveillance sites in each area. Finally, the total and region-based cancer incidences and mortalities for the entire population of Guangdong Province were summarized. RESULTS: The estimated I/M ratios in Guangzhou (3.658), Zhongshan (2.153), and Sihui (1.527) were significantly different (P < 0.001), with an average I/M ratio of 2.446. Significant differences in the estimated I/M ratios were observed between distinct age groups and the three cancer registries. The estimated I/M ratio in females was significantly higher than that in males (2.864 vs. 2.027, P < 0.001). It was estimated that there were 163,376 new cancer cases (99,689 males and 63,687 females) in 2009; it was further estimated that 115,049 people (75,054 males and 39,995 females) died from cancer in Guangdong Province in 2009. The estimated crude and age-standardized rate of incidences (ASRI) in Guangdong Province were 231.34 and 246.87 per 100,000 males, respectively, and 156.98 and 163.57 per 100,000 females, respectively. The estimated crude and age-standardized rate of mortalities (ASRM) in Guangdong Province were 174.17 and 187.46 per 100,000 males, respectively, and 98.59 and 102.00 per 100,000 females, respectively. In comparison with the western area and the northern mountain area, higher ASRI and ASRM were recorded in the Pearl River Delta area and the eastern area in both males and females. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer imposes a heavy disease burden, and cancer patterns are unevenly distributed throughout Guangdong Province. More health resources should be allocated to cancer control, especially in the western and northern mountain areas.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma incidence and mortality in China in 2010.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is common in South China. Although regional epidemiological data on NPC in China is available, national epidemiological data have been unavailable up to now. The goal of this study was to analyze the NPC incidence and mortality data in some domestic cancer registries, estimate these rates in China in 2010, and provide scientific information that can be harnessed for NPC control and prevention. To accomplish this goal, NPC incidence and mortality data for 2010 were collected from 145 Chinese cancer registries from which data were included in the 2013 National Cancer Registry Annual Report. Such indices as its incident and death numbers, crude rates, age-standardized rates and truncated rates were calculated and analyzed. The incidence and mortality in China and constituent areas were estimated according to the national population in 2010. An estimated 41,503 new cases and 20,058 deaths were attributed to NPC in China in 2010, accounting for 1.34% of all new cancer cases and 1.03% of all cancer-related deaths that year in China. Crude incidence and mortality were 3.16/100,000 and 1.53/100,000, respectively. World age-standardized incidence and mortality were 2.44/100,000 and 1.18/100,000, respectively. Incidence and mortality were higher among males than among females and slightly higher in urban areas than in rural areas. Among seven Chinese administrative regions, NPC incidence and mortality were obviously higher in South China than in other regions and lowest in North China. The male and female age-specific incidence and mortality both rose quickly from age 25-29 years, but peaked at different ages and varied by location. These results demonstrated that NPC incidence and mortality in China especially in South China were at high levels in the world, and suggested that control and prevention efforts should be enhanced.

Incidence and mortality of liver cancer in China, 2010.

Liver cancer is a common malignant tumor in China and a major health concern. We aimed to estimate the liver cancer incidence and mortality in China in 2010 using liver cancer data from some Chinese cancer registries and provide reference for liver cancer prevention and treatment. We collected and evaluated the incidence and mortality data of liver cancer in 2010 from 145 cancer registries, which were included in the 2013 Chinese Cancer Registry Annual Report, calculated crude, standardized, and truncated incidences and mortalities, and estimated new liver cancer cases and deaths from liver cancer throughout China and in different regions in 2010 from Chinese practical population. The estimates of new liver cancer cases and deaths were 358,840 and 312,432, respectively, in China in 2010. The crude incidence, age-standardized rate by Chinese standard population (ASR China), and age-standardized rate by world standard population (ASR world) were 27.29/100,000, 21.35/100,000, and 20.87/100,000, respectively; the crude, ASR China, and ASR world mortalities were 23.76/100,000, 18.43/100,000, and 18.04/100,000, respectively. The incidence and mortality were the highest in western regions, higher in rural areas than in urban areas, and higher in males than in females. The age-specific incidence and mortality of liver cancer showed a rapid increase from age 30 and peaked at age 80-84 or 85+. Our results indicated that the 2010 incidence and mortality of liver cancer in China, especially in undeveloped rural areas and western regions, were among high levels worldwide. The strategy for liver cancer prevention and treatment should be strengthened.

Performance evaluation of nano-graphene lubricating oil with high dispersion and low viscosity used in diesel engines.

The basic tribological experiments have reported that nano-graphene lubricating oil has excellent anti-friction and anti-wear properties, which has been widely concerned. However, the real anti-friction effect of nano-graphene lubricating oil and its impact on engine power performance, economic performance and emission performance remain to be proved. This has seriously hindered the popularization and application of nano-graphene lubricating oil in the engine field. In this paper, nano-graphene powder was chemically grafted to prepare nano-graphene lubricating oil with high dispersion stability. The influence of nano-graphene on physicochemical properties of lubricating oil was studied, and the influence of nano-graphene on engine power performance, economic performance and emission performance was explored. The results show that after modification, the dispersion of nano-graphene in lubricating oil is improved. Compared with pure lubricating oil, the addition of nano-graphene makes the kinematic viscosity of lubricating oil slightly lower, and has little effect on the density, flash point, pour point and total acid value of lubricating oil. The reversed towing torque of nano-graphene lubricating oil is reduced by 1.82-5.53%, indicating that the friction loss decreases. The specific fuel consumption of the engine is reduced, which indicates that the fuel economic performance is improved. Engine HC+NOX, CH4, CO2 emissions do not change much, but particulate matter (PM) emissions increase by 8.85%. The quantity concentration of nuclear particles, accumulated particles and total particles of nano-graphene lubricating oil are significantly higher than that of pure lubricating oil. And the increase of the quantity concentration of accumulated particles is more obvious than that of nuclear particles, and the larger the load, the more obvious this phenomenon. In order to apply nano-graphene lubricating oil to the engine, it is also necessary to further study its impact on the post-processing system, adjust the control strategy of the post-processing system and then test and calibrate.

Chronological Management of Adjuvant Effect for Optimized mRNA Vaccine Inspired by Natural Virus Infection.

The efficacy and safety of mRNA vaccines both rely on a fine-tuning of specific humoral and cellular immune responses. Instead of adjustments in vaccine component, we proposed a concept of chronological management of adjuvant effect to modulate the adaptive immune potency and preference inspired by natural virus infection. By simulating type I interferon expression dynamics during viral infection, three vaccine strategies employing distinct exposure sequences of adjuvant and mRNA have been developed, namely Precede, Coincide, and Follow. Follow, the strategy of adjuvant administration following mRNA, effectively suppressed tumor progression, which was attributed to enhanced mRNA translation, augmented p-MHC I expression, and elevated CD8+ T cell response. Meanwhile, Follow exhibited improved biosafety, characterized by reduced incidences of cardiac and liver toxicity, owing to its alteration to the vaccination microenvironment between successive injections. Our strategy highlights the importance of fine-tuning adjuvant effect dynamics in optimizing mRNA vaccines for clinical application.

Electrohydrodynamic Direct-Writing Micro/Nanofibrous Architectures: Principle, Materials, and Biomedical Applications.

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) direct-writing has recently gained attention as a highly promising additive manufacturing strategy for fabricating intricate micro/nanoscale architectures. This technique is particularly well-suited for mimicking the extracellular matrix (ECM) present in biological tissue, which serves a vital function in facilitating cell colonization, migration, and growth. The integration of EHD direct-writing with other techniques has been employed to enhance the biological performance of scaffolds, and significant advancements have been made in the development of tailored scaffold architectures and constituents to meet the specific requirements of various biomedical applications. Here, a comprehensive overview of EHD direct-writing is provided, including its underlying principles, demonstrated materials systems, and biomedical applications. A brief chronology of EHD direct-writing is provided, along with an examination of the observed phenomena that occur during the printing process. The impact of biomaterial selection and architectural topographic cues on biological performance is also highlighted. Finally, the major limitations associated with EHD direct-writing are discussed.

Aberrant activation of p53-TRIB3 axis contributes to diabetic myocardial insulin resistance and sulforaphane protection.

INTRODUCTION: Insulin resistance (IR) is associated with multiple pathological features. Although p53- or TRIB3-orchestrated IR is extensively studied in adipose tissue and liver, the role of p53-TRIB3 axis in myocardial IR remains unknown, and more importantly target-directed therapies of myocardial IR are missing. OBJECTIVES: Considering the beneficial effects of sulforaphane (SFN) on cardiovascular health, it is of particular interest to explore whether SFN protects against myocardial IR with a focus on the regulatory role of p53-TRIB3 axis. METHODS: Mouse models including cardiac specific p53-overexpressing transgenic (p53-cTg) mice and Trib3 knockout (Trib3-KO) mice, combined with primary cardiomyocytes treated with p53 activator (nutlin-3a) and inhibitor (pifithrin-α, PFT-α), or transfected with p53-shRNA and Trib3-shRNA, followed by multiple molecular biological methodologies, were used to investigate the role of p53-TRIB3 axis in SFN actions on myocardial IR. RESULTS: Here, we report that knockdown of p53 rescued cardiac insulin-stimulated AKT phosphorylation, while up-regulation of p53 by nutlin-3a or p53-cTg mice blunted insulin sensitivity in cardiomyocytes under diabetic conditions. Diabetic attenuation of AKT-mediated cardiac insulin signaling was markedly reversed by SFN in p53-Tgfl/fl mice, but not in p53-cTg mice. Importantly, we identified TRIB3 was elevated in p53-cTg diabetic mice, and confirmed the physical interaction between p53 and TRIB3. Trib3-KO diabetic mice displayed improved insulin sensitivity in the heart. More specifically, the AMPKα-triggered CHOP phosphorylation and degradation were essential for p53 on the transcriptional regulation of Trib3. CONCLUSION: Overall, these results indicate that inhibiting the p53-TRIB3 pathway by SFN plays an unsuspected key role in the improvement of myocardial IR, which may be a promising strategy for attenuating diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) in diabetic patients.

Impact of an Epstein-Barr Virus Serology-Based Screening Program on Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Mortality: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: Screening for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has shown an improvement in early detection and survival rates of NPC in endemic regions. It is critical to evaluate whether NPC screening can reduce NPC-specific mortality in the population. METHODS: Sixteen towns in Sihui and Zhongshan cities, China, were selected; eight were randomly allocated to the screening group and eight to the control group. Residents age 30-69 years with no history of NPC were included from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2015. Residents in the screening towns were invited to undergo serum Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viral capsid antigen/nuclear antigen 1-immunoglobulin A antibody tests; others received no intervention. The population was followed until December 31, 2019. Nonparametric tests and Poisson regression models were used to estimate the screening effect on NPC mortality, accounting for the cluster-randomized design. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT00941538). RESULTS: A total of 174,943 residents in the screening group and 186,263 residents in the control group were included. NPC incidence and overall mortality were similar between the two groups. A total of 52,498 (30.0% of 174,943) residents participated in the serum EBV antibody test. The overall compliance rate for endoscopic examination and/or biopsies among baseline and ever-classified high-risk participants was 65.9% (1,110 of 1,685) and 67.6% (1,703 of 2,518), respectively. A significant 30% reduction in NPC mortality was observed in the screening group compared with the control group (standardized NPC-specific mortality rate of 8.2 NPC deaths per 1,000 person-years versus 12.5; adjusted rate ratio [RR], 0.70 [95% CI, 0.49 to 0.997]; P = .048). This benefit was most evident among individuals age 50 years and older (RR, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.37 to 0.85]; P = .007) compared with those younger than 50 years (RR, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.64 to 1.46]; P = .856). CONCLUSION: In this 12-year trial, EBV antibody testing resulted in a significant reduction in NPC mortality.

Two Epstein-Barr virus-related serologic antibody tests in nasopharyngeal carcinoma screening: results from the initial phase of a cluster randomized controlled trial in Southern China.

A nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) mass screening trial using a combination of immunoglobulin A antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus capsid antigen and nuclear antigen-1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in addition to indirect mirror examination in the nasopharynx and/or lymphatic palpation (IMLP) was conducted in southern China. Cantonese aged 30-59 years residing in 2 cities randomly selected by cluster sampling, Sihui and Zhongshan, were invited to participate in this screening from May 2008 through May 2010. Participants were offered fiberoptic endoscopy examination and/or pathologic biopsy if their serologic tests reached our predefined level of high risk or if results from the physical examination indicated possible cancer (i.e., were IMLP positive). A total of 28,688 individuals were voluntarily screened in the initial round. The overall NPC detection rate was 0.14% (41/28,688) with an early diagnosis rate of 68.3% (28/41) during the first year of follow-up. Thirty-eight of 41 cases (92.7%) were detected among the high-risk group, and 7 of 41 cases (17.1%) were detected among the IMLP-positive group. The 2 Epstein-Barr virus serologic tests by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay could be a feasible alternative for NPC screening in endemic areas. Further follow-up is needed to examine whether screening has an effect on decreasing mortality from NPC in these areas.

Phototactic behavior of the Armand pine bark weevil, Pissodes punctatus.

The Armand pine bark weevil, Pissodes punctatus Langor et Zhang (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a destructive bark weevil on the Armand pine, Pinus armandii Franch (Pinales: Pinaceae), an important timbering tree in southern China. This study examined the phototactic behavior ïéP. punctatus through observation of behavioral characteristics, response to nine monochromatic lights (ranging from 340 nm to 689 nm with about 40-nm step), and response to five intensities (ranging from 1 lux to 200 lux) of the most attractive light. The results demonstrated that P. punctatus was most active in the day, and kept still at night (or in a dark room). P. punctatus could be attracted to eight of nine monochromatic lights, the exception being red light (649 nm), which implied broad sensitivity to the spectrum of light. P. punctatus was most sensitive to violet (415 nm), ultraviolet (340 nm), and green (504 nm) light, suggesting there might be at least three types of photoreceptors in the compound eyes of this weevil. Furthermore, low intensities elicited an increased phototactic response, and high intensities a decreased phototactic response, under both violet and UV light. Thus, P. punctatus were found to be phototactic insects, and the phototactic behavior of P. punctatus is both a color and intensity preference. The information provided here provides a basis for the improvement of trapping devices for detection and survey of P. punctatus, as well as a basis for the development of alternate control strategies for this important pest of Armand pine and other pine trees.

Sublethal impact of paraquat on the life span and parasitic behavior of Diaeretiella rapae M'Intosh.

This study focuses on assessing the impact of sublethal doses of paraquat on the survival, the emergence, the life span and the parasitic behavior of Diaeretiella rapae M'Intosh (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). The impact of sublethal doses was measured at room temperature using different densities of the cabbage aphid Brevicoryne brassicae. The results reveal that the field dose of paraquat caused 100% mortality in D. rapae. The percentage emergence of D. rapae decreased from 80.5% in the control group to 71.5% when treated with the lowest concentration of paraquat. Similarly, the life span of parasitoids that emerged from the mummy treated with paraquat also decreased significantly. Oviposition capability and ovipositor thrusting frequency of D. rapae also treated with sublethal dose paraquat decreased significantly along with a shortened patch residence time in the foraging area.

[Analyses of risk factors for deep vein thrombosis in lower extremities].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the risk factors of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in lower extremities. METHODS: Retrospective data analyses were performed for a total of 1264 DVT patients at our department from January 2010 to December 2012. RESULTS: Among them, 984 cases (77.85%) were over 40 years old, no overt cause was found for 642 cases (50.79%), 142 cases (11.23%) had a clear history of trauma before onset (without surgery). Among 316 recurrent postoperative cases, there were the surgical histories of orthopedics (n = 142, 11.23%), gynecology (n = 90, 7.12%), general practice (n = 42, 3.32%), vascular (n = 23, 1.82%), urological (n = 12, 0.94%) and others (n = 7, 0.55%). Ten cases (0.79%) occurred after suffering bedridden chronic diseases. And 20 cases (1.58%) were caused by conditions during pregnancy or postpartum period.had Malignant tumors were found in 25 (1.98%) patients. After long-term uses of hormones, 10 patients (0.79%) of rheumatoid arthritis had a recurrence.Owing to varicose veins, 27 patients (2.14%) recurred. Eight patients (0.63%) had a history of drug abuse, 2 cases (0.16%) suffered depression and 62 cases (4.9%) were recurrent. CONCLUSION: There are many causative factors of DVT so that prevention is of great importance. We should pay more attention to the prevention and treatment of high-risk DVT patients.

Subcutaneous fat thickness and abdominal depth are risk factors for surgical site infection after gastric cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common complications after gastric cancer (GC) surgery. The occurrence of SSI can lead to a prolonged postoperative hospital stay and increased medical expenses, and it can also affect postoperative rehabilitation and the quality of life of patients. Subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) and abdominal depth (AD) can be used as predictors of SSI in patients undergoing radical resection of GC. AIM: To explore the potential relationship between SFT or AD and SSI in patients undergoing elective radical resection of GC. METHODS: Demographic, clinical, and pre- and intraoperative information of 355 patients who had undergone elective radical resection of GC were retrospectively collected from hospital electronic medical records. Univariate analysis was performed to screen out the significant parameters, which were subsequently analyzed using binary logistic regression and receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of SSI was 11.27% (40/355). Multivariate analyses revealed that SFT [odds ratio (OR) = 1.150; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.090-1.214; P < 0.001], AD (OR = 1.024; 95%CI: 1.009-1.040; P = 0.002), laparoscopic-assisted surgery (OR = 0.286; 95%CI: 0.030-0.797; P = 0.017), and operation time (OR = 1.008; 95%CI: 1.001-1.015; P = 0.030) were independently associated with the incidence of SSI after elective radical resection of GC. In addition, the product of SFT and AD was a better potential predictor of SSI in these patients than either SFT or AD alone. CONCLUSION: SFT and AD are independent risk factors and can be used as predictors of SSI in patients undergoing radical resection of GC.

Mitochondrial Lipid Peroxidation and Microsomal Drug-metabolizing Enzyme Activity of Rat Hepatotoxicity under Heavy Metals from Slag Waste Exposure.

Heavy metals from slag waste (HMSWs) have attracted much attention because of their serious toxicity to the environment and human organs, especially hepatotoxicity. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of different HMSWs exposure on mitochondrial lipid peroxidation, microsomal drug metabolizing enzyme activities as well as their relationship in the rat liver injury. Based on toxicogenomic analysis, heavy metals including iron, copper, cobalt, nickel and manganese, might interfere with pathophysiological processes such as oxidative stress, cell death, and energy metabolism regulation in vivo, and participate in the regulation of HIF-1 signaling pathway, peroxisomes, drug metabolism-cytochrome P450, ferroptosis, and other signaling pathways. HMSWs exposure caused weight loss, and significantly increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) in different groups of rat liver, suggesting the presence of mitochondrial lipid peroxidation damage. In addition, the ratios of AST/ALT and ALT/LDH were down-regulated, especially the ALT/LDH ratios were less than 1, indicating that hepatic ischemic injury occurred in the process of liver injury. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) activities in rats also showed significant decreases, indicating the occurrence of hepatic oxidative/antioxidant dysfunction imbalance. Further decision tree analysis of live biochemical abnormalities suggested that AST > 58.78 U/gprot and MDA > 173.2 nmol/mgprot could be used for hepatotoxicity warning. Liver microsomal cytochrome P4501A2 (CYP1A2) and 3A1 (CYP3A1) enzymes were also involved in the hepatotoxic process of heavy metals. These results suggest that lipid peroxidation damage and metabolic damage in liver mitochondria and peroxisomes, may be one of the key events in heavy metal-induced liver injury.