Effects of accelerated intermittent theta-burst stimulation in modulating brain of Alzheimer's disease.

Intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) is emerging as a noninvasive therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent advances highlighted a new accelerated iTBS (aiTBS) protocol, consisting of multiple sessions per day and higher overall pulse doses, in brain modulation. To examine the possibility of applying the aiTBS in treating AD patients, we enrolled 45 patients in AD at early clinical stages, and they were randomly assigned to either receive real or sham aiTBS. Neuropsychological scores were evaluated before and after treatment. Moreover, we detected cortical excitability and oscillatory activity changes in AD, by the single-pulse TMS in combination with EEG (TMS-EEG). Real stimulation showed markedly better performances in the group average of Auditory Verbal Learning Test scores compared to baseline. TMS-EEG revealed that aiTBS has reinforced this memory-related cortical mechanism by increasing cortical excitability and beta oscillatory activity underlying TMS target. We also found an enhancement of local natural frequency after aiTBS treatment. The novel findings implicated that high-dose aiTBS targeting left DLPFC is rapid-acting, safe, and tolerable in AD patients. Furthermore, TMS-related increase of specific neural oscillation elucidates the mechanisms of the AD cognitive impairment ameliorated by aiTBS.

Comparative Study of Application of Computed Tomography/Ultrasound and Computed Tomography Imaging Guidance Methods in the Microwave Ablation of Liver Cancer.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to assess the clinical value of the combined computed tomography (CT)/ultrasound (US) guidance in microwave ablation (MWA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: From July 16, 2016, to June 20, 2021, medical records of 150 HCC patients treated with MWA were retrospectively analyzed. Ninety-two patients with 115 liver tumors underwent MWA under combined CT/US guidance, and 58 patients with 73 liver tumors received MWA under CT guidance alone. The clinical efficacy of combined CT/US-guided MWA was analyzed. We compared the complications, procedure time, and CT scan times between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The total complete ablation rate and complete ablation rate of high-risk location tumors were significantly higher in the group treated with combined CT/US guidance ( P = 0.0471 and P = 0.0347, respectively), the imaging guidance modality (odds ratio, 0.303; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.095-0.970; P = 0.044) was an independent factor for ablation efficacy. These 2 groups also had significant differences in the procedure time ( P = 0.0171), the incidence rate of pneumothorax ( P = 0.0209), abdominal pain ( P = 0.0196), nausea or vomiting ( P = 0.0026), and intraoperative CT scan times ( P < 0.001). The overall complication rates ( P = 0.4023) and recurrence rates ( P = 0.5063) between the 2 groups were not statistically significant. However, CT/US group has a better short-term progressive free survival (log-rank P = 0.103, Breslow P = 0.030). In multivariate analysis, guidance modality (hazard ratio, 0.586; 95% CI, 0.368-0.934; P = 0.025) and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage (hazard ratio, 2.933; 95% CI, 1.678-5.127; P < 0.001) were risk factor for progressive free survival. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous MWA under the combined CT/US guidance for HCC can improve clinical benefits.

Prevalence and distribution of acute gastrointestinal illness in the community of China: a population-based face-to-face survey, 2014-2015.

BACKGROUND: The true incidence of acute gastrointestinal illness in China is underrecognized by surveillance systems. The aims of this study were to estimate the incidence and prevalence of self-reported AGI in the community of China, and to investigate sociodemographic and epidemiological determinants of AGI. METHODS: We conducted a 12-months cross-sectional population-based survey in eight provinces of China during 2014-2015. The survey determined the prevalence and incidence of acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI) in the total permanent resident population in China according to the census of the population in 2010. The random multilevel population sample was stratified by geographic, population, and socioeconomic status. We used a recommended case definition of AGI, with diarrhea (three loose or watery stools) and/or any vomiting in a four-week recall. A face-to-face survey was conducted by selecting the member in the household with the most recent birthday. RESULTS: Among 56,704 sampled individuals, 948 (1,134 person-time) fulfilled the case definition; 98.5% reported diarrhea. This corresponds to 2.3% (95% CI:1.9%-2.8%) of an overall standardized four-week prevalence and 0.3 (95% CI: 0.23-0.34) episodes per person-year of annual adjusted incidence rate. There was no significant difference between males and females. The incidence rates were higher among urban residents, and in the spring and summer. In the whole study period, 50% of the cases sought medical care, of which 3.9% were hospitalized and 14.3% provided a biological sample for laboratory identification of the causative agent. Children aged 0-4 and young adults aged 15-24, people living in rural areas and people who traveled frequently had higher prevalence of AGI. CONCLUSION: Results showed that AGI represents a substantial burden in China, and will contribute to the estimation of the global burden of AGI. Complemented with data on the etiologies of AGI, these estimates will form the basis to estimate the burden of foodborne diseases in China.

Prediction of Alzheimer's disease using multi-variants from a Chinese genome-wide association study.

Previous genome-wide association studies have identified dozens of susceptibility loci for sporadic Alzheimer's disease, but few of these loci have been validated in longitudinal cohorts. Establishing predictive models of Alzheimer's disease based on these novel variants is clinically important for verifying whether they have pathological functions and provide a useful tool for screening of disease risk. In the current study, we performed a two-stage genome-wide association study of 3913 patients with Alzheimer's disease and 7593 controls and identified four novel variants (rs3777215, rs6859823, rs234434, and rs2255835; Pcombined = 3.07 × 10-19, 2.49 × 10-23, 1.35 × 10-67, and 4.81 × 10-9, respectively) as well as nine variants in the apolipoprotein E region with genome-wide significance (P < 5.0 × 10-8). Literature mining suggested that these novel single nucleotide polymorphisms are related to amyloid precursor protein transport and metabolism, antioxidation, and neurogenesis. Based on their possible roles in the development of Alzheimer's disease, we used different combinations of these variants and the apolipoprotein E status and successively built 11 predictive models. The predictive models include relatively few single nucleotide polymorphisms useful for clinical practice, in which the maximum number was 13 and the minimum was only four. These predictive models were all significant and their peak of area under the curve reached 0.73 both in the first and second stages. Finally, these models were validated using a separate longitudinal cohort of 5474 individuals. The results showed that individuals carrying risk variants included in the models had a shorter latency and higher incidence of Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that our models can predict Alzheimer's disease onset in a population with genetic susceptibility. The effectiveness of the models for predicting Alzheimer's disease onset confirmed the contributions of these identified variants to disease pathogenesis. In conclusion, this is the first study to validate genome-wide association study-based predictive models for evaluating the risk of Alzheimer's disease onset in a large Chinese population. The clinical application of these models will be beneficial for individuals harbouring these risk variants, and particularly for young individuals seeking genetic consultation.

Diagnostic value of susceptibility-weighted imaging for endometrioma: preliminary results from a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Endometrioma is a common manifestation of endometriosis that can be difficult to diagnose with conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) may be more sensitive than conventional MRI in the detection of chronic, local hemorrhagic disease. PURPOSE: To investigate whether signal voids in SWI sequences could be used in the preoperative diagnosis of endometrioma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included consecutive female patients with clinically suspected endometrioma. All patients underwent pelvic 3-T MRI (T1- and T2-weighted) and SWI within two weeks before laparoscopy. Two experienced radiologists blinded to the histopathologic/clinical diagnoses interpreted the images together, and any disagreements were resolved by consensus. RESULTS: The final analysis included 73 patients: 46 patients (mean age=37 years; age range=22-68 years) with 85 endometrioma lesions and 27 patients (mean age=34 years; age range=15-68 years) with 34 non-endometrioid cystic lesions (18 hemorrhagic corpus luteal cysts, three simple cysts, three mucinous cystadenomas, two mature teratomas, and one endometrioid cyst with corpus luteum rupture/hemorrhage). The presenting symptoms for patients with endometrioma were chronic pelvic pain (44.6%), dysmenorrhea (31.9%), infertility (12.8%), dyspareunia (6.4%), and menstrual irregularity (4.3%). MRI identified all 119 lesions observed laparoscopically. SWI visualized punctate or curvilinear signal voids along the cyst wall or within the lesion in 67 of 85 endometriomas (78.8%) and only 3 of 31 non-endometrioid cysts (8.8%). CONCLUSION: The use of SWI to look for signal voids in the cyst wall or within the lesion could facilitate the preoperative diagnosis of endometrioma.

Comparative evaluation of enema alone and in combination with oral polyethylene glycol for bowel preparation before transvaginal pelvic floor reconstruction in elderly patients: a retrospective cohort study.

The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the value of using an enema alone for mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) before transvaginal pelvic floor reconstruction (TPFR) in patients ≥65 years old. In total, 190 patients were included [81 in the enema group vs. 109 in the enema + polyethylene glycol (PEG) group]. The levels of serum potassium (p = .004) and calcium (p = .005) were higher in the enema group after surgery. The decrease in serum calcium was more significant in the enema + PEG group (p = .027). More patients in the enema + PEG group developed hypokalaemia (p = .035) or hypocalcaemia (p = .008) after surgery. The incidence of thrombus and surgical site infection was similar and earlier bowel movement was evident in the enema group (p = .000). Overall, the enema group used more laxatives (p = .026). Using enema alone before TPFR reduces the incidence of electrolyte disturbances with no increase in surgical complications in elderly patients.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? TPFR is an effective treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in elderly women. Bowel preparation performed before gynecological surgery can reduce surgical site infection, but increase discomfort and electrolyte disturbance.What do the results of this study add? The levels of serum potassium and calcium were lower in the enema + PEG group than in the enema group after surgery and more patients developed hypokalaemia or hypocalcaemia in the enema + PEG group. The incidence of thrombus and surgical site infection was similar between the two groups. Bowel movement was earlier in the enema group.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or future research? Using enema alone before TPFR reduces the incidence of electrolyte disturbance and does not increase surgical complications. This conclusion needs to be confirmed by random controlled trial studies in the future.

Long noncoding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 15 deteriorates liver cancer via microRNA-18b-5p/LIM-only 4 axis.

Extensive studies have explored the involvements of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in liver cancer. Limitedly, the concrete function of lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 15 (SNHG15) is still elusive. Therefore, the work was initiated to unearth SNHG15-oriented mechanism in liver cancer. Liver cancer tissues were resected. The connection between SNHG15 expression with prognosis and clinicopathological traits of liver cancer patients was evaluated. Liver cancer cells SMMC-7721 were transfected with restored microRNA (miR)-18b-5p or depleted SNHG15 to discover their effects on the proliferation, migration, invasion, cycle arrest, and apoptosis of SMMC-7721 cells. The transfected SMMC-7721 cells were injected into nude mice for further investigation. SNHG15, miR-18b-5p, and LIM-only 4 (LMO4) expressions in tissues and cells were tested. The regulatory connections among SNHG15, miR-18b-5p, and LMO4 were detected. SNHG15 and LMO4 were overexpressed while miR-18b-5p was downregulated in liver cancer tissues and cells. Up-regulated SNHG15 was connected with inferior prognosis and aggressive behaviors of liver cancer patients. SNHG15 knockdown or miR-18b-5p restoration depressed SMMC-7721 cell growth in vivo and in vitro. SNHG15 bound to miR-18b-5p and miR-18b-5p targeted LMO4. The work has illuminated that silencing SNHG15 represses liver cancer progression by modulating miR-18b-5p and LMO4, indicating the therapeutic potency of SNHG15/miR-18b-5p/LMO4 axis in liver cancer.

Effectiveness and Adverse Events of Early Laparoscopic Therapy versus Conservative Treatment for Tubo-Ovarian or Pelvic Abscess: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: We aimed to assess the value of early laparoscopic therapy in management of tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) or pelvic abscess. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all consecutive patients who were initially diagnosed with TOA or pelvic abscess at the local hospital between January 2010 and December 2014. The risks of operation and recurrence were analyzed using logistic analyses. RESULTS: The durations of body temperature > 38.0°C (p = 0.001) and hospitalization (p < 0.001) were longer in the conventional group versus the early laparoscopy group. In the conventional group, 15 (50%) patients finally underwent laparoscopic exploration. The abscess size in the late laparoscopic group was significantly larger than the successful antibiotic treatment group (6.3 ± 1.5 vs. 4.9 ± 1.2 cm, p = 0.010). Abscess > 5.5 cm was independently associated with antibiotic failure (OR 4.571; 95% CI 1.612-12.962). Compared with late laparoscopy, early laparoscopy was associated with a shorter operation time (p = 0.037), less blood loss (p = 0.035), and shorter durations of body temperature > 38.0°C (p < 0.001) and hospitalization (p < 0.001). The cost was the lowest in the patients successfully treated conservatively. CONCLUSION: Early laparoscopic treatment is associated with shorter time of fever resolution, shorter hospitalization, and less blood loss compared with conventional treatment for TOA or pelvic abscess.

Epidemiological characteristics of asymptomatic Norovirus infection in a population from oyster (Ostrea rivularis Gould) farms in southern China.

The following paper investigates the prevalence and characteristics of asymptomatic norovirus infection in the population living around oyster farm sites. Two consecutive surveys were conducted from January 2014 to December 2014 and 4549 stool samples were screened during the same time period. The total asymptomatic infection rate was 4.04% (184/4549). Norovirus infection rate was 5.20% in oyster farming population which was significantly higher compared with non-farming population where the infection rate was 3.65% (χ2 = 5.49, P < 0.05). A total of 184 NoV positive samples were identified by real time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and semi-nested RT-PCR and 136 sequences were obtained. The sequences were clustered into 14 genotypes. GI strains were clustered into six genotypes, including GI.2, GI.3, GI.5, GI.6, GI.8 and GI.9; while GII strains were clustered into GII.2, GII.3, GII.4, GII.5, GII.6, GII.8 and GII.13. GI.9 and GII.17 were the predominant and most prevalent genotypes, respectively. The GII.17 genotype replaced GII.4 becoming the dominant genotype in the oyster farming area in 2014. To sum up, long-term monitoring of asymptomatic infection is crucial for the detection of new variant strains and for identifying outbreaks during the early stage.

[Norovirus infection surveillance in early warning of outbreaks in population in oyster farming areas].

OBJECTIVE: To have an insight into the prevalence tendency caused by Noroviruses( NoVs) in population of oyster farming areas, and evaluate the early warning signification of acute gastroenteritis( AGE) monitoring. METHODS: Between January and December in 2014, a retrospective household survey of AGE during past four weeks was conducted to residents using multi-stage sampling in oyster farming areas. Norovirus capsid genome was detected using real-time RT-PCR and semi-nested PCR, sequenced and phylogenetic analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 75 cases of AGE were reported. The incidence rate was 0. 10 per person-year, the detection rate of norovirus was 20. 0%( 15 /75). The dominant epidemic No Vs strain in oyster farming was still GII. 4 Sydney 2012. Furthermore, a newly GII. 17 variant was detected and early in March 2014. CONCLUSION: The GII. 4 Sydney 2012 genotype is still prevalent strain that caused AGE currently in the community residents of oyster farming areas. NoVs GII. 17 variant was found in sporadic patients of sentinel hospital AGE monitoring in March 2014 that have an early warning effect to the outbreaks of winter in 2014.

Nontyphoidal Salmonella Infection, Guangdong Province, China, 2012.

We used active and passive surveillance to estimate nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) infection during 2012 in Guangdong Province, China. Under passive surveillance, for every reported NTS infection, an estimated 414.8 cases occurred annually. Under active surveillance, an estimated 35.8 cases occurred. Active surveillance provides remarkable advantages in incidence estimate.

The effects of DL-3-n-butylphthalide in patients with vascular cognitive impairment without dementia caused by subcortical ischemic small vessel disease: A multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Vascular cognitive impairment without dementia is very common among the aged and tends to progress to dementia, but there have been no proper large-scale intervention trials dedicated to it. Vascular cognitive impairment without dementia caused by subcortical ischemic small vessel disease (hereinafter, subcortical Vascular cognitive impairment without dementia) represents a relatively homogeneous disease process and is a suitable target for therapeutic trials investigating Vascular cognitive impairment without dementia. Preclinical trials showed that dl-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) is effective for cognitive impairment of vascular origin. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we enrolled patients aged 50-70 years who had a diagnosis of subcortical Vascular cognitive impairment without dementia at 15 academic medical centers in China. Inclusion criteria included a clinical dementia rating ≥0.5 on at least one domain and global score ≤0.5; a mini-mental state examination score ≥20 (primary school) or ≥24 (junior school or above); and brain magnetic resonance imaging consistent with subcortical ischemic small vessel disease. Patients were randomly assigned to NBP 200 mg three times daily or matched placebo (1:1) for 24 weeks according to a computer-generated randomization protocol. All patients and study personnel were masked to treatment assignment. Primary outcome measures were the changes in Alzheimer's disease assessment scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog) and clinician's interview-based impression of change plus caregiver input (CIBIC-plus) after 24 weeks. All patients were monitored for adverse events (AEs). Outcome measures were analyzed for both the intention-to-treat (ITT) population and the per protocol population. RESULTS: This study enrolled 281 patients. NBP showed greater effects than placebo on ADAS-cog (NBP change -2.46 vs. placebo -1.39; P = .03; ITT) and CIBIC-plus (80 [57.1%] vs. 59 [42.1%] patients improved; P = .01; ITT). NBP-related AE were uncommon and primarily consisted of mild gastrointestinal symptoms. DISCUSSION: Over the 6-month treatment period, NBP was effective for improving cognitive and global functioning in patients with subcortical vascular cognitive impairment without dementia and exhibited good safety.

Serotypes, seasonal trends, and antibiotic resistance of non-typhoidal Salmonella from human patients in Guangdong Province, China, 2009-2012.

BACKGROUND: Non-typhoidal Salmonella is a common cause of infectious diarrhea in humans. Antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella has become a global concern. METHODS: Using laboratory-based surveillance system for Salmonella from September 2009 to December 2012 in Guangdong Province of China. The clinical information and samples of diarrhea patients were collected, according to the surveillance case definition. The lab tests were followed by standardized protocols, including sample isolation, isolates confirmation, serotyping, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). RESULTS: A total of 1,826 Salmonella isolates were identified from40,572 patients in 28 hospitals in11 prefectures. The isolates ratio was highest in autumn (38.8%, 708/1826) and lowest in winter (6.4%, 117/1826). Children aged <5 years were the group most affected by Salmonella in Guangdong Province accounting for 73% (1,329/1,826), of whom the infants (<1 year) were 81.5% (1084/1329) especially. A total of 108 serotypes were identified among the isolates. S. Typhimurium represented the most common serotype followed by serotype 4,5,12:i:-. S. Typhimurium was also the common serotype followed by S. Enteritidis among infants and children aged 1-3 years old. However, S. Enteritidis became the common serotype followed by S. Typhimurium among children aged 3-5 and >5 years. Resistance to at least one antimicrobial was found in 72% (1321/1,826) of the isolates. Resistance to at least three antimicrobials was found in 46% (850/1,826) of the isolates. Resistance to all 12 antimicrobials screened was observed in 8 isolates (0.44%, 8/1,826). The resistant prevalence to quinolones including nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin was 61.9% (1131/1826), of which ciprofloxacin resistance rate was 8.05% (147/1826). The prevalence resistance to all three cephalosporin antimicrobials (cefepime, cefotaxime, and caftazidime) in <5 yr age group was accounted for 90% (89/99). CONCLUSIONS: Additional data and more refined methods can improve future surveillance. The invasive Salmonella isolates should also be included to the antibiotic resistance surveillance for clinical care or public health.

Rationale and design of a multicenter, phase 2 clinical trial to investigate the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine SaiLuoTong in vascular dementia.

BACKGROUND: Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most prevalent type of dementia among the aged, for whom limited pharmacologic options are available so far. SaiLuoTong capsule is a modern traditional Chinese medicine formula, which has been demonstrated to improve cognition of VaD by the reports of animal experiments and preliminary clinical trial. However, evaluation of this therapy in randomized multicenter trials is needed. In this article, we present the rationale and design of the SaiLuoTong in Vascular Dementia Study. METHODS: This phase 2 clinical trial of SaiLuoTong among patients with mild-to-moderate VaD is a 26-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with a subsequent 26-week, open-label extension. After a 4-week placebo run-in period, participants are centrally randomized (1:1:1) to 3 groups: group A receives SaiLuoTong 360 mg per day for 52 weeks; group B receives SaiLuoTong 240 mg per day for 52 weeks; group C (the control group) are further randomly assigned to 2 groups in a 1:1 ratio and receives placebo during the double-blind phase, then SaiLuoTong 360 mg per day or SaiLuoTong 240 mg per day during the extension phase. The primary outcome measures include the VaD assessment scale cognitive subscale and the Alzheimer Disease Cooperative Study-clinical global impression of change. Safety measures include body weight, vital signs, electrocardiography, laboratory tests, and records of adverse events. Assuming an attrition rate of 20%, at least 372 patients are required to obtain a statistical power of 80%. RESULTS: The first patient was enrolled into the study in April 2012 and the completion of the study is expected in September 2014. CONCLUSIONS: The rigorous methodology of the study will hopefully move forward the scientific evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine in treatment of VaD. The results of the present study will provide high-quality evidence on the effect of SaiLuoTong in patients with VaD and has the potential to establish a novel therapeutic approach for this disorder.

In situ phytoplankton photosynthetic characteristics and their controlling factors in the eastern Indian Ocean.

Photosynthesis is the most important bioenergy conversion process on Earth. Capturing instantaneous changes in in situ photosynthesis in open ocean ecosystems remains a major challenge. In this study, fast repetition rate fluorometry (FRRF), which can obtain nondestructive, real-time and in situ estimates of photosynthetic parameters, was used for the first time to continuously observe the spatial variation in in situ photosynthetic parameters in the eastern Indian Ocean (EIO). We further formulated new insights regarding abiotic and biotic factors of potential importance in determining photosynthetic performance. First, we found that the distributions of micro/nano- and picophytoplankton were opposite under the control of nutrient concentrations. Micro/nanophytoplankton had higher cell abundances in the nearshore and upwelling regions, while picophytoplankton had higher abundances in the open ocean, and Prochlorococcus was the dominant group. Second, based on the FRRF technology, we obtained the high-precision and high-density vertical profile map of photosynthetic parameters in the euphotic layer. It was observed that values of the maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm; 0.14-0.55, unitless) and the functional absorption cross-section of PSII (σPSII; 1.71-4.90 nm2 RCII-1) increased with increasing depth, while high values of the photosynthetic electron transfer rates (ETRRCII; 0.0019-17.0292 mol e- mol RCII-1 s-1) and the nonphotochemical quenching (NPQNSV; 0.35-7.26, unitless) occurred in the shallow 50 m layer, and the values decreased as the depth increased. Finally, we discussed limiting factors that regulated the distribution of photosynthetic parameters and concluded that optical properties varied significantly with changes in the ocean physico-chemical parameters and taxonomic composition of phytoplankton assemblages in the EIO. Picophytoplankton (especially cyanobacteria), rather than the micro/nanophytoplankton community, was the dominant factor influencing photosynthesis. Among abiotic factors, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was the proximal limiting factor affecting photosynthetic efficiency, followed by temperature and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN). Consequently, phytoplankton photosynthetic parameters exhibited great variability, allowing rapid responses to environmental condition changes. In this study, we established the basis for detecting future changes in primary production in this oligotrophic area.

CCL2- and Notch2-mediated Central Sensitization in a Rat Chronic Pelvic Pain Model.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common gynecological condition in women with multifactorial etiology. Some studies have revealed that patients with CPP have the same structural and functional changes in the pain matrix in the brain to patients with other types of chronic pain. However, the relationship between localized pelvic pain and changes in the structure and function of the central nervous system is still unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, a rat model of CPP was established by pelvic nerve ligation and behavioral tests were used to validate the model. Afterwards, we compared the expression of CCL2 in CPP and control rats and observed the changes in their behavioral patterns by blocking the expression of CCL2 in the former group. In addition, we upregulated the expression of CCL2 in human microglia cells (HMC3) to further observe the effect of CCL2 on the Notch2 pathway. RESULTS: Our results showed that the expression of chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) in the serum exosomes, pelvic vascular endothelial cells, and cerebrospinal fluid was higher in the CPP group than the control group (p<0.05). In HMC3 treated with recombinant CCL2 protein, a significant increase in the mRNA and protein expression of Notch2 was observed. CONCLUSION: CCL2 can activate the Notch2 signaling pathway and plays an important role in the central sensitization of chronic pelvic pain.

A past Haff disease outbreak associated with eating freshwater pomfret in South China.

BACKGROUND: Haff disease is unexplained rhabdomyolysis caused by consumption of fishery products in the previous 24 h. It was first identified in Europe in 1924 but the condition is extremely rare in China. Here we describe a past outbreak of acute food borne muscle poisoning that occurred in Guangdong Province (South China) in 2009. METHODS: The first full outbreak of Haff disease reported in Jiangsu Province (East China) in 2010, indicated that the incidence of the disease may be increasing in China. We, therefore first retrospectively reviewed epidemiologic, trace-back, environmental studies, and laboratory analyses, including oral toxicity testing to ascertain risk and chemical analysis to identify toxin(s), from the 2009 Guangdong outbreak. Then we compared data from the 2009 outbreak with data from all other Haff disease outbreaks that were available. RESULTS: Clinical symptoms and laboratory findings indicated that the 2009 Guangdong outbreak disease was consistent with rhabdomyolysis. Epidemiologic, trace-back, environmental studies and laboratory analyses implied that the disease was caused by freshwater Pomfrets consumed prior to the onset of symptoms. We also identified common factors between the 2009 Guangdong outbreak and previous Haff disease outbreaks reported around the world, while as with other similar outbreaks, the exact etiological factor(s) of the disease remains unknown. CONCLUSIONS: The 2009 Guangdong outbreak of 'muscle poisoning' was retrospectively identified as an outbreak of Haff disease. This comprised the highest number of cases reported in China thus far. Food borne diseases emerging in this unusual form and the irregular pattern of outbreaks present an ongoing public health risk, highlighting the need for improved surveillance and diagnostic methodology.

Water column stratification governs picophytoplankton community structure in the oligotrophic eastern Indian ocean.

Under the background of global warming, the area extent of the oligotrophic tropical oceans has growing due to increased water-column stratification over the past decades. Picophytoplankton is usually the most dominant phytoplankton group in oligotrophic tropical oceans and substantially contribute to carbon biomass and primary production three. Understanding how vertical stratification governs the community structure of picophytoplankton communities in oligotrophic tropical oceans is important for comprehensively understanding the plankton ecology and biogeochemical cycle in these areas. In this study, the distribution of the picophytoplankton communities in the eastern Indian Ocean (EIO) was investigated during a period of thermal stratification in the spring of 2021. Prochlorococcus contributed most (54.9%) to picophytoplankton carbon biomass, followed by picoeukaryotes (38.5%) and Synechococcus (6.6%). Vertically, the three picophytoplankton groups showed quite different distribution pattern: the abundance of Synechococcus was highest in the surface layer, while Prochlorococcus and picoeukaryotes were usually located between 50 m and 100 m. The relationship between the abundance of picophytoplankton and environmental factors was analyzed, and the results revealed that picophytoplankton distribution was strongly correlated with the degree of vertical stratification of the water column. The density of Synechococcus was higher in strongly stratified waters, while Prochlorococcus was more abundant in regions of weaker stratification. This is mainly attributed to variation of physicochemical parameters such as nutrient structures and temperature resulted from water column stratification. Understanding the distribution patterns of these organisms and their relationship with stratification in the oligotrophic EIO is essential for comprehensive understanding on oligotrophic tropical ecosystem with increasing stratification in future.

The potential for large-scale kelp aquaculture to counteract marine eutrophication by nutrient removal.

Large-scale kelp aquaculture offers several opportunities to counteract eutrophication. Here, six sites from Ailian Bay to its offshore waters in Rongcheng, northern China, were selected to investigate the spatiotemporal variations of kelp (Saccharina japonica) and seawater concentrations of C, N, and P in 2017 and 2019 in order to assess nutrient removal by kelp farming. Variations in biological parameters and elemental nutrient concentrations of whole thalli were also quantified in 2015 and 2016. We found that kelp farming in Ailian Bay can remove 1309 tons of C, 104 tons of N, and 12 tons of P. The increase of total suspended matter and nutrient concentrations from the coast to offshore waters supports the hypothesis of nutrient removal by farmed kelp. This study provides evidence of the bioremediation potential of farmed kelp.

Microplastic sink that cannot be ignored in chemosynthetic organisms.

Marine microplastic (MP) pollution is a widespread concern; however, to date, MP pollution in chemoautotrophic ecosystems remains largely unknown. This study focuses on the cold seep in the South China Sea. Two dominant species, namely mussel (Gigantidas platifrons) and squat lobster (Shinkaia crosnieri), were collected for examining the MP pollution. MPs were present in both mussels and squat lobsters with abundances of 0.13 ± 0.04 and 0.17 ± 0.06 items/ind., respectively. MPs were mainly fibrous (62.5 %) and transparent (45.8 %). The main polymer type was polyester (54.2 %). About 86.5 MPs/m2 were found inhabiting mussels and squat lobsters-a value comparable to those reported in benthos. This pilot report on MP pollution in cold-seep species provides key information for studies on MP pollution in chemoautotrophic ecosystems and evidence regarding a potential biological MP sink. The role of cold-seep organisms in MP retention and transport in the regional sea merits further attention.