[Research Progress of Fatty Acid Desaturase 2 Gene in Glycolipid Metabolism].

The fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) gene encodes delta-6 desaturase (D6D) and is a member of the fatty acid desaturase gene family.D6D is the key enzyme catalyzing the transformation of linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid to long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA).LC-PUFA play a crucial role in regulating the glycolipid metabolism of living organisms.In recent years,the activity of D6D and the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of FADS2 gene have become a hot topic in the research on glycolipid metabolism.This article reviews the role of FADS2 gene in glycolipid metabolism.

Multi-Stimuli-Responsive Polymer Materials: Particles, Films, and Bulk Gels.

Stimuli-responsive polymers have received tremendous attention from scientists and engineers for several decades due to the wide applications of these smart materials in biotechnology and nanotechnology. Driven by the complex functions of living systems, multi-stimuli-responsive polymer materials have been designed and developed in recent years. Compared with conventional single- or dual-stimuli-based polymer materials, multi-stimuli-responsive polymer materials would be more intriguing since more functions and finer modulations can be achieved through more parameters. This critical review highlights the recent advances in this area and focuses on three types of multi-stimuli-responsive polymer materials, namely, multi-stimuli-responsive particles (micelles, micro/nanogels, vesicles, and hybrid particles), multi-stimuli-responsive films (polymer brushes, layer-by-layer polymer films, and porous membranes), and multi-stimuli-responsive bulk gels (hydrogels, organogels, and metallogels) from recent publications. Various stimuli, such as light, temperature, pH, reduction/oxidation, enzymes, ions, glucose, ultrasound, magnetic fields, mechanical stress, solvent, voltage, and electrochemistry, have been combined to switch the functions of polymers. The polymer design, preparation, and function of multi-stimuli-responsive particles, films, and bulk gels are comprehensively discussed here.

[Feasibility analysis of puncture robot technology for the application of acupuncture robot].

The difficulties such as how to accurately locate acupoints and safely insert needles are presented in acupuncture robot. The puncture robot with high technological similarity to acupuncture robot is getting mature, and a large number of human trials and animal experiments have been conducted for the development of puncture robot. Through comparing the similarities and differences between puncture robot and acupuncture robot in the aspects of through-skin puncture, needle insertion and needle removal, the valuable technology of puncture robot is analyzed for the development of acupuncture robot, and the crucial direction of technology migration is determined. ①Integrating the mechanical feedback and medical imaging technology and utilizing the multi-modal perception to achieve the safety of acupuncture operation. ②Emphasizing the integration of the existing designs of chest puncture robot to realize the acupuncture operation with inhalation and exhalation involved. ③Focusing on the development of relevant technology of automatic needle removal through conducting the actual scenario of treatment with acupuncture robot in patients under non-anaesthetic condition.

Infection control and the burden of tuberculosis infection and disease in health care workers in china: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Hospitals with inadequate infection control are risky environments for the emergence and transmission of tuberculosis (TB). We evaluated TB infection control practices, and the prevalence of latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB disease and risk factors in health care workers (HCW) in TB centers in Henan province in China. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2005. To assess TB infection control practices in TB centers, checklists were used. HCW were tuberculin skin tested (TST) to measure LTBI prevalence, and were asked for sputum smears and chest X-rays to detect TB disease, and questionnaires to assess risk factors. Differences between groups for categorical variables were analyzed by binary logistic regression. The clustered design of the study was taken into account by using a multilevel logistic model. RESULTS: The assessment of infection control practices showed that only in a minority of the centers the patient consultation areas and X-ray areas were separated from the waiting areas and administrative areas. Mechanical ventilation was not available in any of the TB centers. N95 respirators were not available for HCW and surgical masks were not available for TB patients and suspects. The LTBI prevalence of HCW with and without BCG scar was 55.6% (432/777) and 49.0% (674/1376), respectively (P = 0.003). Older HCW, HCW with longer duration of employment, and HCW who worked in departments with increased contact with TB patients had a higher prevalence of LTBI. HCW who work in TB centers at the prefecture level, or with an inpatient ward also had a higher prevalence of LTBI. Twenty cases of pulmonary TB were detected among 3746 HCW. The TB prevalence was 6.7/1000 among medical staff and 2.5/1000 among administrative/logistic staff. CONCLUSION: TB infection control in TB centers in Henan, China, appears to be inadequate and the prevalence of LTBI and TB disease among HCW was high. TB infection control practices in TB centers should be strengthened in China, including administrative measures, renovation of buildings, and use of respirators and masks. Regular screening of HCW for TB disease and LTBI needs to be considered, offering preventive therapy to those with TST conversions.

A deep-learning-based prognostic nomogram integrating microscopic digital pathology and macroscopic magnetic resonance images in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a multi-cohort study.

BACKGROUND: To explore the prognostic value of radiomics-based and digital pathology-based imaging biomarkers from macroscopic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and microscopic whole-slide images for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). METHODS: We recruited 220 NPC patients and divided them into training (n = 132), internal test (n = 44), and external test (n = 44) cohorts. The primary endpoint was failure-free survival (FFS). Radiomic features were extracted from pretreatment MRI and selected and integrated into a radiomic signature. The histopathological signature was extracted from whole-slide images of biopsy specimens using an end-to-end deep-learning method. Incorporating two signatures and independent clinical factors, a multi-scale nomogram was constructed. We also tested the correlation between the key imaging features and genetic alternations in an independent cohort of 16 patients (biological test cohort). RESULTS: Both radiomic and histopathologic signatures presented significant associations with treatment failure in the three cohorts (C-index: 0.689-0.779, all p < 0.050). The multi-scale nomogram showed a consistent significant improvement for predicting treatment failure compared with the clinical model in the training (C-index: 0.817 versus 0.730, p < 0.050), internal test (C-index: 0.828 versus 0.602, p < 0.050) and external test (C-index: 0.834 versus 0.679, p < 0.050) cohorts. Furthermore, patients were stratified successfully into two groups with distinguishable prognosis (log-rank p < 0.0010) using our nomogram. We also found that two texture features were related to the genetic alternations of chromatin remodeling pathways in another independent cohort. CONCLUSION: The multi-scale imaging features showed a complementary value in prognostic prediction and may improve individualized treatment in NPC.

[Effects of nitrogen and soil microbe on growth and photosynthesis of Fraxinus mandschurica seedlings.] / æ°®å’ŒåœŸå£¤å¾®ç”Ÿç‰©å¯¹æ°´æ›²æŸ³å¹¼è‹—ç”Ÿé•¿å’Œå ‰åˆä½œç”¨çš„å½±å“.

We examined the effects of nitrogen, soil microbe and their interactions on biomass allocation, growth and photosynthesis of Fraxinus mandschurica, a typical tree species in Changbai Mountain, through outdoor control experiments. In June 2017, an experiment with two-factor randomized block design was carried out. There were four treatments: control (F), nitrogen addition (FN), sterilization (FS), sterilization and nitrogen addition (FSN), six repetitive blocks, three repetitions per block, including 18 repetitions of each treatment. In mid-August 2018, we measured photosynthetic parameters and then harvested seedlings to measure biomass and growth parameters in September. The results showed that compared with F, FN significantly increased total biomass by 14%, basal diameter by 9%, chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conduc-tance (gs), transpiration rate (Tr) by 75%, 318%, 231%, 227% respectively. FS significantly increased total biomass by 13%, basal diameter by 9% and chlorophyll content, Pn, gs and Tr increased by 34%, 213%, 120% and 115%, respectively. FSN increased total biomass by 23%, basal diameter by 14%, chlorophyll content, Pn, gs and Tr increased by 81%, 672%, 312% and 273%, respectively. Nitrogen, soil microbe and their interactions had significant effects on biomass, growth and photosynthesis of F. mandschurica seedlings. Soil microbe would regulate the response of F. mandschurica seedlings to nitrogen.

[Lateral closing wedge osteotomy and modified cross pinning with external tension band fixation in the treatment of cubitus varus deformity in childrenLateral closing wedge osteotomy and modified cross pinning with external tension band fixation in the treatment of cubitus varus deformity in children].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effects of distal humeral lateral closing wedge osteotomy followed by modified pinning combined with external tension band fixation in the treatment of cubitus varus deformity in children. METHODS: Total 26 adult patients with cubitus varus deformity were treated by operation from March 2011 to June 2015, 15 patients were boys and the other 11 patients were girls, ranging in age from 4 to 13 years, with an average of 7.8 years. The cubitus varus angel ranged from 11 degrees to 24 degrees, with a mean(17.50±6.73) degrees, 3 patients complicated more than 10 degrees constriction of flexion. Lateral closing wedge osteotomy retaining the medial 3 to 4 mm intact cortex by lateral elbow approach was applied in these 26 patients. The wedge defect were closed and fixed by crossing pinning. The lateral column compression was achieved with external tension band(the crossing pins were bended laterally and the pin ends were hooked mutually). The pre-operative, post-oparetive and contralateral carrying angles were compared and Laupattarakasem criteria was used to evaluate the results at follow-up. RESULTS: All the patients got bony union 2 months after operation and there was no infection or nerve palsy. The average follow-up period was 18.8 months (ranged, 13 to 29 months). The carrying angle was restored to(11.50±3.17) degrees(ranged, 8 to 14 degrees). According to the Laupattarakasem evaluation criteria, 14 patients got an excellent result, 13 good and 1 fair. CONCLUSIONS: Normal carrying angle and elbow flexion could be restored by lateral closing wedge osteotomy, and stable fixation could be achieved with crossing pinning and external tension band, which is available for early mobilization.

[Impact of anti-tuberculosis drug resistance on treatment outcome of pulmonary tuberculosis patients receiving directly observed treatment strategy in Henan Province, China].

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of anti-tuberculosis drug resistance on treatment outcome of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients receiving directly observed treatment strategy (DOTS) in Henan Province, China. METHODS: From Aug. 2001 to Jun. 2002, the second round surveillance of anti-TB drug resistance was carried out in cooperation with WHO in Henan Province, China. The proportion method was used for drug susceptibility test and all enrolled patients were administrated with DOTS. RESULTS: The treatment success rate of smear-positive patients was 85.5% (1,343/1,571), of which the treatment success rate of initial-treatment cases was 89.6% (1,159/1,293). The treatment success rates among 565 anti-TB drug resistant cases and 215 multi-drug-resistant-TB (MDR-TB) cases were 76.6% (433/565), (initial treatment cases: 86.8%, 341/393; re-treated cases: 53.5%, 92/172; being significantly different), 58.6% (126/215), (initial treatment cases: 75.4%, 83/110; re-treated cases: 41.0%, 43/105; being significantly different), respectively. For the cases being resistant to 2, 3 or 4 drugs, the treatment success rates in initial treatment cases were all higher than those in re-treatment cases. Multivariate analysis showed that re-treatment, resistance to 2 plus drugs or MDR were the significant risk factors for treatment failure, and that re-treatment, older age and MDR were the significant risk factors for TB death. CONCLUSION: The treatment outcome of initial treatment of smear-positive patients with DOTS in Henan was satisfying, but that of retreated patients, especially retreated patients of MDR was very poor. Re-treatment, older age, resistance to 2 anti-TB drugs or MDR were the risk factors for the poor outcome of treatment with DOTS.

[Effect of soy isoflavones on cAMP/PKA pathway in breast cancer cells of the rat.].

Soy isoflavones have been reported to be natural chemopreventive in several types of human cancer. Daidzein and genistein are two main components of soy isoflavones. In our previous study, they were shown to be anti-proliferative and induce cell cycle arrest at S phase of SHZ-88 rat breast cancer cells. We hypothesized that soy isoflavones might exert its anticancer effect by activating cAMP/PKA pathway. The present study was designed to analyze the effect of soy isoflavones on the cAMP/PKA pathway in SHZ-88 cells. Daidzein and genistein were dissolved in DMSO. Cells were treated with 50 mug/ml daidzein and 15 mug/ml genistein, respectively, and with only equal DMSO in the culture medium as control. The cellular cAMP content was tested by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The activity of adenylate cyclase (AC), phosphodiesterase (PDE) and PKA were measured by RIA and (gamma-(32)P) ATP incorporation. Reverse transcript-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to analyze the expression of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) mRNA of the cells. The results showed that the concentration of cAMP in the cells treated with 50 mug/ml daidzein and 15 mug/ml genistein was significantly increased by 9.5%and 11.0%, respectively, 5 min later (P<0.05), then increased by 31.0%and 40.3%, respectively, 10 min later (P<0.01), compared with that of the control group cells. The activity of AC was not affected during the course of experiment, but that of PDE was decreased to 71.8%and 71.6%, respectively, in the control group 5 min later (P<0.05). The PKA activity was increased to 125.8%and 122.3%, respectively, in the control group 20 min after the cells were treated with daidzein and genistein (P<0.05), and kept at high level till 40 min after treatment. CREB mRNA of the cells treated with daidzein and genistein was increased by 31.6%and 51.1%, respectively, 3 h later (P<0.05), then began to decrease 6 h after treatment. The current study suggests that soy isoflavones activate the cAMP/PKA pathway in SHZ-88 rat breast cancer cells by inhibiting the activity of phosphodiesterase.

Efficient labeling in vitro with non-ionic gadolinium magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent and fluorescent transfection agent in bone marrow stromal cells of neonatal rats.

Although studies have been undertaken on gadolinium labeling-based molecular imaging in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the use of non-ionic gadolinium in the tracking of stem cells remains uncommon. To investigate the efficiency in tracking of stem cells with non-ionic gadolinium as an MRI contrast agent, a rhodamine-conjugated fluorescent reagent was used to label bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) of neonatal rats in vitro, and MRI scanning was undertaken. The fluorescent-conjugated cell uptake reagents were able to deliver gadodiamide into BMSCs, and cell uptake was verified using flow cytometry. In addition, the labeled stem cells with paramagnetic contrast medium remained detectable by an MRI monitor for a minimum of 28 days. The present study suggested that this method can be applied efficiently and safely for the labeling and tracking of bone marrow stromal cells in neonatal rats.

[Vacuum sealing drainage combined with free skin graft in repairing cutaneous deficiency of traumatic shank amputation stump].

OBJECTIVE: To observe clinical efficacy in treating cutaneous deficiency of traumatic shank amputation stump with full-thickness skin graft combined with vacuum sealing drainage. METHODS: From September 2009 to December 2012, 15 patients with cutaneous deficiency of traumatic shank amputation stump were treated with full-thickness skin graft combined with vacuum sealing drainage. Among patients, there were 11 males and 4 females with an average age of 41.5 (ranged from 25 to 62) years old. Ten cases were caused by traffic accident and 5 cases were caused by heavy object, 9 cases on left and 6 cases on right. Six patients with smashed wound were treated with debridement and amputation, combined with vacuum aspiration in-emergency; 9 patients caused by infection and necrosis were treated with debridement and amputation, combined with vacuum aspiration, and full-thickness skin graft were performed at stage II. The skin defect area of residual limbs ranged from 40 cm x 20 cm to 25 cm x 15 cm. RESULTS: All patients were followed up from 3 months to 1 year. Full-thickness skin graft of residual limbs were survived,and obtained satisfactory walking function with prosthetic. Residual skin increased thicken, wearproof without rupture and pain. CONCLUSION: Full-thickness skin graft combined with vacuum sealing drainage in treating cutaneous deficiency of traumatic shank amputation stump could reserve the length of residual limbs, increase survival rate of skin graft with less scar of survival skin, get good wearability and it is conducive to prosthetic wear. It is a simple and easy treatment method.

[The long term (9-year) survival of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients compared to non-multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients in Henan province].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the long term survival of MDR-TB patients compared to non-MDR-TB in Henan province in 2010. METHODS: Participants were randomly selected in 2010 from a dataset generated by an anti-TB drug resistance surveillance survey conducted by the Tuberculosis Control Institute, Henan Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in 2001, supported by the World Health Organization. Information on patient's demographic profile and medical records was extracted by trained doctors and nurses at local anti-TB dispensaries. Interviews were carried out using questionnaires to collect information on the socioeconomic features and survival status. Bivariate and multivariate with logistic regression were performed for data analysis. RESULTS: The long term outcome of MDR-TB patients was much poorer when compared to non-MDR-TB patients. The case fatality was much higher among MDR-TB than non-MDR-TB patients (22.1% vs. 6.7%). The risk factors associated with the poorer outcome would include drug resistance status, disease relapse, hospitalization for treatment and long treatment period. Compared to non-MDR-TB, the survival time for MDR-TB was much shorter after having had the disease (6.7 years vs. 8.0 years). CONCLUSION: MDR-TB patients had poor long term outcomes. As most of the cured TB patients were under productive age in the society, the high case fatality rate of MDR-TB would impose big burden on the related family and communities. Findings from this study suggested that the TB control programs should involve more efforts be paid on MDR-TB control, in order to reduce the burden of the disease.

[cDNA cloning and expression analysis of MSTN gene from Schizopygopsis pylzovi].

Myostatin (MSTN) is a member of the TGF-ß superfamily that acts as a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth. A full-length, 2 180 bp, cDNA sequence of the myostatin gene from Schizopygopisis pylzovi was cloned with RT-PCR,5'-RACE and 3'-RACE and the cDNA clone included a 1 128 bp ORF, encoding a 375 amino acid peptide. Using PCR, we obtained the sequences of two introns of the MSTN gene and found that its structure in Schizopygopsis pylzovi was similar to that of other vertebrates, including three exons and two introns. Likewise, the putative MSTN peptide of Schizopygopsis pylzovi contains a conserved RXXR proteolytic cleavage domain, and 8 conserved cysteine residues in the C terminal of the protein, similar to other vertebrates. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the MSTN of Schizopygopsis pylzovi has high homology with other cyprinid fishes, but a low homology with mammals and birds. In the 9 examined tissues, the MSTN gene was highly expressed in heart, kidney, intestine and spermary, while weakly expressed in muscle, brain, fat, gill and hepatopancreas. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression of MSTN gene was different during embryo development, suggesting that the fish MSTN may not only play roles in muscle development but also contribute to other biological functions.

[A survey on the infection rate of tuberculosis among employees of the antituberculosis institutions in Henan province, China].

OBJECTIVE: To study the situation of tuberculosis (TB) infection among the employees of the anti-TB institutions in Henan. METHODS: Cross-sectional study was adopted the employees working in all municipal-level- anti-TB institutions and 40 anti-TB institutions at county-level selected randomly from 109 counties of the province were regarded as surveyed objects. Tuberculin skin test (TST) was used to test the infection with PPD. RESULTS: 2153 employees accepting the TST and the positive rate was 60.6%, of which the positive rate was 66.1% among healthcare workers. Among the employees and healthcare workers, the positive rates of TST adjusted by the stratum weights between municipal-level and county-level institutions were 57.3% and 62.8% respectively with Chi-square test the analysis of multivariate logistic vegression, both positive rate and strong positive rate among healthcare workers, the employees older than 30 years of age and working in municipal-level institutions were significantly higher than those among non-healthcare workers, the employees younger than 30 years old and working in county-level institutions, respectively. There were not significant differences of positive and strong positive rates between employees with and without BCG-history, or between male employees and female employees. CONCLUSION: Program on TB infection control in anti-TB institutions of Henan were weak and the employees especiolly healthcare workers had a high vocational exposure.

[Nonbiologic risk factors of pulmonary tuberculosis among adults in Henan: a case-control study].

OBJECTIVE: To study the nonbiologic risk factors of tuberculosis (TB) among adults. METHODS: 1:2 matched case-control study was conducted. 158 new smear positive pulmonary TB patients with 25 - 60 years of age were notified and registered from three county anti-TB institutions in Henan from October 2002-March 2004, were selected as cases. Two healthy persons were selected to match each case, with the same sex and age group, from the nearest neighbors of the case as controls. Interview was carried out with a uniform designed questionnaire at the residence of the object. Univariate and multivariate condition logistic regression models were used. RESULTS: The results of univariate analysis showed that marital status, education, self-employed occupation, smoking, out-migration for work away from hometown, household annual income level and household property were significantly associated with TB prevalence (P < 0.05); multivariate analysis showed that marital status, self-employed occupation, smoking, household economic condition and out-migration for work, away from home were also associated with TB (P < 0.05), and OR values were 2.826, 2.350, 1.536, 0.707, 2.096, respectively. CONCLUSION: Being single, smoking, self-employed occupation and out-migration for work were nonbiologic risk factors of TB while good household economic condition was a protective factor.