SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the risk factors of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants and the clinical application value of lung ultrasound in the diagnosis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. METHODS: A total of 80 premature infants with a gestational age of <32 weeks or a birth weight of <1,500 g who were treated in our hospital from January to August 2021 were randomly divided into a bronchopulmonary dysplasia group (n=12) and a non-bronchopulmonary dysplasia group (n=62). The clinical data, lung ultrasound, and X-ray image characteristics of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: Among the 74 preterm infants, 12 preterm infants were diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and 62 preterm infants were determined not to have bronchopulmonary dysplasia. There were significant differences in sex, severe asphyxia, invasive mechanical ventilation, premature membrane ruptures, and intrauterine infection between the two groups (p<0.05). Lung ultrasound showed abnormal pleural lines and alveolar-interstitial syndrome in all 12 patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and vesicle inflatable signs in 3 patients. Before clinical diagnosis, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of lung ultrasound in the diagnosis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia were 98.65, 100, 98.39, 92.31, and 100%, respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of X-rays in the diagnosis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia were 85.14, 75.00, 87.10, 52.94, and 94.74%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic efficiency of lung ultrasound for premature bronchopulmonary dysplasia is better than that of X-rays. The application of lung ultrasound can screen patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia early for timely intervention.

Abstract Exogenous additives applied for cigar tobacco leaves fermentation played an important role in sensory quality of cigar. In this study, effects of additives including coffee and cocoa on the quality of cigar tobacco leaves were explored. The changes of sensory quality, conventional chemical components, nonvolatile organic acids, and aroma compositions in tobacco leaves were studied. Results showed that the richness, mellowness and matureness of aroma, as well as the fluentness and sweetness of smoke in cigar were improved with the introduction of coffee or cocoa. According to chemical composition analysis, fermentation with coffee or cocoa increased the contents of alkaloids and sugar in tobacco leaves, which endowed the tobacco a relatively good performance on the sweetness and aroma richness. Besides, the decrease of citric acid, as well as the increase of saturated fatty acid and aroma components were found with additives, which was beneficial to improve the mellowness and aroma richness of cigar. It was suggested that coffee and cocoa exhibited positive effects on the chemical composition, especially increased the contents of sugar, saturated fatty acids and aromatic components, thus improving the sensory quality of tobacco leaves.

Abstract African swine fever (ASF) is an important viral disease of swine caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), which threatens swine production profoundly. To better understand the gene expression changes when pig infected with ASFV, RNA sequencing was performed to characterize differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of six tissues from Kenya domestic pigs and Landrace × Yorkshire (L/Y) pigs infected with ASFV Kenya1033 in vivo. As results, a total of 209, 522, 34, 505, 634 and 138 DEGs (q-value < 0.05 and |Log2foldchange| values >2) were detected in the kidney, liver, mesenteric lymph node, peripheral blood mononuclear cell, submandibular lymph node and spleen, respectively. The expression profiles of DEGs shared in the multiple tissues illustrated variation in regulation function in the different tissues. Functional annotation analysis and interaction of proteins encoded by DEGs revealed that genes including IFIT1, IFITM1, MX1, OASL, ISG15, SAMHD1, IFINA1, S100A12 and S100A8 enriched in the immune and antivirus pathways were significantly changed when the hosts were infected with ASFV. The genes mentioned could play crucial roles in the process of the reaction to non-lethal ASF infection, which may will help to improve the ASF tolerance in the pig population through molecular breeding strategies.

Abstract Qilian Huaji Decoction (QLHJD) is a mixture of 13 herbs. The aim of this study is to observe the efficacy of QLHJD against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The H22 transplanted mouse models were established to explore the effect of QLHJD on HCC in vivo. QLHJD-containing serum (QCS) was prepared using traditional Chinese medicine serum pharmacology methods. After QCS treatment, cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis in HepG2 cells were assessed by MTT and flow cytometry, respectively. miRNA expression profiles were determined using qPCR arrays. miR-122 was examined by qPCR in HCC tissue samples and cells. AKT3 protein expression was detected by Western blot. We found that QLHJD significantly inhibited the growth of H22 tumor and improve immune function in vivo. In vitro, QLHJD inhibited proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest at the S phase, and induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells. The miRNA expression profiles were altered and the reduced miR-122 levels in HepG2 cell lines were up-regulated compared with control group, accompanied by a decrease in WNT1 expression. In conclusion, QLHJD could inhibit the growth of HCC by restoring the aberrant expression of miR-122, which may be one of the mechanisms whereby QLHJD exerts its effect on HCC.

Abstract Measuring red blood cell survival (RBCS) by a carbon monoxide breath test can help diagnose and analyze disease type and progression of anemia. In this study, we reported the application of RBCS in the differential diagnosis of thalassemia and iron deficiency anemia (IDA). A total of 233 patients were selected in this study, including 48 IDA, 60 thalassemia, and 125 healthy individual controls. The endogenous alveolar CO of each subject was measured by RBCS-01 red blood cell lifespanmeter to obtain the RBCS values. The mean RBCS for mild β-thalassemia, severe β-thalassemia, α-thalassemia, IDA and the control were 67.5±22.0, 31.3±13.9, 69.3±27.7, 78.2±28.2 and 114.3±33.8 days, respectively (P<0.05). RBCS values for thalassemia and IDA patients showed obvious shorter lifespan compared to healthy controls. The cutoff points for thalassemia, IDA and control were <72.5 and <83.5, respectively. RBCS showed a strong positive correlation to red blood cells (RBC) and hemoglobin (HGB) in thalassemia patients. In IDA patients, RBCS demonstrated a moderate positive correlation with HGB, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and red cell distribution width (RDW). There were significant differences between RBCS in different types of thalassemia. RBCS by endogenous alveolar CO testing is a rapid and reliable method for the differential diagnosis of thalassemia and IDA.

Abstract In this paper, the ultra-high drop hammer impact test system is adopted for the vertical impact experiment on six SFSRCBs with steel fiber volume fraction of 2.0% and build the relevant numerical model. The research variables mainly include impact energy, impact mass and cumulative impact mode. The results show that, under a single equal energy impact, with the increase of the impact speed, the crack distribution of the specimen gradually tends to the mid-span local position. Compared with the impact mass, the impact speed has a greater effect on the failure mode, deformation resistance and deformation recovery ability of SFSRCBs. When the total cumulative impact energy is the same as the single impact energy, then the overall damage of the specimen caused by high-mass low-velocity cumulative impact is less significant than that caused by low-mass high-velocity cumulative impact. Combined with the finite element analysis, the calculation formula of the maximum deflection of SFSRCB under impact load is obtained. Finally, the calculation method of the impact damage evaluation factor of SFSRCBs is proposed.

OBJECTIVES: Cerebral ischemia seriously threatens human health and is characterized by high rates of incidence, disability and death. Developing an ideal animal model of cerebral ischemia that reflects the human clinical features is critical for pathological studies and clinical research. The goal of this study is to establish a local cerebral ischemia model in rhesus macaque, thereby providing an optimal animal model to study cerebral ischemia. METHODS: Eight healthy rhesus monkeys were selected for this study. CT scans were performed before the operation to exclude cerebral vascular and intracranial lesions. Under guidance and monitoring with digital subtraction angiography (DSA), a microcatheter was inserted into the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) via the femoral artery. Then, autologous white thrombi were introduced to block blood flow. Immediately following embolization, multisequence MRI was used to monitor cerebrovascular and brain parenchymal conditions. Twenty-four hours after embolization, 2 monkeys were sacrificed and subjected to perfusion, fixation and pathological examination. RESULTS: The cerebral ischemia model was established in 7 rhesus monkeys; one animal died during intubation. DSA and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) indicated the presence of an arterial occlusion. MRI showed acute local cerebral ischemia. HE staining revealed infarct lesions formed in the brain tissues, and thrombi were present in the cerebral artery. CONCLUSION: We established a rhesus macaque model of local cerebral ischemia by autologous thrombus placement. This model has important implications for basic and clinical research on cerebral ischemia. MRI and DSA can evaluate the models to ensure accuracy and effectiveness.

Cerebrovascular diseases pose a serious threat to human survival and quality of life and represent a major cause of human death and disability. Recently, the incidence of cerebrovascular diseases has increased yearly. Rapid and accurate diagnosis and evaluation of cerebrovascular diseases are of great importance to reduce the incidence, morbidity and mortality of cerebrovascular diseases. With the rapid development of medical ultrasound, the clinical relationship between ultrasound imaging technology and the diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases has become increasingly close. Ultrasound techniques such as transcranial acoustic angiography, doppler energy imaging, three-dimensional craniocerebral imaging and ultrasound thrombolysis are novel and valuable techniques in the study of cerebrovascular diseases. In this review, we introduce some of the new ultrasound techniques from both published studies and ongoing trials that have been confirmed to be convenient and effective methods. However, additional evidence from future studies will be required before some of these techniques can be widely applied or recommended as alternatives.

Abstract Wide compatibility and erect panicles are important traits for heterosis and ideal plant type breeding in rice and accordingly are targets for rice yield improvement. In this study, a multiplex PCR system based on functional markers was developed to simultaneously identify genotypes of the wide compatibility allele S5-n and the erect panicle allele dep1. Forty-nine rice varieties in the Huang-Huai-Hai region of China were identified using this system. Thirty-three varieties contained the erect panicle allele dep1 and two varieties contained the wide compatibility allele S5-n. The frequency of dep1 was obviously higher than that of S5-n. The multiplex PCR method was also tested using an F2 segregating population and was found to be simple, efficient, and reliable. It will be useful in marker-assisted selection based on the wide compatibility allele S5-n and erect panicle allele dep1 to breed super rice varieties using indica and japonica heterosis.

Abstract In order to obtain a more stable and reusable immobilized spore laccase for dye decolorization, the spores from Bacillus pumilus W3 were immobilized on diethylaminoethyl cellulose (DEAE-cellulose). Free and immobilized spore laccase retained 34.38% and 46.11% of their initial activity, respectively, after 10 days incubation at pH 9.0. Their residual activity remained at 27.36% and 31.84% after 10 h incubation at 70 ºC. Immobilized spore laccase was more stable than free spore laccase in the presence of most organic solvents, metal ions and inhibitors. The tested dyes, including methyl green, methyl red and acid red 1, were removed 86.82%, 78.14% and 88.60%, respectively, by immobilized spore laccase after 24 h at 37 ºC, and 74.34% of initial decolorization activity after 7 cycles was retained when it decolorized acid red 1. These properties indicated that immobilized spore laccase may be useful in textile effluent treatment.

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Enzimas dimetilarginina dimetilaminohidrolase (DDAH), codificadas por genes DDAH1 e DDAH2, desempenham papel fundamental na manutenção da função endotelial. Realizamos estudo tipo caso-controle na população chinesa, com três grupos étnicos (han, kazakh e uygur) para investigar sistematicamente a associação entre a variação de genes DDAH1 e DDAH2 e a hipertensão. DESENHO E LOCAL: Estudo tipo caso-controle no Departamento de Medicina Interna e Diagnóstico Genético, Hospital de Tongji, Tongji Medical College, Universidade de Ciência e Tecnologia de Huazhong. MÉTODOS: Este estudo incluiu 1.224 pacientes com hipertensão e 967 indivíduos saudáveis, sem parentesco, como controles. DDAH1 -396 4 N (GCGT) del > ins, rs3087894, rs805304 and rs9267551 foram genotipados usando o ensaio nuclease TaqMan 5'. RESULTADOS: O genótipo G/C de rs3087894 no DDAH1 foi um fator de risco para a hipertensão arterial no grupo kazakh em modelo codominante (G/C versus G/G; OR 1,39; IC 95%: 1,02-1,88; P < 0,05), com o mesmo resultado no modelo dominante (G/C + C/C versus G/G; OR 1,38; IC 95%: 1,03-1,84; P < 0,05). Em contraste, o genótipo C/C de rs3087894 parecia ser um fator de proteção para a hipertensão no grupo uygur no modelo recessivo (C/C versus G/G + G/C; OR 0,62; IC 95%: 0,39-0,97; P < 0,05). Achado semelhante para rs3087894 também foi observado depois de se ajustar a variante à covariante idade. CONCLUSÃO: Os nossos resultados indicaram que o C-alelo de rs3087894 no DDAH1 foi fator de risco para a hipertensão no grupo de kazakh, mas fator de proteção no grupo de uygur.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase enzymes (DDAH), which are encoded by the genes DDAH1 and DDAH2, play a fundamental role in maintaining endothelial function. We conducted a case-control study on a Chinese population that included three ethnic groups (Han, Kazakh and Uygur), to systemically investigate associations between variations in the genes DDAH1 and DDAH2 and hypertension. DESIGN AND SETTING: Experimental study at the Department of Internal Medicine and Genetic Diagnosis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. METHODS: This case-control study included 1,224 patients with hypertension and 967 healthy unrelated individuals as controls. DDAH1 -396 4N (GCGT) del>ins, rs3087894, rs805304 and rs9267551 were genotyped using the TaqMan 5' nuclease assay. RESULTS: The G/C genotype of rs3087894 in DDAH1 was a risk factor for hypertension in the Kazakh group in the co-dominant model (G/C versus G/G) (OR 1.39; 95% CI: 1.02-1.88; P < 0.05), with the same result in the dominant model (G/C + C/C versus G/G) (OR 1.38; 95% CI: 1.03-1.84; P < 0.05). In contrast, the C/C genotype of rs3087894 seemed to be a protective factor against hypertension in the Uygur group in the recessive model (C/C versus G/G + G/C) (OR 0.62; 95% CI: 0.39- 0.97; P < 0.05). Similar findings for rs3087894 were also observed after adjusting the variable for the age covariate. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that the C-allele of rs3087894 in DDAH1 was a risk factor for hypertension in the Kazakh group but a protective factor in the Uygur group.

For immobilization of puerarin glycosidase from Microbacterium oxydans CGMCC 1788 on DEAE-52 cellulose, the optimal amount of enzyme protein was 12 mg protein: 1 g DEAE-52 cellulose; the optimal pH was 6.5; and the optimal immobilization time was 6 hr. The specific activity of immobilized enzyme was 36.67 mU.g-1 carrier with an immobilization yield of 98.87% and an enzyme recovery yield of 92.43%. The molar transformation rates of puerarin by immobilized enzyme and by the relative bacterial cell amount equal to the same amount of enzyme were 53.3% and 2.2%, respectively, after 1 hr of transformation. The former molar transformation rate, which was similar to that for free enzyme, was more than 24-fold greater than the latter. The immobilized puerarin glycosidase showed improved enzymatic properties and stability. The immobilized puerarin glycosidase retained 88% of its initial activity after being reused 10 times.

Lupus peritonitis (LP) is extremely rare. Acute LP is characterized by rapid onset of ascites and severe abdominal pain, in addition to other well-recognized clinical features of a general systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) fare. Ascites associated with acute LP has been rarely reported as the prominent feature of a SLE fare. We report a 39-year-old woman who developed massive, painful ascites as the presenting manifestation of a SLE fare. Diagnostic workup ruled out the possibility of hepatic, cardiovascular, infectious, or malignant diseases, and confirmed the presence of a SLE fare. The patient was treated with methyl prednisolone and hydroxychloroquine resulting in dramatic improvement of her condition. During ambulatory follow up, she has remained asymptomatic up to the moment of this writing. Adrenal steroids and hydrocychloroquine may be useful for the management of SLE fares in patients with massive, painful ascites due to acute LP.

La peritonitis lúpica es rara. El cuadro agudo se caracteriza por ascitis de comienzo rápido, dolor abdominal severo y otras manifestaciones de una recidiva de un lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES). Sólo ocasionalmente e ha informado que la ascitis y peritonitis lúpica sean las principales manifestaciones de una recidiva lúpica. Presentamos a una mujer de 39 años que presentó ascitis masiva y dolorosa como la primera manifestación de una reactivación lúpica. El estudio diagnóstico descartó problemas hepáticos, pulmonares, cardiacos, cáncer o infecciones y confirmó la reactivación lúpica. La paciente se trató con metilprednisolona y cloroquina, resultando en una mejoría dramática. Al momento de preparar este informe, la paciente permanece asintomática en control ambulatorio. Los corticoides y cloroquina pueden ser medicamentos útiles para el tratamiento de pacientes con ascitis dolorosa y masiva secundaria a peritonitis lúpica.

Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for statistical optimization of jiean-peptide (JAA) production by Bacillus subtilis ZK8 cells adsorbed on wood chips to form a novel fermentation system. The Plackett-Burman design was used in the first step to evaluate the effects of eight factors, including six fermentation medium components and two cell adsorption conditions. Among the variables screened, soybean meal hydrolysate (SMH) and MgSO4·7H2O in the fermentation medium had significanteffects on JAA production. In the second step, the concentrations of SMH and MgSO4·7H2O were further optimized using central composite designs and response surface analysis. The optimized concentration of SMH and MgSO4·7H2O was 24% (v/v) and 0.38% (w/v), respectively, which increased the production of JAA in a shake flask system by 41% relative to optimization of a single variable component of the culture medium.