A cross-sectional analysis of the relationship between the non-high density to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR) and kidney stone risk in American adults.

BACKGROUND: Recent interest in the Non-High Density to High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol ratio (NHHR) has emerged due to its potential role in metabolic disorders. However, the connection between NHHR and the development of kidney stones still lacks clarity. The primary goal of this research is to explore how NHHR correlates with kidney stone incidence. METHODS: An analysis was conducted on the data collected by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2007 and 2018, focusing on adults over 20 years diagnosed with kidney stones and those with available NHHR values. Employing weighted logistic regression and Restricted Cubic Spline (RCS) models, NHHR levels' correlation with kidney stone risk was examined. Extensive subgroup analyses were conducted for enhanced reliability of the findings. RESULTS: The findings indicate a heightened kidney stone risk for those at the highest NHHR levels relative to those at the lowest (reference group). A notable non-linear correlation of NHHR with kidney stone incidence has been observed, with a significant P-value (< 0.001), consistent across various subgroups. CONCLUSION: A clear link exists between high NHHR levels and increased kidney stone risk in the American adult population. This study highlights NHHR's significance as a potential indicator in kidney stone formation.

Modified Minimally Invasive Bunnell Suture Surgery with Channel-assisted Minimally Invasive Reconstruction Device for Treating Achilles Tendon Rupture.

The aim of this study was to improve the process of microincision and endoscopic surgery for the treatment of Achilles tendon (AT) rupture using the modified minimally invasive Bunnell suture (MIBS) technique.From December 2019 to December 2021, 20 patients with AT rupture who visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (Harbin, China) underwent MIBS surgery.A total of 20 patients were included, of whom 18 (90.0%) were male and 2 (10.0%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 37.75 ± 9.94 years. In terms of the site of the AT, two (10.0%) had surgery on their left AT. The mean duration of surgery was 23.00 ± 2.47 minutes, and the mean bleeding volume was 5.00 ± 1.12 mL. All 20 patients (100%) showed complete incisional healing (stage I healing) and normal functional recovery (3-6 months postoperatively). There were no cases of abnormal functional recovery or postoperative recurrence within the 3-6 month follow-up period. The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) significantly improved post-surgery (83.6 ± 5.59) compared to pretreatment (0.3 ± 0.92, p < 0.0001), indicating successful patient recovery.After the modified MIBS surgical process, the operation steps were simplified, the surgical difficulty was reduced, and the surgical trauma was alleviated, resulting in good postoperative recovery and patient satisfaction with the outcome. Therefore, the MIBS surgery has high promotability.

Association between kidney stones and life's essential 8: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Kidney stones exhibit a robust correlation with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The objective of this research is to investigate the correlation between kidney stones and Life's Essential 8 (LE8), a newly updated assessment of cardiovascular health (CVH), among adults in the United States. METHODS: In this study, which analyzed data from the 2007-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we employed LE8 scores (ranging from 0 to 100) as the independent variable, classifying them into low, moderate, and high CVH categories. The research examined the relationship between LE8 scores and kidney stones by using multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models, with kidney stones as the dependent variable. RESULTS: Out of the 14,117 participants in this research, the weighted mean LE8 score was 69.70 ± 0.27. After accounting for confounding factors, there was an inverse association between higher LE8 scores and the likelihood of developing kidney stones (OR of 0.81 per 10-point increase, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.77-0.85), demonstrating a non-linear dose-response pattern. Similar patterns were observed for health behaviors, health factor scores, and kidney stones. Stratified analyses demonstrated a stable negative correlation between LE8 scores and kidney stones across different subgroups. CONCLUSION: LE8 and its subscale scores exhibited a robust and inverse correlation with the occurrence of kidney stones. Encouraging adherence to optimal CVH levels has the potential to serve as an effective strategy in preventing and minimizing the occurrence of kidney stones.

Vaterite induced by Lysinibacillus sp. GW-2 strain and its stability.

Studies on the formation and stability of vaterite by bacteria in experimental systems are of great importance for understanding the mechanism by which microbes contribute to carbonate mineralization. In this study, mineralization experiments using Lysinibacillus sp. strain GW-2 were carried out for 72h under shaking conditions and aging experiments using biotic and chemically synthesized vaterite were performed for 60days in distilled water and air. Our results indicate that Lysinibacillus sp. strain GW-2 can induce the formation of vaterite with spherical morphology from an amorphous calcium carbonate precursor. Biogenic vaterite was more stable than chemically synthesized vaterite in distilled water, perhaps due to organic matter secreted by bacteria that enwrapped the vaterite and prevented it from transforming into more stable phases. Infrared spectrophotometry of biogenic and chemically synthesized vaterite confirmed the presence of organic matter in biogenic vaterite.

Evaluation of two singleplex reverse transcription-Insulated isothermal PCR tests and a duplex real-time RT-PCR test for the detection of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus and porcine deltacoronavirus.

Recent outbreaks of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) in multiple countries have caused significant economic losses and remain a serious challenge to the swine industry. Rapid diagnosis is critical for the implementation of efficient control strategies before and during PEDV and PDCoV outbreaks. Insulated isothermal PCR (iiPCR) on the portable POCKIT™ device is user friendly for on-site pathogen detection. In the present study, a singleplex PEDV RT-iiPCR, a singleplex PDCoV RT-iiPCR, and a duplex PEDV/PDCoV real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) commercial reagents targeting the M gene were compared to an N gene-based PEDV rRT-PCR and an M gene-based PDCoV rRT-PCR that were previously published and used as reference PCRs. All PCR assays were highly specific and did not cross react with other porcine enteric pathogens. Analytical sensitivities of the PEDV RT-iiPCR, PDCoV RT-iiPCR and duplex PEDV/PDCoV rRT-PCR were determined using in vitro transcribed RNA as well as viral RNA extracted from ten-fold serial dilutions of PEDV and PDCoV cell culture isolates. Performance of each PCR assay was further evaluated using 170 clinical samples (86 fecal swabs, 24 feces, 19 intestines, and 41 oral fluids). Compared to the reference PEDV rRT-PCR, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the PEDV RT-iiPCR were 97.73%, 98.78%, and 98.24%, respectively, and those of the duplex PEDV/PDCoV rRT-PCR were 98.86%, 96.34%, and 97.65%, respectively. Compared to the reference PDCoV rRT-PCR, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the PDCoV RT-iiPCR were 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively, and those of the PEDV/PDCoV duplex rRT-PCR were 96.34%, 100%, and 98.24%, respectively. Overall, all three new PCR assays were comparable to the reference rRT-PCRs for detection of PEDV and/or PDCoV. The PEDV and PDCoV RT-iiPCRs are potentially useful tools for on-site detection and the duplex PEDV/PDCoV rRT-PCR provides a convenient method to simultaneously detect the two viruses and differentiate PEDV from PDCoV.

Allogeneic hand transplantation and rehabilitation of hand function: a 10-year follow-up study.

The purpose of this study is to present the long-term outcomes of allogenic hand transplantations performed at our centre. Between January 2001 and October 2002, five allogeneic limb transplantations were performed in three patients (two bilateral forearm and one left hand transplantation). Donors and recipients were matched for blood types (ABO/Rh) and had at least two human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matches. A comprehensive rehabilitation plan integrating preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative management was developed for each patient. After 10 years, all transplantations were performed successfully without complications. As of 2014, all grafts were viable. The transplanted hands showed palmate morphology, perceived superficial pain and tactile sensations, and the static two-point discrimination ranged from 2·5 to 4·0 mm. Chronic rejection at 4 years after surgery reduced hand function in case 2. Grip strength ranged from 3 kg (case 2) to 16-18 kg (case 1) to 41-43 kg for case 3. Lifting strength ranged from 3 kg (case 2) to 21-23 kg (case 1) to 47-51 kg for case 3. They lead a completely independent life. In summary, hand function following allogeneic limb transplantation allows the ability to perform tasks of daily living.

Human mesenchymal stem cells increases expression of α-tubulin and angiopoietin 1 and 2 in focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion.

Angiogenesis is associated with improved neurologic recovery after cerebral ischemia. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have been successfully used to treat ischemic stroke and were shown to induce the expression of a number of neurotrophic factors including VEGF, epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) ischemia model. In this study, we aimed to understand the mechanism underlying the improvement of neurological function following hMSCs transplantation into MCAO rats. We established a rat MCAO model and used immunofluorescence to evaluate α-tubulin expression in the hippocampus. We used RT-PCR to determine the expression of Ang-1 and Ang-2 mRNAs after transplantation of hMSCs into MCAO rats. We showed a significant decrease in α-tubulin expression in rats with cerebral ischemia, suggesting that α-tubulin is a protective protein in cerebral ischemia Transplantation of hMSCs significantly upregulated α-tubulin levels in the hippocampus. Transplantation of hMSCs also resulted in a significant upregulation of Ang-1 and Ang-2 mRNAs in MCAO rats. Ang-2 expression was upregulated earlier than Ang-1, suggesting that (1) transplantation of hMSCs promotes angiogenesis and that (2) Ang-2 may be an initiator of angiogenesis. Our results provide a theoretical basis for the therapeutic use of hMSCs in cerebral ischemia.

[Agro-ecosystem ammonia emission in Sichuan-Chongqing region].

Ammonia (NH3) emission from agro-ecosystem in the Sichuan-Chongqing region during 1990-2004, was estimated by the regional nitrogen cycling model IAP-N. The county level agricultural activities data were used, and Sichuan-Chongqing region was divided into four sub-areas by the geographical characteristics , environment and local climatic conditions and administrative division. The results showed that average annual ammonia emissions (in nitrogen gauge) in 1990-1994, 1995-1999, 2000-2004 were 626.7, 670.5 and 698.8 Gg x a(-1) respectively. The ammonia emission appeared increasing trend, whereas, the contribution of various ammonia sources presented little change. For instance, in 2000-2004, the contributions of NH3 emission from fertilized cropland, manure management system and field residues burning to the total ammonia emission of agro-ecosystem in the Sichuan-Chongqing region were 53%, 46% and 1%, equals to 374.9, 318.2 and 5.6 Gg x a(-1) respectively. But the contributions were variable in different regions. Ammonia emission was primarily induced by fertilized cropland in Chengdu plain and Chongqing hilly area, whereas, in northwest sub-region of Sichuan province was manure management system. The geographical distribution of ammonia emission from agro-ecosystem in the Sichuan-Chongqing region was generally "east high and west low". Ammonia emissions in sub-regions of Chongqing hilly area, Chengdu plain, southwest and northwest sub-regions were 165.6, 408.8, 85.9 and 38.8 Gg x a(-1), respectively, during 2000-2004. At the same time, ammonia density were 20 and 28 kg x (hm2 x a)(-1) in sub-regions of the Chongqing hilly area and the Chengdu plain, whereas, 9.1 and 1.6 kg x (hm2 x a)(-1) in southwest and northwest sub-regions, respectively. The results will provide a scientific basis for making fertilizer effectively applied and mitigate NH3 and GHG emissions from agro-ecosystem of Sichuan-Chongqing region.

[N2O emissions from agricultural ecosystem in Sichuan-Chongqing region].

A regional nitrogen cycling model IAP-N was adopted to estimate nitrous oxide (N2O) emission from the agro-ecosystem in the Sichuan-Chongqing Region during 1990-2004. The county level agricultural activities data were used, and Sichuan-Chongqing Region was divided into four sub-areas by the geographical characteristics, environment and local climatic conditions and administrative division. The results showed that annual averaged N2O emissions (in nitrogen gauge) in 1990-1994, 1995-1999, 2000-2004, respectively, were 52.3, 58.2, 62.0 Gg/a, of which 55% came from the N2O direct emission of the fertilized croplands. They were 29.6 (7.6-63.3), 33.0 (8.4-71.8), 34.0 (8.5-75.8) Gg/a, equals to 4.73, 5.39, 6.11 kg/(hm2 x a), respectively. Upland/glebe was the primary source of the N2O direct emission. Meanwhile, paddy-upland rotation system also played an important contribution to it. The increasing rates of N2O emission from agro-ecosystem and N2O emission flux in cropland were much higher in 1995-1999 than in 1990-1994. The N2O emission flux in the cropland showed a continuous increasing trend in 2000-2004, but the increasing rates of total N2O emission from agro-ecosystem were stagnant due to the decrease of arable land area. The N2O emission of agro-ecosystem mainly came from Chengdu Plain and Chongqing. The contributions of different sources to the total N2O emission of agro-ecosystem were variable in the region. For instance, the primary source of N2O emission was the direct emission from croplands in Chengdu Plain and Chongqing, whereas, in northwest region of Sichuan province was the N2O emission induced by grazing. The results will provide a scientific basis for policy maker to make fertilizer effectively applied and mitigate GHG emission from agro-ecosystem of Sichuan-Chongqing Region.

[Testicular tumor in Mongolian men (report of 35 cases)].

OBJECTIVE: To improve the diagnosis, therapy and prognosis of testicular tumor in Mongolian men. METHODS: A retrospective review of 35 cases of testicular tumors in Mongolian men from seven medical centers dated from 1990 to 2004 was performed. RESULTS: The usual presentation of a testicular tumor was a nodular or painless swelling of one gonad. The mean delay in diagnosis was 40.03 +/- 53.45 weeks. For 16 patients, delay in diagnosis was more than or equal to six months. The histologic composition of this series was 21 (60%) seminoma, 10 (28.6%) nonseminoma, 2 (5.7%) lymphoma, 1 (2.35%) fibroneuroma and 1 (2.35%) leiomyoma. Regarding stage, 22, 2, and 5 of 29 germ cell tumors were seen initially as stage I, II, and III, respectively. Combined therapy, including radical orchiectomy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, were taken. 29 cases have been followed for 2 months to 10 years, 4 out of them died of distant metastasis, one died of other disease, one lives with tumor, the others live without relapse and metastasis. Three and 5-year survival rates for Mongolian patients with seminoma and nonseminoma were 95.0%, 95.0%, 57.1% and 42.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In this article, the rate of seminoma to germ cell tumors is higher than that of general population. There is an increased mean delay in diagnosis for Mongolian patients. Three and 5-year survival rates for nonseminoma are lower than that for seminoma. Better public awareness regarding testicular tumor in this population, advances in diagnosis and therapy will help to improve therapeutic effectiveness and prognosis.