Low Density Group Research Articles

Spoken word recognition in French

Different linguistic factors can influence the recognition of spoken words in French. We are interested in the impact of the linguistic factor of phonological density, which refers to the number of phonological neighbours of words and which is related to the recognition process according to a principle of inhibition and lexical competition. By using a lexical decision task, where half of the words have a low phonological density, and the other half a high phonological density, we aim to measure the reaction times of a group of young French-speaking participants (18-35 years old). The results of the young French-speaking group did not show a phonological density effect, however, these results did show a lexicality effect, demonstrating that the word and pseudo-word recognition task worked well. Thus, from the error analyses, the involvement of another factor, word familiarity, was induced. The post-experimental survey on this new factor showed an imbalance between the high and low density groups. By removing the low familiarity items from the analysis, a significant phonological density effect was obtained at this time. It is essential to discuss the role of word familiarity on spoken word recognition; as well as the material development for spoken word recognition tasks.

Systematic Investigation of Very-early-phase Spectra of Type Ia Supernovae

It has been widely accepted that Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) are thermonuclear explosions of a CO white dwarf. However, the natures of the progenitor system(s) and explosion mechanism(s) are still unclarified. Thanks to the recent development of transient observations, they are now frequently discovered shortly after the explosion, followed by rapid spectroscopic observations. In this study, by modeling very-early-phase spectra of SNe Ia, we try to constrain the explosion models of SNe Ia. By using the Monte Carlo radiation transfer code, TARDIS, we estimate the properties of their outermost ejecta. We find that the photospheric velocity of normal-velocity supernovae (NV SNe) in the first week is ∼15,000 km s−1. The outer velocity, to which the carbon burning extends, spans the range between ∼20,000 and 25,000 km s−1. The ejecta density of NV SNe also shows a large diversity. For high-velocity supernovae (HV SNe) and 1999aa-like SNe, the photospheric velocity is higher, ∼20,000 km s−1. They have different photospheric densities, with HV SNe having higher densities than 1999aa-like SNe. For all these types, we show that the outermost composition is closely related to the outermost ejecta density; the carbon-burning layer and the unburnt carbon layer are found in the higher-density and lower-density objects, respectively. This finding suggests that there might be two sequences, the high-density and carbon-poor group (HV SNe and some NV SNe) and the low-density and carbon-rich group (1999aa-like and other NV SNe), which may be associated with different progenitor channels.

Association between neighborhood availability of physical activity facilities and cognitive performance in older adults

The existing evidence on the contextual influence of the availability of local facilities for physical activity on the cognitive health of elderly residents is sparse. This study examined the association between neighborhood physical activity facilities and cognitive health in older individuals. A cohort study of community-dwelling older adults was performed using baseline data and follow-up data from the Taiwan Biobank. Cognitive health was measured in 32,396 individuals aged 60–70 years using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) with follow-up information on 8025 participants. The district was used as the proxy for local neighborhood. To determine neighborhood physical activity facilities, school campuses, parks, activity centers, gyms, swimming pools, and stadiums were included. Multilevel linear regression models were applied to examine the associations of neighborhood physical activity facilities with baseline MMSE and MMSE decline during follow-up, with adjustment for individual factors and neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics. Multilevel analyses revealed that there was a neighborhood-level effect on cognitive health among older adults. After adjusting for compositional and neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics, baseline MMSE was higher in individuals living in the middle- (beta = 0.12, p-value = 0.140) and high-density facility (beta = 0.22, p-value = 0.025) groups than in the low-density group (p-value for trend-test = 0.031). MMSE decline during follow-up was slower in the middle- (beta = 0.15, p-value = 0.114) and high-density facility (beta = 0.27, p-value = 0.052) groups than in the low-density group (p-value for trend-test = 0.032). Greater neighborhood availability of physical activity facilities was associated with better cognitive health among older residents. These findings have implications for designing communities and developing strategies to support cognitive health of an aging population.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Effect of Stocking Density on Energy Metabolism in the Gills of Cherax quadricarinatus under Rice-Crayfish Co-Culture.

Stocking density is a crucial factor affecting productivity in aquaculture, and high stocking density is a stressor for aquatic animals. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of stocking densities on oxidative stress and energy metabolism in the gills of Cherax quadricarinatus under rice-crayfish farming. The C. quadricarinatus were reared at low density (LD), medium density (MD), and high density (HD) for 90 days. The results showed that the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were higher in the HD group than those in the LD group. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 1944 upregulated and 1157 downregulated genes in the gills of the HD group compared to the LD group. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis indicated that these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly associated with ATP metabolism. KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) analysis also showed that high stocking density resulted in the dysregulation of oxidative phosphorylation. Furthermore, high stocking density upregulated six lipid metabolism-related pathways. Overall, our findings, despite the limited number of samples, suggested that high stocking density led to oxidative stress and dysregulation of energy metabolism in the gills of C. quadricarinatus under rice-crayfish co-culture. Alteration in energy metabolism may be an adaptive response to adverse farming conditions.

Analysis of carotid plaque risk factors in a population at high risk of stroke in Yubei District, Chongqing, China

ObjectiveTo establish a scientific foundation for focused stroke prevention and treatment efforts by comprehending the risk variables connected to carotid plaque formation in adults over 40 who are at high risk of stroke in Yubei District, Chongqing, China. MethodsBy comparing the differences in carotid plaque formation between people of different ages, smoking, blood pressure levels, low-density lipoprotein levels, and glycosylated hemoglobin levels, questionnaires and physical exams were performed on a random sample of permanent residents aged 40 years in three communities in Yubei District, Chongqing, China. The goal was to investigate the risk factors associated with carotid plaque formation in the population. ResultsThe incidence of carotid plaque gradually increased in the study population as age, blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein, and glycosylated hemoglobin levels increased. The difference in carotid plaque formation between people of different ages, smoking, blood pressure levels, low-density lipoprotein levels, and glycosylated hemoglobin levels was statistically significant (p<0.05). The findings of the multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that there was a tendency for the risk of developing carotid plaque to rise with age; the risk of developing carotid plaque in hypertensive patients was (OR=1.41,95% CI: 1.03-1.93); the population of smokers was (OR=2.01,95%CI:1.33-3.05); the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol borderline increased group was (OR=1.94,95%CI:1.03-3.66); the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol elevated group was (OR=2.71,95%CI: 1.26-5.84); glycosylated hemoglobin elevated group was (OR=1.40,95%CI: 1.01-1.94) (p<0.05). ConclusionAge, smoking, blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein, and glycosylated hemoglobin are all associated with carotid plaque formation in those over 40 who are at high risk of stroke. As a result, health education for residents needs to be strengthened to raise knowledge of carotid plaque prevention.

Open decortication for patients presenting with stage III tuberculous empyema with low density lines on CT imaging

To explore the influence of CT findings on the optimal timing of open decorticationin patients with stage III tuberculous empyema. A total of 80 patients with stage III tuberculous empyema who had undergone open decortications were recruited; 44 patients had chest CT findings indicating low-density lines, while 36 patients did not show this imaging finding. Demographic data, perioperative data and preoperative and postoperative chest CT images were collected. In the low-density line group, the duration of disease (P = 0.0030) and the preoperative anti-tuberculosis time (P = 0.0016) were longer than those of the group without low-density lines, and the ESR (P = 0.0218), CRP (P = 0.0027) and leukocyte count (P = 0.0339) were lower in the low-density line group. Additionally, in the median operative time (P = 0.0003), intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.0001), volume of catheter drainage during 48 h after operation (P = 0.0067), chest tube duration (P < 0.0001), and length of hospital stay (P = 0.0154) were significantly lower in the low-density line group than in the group without low-density lines. A total of 88.64% of participants in the low-density line group showed hyperplasia with hyaline degeneration in pathological examination, which was observed only in 41.67% of patients without low-density lines. In addition, gaseous necrosis was considerably higher in patients without a low-density line (P = 0.004), while the low-density line group had a higher rate of treatment success (P < 0.05). Patients with stage III tuberculous empyema presenting with low-density lines around the thickened fibrous pleural rind on preoperative CT imaging may be good candidates for open decortication.

Association between radiomics features of DCE-MRI and CD8+ and CD4+ TILs in advanced gastric cancer.

Objective: The aim of this investigation was to explore the correlation between the levels of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ and CD4+ T cells and the quantitative pharmacokinetic parameters of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in patients with advanced gastric cancer. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 103 patients with histopathologically confirmed advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Three pharmacokinetic parameters, Kep, Ktrans, and Ve, and their radiomics characteristics were obtained by Omni Kinetics software. Immunohistochemical staining was used to determine CD4+ and CD8+ TILs. Statistical analysis was subsequently performed to assess the correlation between radiomics characteristics and CD4+ and CD8+ TIL density. Results: All patients included in this study were finally divided into either a CD8+ TILs low-density group (n = 51) (CD8+ TILs < 138) or a high-density group (n = 52) (CD8+ TILs ≥ 138), and a CD4+ TILs low-density group (n = 51) (CD4+ TILs < 87) or a high-density group (n = 52) (CD4+ TILs ≥ 87). ClusterShade and Skewness based on Kep and Skewness based on Ktrans both showed moderate negative correlation with CD8+ TIL levels (r = 0.630-0.349, p < 0.001), with ClusterShade based on Kep having the highest negative correlation (r = -0.630, p < 0.001). Inertia-based Kep showed a moderate positive correlation with the CD4+ TIL level (r = 0.549, p < 0.001), and the Correlation based on Kep showed a moderate negative correlation with the CD4+ TIL level, which also had the highest correlation coefficient (r = -0.616, p < 0.001). The diagnostic efficacy of the above features was assessed by ROC curves. For CD8+ TILs, ClusterShade of Kep had the highest mean area under the curve (AUC) (0.863). For CD4+ TILs, the Correlation of Kep had the highest mean AUC (0.856). Conclusion: The radiomics features of DCE-MRI are associated with the expression of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in AGC, which have the potential to noninvasively evaluate the expression of CD8+ and CD4+ TILs in AGC patients.

Long-term success of a multi-electrode substrate mapping and ablation strategy versus a classic single tip mapping and ablation strategy for ventricular tachycardia ablation in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Over the past years, mapping and ablation techniques for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia (VT) have evolved rapidly. High Density (HD) substrate mapping is now routine and pre-procedural imaging is increasingly used. The additional value of these techniques for long-term VT-free survival is not clear. We compared baseline and procedural characteristics, procedural success, safety and outcome of mapping and ablation of ventricular tachycardia in patients with ischemic heart disease between two groups. (1) Low Density (LD) group: VT mapping and ablation with a 4mm single tip catheter (2) HD group: HD substrate mapping with the Pentaray (Biosense Webster, USA) or HD Grid (Abbott, USA) catheter and ablation with a 4mm single tip catheter. VT ablation was performed in 133 patients (71 patients in LD group and 62 patients in HD group). The median follow-up was 5.0 years in LD group and 2.0 years in HD group. One-, two-, and five-year VT recurrence rates were 47%, 56%, and 65% in the LD group versus 39%, 50%, and 55% in the HD group (log-rank test for VT recurrence p=.70). One-, two-, and five-year ICD shock recurrence rates were 14%, 18%, and 24% in the LD group versus 8%, 15%, and 19% in the HD group (log-rank test for ICD-shock p=.79). All-cause mortality, cardiac (non-arrhythmic), and arrhythmic death, were similar in both groups. Severe procedural complications (tamponade, stroke, or procedural death) occurred in four patients (5%, 1 vascular, 3 tamponade) in the LD group versus two patients (3%, both tamponade) in the HD group (NS). In univariate and multivariable analysis, only a higher LVEF was significantly associated with VT-free survival. HD mapping was not significantly associated with VT-free survival. Anterior infarct location and age were significantly associated with ICD recurrent shock in both univariate and multivariable analyses. In patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, a HD substrate mapping, and ablation strategy did not lead to higher VT-free survival and shock-free survival compared to a single tip mapping and ablation strategy. In this study, only LVF is an independent predictor for VT recurrence. Anterior infarct location and age predict recurrent ICD shocks.

Comparative effectiveness of different pedicle screw density patterns in spinal deformity correction of small and flexible operative adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis

PurposesAn optimal pedicle screw density for spinal deformity correction in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) remains poorly defined. We compared radiographic correction, operative time, estimated blood loss, and implant cost among different screw density patterns in operatively treated AIS patients.MethodsA retrospective observational cohort study of AIS patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion using all-pedicle screw instrumentation was conducted from January 2012 to December 2018. All patients were categorized into three different pedicle screw density groups: the very low density (VLD), the low density (LD), and the high density (HD) group. The comparative effectiveness between each pairwise comparison was performed under the inverse probability of the treatment weighting method to minimize the possible confounders imbalance among treatment groups. The primary endpoints in this study were the degrees of correction and deformity progression at 2 years postoperatively.ResultsA total of 174 AIS patients were included in this study. The adjusted treatment effects demonstrated similar degrees of deformity correction after 2 years in the three treatment groups. However, the VLD and LD group slightly increased the curve progression at 2 years compared to the HD group by 3.9° (p = 0.005) and 3.2° (p = 0.044), respectively. Nevertheless, the limited screw density patterns (VLD and LD) significantly reduced the operative time, estimated blood loss, and implant cost per operated level.ConclusionThe limited pedicle screw pattern (VLD and LD) in relatively flexible AIS spinal deformity correction results in similar coronal and sagittal radiological outcomes while reducing operative time, estimated blood loss, and implant cost compared to the high-density pedicle screw instrumentation.

Density-dependent relationship between changes in ultrasonic wave velocities, effective stress, and petrophysical-elastic properties of sandstone

The present study aims to reveal the importance of density as a moderator variable in interpretation of possible relationships between variations in compressional and shear wave velocities (ΔVp and ΔVs), effective stress, and rock’s petrophysical and elastic properties. Towards this end, fourteen subsurface sandstone samples were collected and analyzed through the measurement of ultrasonic wave velocities at standard and reservoir conditions within a Triaxial-testing cell. The results were interpreted for two groups, i.e., low density (LD) and high density (HD) samples, where greater ΔVp and ΔVs were observed for the HD group samples that have similar average porosity and permeability compared to samples from LD group. Effective stress exhibits better fit with ΔVp and ΔVs for the LD compared to HD group samples. Density was revealed to be well fitted with ΔVp of LD and ΔVs of HD samples. Porosity exhibits good fit with ΔVs of LD and permeability exhibits good fit with ΔVp of both LD and HD groups. Also, variations in estimated elastic limit (ΔEd) is well matched with ΔVs, while changes in estimated Poisson’s ratio (Δν) manifests a good fitting with ΔVp. Finally, variation in deviatoric stresses from triaxial tests is in a good agreement with ΔVp. The results of this study provide convenient insights for conversion of wave velocities and elastic properties between standard and reservoir conditions.

Chemically Recyclable Polyethylene-like Sulfur-Containing Plastics from Sustainable Feedstocks.

The green revolution in plastics should be accelerated due to growing sustainability concerns. Here, we develop a series of chemically recyclable polymers from the first reported cascade polymerization of H2 O, COS, and diacrylates. In addition to abundant feedstocks, the method is efficient and air-tolerant, uses common organic bases as catalysts, and yields polymers with high molecular weights under mild conditions. Such polymers, structurally like polyethylene with low-density in-chain polar groups, manifest impressive toughness and ductility comparable to high-density polyethylene. The in-chain ester group acts as a breaking point, enabling these polymers to undergo chemical recycling through two loops. The structures and properties of these polymers also have an immeasurably expanded range owing to the versatility of our method. The readily available raw materials, facile synthesis, and high performance make these polymers promising prospects as sustainable materials in practice.

The Use of High-Density Pedicle Screw Construct with Direct Vertebral Derotation of the Lowest Instrumented Vertebra in Selective Thoracic Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Comparison of Two Surgical Strategies.

This study was a retrospective case series. This study was designed to determine whether direct vertebral rotation (DVR) of the lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) using a high-density (HD) construct can reduce fusion segments without increasing adverse outcomes in selective thoracic fusion (STF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). LIV DVR is used to maximize spontaneous lumbar curve correction and reduce adverse outcomes during STF for AIS. However, evidence is limited on whether LIV DVR can allow a proximally located LIV and reduce fusion segments without increasing adverse outcomes. We reviewed consecutive patients with Lenke 1 AIS who underwent STF from 2000 to 2017. The patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical strategy used: low-density (LD) construct without DVR of the LIV (LD group) versus HD construct with DVR of the LIV (HD group). We collected data on the patient's demographic characteristics, skeletal maturity, operative data, and measured radiological parameters in the preoperative and final follow-up radiographs. The occurrence of adding-on (AO) and coronal decompensation was also determined. In this study, 72 patients (five males and 67 females) with a mean age of 14.1±2.3 years were included. No significant differences in the demographics, skeletal maturity, and Lenke type distribution were observed between the two groups; however, the follow-up duration was significantly longer in the LD group (64.3±25.7 months vs. 40.7±22.2 months, p <0.001). The HD group had significantly shorter fusion segments (7.1±1.3 vs. 8.5±1.2, p <0.001) and a more proximal LIV level (12.1±0.9 vs. 12.7±1.0, p =0.009). In the radiological measurements, the improvement of LIV+1 rotation (Nash-Moe scale) was significantly larger in the HD group (0.53±0.51 vs. 0.21±0.41, p =0.008). AO and decompensation occurred in 7 (9.7%) and 4 (5.6%) patients in the HD and LD groups, respectively, without any significant difference between the two groups. In this study, the HD group had a significantly shorter fusion level and a more proximal LIV than the LD group; however, the two groups had similar curve correction and adverse radiological outcome rates.

On the regional distribution of cerebral microvascular 'raspberries' and their association with cerebral atherosclerosis and acute circulatory failure.

In this follow-up study, cerebral microvascular formations termed 'raspberries' were quantified according to cerebral atherosclerosis (C-ASCL) and acute circulatory failure (ACF). We also examined the regional distribution of raspberries throughout the brain. The study population consisted of adult individuals who had undergone a diagnostic neuropathological autopsy. Groups were formed to examine the association between raspberries, C-ASCL and ACF (control group, C-ASCL group, C-ASCL+ACF group [n=47 per group] and a combined C-ASCL-tot group [n=94]). To examine the regional distribution, additional groups were formed based on previously known raspberry densities of the frontal cortex (high-, medium- and low-density group [n=6 per group]). Raspberries were quantified on scanned haematoxylin-eosin-stained sections. Cortical raspberry density did not differ at a statistically significant level between the control group, the C-ASCL group and the C-ASCL+ACF group (P=0.10) but did so between the control group and the C-ASCL-tot group (P=0.033). The total raspberry density of the high-, medium- and low-density groups differed at a statistically significant level (P=0.005), which remained in group-to-group comparisons of the high- and medium-density groups (P=0.015) and the high- and low-density groups (P=0.002). Raspberries were rare in cerebral white matter and in the cerebellum. An association between raspberry density and C-ASCL is supported but is weaker than previously indicated. An association with ACF is not indicated. The raspberry density of the frontal cortex provides an approximation of the brain's total raspberry density.

Research on delivery problem based on two-stage multi-objective optimization for takeout riders

From the perspective of takeout riders, in order to ensure the safety of riders, reasonably arrange the distribution tasks of riders and improve the distribution efficiency of the platform, this paper proposes a new distribution mode. In the future, efficiency is the core competitiveness of the takeout platform, and humanization is an important condition for the long-term development of the takeout platform. Both are indispensable. This paper simplifies the traditional many to many distribution mode into one to many distribution mode, and realizes the new distribution mode through two-stage multi-objective optimization algorithm. In the first stage, genetic algorithm is applied to analyze and optimize the new distribution mode for the first time; In the second stage, the large-scale neighborhood search algorithm is applied to destroy and reorganize the distribution route obtained in the first stage according to the objective function to obtain the optimal distribution route. Aiming at the three scenarios of consumer group distribution generated by random simulation, high-density and low-density consumer group distribution in Shenyang, this paper uses MATLAB tools to simulate. Through the analysis of simulation results, the working hours and delivery distances of takeout riders are reduced, and the maximum delivery volume is limited. So the method proposed in this paper can not only improve the intelligent level of distribution, but also propose a more humanized distribution mode from the perspective of takeout riders, which greatly supports the sustainable development of the delivery system of network connected takeout platform.

Nitrogen occurrence forms and bacterial community in sediment influenced by Bellamya purificata bioturbation

Endogenous water pollution and excessive nitrogen in ponds have always been prominent problems threatening aquaculture. To solve this problem, a 70-day indoor simulation experiment was conducted. The snail Bellamya purificata was stocked at four different densities: 0, 15, 30, and 60 individuals/tank, represented as CON (control), LD (low density), MD (medium density), and HD (high density), respectively, to investigate the effects of B. purificata on the nitrogen occurrence forms and bacterial communities in the sediment. At the end of the experiment, the nitrate concentration was significantly higher, while the total nitrogen content was significantly lower in the MD group than in the other three groups. Ammonia monooxygenase activity was significantly lower in the CON group than in the other three groups, and hydroxylamine oxidase activity was significantly higher in the HD group than in the other three groups. The CON and MD groups showed the highest and lowest values in nitrate reductase activity, respectively. The hydroxylamine reductase activity decreased significantly with increasing density. Through 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) high-throughput sequencing, significantly affected bacterial communities by B. purificata were found. Alpha diversity results showed that, a significantly lower Shannon index was observed in the MD group than in the other three groups. The LD and MD groups showed the highest and lowest Chao1 index values, respectively. Phyla Nitrospinae and family Nitrosomonadaceae were significantly enriched in the HD and MD groups, respectively. Redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated a significant correlation between differential bacterial taxa and TN content. Predicted functional analysis based on FAPROTAX (Functional annotation of prokaryotic taxa) database showed that functional groups aerobic ammonia oxidation and aerobic nitrite oxidation were significantly enriched in the MD group. Overall, B. purificata significantly altered the bacterial community composition, increased hydroxylamine oxidase and ammonia monooxygenase activities, enhanced the bacterial nitrification process, and promoted the transformation of total nitrogen to nitrate. Moreover, B. purificata stocked at 30 and 60 individuals/tank appeared to have a significant promotion effect on the bacterial community and nitrogen occurrence forms in the sediment. Hence, co-culturing B. purificata may be a feasible and effective ecological restoration method to alleviate excess nitrogen and reduce water eutrophication.

High expression of CCBE1 in adjacent tissues of tongue squamous cell carcinoma is correlated with pericancerous lymphatic vessel proliferation and poor 5-year survival outcomes

To examine the correlation of CCBE1 expression in adjacent tissues of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) with pericancerous lymphatic vessel proliferation, cervical lymph node metastasis and survival outcomes of the patients. Lymphatic vessel density was quantified in pericancerous tissue sections of 44 cases of cT1-2N0 TSCC using D2-40 as the lymphatic vessel endothelial marker for calibration and counting of the lymphatic vessels. Of these 44 cases, 22 showed a relatively low lymphatic vessel density (group A) and the other 22 had a high lymphatic vessel density (group B), and the expression levels of CCBE1 in the adjacent tissues determined using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence assay and Western blotting were compared between the two groups. The expression level of CCBE1 was also measured in another 90 patients with TSCC using immunohistochemistry, and all the patients were followed up for their survival outcomes. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting showed a significantly lower rate of high CCBE1 expression in group A than in group B (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence assay showed co-localization of CCBE1 and D2-40 in the adjacent tissues of TSCC. In the 90 TSCC patients with complete follow-up data, a high expression of CCBE1 was found to correlate with lymph node metastasis and a poor 5-year survival outcomes of the patients (P < 0.05). A high expression of CCBE1 in the adjacent tissues of TSCC is closely related with pericancerous lymphatic vessel proliferation, cervical lymph node metastasis and a poor 5-year survival of the patients, suggesting the value of CCBE1 as a potential prognostic predictor for TSCC.

Assessment of Performance, Microbial Community, Bacterial Food Quality, and Gene Expression of Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Reared under Different Density Biofloc Systems.

Biofloc shrimp culture, as a way of improving shrimp production, gains worldwide consideration. However, the effects of the biofloc system on shrimp culture at high densities could be a challenge. Here, this study is aimed at identifying a better stocking density of whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) between two intensive biofloc systems of 100 and 300 org./m2. Achieving that was done by comparing growth performance, water quality, feed utilization, microbial loads from water and shrimps, and gene expression of growth, stress, and immune-related genes. Shrimp postlarvae with a mean weight of 35.4 ± 3.7 mg were reared in six indoor cement tanks (36 m3 total capacity each) at two stocking densities (3 replicates each) for a rearing period of 135 days. Better final weight, weight gain, average daily weight gain, specific growth rate, biomass increase percentage, and survival rate were associated with lower density (100/m2), whereas high-density showed significantly higher total biomass. Better feed utilization was found in the lower density treatment. Lower density treatment enhanced water quality parameters, including higher dissolved oxygen and lower nitrogenous wastes. Heterotrophic bacterial count in water samples was recorded as 5.28 ± 0.15 and 5.11 ± 0.28 log CFU/ml from the high- and low-density systems, respectively, with no significant difference. Beneficial bacteria such as Bacillus spp. were identified in water samples from both systems, still, the Vibrio-like count was developed in the higher density system. Regarding shrimp food bacterial quality, the total bacterial count in the shrimp was recorded as 5.09 ± 0.1 log CFU/g in the 300 org./m2 treatment compared to 4.75 ± 0.24 log CFU/g in the lower density. Escherichia coli was isolated from the shrimps in a lower density group while Aeromonas hydrophila and Citrobacter freundii were associated with shrimps from a higher density system. Immune-related genes including prophenoloxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and lysozyme (LYZ) expressions were all significantly higher expressed in the shrimp from the lower density treatment. Toll receptor (LvToll), penaiedin4 (PEN4), and stress-related gene (HSP 70) showed a decreased gene expression in the shrimp raised in the lower density. Significant upregulation of growth-related gene (Ras-related protein-RAP) expression was associated with the lower stocking density system. In conclusion, the current study found that applying high stocking density (300 org./m2) contributes negatively to performance, water quality, microbial community, bacterial food quality, and gene expression of immune, stress, and growth-related genes when compared with the lower stocking density system (100 org./m2) under biofloc system.

PSXIII-5 Effects of Stocking Density on the Welfare and Immune Responses of Laying Hens Housed in Small Furnished Cages

Abstract To investigate the effects of stocking density on the welfare and immune responses of laying hens housed in furnished cages, 192 Hy-Line Brown hens were housed in small furnished cages and randomly divided into three groups on their 18 weeks old for low-density group (833 cm2 per hen, LD), medium-density group (625 cm2 per hen, MD), and high-density group (500 cm2 per hen, HD). There are eight cages in each stocking density. The welfare of laying hens was assessed at 22, 42 and 72 weeks of age (WOA) for feather quality, foot cleanness, footpad dermatitis, hyperkeratosis and keel bone damage. After the last welfare assessment, venous blood from the wing of the hen was extracted for testing immune indicators of Immunoglobulin Y (Ig Y), Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), Interleukin-2 (IL-2), Interleukin-4 (IL-4), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-12 (IL-12) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results showed that feather quality of laying hens from HD group was worse than hens from LD and MD groups at 42 and 62 WOA (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The foot cleanness score of hens from HD group was worse than other two group hens at 62 WOA (P &amp;lt; 0.05), respectively. There was no significant difference between three groups on other welfare indicators (P &amp;gt; 0.05), but the welfare quality of laying hens got worse with the aging of laying hens. Laying hens from LD group had greater concentrations of serum IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6 compared with hens from MD and HD groups (P &amp;lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference for other immune responses (P &amp;gt; 0.05). These findings suggest that keeping a high stocking density of laying hens could cause feather damage, impact the welfare quality and reduce the immune responses of laying hens housed in small furnished cages.

Diversity and distribution of Kinorhyncha in abyssal polymetallic nodule areas of the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone and the Peru Basin, East Pacific Ocean, with the description of three new species and notes on their intraspecific variation

Polymetallic nodule fields represent a large reservoir of undiscovered biodiversity that becomes particularly evident for meiobenthic organisms, the smallest-sized faunal group. Knowledge gaps are especially noticeable for the generally low-density metazoan groups, such as Kinorhyncha, the so-called mud dragons. Using both morphological and genetic (metabarcoding) approaches, we provide a general overview and comparison of the diversity of kinorhynchs collected during nine sampling campaigns (2016–2019) that targeted abyssal environments in several contract areas for exploration in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCZ) and in the Peru Basin. Our findings from morphological analyses reveal a highly diverse mud dragon community, with 16 species present in the CCZ. Of these, 12 appear in the German contract area, including three new species described in the present contribution: Echinoderes delaordeni sp. nov., Echinoderes sanctorum sp. nov., and Echinoderes zeppilliae sp. nov. Furthermore, metabarcoding data of the kinorhynch community gathered from the area is provided, together with the geographic distribution of the known species stated per contractor area, including new records and still undescribed species. Most of the identified species in the CCZ seem to have a wide distribution, with Echinoderes sp.4 being the most common and abundant species with a distribution spreading across the CCZ and also present in the Peru Basin. Metabarcoding analyses targeting the V1V2 hypervariable region of the 18S gene from the 253 stations of the CCZ revealed 14 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) belonging to Kinorhyncha with grade values higher than 98% detected at 15 different stations within six different areas along the CCZ. Concurring with morphology, the family Echinoderidae was the most diverse as the genus Cephalorhyncha had five ASVs, followed by Echinoderes with four ASVs. Semnoderes, however, showed the widest spread ASV, being detected at six stations. In the CCZ, the metabarcoding data showed there were no shared ASVs between the CCZ areas as well as the highest number of uniques, which was 11. Our morphological study showed a low number of specimens inhabiting nodules (surface/crevices), suggesting that specific kinorhynch species do not typically inhabit the nodules in addition to the surrounding sediment.

Preoperative prognostic value of alfa-fetoprotein density in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing radiofrequency ablation

Objectives To examine the prognostic value of preoperative alfa-fetoprotein (AFP) density and other clinical factors in patients undergoing percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods From January 2010 to December 2018, a total of 543 patients undergoing RFA for HCC meeting the Milan criteria were included at our institution. AFP density was calculated as absolute AFP pre-ablation divided by the total volume of all HCC lesions. The survival rates according to AFP density were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression analyses were used to assess predictors of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Results The Kaplan–Meier 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 98.8%, 88.5%, and 70.4%, respectively, for the low AFP density group, and 98.3%, 74.9%, and 49.4%, respectively, for the high AFP density group. The corresponding PFS rates were 78.9%, 56.7%, and 40.9% (low AFP density group), and 63.6%, 40.8%, and 27.5% (high AFP density group). High AFP density was associated with significantly reduced PFS and OS (both p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis suggested that AFP density was a predictor of OS and PFS. Conclusions Serum AFP density may serve as a promising predictor of survival in patients with HCC undergoing RFA. High AFP density could identify patients who might be prone to recurrence or progression and need close surveillance.