Longitudinal investigation of mineral composition in human milk and its correlation with infant anthropometric outcomes among Tibetan mother-infant dyads during the first 6 months postpartum

Nutrients in human milk,including minerals,relate growth and development of breast-fed infants.Tibetan mother-infant dyads possess unique characteristics on early nutrition due to their featured long-lasting lifestyle.This study longitudinally investigated the relationship between the mineral composition in human milk and the Z-scores of infants among Tibetan mother-infant dyads during their first 6 months postpartum through a prospective cohort study.The results show that the minerals of Na,Mg,K,Ca,Cu,Zn,and Se were of higher levels in colostrum than other lactation stages.Several minerals were below the recommended values for infants according to Chinese dietary guidelines.Besides,a large proportion of infant Z-scores were below-2 as lactation period continued.Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that classifications and correlations in varying degrees were observed between minerals in human milk and infant Z-scores.These findings will be advantageous for research upon Chinese early nutrition and progress of tailor-made infant formula.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mother-Infant Bond: A Systematic Review

Background: The healthy bond that develops prenatally between the mother and her infant is important for the neuropsychological development and development of the child. In stressful situations and mental disorders, the development of this bond is inhibited. With this study, an attempt is made to investigate whether the COVID-19 pandemic affected the development of the mother-infant bond. Methods: We have searched in the databases, PubMed, Google Scholar, PsycINFO, from July to October 2023 and we have found 18 related articles. Results: Most studies supported a lower mother-infant attachment during the pandemic period. We also found increased rates of depressive symptoms, anxiety and post-traumatic stress during the pandemic. Conclusions: The period of the pandemic and the psychological factors were the right conditions for the reduced development of the mother-infant bond. In epidemiological outbreaks, the mental health of the mother and her relationship with the infant should be a priority for perinatal care professionals.

The Dissemination, Acceptance and Evolution of The Romance of the Three Kingdoms in Japan

As one of the Four Great Masterpieces of China,The Romance of the Three Kingdoms has become a landmark of ancient Chinese literature with vivid and profound character images,ups and downs of politics and war descriptions,and appealing historical plots.After being introduced to Japan in the second half of the 17th century,it was spread in Japanese society and was accepted for literary value,social needs and other reasons,then a series of evolutions were produced by combining with local culture,eventually becoming a national culture in Japan.This paper selects the most popular text of The Romance of the Three Kingdoms with 24 chapters and 120 verses in the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty,and the Japanese translation of The Popular Romance of the Three Kingdoms published by Hunan Wenshan in 1689 as the objects,guided by Ralph Linton’s“Manifestation,Selection,Integration”cultural communication research method,to analyze the dissemination,acceptance and evolution of The Romance of the Three Kingdoms in 17-20 centuries’Japan,which started from the field of literature,then combined with various cultural forms and spread to the civic class,and finally entered politics area and produced a series of evolutions under the influence of Japanese values to become the representative culture of Japan.This paper suggests that in today’s world of frequent cultural exchanges,China should,based on strengthening cultural self-confidence,actively and appropriately select and accept foreign cultures with the attitude of prioritizing our own culture and utilizing foreign culture for our own purposes.The research outcome can provide experience for the current Chinese culture to go to the world with high quality.

On the Dissemination and Acceptance of Dongpo Culture in the UK and the US

This study delves into the intricate dissemination and acceptance of Dongpo Culture,epitomized by Su Shi,in the UK and the US,aiming to bolster the global recognition of Chinese literary and cultural values and advance the national strategy of“Going Out”.Su Shi’s multifaceted contributions—spanning literature,philosophy,calligraphy,and art—serve as a pinnacle of Northern Song Dynasty culture.This research evaluates the varied translations,monographs,biographies,journal articles,and doctoral dissertations about Su Shi in these Western nations,using literature analysis,typical analysis,and comparative methods.The findings reveal a robust interest in Su Shi studies in the US,marked by a proliferation of scholarly works and translations across diverse disciplines,such as literature,art,and aesthetics,establishing the US as a leading center for Dongpo Culture studies.Conversely,the UK,despite its early engagement,shows limited scholarly outputs and significant research papers on the subject.By examining Dongpo Culture’s overseas communication path and influence paradigm,this paper seeks to enhance China’s cultural soft power and self-confidence.It underscores the vital role of international cultural exchange in constructing a positive image of China’s national identity,facilitating its peaceful rise,and providing strategic insights for the global promotion of Chinese culture.

On the International Dissemination of Zhuang Medicine

As an important part of Chinese culture,Zhuang medicine has a long history and unique diagnosis and treatment.With the international dissemination of Chinese culture,the international dissemination of Zhuang medicine has become an increasing concern.This paper aims to discuss the status quo,challenges of the international dissemination of Zhuang medicine,then puts forwards corresponding solutions and recommendations,so as to make Zhuang medicine known by the world.

A Study on the Path of Promoting External Dissemination of Regional Culture with Translation Technology under the Background of New Quality Productivity

With the introduction of the concept of new quality productivity characterized by high technology,efficiency,and quality,various industries in China have ignited a high spirit of innovation and development.Against this background,this article analyzes the significance and current situation of the external dissemination of regional culture and combines the application of translation technology empowered by new quality productivity to explore a path suitable for the wider,more effective,and higher-quality external dissemination of regional culture.The aim is to provide practical experience for promoting the effective dissemination of regional culture in China to the world and better build a cultural power.

On the Problem of All Equal Positive Odd Number Solutions of the Dissemination of the Ends' Guess

The thesis is concerned with the problem of the dissemination of the Ends’ guess and offers the formula of all equal positive odd number solutions.

International Dissemination of TCM Culture under the "Belt and Road" Initiative: Opportunities and Challenges

The international dissemination of TCM culture, as a carrier of the implementation of the"Belt and Road"Initiative, is being endowed with greater importance. However, the spread of TCM culture into the world faces opportunities as well as challenges. To better serve the"Belt and Road"Initiative, measures should be taken to strengthen TCM communication and cooperation in different aspects and build a sound intellectual property protection system.

Molecular mechanisms of peritoneal dissemination in gastric cancer

Peritoneal dissemination represents a devastating form of gastric cancer(GC) progression with a dismal prognosis. There is no effective therapy for this condition. The 5-year survival rate of patients with peritoneal dissemination is 2%, even including patients with only microscopic free cancer cells without macroscopic peritoneal nodules. The mechanism of peritoneal dissemination of GC involves several steps: detachment of cancer cells from the primary tumor, survival in the free abdominal cavity, attachment to the distant peritoneum, invasion into the subperitoneal space and proliferation with angiogenesis. These steps are not mutually exclusive, and combinations of different molecular mechanisms can occur in each process of peritoneal dissemination. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular events involved in peritoneal dissemination is important and should be systematically pursued. It is crucial to identify novel strategies for the prevention of this condition and for identification of markers of prognosis and the development of molecular-targeted therapies. In this review, we provide an overview of recently published articles addressing the molecular mechanisms of peritoneal dissemination of GC to provide an update on what is currently known in this field and to propose novel promising candidates for use in diagnosis and as therapeutic targets.

Prognostic nutritional index is an independent prognostic factor for gastric cancer patients with peritoneal dissemination

Objective： The predictive and prognostic role of prognostic nutritional index（PNI） in gastric cancer patients with peritoneal dissemination remains unclear. This study aims to explore the role of the PNI in predicting outcomes of gastric cancer patients with peritoneal dissemination.Methods： A total of 660 patients diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma with peritoneal metastasis between January 2000 and April 2014 at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center and the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yatsen University were retrospectively analyzed. The clinicopathologic characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with peritoneal dissemination were analyzed.Results： Compared with PNI-high group, PNI-low group was correlated with advanced age（P=0.036）, worse performance status（P0.001）, higher frequency of ascites（P0.001） and higher frequency of multisite distant metastasis（P0.001）. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that PNI-high group had a significantly longer median overall survival than PNI-low group（13.13 vs. 9.03 months, P0.001）. Multivariate survival analysis revealed that Borrmann type IV（P=0.014）, presence of ascites（P=0.017） and lower PNI（P=0.041） were independent poor prognostic factors, and palliative surgery（P0.001） and first-line chemotherapy（P0.001） were good prognostic factors. For patients receiving palliative surgery, the postoperative morbidity rates in the PNI-low group and PNIhigh group were 9.1% and 9.9%, respectively（P=0.797）. The postoperative mortality rate was not significantly different between PNI-low and PNI-high groups（2.3% vs. 0.9%, P=0.362）.Conclusions： PNI is a useful and practical tool for evaluating the nutritional status of gastric cancer patients with peritoneal dissemination, and is an independent prognostic factor for these patients.

A nomogram to predict prognosis for gastric cancer with peritoneal dissemination

Objective： To identify independent prognostic factors to be included in a nomogram to predict the prognosis ofgastric cancer patients with peritoneal dissemination.Methods： This is a retrospective study on 684 patients with a histological diagnosis of gastric cancer withperitoneal dissemination from the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center as the development set, and 62 gastriccancer patients from the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University as the validation group. Chi-square testand Cox regression analysis were used to compare the clinicopathological variables and the prognosis of gastriccancer patients with peritoneal dissemination. The Harrell＇s concordance index （C-index） and calibration curvewere determined for comparisons of predictive ability of the nomogram.Results： Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that serum carcinoembryonic antigen （CEA） level（P=0.032）, ascites grading （P=0.008）, presence of extraperitoneal metastasis （P〈0.001）, seeding status （P=0.016） andperformance status （P=0.009） were independent prognostic factors for gastric cancer patients with peritonealdissemination in the development set. The nomogram model was constructed using these five factors. Internalvalidation showed that the C-index of the model was 0.641. For the external validation, the C-index of this modelwas 0.709.Conclusions： We developed and validated a nomogram to predict the prognosis for gastric cancer patients withperitoneal dissemination. This nomogram may play an important clinical role in guiding palliative therapy for thesetypes of patients, although it may need more data for optimization.

Use of high-resolution X-ray computed tomography and 3D image analysis to quantify mineral dissemination and pore space in oxide copper ore particles

Mineral dissemination and pore space distribution in ore particles are important features that influence heap leaching performance. To quantify the mineral dissemination and pore space distribution of an ore particle, a cylindrical copper oxide ore sample (I center dot 4.6 mm x 5.6 mm) was scanned using high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (HRXCT), a nondestructive imaging technology, at a spatial resolution of 4.85 mu m. Combined with three-dimensional (3D) image analysis techniques, the main mineral phases and pore space were segmented and the volume fraction of each phase was calculated. In addition, the mass fraction of each mineral phase was estimated and the result was validated with that obtained using traditional techniques. Furthermore, the pore phase features, including the pore size distribution, pore surface area, pore fractal dimension, pore centerline, and the pore connectivity, were investigated quantitatively. The pore space analysis results indicate that the pore size distribution closely fits a log-normal distribution and that the pore space morphology is complicated, with a large surface area and low connectivity. This study demonstrates that the combination of HRXCT and 3D image analysis is an effective tool for acquiring 3D mineralogical and pore structural data.

Concept of scientific wildlife conservation and its dissemination

In recent years, wildlife conservation has attracted great public attention. However, substantial distinctions can be found in the prevailing concepts of wildlife conservation, particularly with the recent notion that emphasizes animal rights. Wildlife welfare and wildlife rights are not synonymous, with welfare more compatible with the reasonable and legal utilization of wildlife. The key to scientific wildlife conservation is the appropriate awareness and appreciation of the relationship between wildlife conservation and utilization and the theoretical basis of holism. Nevertheless, rational biases regarding the public＇s understanding of wildlife conservation and the spread of information via social media still exist. As such, expansion of the concept of scientific wildlife conservation requires the application of several measures. Wildlife conservation researchers should be regarded as the most important disseminators of scientifically-based information, with education in schools and universities of growing importance. Furthermore, the media should shoulder the social responsibility for the accurate dissemination of conservation information.

Analysis and external validation of a nomogram to predict peritoneal dissemination in gastric cancer

Objective:Peritoneal dissemination is difficult to diagnose by conventional imaging technologies.We aimed to construct a nomogram to predict peritoneal dissemination in gastric cancer(GC)patients.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed 1,112 GC patients in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between2001 and 2010 as the development set and 474 patients from The Sixth Affiliated Hospital,Sun Yat-sen University between 2010 and 2016 as the validation set.The clinicopathological variables associated with gastric cancer with peritoneal dissemination(GCPD)were analyzed.We used logistic regression analysis to identify independent risk factors for peritoneal dissemination.Then,we constructed a nomogram for the prediction of GCPD and defined its predictive value with a receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.External validation was performed to validate the applicability of the nomogram.Results:In total,250 patients were histologically identified as having peritoneal dissemination.Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age,sex,tumor location,tumor size,signet-ring cell carcinoma(SRCC),T stage,N stage and Borrmann classification IV(Borrmann IV)were independent risk factors for peritoneal dissemination.We constructed a nomogram consisting of these eight factors to predict GCPD and found an optimistic predictive capability,with a C-index of 0.791,an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.791,and a 95%confidence interval(95%CI)of 0.762-0.820.The results found in the external validation set were also promising.Conclusions:We constructed a highly sensitive nomogram that can assist clinicians in the early diagnosis of GCPD and serve as a reference for optimizing clinical management strategies.

A Utility-Based Buffer Management Policy for Improving Data Dissemination in Opportunistic Networks

In opportunistic networks, most existing buffer management policies including scheduling and passive dropping policies are mainly for routing protocols. In this paper, we proposed a Utility-based Buffer Management strategy(UBM) for data dissemination in opportunistic networks. In UBM, we first design a method of computing the utility values of caching messages according to the interest of nodes and the delivery probability of messages, and then propose an overall buffer management policy based on the utility. UBM driven by receivers completely implements not only caching policies, passive and proactive dropping policies, but also scheduling policies of senders. Simulation results show that, compared with some classical dropping strategies, UBM can obtain higher delivery ratio and lower delay latency by using smaller network cost.

Dissemination and Genetic Structure of Carbapenemase Encoding Genes (bla_OXA-23and bla_OXA-24) in <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i>from Southern Texas

Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the most important human pathogens causing a variety of nosocomial infections. Carbapenem antibiotics have been primarily used to treat the A. baumannii infections. However, carbapenem resistant A. baumannii producing carbapenemases causes serious treatment problems worldwide. Outbreaks of carbapenem resistant isolates have reported in some area of the United States, but their dissemination and genetic structure of the carbapenemase encoding genes are currently little known. To understand outbreaks, dissemination, and genetic structure of the carbapenemase encoding genes in Southern Texas, 32 clinical isolates collected from Austin and Houston, TX were characterized. Twenty-eight of 32 isolates were resistant to all tested β-lactam antibiotics including carbapenem (imipenem and meropenem). Three of them carried blaOXA-23 as a part of Tn2008 integrated into a known plasmid (pACICU2) and all others carried blaOXA-24 flanked by XerC/XerD-like recombinase binding sites that were adjoined by DNA sequences originated from multiple plasmids. Genotype analysis revealed that the 25 isolates carrying blaOXA-24 were all identical genotypes same as a representative isolate carrying blaOXA-24 from Chicago, IL but the 3 isolates carrying blaOXA-23 was a distinct genotype as compared with isolates carrying blaOXA-23 from Chicago, IL and Washington, D.C. Each of the blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-24 was transferred to carbapenem susceptible A. baumannii and E. coli with similar minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of carbapenem as that of their parental isolates but significantly lower levels of MIC in E. coli. Overall results suggest that a unique strain carrying blaOXA-23 and a similar strain carrying blaOXA-24 as seen in other geographic areas are currently disseminated in Southern Texas.

Intrathecal methotrexate in combination with systemic chemotherapy in glioblastoma patients with leptomeningeal dissemination:A retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND Glioblastoma(GBM)is one of the most common and aggressive primary malignant brain tumors with severe symptoms and a poor prognosis.Leptomeningeal dissemination(LMD)is a serious complication of GBM that often results in dire outcomes.There is currently no effective treatment.AIM To estimate the clinical outcomes of combination therapy in GBM patients with LMD METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted using data collected from GBM patients diagnosed with LMD from January 2012 to December 2019 at our institution.All these patients had received at least one cycle of a combination therapy consisting of intrathecal methotrexate(MTX)and systemic chemotherapy.Clinical and pathological data were analyzed to explore the outcome of GBM patients with LMD and to determine the most effective treatment.RESULTS Twenty-six patients were enrolled in this study.The median time from GBM diagnosis to LMD development was 9.3 mo(range:2-59 mo).The median overall survival of LMD patients from diagnosis to after receiving systemic chemotherapy in combination with intrathecal MTX was 10.5 mo(range:2-59 mo).In the Cox univariate analysis,gross resection of tumor(P=0.022),Karnofsky performance status(KPS)>60(P=0.002),and Ommaya reservoir implant(P<0.001)were correlated with survival.Multivariate analysis showed that KPS>60(P=0.037)and Ommaya reservoir implant(P=0.014)were positive factors correlated with survival.Myelotoxicity and gastrointestinal reactions were the common toxicities of this combination therapy.According to Common Terminology Criteria of Adverse Events 4.03,most of the patients presented with toxicity less than grade 3.CONCLUSION Intrathecal MTX administration combined with systemic chemotherapy is a potentially effective treatment for patients with GBM and LMD,with mild treatment-related side effects.

Primary rectal signet ring cell carcinoma with peritoneal dissemination and gastric secondaries

Disseminated signet ring cell carcinomas frequently arise from the stomach. However, primaries in the colon and rectum have also been reported. We present a 68 year old lady who presented with a change in her bowel habit. Colonoscopy showed a stenosing rectal tumour at 7 cm to 8 cm from the anal verge. Multiple scattered ulcers were also noted along the entire length of the colon. Biopsy of the lesions revealed signet ring cell adenocarcinoma. Gastroscopy showed multiple nodules with ulceration over several areas of the stomach which were similar in appearance to the colonic lesions. However, no primary tumour of the stomach was seen. Biopsy of the gastric lesions also showed signet ring cell adenocarcinoma. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed circumferential tumour at the rectosigmoid junction with possible invasion into the left ischiorectal fossa. The overall picture was that of a primary rectal signet ring cell carcinoma with peritoneal dissemination. The patient was referred for palliative chemotherapy in view of the disseminated disease. In the present report, we discuss this interesting pathological entity and review the role of various histolological techniques in helping to identify the primary tumor.

Effect of maternal alcohol consumption on gestational diabetes detection and mother-infant’s outcomes in Kinshasa, DR Congo

Objectives: Since it has been suggested that moderate alcohol drinking would increase insulin sensitivity, which could benefit Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), the study aimed at evaluating alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and seeing whether this consumption influences GDM detection and maternal/perinatal outcomes. Study design: Women with already known diabetes and those with multiple pregnancy were excluded. All other pregnant women attending antenatal care unit of the university clinics, Kinshasa, DR Congo during the period from 1 March throughout 31 October 2010, were invited at 24-week gestation to enroll in O’Sullivan blood glucose testing and if eligible in 100-gram oral glucose tolerance test. Alcohol consumption, risk factors for GDM, and general characteristics such as age, parity, gestity, BMI, fat mass were registered. Diagnosed GDM was first treated with diet and exercise, thereafter with Metformin, and if necessary with insulin. For other (normal) women data remained blinded until confinement. Maternal and infant’s adverse outcomes such as maternal urinary infection, preeclampsia, cesarean section, intrauterine growth retardation, birth weight percentile 90 in our milieu), Apgar score at the first minute < 7, shoulder dystocia or other birth injury, neonatal hypoglycemia and fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) were compared and analyzed according to GDM diagnosis as well to alcohol status. Results: Up to 240 pregnant women accepted to enroll into the study. Alcohol consumption concerned 78 (32.5%) of the women, most of them (61 = 25.42%) being heavy consumers. Risk factors for GDM and Physical and blood glucose characteristics were alike (p not significant) in both consumers and non consumers, except for history of HTA in the family that was significantly more frequent (p = 0.02) among drinkers. GDM’s prevalence was 9%. No adverse outcome was more prominent in any subgroup, except Apgar score < 7 at the first minute that was more frequent (p = 0.038) among neonates of GDM mothers. No FAS, neither shoulder dystocia nor neonatal hypoglycemia were diagnosed. When alcohol status was considered, Birthweight ≥ 3800 g was found more frequent (p = 0.0284) in alcohol consumers than in abstainers. Risk of this outcome was three times higher when history of family hypertension was present (odds ratio 2.694;CI: 0.536 - 13.544). Conclusions: The prevalence of alcohol consumption by pregnant women of our series (32.5%) seems not to impact the detection of GDM (9%). FAS was not diagnosed. Lack of significant differences in adverse outcomes between GDM and non GDM could be attributed to huge follow-up of GDM women. Influence of alcohol consumption on birth weight mostly in setting of familial history of hypertension remains to be addressed.

Hash-area-based data dissemination protocol in wireless sensor networks

HashQuery,a Hash-area-based data dissemination protocol,was designed in wireless sensor networks. Using a Hash function which uses time as the key,both mobile sinks and sensors can determine the same Hash area. The sensors can send the information about the events that they monitor to the Hash area and the mobile sinks need only to query that area instead of flooding among the whole network,and thus much energy can be saved. In addition,the location of the Hash area changes over time so as to balance the energy consumption in the whole network. Theoretical analysis shows that the proposed protocol can be energy-efficient and simulation studies further show that when there are 5 sources and 5 sinks in the network,it can save at least 50% energy compared with the existing two-tier data dissemination(TTDD) protocol,especially in large-scale wireless sensor networks.