The Effect of Psychological Resilience on Hopelessness and Post-Traumatic Growth in Individuals Experienced by Earthquake

Background:Disasters have effects that leave great negative marks on our lives,even after many years have passed.Individuals who experience an earthquake experience physical and psychological difficulties.The purpose of this study is to determine how psychological resilience levels affect the feeling of hopelessness and post-traumatic growth in adults who experienced the 06 February,2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake.Methods:Data were collected using the“Personal Information Form(PIF)”,“Turkish forms of Adult Resilience Measure(ARM)”,“Dispositional Hope Scale(DHS)”and“Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory(PTGI)”.In order to determine whether there is a significant difference in the effect of psychological resilience of earthquake victims participating in the study on hope and post-traumatic growth levels in terms of socio-demographic variables,after determining that the data was normally distributed,total score average,minimum and maximum values,standard deviation(SD),independent sample t-test,ANOVA,correlation analysis to determine the relationship between the scales and multiple regression analysis to determine the effect between the scales were performed.Results:Of the 202 earthquake victims who participated in the study,65.8%were between the ages of 18–34,67.3%were female,92.1%were not trapped under the rubble,and 34.2%had second-degree relatives trapped under the rubble.It was determined that 77.8%of them lost their relatives in the earthquake and 77.8%of them lost a serious amount of property and money due to the earthquake.As a result of the analysis,it was determined that psychological resilience had a statistically significant and positive effect on hopelessness and post-traumatic growth in individuals who experienced the 06 February earthquake.In this regard,it has been determined that as the psychological resilience of individuals increases,their hope levels and post-traumatic growth will also increase.Conclusion:Based on the research results,increasing hope and increasing psychological resilience in psychosocial support studies carried out by mental health professionals for traumatic events will contribute to the spiritual recovery of individuals.

Promoting Post-Traumatic Growth in Colorectal Cancer Patients:Exploring the Role of Social Support through a Chain Mediation Model

Colorectal cancer(CRC)poses significant physical and psychological challenges that necessitate an exploration of factors influencing post-traumatic growth(PTG)for patient well-being.This study aims to investigate the effects of positive psychological capital(PsyCap)and perceived stress on mediating the social support-PTG relation among 673 CRC patients.Social support,positive PsyCap,perceived stress,and PTG were assessed through questionnaires.The results indicated a direct prediction effect of social support on PTG(LICI=0.481,ULCI=0.644),with the direct effect being 59.5%.Both positive PsyCap and perceived stress exerted a mediating role in the correlation between social support and PTG,with the mediating effects occupying 29.4%(LICI=0.217,ULCI=0.343)and 5.7%(LICI=0.030,ULCI=0.082),respectively.Positive PsyCap further had a chain mediating effect on perceived stress(LICI=0.031,ULCI=0.074),with the chain effect accounting for 5.4%.The total impact of social support on PTG was 100%(LICI=0.882,ULCI=1.008).This model underscores the pivotal role of social support in promoting PTG in CRC patients.Positive PsyCap serves as a crucial mediator in the social support-PTG link,with perceived stress playing a sequential mediating role.Thesefindings suggest that strengthening social support networks and cultivating positive PsyCap may reduce perceived stress and promote the development of PTG in CRC patients.Consequently,intervention programs are recommended to improve the psychosocial well-being of CRC patients.

Transforming growth factor-β1 and vascular endothelial growth factor levels in senile acute myeloid leukemia and correlation with prognosis

BACKGROUND Acute myeloid leukemia(AML)is a disease in which immature hematopoietic cells accumulate in the bone marrow and continuously expand,inhibiting hematopoiesis.The treatment and prognosis of this disease have always been unsatisfactory.AIM To investigate the correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and transforming growth factor-β1(TGFβ1)expression and prognosis in older adults with AML.METHODS This study enrolled 80 patients with AML(AML group),including 36 with complete response(AML-CR),23 with partial response(AML-PR),and 21 with no response(AML-NR).The expression levels of VEGF and TGFβ1 were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in bone marrow mononuclear cells isolated from 56 healthy controls.Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to assess overall survival(OS)and progression-or disease-free survival(DFS).Prognostic risk factors were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model.RESULTS The AML group showed a VEGF level of 2.68±0.16.VEGF expression was lower in patients with AML-CR than those with AML-PR or AML-NR(P<0.05).TGFβ1 expression in the AML group was 0.33±0.05.Patients with AML-CR showed a higher TGFβ1 expression than those with AML-PR or AML-NR(P<0.05).VEGF and TGFβ1 expression in patients with AML was significantly correlated with the counts of leukocytes,platelets,hemoglobin,and peripheral blood immature cells(P<0.05);Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that patients with high TGFβ1 expression had better OS and DFS than those with low TGFβ1 expression(P<0.05),whereas patients with low VEGF levels showed better OS and DFS than those with high VEGF levels(P<0.05).VEGF,TGFβ1,and platelet count were identified by the Cox proportional hazards model as independent risk factors for OS(P<0.05),while VEGF,TGFβ1,and white blood cell count were independent risk factors for DFS(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Decreased VEGF expression and increased TGFβ1 expression in patients with AML provide valuable references for determining and individualizing clinical treatment strategies.

Research on the Digital Economy's Impact on China's Economic Growth:Based on the Variations in Urbanization Levels Across China's Eastern,Central,and Western Regions and Sectoral Heterogeneity

This paper uses inter-provincial panel data from 2011 to 2017,a linear regression model,and a threshold model to conduct empirical analyses of the impact of the digital economy on China's overall economic growth and the three main sectors of industry.The paper then investigates the impact and effects the digital economy has had on the economic growth of the three main sectors of industry in China's eastern,central,and western regions.Finally,the paper investigates the most significant differences among the various regions and the threshold effects of urbanization levels on the relationship between the digital economy and economic growth.The findings indicate a significantly positive correlation between the digital economy and regional economic growth.Moreover,geographical factors notably influence this correlation.The digital economy exerts a positive effect on all sectors of industry.It may not substantially impact industrial development in regions with highly developed infrastructure.Regarding the other regions,the digital economy exhibits varying degrees of impact due to the differences in the specific indicators.The conclusion drawn by the threshold model is that the magnitude of the threshold effect correlates with geographic factors.No threshold effect was observed in the eastern region,while the threshold effect occurred in the central region when the urbanization levels for the provinces were below 0.6645.Similarly,the threshold effect was noted in the western region when the urbanization level was below 0.3931.Considering all of this,the study also offers policy recommendations that will help balance the regional development of digital economies,accelerate the digital transformation of traditional industries,enhance digital infrastructure construction,refine the formulation and implementation of data policy,and establish relevant incentive mechanisms.

Addressing trauma,post-traumatic stress disorder,and posttraumatic growth in breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND Breast cancer(BC)is a common cancer among females in Africa.Being infected with BC in Africa seems like a life sentence and brings devastating experiences to patients and households.As a result,BC is comorbid with trauma,post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD),and post-traumatic growth(PTG).AIM To identify empirical evidence from peer-reviewed articles on the comorbidity trajectories between BC and trauma,BC and PTSD,and BC and PTG.METHODS This review adhered to the PRISMA guidelines of conducting a systematic review.Literature searches of the National Library of Medicine,Scopus,PubMed,Google Scholar,and Scopus databases were conducted using search terms developed for the study.The search hint yielded 769 results,which were screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.At the end of the screening,24 articles were included in the systematic review.RESULTS BC patients suffered trauma and PTSD during the diagnosis and treatment stages.These traumatic events include painful experiences during and after diagnosis,psychological distress,depression,and cultural stigma against BC patients.PTSD occurrence among BC patients varies across African countries,as this review disclosed:90%was reported in Kenya,80%was reported in Zimbabwe,and 46%was reported in Nigeria.The severity of PTSD among BC patients in Africa was based on the test results communicated to the patients.Furthermore,this review revealed that BC patients experience PTG,which involves losing,regaining,and surrendering final control over the body,rebuilding a personified identity,and newfound appreciation for the body.CONCLUSION Patients with BC undergo numerous traumatic experiences during their diagnosis and treatment.Psychological interventions are needed in SSA to mitigate trauma and PTSD,as well as promote PTG.

Current status and influencing factors of post-traumatic growth in maintenance hemodialysis

Objective:To study the post-traumatic growth level and influencing factors in patients with maintenance hemodialysis.Methods:A total of 179 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis from a third-level grade A hospital in Tianjin,China were investigated using Post-traumatic Growth Inventory(PTGI),Perceived Social Support Scale,and Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire.Results:The total score for the PTGI was 53.73±16.45.Multiple linear regression analysis showed that social support,coping style,marital status,and family income significantly influenced the post-traumatic growth level in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.These factors explained 41.4%of the variance.Conclusion:Medical staff should help patients under maintenance hemodialysis to fulfill their potentials by boosting the level of social support and to effectively cope with internal conflicts.In addition,nursing staff should provide relevant psychological health education to patients to improve their post-traumatic growth.

Relationship between perceived social support and post-traumatic growth in coronavirus disease 2019 patients discharged from the hospital

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has affected mental health and physical health negatively in some individuals.Examining perceived social support and post-traumatic growth(PTG)in COVID-19 patients could facilitate our understanding of how patients maintain their mental health.AIM To examine the relationship between the level of perceived social support and PTG in COVID-19 patients discharged from the hospital.METHODS This descriptive study was carried out between August and September 2022 with patients who were hospitalized due to COVID-19 in a university hospital in Erzurum and who were discharged at least 3 mo prior to the beginning of the study.The study was completed by 196 patients.Study data were collected faceto-face using a personal information form,multidimensional scale of perceived social support and PTG inventory.RESULTS The total mean score of the multidimensional scale of perceived social support was 63.82±15.72.The PTG inventory total mean score was 47.77±19.85.In addition,a direct significant correlation was found between perceived social support in COVID-19 patients and PTG.CONCLUSION The study results showed that perceived social support variables affected PTG significantly.Therefore,it is recommended for healthcare professionals to implement interventions to promote social support from healthcare professionals and the patient’s family and friends.Considering the negative effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,it is very important and necessary to implement effective public health interventions to promote PTG to reduce mental health problems.

A predictive score for retinopathy of prematurity by using clinical risk factors and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 levels

AIM：To detect the impact of insulin-like growth factor-1（IGF-1）and other risk factors for the early prediction of retinopathy of prematurity（ROP）and to establish a scoring system for ROP prediction by using clinical criteria and serum IGF-1 levels.METHODS：The study was conducted with 127 preterm infants.IGF-1 levels in the 1st day of life,1st,2nd,3rd and4th week of life was analyzed.The score was established after logistic regression analysis,considering the impact of each variable on the occurrences of any stage ROP.A validation cohort containing 107 preterm infants was included in the study and the predictive ability of ROP score was calculated.RESULTS：Birth weights（BW）,gestational weeks（GW）and the prevalence of breast milk consumption were lower,respiratory distress syndrome（RDS）,bronchopulmonarydysplasia（BPD）and necrotizing enterocolitis（NEC）were more frequent,the duration of mechanical ventilation and oxygen supplementation was longer in patients with ROP（P〈0.05）.Initial serum IGF-1 levels tended to be lower in newborns who developed ROP.Logistic regression analysis revealed that low BW（〈1250 g）,presence of intraventricular hemorrhage（IVH）and formula feeding increased the risk of ROP.Afterwards,the scoring system was validated on 107 infants.The negative predictive values of a score less than 4 were 84.3%,74.7%and 79.8%while positive predictive values were 76.3%,65.5%and71.6%respectively.CONCLUSION：In addition to BW〈1250 g and IVH,formula consumption was detected as a risk factor for the development of ROP.Breastfeeding is important for prevention of ROP in preterm infants.

Growth and Biochmical Studies of Mrigal Fish (Cirrhinus mrigala) Fed Graded Levels of Oil

A 45-day experiment was carried out to evaluate the growth performance, digestive enzymes activity and biochemical response of Cirrhinus mrigala fed graded levels of oil. Three isonitrogenous purified diets （6%, 8% and 10% of oil） were formulated. A total of 108 juveniles of Cirrhinus mrigala （5.95±0.25） g were equally distributed in triplicate groups in nine plastic tanks of 100 L capacity and fed under natural light cycle. Growth performance of the fish significantly reflected the effect of inclusion levels of oil tested but the diet with 8% lipid had the best significant growth performance [% weight gain, Feed Conversion Ratio （FCR） and Specific Growth Rate （SGR）], across different experimental groups. Levels of secretion of digestive enzymes in the fish fed different experimental diets resulted in significant values of （p〈0.05） amylase and lipase, while Aspartate transaminase （AST）, Alanine transaminase （ALT）, Lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） and Malate dehydrognnase （MDH） values in the muscle and liver decreased significantly （F〈0.05） as the levels of oii in the diet increased. However, serum biochemical parameters did not record any significant difference 6o〉0.05） with the exception of the total lipid across diets. The study confirmed the inclusion effect of graded levels ofoil in juvenile Mrigal diet, but the inclusion should not be more than 8% to avert growth depression.

Effectiveness of Post-Traumatic Growth Intervention to Promote Positive Post-Traumatic Traits in Chinese Breast Cancer Patients:A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of post-traumatic growth(PTG)model-based intervention to improve positive psychological traits in Chinese breast cancer patients.Design:A randomized control trial of a psychological group intervention based on PTG model.Methods:The Clinical Trial was registered on 17 August 2019 at Chinese Clinical Trials.gov with Registration number ChiCTR1900025264.A total of 92 patients with breast cancer were recruited.The participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group(n=46)and the control group(n=46).A six-session psychological group intervention based on PTG model was implemented in the experimental group,and a six-session health education was implemented in the control group.The outcomes weremeasured at baseline(pre-intervention),3 weeks,6 weeks after the intervention.The primary outcome was posttraumatic growth assessed by the Chinese version of the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory(PTGI);Secondary outcomes included psychological resilience,family resilience,rumination,and self-disclosure.Results:A total of 87 patients with breast cancer completed this study,including 44 patients in the experimental group and 43 patients in the control group.There was no significant difference in baseline data of breast cancer patients between the two groups except for the treatment regimen(p>0.05).The two groups were compared after the intervention;the interaction effects between the total scores of posttraumatic growth,family resilience,and self-disclosure and the time term were statistically significant(p<0.05),indicating that the trend of change in total scores of post-traumatic growth,family resilience,and self-disclosure differed between the experimental and control groups over time,and the scores improved in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group.The comparison of psychological resilience and total score of rumination at each time point was statistically significant(p<0.05),indicating that group intervention based on the PTG model could improve the psychological recovery ability and rumination level of the experimental group.Conclusion:The psychological group intervention based on the PTG model significantly improved post-traumatic growth,family resilience,and self-disclosure in patients with breast cancer.However,the impact on psychological resilience and rumination was relatively small.Long-term intervention is needed to further test the effect of the PTG model on psychological resilience and rumination.

Plasma fibrinogen levels are associated with epidermal growth factor receptor gene mutation in Chinese patients with non-small cell lung cancer

Objective： The plasma fibrinogen levels had not only been used as an independent prognostic parameter for the patients with non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC）, but also as a promising biomarker for evaluating the efficacy of chemotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the plasma fibrinogen levels and epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR） gene mutation and clinical-pathological characteristics of Chinese patients with NSCLC. Methods： In this retrospective study, NSCLC specimens collected from 352 patients between November 2009 and November 2011 were selected to detect EGFR gene mutation with real-time polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. In these specimens, 308 ones were also detected EGFR gene copy number with fluorescence in situ hybridization （FISH）. Coagulation makers were examined prior to the operations. The association between the plasma fibrinogen levels and EGFR gene mutation and clinical-pathological characteristics were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 software. Results： The median pre-operation plasma fibrinogen level was 3.55 g/L （109/352） patients with higher plasma fibrinogen level （〉 4.0 g/L）. The lower plasma fibrinogen levels correlated significantly with EGFR gene mutations （P 〈 0.001）, the similar result was seen in platelet counts （P = 0.026）. A linear correlation was found between the plasma fibrinogen levels and the platelet counts in NSCLC patients （R^2 = 0.209, P 〈 0.001）. Pre-peration plasma fibrinogen levels correlated with gender （P 〈 0.001）, smoking status （P 〈 0.001 ）, and histology （P 〈 0.001 ）. There were significant link between the above clinical-pathological characteristics and EGFR gene mutations. In addition, EGFR gene mutation was correlated with FISH-positive status （P 〈 0.001）. Moreover, both plasma fibrinogen level （P = 0.024） and the EGFR gene copy number （P = 0.040） had significant relationships with the pathological TNM stage. Conclusion： This study showed that a significant relevance between plasma fibrinogen levels and EGFR gene mutations. The plasma fibrinogen level might be as a clinical decision parameter for evaluating the efficacy of anti-EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors （TKIs） in NSCLC. The patients of NSCLC had higher indicate have poor benefits from anti-EFGR TKIs. In addition, pre-operation plasma fibrinogen level could be used as an indepedent prognostic biomarker for the patients with NSCLC.

Implication of serum levels of interleukin-18 and nitric oxide in tumor growth and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer

To study the effect of IL-18 and nitric oxide(NO) on the growth and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods Serum IL-18 and nitrate and nitrite levels in 82 patients with NSCLC and 20 healthy control subjects were measured by using ELISA and Griess.Results The levels of serum IL-18 were (334.2±31.0)ng/L in NSCLC patients and (151.3±22.0)ng/L in control subjects,respectively.The levels of nitrate and nitrite were (237.1±21.0)μmol/L in NSCLC patients and (44.2±15.0)μmol/L in control subjects.The levels of serum IL-18 and nitrate and nitrite were not related with age,gender,histological types in patients with NSCLC.The levels of serum IL-18 was closely associated with TNM stage,lymph node metastasis and distal metastasis,but not with its degree and organ types of metastasis.There was a negative correlation between the levels of serum IL-18 and nitrate and nitrite.Conclusion Serum IL-18 and nitrate and nitrite levels may be useful to evaluate the prognosis of the patients with NSCLC.16 refs,2 tabs.

Growth and energy budget of juvenile lenok Brachymystax lenok in relation to ration level

We evaluated the effect of ration level （RL） on the growth and energy budget of lenok Brachymystax lenok. Juvenile lenok （initial mean body weight 3.06±0.13 g） were fed for 21 d at five different ration levels： starvation, 2%, 3%, 4% bwd （body weight per day, based on initial mean values）, and apparent satiation. Feed consumption, apparent digestibility, and growth were directly measured. Specific growth rates in terms of wet weight, dry weight, protein, and energy increased logarithmically with an increase in ration levels. The relationship between specific growth rate in terms of wet weight （SGRw, %/d） and RL （%） was characterized by a decelerating curve： SGRw=- 1.417＋3.1661n（RL＋ 1）. The apparent digestibility coefficients of energy exhibited a decreasing pattern with increasing ration level, and there was a significant difference among different RLs. Body composition was significantly affected by ration size. The relationship between feed efficiency rate in terms of energy （FERe） and RL was： FERe=- 14.167＋23.793RL-3.367（RL）2, and the maximum FERe was observed at a 3.53% ration. The maintenance requirement for energy of juvenile lenok was 105.39 kJ BW （kg）-0.80/d, the utilization efficiency of DE for growth was 0.496. The energy budget equation at satiation was： 100IE=29.03FE＋5.78（ZE＋UE）＋39.56 HE＋25.63 RE, where IE is feed energy, FE is fecal energy, ZE＋UE is excretory energy, HE is heat production, and RE is recovered energy. Our results suggest that the most suitable feeding rate for juvenile lenok aquaculture for wet weight growth is 2.89% bwd, whereas for energy growth, the suggested rate is 3.53% bwd at this growth stage.

Mechanism of Photothermal Energy on the Growth and Yield of Rice under Water Level Regulation

The flooding caused by heavy rainfall in rice irrigation area and the drought caused by the drop of groundwater level are the research focus in the field of irrigation and drainage.Based on the comparative experiment and farmland water level control technology,this paper studied the average soil temperature under different soil layers(TM),the daily temperature change(TDC),the photosynthetic accumulation of single leaf and canopy in rice,and response of photothermal energy to rice root characteristics and growth factors in the paddy field under drought conditions.The results showed that the peak soil temperature under drought treatment was basically synchronous with the conventional irrigation,and the it was delayed by 2–6 h under flooding treatment compared to the drought treatment.Under different water gradients,the temperature decreased according to T_(L)>T_(CK)>T_(H)(L,H and CK represented water flooding,drought and control treatments),and the TDC was opposite.In addition to milky stage,the daily photosynthetic(Pn)accumulation of single leaf and canopy in the flooding and drought treated paddy fields were lower than conventional irrigation,and had a negative impact on leaf area index(LAI)and yield(YR),but did not form fatal damage.The root characteristic factors,RL(root length),RW(root weight),R-CR(root-canopy ratio)were promoted with drought,and YR under light drought was slightly higher than that under heavy drought.There was a strong positive correlation between TM and R-CR in all rice growth stages,while TDC-5 was negatively correlated with effective panicle number,TDC and R-CR in 20 cm soil layer were positively correlated.The correlation between daily Pn accumulation and YR was low,and the correlation between Pn and YR factors was negative or weak positive or negative.The total Pn was positively correlated with yield factors,and the correlation coefficient was higher than that of daily Pn.

Phosphorus budget of redeye mullet (Liza haematocheila T. & S.) under graded feeding levels

Experiment on phosphorus budget of redeye mullet (Liza haematocheila T. & S.) was con- ducted at water temperature 21℃ and salinity 33. The results showed that the growth phosphorus (phosphorus that allocated into growth, GP) increased from –30.84% to 15.83% by feeding on graded amount of diets (starvation, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% body weight and satiation). The GP linearly increased with feeding levels (FL) as GP (mg) =–0.785 + 0.604 FL, and at satiation the relationship between GP and body weight (BW) was GP (mg) = 1.5991 BW 0.768 5. In the budget, IP (intake phosphorus) = GP + FP (faecal phosphorus) + EP (excretion phosphorus). FP showed an irregular tendency with different feeding levels, and EP decreased with increasing feeding levels but rebound at satiation. The P budget at satiation was 100IP = 15.84 GP + 64.62 FP + 19.55 EP.

Appropriate Metabolic Energy, Crude Protein, Calciumand Available Phosphorus Levels of Diet for BlackMuscovy Duck at 43-91 Days of Age

[Objective] The paper was to study the effects of diet formulation with different nutrition levels on growth and slaughter performance ofblack muscovy duck at the age of 43-91 days. [Method] Totally 288 individuals of 43dayold black muscovy duck were randomly divided intonine treatments, four repeats each treatment and eight ducks each repeat. UsingL9 （34） orthogonal experiment design （four factors and three levels）,three metabolic energy levels （12.32, 12.72, 13.12 MJ/kg）, three crude protein levels （14%, 16%, 18%）, three calcium levels （0.6%, 0.8%, 1.0%）and three available phosphorus levels （0.30%, 0.45%, 0.6%） were designed, and a total of nine feeding groups （C1C9） were designed according todifferent nutritional levels. Through combination of feeding test （49 d） and metabolic test （pretest 4 d and formal test 3 d）, the growth performance,meat performance and apparent nutrient digestibility of ducks were determined. [Result] The ducks in experimental group C2 had the highest average daily gain, the lowest feed gain ratio, the largest body oblique length, chest width, chest depth and tibia length, which had significant or extremely significant differences with other groups （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. The slaughter rate, semieviscerated rate, eviscerated rate and meat quality ofducks in C2 group were higher （P〈0.05）. The apparent digestibility of crude protein and dietary metabolic energy in C2 group were 88.68% and63.07%, respectively, both were significantly or extremely significantly higher than the other groups（P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）, while the interaction effectof calcium and phosphorus level on apparent digestibility was not obvious. [Conclusion] Under the experimental conditions, the suitable metabolicenergy, crude protein, calcium, available phosphorus and total phosphorus levels of 43 -91 days old black muscovy ducks were 12.32 MJ/kg,16.10%, 0.92%, 0.45% and 0.68%, respectively.

Diagnostic value of serum vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-17 in primary hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Despite significant advancements in the medical treatment of primary hepato-cellular carcinoma(PHC)in recent years,enhancing therapeutic effects and im-proving prognosis remain substantial challenges worldwide.AIM To investigate the expression levels of serum vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and interleukin(IL)-17 in patients with PHC and evaluate their diagnostic value while exploring their relationship with patients’clinical characteristics.METHODS The study included 50 patients with confirmed PHC who visited Wuhan Han-yang Hospital from January 2021 to January 2022,and 50 healthy individuals from the same period served as the control group.Serum VEGF and IL-17 levels in both groups were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay,and their diagnostic value was assessed using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.Pearson correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between serum VEGF and IL-17 levels.Pathological data of the PHC patients were analyzed to determine the relationship between serum VEGF and IL-17 levels and pathological characteristics.RESULTS Serum VEGF and IL-17 levels were significantly higher in the study group com-pared to the control group(P<0.05).No significant association was observed between serum VEGF and IL-17 levels and gender,age,combined cirrhosis,tumor diameter,or degree of differentiation(P>0.05).However,there was a significant relationship between clinical TNM stage,tumor metastasis,and serum VEGF and IL-17 levels(P<0.05).Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between serum VEGF and IL-17(P<0.05).ROC analysis demonstrated that both serum VEGF and IL-17 had good diagnostic efficacy for PHC.CONCLUSION Serum VEGF and IL-17 levels were significantly higher in PHC patients compared to healthy individuals.Their levels were closely related to pathological features such as tumor metastasis and clinical TNM stage,and there was a significant positive correlation between VEGF and IL-17.These biomarkers may serve as valuable reference in-dicators for the early diagnosis and treatment guidance of PHC.

Expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 mRNA and protein level of corpora striata in ischemic side at the early stage of middle cerebral artery ischemia/reperfusion in rhesus monkeys

BACKGROUND： Insulin-like growth factor-I（IGF-1）, as one of the important members of growth factor family, participants in the regulation of many physiological functions and behaviors, having very strong neuroprotective effect. However, the expression of IGF-1 following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion is still disputed. OBJECTIVE： To observe the expression of IGF-1 and protein of corpora striata in ischemic side at the early stage of middle cerebral artery ischemia/reperfusion in rhesus monkey. DESIGN ： A completely randomized grouping design, controlled animal experiment SETTING ： Institute of Cerebrovascular Disease, Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Qingdao University MATERIALS： ① Totally 17 rhesus monkeys , of either gender, aged 4 to 5 years, were enrolled . Seven rhesus monkeys observed with gene chip were randomly divided into 2 groups： sham operation group （n=3） and ischemia/reperfusion group 〈n=4〉. Ten rhesus monkeys observed with in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry method were randomly divided into 2 groups： sham operation group 〈n=3 〉and ischemia/reperfusion group （n=7）. Rhesus monkeys observed under microscope were divided into 2 groups： sham operation group （n=6） and ischamia/reperfusion group （n=-11）.②Materials used in the experiment： cresyl violet （Sigma Company, America）; immunohistochemical reagent kit （ Huamei Bio-engineering Company）; In situ hybridization reagent kit （Boshide Bio-engineering Co.Ltd, Wuhan）; 12 800 dots chip （Boxing Company, Shanghai）. METHODS ： This experiment was carried out at the Institute of Cerebrovascular Disease, Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Qingdao University from January 2001 to December 2003.① The onset area of middle cerebral artery was blocked for 2 hours, middle cerebral artery ischemia/reperfusion models were created.② After ischemia/reperfusion for 24 hours, cerebral tissue sections of rhesus monkeys were prepared and stained with cresyl violet. Image analysis was performed with 5001W image analysis software. Morphological change of corpora striata of operative side was observed in the rhesus monkeys between two groups. Total RNA was extracted from cerebral tissue. ③ Detection of gene chip： Cy3-duTP and Cy5-duTP were used to respectively perform reverse transcription labeling. The sample was reversely transcribed into cDNA, then hybridized with cDNA of cerebral tissue. Genes with the separate absolute value of cy3 and cy5〉800, cY3/cy5 〉 2（high expression） or 〈 0.5 （low expression） were found out. Those were genes with differential expression. ④ The expressions of IGF-1 mRNA and protein level of corpora striata in ischemic side of rhe- sus monkeys were detected between sham operation group and ischemia/reperfusion group at 9 and 24 hours after ischemia/reperfusion with in situ hybridization method and immunohistochemical method. Brown granules were IGF-1 protein positive cells. ⑤ Analysis of variance was used in the difference comparison of measurement data among groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES ： ① Change of morphological structure of corpora striata at ischemic side in rhesus monkeys. ② Change of cerebral gene expression profiles at ischemia/reperfusion in rhesus monkeys between two groups.③ Expression of IGF-1 mRNA and protein level of corpora striata at ischemia/reperfu- sion in rhesus monkeys between two groups. RESULTS ： ① Pathological change ： Obvious pathological change of cerebral infarction appeared in the ischemia and reperfusion group, while there was no such pathological change in the sham operation group.② Change of gene expression profile ： There were 4480 genes with difference expression in the ischemia/reperfusion group and sham-operation group, in which, 260 genes had high expression and their absolute value was over 800, and 63 genes had low expression, cy3/cy5 of IGF-1 was 0.379, being relative low ex- pression. ③ IGF-1 mRNA and protein positive cell counts in corpora striata at cerebral ischemic side[IGF-1 mRNA： 〈9.72±1.18）,（9.11 ±0.76）,（14.77±0.60） counts/field：lGF-1 protein： （15.11 ±1.83）,（15.39±0.78）, （34.62±0.97）counts/field, P 〈 0.05-0.01]. CONCLUSION： IGF-1 mRNA and protein are lowly expressed in middle cerebral artery of rhesus monkeys at ischemia/reperfusion.

The Importance of Prolactin Levels in Patients Treated with Cabergoline for the Prevention of OHSS:Is Cabergoline Really Effective in Patients with High Risk of OHSS?

Background: OHSS is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening condition for which many researchers look for new ways to treat. Aim: To determine the effectiveness of prophylactic cabergoline administration on prolactine levels in patients with high risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Material and Methods: 163 in vitro fertilisation (IVF) patients with high risk for OHSS were enrolled in the study. The criteria for inclusion were more than 15 oocytes retrieved at oocyte pick up. A standard antagonist protocol was used for ovulation induction. Cabergoline treatments (0.5 mg/day) were started on the day of oocyte retrieval and continued for eight days. Prolactine levels were measured at the day of oocyte retrieval and the 9th day after the oocyte retrieval. Results: Of the 163 patients, 26 (15.9%) had OHSS. Prolactine levels on the day of oocyte retrieval were 44.22 ± 24.78 ng/mL and 37.6 ± 22.5 ng/mL in patients with OHSS and without OHSS, respectively (P > 0.05). In contrary prolactine levels were significantly higher in patients with OHSS patients (3.9 ± 5.07 ng/mL) than in patients without OHSS (2.1 ± 2.92 ng/mL) at the 9th day after oocyte retrieval (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Prolactine levels were higher in patients with OHSS than without OHSS who were treated with cabergoline for the prevention of OHSS.

Influence of the Repeated Flooding on Growth and Development of Acorus calamus Vegetation in Water-level-fluctuation Zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir

[ Objective] The research aimed to study influence of the repeated flooding on growth and development of A. calamus in water-level-fluc- tuation zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir. [ Method] A. calamus plants were exposed to water under the dark conditions respectively in Septem- ber 2009 and September 2010. Then, they were taken away from the water, and grew in natural conditions in the following March and April respec- tively （ marked as S1, S2, S1 and S2）. The plant number was conducted statistics respectively. On May 7, the leaf number was made statistics. Length, width and rapid light responding curve of the leaf were determined. [ Result] Repeated flooding restrained significantly plant germination un- der the dark condition. Plant number in S1 and S2 groups decreased by 38.9% and 33.3% respectively compared with the control. It also reduced survival rate of the plant. Plant number in S2 group decreased by 16.7% （P 〈 0.05） compared with that of S2 group when they were taken away from the water. Both of flooding promoted elongation of the leaves, restrained leaves to grow wider, and also restrained leaf formation of the plants except for S1 and S1 groups. Total leaf length of a plant decreased markedly after the second flooding which in S1 and S2 groups were 50.6% and 36.9% respectively less than that after the first flooding. Total leaf number of the plant in S1and S2 groups reduced significantly, and they were only 63.1% and 38.5% respectively of the control. Compared with the first flooding, total leaf length of a plant in the control increased signifi- cantly and decreased remarkably in S2 group after the second flooding. Furthermore, light response ability of the relative electronic transfer rate （rETR） in S1 group wasn＇t significantly different from the control, and rETRmax, in S2 group was significantly less than the control. Moreover, non- photochemical quenching （NPQ） decreased remarkably in S1 and S2 groups. It indicated that A. calamus had good restore ability of the light re- sponse, but restoring of its heat dissipation capacity was slower. [ Conclusion] Repeated flooding inhibited plant growth and population recovery of A. calamus under the dark condition.