[Difference of one year death and stroke recurrence in ischemic stroke patients with anterior and posterior circulation intracranial atherosclerosis]

Objective: To explore the differences of one year death and stroke recurrence between ischemic stroke patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis or occlusion of anterior circulation and those of posterior circulation. Methods: All the patients were from the Chinese Intracranial Atherosclerosis Study (CICAS), between October 2007 and June 2009; patients with extracranial stenosis or occlusion, patients without acute infarction by diffusion weighted image, and patients with intracranial atherosclerosis of both anterior and posterior circulation were excluded.All the enrolled patients were divided into three groups: no significant intracranial atherosclerosis group (n=964), anterior circulation intracranial atherosclerosis group (n=440), posterior circulation intracranial atherosclerosis group (n=233). One year outcome was evaluated by any cause of death and stroke recurrence. Results: Of the 1 637 patients, 30 cases were died and 58 cases had stroke recurrence within one year.Compared with : no significant intracranial atherosclerosis group, adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of one-year death for anterior and posterior circulation intracranial atherosclerosis group were 1.349 (0.311-5.851), 4.542 (1.227-16.813), respectively.Adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of one year stroke recurrence were 1.663 (0.620-4.460) and 2.464 (0.935-6.493), respectively. Conclusions: Ischemic stroke patients with intracranial atherosclerosis of posterior circulation has higher risk of one year death. One year stroke recurrence risk for patients with intracranial atherosclerosis of anterior and posterior circulation needs to be further evaluated.

[Clinical features and gene mutation analysis of patients with Niemann-Pick disease type C]

Objective: To analyze the clinical manifestations, therapeutic efficacy, prognosis and characteristics of NPC1 mutation in Chinese patients with Niemann-Pick disease type C(NPC). Methods: Ten unrelated Chinese NPC patients were diagnosed by NPC1 mutation analysis from July 2013 to February 2017 in Beijing Tian Tan Hospital of Capital Medical University. Clinical data of 10 cases were analyzed retrospectively which included clinical manifestations, laboratory results and NPC1 gene mutation features, and a series of follow-up were carried out about therapeutic efficacy and prognosis. Results: Ten patients suffering from NPC included 5 males and 5 females, aged from 42 days to 14 years when they presented to Tian Tan Hospital. According to their age of neurological onset, 4 were in early infantile period, 2 in late infantile period, 2 in juvenile periods, and the other 2 cases in neonatal period. They all presented with splenomegaly, 5 of 10 accompanied with hepatomegaly. Two cases of neonatal subtype presented mainly with delayed neonatal cholestatic jaundice and hepatosplenomegaly, accompanied with decreased muscle tone and slight psychomotor retardation. The other 8 cases presented with severe neurological involvement, such as progressive encephalopathy, ataxia and language impairment, 4 with dystonia, 3 with decreased muscle tension, 5 with vertical supranuclear gaze palsy, 5 with gelastic cataplexy, and 4 with epilepsy. Eight of 9 cases presented with foam cells in their bone marrow. Head MRI showed diffuse cerebral atrophy in 8 cases, thin corpus callosum in 2 cases, and brain white matter abnormal signals in 2 cases. Among 10 cases, 18 different mutations of NPC1 allelic genes were identified including 11 reported mutations, 3 novel missense mutations: c. 3683T>C (p.Met1128Thr), c.1926G>C (p.Met642Iie) and c. 3006C>G (p.Phe1002Leu), 2 novel nonsense mutation: c. 1142G>A(p.Trp381Ter ) and c. 3229C>T(p.Arg1077Ter), 1 novel minimal deletion mutation: c. 1385-1386del, and 1 novel intron mutation: c. 1757+ 5G>A. In 5 cases, the symptom of gelastic cataplexy was alleviated by imipramine, and the convulsion was relieved by valproate in 2 cases, by carbamazepine in 1 case at the beginning of seizure. During the 25 (3-66) months of follow-up, 4 cases died, the others' neurological symptoms were deteriorated progressively. Conclusions: The NPC1 gene mutation were high heterozygous in this group, and 7 novel mutations enriched the gene mutation spectrum of NPC1. The neurological manifestations were complicated in patients with NPC, and the symptomatology would be different according to their onset age of neurological symptoms. There might be effective symptomatic treatment for gelastic cataplexy by imipramine and for convulsion by valproate or carbamazepine.

Assessment of the Combined Effect of Plasma Exchange and Plasma Perfusion on Patients with Severe Hepatitis Awaiting Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

To determine if plasma exchange combined with plasma perfusion is a reliable and effective temporary liver support treatment for patients on the waiting list for OLT, we tested this method in 5 patients with end-stage and 3 patients with middle-stage severe hepatitis. Four patients were successfully controlled until a donor liver was available 4 to 13 days later. In contrast, the remaining 4 patients were not adequately controlled by this treatment and experienced aggravated disease progression, dying 3 to 8 days after treatment while still awaiting OLT. Of those 4 patients who received OLT, 2 patients died from multi-organ failure caused by hepatic failure, while the other 2 survived. These findings show that plasma exchange combined with plasma perfusion provides temporary support for some patients on the waiting list for OLT. The ability of patients to successfully bridge to OLT is closely associated with the degree of liver failure, complications, multi-organ failure, and the length of the waiting period for a donor liver.

Designing of metallic nanocrystals embedded in non-stoichiometric perovskite nanomaterial and its surface-electronic characteristics

Engineering of novel functional nanocomposite as like as the metallic nanocrystals supported non-stoichiometric perovskite nanomaterial in controlled parameters (size, shape and ratio of chemical characteristics) is a challengeable task. In this context, we present a facile route to fabricate and study its physicochemical property at real time mode in this report. Nanoscale pure Pb crystals surfaced on non-stoichiometric A-site deficient Pb_1-xTiO_3-y nanoparticle were fabricated when a precursor lead titanate (PbTiO₃) nanoparticle was exposed to an electron beam irradiation (EBI) in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) at ambient temperature. In the state of the art, the chemical states and electronic structure of non-irradiated and irradiated PbTiO₃ were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Electron bombardment resulted in a new visible feature at low binding energy in the Pb 4f core level, while Ti 2p and O 1s line shape showed slight changes. The Fermi level of the corresponding materials was determined to be 1.65 ± 0.1 eV and 2.05 ± 0.1 eV above the valence band maximum, respectively. The normal, weakly p-type PTO exhibits peculiar n-type feature after EBI process (The Fermi level moves near to the conduction band). A feasible mechanism is proposed involving the electron-stimulated local bond-breaking phenomenon in PbTiO₃.

[Evaluation of the modified test system for children sound localization]

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of modified test system for sound localization (SL) in children. Methods: Modified system (6 male, 9 female) and traditional method ( 5 male, 5 female) were used for evaluation of minimum audible angle(MAA) and root-mean-square error(RMS) error of 4 to 6 years old children, and the results were compared to verify the accuracy and effectiveness of the modified test system for children sound localization.SPSS 17.0 software was used to analyze the data(t test). Results: (1) Comparison of veracity of modified system and traditional test: when tested at the positive front position using modified system, MAA and RMS error were(3.23±1.00)° and (13.68±5.18)° respectively.When using traditional method, MAA and RMS error were(3.17±0.59)°and (13.96±4.56)° respectively. No statistical differences were found between two groups(t value was 0.16, -0.14, both P>0.05). (2) Comparison of time used were as followed: when using modified system, it was (14.67±1.95) min for MAA, and (6.67±1.35) min for RMS error. When using traditional method, it was (36.30±6.81) min for MAA, and (21.00±3.50) min for RMS error. Time used were significant shorter in modified system than in traditional method (t value was-9.78, -12.37, both P<0.05). Conclusion: Modified test system for children sound localization is useful and reliable in children's horizontal SL test.The time used of modified test system is shorter than that of traditional test system.

Aortic dissection with acute non-st-segment elevation myocardial infarction as the first manifestation

Acute chest pain caused by aortic dissection or acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the most serious medical emergencies and requires very quick differential diagnosis to seize the best time for treatment. Aortic dissection and acute myocardial infarction are manifested with similar symptoms, making it difficult to differentially diagnose these two conditions. The present case was initially misdiagnosed as an acute non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) with left aortic disease, and then diagnosed by coronary angiography examination as type A aortic dissection (AAD). This case points to the need to collect and analyze as much patient clinical data as possible, including medical history and the results of auxiliary examination which would help to avoid misdiagnosis or treatment delay and reduce mortality among patients with type AAD when they manifest symptoms of chest pain and an ECG pattern of NSTEMI.

Study on the expression of human lysozyme in oviduct bioreactor mediated by recombinant avian adeno-associated virus

Due to its antimicrobial properties and low toxicity, human lysozyme (hLYZ) has broad application in the medical field and as a preservative used by the food industry. However, limited availability hinders its widespread use. Hence, we constructed a recombinant avian adeno-associated virus (rAAAV) that would specifically express hLYZ in the chicken oviduct and harvested hLYZ from the egg whites of laying hens. The oviduct-specific human lysozyme expression cassette flanked by avian adeno-associated virus (AAAV) inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) was subcloned into the modified baculovirus transfer vector pFBX, and then the recombinant baculovirus rBac-ITRLYZ was generated. The recombinant avian adeno-associated virus was produced by co-infecting Sf9 cells with rBac-ITRLYZ and the other 2 baculoviruses containing AAAV functional genes and structural genes, respectively. Electron microscopy and real-time PCR revealed that the recombinant viral particles were generated successfully with a typical AAAV morphology and a high titer. After one intravenous injection of each laying hen with 2 × 1011 viral particles, oviduct-specific expression of recombinant human lysozyme (rhLYZ) was detected by reverse transcription-PCR. The expression level of rhLYZ in the first wk increased to 258 ± 11.5 μg/mL, reached a maximum of 683 ± 16.4 μg/mL at the fifth wk, and then progressively declined during the succeeding 7 wk of the study. Western blotting indicated that the oviduct-expressed rhLYZ had the same molecular weight as the natural enzyme. These results indicate that an efficient and convenient oviduct bioreactor mediated by rAAAV has been established, and it is useful for production of other recombinant proteins.

Giant linear strain gradient with extremely low elastic energy in a perovskite nanostructure array

Although elastic strains, particularly inhomogeneous strains, are able to tune, enhance or create novel properties of some nanoscale functional materials, potential devices dominated by inhomogeneous strains have not been achieved so far. Here we report a fabrication of inhomogeneous strains with a linear gradient as giant as 10⁶ per metre, featuring an extremely lower elastic energy cost compared with a uniformly strained state. The present strain gradient, resulting from the disclinations in the BiFeO₃ nanostructures array grown on LaAlO₃ substrates via a high deposition flux, induces a polarization of several microcoulomb per square centimetre. It leads to a large built-in electric field of several megavoltage per metre, and gives rise to a large enhancement of solar absorption. Our results indicate that it is possible to build up large-scale strain-dominated nanostructures with exotic properties, which in turn could be useful in the development of novel devices for electromechanical and photoelectric applications.

Connexin 43 enhances oxaliplatin cytotoxicity in colorectal cancer cell lines

Oxaliplatin, a platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent, is an important first-line drug in the treatment of colorectal cancers, but drug resistance causes treatment failure. It has been reported that gap junctional communication can enhance the cytotoxicity of platinum drugs.  The gap junction formed of connexin proteins provides a direct pathway for electrical and metabolic cell-cell interaction. The voltage-dependent gating of gap junction allows small hydrophilic molecules and ions to permeate to adjacent cells. Connexin 43 is a diagnostic marker for cancer therapy and the predominant connexin isoform in many cell types. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of connexin 43 in oxaliplatin activity by using colorectal cancer cell lines. LoVo and HCT116 cell lines were used for analysis. Connexin 43 expression was confirmed by western blot and immunocytochemistry. MTT, western blot, "Parachute" dye-coupling assays and reactive oxygen species measurement were used to detect cytotoxicity and the inhibition of connexin 43 expression induced by oxaliplatin. Results showed that connexin 43 enhanced oxaliplatin cytotoxicity through gap junctional communication function and high concentration of oxaliplatin inhibited connexin 43 expression to counteract its cytotoxicity. This study suggested that connexin 43 could be considered a molecular target of oxaliplatin activity in colorectal cancer.

[Influences of repeated propofol anesthesia on hippocampal apoptosis and long-term learning and memory abilities of neonatal rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influences of repeated propofol anesthesia on the hippocampal apoptosis and the long-term learning and memory abilities of neonatal rats.

METHODS

In the study, 45 male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 7 days, were randomly divided into 3 group (n=15 each): control group (C group) that received intralipid 7.5 mL/kg intraperitioneal (IP) once a day×7 days; group propofol 1 (P1) that received propofol 75 mg/kg IP once a day×7 days; group propofol 2 (P2) that received intralipid 7.5 mL/kg IP once a day×6 days+propofol 75 mg/kg IP on the 7th day. In each group, 5 animals were chosen and arterial blood samples were obtained immediately after the animals were fully awake for blood gas analysis. Learning and memory abilities were assessed using Morris water maze when the other rats were 4 weeks old. The animals were decapitated after the tests. The hippocampi were isolated for detection of neuron-specific nucleoprotein (NeuN) expression by immunohistochemistry method and the expression of caspase-3 using the Western blot.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the indexes of blood gas analysis among the 3 groups. Morris water maze test: compared with group C, the escape latency and the length of searching on the 5th day were significantly prolonged, and the searching time in target quadrant and platform crossing on the 6th day were significantly decreased in group P1 (P<0.05) but not in group P2. Compared with group C, NeuN-positive neurons were decreased, and the expression of caspase-3 was increased in the rats of group P1 (P<0.05) but not in group P2.

CONCLUSION

Repeated propofol anesthesia may destroy long-term learning and memory abilities by inducing apoptosis of hippocampal neurons in neonatal rats, while single dose of propofol has no obvious effect on the hippocampal apoptosis and long-term learning and memory of neonatal rats.

[Prospective study of riskfactors of difficult laryngeal exposure in suspension laryngoscopy]

Objective:The aim of this study was to demonstrate the risk factors which affect the exposure of glottis in suspension laryngoscopy.Method:We performed a prospective study about 90 cases of vocal cord lesions underwent microlaryngosurgery(including polyps,vocal nodules,cyst and papilloma).Then we recorded the clinical data related to glottic exposure, both preoperatively and intraoperatively. Result:Univariate analysis showed that parameters like age(P=0.038), Cormack-Lehane score(P=0.007),maximuminterincisors gap(P=0.007),hyoid-mental distance(HMD) in full extension(P=0.033), thyroid-mental distance(TMD) in full extension(P=0.014), vertical thyroid-mental distance(VTMD) in full extension(P=0.042), sternum-mental distance(SMD) in full extension(P=0.01) and degree of neck flexion-extension(P=0.003) were related to intraoperative difficult exposure of the glottic area.In logistic regression analysis, Cormack-Lehane score(P=0.003), maximuminterincisors gap(P=0.001) and degree of neck flexion-extension(P=0.002) were significantly risk factors of difficult laryngealexposure. Conclusion:Combination of Cormack-Lehane score, maximuminterincisors gap and degree of neck flexion-extensionmay help to predict the difficult laryngealexposure, so we should evaluate patients before operations of suspension laryngoscopy to decrease the surgical complication.

[Preventive and therapeutic effects of rapamycin against autoimmune hepatitis and liver fibrosis and possible mechanisms]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the preventive and therapeutic effects of rapamycin (RAPA) on autoimmune hepatitis and liver fibrosis induced by concanavalin A (ConA) and possible mechanisms.

METHODS

Female C57BL/6 mice aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into normal control group, ConA model group, and ConA+RAPA treatment group. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured; hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining and Knodell HAI and Ishak scoring systems were used to evaluate the degrees of liver inflammation and fibrosis. Gradient centrifugation was used to separate mononuclear cells, flow cytometry was used to measure CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio, and intracellular cytokine staining was performed to measure the levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) in immune cells. The t-test was used for data comparison between groups.

RESULTS

The RAPA treatment group showed a significant reduction in serum ALT level compared with the ConA model group (P < 0.05). Liver inflammatory injury was reduced significantly, and there was no obvious fibrous tissue proliferation. The level of TGF-β in mononuclear cells was reduced significantly, and the treatment group had a significantly lower level of TGF-β than the model group (8.91%±1.25% vs 16.65%±2.05%, P < 0.05). The proportions of CD4(+) and CD8(+)T cells in the liver were reduced, and the treatment group had significantly lower proportions of CD4(+) and CD8(+)T cells than the model group (proportion of CD4(+)T cells: 4.09%±1.20% vs 8.91%±0.69%, P < 0.05; proportion of CD8(+)T cells: 3.28%±0.66% vs 9.68%±1.46%, P < 0.05). The proportion of Th1 cells was reduced, and the treatment group had a significantly lower proportion of Th1 cells than the model group (1.02%±0.06% vs 2.83%±0.21%, P < 0.05); the proportions of Th3 and Tr1 regulatory T cells were increased, and the treatment group had significantly higher proportions of Th3 and Tr1 regulatory T cells than the model group (proportion of Th3 regulatory T cells: 59.53%±9.82% vs 47.13%±4.79%, P < 0.05; proportion of Tr1 regulatory T cells: 10.63%±2.27% vs 7.09%±1.66%, P < 0.05), but the proportion of Th2 cells showed no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

RAPA can promote the differentiation of Th3/Tr1 cells, reduce the expression of TGF-β in mononuclear cells, slow down the progression of chronic hepatitis induced by ConA into liver fibrosis, and thus prevent liver fibrosis.

Influence of dairy by-product waste milk on the microbiomes of different gastrointestinal tract components in pre-weaned dairy calves

The community structure of colonised bacteria in the gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) of pre-weaned calves is affected by extrinsic factors, such as the genetics and diet of the calves; however, the dietary impact is not fully understood and warrants further research. Our study revealed that a total of 6, 5, 2 and 10 bacterial genera showed biologically significant differences in the GITs of pre-weaned calves fed four waste-milk diets: acidified waste milk, pasteurised waste milk, untreated bulk milk, and untreated waste milk, respectively. Specifically, generic biomarkers were observed in the rumen (e.g., Bifidobacterium, Parabacteroides, Fibrobacter, Clostridium, etc.), caecum (e.g., Faecalibacterium, Oxalobacter, Odoribacter, etc.) and colon (e.g., Megamonas, Comamonas, Stenotrophomonas, etc.) but not in the faeces. In addition, the predicted metabolic pathways showed that the expression of genes related to metabolic diseases was increased in the calves fed untreated waste milk, which indicated that untreated waste milk is not a suitable liquid diet for pre-weaned calves. This is the first study to demonstrate how different types of waste milk fed to pre-weaned calves affect the community structure of colonised bacteria, and the results may provide insights for the intentional adjustment of diets and gastrointestinal bacterial communities.

Karyotype analysis and ribosomal gene localization of spotted knifejaw Oplegnathus punctatus

The spotted knifejaw, Oplegnathus punctatus, is an important aquaculture fish species in China. To better understand the chromosomal microstructure and the karyotypic origin of this species, cytogenetic analysis was performed using Giemsa staining to identify metaphase chromosomes, C-banding to detect C-positive heterochromatin, silver staining to identify the nucleolus organizer regions (Ag-NORs), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for physical mapping of the major (18S rDNA) and minor (5S rDNA) ribosomal genes. The species showed a karyotype of 2n = 48 for females, composed of 2 submetacentric and 46 telocentric chromosomes, with a fundamental number (FN) = 50, while the karyotype of males was 2n = 47, composed of 1 exclusive large metacentric, 2 submetacentric, and 44 telocentric chromosomes, with FN = 50. These karyotype results suggest that O. punctatus might have an X₁X₁X₂X₂/X₁X₂Y multiple sex chromosome system. C-positive heterochromatin was distributed in the centromeres of all chromosomal pairs and in the terminal portions of some chromosomes. A single pair of Ag-positive NORs was found to be localized at the terminal regions of the short arms of the subtelocentric chromosome pair, which was supported by FISH of 18S rDNA. After FISH, 5S rDNA were located on the interstitial regions of the smallest telocentric chromosome pair. This study was the first to identify the karyotype of this species and will facilitate further research on karyotype evolution in the order Perciformes.

[Effects of mTOR-Cdc42 signaling pathway on phagocytosis of alveolar macrophages in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease mice]

Objective: To investigate effects of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)- cell division cycle 42 (Cdc42) signaling pathway on phagocytosis of alveolar macrophages (AMs) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mice. Methods: Forty mice were randomly divided into control group and model group. Each group contained 20 mice. COPD model group were established by cigarette smoking exposure. AMs were isolated from lung tissue by discontinuous density gradient centrifugation. AMs from control group were divided into health control group and rapamycin control group while AMs from model group were divided into COPD group and rapamycin COPD group. The AMs from rapamycin control group and rapamycin COPD group were incubated with a final concentration of 10 nmol/L rapamycin for 24 hours. Mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) and the positive percent of alveolar macrophage engulfed flurescein isothiocyanate-labeled Escherichina coli (FITC-E.coli) AM (AM%) were detected by flow cytometry. Real time PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blot were applied to detect mRNA and protein. The activity of Cdc42 was detected by G-LISA Small GTPase Activation Assays (G-LISA) Cdc42 Kit. The cytoskeleton structure of AM was observed by laser scanning confocal microscopy. Results: MFI and AM% in COPD group were decreased than those in health control group[4 060±590 vs 9 190±988 and (28.65±1.26)% vs (67.50±4.56)%]; Compared with COPD group, MFI and AM% in rapamycin COPD group[4 856±762, (38.31±1.71)%]were increased (all P<0.05). The expression of mRNA, protein and activity of mTOR in COPD group were increased than those in health control group[(2.62±0.46, 1.30±0.52, 1.46±0.43) vs (1.00±0.00, 0.48±0.27, 0.58±0.26)]; compared with COPD group, the expression of mRNA, protein and activity of mTOR in rapamycin COPD group (1.40±0.36, 0.90±0.66, 0.92±0.28) were decreased (all P<0.05). The Cdc42 mRNA, protein and activity in COPD group were higher than those in health control group[(2.56±0.50, 1.61±0.37, 0.46±0.09) vs (1.00±0.00, 0.67±0.22, 0.30±0.07)](all P<0.01); compared with COPD group, the expression of mRNA, protein and activity of Cdc42 in rapamycin COPD group (1.38±0.34, 0.91±0.48, 0.36±0.06) were decreased (all P<0.01). Filopodia protruding can not be seen in the cytoskeleton of AMs from health control group and rapamycin control group; some filopodia protruding can be seen in AM from COPD group; some long filopodia protruding can be seen in AM from rapamycin COPD group. Negative correlations were existed between the mRNA, protein and activity of mTOR, Cdc42 and MFI in all group. Conclusions: mTOR-Cdc42 signaling pathway is activated and related to phagocytosis deficiency of AM in COPD. It can be inferred that the pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of COPD.

Role of COL9A1 genetic polymorphisms in development of congenital talipes equinovarus in a Chinese population

Talipes equinovarus is a common congenital deformity. COL9A1 polymorphisms are associated with the development of articular cartilage-related diseases. In the current study, we evaluated the relationship between COL9A1 rs1135056, rs35470562, and rs592121 genetic polymorphisms and risk of congenital talipes equinovarus. Between January 2013 and July 2015, 87 children with congenital talipes equinovarus and 174 control subjects were recruited from the Fourth People's Hospital of Shaanxi and the First Hospital of Yulin. Genotyping of COL9A1 rs1135056, rs35470562, and rs592121 was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Using conditional regression analysis, the AA genotype of COL9A1 rs35470562 was found to be significantly associated with increased risk of congenital talipes equinovarus compared to the GG genotype [odds ratio (OR) = 2.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06-6.32]. In addition, under a recessive model, rs35470562 AA carriers were observed to be at higher risk for this condition in comparison to individuals with GG or GA genotypes (OR = 2.23, 95%CI = 1.03-5.04). However, no significant relationship was established between the COL9A1 rs1135056 and rs592121 polymorphisms and congenital talipes equinovarus in any of the genetic models tested. In conclusion, our results indicate that the COL9A1 rs35470562 variant may contribute to congenital talipes equinovarus susceptibility in the Chinese population examined.

An instrument for measuring scintillators efficiently based on silicon photomultipliers

An instrument used for measuring multiple scintillators' light output and energy resolution was developed. The instrument consisted of a light sensor array which was composed of 64 discrete SiPMs (Silicon Photomultipliers), a corresponding individual channel readout electronics system, and a data processing algorithm. A Teflon grid and a large interval between adjacent SiPMs were employed to eliminate the optical cross talk among scintillators. The scintillators' light output was obtained by comparing with a reference sample with known light output. Given the SiPM temperature dependency and the difference among each SiPM, a temperature offset correction algorithm and a non-uniformity correction algorithm were added to the instrument. A positioning algorithm, based on nine points, was designed to evaluate the performance of a scintillator array. Tests were performed to evaluate the instrument's performance. The uniformity of 64 channels for light output measurement was better than 98%, the stability was better than 98% when temperature varied from 15 °C to 40 °C, and the nonlinearity under 511 keV was better than 2%. This instrument was capable of selecting scintillators and evaluating the packaging technology of scintillator arrays with high efficiency and accuracy.

[Combination of B-type brain natriuretic peptide with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction for prediction of mortality in the patients with septic shock]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prognostic value of combination of plasma brain natriuretic peptide(BNP) with the ratio of early diastolic mitral inflow velocity to early diastolic mitral annulus velocity(E/E') in the patients with septic shock.

METHODS

From June 2012 to December 2013 , 127 patients with septic shock were consecutively recruited and underwent trans-thoracic echocardiography examination within 6 h after admission to Intensive Care Unit(ICU), Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital. Plasma BNP concentration was measured using ELISA method. All Clinical, laboratory, and survival data were prospectively collected.

RESULTS

Of 127 patients enrolled, mean values for age were(59.9±17.3) years and APACHE Ⅱ score(16.8±5.8), respectively. 95 patients(74.8%) took mechanical ventilation. 28- , 60-day mortality rate was 36.3% and 42.3%, respectively. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that age, coronary artery disease, serum creatinine and lactate, plasma BNP, left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF), E/E' and APACHE Ⅱ score were significantly(P≤0.05) associated with 60-day mortality. Multivariate analysis revealed that serum lactate, plasma BNP(χ(2)=9.4, P=0.002) , E/E'(χ(2)=4.89, P=0.02) and APACHE Ⅱ score(χ(2)=10.6, P=0.001) remained independent predictors for 60-day mortality. ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal plasma BNP and E/E' cutoff values identified were 338.8 pg/ml and 10.8, and the areas under ROC curve were 0.89(sensitivity: 83.7%; specificity: 81.4%)and 0.83(sensitivity: 76.7%; specificity: 72.9%)for 60-day mortality, respectively. In addition to plasma BNP and clinical predictors, the E/E' could provide in independent and incremental prognostic value of 60-day mortality(χ(2)=59.3 vs 47.8, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Plasma BNP and E/E' are independent predictors for 60-day mortality, and combination of plasma BNP and E/E' could improve risk stratification in patients with septic shock.

[Clinical, pathological and imaging features of primary pelvic Ewing's sarcoma]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical, pathological and imaging features of Ewing's sarcoma in pelvis and to improve knowledge and diagnosis of the disease.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the clinical, pathological and imaging data of pathologically confirmed 13 cases of Ewing's sarcoma in pelvis was carried out between May 2008 and March 2016 in the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University and the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University.

RESULTS

The median age 13 cases of pelvic primary Ewing's sarcoma was 17 years old.The X-ray and CT imagings showed osteolytic and mixed bone destruction, CT showed mixed type in 10 cases, 8 cases of bone tumors as a flocculent, 10 cases of bone expansion failure, 10 cases of periosteal reaction, the layered 5 cases, radial in 5 cases.Thirteen cases showed soft tissue mass, soft tissue mass was equal or slightly lower density.Four cases showed heterogeneous contrast enhancement.The lesions showed low signal in T1WI and mixed high signal in T2WI of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). The boundary of the lesions were obscure, and 5 cases had patchy necrosis area, and 9 cases had incomplete false capsule, surrounding soft tissue was violated.Four cases showed heterogeneous contrast enhancement after MRI enhancement scan.

CONCLUSIONS

The age of onset of Ewing's sarcoma of the pelvis is more concentrated in about 15 years.The imaging feaures are mixed bone destruction and more bone is swelling and permeability damage, soft tissue mass is larger, bone tumor is cloudy or acicular, periosteal reaction in a layered and radial, most cases show that the false envelope is not complete.Combined with clinical and imaging examination, the diagnosis of the disease can be made.

Genetic diversity of rhg1 and Rhg4 loci in wild soybeans resistant to soybean cyst nematode race 3

Over-utilization of germplasms that are resistant to the soybean cyst nematode (SCN) in soybean breeding programs can lead to genetic vulnerability in resistant cultivars. Resistant wild soybean (Glycine soja) is considered an invaluable gene source for increasing the genetic diversity of SCN resistance. In this study, we genotyped 23 G. soja accessions that are resistant to SCN race 3 for polymorphisms in the resistance genes, rhg1, Rhg4, and SHMT, and investigated their genetic relationship with eight Glycine max resistant cultivars. We identified 89 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 11 DNA insertion-deletions (InDels), of which 70 SNPs and 8 InDels were found in rhg1, 9 SNPs were found in Rhg4, and 10 SNPs and 3 InDels were found in SHMT. Nucleotide diversity was π = 0.00238 and θ = 0.00235, and haplotype diversity was 1.000. A phylogenetic tree comprising four clusters was constructed using sequence variations of the 23 G. soja and 8 G. max resistant accessions. Five G. soja accessions in subcluster A2, and four G. soja accessions in cluster B were genetically distant from G. max genotypes. Eight resistance-associated SNPs in the three resistance genes formed nine haplotypes in total. G. soja resistant accessions had different haplotypes (H2, H4, H5, H6, H7, and H8) compared with those of G. max (H1, H3, and H9). These results provide vital information on the use of wild soybeans for broadening the genetic base of SCN resistance.

[Study on the pharyngeal constriction and function of cricopharyngeal muscle in normal persons using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the superiority of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging as an assessment method of pharyngeal constriction and cricopharyngeal muscle function, and introduce a new way to measure the pharyngeal constriction ratio, anteroposterior diameter of esophageal entrance and thickness of cricopharyngeal muscle in healthy volunteers.

METHODS

Twenty volunteers who were assessed as normal by fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and videofluoroscopic swallowing study were included in this study. With the use of 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging, Fiesta sequence and Asset technique, the median sagittal plane and intervertebral transverse plane from C1 to C5 were scanned repeatedly. Pharyngeal constriction ratio in the median sagittal and intervertebral transverse plane, anteroposterior diameter of esophageal entrance and thickness of cricopharyngeal muscle were assessed and the data were analysed by SPSS13.0.

RESULTS

The intervertebral transverse plane between C1 and C2 was superior in observation of pharyngeal constriction ratio in the same way that the plane between C4 and C5 was superior in cricopharyngeal evaluation. The average of sagittal and intervertebral pharyngeal constriction ratio were estimated as 0.08±0.02, 0.09±0.04 respectively and the average of thickness of cricopharyngeal muscle and anteroposterior diameter of esophageal entrance were (6.50±1.69) mm, (1.99±0.76) mm respectively.

CONCLUSION

Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging was superior in assessing the function of pharyngeal constriction and cricopharyngeal muscle by scanning the swallowing process in the median sagittal and intervertebral transverse plane.

Nodal ratio of positive to excised nodes, but not number of positive lymph nodes is better to predict group to avoid chemotherapy among postmenopausal ER-positive, lymph node-positive T1-T2 breast cancer patients

AIM OF STUDY

To identify whether nodal ratio (NR) of positive to excised nodes is superior to number of positive lymph nodes to predict group to avoid chemotherapy among postmenopausal ER-positive, lymph node-positive, T1-T2 breast cancer patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Postmenopausal estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, lymph node-positive patients who received endocrine therapy (n = 173) with complete baseline data in our hospital between 2000 and 2006 were included. The disease-free survival (DFS) was compared. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the prognostic value of chemotherapy with different NR for DFS. P--values less than 0.05 were regarded as significant.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 72 months. Three of 13 variables analyzed remained significantly prognostic for survival in the Cox proportional hazards model. These included age (hazard ratio (HR) =1.642, 95% confidence interval (CI) =1.154-2.337, P = 0.006); histological grade (HR = 2.463,95% CI = 1.389-4.367, P = 0.002); and NR (HR = 2.280, 95% CI = 1.113-4.671, P = 0.024). Subgroup analysis by NR status showed that in patients with NR ≥ 0.20, chemotherapy significantly improves DFS (HR = 0.360, 95% CI = 0.195-0.663, P = 0.001); while in patients with NR < 0.20, chemotherapy did not significantly affect DFS (HR = 0.677, 95% CI = 0.227-2.107, P = 0.493). Radiotherapy is an important factor that improves DFS in lymph node-positive patients, so it is considered in all analysis.

CONCLUSION

This retrospective analysis demonstrates that NR of positive to excised nodes, but not number of positive lymph nodes is better to predict group to avoid chemotherapy among postmenopausal ER-positive, lymph node-positive T1-T2 breast cancer patients.

MICA/B genotyping of Tujias from Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China

One hundred eighty-seven Tujia individuals from Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China were genotyped at the MICA and MICB loci using polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific priming and sequencing-based typing methods. MICA and MCB genotypes are consistent with expected HW proportions. These genotype data are available in the Allele Frequencies Net Database.

[Clinical characteristics analysis of 120 cases of pediatric spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormality]

OBJECTIVE

To study the epidemiologic characteristics of pediatric spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormality.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed and 120 cases of children with spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormality were admitted in China Rehabilitation Research Center from January 2005 to December 2014.The gender, age, causes of injury, injury condition and complication were analyzed. All cases were divided into two groups (0-7 years old and 8-13 years old) according to age.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty cases included 31 boys (25.8%) and 89 girls (74.2%). Most of the children were 0-7 years old (96 cases, 80.0%). The top 3 causes of spinal cord injury were sports activities (60 cases, 50.0%), traffic accident (25 cases, 29.2%) and other trauma (11 cases, 12.5%). Seventy-one cases were low-energy injury (59.2%) and 49 cases were high-energy trauma (40.8%), most of low-energy injury were completely injured (56 cases, 78.9%). The complication rate was 59.2% and the top 3 complications were urinary infection (35 cases, 29.2%), hydronephrosis (12 cases, 10.0%) and pressure ulcers (10 cases, 8.3%).

CONCLUSION

It is needed to pay more attention to pediatric spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormality caused by low-energy injury, especially children aged 0-7 years old with history of slight injury, and be careful about spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormality result from high-energy damage.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with growth traits in Jinghai yellow chickens

Body weight is one of the most important economic traits in the poultry industry. In the present study, a custom SNP Beadchip was used to analyze the association between those 15 SNPs and 12 growth traits of Jinghai yellow chickens, and other important genetic parameters were also calculated and analyzed. The results indicated that nine of the 15 SNPs were associated with growth traits in Jinghai yellow chickens (P < 0.05), and the identified SNPs were also in linkage disequilibrium. Five of the nine identified SNPs were mainly associated with all of the growth traits, which indicated that those five SNPs might have significant influence on Jinghai yellow chicken growth traits. Polymorphism information content (PIC) analyses indicated that five of the nine SNPs exhibited moderate polymorphism (0.25 < PIC < 0.5), which reflected intermediate genetic diversity. Six candidate genes surrounding the significant SNPs were obtained and subjected to Gene Ontology annotation analyses and pathway analyses. The functions of six important candidate genes (SETDB2, ATP7B, INTS6, KPNA3, DLEU7, and FOXO1A) were discussed. The present study provided basic data for marker-assisted selection in Jinghai yellow chickens.

Association of polymorphism in ICAM-1 (K469E) and cytology parameters in patients' initial blood test with acute ischemic stroke

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has become a serious health problem in many countries because of its poor outcome and worsening epidemic trend. Early identification of genetic risk factors and physiological indicators for stroke occurrence may help to reduce the incidence of stroke. Therefore, we conducted a case-control study including 50 AIS patients and 50 healthy individuals from a Chinese population to explore the association between AIS and patient complete blood profiles and the association between AIS and the genetic polymorphism K469E in intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Compared to the control group, AIS patients showed a high percentage of mononuclear cells, low platelet count, low ratio of platelet to lymphocyte count, high frequency of the 469K allele, and low frequency of the 469E allele. White blood cell count, percentage of neutrophils, percentage of lymphatic cells, platelet distribution width, mean platelet volume, and platelet hematocrit levels showed no significant differences between the 2 groups and between different genotypes. Our results suggested an association of elevated levels of mononuclear cells and reduced platelet count with higher AIS risk. Our results also supported the hypothesis that the KK genotype at the K469E locus in ICAM-1 is a risk factor for AIS.

Genome-wide association study of growth traits in the Jinghai Yellow chicken

Growth is one of the most economically important traits in the poultry industry. In this study, we identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and candidate genes associated with growth traits of the Jinghai Yellow chicken. Genome-wide association studies were conducted using the Illumina 60 K SNP Chicken array to genotype 400 Jinghai Yellow chickens. For each bird, the body weights at hatching and at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, and 16 weeks were recorded. The SNPs that were significantly associated with the growth traits were identified using the general linear regression model. The results revealed a total of 18 SNPs that reached Bonferroni genome-wide significance (P < 1.80E-6). Three proximal genes (BTRC, NLK, and NF1) were found to participate in the Wnt-signaling pathway and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Haplotype analysis identified 19 significant haplotypes and identified a region 152.4-156.3M on GGA1 affecting 3 growth traits (BW4, BW14, and BW16). These results may help identify the exact locations of body weight quantitative trait loci on a genome level and indicate variants that can be used for subsequent investigations for Jinghai Yellow chicken.

Extracting the cation distributions in NiFe2-xAlxO4 solid solutions using magnetic Compton scattering

We discuss the ground state electronic structure and magnetization properties of a series of NiFe2-x Al x O4 solid solutions (x  =  0.0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, and 2.0) using magnetic Compton scattering measurements, together with parallel first-principles computations. In this way, we systematically extract the complicated cation distributions in this ferrite system as a function of x. The relationship between the electronic ground state, magnetism, and cation distributions is explained in terms of a model, validated by our first-principles computations, wherein the magnetic properties of the three cation distributions are assumed to be different. A good accord is found between the computed and measured magnetic Compton profiles.

A SNP in the 3'-UTR of HSF1 in dairy cattle affects binding of target bta-miR-484

The heat shock transcription factor 1 gene (HSF1) plays a key role in the heat stress response. We previously found a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the 3'-untranslated region (g.4693G>T) of HSF1 that was related to thermo tolerance in Chinese Holstein cattle through association analysis. However, it is not known whether other SNPs also affect thermo tolerance.In this study a novel SNP, g.1451G>T, was identified by DNA sequencing and genotyped using creating restriction site-polymerase chain reaction methodology. The g.1451G>T polymorphic site met Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.05). Association analysis demonstrated that this SNP had no effect on thermo tolerance traits in Holstein cattle. Findings of the study compared to the analysis of g.4693 G>T further indicated that g.4693 G>T may play an important role in thermo tolerance, although the mechanism is not clear. RNA hybrid and Targetscan prediction showed that the minimum free energy hybridization of bta-miR-484 with HSF1 3'-UTR was -31.9 kcal/mol and g.4693 G>T was in the seed sequence of bovine HSF1 that binds to bta-miR-484. Analysis by Luciferase assay indicated that HSF1 expression was directly targeted by bta-miR-484 in HEK 293T cells, and the Rluc/luc ratio of wildtype (GG) was lower than that of the mutant (TT) (P < 0.05). These results suggest that g.4693 G>T affects binding of HSF1 to bta-miR-484.

Effects of replacing wild rye, corn silage, or corn grain with CaO-treated corn stover and dried distillers grains with solubles in lactating cow diets on performance, digestibility, and profitability

The objective of this study was to measure the effects of partially replacing wild rye (Leymus chinensis; WR), corn silage (CS), or corn grain (CG) in dairy cow diets with CaO-treated corn stover (T-CS) and corn dried distillers grains with soluble (DDGS) on performance, digestibility, blood metabolites, and income over feed cost. Thirty tonnes of air-dried corn stover was collected, ground, and mixed with 5% CaO. Sixty-four Holstein dairy cows were blocked based on days in milk, milk yield, and parity and were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments. The treatments were (1) a diet containing 50% concentrate, 15% WR, 25% CS, and 10% alfalfa hay (CON); (2) 15% WR, 5% CG, and 6% soybean meal were replaced by 15% T-CS and 12% DDGS (RWR); (3) 12.5% CS, 6% CG, and 5% soybean meal were replaced by 12.5% T-CS and 12%DDGS (RCS); (4) 13% CG and 6% soybean meal were replaced by 7% T-CS and 13% DDGS (RCG). Compared with CON treatment, cows fed RCS and RCG diets had similar dry matter intake (CON: 18.2 ± 0.31 kg, RCS: 18.6 ± 0.31 kg, and RCG: 18.4 ± 0.40 kg). The RWR treatment tended to have lower dry matter intake than other treatments. The inclusion of T-CS and DDGS in treatment diets as a substitute for WR, CS, or CG had no effects on lactose percentage (CON: 4.96 ± 0.02%, RWR: 4.97 ± 0.02%, RCS: 4.96 ± 0.02%, and RCG: 4.94 ± 0.02%), 4% fat-corrected milk yield (CON: 22.7 ± 0.60 kg, RWR: 22.1 ± 0.60 kg, RCS: 22.7 ± 0.60 kg, and RCG: 22.7 ± 0.60 kg), milk fat yield (CON: 0.90 ± 0.03 kg, RWR: 0.86 ± 0.03 kg, RCS: 0.87 ± 0.03 kg, and RCG: 0.89 ± 0.03 kg), and milk protein yield (CON: 0.74 ± 0.02 kg, RWR: 0.72 ± 0.02 kg, RCS: 0.73 ± 0.02 kg, and RCG: 0.71 ± 0.02 kg). Cows fed the RWR diet had higher apparent dry matter digestibility (73.7 ± 1.30 vs. 70.2 ± 1.15, 69.9 ± 1.15, and 69.9 ± 1.15% for RWR vs. CON, RCS, and RCG, respectively) and lower serum urea N (3.55 ± 0.11 vs. 4.03 ± 0.11, 3.95 ± 0.11, and 3.99 ± 0.11 mmol/L for RWR vs. CON, RCS, and RCG, respectively) than cows fed other diets. No significant differences were noted in apparent neutral detergent fiber digestibility among the treatments. Compared with CON treatment, the RWR, RCS, and RCG treatments generated an additional $0.77, $0.70, and $0.81 income over feed cost per cow per day, respectively. In conclusion, feeding diets containing a portion of T-CS and DDGS can improve profitability of the treatment groups without negatively affecting the lactation performance of mid- to late-lactation cows.

Accuracy of enzyme-linked immunospot assay for diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis: a meta-analysis

Current methods for diagnosing tuberculous pleurisy are poor. Some studies have explored the diagnostic value of a pleural effusion enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay, but its accuracy remains controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of the existing evidence on the ability of the ELISPOT assay to diagnose tuberculous pleurisy. We systematically searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and EMBASE databases for studies measuring the sensitivity, specificity, and other measures of accuracy of the pleural effusion ELISPOT assay for diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy. A total of nine studies were identified and subjected to meta-analysis, giving the following pooled values for diagnostic accuracy: sensitivity, 0.93 [95% confidence intervals (95%CI) = 0.90 to 0.95]; specificity, 0.90 (95%CI = 0.86 to 0.93); positive likelihood ratio, 8.21 (95%CI = 4.00 to 16.84); negative likelihood ratio, 0.11 (95%CI = 0.06 to 0.19); diagnostic odds ratio, 88.26 (95%CI = 33.81 to 230.43); and the area under the curve, 0.9599 (standard error of the mean, 0.0134). The available evidence suggests that pleural effusion ELISPOT assay is sufficiently accurate to diagnose tuberculous pleurisy as a stand-alone technique. In fact, it appears to be superior to assays based on adenosine deaminase and gamma interferon for screening patients and confirming the diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy.

Effects of calcium oxide treatment at varying moisture concentrations on the chemical composition, in situ degradability, in vitro digestibility and gas production kinetics of anaerobically stored corn stover

The objective of this study was to determine the optimum conditions for calcium oxide (CaO) treatment of anaerobically stored corn stover by in situ and in vitro methods. Four ruminally cannulated, non-lactating, non-pregnant Holstein cows were used to determine the in situ effective degradabilities of dry matter (ISDMD), organic matter (ISOMD), neutral detergent fibre (ISNDFD), in vitro organic matter disappearance (IVOMD) and gas production in 72 h (GP72h ) of corn stover. A completely randomized design involving a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement was adopted. Ground corn stover was treated with different levels of CaO (3%, 5% and 7% of dry stover) at varying moisture contents (40%, 50% and 60%) and stored under anaerobic conditions for 15 days before analysis. Compared with untreated corn stover, the CaO-treated stover had increased ash and calcium (Ca) contents but decreased aNDF and OM contents. The moisture content, CaO level and their interaction affected (p < 0.01) the content of aNDF, ash and OM, and the ratio of aNDF/OM. The greatest ISDMD, ISOMD and ISNDFD were observed when stover was treated with 7% CaO and 60% moisture, while no differences (p > 0.01) in these in situ degradability parameters were observed between the stover treated with 5% CaO at 60% moisture content and those treated with 7% CaO at 60% moisture content. Corn stover treated with 5% CaO at 50% moisture had the maximum IVOMD and GP72 h among the treatments, and there was no difference (p > 0.01) between 50% and 60% moisture. Results from this study suggested that 5% CaO applied at 60% moisture could be an effective and economical treatment combination.

Association of TCF7L2 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Chinese Hui population

Diabetes is one of costly chronic diseases. Previous studies across several ethnicities have shown that polymorphisms in the transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) gene were strongly associated with susceptibility to type 2 diabetes (T2DM). In the present study, the association between the TCF7L2 gene and the susceptibility to T2DM in a Chinese Hui population was interrogated. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)- restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and allelic specific PCR were employed for examining the TCF7L2 gene rs12255372 (G>T) and rs290487 (C>T), and rs7901695 (T>C) polymorphisms, respectively, in 109 healthy individuals and 111 subjects with T2DM who were of Chinese Hui descent and lived in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China. The results showed that the genotypic frequency of rs290487 and the allelic frequency distributions of the rs7901695 and rs290487 loci were not significantly different between patients and controls in this population. However, both the genotypic and the allelic frequencies at rs12255372 exhibited statistical differences between the patients with T2DM and the unaffected cohort (P < 0.01). In addition, the frequency of the G allele at the rs12255372 locus in the patients was higher than that in healthy individuals (OR = 1.198, 95%CI = 1.097-1.307). These findings suggest that the TCF7L2 rs12255372 (G>T) polymorphism might be one of the most important genetic factors associated with T2DM susceptibility, and that individuals in the Chinese Hui population who carry a G allele at this locus might be at risk to develop T2DM.

Correlation of plasma soluble cluster of differentiation 40 ligand, alpha fetoprotein A, and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A with carotid plaque in patients with ischemic stroke

This study investigated the correlation of plama levels of inflammatory biomarkers [soluble cluster of differentiation 40 ligand (sCD40L), alpha fetoprotein A (fetuin-A), and pregnancy-associated protein A (PAPP-A)] with carotid plaque in patients with acute ischemic stroke. After undergoing color Doppler ultrasonography of the bilateral carotid arteries, 200 patients with acute ischemic stroke were grouped into plaque and non-plaque groups. The plaque group was further divided into stable and unstable plaque sub-groups by carotid plaque stability. Inter-group and -subgroup comparisons included demographic characteristics, current condition and medical history, and clinical laboratory and plama inflammatory biomarker data, and logistic regression explored the correlations between plama inflammatory biomarker levels and carotid plaques. Significantly higher sCD40L and fetuin-A levels were found in the plaque group than in the non-plaque group (all P < 0.05), with odds ratios (plaque vs non-plaque) of 6.372 and 4.101, respectively. Increased plama inflammatory biomarker levels were accompanied by a high risk of carotid plaque formation. Similarly, significantly higher plama sCD40L and PAPP-A levels were found in the unstable plaque subgroup than in the stable plaque subgroup (all P < 0.05), and the odds ratios (unstable vs stable) were 5.290 and 4.125, respectively. Increased plama inflammatory biomarker levels were accompanied by a high risk of carotid plaque instability. The study findings showed that plasma sCD40L, fetuin-A, and PAPP-A levels are associated with carotid plaque formation and instability. Fetuin-A and sCD40L might be predictors of carotid plaque formation, while PAPP-A and sCD40L might be predictors of carotid plaque instability.

Far upstream element-binding protein 1(FUBP1) expression differs between human colorectal cancer and non-cancerous tissue

Presented study aimed to detect the expression of far upstream element-binding protein 1 (FUBP1) in clinical samples of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and explore the correlations of their expression with the clinicopathological characteristics of CRC.The streptavidin-perosidase (SP) method of immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of FUBP1 in 34 cases of colorectal cancer and their surrounding surrounding normal tissue, 30 cases of adenoma tissue. Using fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), the expression of FUBP1 mRNA was measured in colorectal cancer and its surrounding normal tissue from 32 patients. FUBP1 protein expression level was detected by the Western blot method in 32 pairs of colorectal cancer tissue and surrounding normal tissue, and 30 cases of adenoma tissue.The positive rate of FUBP1 was detected through histochemistry in colorectal carcinomas (82.3%) which was higher than that in colorectal adenomas (46.7%) and surrounding normal tissues (20.5%). The relative amount of FUBP1 mRNA by qPCR method in colorectal carcinoma tissues (0.2703±0.1118) was higher than that of surrounding normal tissues (0.1898±0.0635; P<0.05). The Western blot showed that FUBP1 was mainly expressed in colorectal carcinoma tissues (0.6499±0.1473),which barely expressed in adenoma tissues (0.3756±0.1377; P<0.05) and surrounding normal tissues (0.1675±0.0613; P < 0.05).FUBP1 expression differs among colorectal tissues, which is overexpressed in colorectal carcinoma tissue. Further studies are needed to explore the role of FUBP1 in the pathogenesis of colorectal carcinoma.

Visualizing the mixed bonding properties of liquid boron with high-resolution x-ray Compton scattering

Bonding characteristics of liquid boron at 2500 K are studied by using high-resolution Compton scattering. An excellent agreement is found between the measurements and the corresponding Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics simulations. Covalent bond pairs are clearly shown to dominate in liquid boron along with the coexistence of diffuse pairs. Our study reveals the complex bonding pattern of liquid boron and gives insight into the unusual properties of this high-temperature liquid.

COI barcode based species-specific primers for identification of five species of stored-product pests from genus Cryptolestes (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae)

Flat grain beetles of the genus Cryptolestes (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae) are one of the economically most important stored-product pests which feed on many kinds of agricultural products, especially grains. Nine of more than 40 described Cryptolestes species are recognized as stored-product pests and two of the pest species have a cosmopolitan distribution. Given the rapid growth in global trade of food products, ecological barriers to the spread of pests are easily overcome. Therefore, development of reliable systems for routine quarantine inspection and early infestation detection is vital. In the present study, we established a new rapid and accurate cytochrome c oxidase subunit I-based system for molecular identification of five common stored-product Cryptolestes species, namely, Cryptolestes capensis, Cryptolestes ferrugineus, Cryptolestes pusilloides, Cryptolestes pusillus and Cryptolestes turcicus. Five species-specific primer pairs for traditional uniplex polymerase chain reaction assay are described and their specificity and sensitivity for the identification process is evaluated using larval samples of 12 different populations from three continents (Asia, Europe and North America).

Molecular cloning and characterization, and prokaryotic expression of the GnRH1 gene obtained from Jinghai yellow chicken

The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) plays an important role in the control of reproductive functions. Recent studies have reported the occurrence of GnRH molecular variants in numerous species. In this study, the GnRH1 gene from Jinghai yellow chicken was cloned by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and transformed into BL21 (DE3) competent cells. The GnRH1 gene and amino acid sequences were subjected to bioinformatic analyses. The GnRH1 gene nucleotide sequence was discovered to be 352 bp long, containing a coding, promoter, and section of the 3'-regions. The GnRH1 gene shared 93, 81, 54, 58, 61, 76, 76, 59, 76, and 66% sequence identity with Meleagris gallopavo, Columba livia, Homo sapiens, Bos taurus, swines, Capra hircus, Ovis aries, Pantholops hodgsonii, Equus caballus, and Rattus norvegicus, respectively. The GnRH1 gene showed conserved domains. The GnRH1 protein was a secreted protein comprising 92 amino acids, with a molecular weight of 10205.6 Da and a theoretical pI of 5.67. Most of the amino acid residues were observed to be hydrophilic, indicating water solubility. The predicted secondary structures of proteins included α-helices (h; 23.08%), β-extensions (e; 10.92%), and random coils (c; 66.0%). The successful construction of prokaryotic expression vector pET32a-GnRH1 was confirmed by restriction and sequence analysis. SDS-PAGE analysis showed the successful expression of recombinant plasmid in Escherichia coli BL21 (molecular weight = 25-28 kDa). Larger quantities of protein were expressed in supernatant, indicating greater expression in soluble form. Western blot analysis confirmed the expression of the target protein.

Dissolution kinetics of cerussite in an alternative leaching reagent for lead

The dissolution kinetics of cerussite was investigated using methanesulphonic acid (MSA) as an alternative leaching reagent. The effects of particle size, stirring speed, acid concentration, and reaction temperature on the lead dissolution rate were determined. The dissolution process followed the kinetic law of the shrinking-core model, and a corresponding mixed control model was found suitable for representing the rate-controlling step. The mixed kinetic model comprised two stages: surface chemical reaction (283 K to 303 K) and diffusion through the product layer (303 K to 323 K). The activation energies of these sequential stages were 43.20 kJ mol

Association of VDR polymorphisms with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Chinese Han and Hui populations

We investigated the association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) and susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis was conducted to examine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the rs1544410 (BsmI, G>A), rs757343 (Tru9I, G>A), rs731236 (TaqI, T>C), and rs739837 (BglI, G>T) loci of the VDR gene in 334 healthy individuals (Hui 115, Han 219) and 355 T2DM patients (Hui 154, Han 201) living in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China. The genotypic frequency and allelic frequency distributions in the VDR gene showed no significant difference between T2DM patients and controls in the Chinese Hui population. However, statistical differences in the genotypic frequency at rs739837 and in the genotypic and allelic frequencies at rs1544410 were observed between T2DM patients and controls in the Chinese Han population (P < 0.05). Patient-control haplotype analyses using the SHEsis online haplotype analysis software showed that the G allele frequency of rs1544410 in the T2DM group was higher than that in the control group [odds ratio (OR) = 1.738, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.055-2.865], suggesting that the G allele is a risk factor of T2DM in the Chinese Han population. The frequency of haplotype GGCT between cases and controls was significantly different in both Chinese Hui [OR (95%CI) = 4.714 (1.04-21.36)] and Han populations [OR (95%CI) = 1.723 (1.03-2.883)] (P < 0.05), implying that the haplotype GGCT of the VDR gene is associated with susceptibility to T2DM in these ethnicities.

A and MdMYB1 allele-specific markers controlling apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) skin color and suitability for marker-assisted selection

Pre-selection for fruit skin color at the seedling stage would be highly advantageous, with marker-assisted selection offering a potential method for apple pre-selection. A and MdMYB1 alleles are allele-specific DNA markers that are potentially associated with apple skin color, and co-segregate with the Rf and Rni loci, respectively. Here, we assessed the potential application of these 2 alleles for marker-assisted breeding across 30 diverse cultivars and 2 apple seedling progenies. The red skin color phenotype was usually associated with the MdMYB1-1 allele and A(1) allele, respectively, while the 2 molecular markers provided approximately 91% predictability in the 'Fuji' x 'Cripps Pink' and 'Fuji' x 'Gala' progenies. The results obtained from the 30 cultivars and 2 progenies were consistent for the 2 molecular markers. Hence, the results supported that Rf and Rni could be located in a gene cluster, or even correspond to alleles of the same gene. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that red/yellow dimorphism is controlled by a monogenic system, with the presence of the red anthocyanin pigmentation being dominant. In addition, our results supported that the practical utilization of the 2 function markers to efficiently and accurately select red-skinned apple cultivars in apple scion breeding programs.

DNA barcoding of five common stored-product pest species of genus Cryptolestes (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae)

Several species of the genus Cryptolestes Ganglbauer, 1899 (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae) are commonly found in stored products. In this study, five species of Cryptolestes, with almost worldwide distribution, were obtained from laboratories in China, Czech Republic and the USA: Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens, 1831), Cryptolestes pusillus (Schönherr, 1817), Cryptolestes turcicus (Grouvelle, 1876), Cryptolestes pusilloides (Steel & Howe, 1952) and Cryptolestes capensis (Waltl, 1834). Molecular identification based on a 658 bp fragment from the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) was adopted to overcome some problems of morphological identification of Cryptolestes species. The utility of COI sequences as DNA barcodes in discriminating the five Cryptolestes species was evaluated on adults and larvae by analysing Kimura 2-parameter distances, phylogenetic tree and haplotype networks. The results showed that molecular approaches based on DNA barcodes were able to accurately identify these species. This is the first study using DNA barcoding to identify Cryptolestes species and the gathered DNA sequences will complement the biological barcode database.

A novel regeneration of iron citrate solution by biooxidation of iron-oxidizing bacteria

Liquid phase oxidation process using chelated iron solution is among the most promising techniques for the hydrogen sulfide removal due to its double advantage of waste minimization and resource recovery. Regeneration of chelated iron is a core reaction in this process. Regeneration of chelated iron in acidic solution is very difficult. In this paper, a novel regeneration of iron citrate in acidic solution by biooxidation of iron-oxidizing bacteria was reported firstly. By using such a process, the influence of iron-oxidizing bacteria on the regeneration rate was investigated. The results demonstrated the regeneration rate with the new technology was increased significantly. The process may contribute to the biooxidation of iron-oxidizing bacteria. Application of this novel process increased the regeneration rate under the optimum conditions, suggesting the iron citrate regeneration process may be a feasible and economical method in application.

Single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis of GH, GHR, and IGF-1 genes in minipigs

Tibetan (TB) and Bama (BM) miniature pigs are two popular pig breeds that are used as experimental animals in China due to their small body size. Here, we analyzed single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in gene fragments that are closely related to growth traits [growth hormone (GH), growth hormone receptor (GHR), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1)] in these pig breeds and a large white (LW) control pig breed. On the basis of the analysis of 100 BMs, 108 TBs, and 50 LWs, the polymorphic distribution levels of GH, GHR, and IGF-1 were significantly different among these three pig breeds. According to correlation analyses between SNPs and five growth traits--body weight (BW), body length (BL), withers height (WH), chest circumference (CC), and abdomen circumference (AC)--three SNP loci in BMs and four SNP loci in TBs significantly affected growth traits. Three SNP sites in BMs and four SNP sites in TBs significantly affected growth traits. SNPs located in the GH gene fragment significantly affected BL and CC at locus 12 and BL at locus 45 in BMs, and also BW, WH, CC, and AC at locus 45 and WH and CC at locus 93 in TBs. One SNP at locus 85 in the BM GHR gene fragment significantly affected all growth traits. All indices were significantly reduced with a mixture of alleles at locus 85. These results provide more information regarding the genetic background of these minipig species and indicate useful selection markers for pig breeding programs.

Differential in vivo tumorigenicity of diverse KRAS mutations in vertebrate pancreas: A comprehensive survey

Somatic activation of the KRAS proto-oncogene is evident in almost all pancreatic cancers, and appears to represent an initiating event. These mutations occur primarily at codon 12 and less frequently at codons 13 and 61. While some studies have suggested that different KRAS mutations may have variable oncogenic properties, to date there has been no comprehensive functional comparison of multiple KRAS mutations in an in vivo vertebrate tumorigenesis system. We generated a Gal4/UAS-based zebrafish model of pancreatic tumorigenesis in which the pancreatic expression of UAS-regulated oncogenes is driven by a ptf1a:Gal4-VP16 driver line. This system allowed us to rapidly compare the ability of 12 different KRAS mutations (G12A, G12C, G12D, G12F, G12R, G12S, G12V, G13C, G13D, Q61L, Q61R, and A146T) to drive pancreatic tumorigenesis in vivo. Among fish injected with one of five KRAS mutations reported in other tumor types but not in human pancreatic cancer, 2/79 (0.25%) developed pancreatic tumors, with both tumors arising in fish injected with A146T. In contrast, among fish injected with one of seven KRAS mutations known to occur in human pancreatic cancer, 22/106 (20.8%) developed pancreatic cancer. All eight tumorigenic KRAS mutations were associated with downstream MAPK/ERK pathway activation in preneoplastic pancreatic epithelium, while non-tumorigenic mutations were not. These results suggest that the spectrum of KRAS mutations observed in human pancreatic cancer reflects selection based upon variable tumorigenic capacities, including the ability to activate MAPK/ERK signaling.