Distribution and morphology of ghrelin immunostained cells in the adrenal gland of the African ostrich

Ghrelin is the endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. We investigated the distribution and morphological characteristics of ghrelin-immunopositive (ghrelin-ip) cells in the African ostrich adrenal gland. We found that the adrenal gland of the African ostrich consisted of three parts: capsule, inter-renal tissue and chromaffin cells. The inter-renal tissue and chromaffin cells interdigitated irregularly. The inter-renal tissue consisted of a peripheral zone and a central inner zone. The peripheral zone could be divided into an outer subcapsular zone and an inner zone. The subcapsular zone cells were arranged as a bow, while the inner area cells formed cords that were perpendicular to the capsule. The central inner zone exhibited irregular clumps and the cells were morphologically similar to chromaffin cells. Ghrelin-ip cells were located throughout the adrenal gland except the capsule. The majority of ghrelin-ip cells were found among the chromaffin cells. The number of ghrelin-ip cells in the inter-renal tissue decreased gradually from the central inner zone, to the inner zone to the subcapsular zone. The ghrelin-ip cells were oval or irregular in shape and exhibited cytoplasmic staining. Our findings suggest that ghrelin may play a role in regulating adrenal hormone secretion in the African ostrich.

[Prognostic significance of flow cytometric minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia during aplasia]

Objective: To investigate the impact of minimal residual disease (MRD) by multiparameter flow cytometry (MPFC) during aplasia on efficacy and prognosis of de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (non M(3)) patients. Methods: The MRD data by 8-color MPFC during aplasia (day 14-15 of induction therapy) in 85 de novo AML (non M(3)) patients and the MRD impact on efficacy and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Data of 85 patients, including 42 males (49.4%) and 43 females (50.6%) , were collected, with a median age of 35 (15-54) years. The median MRD by MPFC during aplasia was 0.58% (0-81.11%) , and 70 (82.4%) patients achieved complete remission (CR) after first induction chemotherapy. The cutoff of MRD by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was 2.305% (Se= 0.867, Sp=0.800) . The CR rate after one course was significantly higher in patients with MRD<2.305% [96.6% (56/58) ]than in patients with MRD≥2.305%[51.9% (14/27) ] (χ(2)=22.348, P<0.001) ; no significant difference with respect to relapse-free survival rate (χ(2)=1.08, P=0.299) or overall survival rate (χ(2)=0.42, P=0.516) could be demonstrated for the comparison of the two groups. Multivariates analysis showed MRD divided by 2.305% was the only independent prognostic factor for CR after one course (OR= 21.560, 95% CI 4.129-112.579, P<0.001) . Conclusion: Flow cytometric MRD divided by 2.305% during aplasia could be a predictor of efficacy after first induction therapy in AML patients.

Distribution and developmental changes of ghrelin-immunopositive cells in the pancreas of African ostrich chicks (Struthio camelus)

Ghrelin, the endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R), is produced by multiple cell types and affects feeding behavior, metabolic regulation, and energy balance. In the mammalian pancreas, the types of endocrine cells that are immunoreactive to ghrelin vary. However, little was known about its distribution and developmental changes in the pancreas of African ostrich chicks (Struthio camelus). In the present study, the distribution, morphological characteristics, and developmental changes of ghrelin-immunopositive (ghrelin-ip) cells in the pancreas of African ostrich chicks were investigated using immunohistochemistry. Ghrelin-ip cells were found in both the pancreatic islets and acinar cell regions. The greatest number of ghrelin-ip cells were found in the pancreatic islets, and were primarily observed at the periphery of the islets; some ghrelin-ip cells were also located in the central portion of the pancreatic islets. Interestingly, from postnatal d 1 to d 90, there was a steady decrease in the number of ghrelin-ip cells in the pancreatic islets and acinar cell regions. These results clearly demonstrated that ghrelin-ip cells exist and decreased with age in the African ostrich pancreas from postnatal d 1 to d90. Thus, these findings indicated that ghrelin may be involved in the development of the pancreas in the African ostrich.

WSe2 few layers with enzyme mimic activity for high-sensitive and high-selective visual detection of glucose

As one of the transition metal dichalcogenide materials, WSe₂ in the form of a few layers (nanosheets) have received much attention due to their unique physical, optical and electrical properties. Herein, we demonstrate that WSe₂ nanosheets possess intrinsic enzyme mimic activity. Under acidic conditions, they exhibit pronounced peroxidase-like property. The Michaelis-Menten kinetics indicate that the catalytic activity of WSe₂ nanosheets is comparable to that of horseradish peroxidase. Based on the color reaction, a platform of WSe₂ nanosheets was constructed to detect glucose concentration and it showed high sensitivity and high selectivity, which means that WSe₂ nanosheets with peroxidase-like property can be used to develop a highly sensitive and selective colorimetric method for glucose detection. Moreover, due to the electron-transferring and antioxidant properties of WSe₂ few layers, the peroxidase-like catalysis is proposed. These findings pave the way for further application of WSe₂ nanosheets in nano-biomedicine.

[Prediction of outcome in acute myeloid leukemia by measurement of WT1 expression as a basic marker of minimal residual disease]

Objective: To probe the potential utility of Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) as a marker of minimal residual disease (MRD) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) to estimate the relapse-predicting cut-off value. Methods: Quantitative assessment of bone marrow WT1 mRNA level was preformed using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RQ-RT-PCR) assay. The expression levels of WT1 dynamically measured with RQ-RT-PCR were retrospectively analyzed in 121 AML cases (not including acute promyelocytic leukemia) achieving complete remission (CR) after induction therapy followed by consolidation therapy. By comparing WT1 levels of patients with different post-therapy outcomes, the investigators used the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to determine WT1 threshold so as to predict their clinical relapses. Then prognoses and the significance of intervention were analyzed between WT1 positive and negative patients according to the cut-off value of WT1. Results: According to ROC curve, WT1 level higher than 2.98% predicted the possibility of relapse. For simplicity and clinical application, 3.00% was used as the cut-off value of WT1 level for relapse. WT1 levels in 41 patients at diagnosis were detected, meanwhile 3 patients whose WT1 levels at diagnosis below 3.00% were excluded, then the median WT1 level of the rest 38 patients at diagnosis was 44.09% (range 7.19%-188.06%) . The median WT1 level in remission was 0.48% (352 samples, range 0-8.41%) . The median WT1 level at diagnosis was higher than that in remission. Excluding the 3 patients with WT1 level at diagnosis under 3.00%, the relapse rate of WT1 positive group (>3.00% during consolidation phase and follow-up) and WT1 negative group (≤3.00%) was 70.0% (14/20) and 12.2% (12/98) respectively (P<0.001) . The median time from WT1 positivity to clinical relapse was 58 days. Conclusions: WT1 expression level above 3.00% was associated with markedly high risk of relapse, which could be as a useful marker for monitoring MRD following consolidation therapy.

Optically pumped lasing with a Q-factor exceeding 6000 from wet-etched GaN micro-pyramids

We report the observation of room-temperature optically pumped lasing modes from a single GaN pyramid microcavity on a metallic mirror. The mode at 367.2 nm exhibits a low threshold (0.4-0.5  MW/cm²) and a narrow linewidth (0.054 nm), by which the quality factor can be estimated to be >6000. These lasing behaviors can be attributed to the specific wet-etching approach by selectively etching away defects and pyramid geometry with bottom Ag reflectors for better light confinement. Optical resonances in these pyramids are further investigated in combination with three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain simulations.

[Comparison of generic and original imatinib in the treatment of newly diagnosed patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia in chronic phase: a multicenter retrospective clinical study]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of generic imatinib (Genike, Chiatai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd.) and imatinib (Glevic, Novartis, Switzerland) in newly diagnosed patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP) . Methods: A retrospective study of 323 CML-CP patients (205 in Glivec treatment group and 118 in Genike group) who were ≥ 18 years old receiving imatinib monotherapy over the period of June 2013 to March 2016 was done to compare the differences of cytogenetics, molecular curative effect, survival, and adverse reactions between the two groups. The beginning dosage of imatinib was 400mg per day. There was no statistically difference between the two groups of patients on baseline. Results: ①The median duration of imatinib treatment was 13 (0.5-36) months in Glevic group and 11 (1-31) months in Genike group. ②The rate of complete hematological remission (CHR) had no statistically difference between Glivec and Genike treatment groups[98% (201/205) vs 97.5% (115/118) , χ(2)=0.123, P=0.725]. ③Cumulative rates of major cytogenetic responses (MCyR) at 3, 6 and 12 months after imatinib treatment in Gleevec and Genike groups were (59.7±3.5) % vs (79.8±3.1) %, (89.2±2.6) % vs (59.1±4.7) %, (80.3±4.1) % vs (87.1±4.3) %, respectively, the difference was not statistically significant (χ(2)=0.084, P=0.772) . Cumulative rates of complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) at 3, 6 and 12 months after imatinib treatment in Gleevec and Genike groups were (32.9±3.4) % vs (58.3±3.7) %, (87.4±3.0) % vs (35.2±4.5) %, (64.8±4.8) % vs (87.3±4.7) %, respectively, the difference was not statistically significant (χ(2)=0.660, P=0.417) . ④Cumulative rates of major molecular responses at 6, 12 months after imatinib treatment in Glevic and Genike groups were (24.9±3.3) % vs (57.0±4.1) %, (16.3±4.0) % vs (55.3±7.7) %, respectively, there was no statistical significance (χ(2)=1.617, P=0.204) . Cumulative rates of molecular response 4.5 (MR4.5) at 12 months after imatinib treatment in Glevic and Genike groups were (14.9±3.2) % vs (8.1±2.1) % (χ(2)=3.628, P=0.057) , respectively. ⑤At a median follow-up of 12 months, the difference of progression-free survival (PFS) in Glevic and Genike groups had no statistical significance[ (96.6±1.4) % vs (93.3±2.5) %, χ(2)=2.293, P=0.130]. The difference of event-free survival (EFS) had no statistical significance, either[ (95.6±1.5) % vs (93.3±2.4) %, χ(2)=2.124, P=0.145]. ⑥Genike was well tolerated in patients with CML-CP and had no statistically significant difference in adverse events compared with Glevic group. Conclusion: There were no statistically significant differences in efficacy and safety between Glevic and Genike treatment in newly diagnosed patients with CML-CP.

[Trend of caesarean section rate and puerpera characteristics: based on Robson classification]

Objective: To analyze the trend in caesarean section rate and puerpera characteristics in hospital, and provide valuable information for maternal and child health policy making and clinical practice. Methods: A total of 12 041 women who delivered in the affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University from October 1, 2010 to September 30, 2016 were selected. Based on Robson classification system, changes in the rate of caesarean delivery as well as its relationship with two-child policy and infant sex ratio were analyzed. Results: The overall caesarean section rate gradually decreased from 66.9% to 44.2% during the past six years. Respectively, the caesarean section rate in primiparae with singleton term babies decreased to 32.1% and the rate in multiparas without uterine scar decreased to 14.2%, and the rate in premature delivery decreased to 22.9%, the differences were significant (P<0.01). The proportion of vaginal delivery (R1, R3), multiparas with uterine scar (R5) and twins pregnancy (R8) increased. the differences were significant (P<0.01). The annual overall newly-born sex ratio ranged from 110∶100 to 128∶100. In group R1, more babies were girls, the proportion was stable, more women with premature delivery and multiparas had boy babies, but the boy babies by multiparas without uterine scar obviously decreased in the last 2 years. Conclusions: Primiparae with singleton head birth, multipara without uterine scar and women with premature deliveries are the key population in the effort of reduction of caesarean section rate. The caesarean section rate and proportion were unstable in multiparas with uterine scar, breech deliveries and twin deliveries. The application of Robson classification system can improve the comparability of the surveillance data.

[Primary antifungal prophylaxis with posaconazole plays a pivotal role during chemotherapy of acute myeloid leukemia]

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of invasive fungal infections (IFI) and usage of intravenous antifungal drugs during remission induction chemotherapy in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) under primary antifungal prophylaxis with posaconazole. Methods: Clinical records from newly diagnosed AML patients above 15 years old in one single center from February 2014 to January 2016 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed, excluding acute promyelocytic leukemia. The incidence of IFI and usage of intravenous antifungal drugs were investigated between control group (not receiving any broad spectrum antifungal prophylaxis) and treatment group (receiving posaconazole as primary prophylaxis). Results: A total of 147 newly diagnosed AML patients were enrolled. Of them, 81 received prophylaxis with posaconazole, and 66 did not receive broad-spectrum antifungal treatment. 7 IFI occurred in posaconazole group, and all were possible cases; 19 IFI occurred in control group (3 proven, 4 probable, 12 possible). The incidence of IFI was significantly lower in treatment group than that in control group (8.6% vs 28.8%, χ(2)=10.138, P=0.001). Usage of intravenous antifungal drugs was significantly decreased in posaconazole group (18.5% vs 50.0%, χ(2)=16.390, P<0.001). Conclusion: Prophylaxis with posaconazole coulf prevent IFI and reduce usage of intravenous antifungal drugs significantly during remission induction chemotherapy in AML patients.

Seroprevalence of bluetongue virus infection in goats in the central China

Seroprevalence of Bluetongue virus (BTV) in goats from Hubei was investigated by a commercial competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Blood samples (n= 1157) were collected during the year 2014 and 2015. The results showed that 13.31% (CI 95% 11.4%-15.4%) serum samples were positive for BTV antibodies in goats in Hubei. The prevalence of BTV antibodies in each region ranged from 1.32% to 27.70%, and differences among the regions were statistically significant (p < 0.01). The prevalence of BTV in male and female goats was 14.23% (95% CI: 11.3, 17.6) and 12.58% (95% CI: 10.1, 15.4), respectively, no significant difference in genders (p > 0.05). In different seasons, the seroprevalence were 8.94% (95% CI: 5.6, 13.3) in spring; 18.31% (95% CI: 14.5, 22.7) in summer; 23.08% (95% CI: 17.0, 30.2) in autumn and 6.98% (95% CI: 4.6, 10.0) in winter, respectively with a significant difference of the prevalence in the different seasons (p < 0.01).

[The progress of the IL-12 cytokine family in allergic rhinitis]

As the IL-12 family plays an important role in immune regulation, it arouses the attention of the researchers increasingly. There are mainly four members in the IL-12 family, including IL-12, IL-23, IL-27 and IL-35 at present. The family members share many similar structures, but they have their own distinctive biological characteristics and play different roles to balance the functional effects of their own family. IL-12 and IL-23 are positive regulators and mainly play pro-inflammatory effect while IL-27 and IL-35 are negative regulators and mainly play anti-inflammatory effect. Thus, IL-12 family plays an important role in the regulation of the immune response and this function may be better than other cytokine family. IL-12 family has an important regulatory effect on multiple T cell subsets and also has an impact on their differentiation and function. So, we postulate that the IL-12 family may have an intense relationship with the generation and development of the allergic rhinitis. This article will mainly talk about the unique structure and role of the IL-12 cytokine family and discuss its immune regulation effect in the allergic rhinitis.

[Clinical features and prognosis in CD10(-) pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia]

Objective: To analyze the clinical features and prognosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients with immunophenotype of CD10(-)pre-B (CD10(-) pre B-ALL) . Methods: 6 adult cases with CD10(-) pre B-ALL immunophenotypes were analyzed retrospectively, related literatures were reviewed to clarify these kind of patients' clinical features and prognosis. Results: CD10(-) pre B-ALL occurred in 1.5% of ALL, 1.8% of B-ALL and 11.5% of pre B-ALL respectively. All the 6 patients were male with the median age as 33.5 years old, the median white blood cells was 101.78×10(9)/L, MLL-AF4 fusion transcripts were evident in all cases. Complete remission (CR) was achieved in 5 patients after first induction chemotherapy, 1 patient failed to respond to induction therapy, and got CR after 3 courses of chemotherapy. 2 patients underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in CR(1), 1 patient relapsed in the short term and underwent allo-HSCT in CR(2). 1 patient was still waiting for allo-HSCT. Of the 2 patients who didn't receive transplantation, 1 died following a relapse, the other remained to be in CR. Conclusions: CD10(-) pre B-ALL was a rare but distinct subtype in adult ALL characterized by male dominance, high onset white blood cells and MLL rearrangement rate. Conventional chemotherapy produced a high response rate but more likely relapse, allo-HSCT may have the potential to improve the prognosis of these patients.

Synthesis of nanocrystallized zirconium carbide based on an aqueous solution-derived precursor

Nanocrystallized zirconium carbide (ZrC) powder was synthesized by an aqueous solution-based process using zirconium acetate and sucrose as starting reagents.

[The clinical and prognostic significance of acute myeloid leukemia with FLT3-ITD]

Objective: To investigate the clinical significance and prognosis factors of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with FLT3 mutation-internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) and provide more evidence for prognosis evaluation in AML with FLT3-ITD. Methods: The clinical characteristics and outcomes of 98 AML with FLT3-ITD were analyzed. Results: In patients with FLT3-ITD positive AML, the median of WBC and peripheral blood blast at initial diagnosis were 58.2 (0.3-461.8) ×109/L and 42.2 (0-397.1) ×109/L, respectively. The complete remission (CR) rate after one course induction therapy was 60.6% in 71 patients with intermediate or adverse risk. The primary refractory rate was 26.8% in 71 patients with intermediate or adverse risk. The lower number of peripheral blood blast was a favorable factor to achieve CR after one course induction therapy (P=0.009). CR after one course (HR=0.395, 95% CI 0.183-0.85, P=0.001) and allo-transplantation in CR1 (HR=0.180, 95% CI 0.043-0.752, P=0.018) favored longer relapse-free survival (RFS). CR after one course (HR=0.251, 95% CI 0.121-0.523, P< 0.001) and lower number of peripheral blood blast (HR=0.219, 95% CI 0.088-0.545, P=0.003) favored longer overall survival (OS) in AML with FLT3-ITD. Conclusion: FLT3-ITD positive AML with lower number of peripheral blood blast has a relative favorable prognosis. CR after one course and allotransplantation in CR1 are important strategy to improve prognosis in AML with FLT3-ITD.

[Application of imatinib in BCR- ABL positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment in the real world]

Objective: To explore the efficacy and prognostic factors of imatinib(IM)combined with chemotherapy for BCR-ABL gene positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia(ALL). Methods: A total of 209 BCR-ABL+ALL patients treated with imatinib plus chemotherapy from April 2003 to August 2015 were enrolled in the study, and 106 patients underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(HSCT). Results: The complete remission(CR)rate was 97.9% in newly diagnosed patients. WBC≥100×109/L at diagnosis was a poor factor for overall survival(OS)(P=0.043). Without HSCT, not achieved CR within 4 weeks in the first cycle induction chemotherapy and complete molecular remission(CMR)not achieved during the treatment were adverse factors for OS(P<0.001, P=0.009, P<0.001, respectively), as well as for relapse free survival(RFS)(P<0.001, <0.001 and <0.001, respectively). Of the 106 patients who underwent allo-HSCT or auto-HSCT, there was no statistically significant difference on the OS and RFS. There was no significant difference on OS in patients treated with imatinib or not in the induction chemotherapy, but the former showed higher 5-year RFS rate(37.0% vs 24.0%, P=0.005). The survival of the patients who took tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKIs)regularly and continuously was the best(40 patients changed to other TKI due to relapse/unsatisfactory decrease in transcription level/occurrence of mutation), followed by those who interrupted TKIs during the bone marrow suppression, those who took TKIs irregularly the worst. The 5- year OS rates among three groups were 46.0%, 28.0% and 17.0%, respectively(P=0.004). The 5- year EFS rates among three groups were 38.0%, 28.0% and 17.0%, respectively(P<0.001). Conclusion: TKIs plus chemotherapy followed by HSCT improved the prognosis of the patients with BCR-ABL+ALL patients. It is important to administer TKIs regularly and continuously to improve the outcome of BCR-ABL+ALL patients.

The Green's functions for peridynamic non-local diffusion

In this work, we develop the Green's function method for the solution of the peridynamic non-local diffusion model in which the spatial gradient of the generalized potential in the classical theory is replaced by an integral of a generalized response function in a horizon. We first show that the general solutions of the peridynamic non-local diffusion model can be expressed as functionals of the corresponding Green's functions for point sources, along with volume constraints for non-local diffusion. Then, we obtain the Green's functions by the Fourier transform method for unsteady and steady diffusions in infinite domains. We also demonstrate that the peridynamic non-local solutions converge to the classical differential solutions when the non-local length approaches zero. Finally, the peridynamic analytical solutions are applied to an infinite plate heated by a Gauss source, and the predicted variations of temperature are compared with the classical local solutions. The peridynamic non-local diffusion model predicts a lower rate of variation of the field quantities than that of the classical theory, which is consistent with experimental observations. The developed method is applicable to general diffusion-type problems.

Identification of 15 novel polymorphic microsatellite loci in pearl oyster (Pinctada fucata)

The pearl oyster Pinctada fucata is a commercially important marine shellfish. As a result, genetic improvement and selective-breeding program have been conducted for this species. Polymorphic microsatellites are effective molecular markers to investigate molecular marker-assisted selection and genetic variance. In this study, microsatellite DNAs were screened and characterized based on the partial genome sequence of P. fucata. We identified 111 microsatellite DNA motifs through mining the published draft genome sequence of P. fucata. Forty-two loci were screened with 8 P. fucata individuals, and 15 were found to be polymorphic and were therefore further evaluated using 40 wild individuals from the Daya Bay, Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 3 to 8, with an average of 5.2667 for the 15 polymorphic loci. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.1154 to 0.6216 (0.3321 on average) and 0.4950 to 0.8491 (0.6768 on average), respectively. Of the 15 polymorphic loci, 12 loci deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium after Bonferroni correction (P < 0.0033). Polymorphism information content ranged from 0.44 to 0.83 with a mean value of 0.63. The results suggest that the markers isolated in this study can be used for research on molecular marker-assisted selection and genetic variance of P. fucata.

[Effects of specific immunotherapy on the expression levels of serum IL-17,IL-35 and Treg/Th17 regulatory T cellsin patients with allergic rhinitis caused by dermatophagoides]

Objective:To explore the regulatory effect of sublingual immunotherapy on the balance of Treg/Th17 cells and the expression of IL-17 and IL-35 in serum of allergic rhinitis(AR) in pre-specific and post-specific immunotherapy.Method:In this study,30 cases were randomly selected from outpatients of otolaryngological department in the second hospital of Hebei Medical university.These were attributed as pretherapy group.After treatment,the same patients were as renamed as the post-therapy group.Another 30 cases were healthy subjects enrolled from physical examination branch of our hospital.We detected the expression level of IL-35 and IL-17 in peripheral blood by using ELISA and defeced CD4⁺ CD25⁺ Foxp3⁺ T cell and CD4⁺ IL-17⁺ T cell expression level via flow cytometry.Result:The expression level of IL-17 in pre therapy group was obviously higher than that in control group(P<0.05);The expression level of IL-17 in post therapy group was obviously lower than that in pre-therapy group,The difference was a statistically significance(t=5.030,P<0.05);The expression level of IL-17 in post therapy group was also higher than that in control group(P <0.05 ).The expression level of IL-35 in pre-therapy group was obviously lower than that in control group(P<0.05);The expression level of IL-35 in post therapy was obviously higher than that in pre-therapy group;The difference was a statistically significance (t=-4.083,P<0.05),the expression level of IL-35 in post therapy group was also lower than that in control group(P<0.05).The percentage of CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ T cell in CD4⁺ T cell was significant lower in pre therapy group than that in control group (P<0.05);The percentage of CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ T cell in CD4+ T cell in post therapy was obviously higher than that in pre therapy group;The difference was a statistically significance(t=-10.584,P<0.05),The percentage of CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ T cell in CD4⁺ T cell was also lower in post therapy group than that in control group (P<0.05 ).The percentage of CD4⁺IL17⁺ T cell in CD4⁺ T cell was significant higher in pre therapy group than that in control group (P<0.05);The percentage of CD4⁺IL-17⁺ T cell in CD4⁺ T cell in post therapy group was obviously lower than that in pre therapy group.The difference was a statistically significance (t=6.258,P<0.05).The percentage of CD4⁺IL-17⁺ T cell in CD4⁺ T cell was also higher in post therapy group than that in control group (P<0.05 ).Conclusion:Specific immunotherapy can have an impact on the expression levels of IL-17,IL-35 and also on Treg/Th17 cells balance in peripheral blood for patients with allergic rhinitis.

Genetic diversity and structure of the threatened species Sinopodophyllum hexandrum (Royle) Ying

Sinopodophyllum hexandrum is an important medicinal plant that has been listed as an endangered species, making the conservation of its genetic diversity a priority. Therefore, the genetic diversity and population structure of S. hexandrum was investigated through inter-simple sequence repeat analysis of eight natural populations. Eleven selected primers generated 141 discernible fragments. The percentage of polymorphic bands was 37.59% at the species level, and 7.66-24.32% at the population level. Genetic diversity of S. hexandrum was low within populations (average HE = 0.0366), but higher at the species level (HE = 0.0963). Clear structure and high genetic differentiation were detected between populations using unweighted pair groups mean arithmetic and principle coordinate analysis. Clustering approaches clustered the eight sampled populations into three major groups, and AMOVA confirmed there to be significant variation between populations (63.27%). Genetic differentiation may have arisen through limited gene flow (Nm = 0.3317) in this species. Isolation by distance among populations was determined by comparing genetic distance versus geographical distance using the Mantel test. The results revealed no correlation between spatial pattern and geographic location. Given the low within-population genetic diversity, high differentiation among populations, and the increasing anthropogenic pressure on this species, in situ conservation measures, in addition to sampling and ex situ preservation, are recommended to preserve S. hexandrum populations and to retain their genetic diversity.

[Cytogentic and prognostic characteristic of acute myeloid leukemia with monosomal karyotype]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the cytogenetic and prognostic significance of monosomal karyotype (MK) in adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

METHODS

From September 2002 to November 2014 in Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 97 cases with AML were enrolled, including 96 cases within unfavorable cytogenetic category and an MK case within the intermediate category. The clinical data of MK-positive cases and unfavorable risk MK-negative cases were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 31 MK cases, accounting for 2.5% of the AML patients treated at the same period. Thirty of them were complex aberrant karyotypes defined as showing three or more clonal abnormalities and classified into adverse group based on SWOG criteria. The rest one of these 31 MK was intermediate risk according to SWOG criteria. Among MK cases, the most frequent monosomal chromosome were -17, -5, -7, -21, -8, -22. In 96 cytogenetic unfavorable AML cases, the median OS period was 6.1 months for MK, the median OS period did not reach for non-MK AML (P=0.001). And the median relapse free survival (RFS) period was 3.1 and 18.6 months for MK and non-MK AML (P<0.001), respectively. Both overall survival (OS) and RFS varied significantly between MK and non-MK categories. In 49 complex karyotype AML cases, the median OS was 6.1 and 10.8 months for MK and non-MK AML (P=0.088), respectively. And the median RFS was 3.1 and 8.6 months for MK and non-MK AML (P=0.009), respectively. The RFS varied significantly between MK and non-MK categories.

CONCLUSION

Most MK patients were complex karyotype in cytogenetic unfavorable group. Within unfavorable or complex karyotype categories, MK-positive cases had a more adverse prognosis than MK-negative cases.

[Homoharringtonine in newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia treatment: a prospective, randomized controlled trial]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and toxicities of combining homoharringtonine (HHT)±daunorubicin (DNR) with all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) based therapy and DNR plus ATRA based therapy in newly diagnosed low/intermediate risk acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).

METHODS

A total of 96 newly diagnosed patients with APL were randomized to HHT group, DNR group and HHT+ DNR group prospectively. The complete remission (CR) rate, the overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) of three groups were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 31 patients in HHT group, 33 patients in DNR group and 32 patients in HHT+ DNR group. The baseline characteristics of three groups were similar. No patient died during induction therapy. The morphologic CR rate was 100.0%. The median time to peak WBC counts in HHT+DNR group (4 days, range: 1-23 days) was significantly shorter than that in HHT group (9 days, range: 1-27 days) (P=0.008) and DNR group (7 days, range: 1-27 days) (P=0.240). There was no difference among three groups about the incidence of differentiation syndrome, the median interval to achieve CR, peak WBC counts and transfusions (P >0.05). All patients achieved complete molecular remission (CMR) during consolidation therapy. The interval to achieve CMR was no significantly difference among three groups (P >0.05). The 3-year OS rates for HHT group, DNR group and HHT+DNR group were 95.0%, 100.0% and 91.0%, respectively (P=0.595). The 3-year EFS rates for three groups were 93.0%, 90.0% and 85.0% (P=0.382). No difference was found in the incidence of adverse events among three groups (P >0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Similar to DNR plus ATRA based therapy, HHT plus ATRA based induction and consolidation therapy should be one of highly-efficient treatment options for newly diagnosed APL. Clinical trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-TRC-12002628.

Neutral particles pushed or pulled by laser pulses

Acceleration of neutral particles is of great importance in many areas, such as controlled chemical reactions, atomic nanofabrication, and atom optics. Recent experimental studies have shown that pulsed lasers can be used to push neutral Rydberg atoms forward [Nature 461, 1261 (2009)10.1038/nature08481; Nat. Photonics 6, 386 (2012)10.1038/nphoton.2012.87]. Our simulation shows that pulsed lasers can also be used to pull Rydberg atoms back toward a light source. In particular, we proposed a method of using two laser pulses on a neutral atom, then selective operations on the neutral atom (pushing or pulling) can be performed by adjusting the delay time between the two laser pulses.