Complete chloroplast genomes of eight Artemisia species: Comparative analysis, molecular identification, and phylogenetic analysis

Artemisia L. is the largest genus in the Asteraceae, and well known for its high medicinal value. The morphological features of Artemisia species are similar, making taxonomic identification and evolutionary research difficult. We sequenced chloroplast genomes of eight Artemisia species, all of which are common adulterants of A. argyi. We used novel genetic data and compared these data to the published A. argyi chloroplast genome in to develop molecular markers for species identification and reconstructing phylogenetic relationships between Artemisia species. The eight chloroplast sequences were highly similar in gene order, content, and structure, encoding a total of 114 genes (82 protein-coding genes, 28 tRNAs, and four rRNAs). All species harboured similar repeat sequences and simple sequence repeats (SSRs), ranging from 47 to 49 and 38 to 40 repeats, respectively. In addition, we identified five hypervariable regions (rpl32-trnL, rps16-trnQ, petN-psbM, trnE-rpoB, and atpA-trnR) and ten variable coding genes (ycf1, psbG, rpl36, psaC, psaI, accD, psbT, ndhD, ndhE, and psbH), which can be used to develop chloroplast molecular markers. Finally, phylogenetic reconstructions based on six datasets produced similar topologies, revealing A. argyi is closely related to species often found as adulterants, as expected. Our research provides valuable new information on the evolution and phylogenetic relationships between Artemisia chloroplast genomes and identifies valuable molecular makers to distinguish it from closely related species.

Treatment of auricular pseudocysts using enhanced negative drainage: a prospective study of 21 cases

OBJECTIVE

Auricular pseudocysts are rare, painless, benign intracartilaginous cysts of the auricle that are not lined by epithelium and have no known aetiology.

METHOD

This was a prospective study conducted in an ENT department from January 2020 to June 2022. In 21 patients, complete aspiration of the pseudocyst with enhanced negative drainage was performed. They were followed for a minimum of six months.

RESULTS

All patients completely responded to the negative drainage treatment. No cases of recurrence or obvious deformities were observed.

CONCLUSION

Aspiration with intensified negative drainage was associated with a positive response in patients with auricular pseudocysts. Complete resolution of the swelling can be achieved without any serious complications. Thus, it appears to be a simple and effective method for managing the condition.

Immediate implant placement for chronic peri-apical periodontitis in the molar region: a randomised controlled trial

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of immediate implantation for chronic peri-apical periodontitis in the molar region. Seventy-four molars were selected and allocated randomly to two groups. The experimental group (n = 38) received immediate implantation by flap surgery and the control group (n = 36) received delayed implantation. CBCT was performed immediately after surgery (T1) and 12 months after the permanent repair (T3). The implant survival rate at T3 was 100% in both groups. There was no significant difference in buccal or lingual vertical marginal bone loss between the groups (P = 0.515, P = 0.736). However, the buccal horizontal margin bone loss was significantly greater in the experimental group: 0.98 ± 0.34 mm vs 0.77 ± 0.27 mm in the control group (P = 0.003). In the experimental group, the highest point of buccal and lingual implant-bone contact increased at T3. The buccal and lingual jump gap widths were 3.21 ± 1.10 mm and 2.92 ± 1.01 mm at T1, and CBCT showed no jump gap around the implants at T3. The clinical outcomes showed immediate implantation to be feasible for chronic peri-apical periodontitis in the molar region.

Multi-scale time-resolved electron diffraction: A case study in moiré materials

Ultrafast-optical-pump - structural-probe measurements, including ultrafast electron and x-ray scattering, provide direct experimental access to the fundamental timescales of atomic motion, and are thus foundational techniques for studying matter out of equilibrium. High-performance detectors are needed in scattering experiments to obtain maximum scientific value from every probe particle. We deploy a hybrid pixel array direct electron detector to perform ultrafast electron diffraction experiments on a WSe2/MoSe2 2D heterobilayer, resolving the weak features of diffuse scattering and moiré superlattice structure without saturating the zero order peak. Enabled by the detector's high frame rate, we show that a chopping technique provides diffraction difference images with signal-to-noise at the shot noise limit. Finally, we demonstrate that a fast detector frame rate coupled with a high repetition rate probe can provide continuous time resolution from femtoseconds to seconds, enabling us to perform a scanning ultrafast electron diffraction experiment that maps thermal transport in WSe2/MoSe2 and resolves distinct diffusion mechanisms in space and time.

[Survey on the cognition of the "undetectable equals untransmittable" concept among HIV-infected men who have sex with men receiving antiviral treatment]

Objective: To explore the cognition of the "undetectable equals untransmittable" ("U=U") concept and associated factors among HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) receiving antiviral treatment (ART) in Shenzhen, and provide evidence for designing promotion and advocacy strategies for the "U=U" concept. Methods: We recruited HIV-infected MSM receiving ART using convenient sampling method combined with routine follow-up in Shenzhen through conducting observational survey. The sample size was estimated to be 475. A questionnaire was administered to collect socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, ART, viral load testing and the cognition towards "U=U" in HIV-infected MSM. Logistic regression was used to access factors associated with acceptance of "U=U". Results: A total of 490 HIV-infected MSM receiving ART were recruited. Of whom, 60.2% (295/490) were aware of "U=U" and 50.6% (248/490) accepted "U=U". Multiple logistic regression showed that participants who had an educational level of college or above (aOR=1.76,95%CI: 1.12-2.75) were more likely to accept "U=U". Those who had no local residency (aOR=0.51,95%CI: 0.29-0.92), had viral load >0 copies/ml in the last testing (aOR=0.61,95%CI: 0.38-0.98) and were unaware of "U=U" (aOR=0.13, 95%CI: 0.09-0.21), were less likely to accept "U=U". Conclusions: HIV-infected MSM receiving ART had a low cognition level of "U=U" in Shenzhen. Promotion and advocacy on this concept through healthcare workers should be enhanced in combination with routine follow-up in order to improve their ART adherence and outcome of treatment. Furthermore, developing related guidelines on "U=U" according to the characteristics of HIV-infected individuals is warranted to improve the normalization of promotion and advocacy on "U=U".

New Data-Driven Gated (DDG) PET/CT for Radiation Treatment Planning of NSCLC

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

PET/CT for RT simulation of NSCLC is typically conducted in two separate imaging sessions of gated 4D-CT in radiation oncology and fusion with non-gated PET/CT in diagnostic imaging, making treatment response assessment (TRA) with PET/CT and radiation treatment planning (RTP) challenging. To remedy this short-coming, we designed a new data-driven gated (DDG) PET/CT, based on the self-gated PET and self-gated CT data to derive the gated PET/CT data free of tumor blurring and misregistration artifacts without any respiratory monitoring device (ease of use and cost reduction). The new DDG PET/CT also provides the important 4D-CT information of end-inspiratory (EI), end-expiratory (EE), maximum-intensity-projection (MIP) and average-intensity-projection (AIP) CT's. The total imaging time is < 15 min, which makes DDG PET/CT simulation in a single session without any respiratory monitoring device possible.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Acquisition is standard PET/CT imaging protocol followed by a cine CT imaging of the tumor area. We utilized the commercial DDG PET from GE Discovery PET/CT and designed a new DDG CT for attenuation correction of the DDG PET for reduction of tumor motion and mis-registration. The AIP and MIP images were from the average and maximum pixel values of the cine CT images, respectively. The cine CT images with the largest and smallest average CT number in the lung region were identified as the EE and EI CT images, respectively. For the image slices without any lung region present, the largest and smallest expansions of the body outline contour were selected to be the EE and EI CT phases, respectively. The AIP and EE CT images were used for attenuation correction of the PET and DDG PET data, respectively. Both DDG PET/CT and 4D-CT of (EI, EE, AIP and MIP) are for RT simulation of NSCLC. 38 4D-CT patient data sets were compared at the EE and EI phases between our DDG CT and 4D-CT to demonstrate the applicability of the newly designed DDG CT.

RESULTS

A prototype software on a Dell PC of i5-6500 CPU has been successfully developed to enable DDG PET/CT and 4D-CT on seven GE Discovery PET/CT scanners. The operating system was Ubuntu and the computer language was Python. In the EE phase, the images selected by DDG CT and 4D CT were identical 62.5±21.6% of the time. In the EI phase, the images selected by DDG CT and 4D CT were identical 68.2±18.9% of the time. Inspection of the EE and EI phases of DDG CT and 50% and 0% of 4D-CT demonstrated both data sets of DDG CT and 4D CT were almost identical.

CONCLUSION

A new DDG PET/CT and 4D-CT in a single imaging session without any hardware gating has been developed for TRA and RTP of NSCLC. The utility is available on the network and it enables all PET/CT scanners on the network for TRA and RTP. The new DDG CT provides the benefits of 4D-CT without any requirement of external hardware gating and make possible DDG PET/CT free of tumor motion and misregistration artifacts.

The Incidence and Prognosis Value of Perineural Invasion in Rectal Carcinoma: From Meta-Analyses and Real-World Clinical Pathological Features

AIMS

Perineural invasion (PNI) is a special type of metastasis of several cancers and has been reported as being a factor for poor prognosis in colorectal carcinoma. However, investigations of PNI in only rectal cancer and a comprehensive analysis combining meta-analyses with real-world case studies remain lacking.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, articles from 2000 to 2020 concerning the relationship between PNI and rectal cancer prognoses and clinical features were meta-analysed. Subsequently, we carried out a retrospective analysis of 312 rectal cancer cases that underwent radical surgery in the real world. The incidence of PNI and the relationship between PNI and prognosis, as well as clinicopathological factors, were investigated.

RESULTS

The incidence of PNI was 23.09% and 33.01% in the meta-analysis and clinical cases, respectively. PNI occurred as early as stage I (2.94%). Moreover, neoadjuvant therapy significantly reduced the PNI-positive rate (20.34% versus 26.54%). Both meta-analysis and real-world clinical case studies suggested that PNI-positive patients had poorer prognoses than PNI-negative patients. We established an effective risk model consisting of T stage, differentiation and lymphovascular invasion to predict PNI in rectal cancer.

CONCLUSION

PNI is a poor prognostic factor for rectal cancer and could occur even in stage I. Additionally, neoadjuvant therapy could sufficiently reduce the PNI-positive rate. T stage, lymphovascular invasion and differentiation grade were independent risk factors for PNI and the risk model that included these factors could predict the probability of PNI.

Evaluating the Utility of Traditional Bowel Dose Constraints when Treating Abdominal and Pelvic Sarcomas with Preoperative Radiation Therapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Abdominopelvic soft tissue sarcomas (AP-STS) are selectively treated with preoperative radiation therapy (RT) followed by surgery. Due to their rarity, most bowel dose constraints are extrapolated from dosimetric studies for other abdominal or pelvic malignancies where concurrent chemotherapy is often given in addition to RT. We sought to investigate associations between dosimetric bowel constraints and the risk for developing acute and long-term toxicities in patients who received preoperative RT for AP-STS.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of patients treated at a tertiary cancer center for non-metastatic AP-STS between 2005 and 2020. Dosimetric parameters for the "bowel bag" organ at risk structure were extracted for each patient. Chi-Square or Fisher's Exact Test, where appropriate, was utilized to compare the proportion of patients who exceeded constraints to the bowel bag contour as per the consensus RT retroperitoneal sarcoma guidelines, and the development of acute and long-term toxicities.

RESULTS

We identified 39 patients with available dosimetric data. The median follow-up was 34 months (IQR 20-47). Approximately half of the tumors were located in the pelvis (n = 20, 51%), and the majority were treated with IMRT/VMAT (n = 35, 90%). 31 patients (80%) presented with de novo disease, and 20% (n = 8) were recurrent presentations but had not received prior RT. The most common histology was leiomyosarcoma (n = 15, 38%), followed by de-differentiated liposarcoma (n = 8, 21%). The median bowel max dose (defined as D0.1cc) was 5309cGy [IQR 5262-5830]. Thirteen patients (33%) exceeded the volumetric V15 Gy <830cm3 bowel bag constraint, and 18 (46%) exceeded the V45 Gy ≤ 195cm3 bowel bag constraint. Overall, 17 patients (44%) had acute grade 1 diarrhea, and 11 (28%) had grade 1-2 nausea. Five patients (13%) had long-term radiation-related toxicities, including 1 patient who developed an enterocutaneous fistula. There was no association between exceeding V15 Gy>830 cm3 (p = 0.31) or V45 Gy≥195cm3 (p = 0.65) bowel bag constraints and developing a long-term RT toxicity. Similarly, exceeding V15 Gy>830 cm3 or V45 Gy≥195cm3 did not lead to increased risks of developing acute diarrhea, nausea, or any other acute RT toxicity (all p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Traditional volumetric bowel bag dose constraints are frequently exceeded given the large size of AP-STS at presentation and thus the large RT target volumes. Despite a significant proportion of patients exceeding these constraints, these data suggest that RT is overall well-tolerated, and the risk of developing toxicities does not correlate with traditional bowel bag volumetric constraints. There are ongoing efforts to substantially expand this cohort for further investigation into the relationship between dosimetric data and bowel toxicities in order to identify more predictive bowel constraints that can be used during treatment planning of AP-STS.

[Differences in biochemical indexes and AIDS-related complications at baseline in HIV- infected patients with different levels of immune reconstitution after antiretroviral therapy]

Objective: To observe the differences in biochemical indexes and AIDS-related complications at baseline in HIV-infected patients with different levels of immune reconstitution to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods: The subjects were treat-naïve adult HIV-infected patients who were followed up for more than 24 months in the Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital affiliated infection clinic at Guangzhou Medical University from January 2010 to December 2017. CD4+ T lymphocyte count at baseline at <200, 200-350, and >350 cells/µl levels were divided into poor, partial, and good immune reconstitution groups. The Kruskal-Wallis H and chi-square tests were used to analyze the differences in baseline sociodemographic characteristics, biochemical indexes, and AIDS-related complications among different groups. The SPSS 20.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: Among the 3 900 HIV-infected individuals, 385 cases (9.9%), 1 206 cases (30.9%), and 2 309 cases (59.2%) were grouped into poor, partial and good immune reconstitution groups, respectively. The baseline biochemical indexes of leukocyte, platelet, hemoglobin, TG, TC, FPG, AST, ALT and total bilirubin in the poor immune reconstitution group were significantly different from those in the good immune reconstitution group (all P<0.05). The proportion of AIDS-related complications at baseline in the poor immune reconstitution group, such as tuberculosis, pneumocystis yeli pneumonia, disseminated mycosis, esophageal candidiasis, extrapulmonary tuberculosis, dermatitis, oral candidiasis, oral mucous leukoplakia, continuous diarrhea for more than 1 month and continuous or intermittent fever for more than 1 month, was significantly higher than that in the good immune reconstitution group (all P<0.05). Conclusions: The biochemical indexes and AIDS-related complications in HIV-infected patients with different levels of immune reconstitution were significantly different at baseline. Attention should be paid to monitoring abnormal biomedical indicators and AIDS-related complications at baseline.

Rehybridization dynamics into the pericyclic minimum of an electrocyclic reaction imaged in real-time

Electrocyclic reactions are characterized by the concerted formation and cleavage of both σ and π bonds through a cyclic structure. This structure is known as a pericyclic transition state for thermal reactions and a pericyclic minimum in the excited state for photochemical reactions. However, the structure of the pericyclic geometry has yet to be observed experimentally. We use a combination of ultrafast electron diffraction and excited state wavepacket simulations to image structural dynamics through the pericyclic minimum of a photochemical electrocyclic ring-opening reaction in the molecule α-terpinene. The structural motion into the pericyclic minimum is dominated by rehybridization of two carbon atoms, which is required for the transformation from two to three conjugated π bonds. The σ bond dissociation largely happens after internal conversion from the pericyclic minimum to the electronic ground state. These findings may be transferrable to electrocyclic reactions in general.

[Clinical effect and analysis of exercise treatment for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis]

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy of (stomatognathic system functional exercise(SSFE) in the treatment of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA), and to provide reference for the clinical treatment of TMJOA. Methods: Choose between January 2020 and June 2020 in the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) Clinics, pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), limited openings for complained of symptoms of TMD patients, diagnosed by clinical examination and cone beam CT (CBCT) examination of TMJOA patients 60 patients (64 joints), including 20 males and 45 females, the age was (42.6±2.5) years (33-47 years old). The patients were randomly divided into the experimental group (30 cases, 34 joints) and the control group (30 cases, 30 joints) according to the odd and even numbers of their treatment numbers. The experimental group was treated with SSFE method. The control group was treated with maxillary full dentition occlusal splint. Visual analogue score (VAS), natural mouth opening and maximal mouth opening (MMO) of each patient in each group were recorded at initial diagnosis, 2 weeks, 3 and 6 months after treatment, and CBCT imaging was compared for the changes of condylar bone at initial diagnosis, 3 and 6 months after treatment. Results: VAS values of the experimental groups were (2.90±1.42), (0.90±0.37), (0.87±0.23) at 2 weeks, 3 and 6 months after treatment, respectively. The VAS values of the control group were (4.57±1.94), (4.17±2.09), (3.73±2.21), respectively. The VAS score of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group (F=42.93, P<0.001). Before SSFE treatment, all the patients in the experimental group had different degrees of restricted opening and characteristic abnormal opening and closing pattern. Two weeks after SSFE treatment, the opening degree of the patients was (37.69±2.4)mm, the opening shape "↓" and the closing shape "↑" were normal. At 3 and 6 months after treatment, the oral opening was (38.98±1.08) mm and (39.73±1.76) mm, respectively. The opening degree of control group was (36.85±2.33) mm 2 weeks after treatment, and the characteristic abnormal opening and closing pattern still existed. The opening degree of control group was (37.82±1.85) mm and (37.40±1.75) mm 3 and 6 months after treatment, respectively. The characteristic abnormal opening and closing pattern (stuffy, awkward, deliberate, unnatural) did not improve significantly. The openness of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group (F=25.20, P<0.001). In the experimental group, 82.4% (28/34) had benign remodeling of condylar bone 6 months after treatment, and 17.6% (6/34) had no change of condylar bone. There was no significant change in condylar bone in control group. CBCT scores of the experimental group were (2.43±1.74) and (1.70±1.26) at 3 and 6 months after treatment, respectively. CBCT scores of the control group at 3 and 6 months after treatment were (4.23±1.50) and (4.10±1.37), they were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (F=27.20, P<0.001). Conclusions: Full dentition occlusal splint can alleviate the pain in the joint area of TMJOA patients, but can not improve the characteristic abnormal mandibular movement, and the condyle bone repair is not obvious. SSFE can effectively relieve the symptoms and signs of TMJOA patients, especially improve the abnormal characteristic mandibular movement, and promote the normal reconstruction and repair of condylar bone.

Effect of feeding fresh forage plantain (Plantago lanceolata) or ryegrass-based pasture on methane emissions, total-tract digestibility, and rumen fermentation of nonlactating dairy cows

Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) is an herb used to reduce the forage deficit of ryegrass-based pastures during the summer. This herb is being promoted for its reduced environmental impact in terms of nitrogen emissions, particularly reducing urinary nitrogen. However, the effect of plantain on emissions of enteric CH₄, the main greenhouse gas produced from ruminant-based production systems, is not known. The aim of the present trial was to determine CH₄ emissions and rumen fermentation characteristics of nonlactating dairy cows fed 100% plantain (PLT) or 100% perennial ryegrass (RG; Lolium perenne) in 2 experiments (E1 and E2). The forages were in a vegetative growth stage in E1 and were in a reproductive growth stage in E2. Methane emissions from 16 cows in each experiment were measured in respiration chambers for 2 d. Methane emissions per unit of dry matter intake (CH₄ yield) were 15 and 28% less for cows fed PLT than those fed RG in E1 and E2, respectively. Dry matter digestibility of PLT was 7 and 27% less than that of RG in E1 and E2, respectively, and CH₄ per unit of dry matter digested was similar for PLT and RG in both experiments. There were only minor (but some significant) differences in rumen fermentation characteristics between cows fed PLT and RG in both experiments. In conclusion, CH₄ yield was lower for cows fed PLT compared with those fed RG in both experiments and this reduction was largely explained by the lesser dry matter digestibility of PLT.

Diagnostic Value of Sylvian Fissure Hyperechogenicity in Fetal SAH

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Fetal SAH is an intracranial malformation. The typical diagnostic features of fetal SAH in ultrasound have not been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of Sylvian fissure hyperechogenicity by prenatal ultrasound in fetuses with SAH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The features on ultrasound and MR imaging of 10 fetuses with SAH were reviewed and summarized. The diagnostic value of the Sylvian fissure in fetal SAH by prenatal ultrasound was evaluated.

RESULTS

The typical and most obvious manifestations of SAH during the prenatal period were hyperechogenicity in the subarachnoid cavity, especially in the Sylvian fissure; all 10 cases (10/10) had such manifestations. Other manifestations included a hyperecho in other sulci (6/10), especially in the subfrontal sulcus, superior temporal sulcus, or parieto-occipital sulcus; a hyperecho in the cisterns (8/10), especially in the suprasellar cistern, posterior cranial fossa, cisterna ambiens, or quadrigeminal cistern; and a hyperecho around the anterior and posterior longitudinal fissures (2/10). Combined hemorrhage in the parenchymal layer or ventricles (9/10) was found. In addition, Doppler ultrasound showed that the peak flow velocity in the MCA increased in 6 cases (6/10).

CONCLUSIONS

The homogeneous hyperechogenicity of the Sylvian fissure is an important clue for detecting and diagnosing fetal SAH by prenatal ultrasound. A diagnostic approach has been proposed for fetal SAH, which has great significance in further prognosis.

Predator-Prey Interactions between Nonnative Juvenile Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) and Local Candidate Prey Species in the Pearl River Delta: Predation Capacity, Preference and Growth Performance

An ontogenetic dietary shift is crucial for the survival and growth of piscivorous largemouth bass (LB). However, there is much to learn about the predator-prey interaction during the switching process. We carried out a series of indoor experiments to examine the predation capacity, predation preference, and growth performance of exotic juvenile LB feeding on candidate prey species in the Pearl River Delta. The widely distributed oriental river prawn (Macrobranchium nipponense), barcheek goby (Ctenogobius giurinus), western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), and mud carp (Cirrhinus molitorella), with relatively similar total lengths, were selected as potential prey based on their availability and habitat use. Our results show that predation capacity and preference varied quantitatively and qualitatively among prey species. The number of oriental river prawns killed was significantly less than that of fish species, comparing the 1st hour with the 24th hour (p < 0.01). The feeding rhythm of LB varied significantly from crayfish to fish. Numerically, Jacobs’ selection index reinforced LB’s special preference for predating G. affinis. Although there were obvious variations in predation capacity and feed selection, no statistically significant growth differences were detected among LB groups feeding on live M. nipponense, G. affinis, H. molitrix, and C. molitorella (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the successful ontogenetic dietary shift of juvenile LB may depend on the availability and vulnerability of local fish species. Further study on the reproductive phenology of potential fish prey may help to predict LB’s establishment.

Promoting effect of the recombinant resuscitation promoting factors-2 of Rhodococcus erythropolis on petroleum degradation and cultivable bacterial diversities of the oil-contaminated soils

Resuscitation-promoting factors (Rpfs) belong to peptidoglycan hydrolases, which participate in recovery of dormant cells and promoting bacteria growth. In this study, the resuscitation promoting factor rpf2 gene of Rhodococcus erythropolis KB1 was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by Ni²⁺ affinity chromatography. The purified recombinant fusion protein Rpf2 showed a closely 50 kDa band on sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The protein showed muralytic activity, with a specific activity of 1503 ± 123 U mg^-1 when determined with 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-d-N, N',N″-triacetotri-ylchitoside as substrate. It also showed protease activity when measured with azocasein as substrate, with a specific activity of 1528 ± 411 U mg^-1 . The addition of the recombinant Rpf2 protein significantly increased petroleum degradation efficiency of the indigenous micro-organisms and the petroleum degradation rates increased from 30·86 to 43·45%, 45·20 and 49·23% in the treatment groups. The recombinant protein also increased the petroleum-degrading bacterial diversities enriched from the contaminated soils. The cultivable bacterial flora of the treatment groups supplemented with different concentrations of Rpf2 increased from 82 genera in 9 phyla to 116 genera in 16 phyla and 138 genera in 16 phyla respectively. Thirteen extra petroleum-degrading bacteria strains were isolated from the petroleum-contaminated soils in the groups containing the recombinant Rpf2.

Theoretically exploring selective-binding mechanisms of BRD4 through integrative computational approaches

The origin of cancer is related to the dysregulation of multiple signal pathways and of physiological processes. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) has become an attractive target for the development of anticancer and anti-inflammatory agents since it can epigenetically regulate the transcription of growth-promoting genes. The synthesized BRD4 inhibitors with new chemical structures can reduce the drug resistance, but their binding modes and the inhibitory mechanism remain unclear. Here, we initially constructed robust QSAR models based on 68 reported tetrahydropteridin analogues using topomer CoMFA and HQSAR. On the basis of QSAR results, we designed 16 novel tetrahydropteridin analogues with modified structures and carried out docking studies. Instead of significant hydrogen bondings with amino acid residue Asn140 as reported in previous research, the molecular docking modelling suggested a novel docking pose that involves the amino acid residues (Trp81, Pro82, Val87, Leu92, Leu94, Cys136, Asp144, and Ile146) at the active site of BRD4. The MD simulations, free energy calculations, and residual energy contributions all indicate that hydrophobic interactions are decisive factors affecting bindings between inhibitors and BRD4. The current study provides new insights that can aid the discovery of BRD4 inhibitors with enhanced anti-cancer ability.

Conformer-specific photochemistry imaged in real space and time

[Figure: see text].

A magnetic resonance imaging study on the temporomandibular joint disc-condyle relationship in young asymptomatic adults

The aim of this study was to assess the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc-condyle relationship in asymptomatic young adults. Ninety-three volunteers aged 19-23 years without temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms underwent TMJ magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The condylar centre and apex methods were used to measure and analyse the position of the disc in the oblique sagittal plane, and the reliability of the two methods was compared by calculating the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Furthermore, 18 of the volunteers were randomly selected for three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the TMJ structure and the disc-condyle relationship. The 3D TMJ structure was established by semi-automatic segmentation of the condyle and articular disc in ITK-SNAP software; the condylar apex method was then performed. It was found that only 33.3% of the posterior edge of the articular discs were located in the normal 12 o'clock position with respect to the condyle. Moreover, this study suggests that the condylar centre method lacks accuracy when compared to the condylar apex method in regard to the measurement of the TMJ disc-condyle relationship (0 < ICC_cen < ICC_apex < 1). The position of the articular disc (left and right) was more forward in young women when compared to young men. However, there was no significant difference in the TMJ disc-condyle position between the left and right sides in the same individual, although the two joint discs in the same individual were not completely symmetrical.

A multiperiod grey prediction model and its application

The purpose of this paper is to solve the prediction problem of nonlinear sequences with multiperiodic features, and a multiperiod grey prediction model based on grey theory and Fourier series is established. For nonlinear sequences with both trend and periodic features, the empirical mode decomposition method is used to decompose the sequences into several periodic terms and a trend term; then, a grey model is used to fit the trend term, and the Fourier series method is used to fit the periodic terms. Finally, the optimization parameters of the model are solved with the objective of obtaining a minimum mean square error. The novel model is applied to research on the loss rate of agricultural droughts in Henan Province. The average absolute error and root mean square error of the empirical analysis are 0.3960 and 0.5086, respectively. The predicted results show that the novel model can effectively fit the loss rate sequence. Compared with other models, the novel model has higher prediction accuracy and is suitable for the prediction of multiperiod sequences.

Effects of astragalus polysaccharide on intestinal inflammatory damage in goslings infected with gosling plague

1. This study explored the effects of Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharide (APS) on intestinal inflammatory damage of goslings infected with parvovirus ('gosling plague').2. A total of 90 healthy goslings were randomly divided into three groups; control, infected or APS treated, respectively. Goslings in the infection and APS treatment groups were inoculated with 0.3 ml allantoic fluid containing goose parvovirus (ELD₅₀ = 1 × 10³/0.3 ml) by intramuscular injection and the control group were injected with saline (0.3 ml) twice a day for 15 days.3. Blood serum and the jejunum were collected at 5, 10 and 15 days after the start of the experiment to detect the activities of SOD and GSH-Px, levels of MDA, sIgA, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, LITAF, NF-κB, COX-2 and PGE2, pathological damage in the jejunum and serum IgG, IgM, C3, C4, IFN-γ levels.4. After APS treatment, SOD and GSH-Px activities increased, MDA content decreased; sIgA, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α protein content, and IL-1β, IL-6, LITAF, NF-κB, COX-2 and PGE2 mRNA expression decreased in the jejunal tissue, serum IgG, IgM, C3, C4, IFN-γ significantly increased and pathological damage of jejunum significantly improved.5. In conclusion, APS reduced intestinal inflammatory damage in goslings infected with parvovirus by improving the immune and antioxidant functions of goslings.

[Histopathological and molecular characteristics of metaplastic thymomas: report of five cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics, immunophenotype, molecular genetic characteristics and prognosis of the metaplastic thymoma (MT). Methods: The clinicopathological and follow-up data of five MT cases were collected at Fujian Provincial Hospital from 2008 to 2019. Immunohistochemical staining and MAML2 gene detection were performed, and the relevant literature was reviewed. Results: There were 2 males and 3 females, aged 36-64 years (mean age 52 years). The tumors ranged 3.2-7.3 cm in the greatest diameter (average 5.1 cm).Microscopically, the tumor showed a biphasic pattern with epithelial cells merging gradually with the spindle cell component. The two areas transited to each other or had obvious boundary. Both components showed mild atypia. No mitosis was observed in either area, and a small number of lymphocytes were observed in the stroma. Immunohistochemical staining showed that epithelioid cells were positive for CKpan, p63 and E-cadherin. Spindle cells were positive for vimentin and EMA, while the Ki-67 index was less than 5%, and lymphocytes were negative for TdT. MAML2 gene apart signal was detected in two of the cases (2/4) that were tested by FISH. Conclusions: MT is a low-grade malignant epithelioid thymic tumor. Its diagnosis and differential diagnosis are dependent on the morphological characteristics, immunohistochemical staining and MAML2 gene detection. The primary treatment option is surgical resection, with an overall good prognosis.

Creation and Characterization of Matter-Wave Breathers

We report the creation of quasi-1D excited matter-wave solitons, "breathers," by quenching the strength of the interactions in a Bose-Einstein condensate with attractive interactions. We characterize the resulting breathing dynamics and quantify the effects of the aspect ratio of the confining potential, the strength of the quench, and the proximity of the 1D-3D crossover for the two-soliton breather. Furthermore, we demonstrate the complex dynamics of a three-soliton breather created by a stronger interaction quench. Our experimental results, which compare well with numerical simulations, provide a pathway for utilizing matter-wave breathers to explore quantum effects in large many-body systems.

Regulation of phenolic release in corn seeds (Zea mays L.) for improving their antioxidant activity by mix-culture fermentation with Monascus anka, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Bacillus subtilis

In this study, mix-culture fermentation (MF) with M. anka, S. cerevisiae and B. subtilis to regulate phenolic release in corn seeds was investigated. Results showed the adding strategy of S. cerevisiae and B. subtilis significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the total phenolic content (TPC) of corn seeds, and the highest TPC in MF was 22.56-fold rise than that of unfermented control. Moreover, the phenolic compounds in corn seeds were shifted after MF. SDS-PAGE revealed some enzymes produced by microorganisms were regulated, and the α-amylase and FPase activities were changed to improvement in MF. SEM micrographs of corn seeds in MF varied markedly with the cell walls structure destroyed, so as to release of the phenolic fractions in corn seeds. Based on the phenolic mobilization, DPPH and ABTS⁺ radical scavenging abilities of phenolic fractions from corn seeds were improved in MF. This paper provides a prospect fermentation process for improving the phenolic release in corn cereals.

[Study on the matching feature of current parameters for inducing contraction of orbicularis oris muscle by artificial facial nerve in rabbit with peripheral facial paralysis]

Objective: To explore the optimal matching of the current parameters about artificial facial nerve (AFN) for inducing contraction of the orbicularis oris muscle (OOM) in rabbit with peripheral facial paralysis. Methods: According to the combinations of different stimulus parameters, at different time points, we used AFN to induce contraction of the affected side OOM of the paralyzed rabbit in waking state. We recorded the current amplitudes of the threshold stimulation and peak stimulation under each combination, then compared the total charge of the stimulus consumption under different combinations. Results: Compared the total stimulus charge consumption of the AFN threshold stimulation and that in the peak stimulation respectively under different stimulus frequency and pulse width matching combinations, we found that the frequency, the pulse width and the interaction of the frequency and pulse width among different groups could affect the total charge, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions: When AFN stimulus frequency is 60 Hz and the stimulus pulse width is 100 μs, the output current intensity is relatively lowest and the total consumed charge is the lowest under the premise of effectively inducing the paralytic side OOM contraction. Thus we recommend this stimulus parametric combination as the optimal combination for meeting the low power consumption of AFN.

Systematic analysis of copy-number variations associated with early pregnancy loss

OBJECTIVES

Embryonic numerical and structural chromosomal abnormalities are the most common cause of early pregnancy loss. However, the role of submicroscopic copy-number variations (CNVs) in early pregnancy loss is unclear, and little is known about the critical regions and candidate genes for miscarriage, because of the large size of structural chromosomal abnormalities. The aim of this study was to identify potential miscarriage-associated submicroscopic CNVs and critical regions of large CNVs as well as candidate genes for miscarriage.

METHODS

Over a 5-year period, 5180 fresh miscarriage specimens were investigated using quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction/CNV sequencing or chromosomal microarray analysis. Statistically significant submicroscopic CNVs were identified by comparing the frequency of recurrent submicroscopic CNVs between cases and a published control cohort. Furthermore, genes within critical regions of miscarriage-associated CNVs were prioritized by integrating the Residual Variation Intolerance Score and the human gene expression dataset for identification of potential miscarriage candidate genes.

RESULTS

Results without significant maternal-cell contamination were obtained in 5003 of the 5180 (96.6%) cases. Clinically significant chromosomal abnormalities were identified in 59.1% (2955/5003) of these cases. Three recurrent submicroscopic CNVs (microdeletions in 22q11.21, 2q37.3 and 9p24.3p24.2) were significantly more frequent in miscarriage cases, and were considered to be associated with miscarriage. Moreover, 44 critical regions of large CNVs were observed, including 14 deletions and 30 duplications. There were 309 genes identified as potential miscarriage candidate genes through gene-prioritization analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified potential miscarriage candidate CNVs and genes. These data demonstrate the importance of CNVs in the etiology of miscarriage and highlight the importance of ongoing analysis of CNVs in the study of miscarriage. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

High throughput scanning μLEED imaging of surface structural heterogeneity: Defective graphene on Cu(111)

Micro-low energy electron diffraction (μLEED) is frequently used in conjunction with low energy electron microscopy (LEEM) to learn about local surface structural features in small selected areas. Scanning μLEED measurements performed with a very small electron beam (250 nm) can provide precise quantitative information about structural variations with high spatial resolution. We have developed the Source Extraction and Photometry (SEP) - Spot Profile Analysis (SPA) tool for evaluating scanning μLEED data with high throughput. The capability to automate diffraction peak identification with SEP-SPA opens up the possibility to investigate systems with complex diffraction patterns in which diffraction peak positions vary rapidly for small lateral displacements on the surface. The application of this tool to evaluate scanning μLEED data obtained for defective graphene on Cu(111) demonstrates its capabilities. A rich rotational domain structure is observed in which a majority of the graphene is co-aligned with the Cu(111) substrate and the significant remainder comprises domains with large rotations and small sizes that are comparable to the small beam size.

Clinical analysis of cervical lymph node metastasis risk factors in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

PURPOSE

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is a vital prognosis factor in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). The study tried to identify clinicopathological factors for LNM of PTMC.

METHODS

The clinicopathological data of 1031 patients with PTMC were extracted and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors associated with cervical lymph node metastasis. ROC analysis was used to determine the ideal critical points of the sum of the maximum diameter of multifocal in a unilateral lobe.

RESULTS

The probability of LNM, central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) and lateral lymph node metastasis(LLNM)of PTMC patients were 35.6, 33.7 and 5.6%, respectively. In addition, 1.9% PTMC had LLNM only. Male, age ≤ 40 years, tumor largest diameter ≥ 5 mm, multifocal, non-uniform echoic distribution, the sum of the maximum diameter of multifocal in a unilateral lobe ≥ 8.5 mm, tumors in the lower pole location were prone to CLNM. Ultrasound mix-echo, the sum of the maximum diameter of the multifocal ≥ 10.75 mm, tumors in the upper pole location were extremely prone to LLNM. T3 were prone to LLNM or skip LLNM.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the clinicopathological characteristics of PTMC, the cervical lymph nodes should be correctly evaluated to guide the surgical treatment.

The influence of warming on the biogeographic and phylogenetic dependence of herbivore-plant interactions

Evolutionary experience and the phylogenetic relationships of plants have both been proposed to influence herbivore-plant interactions and plant invasion success. However, the direction and magnitude of these effects, and how such patterns are altered with increasing temperature, are rarely studied. Through laboratory functional response experiments, we tested whether the per capita feeding efficiency of an invasive generalist herbivore, the golden apple snail, Pomacea canaliculata, is dependent on the biogeographic origin and phylogenetic relatedness of host plants, and how increasing temperature alters these dependencies. The feeding efficiency of the herbivore was highest on plant species with which it had no shared evolutionary history, that is, novel plants. Further, among evolutionarily familiar plants, snail feeding efficiency was higher on those species more closely related to the novel plants. However, these biogeographic dependencies became less pronounced with increasing temperature, whereas the phylogenetic dependence was unaffected. Collectively, our findings indicate that the susceptibility of plants to this invasive herbivore is mediated by both biogeographic origin and phylogenetic relatedness. We hypothesize that warming erodes the influence of evolutionary exposure, thereby altering herbivore-plant interactions and perhaps the invasion success of plants.

Cohort study to evaluate efficacy, safety and acceptability of a two-rod contraceptive implant during third, fourth and fifth year of product use in China

Objective

Sino-implant (II) is a contraceptive implant approved for 4 years of use in China. We evaluated the contraceptive efficacy during the third, fourth and fifth year, and assessed additional pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, and acceptability endpoints.

Study design

We enrolled a cohort of 255 current Sino-Implant (II) users entering their third year and a second cohort of 243 users entering their fourth year. We followed these two cohorts for 12 and 24 months, respectively. To characterize PK endpoints (i.e. levonorgestrel (LNG), sex hormone binding globulin and free LNG index) over 5 years, we collected blood samples in a subset of 50 participants we followed during the third, fourth and fifth year. We also enrolled small cohorts (n = 20) of Sino-implant (II) users entering their sixth month and second year and followed them each for up to 6 months. Our primary efficacy measures were the pregnancy Pearl Indices during Year 3 and 4. Secondary objectives included assessments of PK, safety, acceptability and efficacy in the fifth year.

Results

We recorded four pregnancies, with a higher pregnancy rate during Year 3 [1.34 (95% CI: 0.28–3.93)] than Year 4 [0.44 (95% CI: 0.01–2.47)] or Year 5 [0.00 (95% CI: 0.00–2.02)]. The overall pregnancy rate for the third, fourth and fifth years of product use was 0.63 per 100 WY; 95% CI: (0.17–1.62). Mean LNG concentrations remained well above 200 pg/mL (Year 3 = 280.9; Year 4 = 233.6; Year 5 = 270.6). Most participants (93.7%) described their bleeding pattern as acceptable.

Conclusion

Sino-implant (II) is a highly effective contraceptive method in this population of Chinese women over 5 years.

Implications

Sino-implant (II) is a highly effective contraceptive method with an estimated Pearl Index of less than 1% over the third, fourth and fifth years of use in a population of Chinese women of reproductive age.

Experimental upper bound and theoretical expectations for parity-violating neutron spin rotation in 4He

Neutron spin rotation is expected from quark-quark weak interactions in the standard model, which induce weak interactions among nucleons that violate parity. We present the results from an experiment searching for the effect of parity violation via the spin rotation of polarized neutrons in a liquid 4He medium. The value for the neutron spin rotation angle per unit length in 4He, d ϕ / d z = [ + 2.1 ± 8.3 (stat.) - 0.2 + 2.9 (sys.) ] × 10 - 7 rad/m, is consistent with zero. The result agrees with the best current theoretical estimates of the size of nucleon-nucleon weak amplitudes from other experiments and with the expectations from recent theoretical approaches to weak nucleon-nucleon interactions. In this paper we review the theoretical status of parity violation in then → + 4He system and discuss details of the data analysis leading to the quoted result. Analysis tools are presented that quantify systematic uncertainties in this measurement and that are expected to be essential for future measurements.

[Immunogenicity of inacitivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine in adults aged 18-64 years: A systematic review and Meta-analysis]

Objective: To evaluate the immunogenicity of inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) in adults aged 18-64 years, through a Meta-analysis. Methods: Literature was retrieved by searching the Medline, Cochrane Library, Science Direct in the past decade. All the studies were under random control trial (RCT) and including data related to immunogenicity which involving sero-protection rate (SPR) and sero-conversion rate (SCR) of the QIV, versus inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) in the population aged 18 to 64. Revman 5.3 software was employed to manipulate the pooled date of the included literature. Result: A total of 8 studies for the SPR and SCR of the shared strains (two A lineage and one B lineage) were included. There appeared no significant differences in the response rates between the two vaccines. As for QIV versus TIV (B/Yamagata), the pooled RR of the SPR for B/Victoria was 1.28 (95%CI: 1.08-1.51, P<0.05), with the pooled RR of the SCR for B/Victoria as 1.94 (95%CI: 1.50-2.50, P<0.05). For QIV versus TIV (B/Victoria), the pooled RR of the SPR for B/Yamagata as 1.10 (95%CI: 1.02-1.18, P<0.05), and the pooled RR of SCR for B/Yamagata as 1.99 (95%CI: 1.34-2.97, P<0.05). Conclusion: In the population aged 18-64 years, inactivated QIV was equivalently immunogenic against the shared three strains included in the activated TIV while a superior immunogenic effect was noticed in the vaccine strain which did not include the inactivated QIV.

Host-location behavior of the tea green leafhopper Empoasca vitis Göthe (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae): olfactory and visual effects on their orientation

The tea green leafhopper, Empoasca vitis Göthe, is one of the most serious pests in tea growing areas. This study investigated the roles played by olfaction and vision in host orientation behavior. The compound eye of E. vitis was found to be a photopic eye; few olfactory sensilla were found on the antennae, while abundant gustatory sensilla were recorded on the mouthparts. Three opsin genes (EV_LWop, EV_UVop, EV_Bop) were isolated and found to be mainly expressed in the compound eye compared with other parts of the body. Immunolocalization indicated that the opsins mainly located in the different regions of rhabdom. The transcription levels of EV_LWop, EV_Bop and EV_UVop were reduced by 77.3, 70.0 and 40.0%, respectively, by RNA interference induced by being fed a special RNA-rich diet for 6 days. The rate of tropism to host color was effectively impaired by 67.6 and 29.5% in the dsEV_LWop and dsEV_Bop treatment groups, but there was no significant change in the dsEV_UVop group. The determination of the cause of the tropism indicated that odors from the host over long distances were unable to attract E. vitis and were only detected when the insects were close to the host. The developed compound eye of E. vitis plays a leading role in host location, and the long-wavelength opsin significantly affects the tropism to host color; the lack of olfactory sensilla results in long-distance odors not being able to be detected until the insect is near to the host-plant. The understanding of these behavioral mechanisms, especially the importance of opsin genes is expected to be useful for pest management.

Enteric motor dysfunctions in experimental chronic pancreatitis: Alterations of myenteric neurons regulating colonic motility in rats

BACKGROUND

The mechanism underlying gastrointestinal (GI) dysmotility associated with chronic pancreatitis (CP) has not been fully elucidated, and enteric nervous system (ENS) has an important regulatory role in gastrointestinal motor function. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of ENS in the colonic hypomotility induced by trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) infusion which mimics CP.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were submitted to CP which was induced by pancreatic infusion of 2% TNBS, or sham group with treatment of equal saline. Three weeks after induction of CP, we pathologically examined the inflammation of pancreas and counted the number of withdrawal events stimulated by Von Frey filaments to evaluate hyperalgesia. The gastrointestinal transit rate was measured using Carbon inkl driving test, and the contraction activities of colonic muscle strip were studied in an organ bath system. The expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in colonic myenteric plexus (MP) of ENS were investigated by Western blotting and double immunofluorescence staining.

KEY RESULTS

In TNBS-treated group, rats had the signs of chronic pancreatitis 3 weeks after intraductal infusion and had increased sensitivity to mechanical stimulation of the abdomen. For rats with CP, the gastrointestinal transit rate was reduced; in addition, the contractile activities of longitudinal muscle (LM) and circular muscle (CM) strips of distal colon in TNBS group were lower than those in sham group. Immunofluorescence demonstrated that the percentage of ChAT-immunoreactive (IR) neurons in the MP was decreased, but the proportion of NOS-IR neurons in the MP was increased when compared with sham-operated group. Western blotting proved that TNBS infusion down-regulated ChAT but up-regulated NOS expression in the colon MP.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Decreased ChAT-IR neurons and increased NOS-IR in the MP of colon ENS may contribute to the pathogenesis of colonic dysmotility in CP.

Association between COMT SNP variation and timidity in Golden and Labrador Retrievers

Timidity in dogs is a trait with high heritability. However, the relevant genetic factors and markers associated with this condition are largely unknown. The function of the catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) gene has been found to be associated with human fearful or anxious emotions, and the COMT:p.Val158Met polymorphism locus is significantly related to anxious behavior. In the present study, the correlation between timidity and four single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variations (C.-1666C>G c.39A>G, c.216G>A, c.482G>A) of the COMT gene was investigated in dogs. The evaluation was based on the dog courage assessment assay and a genotype and haplotype analysis in Labrador Retrievers (LR) and Golden Retrievers (GR). The principal components analysis factor structure of the courage phenotype was invariant between LR and GR. Sex, breed and age had no statistically significant effect on the timidity of the dogs. All SNP loci detected were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The c.39A>G locus was removed in the subsequent association analysis due to the significant difference between LR and GR in genotype distributions. Intriguingly, the genotypes and haplotypes of the COMT gene were significantly and highly correlated with the timidity of LR and GR. The A alleles of the COMT:c.216G>A and c.482G>A loci appeared to play a dominant role in the timid behavior of the dogs. This result supports and broadens the warrior/worrier hypothesis and will have important implications for the understanding of the evolution of temperament in dogs. Additionally, the results provide predictive genetic markers for temperament in dogs.