[Safety of double and a half layered esophagojejunal anastomosis in radical gastrectomy: A prospective, multi-center, single arm trial]

Objective: To evaluate the safety of double and a half layered esophagojejunal anastomosis in radical gastrectomy. Methods: This prospective, multi-center, single-arm study was initiated by the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University in June 2021 (CRAFT Study, NCT05282563). Participating institutions included Nanyang Central Hospital, Zhumadian Central Hospital, Luoyang Central Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Henan Polytechnic University, First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University, Luohe Central Hospital, the People's Hospital of Hebi, First People's Hospital of Shangqiu, Anyang Tumor Hospital, First People's Hospital of Pingdingshan, and Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) gastric adenocarcinoma confirmed by preoperative gastroscopy;(2) preoperative imaging assessment indicated that R0 resection was feasible; (3) preoperative assessment showed no contraindications to surgery;(4) esophagojejunostomy planned during the procedure; (5) patients volunteered to participate in this study and gave their written informed consent; (6) ECOG score 0-1; and (7) ASA score I-III. Exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) history of upper abdominal surgery (except laparoscopic cholecystectomy);(2) history of gastric surgery (except endoscopic submucosal dissection and endoscopic mucosal resection); (3) pregnancy or lactation;(4) emergency surgery for gastric cancer-related complications (perforation, hemorrhage, obstruction); (5) other malignant tumors within 5 years or coexisting malignant tumors;(6) arterial embolism within 6 months, such as angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, and cerebrovascular accident; and (7) comorbidities or mental health abnormalities that could affect patients' participation in the study. Patients were eliminated from the study if: (1) radical gastrectomy could not be completed; (2) end-to-side esophagojejunal anastomosis was not performed during the procedure; or (3) esophagojejunal anastomosis reinforcement was not possible. Double and a half layered esophagojejunal anastomosis was performed as follows: (1) Open surgery: the full thickness of the anastomosis is continuously sutured, followed by embedding the seromuscular layer with barbed or 3-0 absorbable sutures. The anastomosis is sutured with an average of six to eight stitches. (2) Laparoscopic surgery: the anastomosis is strengthened by counterclockwise full-layer sutures. Once the anastomosis has been sutured to the right posterior aspect of the anastomosis, the jejunum stump is pulled to the right and the anastomosis turned over to continue to complete reinforcement of the posterior wall. The suture interval is approximately 5 mm. After completing the full-thickness suture, the anastomosis is embedded in the seromuscular layer. Relevant data of patients who had undergone radical gastrectomy in the above 12 centers from June 2021 were collected and analyzed. The primary outcome was safety (e.g., postoperative complications, and treatment). Other studied variables included details of surgery (e.g., surgery time, intraoperative bleeding), postoperative recovery (postoperative time to passing flatus and oral intake, length of hospital stay), and follow-up conditions (quality of life as assessed by Visick scores). Result: [1] From June 2021 to September 2022,457 patients were enrolled, including 355 men and 102 women of median age 60.8±10.1 years and BMI 23.7±3.2 kg/m2. The tumors were located in the upper stomach in 294 patients, mid stomach in 139; and lower stomach in 24. The surgical procedures comprised 48 proximal gastrectomies and 409 total gastrectomies. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 85 patients. Other organs were resected in 85 patients. The maximum tumor diameter was 4.3±2.2 cm, number of excised lymph nodes 28.3±15.2, and number of positive lymph nodes five (range one to four. As to pathological stage,83 patients had Stage I disease, 128 Stage II, 237 Stage III, and nine Stage IV. [2] The studied surgery-related variables were as follows: The operation was successfully completed in all patients, 352 via a transabdominal approach, 25 via a transhiatus approach, and 80 via a transthoracoabdominal approach. The whole procedure was performed laparoscopically in 53 patients (11.6%), 189 (41.4%) underwent laparoscopic-assisted surgery, and 215 (47.0%) underwent open surgery. The median intraoperative blood loss was 200 (range, 10-1 350) mL, and the operating time 215.6±66.7 minutes. The anastomotic reinforcement time was 2 (7.3±3.9) minutes for laparoscopic-assisted surgery, 17.6±1.7 minutes for total laparoscopy, and 6.0±1.2 minutes for open surgery. [3] The studied postoperative variables were as follows: The median time to postoperative passage of flatus was 3.1±1.1 days and the postoperative gastrointestinal angiography time 6 (range, 4-13) days. The median time to postoperative oral intake was 7 (range, 2-14) days, and the postoperative hospitalization time 15.8±6.7 days. [4] The safety-related variables were as follows: In total, there were 184 (40.3%) postoperative complications. These comprised esophagojejunal anastomosis complications in 10 patients (2.2%), four (0.9%) being anastomotic leakage (including two cases of subclinical leakage and two of clinical leakage; all resolved with conservative treatment); and six patients (1.3%) with anastomotic stenosis (two who underwent endoscopic balloon dilation 21 and 46 days after surgery, the others improved after a change in diet). There was no anastomotic bleeding. Non-anastomotic complications occurred in 174 patients (38.1%). All patients attended for follow-up at least once, the median follow-up time being 10 (3-18) months. Visick grades were as follows: Class I, 89.1% (407/457); Class II, 7.9% (36/457); Class III, 2.6% (12/457); and Class IV 0.4% (2/457). Conclusion: Double and a half layered esophagojejunal anastomosis in radical gastrectomy is safe and feasible.

Exploration of Multiomic Profiles and Biomarkers as Predictors of Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy Responsiveness in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The current gold standard of care for resectable locally advanced esophageal cancer is neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) followed by surgery. Given that only 30-40% of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) achieved a pathologic complete response (pCR) following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, it is critical to understand the biological basis of NCRT resistance in esophageal cancer and identify biomarkers for these patients in order to further personalize treatment plans. We aim to depict the biological landscape of ESCC responsiveness and resistance to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Endoscopic biopsied specimens of the primary tumors and paired peripheral blood samples were obtained from 24 patients before neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and tested for whole exosome sequencing, RNA sequencing, and DIA mass spectrometry. Genomic data were analyzed for significantly mutated genes, copy number alterations, MSI, TMB, and mutational signatures. Transcriptomics and proteomics data were used to examine differentially activated pathways. GSEA and ActivePathways were used for the single omics level and joint multi-omics analysis, respectively. Tumor microenvironment (TME) characteristics were deconvoluted by xCell upon RNA-seq data. Treatment resistance biomarkers were identified and validated in a separate cohort using mIHC.

RESULTS

In the study cohort, 54% (13/24) of the patients achieved pCR. WES data suggested that FBXW7 was more frequently mutated in the pCR group (fisher test p-value = 0.029), and the most significant cytoband loss in the pCR group was 9p21.3 (qval = 0.001). Differences in TMB, MSI, and mutational signatures were not significant between groups. Combined transcriptomics and proteomics analysis revealed that type I interferon signaling pathways and RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathways(p<0.05) were enriched in non-pCR tumors. Esophageal cancer cohort RNA-seq data from TCGA verified the correlation between the genetic variances (FBXW7 mutation and 9p21.3 loss) and the decreased expression of type I interferon signaling pathway genes. In TME analysis, tolerogenic dendritic cells and exhausted T cell signatures were significantly enriched in non-pCR tumors, indicating an immunosuppressive status in treatment resistant patients. Based on proteomics PPI network and differential expression genes from RNA-seq data, a biomarker panel consisted of 12 proteins predictive of non-pCR tumors was identified: STAT1, EIF2AK2, MX1, BST2, TRIM21, SAMHD1, IFI44L, GBP1, PARP14, ISG15, IFIT3, and HLA-B. The expression of selected genes was validated by mIHC in an independent cohort.

CONCLUSION

Through a multiomics approach, we described the biological characteristics of ESCC with distinct responses to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and proposed a panel of 12 proteins as predictive biomarkers for non-pCR patients.

[Surgical treatment strategy of pulmonary artery sling: a series of 110 cases]

Objective: To examine the effect of surgical treatment in children with pulmonary artery sling and the surgical treatment strategy. Methods: Relevant data of 110 children with pulmonary artery sling admitted to the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University from February 2017 to July 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 55 males and 55 females, aging (M(IQR)) 9.0 (10.6) months (range: 1 to 96 months). The weight was 7.8 (3.5) kg (range: 2.5 to 25.0 kg). Of the 110 patients, 108 had different degrees of tracheal stenosis and 2 had normal trachea. Left pulmonary artery transplantation and tracheoplasty were performed in 78 patients. Left pulmonary artery transplantation was performed in 30 patients (11 in our hospital and 19 in other hospitals) due to the lack of an early tracheoplasty technique, in which 24 patients needed stage Ⅱ tracheoplasty due to obvious respiratory symptoms and limited activity endurance, and 6 cases did not intervene. Two children with normal trachea only underwent left pulmonary artery transplantation. Results: Among the 78 children who underwent surgery in the same period, 70 cases recovered smoothly after surgery, of whom respiratory symptoms were significantly reduced or disappeared during the 1 to 65 months follow-up, with similar activity endurance to normal children of the same age. Eight cases died, including 4 cases of postoperative multi-drug resistant bacteria infection, died from tracheal anastomotic opening or septic shock, 1 cases with severe congenital heart disease died from postoperative low cardiac output syndrome difficult to correct, 1 case died from blood pressure could not be maintained due to the compressed left pulmonary artery after transplantation, 2 cases of postoperative digestive system diseases (adhesive intestinal obstruction, gastrointestinal bleeding, etc.). The 24 patients in the staging group were followed for 1 to 84 months. All patients needed stage Ⅱ tracheoplasty due to respiratory symptoms and decreased endurance to activity. Eight cases of the non-intervention tracheal group were successfully separated from the ventilator, cured and discharged in a short period of time. Conclusions: Most children with pulmonary artery sling have tracheal stenosis. Children with low degree of tracheal stenosis and inconspicuous respiratory symptoms can only undergo left pulmonary artery transplantation by lateral thoracotomy. For patients combined with severe tracheal stenosis or obvious respiratory symptoms, a simultaneous left pulmonary artery transplantat and tracheoplasty is recommended.

[Effectiveness and safety of robotic assisted-bronchoscopy system in locating and removing spring coils placed in the peripheral lung of beagle dogs: a pilot study]

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the robotic assisted bronchoscope system for localizing and removing the spring coils that placed in the peripheral lung of beagle dogs. Methods: The study was conducted from June 18th to June 20th, 2021. Metallic lung coils were placed as the simulated lesions to the periphery of the lungs of two adult male beagle dogs using a bronchoscope under general anesthesia. The navigation path was planned by the navigation function that built in the robotic bronchoscope system. After training, the doctors operated the robotic bronchoscope system to locate and remove the coils from the lung. The navigation success rate, sampling success rate, position of the coil, navigation time, sampling time, and operation time were evaluated. The damage to the airway mucosa during the operation and the vital signs of the beagles during and post-operation were accessed. Chest computerized tomography (CT) was performed post-operation to detect if there were complications such as pneumothorax and bleeding. Results: A total of 12 spring coils were successfully inserted into the two beagles. All the navigation paths of the simulated lesions were successfully planned. The navigation success rate was 12/12. The navigation time was (43.9±19.8) seconds. The distance between the tip of the flexible endoscope arm and the target point measured by the navigation system was (6.93±2.15) mm. The locations of the simulated lesions were distributed in the 6th-8th generation of bronchi. The sampling success rate was 12/12. The sampling time was (42.4±11.3) seconds. There was no pneumothorax or mediastinal emphysema after the placement of the coil. The vital signs of the beagle dogs were stable throughout the operation, and no operation-related or postoperative complications occurred. Conclusions: The robotic bronchoscope system can be used to locate and remove the spring coils from the peripheral lung of beagle dogs, and the procedure is simple and safe. It suggests that the robotic bronchoscopy system has great clinical significance in the sampling and diagnosis of peripheral lung lesions.

Formation of a Key Intermediate Complex Species in Catalytic Hydrolysis of NH3BH3 by Bimetal Clusters: Metal-Dihydride and Boron-Multihydroxy

The hydrolysis of AB (AB, NH₃BH₃) with the help of transition metal catalysts has been identified as one of the promising strategies for the dehydrogenation in numerous experiments. Although great progress has been achieved in experiments, evaluation of the B-N bond cleavage channel as well as the hydrogen transfer channel has not been performed to gain a deep understanding of the kinetic route. Based on the density functional theory (DFT) calculation, we presented a clear mechanistic study on the hydrolytic reaction of AB by choosing the smallest NiCu cluster as a catalyst model. Two attacking types of water molecules were considered for the hydrolytic reaction of AB: stepwise and simultaneous adsorption on the catalyst. The Ni and Cu metal atoms play the distinctive roles in catalytic activity, i.e., Ni atom takes reactions for the H₂O decomposition with the formation of [OH]⁻ group whereas Cu atom takes reactions for the hydride transfer with the formation of metal-dihydride complex. The formation of Cu-dihydride and B-multihydroxy complex is the prerequisite for the effectively hydrolytic dehydrogenation of AB. By analyzing the maximum barrier height of the pathways which determines the kinetic rates, we found that the hydride hydrogen transferring rather than the N-B bond breaking is responsible to the experimentally measured activation energy barrier.

Correction to Identification of Quinoline-Based RIP2 Kinase Inhibitors with an Improved Therapeutic Index to the hERG Ion Channel

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.8b00344.].

Clinical practice guideline for image-guided multimode tumour ablation therapy in hepatic malignant tumours

Multimode tumour ablation therapy is a treatment method that combines cryoablation with radiofrequency ablation, guided by medical imaging technology and based on precise planning, targeting, monitoring, and control of the thermal energy delivered, with the aim of achieving a whole-body antitumour immune response to malignant tumours. To develop standardized criteria for the application of multimode tumour ablation therapy to malignant hepatic tumours, to facilitate actualization of the criteria in various hospitals, and to ensure therapeutic efficacy and safety, the Society of Interventional Therapy of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association and the Solid Tumor Theranostics Committee of the Shanghai Anti-Cancer Association assembled experts who specialize in oncology to discuss this treatment method and to arrive at a clinical practice consensus guideline for the indications, contraindications, and techniques of multimode tumour ablation therapy for malignant hepatic tumours.

99Non-ruptured plaque and platelet-rich thrombi in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: new insight into early spontaneous reperfusion

Objectives

To detect the potential mechanism of early spontaneous reperfusion (ESR) in STEMI.

Background

Early spontaneous reperfusion occurs in around 20% of STEMI and is associated with favorable outcomes. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is more accurate in detecting subtle morphological details of the culprit lesion.

Methods

In this prospective study, a total of 107 consecutive patients with STEMI were enrolled from July 2016 to May 2017. Of that total, 21 (19.6%) met the criteria of angiographic ESR (TIMI-3 flow in the initial angiogram). Among those without ESR (TIMI-0 flow in the initial angiogram), 21 patients were assigned into the control group according to propensity score matching with the ESR group. The OCT findings and one-year clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

Although baseline characteristics were comparable, plaque features significantly differed between the ESR and control group (P<0.001), including plaque rupture (23.8% vs. 66.7%), plaque erosion (47.6% vs. 33.3%), calcified nodule (9.5% vs. 0%) and vasospasm (19.1% vs. 0%). Red thrombus (19.1% vs. 85.7%) was far less found whereas white thrombus (61.9% vs. 14.3%) was more common in the ESR group. In addition, despite of less stent placement (0.6±0.5 vs. 1.3±0.9, P<0.001), patients in the ESR group had a non-statistically lower rate of cardiac adverse events (4.8% vs. 14.3%, P=0.269) during one-year follow up.

The OCT finding Variables ESR group (n=21) Control group (n=21) P value The OCT imaging <0.001   Plaque erosion 10 (47.6) 7 (33.3)   Plaque rupture 5 (23.8) 14 (66.7)   Calcified nodule 2 (9.5) 0 (0)   Vasospasm 4 (19.1) 0 (0) The Type of Thrombus <0.001   Red thrombus 4 (19.1) 18 (85.7)   White thrombus 13 (61.9) 3 (14.3)   No thrombus (vasospasm) 4 (19.1) 0 (0)   MLA (mm2) 2.7±2.2 2.3±2.4 0.534 Values are n (%), mean ± SD. ESR = early spontaneous reperfusion; MLA = Minimum lumen area; OCT = optical coherence tomography.

ESR and control group

Conclusions

Relief of coronary occlusion induced by non-ruptured plaque and platelet-rich thrombi may be one of the main mechanism underlying early spontaneous reperfusion in STEMI.

Acknowledgement/Funding

No.81470491 from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and No.7192078 from Beijing Municipal Natural Science Foundation to Dr. Li.

Discovery of a First-in-Class Receptor Interacting Protein 2 (RIP2) Kinase Specific Clinical Candidate, 2-((4-(Benzo[d]thiazol-5-ylamino)-6-(tert-butylsulfonyl)quinazolin-7-yl)oxy)ethyl Dihydrogen Phosphate, for the Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases

RIP2 kinase has been identified as a key signal transduction partner in the NOD2 pathway contributing to a variety of human pathologies, including immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Small-molecule inhibitors of RIP2 kinase or its signaling partners on the NOD2 pathway that are suitable for advancement into the clinic have yet to be described. Herein, we report our discovery and profile of the prodrug clinical compound, inhibitor 3, currently in phase 1 clinical studies. Compound 3 potently binds to RIP2 kinase with good kinase specificity and has excellent activity in blocking many proinflammatory cytokine responses in vivo and in human IBD explant samples. The highly favorable physicochemical and ADMET properties of 3 combined with high potency led to a predicted low oral dose in humans.

[Clinical significance of low-dose CT performed for three consecutive years in diagnosis of lung nodules in coal mine workers with 20 working years]

Objective: To investigate the clinical significance of low-dose CT (LDCT) in coal mine workers with relatively long working years. Methods: A total of 907 coal mine workers with ≥20 working years were enrolled, among whom there were 863 male and 44 female workers with a mean age of 49.5 years. Digital radiography (DR) was performed for these workers in 2013, and LDCT was performed for three consecutive years from 2014 to 2016. Results: A total of 32 workers were found to have lung nodules by DR in 2013, while in 2014, 269 workers were found to have non-calcified lung nodules by LDCT, and there was a significant difference in the number of workers with lung nodules (χ(2)=233.73, P<0.005) . There was also a significant difference in the detection rate of nodules between the workers with different working years of dust exposure (χ(2)=6.648, P=0.00) . The male workers had a significantly higher detection rate of nodules than the female workers (χ(2)=5.690, P=0.017) . There was no significant difference in the number of nodules between workers with different types of work (χ(2)=16.985, P=0.05) . There were 443 lung nodules in total, among which 71.56% were solid nodules and 55.75% had a size of ≤4mm; malignant nodules were confirmed by surgery in 6 (0.66%) of the 907 workers after baseline LDCT. LDCT reexamination in 2015 and 2016 found new nodules in 8 workers and enlarged nodules in 3 workers, and there was no significant change in the number of nodules with a size of ≤4 mm. Conclusions: It is necessary to perform high-risk population screening for coal mine workers by LDCT. The follow-up strategies for nodules with a size of ≤4mm are the same as those for negative results; annual reexamination is recommended for nodules with a size of >4-8 mm, and clinical treatment should be considered for nodules with a size of >8 mm.

Identification of Quinoline-Based RIP2 Kinase Inhibitors with an Improved Therapeutic Index to the hERG Ion Channel

RIP2 kinase was recently identified as a therapeutic target for a variety of autoimmune diseases. We have reported previously a selective 4-aminoquinoline-based RIP2 inhibitor GSK583 and demonstrated its effectiveness in blocking downstream NOD2 signaling in cellular models, rodent in vivo models, and human ex vivo disease models. While this tool compound was valuable in validating the biological pathway, it suffered from activity at the hERG ion channel and a poor PK/PD profile thereby limiting progression of this analog. Herein, we detail our efforts to improve both this off-target liability as well as the PK/PD profile of this series of inhibitors through modulation of lipophilicity and strengthening hinge binding ability. These efforts have led to inhibitor 7, which possesses high binding affinity for the ATP pocket of RIP2 (IC₅₀ = 1 nM) and inhibition of downstream cytokine production in human whole blood (IC₅₀ = 10 nM) with reduced hERG activity (14 μM).

[Comparison of safety between continued warfarin therapy and bridging anticoagulation therapy in patients undergoing coronary intervention]

Objective: To compare the safety of continued warfarin therapy and bridging anticoagulation therapy during hospital stay in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients on warfarin therapy referred for PCI in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January 2008 to December 2016. The patients were divided into continued warfarin therapy (n=195) or bridging anticoagulation therapy (n=311) groups. After Propensity Score Matching, data from matched patients (n=123 in each group) were analyzed. Bleeding complications and major adverse cardiac events including death, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, and stent thrombosis were assessed. Results: There were no significant difference in the rate of death (2.4%(3/123) vs. 1.6%(2/123),P=0.54), acute myocardial infarction (4.1%(5/123) vs. 4.9%(6/123), P=0.78),re-revascularization (0.8%(1/123) vs. 1.6%(2/123),P=0.16), stent thrombosis (1.6%(2/123) vs. 1.6%(2/123),P=1.00) and stroke between the two groups. Prevalence of minor bleeding complications was significantly higher in the bridging therapy group (15.4%(19/123) vs. 9.8%(12/123),P=0.01). Rate of access-site complications (hematoma:4.1%(5/123) vs. 2.4%(3/123),P=0.20; pseudoaneurysm:2.4%(3/123) vs. 2.4%(3/123),P=1.00; arteriovenous fistula:0.8%(1/123) vs. 1.6%(2/123),P=0.09; and retroperitoneal hematoma:0(0/123) vs. 0.8%(1/123),P=0.23) were similar between the two groups. Conclusion: For patients receiving chronic warfarin therapy, the uninterrupted oral anticoagulant treatment is as safe as bridging therapy in PCI patients.

A combustion method to synthesize nanoporous graphene

In this paper, we introduce a combustion method which is rapid, low cost, mass-producing and environmentally friendly to produce nanoporous graphene. After loading a graphene oxide aerogel (GOA)/paper (GOP) on a preheated hot plate (as the heat source, with a temperature as low as 200 °C) under an ambient environment, in a few seconds, the GOA/GOP would self-combust and change into reduced graphene oxide (RGO) with nanopores mainly concentrated in the 0.4-2.0 nm range and a large specific surface area of 536 m2 g-1. Supercapacitors fabricated with the synthesized porous RGO (P-RGO) showed a high specific capacitance of 245 F g-1 at 0.1 A g-1, and a retention rate of about 96.9% after 12 000 cycle tests with respect to the initial specific capacitance with a scan rate of 10.0 A g-1. The production yield of this method was as high as 77.0%.

Analysis of genetic diversity of Chinese dairy goats via microsatellite markers

In this study, 15 polymorphic microsatellite markers were used to analyze the genetic structure and phylogenetic relationships of 6 dairy goat breeds in China, including 4 native developed breeds and 2 introduced breeds. The results showed that a total of 172 alleles were detected in 347 samples of the dairy goat breeds included in this study. The mean number of effective alleles per locus was 4.92. Except for BMS0812, all of the remaining microsatellite loci were highly polymorphic (polymorphism information content [PIC] > 0.5). The analysis of genetic diversity parameters, including the number of effective alleles, PIC, and heterozygosity, revealed that the native developed dairy goat breeds in China harbored a rich genetic diversity. However, these breeds showed a low breeding degree and a high population intermix degree, with a certain degree of inbreeding and within-subpopulation inbreeding coefficient ( > 0). The analysis of population genetic differentiation and phylogenetic tree topologies showed a moderate state of genetic differentiation among subpopulations of native developed breed dairy goats in China (0.05 < gene fixation coefficient [] < 0.15). The native developed breeds shared a common ancestor, namely, the Saanen dairy goat, originating from Europe. The results showed that there was a close genetic relationship between Wendeng and Laoshan dairy goats while the Guanzhong dairy goat and the Xinong Saanen dairy goat were also found to have a close genetic relationship, which were both in agreement with the formation history and geographical distribution of the breeds. This study revealed that adopting genetic management strategies, such as expanding pedigree source and strengthening multi-trait selection, is useful in maintaining the genetic diversity of native developed breeds and improving the population uniformity of dairy goats.

[Factors influencing antiretroviral therapy adherence among HIV-infected people on antiretroviral therapy in Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture]

Objective: To analyze factors influencing antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients receiving ART at the town level in Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture (Ili) in May 2015 and to document enhanced ART for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using one-on-one interviews and data collection from the system of AIDS follow-up management in three ART services centers at the town level of Ili. The subjects were HIV-infected individuals, aged 18 years or older, who were receiving ART during the survey. The surveys collected demographic characteristics, information related to ART and status of engaging ART, smoking and drinking behavior, depression, and quality of life. Results: A total of 412 participants completed the survey. The age was (41.1±8.0) years (range, 19-67 years). Approximately 60.9% (251) were male and 39.1% (161) were female. The survey showed that 75.0% (309) of participants were in good adherence and the P(50) (P(25), P(75)) of quality of life was 56.31 (50.55, 59.42). Females demonstrated better adherence to ART (82.6% (n=133)) than males (70.1% (n=76)) (χ(2)=8.16, P=0.005). The compliance rate of participants (78.0% (n=54)) with depression was higher than non-depressed participants (63.5% (n=255)) (χ(2)=7.52, P=0.008). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the probability of good adherence to ART increased with increasing quality of life (OR=1.06, 95%CI:1.02-1.09). Moreover, participants who consumed alcohol or disclosed their HIV infection status to families were less likely to have good adherence to ART (OR=0.26, 95% CI:0.13-0.53 and OR=0.31, 95% CI:0.13-0.72, respectively). Additionally, employed participants were also less likely to have good adherence to ART compared with unemployed participants (OR=0.45, 95% CI:0.21-0.97). Conclusion: HIV/AIDS patients primarily showed good adherence to ART. Factors related to ART adherence included alcohol consumption, informing family of infection, work status, and quality of life.

[Analysis of Koch phenomenon of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected guinea pigs vaccinated with recombinant tuberculosis vaccine AEC/BC02]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the Koch phenomenon of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB)-infected guinea pigs after vaccinated with killed H37Ra bacteria or tuberculosis vaccine candidate AEC/BC02.

METHODS

Eighteen guinea pigs were challenged subcutaneously with 5.0×10(3) CFU MTB and after 40 days were divided into 3 groups (6 per group): NS group, AEC/BC02 group and H37Ra group, which were injected intramuscularly 3 times at 1 day interval with normal saline, AEC/BC02 vaccine and killed H37Ra bacteria respectively. Three weeks after the first vaccination, all guinea pigs were sacrificed to evaluate gross pathological scores for liver, spleen and lung, bacterial loads in lung and spleen, and lung inflammation.

RESULTS

The gross pathological score in H37Ra group (48±26) was lower than that in NS group(62±15), but the difference was not significant (t=1.093, P=0.300). The AEC/BC02 group had a significantly lower gross pathological score (36±15) than NS group (t=2.980, P=0.014). No significant difference between H37Ra group and AEC/BC02 group was observed (t=1.009, P=0.337). The spleen bacterial load [(5.31±0.80) log10 CFU]in H37Ra group was slightly lower than that in NS group[(5.57±0.75) log10 CFU] but the difference was not significant (t=1.581, P=0.574). In AEC/BC02 group bacterial load in the spleen was (4.64±0.64) log10 CFU and significantly lower than NS group (t=2.306, P=0.044) and no significant difference between H37Ra group and AEC/BC02 group was observed (t=1.602, P=0.140). Meanwhile, the lung bacterial load in AEC/BC02 group was (3.71±1.01) log10 CFU and in H37Ra group was (3.82±1.25) log10 CFU. Compared to (4.15±0.69) log10 CFU in the NS group, no significant differences were found (t=0.881, P=0.399; t=0.566, P=0.584, respectively). For the lung inflammation, the inflamed areas in H37Ra group were significantly larger [(33.0±4.4%)] than those in both NS group [(14.8±8.4) %, t=4.719, P=0.001] and AEC/BC02 group [(14.8±8.4) %, t=3.616, P=0.005], and no significant differences were seen between AEC/BC02 group and NS group (t=1.041, P=0.322).

CONCLUSION

The lung inflammation indicated that killed H37Ra bacteria evoked an obvious Koch reaction in the MTB-infected guinea pigs, whereas AEC/BC02 vaccine showed a low risk of causing Koch phenomenon.

[Influencing factors for trauma-induced tibial infection in underground coal mine]

Objective: To investigate the influencing factors for trauma-induced tibial infection in underground coal mine. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 1 090 patients with tibial fracture complicated by bone infection who were injured in underground coal mine and admitted to our hospital from January 1995 to August 2015, including the type of trauma, injured parts, severity, and treatment outcome. The association between risk factors and infection was analyzed. Results: Among the 1 090 patients, 357 had the clinical manifestations of acute and chronic bone infection, 219 had red and swollen legs with heat pain, and 138 experienced skin necrosis, rupture, and discharge of pus. The incidence rates of tibial infection from 1995 to 2001, from 2002 to 2008, and from 2009 to 2015 were 31%, 26.9%, and 20.2%, respectively. The incidence rate of bone infection in the proximal segment of the tibia was significantly higher than that in the middle and distal segments (42.1% vs 18.9%/27.1%, P<0.01) . As for patients with different types of trauma (Gustilo typing) , the patients with type III fracture had a significantly higher incidence rate of bone infection than those with type I/II infection (52.8% vs 21.8%/24.6%, P<0.01) . The incidence rates of bone infection after bone traction, internal fixation with steel plates, fixation with external fixator, and fixation with intramedullary nail were 20.7%, 43.5%, 21.4%, and 26.1%, respectively, suggesting that internal fixation with steel plates had a significantly higher incidence rate of bone infection than other fixation methods (P<0.01) . The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the position of tibial fracture and type of fracture were independent risk factors for bone infection. Conclusion: There is a high incidence rate of trauma-induced tibial infection in workers in underground coal mine. The position of tibial fracture and type of fracture are independent risk factors for bone infection. Vacuum sealing drainage and Ilizarov technique can achieve a satisfactory therapeutic effect.

[A new kinematics method of determing elbow rotation axis and evaluation of its feasibility]

OBJECTIVE

To study a new positioning method of elbow external fixation rotation axis, and to evaluate its feasibility.

METHODS

Four normal adult volunteers and six Sawbone elbow models were brought into this experiment. The kinematic data of five elbow flexion were collected respectively by optical positioning system. The rotation axes of the elbow joints were fitted by the least square method. The kinematic data and fitting results were visually displayed. According to the fitting results, the average moving planes and rotation axes were calculated. Thus, the rotation axes of new kinematic methods were obtained. By using standard clinical methods, the entrance and exit points of rotation axes of six Sawbone elbow models were located under X-ray. And The kirschner wires were placed as the representatives of rotation axes using traditional positioning methods. Then, the entrance point deviation, the exit point deviation and the angle deviation of two kinds of located rotation axes were compared.

RESULTS

As to the four volunteers, the indicators represented circular degree and coplanarity of elbow flexion movement trajectory of each volunteer were both about 1 mm. All the distance deviations of the moving axes to the average moving rotation axes of the five volunteers were less than 3 mm. All the angle deviations of the moving axes to the average moving rotation axes of the five volunteers were less than 5°. As to the six Sawbone models, the average entrance point deviations, the average exit point deviations and the average angle deviations of two different rotation axes determined by two kinds of located methods were respectively 1.697 2 mm, 1.838 3 mm and 1.321 7°. All the deviations were very small. They were all in an acceptable range of clinical practice.

CONCLUSION

The values that represent circular degree and coplanarity of volunteer's elbow single curvature movement trajectory are very small. The result shows that the elbow single curvature movement can be regarded as the approximate fixed axis movement. The new method can replace the traditional method in accuracy. It can make up the deficiency of the traditional fixed axis method.

Regulatory effect of miRNA on multi-directional differentiation ability of mesenchymal stem cell in treatment of osteoporosis

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of miRNA acting in regulating multi-directional differentiation ability of mesenchymal stem cell in treatment of osteoporosis (OP), with the aim of finding a new idea and approach for clinical treatment of OP. Estrogen deficiency-induced OP mice model was established by means of ovariectomy (OVX). Additionally, a sham group was set up for control. Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMMSCs) of OVX group (O/BMMSCs) and BMMSCs of sham group (S/BMMSCs) were separately cultured. Then surface markers of BMMSCs were detected. Multi-directional differentiation ability was identified in the two groups by giving cells targeted induced stimulation. It was found that the bone trabecula, bone density and bone volume fraction of distal femoral metaphysis in the OVX group were much lower than those of the sham group. Moreover, trabecular bone space in the OVX group became larger; O/BMMSCs and S/BMMSCs both had normal expression of surface markers as well as potentials of osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation; O/BMMSCs had a weaker osteogenic capability but a stronger adipogenic capability than S/BMMSCs. All the findings suggest that the regulatory effect of miRNA on multi-directional differentiation ability plays a vital role in the treatment of OP, and there is a close correlation between them; deficiency or functional defect of BMMSCs can result in the occurrence of OP.

Investigation of the diversity and origins of Chinese dairy goats via the mitochondrial DNA D-loop

To determine the genetic diversity, origins, and the phylogeography of Chinese dairy goats, we analyzed 162 complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D- loop sequences from 9 dairy goat breeds and compared them with 8 goat sequences that were previously reported in GenBank. The length of the mtDNA D-loop was 1,212 to 1,215 bp, and 97 polymorphic sites were identified. We also defined 62 haplotypes, including 35 unique haplotypes. The haplotype diversity value of all the dairy goats was 0.952, and the nucleotide diversity was 0.011 per site. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that Chinese dairy goats were divided into haplogroups A and B, with haplogroup A serving as the predominant group. Median-joining network and analyses of molecular variance indicated that Chinese dairy goats were more weakly phylogeographically structured than other domestic goats. A mismatch distribution analysis and Fu's test revealed that at least 1 population expansion event occurred in the demographic history of Chinese dairy goats.

Interleukin-6 gene -174G>C polymorphism and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk: a meta-analysis

Association studies of interleukin-6 (IL-6) -174G>C polymorphism and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have yielded inconsistent results, possibly because single studies often lack sufficient statistical power. A comprehensive search was performed in the PubMed, Embase, Elsevier, Web of Science databases, Wanfang, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases for published studies investigating the associations between IL-6 -174G>C polymorphism and COPD. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were used to assess the possible associations. Seven studies with a total of 2701 subjects were included in this meta-analysis. A significantly increased risk was detected in the C allele of the IL-6 -174G>C in Caucasians (C vs G: OR = 1.16, 95%CI = 1.03-1.30; CC+GC vs GG: OR = 1.21, 95%CI = 1.02-1.42; CC vs GG: OR = 1.32, 95%CI = 1.03-1.70). This meta-analysis suggests that the C allele of the IL-6 -174G>C might act as a COPD risk factor in Caucasians. Further well-designed case-control studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these conclusions.

First Report of Cladobotryum protrusum causing Cobweb Disease on the Edible Mushroom Coprinus comatus

Coprinus comatus is one of the most commercially important mushrooms in China. Its fruiting body possesses rich nutritional and medicinal value. In November 2013, unusual symptoms were observed on C. comatus on a mushroom farm in Wuhan, Hubei, China. At first, fruiting bodies were covered by white and cobweb-like mycelia. Later, the cap and stipe turned brown or dark before rotting and cracking. The pathogen was isolated from infected tissue of C. comatus. Colonies of the pathogen on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium first appeared yellowish, followed by an obvious ochraceous or pinkish color. Aerial mycelia grew along the plate wall, cottony, 1 to 4 mm high. Conidiophores were borne on the tops of hyphae, had two to four branches, and were cylindrical, long clavate, or fusiform. Conidia were borne on the tops of the branches of conidiophores, had one to two separates, and were long and clavate. The spores ranged from 15.3 to 22.1 μm long and were 5.1 to 8.3 μm wide, which was consistent with the characteristics of Cladobotryum protrusum (1). The species was identified by ribosomal internal transcribed spacer sequencing. The ribosomal ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region was amplified from the isolated strain using primers ITS1 and ITS4. A BLAST search in GenBank revealed the highest similarity (99%) to C. protrusum (GenBank Accession Nos. FN859408.1 and FN859413.1). The pathogen was grown on PDA at 25°C for 3 days, and the inoculation suspension was prepared by flooding the agar surface with sterilized double-distilled water for spore suspension (1 × 10⁵ conidia/ml). In one treatment, the suspension was sprayed on casing soil (10⁶ conidia/m²) and mixed thoroughly with it, then cased with treated soil for 2 to 3 cm thickness on the surface of compost in cultivation pots (35 × 25× 12 cm), with sterile distilled water as a control (2). Eight biological replicates were included in this treatment. In the second treatment, mycelia plugs (0.3 × 0.3 cm) without spore production were added to 20 fruiting bodies. Mushrooms treated with blank agar plugs (0.3 × 0.3 cm) were used as a control. The plugs were covered with sterilized cotton balls to avoid loss of moisture. Tested cultivation pots were maintained at 18°C and 85 to 95% relative humidity. In the samples where casing soil was sprayed with conidia suspension, white mildew developed on the pileus, and a young fruiting body grew out from the casing soil. Eventually, the surface of the mushroom was overwhelmed by the mycelia of the pathogen and the pileus turned brown or black. For the other group inoculated with mycelia plugs, only the stipe and pileus inoculated with mycelia turned brown or dark; it rotted and cracked 2 to 3 days later. The symptoms were similar to those observed on the C. comatus cultivation farm. Pathogens re-isolated from pathogenic fruiting bodies were confirmed to be C. protrusum based on morphological characteristics and ITS sequence. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence of C. protrusum on the edible mushroom C. comatus (3). Based on the pathogenicity test results, C. protrusum has the ability to severely infect the fruiting body of C. comatus. References: (1) K. Põldmaa. Stud. Mycol. 68:1, 2011. (2) F. J. Gea et al. Plant Dis. 96:1067, 2012. (3) W. H. Dong et al. Plant Dis. 97:1507, 2013.

Microsatellite markers in Paulownia kawakamii (Scrophulariaceae) and cross-amplification in other Paulownia species

Paulownia kawakamii is a fast-growing timber tree. In this study, 21 primer sets were developed using an enriched genomic library. The genetic diversity was measured in one P. kawakamii population. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 19. The observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.158 to 0.842 (mean = 0.421) and from 0.376 to 0.952 (mean = 0.771), respectively. All 21 loci were also polymorphic in closely related species (P. tomentosa, P. elongata, and P. fortunei). The described markers will be useful in future population genetic studies and molecular breeding of these Paulownia species.

CCR2 receptor antagonists: optimization of biaryl sulfonamides to increase activity in whole blood

A series of biarylsulfonamides was identified as hCCR2 receptor antagonist but suffered from high plasma protein binding resulting in a >100 fold shift in activity in a functional GTPγS assay run in tandem in the presence and absence of human serum albumin. Introduction of an aryl amide with ethylenediamine linker led to compounds with reduced shifts and improved activity in whole blood.

GSK1562590, a slowly dissociating urotensin-II receptor antagonist, exhibits prolonged pharmacodynamic activity ex vivo

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recently identified antagonists of the urotensin-II (U-II) receptor (UT) are of limited utility for investigating the (patho)physiological role of U-II due to poor potency and limited selectivity and/or intrinsic activity.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The pharmacological properties of two novel UT antagonists, GSK1440115 and GSK1562590, were compared using multiple bioassays.

KEY RESULTS

GSK1440115 (pK(i)= 7.34-8.64 across species) and GSK1562590 (pK(i)= 9.14-9.66 across species) are high affinity ligands of mammalian recombinant (mouse, rat, cat, monkey, human) and native (SJRH30 cells) UT. Both compounds exhibited >100-fold selectivity for UT versus 87 distinct mammalian GPCR, enzyme, ion channel and neurotransmitter uptake targets. GSK1440115 showed competitive antagonism at UT in arteries from all species tested (pA(2)= 5.59-7.71). In contrast, GSK1562590 was an insurmountable UT antagonist in rat, cat and hUT transgenic mouse arteries (pK(b)= 8.93-10.12 across species), but a competitive antagonist in monkey arteries (pK(b)= 8.87-8.93). Likewise, GSK1562590 inhibited the hU-II-induced systemic pressor response in anaesthetized cats at a dose 10-fold lower than that of GSK1440115. The antagonistic effects of GSK1440115, but not GSK1562590, could be reversed by washout in rat isolated aorta. In ex vivo studies, GSK1562590 inhibited hU-II-induced contraction of rat aorta for at least 24 h following dosing. Dissociation of GSK1562590 binding was considerably slower at rat than monkey UT.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Whereas both GSK1440115 and GSK1562590 represent high-affinity/selective UT antagonists suitable for assessing the (patho)physiological role of U-II, only GSK1562590 exhibited sustained UT residence time and improved preclinical efficacy in vivo.

Morphology controlled synthesis of spherical Bi2S3 flowers

The spherical Bi2S3 flowers have been fabricated by a facile environmentally friendly hydrothermal method. It was found that the flowers are composed of pure orthorhombic phase Bi2S3, the nanorods (nanowires) composed of the flowers grow radically from a center toward all directions to form a spherical structure, and the nanowires are single-crystalline and grow along the [001] direction. The reaction time, reaction temperature and thiourea play key roles for the formation of the flowers. The morphology of the Bi2S3 flowers (e.g., honeycombs, porous nanorods, nanorods, and nanowires) can be controlled simply by controlling the reaction time without varying experimental parameters or addition of other surfactant. The formation mechanism of Bi2S3 flowers is self-assembly and the intrinsic splitting character of the Bi2S3 structure. The spherical Bi2S3 flowers could be found potential applications in optical, catalysts and sensor devices.

Potent, selective and orally bioavailable dihydropyrimidine inhibitors of Rho kinase (ROCK1) as potential therapeutic agents for cardiovascular diseases

Recent studies using known Rho-associated kinase isoform 1 (ROCK1) inhibitors along with cellular and molecular biology data have revealed a pivotal role of this enzyme in many aspects of cardiovascular function. Here we report a series of ROCK1 inhibitors which were originally derived from a dihydropyrimidinone core 1. Our efforts focused on the optimization of dihydropyrimidine 2, which resulted in the identification of a series of dihydropyrimidines with improved pharmacokinetics and P450 properties.

Proteomic analysis of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells transduced with human telomerase reverse transcriptase gene during proliferation

OBJECTIVES

Previous studies have reported immortalization and tumorigenicity of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) transduced with exogenous human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). We also have established a line of hMSCs transduced with hTERT (hTERT-hMSCs) and we have cultured these cells for 290 population doublings (PDs) during which they demonstrated a large proliferation potential but with no tumorigenicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the protein expression profile of hTERT-hMSCs with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and peptide mass fingerprinting by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, to be able to analyse the effects of exogenous hTERT on protein expression in hMSCs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We generated proteome maps of primary hMSCs and hTERT-hMSCs at PD 95 and PD 275.

RESULTS

A total of 1543 +/- 145 protein spots in gels of primary MSCs at PD 12, 1611 +/- 186 protein spots in gels of hTERT-hMSCs at PD 95 and 1451 +/- 126 protein spots in gels of hTERT-hMSCs at 275 PD were detected. One hundred of these were successfully identified, including 20 which were differentially expressed.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that sustaining levels of prohibitin and p53 expression along with differential expression of proteins in hTERT-hMSCs provide an insight into lack of transforming activity of hTERT-hMSCs during cell proliferation.

Potent and selective small-molecule human urotensin-II antagonists with improved pharmacokinetic profiles

Lead compound 1 was successfully redesigned to provide compounds with improved pharmacokinetic profiles for this series of human urotensin-II antagonists. Replacement of the 2-pyrrolidinylmethyl-3-phenyl-piperidine core of 1 with a substituted N-methyl-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)ethanamine core as in compound 7 resulted in compounds with improved oral bioavailability in rats. The relationship between stereochemistry and selectivity for hUT over the kappa-opioid receptor was also explored.

Enantiopure five-membered cyclicdiamine derivatives as potent and selective inhibitors of factor Xa. Improving in vitro metabolic stability via core modifications

We previously reported a series of enantiopure cis-(1R,2S)-cyclopentyldiamine derivatives as potent and selective inhibitors of Factor Xa (FXa). Herein, we describe our approach to improve the metabolic stability of this series via core modifications. Multiple resulting series of compounds demonstrated similarly high FXa potency and improved metabolic stability in human liver microsomes compared with the cyclopentyldiamide 1. (3R,4S)-Pyrrolidinyldiamide 31 was the best overall compound with human FXa K(i) of 0.50 nM, PT EC(2x) of 2.1 microM in human plasma, bioavailability of 25% and t(1/2)of 2.7h in dogs. Further biochemical characterization of compound 31 is also presented.

SAR and X-ray structures of enantiopure 1,2-cis-(1R,2S)-cyclopentyldiamine and cyclohexyldiamine derivatives as inhibitors of coagulation Factor Xa

In the search of Factor Xa (FXa) inhibitors structurally different from the pyrazole-based series, we identified a viable series of enantiopure cis-(1R,2S)-cycloalkyldiamine derivatives as potent and selective inhibitors of FXa. Among them, cyclohexyldiamide 7 and cyclopentyldiamide 9 were the most potent neutral compounds, and had good anticoagulant activity comparable to the pyrazole-based analogs. Crystal structures of 7-FXa and 9-FXa illustrate binding similarities and differences between the five- and the six-membered core systems, and provide rationales for the observed SAR of P1 and linker moieties.

Development of dihydropyridone indazole amides as selective Rho-kinase inhibitors

Rho kinase (ROCK1) mediates vascular smooth muscle contraction and is a potential target for the treatment of hypertension and related disorders. Indazole amide 3 was identified as a potent and selective ROCK1 inhibitor but possessed poor oral bioavailability. Optimization of this lead resulted in the discovery of a series of dihydropyridones, exemplified by 13, with improved pharmacokinetic parameters relative to the initial lead. Indazole substitution played a critical role in decreasing clearance and improving oral bioavailability.

ZnO nanorods on in-situ synthesized ZnSe grains

The ZnO nanorods grown on in-situ synthesized ZnSe grains through the chemical vapour deposition method are reported here for the first time. With a suitable growth condition, single crystal ZnO nanorods grow on the well-defined bounded facets of the random shape ZnSe grains using Zn and Se powders without any metal catalyst. The growth direction of ZnSe nanorods on a facet of a ZnSe grain is quite uniform. The synthesis mechanism of the ZnO nanorods on the ZnSe grains is proposed. The effects of the Se powder usage on the ZnO-ZnSe products and the photoluminescence of the products are investigated.

Step-shaped bismuth nanowires with metal-semiconductor junction characteristics

Uniform and step-shaped Bi nanowire (NW) arrays have been synthesized by electrochemical deposition inside the uniform and step-shaped nanochannels of an anodic aluminium oxide template. These Bi NWs are highly oriented and single crystalline. The current-voltage characteristics of the parallel uniform Bi nanowires show that the contacts between Bi NWs and gold film do not make significant contributions to the I-V characteristics of the step-shaped Bi NWs. The diameters of the thick segment and the thin segment of the step-shaped Bi NWs are about 70 and 40 nm, respectively. Their current-voltage characteristics show conventional metal-semiconductor junction behaviour. The approach can be exploited to produce one-dimensional metal-semiconductor junctions using step-shaped NWs consisting of other semi-metals without any external doping, which may find various applications in nanotechnology.

[Investigation on genotype constitution of different Plasmodium vivax isolates and its geographical distribution in China]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the population constitution and geographical distribution of Plasmodium vivax in China using molecular technique.

METHODS

Blood-spot filter paper samples with related epidemiological data were collected from vivax malaria patients living in malarious area of 10 provinces (autonomous region) in China. Semi-nested- or nested-allelic-specific PCR genotyping method was used to identify CSP genotypes, families and types of Plasmodium vivax of each isolate from these patients.

RESULTS

Of 384 field isolates of Plasmodium vivax, 258 temperate zone family strains were identified, including 14 allelic variant genotypes spreading among 10 sampling provinces; allelic variants sized less than 731 bp were only seen in 5 provinces in southern China; 79 tropical zone family strains including 5 genotypes were also distributed in 5 provinces of southern China south to 25 degrees N. lat; and 14 PV Type-2 strains including 2 genotypes were found in some areas of Hainan and Yunnan Provinces. In addition, 33 isolates from genotype-mixed infections were revealed.

CONCLUSION

At present, area north to 25 degrees N. lat. of the country is the sole area prevalent for Plasmodium vivax family strains of temperate zone; there is overlapping distribution of P. v. of temperate zone family and tropical zone family of this parasite in the southern China south to 25 degrees N. lat; where the most complex isolate constitution is in Yunnan and Hainan Provinces, and PV Type-2 strains have been found in some areas of the two provinces. Besides, there were 2 groups of genotype with distinct geographic distribution feature within the temperate zone family.

[Studies on identification of circumsporozoite protein genotyping of Plasmodium vivax]

OBJECTIVE

To develop a new method of genotyping circumsporozoite protein (CSP) gene for identification of field isolates of Plasmodium vivax.

METHODS

Improved Chelex-100 ion-exchange method was used to extract DNA from blood filter paper samples, nested PCR and allele-specific PCR techniques, agarose gel electrophoresis analysis and dot/southern blotting-probe hybridization were employed for amplification, resolution and identification of the diagnostic fragments.

RESULTS

Using the nest-allele-specific PCR assay reported here, small amounts of DNA extracted from a piece of blood filter paper sample were amplified which produced three different size ranges of diagnostic bands: 650-770 bp PV-species-specific band, 170-230 bp diagnostic band for temperate zone family and 588 bp band for PV type-2. The sizes and patterns of the bands produced by the reference strains were consistent with those of designed target sequences. Of 59 examined isolates from 6 provinces of China, 42 temperate zone family strains, 15 tropical zone family strains and two PV type-2 strains were identified.

CONCLUSION

1, Three genotype strains of P. vivax mentioned above could be identified by this method with only two rounds of PCR and without probe hybridization. 2, The preliminary results showed that PV type-1 including temperate zone family strains and tropical zone family strains as well as PV type-2 strains are present in China. In addition, another CSP genotype with both sequence characteristics of temperate zone and tropical zone family might also be present in China.

[Study on the LMCT band of zinc-bovine serum albumin]

The structure of metal centre in 1:1 zinc-bovine serum albumin complexes have been studied with UV spectrum. The data from literature is used to calculate the optical electronegativity of three pi orbits of histidyl imidazole. Using these data, we infer that two charge transition bands of complex of zinc ions and bovine serum albumin come from transition of pi 2, pi 3 electrons of histidyl imidazole to zinc ions.

[The development of an automatic blood collector controlled by microcomputer]

A new automatic blood collector developed by using microcomputer AT89C2051 is presented in this paper. Meanwhile its principles component block diagram and their functions' are introduced here. All clinical experiments have shown that it has the advantages of easy operation, reliable performance, lower price and so on. It is truly an ideal upgrade product of intravenous blood exampling. It would find various applications and would have a bright future.

Plasmon analyses of Triticum (wheat) and Aegilops: PCR-single-strand conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analyses of organellar DNAs

To investigate phylogenetic relationships among plasmons in Triticum and Aegilops, PCR-single-strand conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analyses were made of 14.0-kb chloroplast (ct) and 13. 7-kb mitochondrial (mt)DNA regions that were isolated from 46 alloplasmic wheat lines and one euplasmic line. These plasmons represent 31 species of the two genera. The ct and mtDNA regions included 10 and 9 structural genes, respectively. A total of 177 bands were detected, of which 40.6% were variable. The proportion of variable bands in ctDNA (51.1%) was higher than that of mtDNA (28. 9%). The phylogenetic trees of plasmons, derived by two different models, indicate a common picture of plasmon divergence in the two genera and suggest three major groups of plasmons (Einkorn, Triticum, and Aegilops). Because of uniparental plasmon transmission, the maternal parents of all but one polyploid species were identified. Only one Aegilops species, Ae. speltoides, was included in the Triticum group, suggesting that this species is the plasmon and B and G genome donor of all polyploid wheats. ctDNA variations were more intimately correlated with vegetative characters, whereas mtDNA variations were more closely correlated with reproductive characters. Plasmon divergence among the diploids of the two genera largely paralleled genome divergence. The relative times of origin of the polyploid species were inferred from genetic distances from their putative maternal parents.

Plasmon analysis of Triticum (wheat) and Aegilops. 1. Production of alloplasmic common wheats and their fertilities

Plasmons (= cytoplasms) of eight Triticum species (ten accessions) and 24 Aegilops species (36 accessions) have been introduced by repeated backcrosses to 12 genotypes of hexaploid, common wheat. At transfer problems such as crossing barrier, preferential transmission of a gametocidal or parthenogenesis-inducing chromosome, and mistagging of the material occurred, all of which hindered the plasmon transfer program. Of the 552 genotype-plasmon combinations produced, 532 (96.4%) had reached the B10 or a later backcross generation, 15 (2.7%) the B7 approximately B9 generation, and the remaining 5 (0.9%) the B4 approximately B6 generation by summer, 1996. Pollen and selfed seed fertilities were observed in plants of all the field-grown lines in the 1992-1993 winter crop season, and backcrossed and selfed seed fertilities of plants grown in a greenhouse under a long day condition (17-h light) were assessed in the five latest backcross generations. Selfed seed fertility was found to be a better parameter of male fertility than was pollen fertility. Female fertility, as estimated from the backcrossed seed fertility, was about three times more tolerant to genetic stress caused by the alien plasmon transfer than was male fertility evaluated from both the pollen and selfed seed fertilities. The plasmons studied could be classified into 14 fertility spectrum groups. Most, excluding 15 plasmons belonging to the B, D, D2, S, and Sb plasmon types, were considered the male sterile plasmon to common wheat.

Polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformational polymorphism analysis of intra- and interspecific variations in organellar DNA regions of Aegilops mutica and related species

In order to study the phylogeny of Aegilops mutica in the genera of Triticum and Aegilops, variations in chloroplast and mitochondrial DNA regions were investigated by polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis. Nine lines, each of Ae. mutica and Ae. speltoides, were studied together with nine other Triticum and Aegilops species, including T. aestivum. By analyzing 9.7-kb chloroplast and 13.1-kb mitochondrial DNA regions, a total of 268 bands were detected, of which 176 (65.7%) showed variation within and/or between species. The level of intraspecific variation of Ae. mutica was lower than that of Ae. speltoides. The low level of the intraspecific variation of Ae. mutica was contrary to the expectation from previous studies on morphological and cytolo-gical characters. In the phylogenetic trees based on SSCP, Ae. mutica, Ae. speltoides and the other four species of the section Sitopsis (the subsection Emarginata) were separated into three different clusters. In addition, T. aestivum was included in the cluster of Ae. speltoides in the phylogenetic trees. This result suggests that Ae. speltoides is the cytoplasmic donor of common wheat.

Effect of external index of refraction on multimode fiber couplers

<p>The dependence of the performance of fused-taper multimode fiber couplers on the refractive index of the material surrounding the taper region has been investigated both theoretically and experimentally. It has been identified that for a 2 × 2 multimode fiber coupler there is a range of output-power-coupling ratios for which the effect of the external refractive index is negligible. When the coupler is tapered beyond this region, the performance becomes dependent on the external index of refraction and lossy. To analyze the multimode coupler-loss mechanism, we develop a two-dimensional ray-optics model that incorporates trapped cladding-mode loss and core-mode loss through frustrated total internal reflection.</p><p>Computer-simulation results support the experimental observations. Related issues such as coupler fabrication and packaging are also discussed.</p>

Fiber-optic temperature sensors based on differential spectral transmittance/reflectivity and multiplexed sensing systems

A concept for optical temperature sensing based on the differential spectral reflectivity/transmittance from a multilayer dielectric edge filter is described and demonstrated. Two wavelengths, λ(1) and λ(2), from the spectrum of a broadband light source are selected so that they are located on the sloped and flat regions of the reflection or transmission spectrum of the filter, respectively. As temperature variations shift the reflection or transmission spectrum of the filter, they change the output power of the light at λ(1), but the output power of the light at λ(2) is insensitive to the shift and therefore to the temperature variation. The temperature information can be extracted from the ratio of the light powers at λ(1) to the light at λ(2). This ratio is immune to changes in the output power of the light source, fiber losses induced by microbending, and hence modal-power distribution fluctuations. The best resolution of 0.2 °C has been obtained over a range of 30-120 °C. Based on such a basic temperature-sensing concept, a wavelength-division-multiplexed, temperature-sensing system is constructed by cascading three sensing-edge filters that have different cutoff wavelengths along a multimode fiber. The signals from the three sensors are resolved by detecting the correspondent outputs at different wavelengths.

[Experimental study in treating chronic renal failure with dry extract and tannins of herba ephedra]

The effects of dry extract and tannin of Herba Ephedra on adenine-induced chronic renal failure in rats and their mechanisms of action have been studied. Dry extract of Herba Ephedra in dose of 10 mg, 20 mg and 30 mg/d with adenine (for 24 days) were administered to rats. After inducing renal failure (34 days), it reduced toxins in blood significantly. The action of 30 mg-dose was highly significant, BUN decreased by 37%, creatinine (Cr) 35%, methylguanidine (MG) 76%, guanidinosuccinic acid 83%, blood phosphate 39%, while blood calcium raised for 28%. But in 25mg and 45mg-dose, MG in urine decreased by 49%-65%. The mechanisms of action might be including (1) Inhibiting the production of Cr; (2) Inhibiting the production of hydroxyl free radical, blocking the conversion of Cr into creatol, thereby reducing, the production of MG from creatol. In conclusion, dry extract of Herba ephedra could improve renal function in adenine-induced chronic renal failure in rats, correct Ca and P disorder, and especially inhibit the production of MG. Fraction 2 and fraction 3 of Ephedra tannin had no effect on this renal failure model.

Pathological changes of the retrosplenial cortex in senile dementia of Alzheimer type

Six brains of patients aged from 71 to 85 years of clinically and pathologically diagnosed senile dementia of Alzheimer type and six brains of age-matched controls (55-91 years) was used for this study. The retrosplenial cortex of these brains have been examined by Gallyas and Campbell-silver impregnations. Gallyas preparation showed a number of intracellular pathological changes in retrosplenial cortex of demented individuals. Although the neuritic plaques, the neurofibrillary tangles and neuropil threads were seen in all lamina, their high density appear in lamina IIIa and V of retrosplenialis lateralis (Rsl), retrosplenialis intermedia (Rsi), retrosplenialis media (Rsm) and parasplenialis (Ps). The retrosplenial cortex of non-demented individuals was almost devoid of neurofibrillary changes. The retrosplenial cortex of all demented individuals and one age-matched controls showed a large amount of amyloid deposits in Campbell preparation, while two non-demented individuals showed only small amounts of amyloid. The amyloid deposition can be classified into three types. The packing of Campbell-argyrophilic material show area-specific and lamina-specific distribution.

[Interaction of trichloroethylene and isopropyl alcohol in the perfused rat liver]

The interaction of trichloroethylene (TCEL) and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) was studied in the perfused rat liver. Experiments consisted of four parts; TCEL administration with or without IPA, chloral hydrate (CH) administration with or without IPA, IPA administration with or without CH, IPA administration with or without trichloroethanol (TCE). The chemicals were administered into the perfusate of Krebs-Henseleit buffer saturated with 95%O2/5%CO2 in a non-recirculating circuit. Concentrations of the following three metabolites in the effluent were continuously measured by gas chromatograph and chemical methods: TCE and trichloroacetate (TCA) (metabolites of TCEL and CH), and acetone (a metabolite of IPA). Fluorescence from intracellular reduced pyridine nucleotides (NADH, NADPH) was monitored by surface fluorometry. The results showed that IPA changed the TCA/TCE ratio in the TCEL metabolism because of an increase in NADH production, and IPA oxidation was suppressed by CH because of an inhibitory effect of TCE on alcohol dehydrogenase. It was concluded that IPA and TCEL, both ubiquitous agents, interacted with each other in their metabolic pathways in the perfused rat liver, suggesting a new feature of a combined effect of these chemicals when they coexist.