[Characteristics of baseline viral load before antiretroviral therapy in newly reported HIV-infected patients in Tianjin, 2019-2022]

Objective: To understand the baseline viral load (VL) of newly reported HIV- infected patients before antiretroviral therapy and related factors in Tianjin. Methods: Data were obtained from the China Disease Control and Prevention Information System, and the study subjects were HIV-infected patients before the first antiretroviral therapy in Tianjin from 2019 to 2022, and the information about their socio-demographic characteristics, baseline CD4+T lymphocyte (CD4) counts before antiretroviral therapy and baseline VL test results were collected, the baseline high VL was defined as ≥100 000 copies/ml. The effect of different factors on viral load were analyzed. Software SPSS 24.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 1 296 newly reported HIV-infected patients were included in the study, in whom 15.89% (206/1 296) had high baseline VL, and multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that those with history of STD (aOR=1.45, 95%CI:1.00-2.08) were more likely to have high baseline VL. Compared with those with baseline CD4 counts <200 cells/μl, those with baseline CD4 counts 200-350 cells/μl (aOR=0.40, 95%CI: 0.27-0.57), 351-500 cells/μl (aOR=0.32, 95%CI: 0.20-0.49), and >500 cells/μl (aOR=0.30, 95%CI: 0.18-0.49) were less likely to have high baseline VL. Conclusions: The proportion of HIV-infected patients with high baseline VL before antiretroviral therapy was low in Tianjin during 2019-2022. History of STD and baseline CD4 counts <200 cells/μl were associated with high baseline VL in HIV-infected patients, to which close attention needs to be paid in AIDS prevention and control.

Photothermal-Controllable Microneedles with Antitumor, Antioxidant, Angiogenic, and Chondrogenic Activities to Sequential Eliminate Tracheal Neoplasm and Reconstruct Tracheal Cartilage

The optimal treatment for tracheal tumors necessitates sequential tumor elimination and tracheal cartilage reconstruction. This study introduces an innovative inorganic nanosheet, MnO2 /PDA@Cu, comprising manganese dioxide (MnO2 ) loaded with copper ions (Cu) through in situ polymerization using polydopamine (PDA) as an intermediary. Additionally, a specialized methacrylic anhydride modified decellularized cartilage matrix (MDC) hydrogel with chondrogenic effects is developed by modifying a decellularized cartilage matrix with methacrylic anhydride. The MnO2 /PDA@Cu nanosheet is encapsulated within MDC-derived microneedles, creating a photothermal-controllable MnO2 /PDA@Cu-MDC microneedle. Effectiveness evaluation involved deep insertion of the MnO2 /PDA@Cu-MDC microneedle into tracheal orthotopic tumor in a murine model. Under 808 nm near-infrared irradiation, facilitated by PDA, the microneedle exhibited rapid overheating, efficiently eliminating tumors. PDA's photothermal effects triggered controlled MnO2 and Cu release. The MnO2 nanosheet acted as a potent inorganic nanoenzyme, scavenging reactive oxygen species for an antioxidant effect, while Cu facilitated angiogenesis. This intervention enhanced blood supply at the tumor excision site, promoting stem cell enrichment and nutrient provision. The MDC hydrogel played a pivotal role in creating a chondrogenic niche, fostering stem cells to secrete cartilaginous matrix. In conclusion, the MnO2 /PDA@Cu-MDC microneedle is a versatile platform with photothermal control, sequentially combining antitumor, antioxidant, pro-angiogenic, and chondrogenic activities to orchestrate precise tracheal tumor eradication and cartilage regeneration.

Design, synthesis and insecticidal activity of benzenesulfonamide derivatives containing various alkynyl, alkenyl and cyclopropyl groups in para position

Celangulin V is a natural β-dihydrofuran sesquiterpene polyester with anti Mythimna separate activity and unique mechanism of action. Further study showed that its target was the H subunit of V-ATPase in the midgut of M. separate. Thus, combined with the previous work, thirty-two benzene sulfonamide derivatives were systematically synthesised to discover efficient and low-budget insecticidal candidates for the H subunit of V-ATPase. Screening results showed that compounds C2, C4, C5, C6 and C8 could significantly cause death of tested third-instar larvae of M. separate, and provided the corresponding LC50 values of 0.844, 0.953, 0.705, 0.599 and 0.887 mg/mL, which were extremely better than Celangulin V (LC50 = 11.5 mg/mL). The docking results indicated that this novel framework might target H subunit of V-ATPase. Given these excellent bioactivity results, this kind of sulfonamide framework could provide a suitable point for exploring highly efficient insecticidal agents.

Pure laparoscopic versus open left lateral hepatectomy in pediatric living donor liver transplantation: a review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the safety and feasibility of pure laparoscopic left lateral hepatectomy in comparison with open approach for pediatric living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

METHODS

A systemic literature survey was performed by searching the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases for articles that compared pure laparoscopic left lateral living donor hepatectomy (LLDH) and open left lateral living donor hepatectomy (OLDH) by November 2021. Meta-analysis was performed to assess donors' and recipients' perioperative outcomes using RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

A total of five studies involving 432 patients were included in the analysis. The results demonstrated that LLDH group had significantly less blood loss (WMD = -99.28 ml, 95%CI -152.68 to -45.88, p = 0.0003) and shorter length of hospital stay (WMD = -2.71d, 95%CI -3.78 to -1.64, p < 0.00001) compared with OLDH group. A reduced donor overall postoperative complication rate was observed in the LLDH group (OR = 0.29, 95%CI 0.13-0.64, p = 0.002). In the subgroup analysis, donor bile leakage, wound infection and pulmonary complications were similar between two groups (bile leakage: OR = 1.31, 95%CI 0.43-4.02, p = 0.63; wound infection: OR = 0.38, 95%CI 0.10-1.41, p = 0.15; pulmonary complications: OR = 0.24, 95%CI 0.04-1.41, p = 0.11). For recipients, there were no significant difference in perioperative outcomes between the LLDH and OLDH group, including mortality, overall complications, hepatic artery thrombosis, portal vein and biliary complications.

CONCLUSION

LLDH is a safe and effective alternative to OLDH for pediatric LDLT, reducing invasiveness and benefiting postoperative recovery. Future large-scale multi-center studies are expected to confirm the advantages of LLDH in pediatric LDLT.

Low-dose carboplatin modifies the tumor microenvironment to augment CAR T cell efficacy in human prostate cancer models

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have transformed the treatment landscape for hematological malignancies. However, CAR T cells are less efficient against solid tumors, largely due to poor infiltration resulting from the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we assessed the efficacy of Lewis Y antigen (LeY)-specific CAR T cells in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of prostate cancer. In vitro, LeY CAR T cells directly killed organoids derived from androgen receptor (AR)-positive or AR-null PDXs. In vivo, although LeY CAR T cells alone did not reduce tumor growth, a single prior dose of carboplatin reduced tumor burden. Carboplatin had a pro-inflammatory effect on the TME that facilitated early and durable CAR T cell infiltration, including an altered cancer-associated fibroblast phenotype, enhanced extracellular matrix degradation and re-oriented M1 macrophage differentiation. In a PDX less sensitive to carboplatin, CAR T cell infiltration was dampened; however, a reduction in tumor burden was still observed with increased T cell activation. These findings indicate that carboplatin improves the efficacy of CAR T cell treatment, with the extent of the response dependent on changes induced within the TME.

RIPK1 inhibition contributes to lysosomal membrane stabilization in ischemic astrocytes via a lysosomal Hsp70.1B-dependent mechanism

Receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) contributes to necroptosis. Our previous study showed that pharmacological or genetic inhibition of RIPK1 protects against ischemic stroke-induced astrocyte injury. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying RIPK1-mediated astrocyte injury in vitro and in vivo. Primary cultured astrocytes were transfected with lentiviruses and then subjected to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD). In a rat model of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO), lentiviruses carrying shRNA targeting RIPK1 or shRNA targeting heat shock protein 70.1B (Hsp70.1B) were injected into the lateral ventricles 5 days before pMCAO was established. We showed that RIPK1 knockdown protected against OGD-induced astrocyte damage, blocked the OGD-mediated increase in lysosomal membrane permeability in astrocytes, and inhibited the pMCAO-induced increase in astrocyte lysosome numbers in the ischemic cerebral cortex; these results suggested that RIPK1 contributed to the lysosomal injury in ischemic astrocytes. We revealed that RIPK1 knockdown upregulated the protein levels of Hsp70.1B and increased the colocalization of Lamp1 and Hsp70.1B in ischemic astrocytes. Hsp70.1B knockdown exacerbated pMCAO-induced brain injury, decreased lysosomal membrane integrity and blocked the protective effects of the RIPK1-specific inhibitor necrostatin-1 on lysosomal membranes. On the other hand, RIPK1 knockdown further exacerbated the pMCAO- or OGD-induced decreases in the levels of Hsp90 and the binding of Hsp90 to heat shock transcription factor-1 (Hsf1) in the cytoplasm, and RIPK1 knockdown promoted the nuclear translocation of Hsf1 in ischemic astrocytes, resulting in increased Hsp70.1B mRNA expression. These results suggest that inhibition of RIPK1 protects ischemic astrocytes by stabilizing lysosomal membranes via the upregulation of lysosomal Hsp70.1B; the mechanism underlying these effects involves decreased Hsp90 protein levels, increased Hsf1 nuclear translocation and increased Hsp70.1B mRNA expression.

[Analysis of the efficacy and safety of CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of posterior root of the spinal nerve in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of posterior root of spinal nerve in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Methods: A total of 102 PHN patients (42 males and 60 females) aged (69.7±9.4) years who underwent CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of posterior root of spinal nerve in the Department of Pain Medicine of the Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University from January 2017 to April 2020 were retrospectively included. Patients were followed up, and numerical rating scale (NRS) score, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), satisfaction score and complications before surgery (T₀) and at 1 d (T₁), 3 months (T₂), 6 months (T₃), 9 months (T₄) and 12 months (T₅) after surgery were recorded. Results: The NRS score of PHN patients at T₀, T₁, T₂, T₃, T₄, and T₅ [M(Q₁, Q₃)] was 6(6, 7), 2(2, 3), 3(2, 4), 3(2, 4), 2(1, 4), 2(1, 4), respectively. Likewise, the PSQI score [M(Q₁, Q₃)] at aforementioned time points was 14(13, 16), 4(3, 6), 6(4, 8), 5(4, 6), 4(2, 8), 4(2, 9), respectively. Compared with T₀, the NRS and PSQI scores at all time points from T₁ to T₅ were lower, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.001). The overall effective rate of surgery at 1 year postoperatively was 71.6% (73/102) with a satisfaction score of 8(5, 9), and the recurrence rate was 14.7% (15/102) with a recurrence time of (7.5±0.8) months. The main postoperative complication was numbness, with an incidence of 86.0% (88/102), and the degree of numbness gradually decreased with time. Conclusion: CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of posterior root of spinal nerve for PHN has a high effective rate and a low recurrence rate, with high safety profile, and may be a feasible surgical option for the treatment of PHN.

Design, Synthesis, Insecticidal Activities and Molecular Docking of Sulfonamide Derivatives Containing Propargyloxy or Pyridine Groups

The discovery of new highly active molecules from natural products is a common method to create new pesticides. Celangulin V targeting Mythimna separate (M. separate) midgut V-ATPase  H subunit, has received considerable attention for its excellent insecticidal activity and unique mechanism of action. Therefore, combined with our preliminary work, thirty-seven sulfonamide derivatives bearing propargyloxy or pyridine groups were systematically synthesized to search for insecticidal candidate compounds with low cost and high efficiency on the  H subunit of V-ATPase. Bioactive results showed that compounds A2-A4 and A6-A7 exhibited a better bioactivity with median effective concentration (LC₅₀ ) values (2.78, 3.11, 3.34, 3.54 and 2.48 mg/mL, respectively) against third-instar larvae of M. separate than Celangulin V (LC₅₀ =18.1 mg/mL). Additionally, molecular docking experiments indicated that these molecules may act on the H subunit of V-ATPase. Based on the above results, these compounds provide new ideas for the discovery of insecticides.

Effect of ACADL on the differentiation of goat subcutaneous adipocyte

Objective

The aim of this study was to clone the mRNA sequence of the ACADL gene of goats and explore the effect of ACADL on the differentiation of subcutaneous fat cells on this basis.

Methods

We obtained the ACADL gene of goats by cloning and used -qPCR to detect the ACADL expression patterns of different goat tissues and subcutaneous fat cells at different lipid induction stages. In addition, we transfect intramuscular and subcutaneous adipocytes separately by constructing overexpressed ACADL vectors and synthesizing Si-ACADL; Finally, we observed the changes in oil red stained cell levels under the microscope, and qPCR detected changes in mRNA levels.

Results

The results showed goat ACADL gene expressed in sebum fat. During adipocyte differentiation, ACADL gradually increased from 0 to 24 h of culture, and decreased. Overexpression of ACADL promoted differentiation of subcutaneous adipocytes in goat and inhibited their differentiation after interference.

Conclusion

So, we infer ACADL may have an important role in positive regulating the differentiation process in goat subcutaneous adipocytes. This study will provide basic data for further study of the role of ACADL in goat subcutaneous adipocyte differentiation and lays the foundation for final elucidating of its molecular mechanisms in regulating subcutaneous fat deposition in goats.

A gamma ray spectrometer with Compton suppression on the HL-2A tokamak

A new broad-energy, high-resolution gamma ray spectrometer (GRS) with Compton suppression function has been developed recently in the HL-2A tokamak to obtain the gamma ray information in the energy range of 0.1-10 MeV. This is the first time to develop an anti-Compton GRS for a magnetic confinement fusion device. The anticoincidence detector consists of a large-volume high purity germanium (HPGe) crystal (Φ63 × 63 mm²) as the primary detector and eight trapezoidal bismuth germinate (BGO) scintillators (trapezoid crystal with 30 mm thickness) as the secondary detector. The anti-coincidence data processing is implemented by a digital-based data acquisition system with fast digitization and software signal processing technology. Using radioisotope gamma ray sources and Monte Carlo N-Particle code, the energy and efficiency of the spectrometer have been calibrated and quantitatively tested. The Compton continuum suppression factor reaches 4.2, and the energy resolution (Full Width at Half Maximum) of the 1.332 MeV full energy peak for ⁶⁰Co is 2.1 keV. Measurements of gamma ray spectra with Compton suppression using the spectrometer have been successfully performed during HL-2A discharges with different conditions. The performance of the spectrometer and the first experimental results are presented in this paper.

Constraints on Sub-GeV Dark Matter-Electron Scattering from the CDEX-10 Experiment

We present improved germanium-based constraints on sub-GeV dark matter via dark matter-electron (χ-e) scattering using the 205.4  kg·day dataset from the CDEX-10 experiment. Using a novel calculation technique, we attain predicted χ-e scattering spectra observable in high-purity germanium detectors. In the heavy mediator scenario, our results achieve 3 orders of magnitude of improvement for m_{χ} larger than 80  MeV/c^{2} compared to previous germanium-based χ-e results. We also present the most stringent χ-e cross-section limit to date among experiments using solid-state detectors for m_{χ} larger than 90  MeV/c^{2} with heavy mediators and m_{χ} larger than 100  MeV/c^{2} with electric dipole coupling. The result proves the feasibility and demonstrates the vast potential of a new χ-e detection method with high-purity germanium detectors in ultralow radioactive background.

Exotic Dark Matter Search with the CDEX-10 Experiment at China's Jinping Underground Laboratory

A search for exotic dark matter (DM) in the sub-GeV mass range has been conducted using 205 kg day data taken from a p-type point contact germanium detector of the CDEX-10 experiment at China's Jinping underground laboratory. New low-mass dark matter searching channels, neutral current fermionic DM absorption (χ+A→ν+A) and DM-nucleus 3→2 scattering (χ+χ+A→ϕ+A), have been analyzed with an energy threshold of 160 eVee. No significant signal was found; thus new limits on the DM-nucleon interaction cross section are set for both models at the sub-GeV DM mass region. A cross section limit for the fermionic DM absorption is set to be 2.5×10^{-46}  cm^{2} (90% C.L.) at DM mass of 10  MeV/c^{2}. For the DM-nucleus 3→2 scattering scenario, limits are extended to DM mass of 5 and 14  MeV/c^{2} for the massless dark photon and bound DM final state, respectively.

[The correlation between methylation in HPV16 long control region and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or more: a Meta-analysis]

Objective: To investigate the correlation between methylation in human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) long control region (LCR) and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade ≥2 (CIN2+). Methods: The literature retrieval was conducted by using the databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang data and Weipu according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the retrieval period was from the establishment of the databases to February 27^th, 2022. Software RevMan 5.3 and Stata 15.1 were used for Meta-analysis. Results: A total of 17 literatures were included involving 1 421 subjects. Results of Meta-analysis showed that OR of the correlation between methylation of HPV16 LCR and CIN2+ was 1.56 (95%CI: 0.70-3.47). Subgroup analysis showed that methylation of the 5' terminal, enhancer and promoter regions were not associated with CIN2+, while in four E2 binding sites (E2BS), the methylation of E2BS1, E2BS3 and E2BS4 increased the risk of CIN2+, with the ORs of 3.92 (95%CI: 1.92-7.99), 10.50 (95%CI: 3.67-30.04) and 3.65 (95%CI: 1.58-8.41), respectively. However, subgroup analysis on E2BS2 was not performed due to the limitation of the number of literatures. According to the different sources of population, the risk of CIN2+ in Chinese population was associated with methylation of HPV16 LCR (OR=2.14, 95%CI: 1.31-3.50). There was a correlation between the risk of CIN2+ and HPV16 LCR methylation in the population with pyrosequencing of HPV16 LCR, and OR was 1.75 (95%CI: 1.03-2.98). Conclusion: The risk of CIN2+ is correlated with the methylation of E2BS in HPV16 LCR, which can be used as potential biomarkers.

[The role of STAT-6/KLF-4/PPAR-γ activation in alveolar macrophage polarization changes in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis]

Objective: To observe the effect of silicon dioxide (SiO(2)) on the polarization of alveolar macrophages (AMs) , and to explore the expressions and the significance of signal transducer and activator of transcription-6 (STAT-6) /Krüppel-like factor-4 (KLF-4) /peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors-γ (PPAR-γ) signaling molecules in AMs. Methods: In November 2020, C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into crystalline SiO(2) group and normal saline (NS) group, and 12 mice in each group. Mice were intratracheally instillated with 100 μl crystalline SiO(2) suspension (20 mg/ml) or 100 μl NS, and were sacrificed after 28 days. Masson staining was used to observe the degree of pulmonary fibrosis of mice and hydroxyproline (HYP) level were assessed. The proportions of M1-typed and M2-typed AMs in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BLAF) were analyzed by flow cytometry. The mRNA relative expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) , arginidase-1 (Arg-1) , interleukin (IL) -1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) , IL-6, IL-10, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) , STAT-6, KLF-4 and PPAR-γ were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Activities of iNOS and Arg-1, as well as contents of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and TGF-β were assessed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent. The protein relative expression levels of phosphorylation-signal transducer and activator of transcription-6 (p-STAT-6) , KLF-4 and PPAR-γ were evaluated by immunofluorescence. Results: After 28 days of treatment, the structure of the lung tissue of the mice was destroyed, and the deposition of collagen was significantly increased in the crystalline SiO(2) group. Compared with NS group, HYP level of lung tissue in crystalline SiO(2) group were increased, the proportion of M2-typed AMs in crystalline SiO(2) group was increased, the proportion of M1-typed AMs in crystalline SiO(2) group was decreased, the mRNA relative expressions and contents of Arg-1, IL-10, TGF-β in crystalline SiO(2) group were significantly increased, the mRNA relative expressions and contents of iNOS, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 in crystalline SiO(2) group were significantly decreased, the mRNA of STAT-6, KLF-4, PPAR-γ and the protein relative expression levels of p-STAT-6, KLF-4, PPAR-γ were significantly increased in crystalline SiO(2) group, and the the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Crystalline SiO(2) may mediate the process of pulmonary fibrosis through promote AMs polarization toward M2-typed by activating the STAT-6/KLF-4/PPAR-γ signaling pathway.

[A nested case-control study on the relationship between red blood cell folate and the prognosis of low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia]

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between red blood cell folate (RBC folate) and the prognosis of low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 1). Methods: In the married women cohort established in 2014, 564 women with CIN 1 diagnosed by pathology were recruited. The demographic characteristics and factors of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were collected. Meanwhile, the infection status of human papillomavirus (HPV) was detected by molecular diversion hybridization, and the level of RBC folate was measured by chemical photoimmunoassay. After 24 months of follow-up, pathological examination was performed again to observe the prognosis of participants. The women with reversal were taken as the control group,and those with continuous and progressive CIN 1 were taken as the case group respectively. The relationship between RBC folate and CIN 1 outcome was evaluated by logistic regression model. Results: 453 women completed the follow-up, aged (49.72±6.84) years old. CIN 1 was reversed in 342 women, continued in 58 cases and progressed in 53 cases. The RBC folate level M (Q_1,Q₃) were 399.01 (307.10, 538.97) ng/ml, 316.98 (184.74, 428.49) ng/ml and 247.14 (170.54, 348.97) ng/ml, respectively. With the decrease of RBC folate, the risk of continuous and progressive CIN 1 increased (all P<0.001), while the risk of reversal CIN 1 decreased gradually (P<0.001). Combined with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection status, low level of RBC folate could increase the risk of CIN 1 progression regardless of HR-HPV infection (HR-HPV infection: OR=21.34, 95%CI: 3.98-114.54; HR-HPV uninfection: OR=11.15, 95%CI: 2.34-53.13). Conclusion: Low level of RBC folate could increase the risk of CIN 1 persistence and progression regardless of HR-HPV infection.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Profiles of Novel 1,3,4-Oxadiazole-2-carbohydrazides with Molecular Diversity

To unceasingly expand the molecular diversity of 1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-carbohydrazides, herein, small fragments (including -CH₂-, -OCH₂-, and -SCH₂-) were incorporated into the target compounds to screen out the potential succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs). The bioassay results showed that the antifungal effects (expressed by EC₅₀) against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Botryosphaeria dothidea, Fusarium oxysporum, and Colletotrichun higginsianum could reach 1.29 (10a), 0.63 (8h), 1.50 (10i), and 2.09 (10i) μg/mL, respectively, which were slightly lower than those of carbendazim (EC₅₀ were 0.69, 0.13, 0.55, and 0.80 μg/mL, respectively). Especially, compound 10h was extremely bioactive against Gibberella zeae (G. z.) with an EC₅₀ value of 0.45 μg/mL. This outcome was better than that of fluopyram (3.76 μg/mL) and was similar to prochloraz (0.47 μg/mL). In vivo trials against the corn scab (infected by G. z.) showed that compound 10h had control activity of 86.8% at 200 μg/mL, which was better than that of boscalid (79.6%). Further investigations found that compound 10h could inhibit the enzymatic activity of SDH in the G. z. strain with an IC₅₀ value of 3.67 μM, indicating that potential SDHIs might be developed. Additionally, the other biological activities of these molecules were screened simultaneously. The anti-oomycete activity toward Phytophthora infestans afforded a minimal EC₅₀ value of 3.22 μg/mL (10h); compound 4d could strongly suppress the growth of bacterial strains Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae with EC₅₀ values of 3.79 and 11.4 μg/mL, respectively; and compound 10a displayed some insecticidal activity toward Plutella xylostella. Given their multipurpose features, these frameworks could be actively studied as potential pesticide leads.

Computed tomography-guided chemical renal sympathetic nerve modulation in the treatment of resistant hypertension: A case report

BACKGROUND

Resistant hypertension (RH) has always been a difficult problem in clinical diagnosis and treatment. At present, there is no recognized safe and effective minimally invasive treatment.

CASE SUMMARY

An 80-year-old woman was admitted to hospital due to trigeminal neuralgia (TN). The patient had a history of RH for more than 10 years and her blood pressure (BP) was not well-controlled. Before the treatment for TN, we decided to perform chemical renal sympathetic denervation with ethanol in the Pain Department of our hospital. One year after the operation, she stopped taking antihypertensive drugs, and her BP was satisfactorily controlled within 4 years after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Computed tomography-guided chemical renal sympathetic modulation may be a feasible method for the treatment of RH.

Fabrication of Versatile Pyrazole Hydrazide Derivatives Bearing a 1,3,4-Oxadiazole Core as Multipurpose Agricultural Chemicals against Plant Fungal, Oomycete, and Bacterial Diseases

Developing multipurpose agricultural chemicals is appealing in crop protection, thus eventually realizing the reduction and efficient usage of pesticides. Herein, an array of versatile pyrazole hydrazide derivatives bearing a 1,3,4-oxadiazole core were initially synthesized and biologically evaluated the antifungal, antioomycetes, and antibacterial activities. In addition, the pyrazole ring was replaced by the correlative pyrrole, thiazole, and indole scaffolds to extend the molecular diversity. The results showed that most of these hybrid compounds were empowered with multifunctional bioactivities, which are exemplified by compounds a1-a6, b1-b3, b7, b10, b13, and b18. For the antifungal activity, the minimal EC₅₀ values could afford 0.47 (a2), 1.05 (a2), 0.65 (a1), and 1.32 μg/mL (b3) against the corresponding fungi Gibberella zeae (G. z.), Fusarium oxysporum, Botryosphaeria dothidea, and Rhizoctonia solani. In vivo pot experiments against corn scab (caused by G. z.) revealed that the compound a2 was effective with protective and curative activities of 90.2 and 86.3% at 200 μg/mL, which was comparable to those of fungicides boscalid and fluopyram. Further molecular docking study and enzymatic activity analysis (IC₅₀ = 3.21 μM, a2) indicated that target compounds were promising succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors. Additionally, compounds b2 and a4 yielded superior anti-oomycete and antibacterial activities toward Phytophora infestins and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae with EC₅₀ values of 2.92 and 8.43 μg/mL, respectively. In vivo trials against rice bacterial blight provided the control efficiency within 51.2-55.3% (a4) at 200 μg/mL, which were better than that of bismerthiazol. Given their multipurpose characteristics, these structures should be positively explored as agricultural chemicals.

[Estimation of dietary salt intake in adult residents in Anhui province, 2019]

Objective: Based on the data of the baseline survey of hypertension and sodium intake monitoring in Anhui province in 2019, the salt intake in adult residents was estimated. Methods: Multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling was used to select participants aged 18-69 years, questionnaire survey and related measurements were conducted. Salt intake in participants with different characteristics were estimated with complex sample and linearization of Taylor series based on design and the correlation between salt intake and blood pressure, waist circumference and BMI were tested by linear regression. Results: A total of 1 500 participants were included. The overall salt intake was 9.14 g/d, which was 9.84 g/d in men and 8.47 g/d in women (P<0.05). The differences in salt intake across different subgroups were significant (P<0.05). Univariate linear regression analysis showed that salt intake was positively correlated with SBP, DBP, waist circumference and BMI (P<0.05), while multivariate linear regression analysis (adjusted for other factors) only showed a positive correlation between salt intake and BMI (β=0.053,95%CI: 0.028-0.078, P<0.05). Conclusion: The dietary salt intake in adult residents in Anhui was higher than WHO recommendation, suggesting that public health education need to be taken to reduce salt intake.

Rational Optimization of 1,2,3-Triazole-Tailored Carbazoles As Prospective Antibacterial Alternatives with Significant In Vivo Control Efficiency and Unique Mode of Action

Plant bacterial diseases can potentially damage agricultural products around the world, and few effective bactericides can manage these infections. Herein, to sequentially explore highly effective antibacterial alternatives, 1,2,3-triazole-tailored carbazoles were rationally fabricated. These compounds could suppress the growth of three main intractable pathogens including Xanthomonas oryzae pv oryzae (Xoo), X. axonopodis pv citri (Xac), and Pseudomonas syringae pv actinidiae (Psa) with lower EC₅₀ values of 3.36 (3p), 2.87 (3p), and 4.57 μg/mL (3r), respectively. Pot experiments revealed that compound 3p could control the rice bacterial blight with protective and curative efficiencies of 53.23% and 50.78% at 200 μg/mL, respectively. Interestingly, the addition of 0.1% auxiliaries such as organic silicon and orange oil could significantly enhance the surface wettability of compound 3p toward rice leaves, resulting in improved control effectiveness of 65.50% and 61.38%, respectively. Meanwhile, compound 3r could clearly reduce the white pyogenic exudates triggered by Psa infection and afforded excellent control efficiencies of 79.42% (protective activity) and 78.74% (curative activity) at 200 μg/mL, which were quite better than those of commercial pesticide thiodiazole copper. Additionally, a plausible apoptosis mechanism for the antibacterial behavior of target compounds was proposed by flow cytometry, reactive oxygen species detection, and defensive enzyme (e.g., catalase and superoxide dismutase) activity assays. The current work can promote the development of 1,2,3-triazole-tailored carbazoles as prospective antibacterial alternatives bearing an intriguing mode of action.

[Observation on the efficacy of CT-guided lumbar sympathetic chemical destructive block in the treatment of cold sensation of limbs]

Objective: To observe the clinical effects of CT-guided chemical destructive block of lumbar sympathetic nerve in the treatment of cold sensation of limbs. Methods: In this retrospective analysis, clinical data of 43 patients with cold sensation of limbs treated by lumbar sympathetic chemical destructive block in the Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University from January 2015 to January 2018 were collected. The changes of heart rate, non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP), oxygen saturation (SpO(2)), plantar temperature and peripheral perfusion index (PI) of patients were recorded and analyzed before treatment and 5 min after injection of anhydrous ethanol. The patients were followed up at postoperative 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years. Results: Fourty-three patients underwent bilateral lumbar sympathetic nerve chemical destructive block under the CT-guided, and all patients were punctured to the target successfully. The PI of patients before and after treatment were 1.2±0.6, 7.2±3.0 respectively, which was significantly increased after treatment compared with before treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (t=12.386, P<0.05). The plantar temperature of patients before and after treatment respectively were (29.6±1.7)℃, (34.6±1.1)℃, which was significantly increased after treatment compared with before treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (t=15.057, P<0.05). There were no significant differences in heart rate, NIBP and SpO(2) between before and after treatment (all P>0.05). Lumbar sympathetic chemical destructive block was clinically effective in 39 patients (90.7%) and ineffective in 4 patients (9.3%). Among the 39 clinically effective patients, the curative effects were excellent in 29 cases and improved in 10 cases. Postoperative recurrence occurred in 10 cases (25.6%). The satisfaction rates of patients at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after operation were 93.0%, 90.7%, 86.0%, 76.7%, 69.7%, 65.1% and 53.4%, respectively. Conclusion: Lumbar sympathetic chemical destructive block is a safe and effective way for the treatment of cold sensation of limbs, which can improve the symptoms of cold sensation of limbs to some extent.

Study on effects of co-solvents on the structure of DhaA by molecular dynamics simulation

With the increasing application of enzymes in various research fields, the choices of co-solvents in enzymatic preparations which directly related to the catalytic activity have been attracted attention. Thus, researching on the stabilization or destabilization behaviors of enzymes in different solvents is extremely essential. In this study, the structural changes of DhaA in two typical aprotic co-solvents (acetonitrile and tetrahydrofuran) were firstly investigated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The simulation results revealed the strong van der Waals force between co-solvents and DhaA which could induce the structural change of enzyme. Interestingly, the differences of molecular size and the electrostatic force with enzyme of two co-solvents led to quite different influences on DhaA. As for acetonitrile, solvent molecules could penetrate into the catalytic site of DhaA which promoted by the electrostatic interaction. On the contrary, tetrahydrofuran molecules were mainly distributed around the catalytic site due to the relative weak electrostatic interaction and steric resistance effect. It can be concluded that different co-solvent can affect the key domains, substrate pathway and catalytic pocket of DhaA.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

[The possible mechanisms of simvastatin on apoptosis of lung adenocarcinoma cells]

Objective: To explore the possible mechanisms of simvastatin-induced apoptosis in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Methods: The experiment was divided into control group (vehicle treated A549 cells), different concentrations (10, 20, 40, 80 mg/L) simvastatin group (simvastatin treated with different concentrations of A549 cells), aspartate specific proteinase (caspase) inhibitor (Z-VAD-FMK) group (50 μmol/L Z-VAD-FMK treated A549 cells), 40 mg/L simvastatin combined with Z-VAD-FMK group (40 mg/L simvastatin combined with 50 μmol/L Z-VAD-FMK co-treated A549 cells), interleukin-6 (IL-6) group (IL-6 acts on A549 cells) and different concentrations (10, 20, 40 mg/L) simvastatin combined with IL-6 group (simvastatin combined with IL-6 act on A549 cells). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) method was used to detect the effect on survival rate of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells; Flow cytometry was used to detect the effect of simvastatin on A549 cell cycle; Mitochondrial membrane potential-1 (JC-1) fluorescent probe was wsed to detect the effect of simvastatin on mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP); Flow-type phosphatidl serine protein antibody Annexin V/propidium iodide (Annexin V-FITC/PI) double staining method was used to detect the effect of simvastatin on A549 cell apoptosis; CCK8 method was used to detect the effect of Z-VAD-FMK on the survival rate of A549 cells; TdT-mediated 2'-deoxyuridine 5'-triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labeling (TUNEL) method was used to detect the effect of Z-VAD-FMK on simvastatin-induced apoptosis in A549 cells; Western blot method was used to detect the effect of simvastatin on the expression levels of Janus kinase 2 and activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) pathway-related proteins phosphorylated JAK2 (p-JAK2), JAK2, phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3), and STAT3 before and after the activator IL-6 of JAK2/STAT3 pathway acted on A549 cells. Results: The survival rates of A549 cells in the 20-80 mg/L simvastatin-treated groups were significantly lower than that in the control group (all P<0.05), and gradually decreased with the increase of the concentration of the simvastatin and the extension of the action time. The cells in the G(0)/G(1) phase of the simvastatin group were significantly higher than those in the control group, and the cells in the G(2)/M phase were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P<0.01). The MMP of the treatment group with different concentrations of simvastatin was significantly lower than that of the control group (all P<0.05). The apoptosis rate of the 20 mg/L and 40 mg/L simvastatin-treated group was significantly higher than that of the control group (both P<0.01). The cell survival rate of the 40 mg/L simvastatin group and the 40 mg/L simvastatin combined with Z-VAD-FMK group were (52.2±2.7)% and (57.5±3.8)%, respectively, were lower than that of the control group (100.0±2.7)% (both P<0.01). But the difference between 40 mg/L simvastatin group and the simvastatin combined with Z-VAD-FMK group was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The cell numbers with positive fluorescent staining in the 40 mg/L simvastatin group were significantly more than those in the control group, but the cell numbers with positive fluorescent staining in the 40 mg/L simvastatin combined with Z-VAD-FMK group had no statistical significance compared with the simvastatin group (P>0.05). The specific value of p-JAK2/JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3 protein relative expressions in the simvastatin-treated group (20, 40 mg/L) were significantly lower than that in the control group, respectively (both P<0.05). The specific value of p-JAK2/JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3 protein relative expressions in IL-6 group were significantly higher than those in control group (both P<0.05), the specific value of p-JAK2/JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3 protein relative expressions in simvastatin (20, 40 mg/L) combined with IL-6 groups were lower than those in IL-6 group (all P<0.05), respectively. Conclusion: Simvastatin can induce the apoptosis of A549 cells through a non-caspase-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, which may be achieved by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

Foliar application of nanoparticles mitigates the chilling effect on photosynthesis and photoprotection in sugarcane

Chilling is one of the main abiotic stresses that adversely affect the productivity of sugarcane, in marginal tropical regions where chilling incidence occurs with seasonal changes. However, nanoparticles (NPs) have been tested as a mitigation strategy against diverse abiotic stresses. In this study, NPs such as silicon dioxide (nSiO₂; 5-15 nm), zinc oxide (nZnO; <100 nm), selenium (nSe; 100 mesh), graphene (graphene nanoribbons [GNRs] alkyl functionalized; 2-15 μm × 40-250 nm) were applied as foliar sprays on sugarcane leaves to understand the amelioration effect of NPs against negative impact of chilling stress on photosynthesis and photoprotection. To this end, seedlings of moderately chilling tolerant sugarcane variety Guitang 49 was used for current study and spilt plot was used as statistical design. The changes in the level chilling tolerance after the application of NPs on Guitang 49 were compared with tolerance level of chilling tolerant variety Guitang 28. NPs treatments reduced the adverse effects of chilling by maintaining the maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (F_v/F_m), maximum photo-oxidizable PSI (P_m), and photosynthetic gas exchange. Furthermore, application of NPs increased the content of light harvesting pigments (chlorophylls and cartinoids) in NPs treated seedlings. Higher carotenoid accumulation in leaves of NPs treated seedlings enhanced the nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) of PSII. Among the NPs, nSiO₂ showed higher amelioration effects and it can be used alone or in combination with other NPs to mitigate chilling stress in sugarcane.

Direct Detection Constraints on Dark Photons with the CDEX-10 Experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We report constraints on the dark photon effective kinetic mixing parameter (κ) with data taken from two p-type point-contact germanium detectors of the CDEX-10 experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. The 90% confidence level upper limits on κ of solar dark photon from 205.4 kg-day exposure are derived, probing new parameter space with masses (m_{V}) from 10 to 300  eV/c^{2} in direct detection experiments. Considering dark photon as the cosmological dark matter, limits at 90% confidence level with m_{V} from 0.1 to 4.0  keV/c^{2} are set from 449.6 kg-day data, with a minimum of κ=1.3×10^{-15} at m_{V}=200  eV/c^{2}.

[CD7 expression and its prognostic significance in acute myeloid leukemia patients with wild-type or mutant CEBPA]

目的

分析CD7在初治急性髓系白血病（AML）患者中的表达和预后价值，进一步探讨CD7表达情况与CEBPA突变的相关性，明确其在CEBPA野生型和突变型AML患者中与预后的关系。

方法

回顾性分析2010年1月至2016年12月收治的298例初治AML患者（除外M₃亚型）的临床资料，在全部患者以及CEBPA野生型和突变型组中，分别比较CD7阳性（CD7⁺）和CD7阴性（CD7⁻）患者的临床特征及预后差异，并联合CD7表达情况和CEBPA突变状态初步建立新的危险分层模型。

结果

在CD7⁺组中，CEBPA单位点和双位点突变的发生率分别为10.1%和33.9%，显著高于CD7⁻组（5.3%和4.2%），差异具有统计学意义（P=0.000）。在CEBPA野生型患者中，CD7⁺组患者相较CD7⁻组患者完全缓解率低（P=0.001）、复发率高（P=0.023），而两组总生存（OS）期和无病生存（DFS）期差异无统计学意义（P值均>0.05）；在CEBPA突变患者中，CD7⁺组显示有更长的OS期（P=0.019）和DFS期（P=0.010）。根据CD7表达和CEBPA突变与否将AML患者分为三个亚组：CD7⁺伴CEBPA突变组、CD7⁻组和CD7⁺伴CEBPA野生型组。三组患者的3年OS率分别为80.2%、48.0%和30.6%（P<0.001），3年的DFS率分别为74.1%、37.4%和22.2%（P<0.001）。

结论

CD7⁺组中CEBPA突变率显著高于CD7⁻组，CD7⁺在CEBPA野生型组和突变组AML中存在截然相反的预后意义。根据CD7表达情况和CEBPA突变与否建立新的危险分层模型，有助于指导临床个体化治疗。

[The expression and significance of chromobox protein homolog 2 in breast cancer]

Objective: To study the relationship between the expression of Chromobox protein homolog (CBX) mRNA and the clinicopathological prognosis of breast cancer, and to investigate the possibility of Chromobox protein homolog 2 as a therapeutic target for breast cancer. Methods: First, we analyzed the mRNA expression of 8 CBX family genes by METABRIC database, and investigated the relationship between the expression of CBX2 mRNA and the clinicopathological parameters of breast cancer. Then we explored its relationship with prognosis. CBX2 siRNA was used to treat breast cancer cell lines with high expression of CBX2(SUM159 and SUM1315). The effects of knockdown of CBX20 on mRNA and protein expression and cell proliferation were observed. Results: According to the analysis of METABRIC database, among the 8 CBX genes, the most obvious increase in mRNA expression was CBX2, and 22.47% (445/1 980) of the patients showed high mRNA expression. The high expression of CBX2 was closely related to tumor histological grade and the molecular type of breast cancer (P<0.001). Compared with the low-expression group of CBX2 mRNA, the proportion of HER2 breast cancer (28.1% vs 7.5%) and Basal-like (44.5% vs 8.5%) in the high-expression group were both higher. Patients with high CBX2 expression had significantly shorter disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). The knockdown of CBX2 by siRNA inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cells. Conclusion: CBX2 is closely related to the prognosis of breast cancer and may be a target for breast cancer treatment.

SAP102 contributes to hyperalgesia formation in the cancer induced bone pain rat model by anchoring NMDA receptors

The pathogenesis of cancer induced bone pain (CIBP) is extremely complex, and glutamate receptor dysfunction plays an important role in the formation of CIBP. Synapse-associated protein 102 (SAP102) anchors glutamate receptors in the postsynaptic membrane. However, its effect on hyperalgesia formation in CIBP has not been clarified. This study investigated the role of SAP102 in the formation of hyperalgesia in rats with CIBP SAP102 is present in spinal dorsal horn neurons, but not in astrocytes or microglia. NMDAR-NR2B is localized with neurons. In addition, SAP102 and NMDAR-NR2B expression levels in spinal dorsal horn tissues were detected by Western blot and co-immunoprecipitation. Intrathecal injection of lentiviral vector of RNAi to knockdown SAP102 expression in the spinal dorsal horn significantly attenuated abnormal mechanic pain when compared to non-coding lentiviral vector. These findings indicate that SAP102 can anchor NMDA receptors to affect hyperalgesia formation in bone cancer pain.

Novel 1,3,4-Oxadiazole-2-carbohydrazides as Prospective Agricultural Antifungal Agents Potentially Targeting Succinate Dehydrogenase

A novel simple 1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-carbohydrazide was reported to discover low-cost and versatile antifungal agents. Bioassay results suggested that a majority of the designed compounds were extremely bioactive against four types of fungi and two kinds of oomycetes. This extreme bioactivity was highlighted by the applausive inhibitory effects of compounds 4b, 4h, 5c, 5g, 5h, 5i, 5m, 5p, 5t, and 5v against Gibberella zeae, affording EC₅₀ values ranging from 0.486 to 0.799 μg/mL, which were superior to that of fluopyram (2.96 μg/mL) and comparable to those of carbendazim (0.947 μg/mL) and prochloraz (0.570 μg/mL). Meanwhile, compounds 4g, 5f, 5i, and 5t showed significant actions against Fusarium oxysporum with EC₅₀ values of 0.652, 0.706, 0.813, and 0.925 μg/mL, respectively. Pharmacophore exploration suggested that the N'-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-carbohydrazide pattern is necessary for the bioactivity. Molecular docking of 5h with succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) indicated that it can completely locate the inside of the binding pocket via hydrogen-bonding and hydrophobic interactions, revealing that this novel framework might target SDH. This result was further verified by the significant inhibitory effect on SDH activity. In addition, scanning electron microscopy patterns were performed to elucidate the anti-G. zeae mechanism. Given these features, this type of framework is a suitable template for future exploration of alternative SDH inhibitors against plant microbial infections.

Search for Light Weakly-Interacting-Massive-Particle Dark Matter by Annual Modulation Analysis with a Point-Contact Germanium Detector at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We present results on light weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) searches with annual modulation (AM) analysis on data from a 1-kg mass p-type point-contact germanium detector of the CDEX-1B experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. Datasets with a total live time of 3.2 yr within a 4.2-yr span are analyzed with analysis threshold of 250 eVee. Limits on WIMP-nucleus (χ-N) spin-independent cross sections as function of WIMP mass (m_{χ}) at 90% confidence level (C.L.) are derived using the dark matter halo model. Within the context of the standard halo model, the 90% C.L. allowed regions implied by the DAMA/LIBRA and CoGeNT AM-based analysis are excluded at >99.99% and 98% C.L., respectively. These results correspond to the best sensitivity at m_{χ}<6  GeV/c^{2} among WIMP AM measurements to date.

Constraints on Spin-Independent Nucleus Scattering with sub-GeV Weakly Interacting Massive Particle Dark Matter from the CDEX-1B Experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We report results on the searches of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) with sub-GeV masses (m_{χ}) via WIMP-nucleus spin-independent scattering with Migdal effect incorporated. Analysis on time-integrated (TI) and annual modulation (AM) effects on CDEX-1B data are performed, with 737.1 kg day exposure and 160 eVee threshold for TI analysis, and 1107.5 kg day exposure and 250 eVee threshold for AM analysis. The sensitive windows in m_{χ} are expanded by an order of magnitude to lower DM masses with Migdal effect incorporated. New limits on σ_{χN}^{SI} at 90% confidence level are derived as 2×10^{-32}∼7×10^{-35}  cm^{2} for TI analysis at m_{χ}∼50-180  MeV/c^{2}, and 3×10^{-32}∼9×10^{-38}  cm^{2} for AM analysis at m_{χ}∼75  MeV/c^{2}-3.0  GeV/c^{2}.

Investigation of physicochemical composition and microbial communities in traditionally fermented vrum from Inner Mongolia

Mongolian traditionally fermented vrum is known for its functional characteristics, and indigenous microbial flora plays a critical role in its natural fermentation. However, studies of traditionally fermented vrum are still rare. In this study, we investigated the artisanal production of traditionally fermented vrum from Inner Mongolia. In general, its physicochemical composition was characterized by 34.5 ± 8% moisture, 44.9 ± 12.1% fat, 10.6 ± 3.2% protein, and 210 ± 102°T. The total lactic acid bacteria and yeast counts ranged from 50 to 2.8 × 10⁸ cfu/g and from 0 to 1.1 × 10⁶ cfu/g, respectively. We studied bacterial and fungal community structures in 9 fermented vrum; we identified 5 bacterial phyla represented by 11 genera (an average relative abundance >1%) and 8 species (>1%), and 3 fungal phyla represented by 8 genera (>1%) and 8 species (>1%). Relative abundance values showed that Lactococcus and Lactobacillus were the most common bacterial genera, and Dipodascus was the predominant fungal genus. This scientific investigation of the nutritional components, microbial counts, and community profiles in Mongolian traditionally fermented vrum could help to develop future functional biomaterials and probiotics.

[Effect of cultivation substrate on growth and active component contents of Anoectochilus roburghii from three different origins]

Three different origins of Anoectochilus roburghii were used as experimental materials to study the effect of three different substrate( peat soil-river sand-peanut shell) radio on survival rate,plant height,stem diameter,plant fresh weight,root number,the longest root length,root diameter,and the contents of polysaccharide,flavonoids,and polyphenol. The results showed that when the substrate ratio was 4 ∶2 ∶2,the survival rate of A. roburghii from different origins was the highest,and the plant height,stem diameter,plant fresh weight,the longest root length and root diameter were also the largest. The cultivation substrate had no significant effect on the polysaccharide content of A. roxburghii and A. formosanus. When the substrate ratio was 4 ∶ 2 ∶ 2,the polysaccharide content of A.chapaensis was significantly lower than that of the other two combinations. When the substrate ratio was 4 ∶2 ∶1,the flavonoid content of A. formosanus was higher than that of the other two combinations. When the substrate ratio was 4 ∶2 ∶2,A. formosanus and A. chapaensis had higher polyphenol content.

Four-Subtest Index-based Short Form of WAIS-IV: Psychometric Properties and Clinical Utility

Short form of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale is often needed to quickly estimate intelligence for time-saving or screening in clinical practice. The present study aims to examine the psychometric properties of Chinese version of the four-subtest index-based short form (SF4) of WAIS-IV (FS) and to confirm its clinical application. 1,757 adults from the WAIS-IV Chinese version standardization sample and 239 mixed clinical samples including patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (SCH), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and mild or moderate intellectual disability (ID) were used. Demographic data were collected and intelligence was assessed with WAIS-IV. The SF4 split-half reliability, test-retest stability coefficients and corrected SF4-FS correlations were good to excellent. The result of the Bland-Altman plot showed that the difference fell within 2SD was 95% and indicated a random error. The sensitivity, specificity positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the stepwise screening were good. There was an interaction (p < .001) between the IQ level (≥111) and gender on the accuracy of SF4, SF4 might get underestimated on females with the IQ level (≥111) than on males. In conclusion, SF4 is a valid and reliable instrument for use in the clinic, and its clinical application, stepwise screening and influencing factors in clinical use are discussed herein.

Study of bacterial and fungal community structures in traditional koumiss from Inner Mongolia

Koumiss is notable for its nutritional functions, and microorganisms in koumiss determine its versatility. In this study, the bacterial and fungal community structures in traditional koumiss from Inner Mongolia, China, were investigated. Our results demonstrated that 6 bacterial phyla represented by 126 genera and 49 species and 3 fungal phyla represented by 59 genera and 57 species were detected in 11 samples of artisanal koumiss. Among them, Lactobacillus was the predominant genus of bacterium, and Kluyveromyces and Saccharomyces dominated at the fungal genus level. In addition, there were no differences in the bacterial and fungal richness and diversity of koumiss from 3 neighboring administrative divisions in Inner Mongolia, and the bacterial and fungal community structures (the varieties and relative abundance of bacterial and fungal genera and species) were clearly distinct in individual samples. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the bacterial and fungal population profiles and the predominant genus and species, which would be beneficial for screening, isolation, and culture of potential probiotics to simulate traditional fermentation of koumiss for industrial and standardized production in the future.

[Analysis of predictive effect of Androgen receptor on the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients]

Objective: To explore the expression of androgen receptor (AR) in the tissues as well as its association with the clinicopathological factors of primary breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), and analyze the effect of AR in the prediction of pathologic complete response (PCR) rate. Method: A total of 668 breast cancer patients treated with NAC in Henan Cancer Hospital between March 2014 and June 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The relationship of AR expression and clinicopathological characteristics was calculated using chi square test. Multivariate analysis using binary Logistic regression was used to analyze correlations of different factors with PCR. Result: All patients were female, with the age of 20-76 years old. AR was detected in 74.6% of tumors, and significantly correlated with hormone receptor (HR), human epidermalgrowth factor receptor-2 (HER-2), Ki-67, CK5/6, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and molecular subtypes (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that AR, HR and HER-2 were independent predictors for PCR (all P<0.05). Conclusions: The expressions of AR were more frequently in HR positive breast cancer tissues (86.7%), and lowest in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) group (23.2%). AR was independent predictor for PCR.

[Screening for hotspot mutations associated with genetic hearing impairment in pregnant women and subsequent prenatal diagnosis in high risk pregnancies]

Objective: To screen for hotspot gene mutations associated with genetic deafness in Chinese pregnant women, and to perform risk assessment and prenatal diagnosis in high-risk families. Methods: Between November 2012 and October 2017, 26 117 pregnant women were screened by molecular hybridization microarray for 9 hot-spot mutations in 4 hereditary deafness related genes (GJB2 c. 35 del G, c. 176_191 del 16 bp, c. 235 del G, c. 299_300 del AT, GJB3 c. 538 C>T, SLC26A4 c. 2168 A>G, IVS 7-2 A>G, mitochondrial DNA 12S rRNA m. 1494 C>T, m. 1555 A>G). Genotype analysis was carried out in husbands of women carrying mutations, and prenatal diagnosis was carried out in the fetuses with high risk of deafness. Results: Among all women tested, 1 208(4.63%) were carriers of genetic deafness mutations, 7 with hearing impairment were affected by homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations, 51 were mitochondrial gene mutation carriers, 103 were carriers of GJB3 c. 538 C>T heterozygous mutation, 1 026 were carriers of GJB2 or SLC26A4 heterozygous mutations, and 21 carried heterozygous mutations in two genes simultaneously. In 394 families, the husbands accepted gene sequence testing, and 27 in which were determined as carriers of mutations in identical genes as their wives. Among which, 18 families received prenatal diagnosis, and 5 fetuses were diagnosed as hereditary deafness. In 9 families who did not receive prenatal diagnosis, 1 neonate was diagnosed as compound heterozygote after delivery. Conclusion: In order to prevent birth defects with congenital hearing problems, it is effective to provide screening for hotspot mutations in pregnant women and to perform prenatal diagnosis on high risk pregnancies.

[The significance of different predictive equations for resting energy expenditure in patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation]

To calculate resting energy expenditure (REE) in patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation and compare different predictive equations with indirect calorimetry(IC).A total of 60 patients in intensive care unit(ICU) were enrolled. Measure calculating daily REE in the first week included IC, Harris-Benedict formula, Penn State formula and Swinamer formula. Daily REE did not exhibit significant difference in the first week of mechanical ventilation by IC (all P>0.05).All patients' REE values by IC were higher than those by Harris-Benedict formula (all P<0.01). By Penn State formula, REE in day l, 2, and 5 were comparable (all P>0.05) with those by IC, whereas the consistency between the two methods was poor. Similarly, daily REE by Swinamer formula calculation in the first week did not show significant difference (all P>0.05), with acceptable consistency as IC. Resting energy expenditure in patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation dose not significantly change during the first week. Swinamer formula is more accurate than other equations when IC is considered as the standard method.

[Meta analysis of the efficacy and safety of drainage after total hip arthroplasty]

Objective: To determine whether suction drainage is safe and effective compared with no-drainage in total hip arthroplasty. Methods: The research was based on PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Highwire, the Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, VIP and WFSD.The data were analysed using RevMan 5.2.Twenty-seven randomised controlled trials involving 3 603 hips were included in the analysis. Results: The meta-analysis indicate that suction drainage increases the rate of homologous blood transfusion (OR=1.98, 95%CI: 1.49-2.64, P<0.000 01)and the length of stay (OR=0.66, 95%CI: -0.01-1.33, P=0.05) (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in the incidence of infection(OR=0.80, 95%CI: 0.52-1.22, P=0.30), wound haematomas(OR=0.47, 95%CI: 0.21-1.10, P=0.08), oozing (OR=0.93, 95%CI: 0.63-1.36, P=0.71) , deep venous thrombosis(OR=2.12, 95%CI: 0.68-6.56, P=0.19), VAS(OR=-0.06, 95%CI: -0.37-0.24, P=0.68) when the drainage group was compared with the no-drainage group. Conclusions: The comparison between suction drainage and no drainage in THA have indicated that no-drainage for easy total hip arthroplasty may be a better choice. However, orthopedic surgeon need to weigh the pros and cons of no-drainage in some complicated THAs.

Systemic mastocytosis identified in two women developing fragility fractures during lactation

Two women presenting with fragility fractures during lactation had bone mineral density (BMD) reduced more greatly than usually associated with lactation. The first woman was 29 years old with a BMD T-score of - 3.2 SD at the spine and- 2.0 SD at the femoral neck. The second woman was 35 years old with a BMD T-score of - 4.5 SD at the spine and - 2.8 SD at the femoral neck. Both women had increased cortical porosity and reduced trabecular density. Investigation identified an elevated serum tryptase, and marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of mastocytosis. Lactation causes bone loss, but the occurrence of fractures in the setting of severe deficits in BMD and microstructural deterioration signals the need to consider additional causes of bone loss.

Limits on Light Weakly Interacting Massive Particles from the First 102.8 kg×day Data of the CDEX-10 Experiment

We report the first results of a light weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) search from the CDEX-10 experiment with a 10 kg germanium detector array immersed in liquid nitrogen at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory with a physics data size of 102.8 kg day. At an analysis threshold of 160 eVee, improved limits of 8×10^{-42} and 3×10^{-36}  cm^{2} at a 90% confidence level on spin-independent and spin-dependent WIMP-nucleon cross sections, respectively, at a WIMP mass (m_{χ}) of 5  GeV/c^{2} are achieved. The lower reach of m_{χ} is extended to 2  GeV/c^{2}.

[The influence of lumpectomy on the axillary lymph node status of breast cancer patients]

Objective: To investigate the influence of lumpectomy on axillary lymph node status of breast cancer patients. Methods: The clinical data of 738 invasive breast cancer patients with non-palpable axillary lymph node and sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy from November 2011 to August 2013 in Henan Provincial Cancer Hospital were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 136 patients underwent preoperative lumpectomy (lumpectomy group) and 602 patients underwent puncture biopsy only (biopsy group). The difference of axillary lymph node status and positive ratio of SLN detected by color Doppler ultrasound were compared between these two groups. Results: Among the 738 breast cancer patients, the axillary lymph nodes of 444 (60.2%) cases could be detected by ultrasound. Among them, 92 cases belonged to lumpectomy group, significantly less than 352 cases of biopsy group (P=0.048). Among the patients with ultrasound-visible lymph nodes, the proportion of the biggest diameter of axillary lymph node >1 cm of lumpectomy group or biopsy group was 58.7% (54/92) or 52.8% (186/352), respectively, without significant difference (P=0.316). The proportion of patients with the ratio of long diameter to short diameter <2 of lumpectomy group or biopsy group was 37.0% (34/92) or 38.6% (136/352), respectively, with marginal difference (P=0.768). The positive rate of SLN of lumpectomy group or biopsy group was 23.5% (32/136) or 26.9% (162/602), respectively, without significant difference (P=0.419). The incidence rate of the ultrasound visible axillary lymph nodes of patients whose postoperative time ≤ 7 days or > 7days was 71.1% (64/90) or 60.9% (8/46), respectively, without significant difference (P=0.227). However, the positive rate of SLN of these two groups was 28.9% (26/90) and 13.0% (6/46), respectively, with significant difference (P=0.039). The number of ultrasound visible axillary lymph nodes, the biggest diameter of axillary lymph nodes and the ratio of the long diameter to short diameter <2 were substantially correlated with the positive rate of SLN (P<0.05). Conclusions: The incidence rate of ultrasound visible axillary lymph node in the patients with lumpectomy is higher than that of patients with puncture biopsy only. The positive rate of SLN of the patients with a long postoperative time is lower than that of patients with a short postoperative time, even though the axillary lymph nodes are ultrasound visible.

[Analysis of corneal and conjunctival sensitivities and its related factors of premature babies]

Objective: To analyse the corneal and conjunctival sensitivities of premature babies and to study the relevant influencing factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study. One hundred premature infants born at Women's Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University between May 2015 and September 2015 were enrolled, among which 51 were male (51%) and 49 were female (49%), the mean gestational age was (30.93±1.75)w, the mean corrected gestational age was (33.65±1.53)w, the mean birth weight was (1 592±336)g. The thresholds of cornea and conjunctiva of infants' left or right eyes were measured with Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer at 8-10 o'clock every morning when they naturally woke up, the minimum length of nylon wire that induced three successive times of eye-blink responses was recorded. Paired sample t test was used to compare the corneal and conjunctival sensitivities, the ocular surface sensitivities of preterm infants of different gender were compared using independent samples t-test, Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to analyze the correlation of corneal and conjuncitval sensitivities with gestational age, birth weight, age and corrected gestational age. Results: The mean corneal sensitivity was (44.85±5.53) mm and the mean conjunctival sensitivity was (23.50±5.48)mm in premature babies, corneal sensitivity was significantly higher than conjunctival sensitivity (t=25.620, P<0.001). No statistical significance was found between male and female preterm infants in corneal sensitivity [(44.80±5.83) mm vs. (44.90±5.25) mm, t=-0.085, P=0.933] and conjunctival sensitivity[(23.14±5.83) mm vs. (23.88±5.13) mm, t=-0.673, P=0.502]. Pearson correlation analysis showed that corneal sensitivity was significantly associated with conjunctival sensitivity in prematurity(r=0.676, P<0.001). There was significant correlation between corneal sensitivity and age, corrected gestational age (r=0.238, P=0.017; r=0.679, P<0.001), however no significant correlation was found between corneal sensitivity and gestational age, birth weight in preterm infants (r=0.067, P=0.510; r=-0.179, P=0.075). There was significant correlation between conjunctival sensitivity and corrected gestational age (r=0.490, P<0.001), however no significant correlation was found between conjunctival sensitivity and gestational age, birth weight and age in preterm infants (r=0.078, P=0.439; r=-0.096, P=0.344; r=0.151, P=0.133). Multiple linear regression revealed that corneal sensitivity(Y1) was positively correlated with corrected gestational age(X), the regression equation was Y1=2.45X-37.52, the conjunctical sensitivity(Y2) was also positively correlated with corrected gestational age(X), the regression equation was Y2=1.75X-35.41. Conclusions: The corneal sensitivity is higher than conjunctival sensitivity in premature babies.No statistical significance is found between male and female preterm infants in corneal sensitivity and conjunctival sensitivity. The corneal sensitivity and conjunctival sensitivity are correlated with corrected gestational age in preterm infants. The corneal and conjunctival sensitivities of premature babies tend to increase along with the increase of corrected gestational age. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 115-119).

Identification of stable fly attractant compounds in vinasse, a byproduct of sugarcane-ethanol distillation

The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae), is a worldwide pest of livestock. Recent outbreaks of stable flies in sugarcane fields in Brazil have become a serious problem for livestock producers. Larvae and pupae found inside sugarcane stems after harvesting may indicate that stable flies use these stems as potential oviposition or larval development sites. Field observations suggest that outbreaks of stable flies are associated with the vinasse and filter cake derived from biomass distillation in sugarcane ethanol production that are used as fertilizers in sugarcane fields. Adult stable flies are attracted to vinasse, which appears to present an ideal larval development site. The primary goal of the present study is to demonstrate the role of vinasse in influencing the sensory physiological and behavioural responses of stable flies, and to identify its associated volatile attractant compounds. Both laboratory and field studies showed that vinasse is extremely attractive to adult stable flies. Chemical analyses of volatiles collected revealed a wide range of carboxylic acids, alcohols, phenols and aldehydes as potential attractant compounds. These newly identified attractants could be used to develop a tool for the attractant-baited mass trapping of stable flies in order to reduce infestations.

Physical and Physiological Factors Influence Behavioral Responses of Cochliomyia macellaria (Diptera: Calliphoridae) to Synthetic Attractants

Volatile chemicals from waste artificial larval media as well as from bovine blood inoculated with bacteria isolated from screwworm-infested wounds attract gravid females of Cochliomyia hominivorax Coquerel and Cochliomyia macellaria (F.). Chemicals identified from volatiles are dimethyl disulfide, dimethyl trisulfide, phenol, p-cresol, and indole; a blend of these attracted females to oviposit. Present studies investigated the effectiveness of these compounds, either in a blend or individually as potential oviposition attractants. Tests were conducted to determine the effects of gender, ovarian age, and the color and type of substrates on attraction response and oviposition of C. macellaria adults. Results showed that substrates treated with dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS) alone or the five-compound blend alone attracted significantly more gravid females than other chemicals. Black substrates treated with DMTS attracted more gravid flies than did the yellow substrates. Yellow substrates treated with indole attracted more males and nongravid females. In oviposition tests, females deposited significantly more eggs on meat-based substrates than those without meat. These findings suggest that several factors have to be considered for developing an effective oviposition attractant that should include effectiveness of individual chemicals used, the ratio of the chemicals in a blend, and their concentrations. Also, an effective trap design will need to consider using suitable color which will selectively attract gravid females.

Relationship between HER2 and JAK/STAT-SOCS3 signaling pathway and clinicopathological features and prognosis of ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to explore the relationship between expressions of HER2 and JAK/STAT3-SOCS3 signaling pathway and clinicopathological features and prognosis of ovarian cancer (OC).

METHODS

A total of 136 OC patients were collected. Immunohistochemistry was applied to measure the expressions of STAT3, p-STAT3, SOCS3, HER2 and p-HER2 in the tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expressions of HER2, SOCS3 and STAT3 and western blotting was applied for protein expressions of HER2, p-HER2, SOCS3, STAT3 and p-STAT3 in the tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues. Flow cytometry was used for the cell apoptosis in the blank, afatinib (A), ruxolitinib (R) and afatinib + ruxolitinib (A + R) groups. Follow-up was performed to explore relationship of HER2, SOCS3, and STAT3 expressions with survival time of OC patients.

RESULTS

HER2, p-HER2, STAT3, and p-STAT3 expressions were higher while SOCS3 expression was lower in the tumor tissues. The positive expressions of STAT3, HER2, p-HER2 and p-STAT3 were lower while the positive expression of SOCS3 was higher in the adjacent normal tissues. The expressions of HER2, SOCS3, and p-STAT3 were associated with clinical stage and lymph node metastasis (LNM), and STAT3 expression has correlation with histological grade and LNM. The mRNA and protein expressions of HER2, STAT3 and p-STAT3 in the tumor tissues were higher than those in the adjacent normal tissues, but SOCS3 expression was significantly decreased. The positive expressions of HER2, p-HER2 and STAT3, the negative expression of SOCS3 and pathological stages were important risk factors for the prognosis of patients with OC.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that the expressions of HER2, STAT3, and SOCS3 are associated with the progression of OC, and higher expressions of HER2 and STAT3 and lower expression of SOCS3 predict poor prognosis of OC.

Performance of InGaN based green laser diodes improved by using an asymmetric InGaN/InGaN multi-quantum well active region

Series of green laser diodes (LDs) with different (In)GaN barrier layers are investigated. It is found that the optical confinement factor of multi-quantum well (MQW) always increases with increasing indium content of InGaN barrier layer, which results in a decrease of threshold current when indium content of InGaN barrier layer increases from 0 to 5%. However, when a high In content InGaN barrier is used (> 5%), both threshold current and slop efficiency of LDs deteriorate. It may be attributed to the waste of carriers in the potential well at the interface between the last barrier (LB) and the upper waveguide (UWG) layers, which is induced by the piezoelectric polarization effect in high In content InGaN LB layer. Therefore, a new LD structure using a thin thickness of the LB layer to reduce the effect of polarization shows a low threshold current and a high output power even when the In content of barrier layers is as large as 7%.