Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Tamarix taklamakanensis (Tamaricaceae)

Tamarix taklamakanensis M. T. Liu, belonging to the genus Tamarix (family Tamaricaceae), is an endangered shrub endemic to arid basins in northwestern China. Most of species in this genus have high medicinal value. The complete chloroplast genome was reported in this study. The chloroplast genome with a total size of 156,177 bp consists of two inverted repeats (IR, 26,571 bp) separated by a large single-copy region (LSC, 84,778 bp) and a small single-copy region (SSC, 18,257 bp). Further annotation revealed the chloroplast genome contains 106 genes, including 73 protein coding genes, 29 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. A total of 64 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified in the chloroplast genome. This information will be useful for study on the evolution and genetic diversity of T. taklamakanensis in the future.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Chrysosplenium nudicaule (Saxifragaceae)

Chrysosplenium nudicaule Bunge, Tibetan name ‘Yajima,’ growing in the highlands of China is a perennial herb belonging to the genus Chrysosplenium Saxifragaceae. As a traditional Chinese medicine, it has been used to treat digestive diseases for hundreds of years. The complete chloroplast genome of Chrysosplenium nudicaule is 152,775 bp in length and comprises two inverted repeats (IR, 25,962 bp), a large single-copy region (LSC, 83,533 bp), and a small single-copy region (SSC, 17,318 bp). It harbors 112 genes, including 78 protein-coding genes, four ribosomal RNA genes, and 30 transfer RNA genes. In addition, the rpl32 gene was deleted. The GC content of the whole chloroplast genome is 37.54%. This chloroplast genome resource will be useful for study on the evolution and genetic diversity of C. nudicaule in the future.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Oxytropis glabra (Leguminosae)

Oxytropis glabra DC. is a perennial poisonous plant to livestock belonging to the genus Oxytropis, Leguminosae, mainly distributed in Northwestern China. As a poisonous grass, this species protects plant diversity in degraded grasslands by sheltering adjacent plants. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome with a total size of 122,094 bp was reported. Our annotations showed that the chloroplast genome contains 109 genes, including 76 protein-coding genes, 29 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. This work presents complete chloroplast genome information, which will be valuable for studying the evolution and genetic diversity of O. glabra.

Complete plastid genome sequence of Halimodendron halodendron (Leguminosae)

Halimodendron halodendron (Pall.) Voss. is a deciduous shrub belonging to the genus Halimodendron, Leguminosae, and is mainly distributed in dry areas. This species can be used for saline-alkali soil improvement and sand fixation. The complete plastid genome of H. halodendron first reported here is 129,342 bp in length, and contains 110 genes, including 76 protein coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. A total of 105 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified in the chloroplast genome. This information will be useful for study on the evolution and genetic diversity of Halimodendron halodendron in the future.

The complete chloroplast genome of Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. (Leguminosae)

Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Alhagi, Leguminosae. This species is of high nutritional, medicinal and ecological values. The complete chloroplast genome was 128,418 bp and lost an IR (inverted repeat) region. Further annotation revealed the chloroplast genome contains 108 genes, including 75 protein coding genes, 29 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. A total of 103 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified in the chloroplast genome. This chloroplast genome resource will be useful for study on the evolution and genetic diversity of A. sparsifolia in the future.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Peganum harmala (Zygophyllaceae)

Peganum harmala L. is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family of Zygophyllaceae, and is grows in semi-arid climates, such as Xinjiang, Gansu, Ningxia, Qinghai, and Inner Mongolia in China, and also Middle East and North Africa. This species is of high medicinal value. The complete chloroplast genome was reported in this study. The chloroplast genome with a total size of 159,957 bp consists of two inverted repeats (IR, 26,550 bp) separated by a large single-copy region (LSC, 88,098 bp) and a small single-copy region (SSC, 18,759 bp). Further annotation revealed the chloroplast genome contains 113 genes, including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. A total of 90 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified in the chloroplast genome. This information will be useful for study on the evolution and genetic diversity of Peganum harmala in the future.

Complete chloroplast genome of Angelica keiskei (Umbelliferae)

Angelica keiskei (Miq.) Koidz. is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Angelica, Umbelliferae. As a plant with dual-purpose as food and medicine, it has the potential for the future development of high-value functional products. The complete chloroplast genome has a total size of 147,007 bp, consisting of two inverted repeats (IR, 18,508 bp, each), and separated by a large single-copy region (LSC, 92,415 bp) and a small single-copy region (SSC, 17,576 bp). Further annotation revealed the chloroplast genome contains 128 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes (80 PCG species), 36 tRNA genes (30 tRNA species), and 8 rRNA genes (4 rRNA species). A total of 83 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified in the chloroplast genome. This chloroplast genome resource will be useful for the study of the evolution and genetic diversity of Angelica keiskei in the future.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Sphaerophysa salsula (Leguminosae)

Sphaerophysa salsula (Pall.) DC. is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Sphaerophysa, Galegeae, Leguminosae, and is mainly distributed in dry areas in Central Asia and Northwest China. The complete chloroplast genome with a total size of 123,300 bp was reported in this study. Further annotation revealed the chloroplast genome contains 109 genes, including 76 protein coding genes, 29 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. A total of 107 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) from mononucleotide to hexa-nucleotide repeat motif were identified in the chloroplast genome. This information will be useful for study on the evolution and genetic diversity of Sphaerophysa salsula in the future.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Populus euphratica from PacBio Sequel platform

Populus euphratica Oliv., one of tall arbors growing in desert areas, has great stress resistance. The complete chloroplast genome was reported in this study using the PacBio Sequel Platform. The chloroplast genome with a total size of 157,881 bp consisted of two inverted repeats (IRs) (27,666 bp) separated by a large single-copy region (85,906 bp) and a small single-copy region (16,643 bp). Further annotation revealed the chloroplast genome contains 111 genes, including 77 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. The information of the chloroplast genome will be useful for study on the evolution of P. euphratica in the future.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Thermopsis turkestanica Gand. (Leguminosae)

Thermopsis turkestanica Gand. is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Thermopsis, Leguminosae, and is mainly distributed in dry areas. Most of the species in this genus have high medicinal value. The complete chloroplast genome was reported in this study. The chloroplast genome with a total size of 149,551 bp consists of two inverted repeats (IRs, 24,159 bp) separated by a large single-copy region (LSC, 83,692 bp) and a small single-copy region (SSC, 17,541 bp). Further annotation revealed the chloroplast genome contains 110 genes, including 77 protein coding genes, 29 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. This information will be useful for study on the evolution and genetic diversity of Thermopsis turkestanica in the future.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Chrysosplenium macrophyllum and Chrysosplenium flagelliferum (Saxifragaceae)

The complete chloroplast genome of Chrysosplenium macrophyllum Oliv. and Chrysosplenium flagelliferum Fr. Schmidt. were reported in this study. The chloroplast genomes were 152,837 bp for C. macrophyllum and 151,679 bp for C. flagelliferum. LSC and SSC of 83,584 bp and 17,265 bp were separated by two IRs of 25,994 bp each in C. macrophyllum. While C. flagelliferum contained IRs of 25,973 bp, LSC of 82,772 bp and SSC of 16,961 bp, for a total 151,679 bp length. The chloroplast genome of Chrysosplenium macrophyllum contains 130 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes (78 PCG species), 8 ribosomal RNA genes (4 rRNA species), 37 transfer RNA genes (30 tRNA species). And the chloroplast genome of Chrysosplenium flagelliferum contains 130 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes (78 PCG species), 8 ribosomal RNA genes (4 rRNA species), 37 transfer RNA genes (30 tRNA species).

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphisms and colorectal cancer prognosis: A meta-analysis

Background

The present study focused on understanding the prognostic value of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) single nucleotide polymorphisms rs1801133 (C667T) and rs1801131 (A1298C) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in March 2016. Databases, including Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane and Chinese databases (including CNKI, Wanfang and VIP), were searched to identify the relevant articles describing MTHFR polymorphisms in patients with CRC. Data regarding overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were collected and analysed.

Results

Twenty‐four studies with 5423 patients with CRC were included. Significant differences in OS, PFS and DFS were not observed among the different comparisons of patients carrying different alleles of the MTHFR rs1801133 polymorphism (including TT versus CC, TT versus CT + CC, CT + TT versus CC and CT versus CC). Compared with patients with the rs1801131 CA + AA genotypes, patients with the CC genotype had a shorter OS (hazard ratio = 1.85; 95% confidence interval = 1.30–2.65) and DFS (hazard ratio = 2.16; 95% confidence interval= 1.19–3.93). Significant differences in OS, PFS and DFS were not observed among the other patient groups (including CC versus AA, CC + CA versus AA and CA versus AA). Subgroup analysis of rs1801133 and rs1801131 showed that patients with CRC from Asian regions and Western regions demonstrated similar results.

Conclusions

The MTHFR rs1801133 polymorphism was not associated with the prognosis of patients with CRC; however, rs1801131 may be associated with the prognosis of patients with CRC. Well‐designed prospective studies are necessary to obtain a better understanding of the prognostic value of rs1801133 and rs1801131.

Determination of the neutron fluence spectra in the neutron therapy room of KIRAMS

High energy proton induced neutron fluence spectra were determined at the Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences (KIRAMS) using an extended Bonner Sphere (BS) set from the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) in a series of measurements to quantify the neutron field. At the facility of the MC50 cyclotron of KIRAMS, two Be targets of different thicknesses, 1.0 and 10.5 mm, were bombarded by 35 and 45-MeV protons to produce six kinds of neutron fields, which were classified according to the measurement position and the use or no use of a beam collimator such as the gantry of the neutron therapy unit. In order to obtain a priori information to unfold the measured BS data the MCNPX code was used to calculate the neutron spectrum, and the influence of the surrounding materials for cooling the target assembly were also reviewed through this calculation. Some dosimetric quantities were determined by using the spectra determined in this measurement. Dose equivalent rates of these neutron fields ranged from 0.21 to 5.66 mSv h(-1)nA(-1) and the neutron yields for a thick Be target were 3.05 and 4.77% in the case of using a 35 and a 45-MeV proton, respectively.

The experience of two-epidural-catheter for painless labor

'Two epidural-catheters' method was used to relieve labor pain during the first and second stage of labor course. Six milliliters of a mixture of '0.15% bupivacaine +0.03% xylocaine +0.0005% fentanyl' was the main agent given through the epidural catheter every 2 hours when the cervix was 3-4 cm dilated with 4 ml of 1% xylocaine as test dose. Addition doses of the mixture were given when needed. Fifty two, ASA I-II, parturients (primigravida: 43, multipara: 9) were included in this study. The mode of delivery was: 59.6% by vacuum, 36.4% by normal spontaneous delivery (NSD), and 4% by Cesarean Section (C/S). 88.5% of newborns had Apgar score > or = 7 at 1 minute and all had Apgar score > or = 7 at 5 minutes. 38(73%) of 52 parturients were fully satisfied with the analgesic effect during the whole labor course and 14(27%) of 52 parturients were partially satisfied with the analgesic effect owing to 1) intolerable lower abdominal pain (11 cases), 2) mild painful episiotomy (1 case), and backache (2 cases). No motor block was noted. Good analgesic effect during the second stage labor course could be obtained by our 'Two-Epidural-Catheter' method and no significant complications of newborns and parturients were noted in our study.

[Ventricular late potentials in patients with diabetes mellitus]

Ventricular late potentials (VLP) was measured in 31 normal subjects, 31 coronary heart disease (CHD) patients and 31 diabetic patients whose ECG and UCG were normal. Matched control study was used. The result revealed that the positive rates of VLP of CHD group (45.16%) was significantly higher than that of diabetic group without clinical cardiomyopathy (19.35%, P < 0.05), and diabetic group was significantly higher than that of normal subjects (0%, P < 0.05). Although electrocardiogram and echocardiography were normal in all the diabetic patients, the VLP positive rate was 19.35%. Experimental and clinical studies had shown a positive correlation between the duration of late potentials, malignent ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death so that measurement of VLP might be a new and valuable technique to detect subclinical diabetic cardiomyopathy, and to predict ventricular arrhythmia attack and sudden cardiac death in diabetic patients.

Is routine preanesthetic hemoglobin test necessary in minor pediatric surgery?

The value of preanesthetic assessment of anemia and analysis of the hemoglobin level prior to a minor pediatric surgery has been recently questioned in some reports. This study was to retrospectively analyse 8859 pediatric patients who underwent minor surgery in the period from January 1987 to December 1990 in our hospital. They were all ASA class I-II in physical status with age ranging from one month to 19 years. Those patients with their hemoglobin values determined at other laboratories or hospitals in spite of our recognition and those suspected of having an immune or oncologic disease were excluded from this study. The mean hemoglobin value of the patients under study was 12.99 +/- 0.82 g/dl. 0.62% of the patients (55) were found to have hemoglobin values less than 10 g/dl which were similar to the results obtained by Wood et al (0.7%) in 1981 and Roy et al (0.5%) in 1990. Among the 55 anemic patients, 41 (74.5%) were at the age between 2 to 4 months (within the physiologic anemic period of infancy). Sampling of blood for routine preanesthetic hemoglobin determination which caused discomfort and pain was often rejected by pediatric patients and struggle for escape also upset the children very much. Based on the results from our analysis, we suggest that in healthy pediatric patient scheduled for minor surgery routine hemoglobin test could be excluded. Hemoglobin test is selectively performed in a patient is anemic or under suspicious circumstances. The value and shortcomings of selective hemoglobin test before surgery require further evaluation.