[Application of optical coherence tomography in the evaluation of cervical lesions: a multicenter study]

Objective: To explore the value of optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging system in evaluating cervical lesions in vivo. Methods: A total of 1 214 patients with cervical lesions were collected from January 2020 to December 2021 in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Maternal and Chlid Heaith Hospital of Gushi County, Xinyang City, Henan Province, and Maternal and Chlid Heaith Hospital of Sui County, Shangqiu City, Henan Province. The age of the patients was (38.9±10.5) years (range: 16-77 years). All patients underwent in vivo cervical OCT examination and cervical biopsy pathology examination, and summarized the OCT image features of in vivo cervical lesions. Using the pathological diagnosis as the "gold standard", the accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of OCT image interpretation results were evaluated, as well as the consistency of OCT image diagnosis and pathological diagnosis. At the same time, the in vivo cervical OCT imaging system, as a newly developed screening tool, was compared with the traditional combined screening of human papillomavirus (HPV) and Thinprep cytologic test (TCT), to assess the screening effect. Results: By comparing the OCT images of the cervix in vivo with the corresponding HE images, the OCT image characteristics of the normal cervix and various types of cervical lesions in vivo were summarized. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of OCT image in the diagnosis of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) and above (HSIL+) were 93.4%, 88.5%, 95.0%, 85.0% and 96.2%, respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of OCT for low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) were 84.7%, 61.7%, 96.3%, 89.3% and 83.2%, respectively. The consistency between OCT image diagnosis and pathological diagnosis was strong (Kappa value was 0.701).The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of OCT screening, HPV and TCT combined screening were 83.7% vs 64.9% (χ²=128.82, P<0.001), 77.8% vs 64.5% (χ²=39.01, P<0.001), 91.8% vs 65.4% (χ²=98.12, P<0.001), respectively. The differences were statistically significant. Conclusions: OCT imaging system has high sensitivity and specificity in the evaluation of cervical lesions in vivo, and has the characteristics of non-invasive, real-time and high efficiency. OCT examination is expected to become an effective method for the diagnosis of cervical lesions and cervical cancer screening.

[Molluscicidal effect of spraying 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules with drones against Oncomelania hupensis in hilly regions]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a snail control approach for spraying chemicals with drones against Oncomelania hupensis in complex snail habitats in hilly regions, and to evaluate its molluscicidal effect.

METHODS

The protocol for evaluating the activity of spraying chemical molluscicides with drones against O. hupensis snails was formulated based on expert consultation and literature review. In August 2022, a pretest was conducted in a hillside field environment (12 000 m2) north of Dafengji Village, Dacang Township, Weishan County, Yunnan Province, which was assigned into four groups, of no less than 3 000 m2 in each group. In Group A, environmental cleaning was not conducted and 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules were sprayed with drones at a dose of 40 g/m2, and in Group B, environmental cleaning was performed, followed by 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules sprayed with drones at a dose of 40 g/m2, while in Group C, environmental cleaning was not conducted and 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules were sprayed with knapsack sprayers at a dose of 40 g/m2, and in Group D, environmental cleaning was performed, followed by 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules sprayed with knapsack sprayers at a dose of 40 g/m2. Then, each group was equally divided into six sections according to land area, with Section 1 for baseline surveys and sections 2 to 6 for snail surveys after chemical treatment. Snail surveys were conducted prior to chemical treatment and 1, 3, 5, 7 days post-treatment, and the mortality and corrected mortality of snails, density of living snails and costs of molluscicidal treatment were calculated in each group.

RESULTS

The mortality and corrected mortality of snails were 69.49%, 69.09%, 53.57% and 83.48%, and 68.58%, 68.17%, 52.19% and 82.99% in groups A, B, C and D 14 days post-treatment, and the density of living snails reduced by 58.40%, 63.94%, 68.91% and 83.25% 14 days post-treatment relative to pre-treatment in four groups, respectively. The median concentrations of chemical molluscicides were 37.08, 35.42, 42.50 g/m2 and 56.25 g/m2 in groups A, B, C and D, and the gross costs of chemical treatment were 0.93, 1.50, 0.46 Yuan per m2 and 1.03 Yuan per m2 in groups A, B, C and D, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The molluscicidal effect of spraying 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules with drones against O. hupensis snails is superior to manual chemical treatment without environmental cleaning, and chemical treatment with drones and manual chemical treatment show comparable molluscicidal effects following environmental cleaning in hilly regions. The cost of chemical treatment with drones is slightly higher than manual chemical treatment regardless of environmental cleaning. Spraying 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules with drones is recommended in complex settings with difficulty in environmental cleaning to improve the molluscicidal activity and efficiency against O. hupensis snails.

17β-estradiol regulates adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporters A1 expression via estrogen receptor A to increase macrophage cholesterol efflux

The liver is the focus of research on the effects of estrogen on cholesterol metabolism. Few studies have investigated the effects of estrogen on macrophages despite the significance of cells in atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of estrogen on macrophage cholesterol efflux. Macrophage cholesterol efflux, oil red O staining, RT-qPCR, Western blotting analyses were used to determine cholesterol metabolize and the expressions of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1) and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) in J774A.1 cells, and the effect of these treatments was compared to without adding 17β-estradiol (E2). Gain and loss of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), liver X receptor α (LXRα) were conducted to study interactions between E2, ERα, LXRα and ABCA. Finally, in mice, we validate the relationship between ERα and ABCA1. E2 increases cholesterol efflux from macrophages and decreases the formation of lipid droplets and positively regulates the expression of ABCA1. This suggests that estrogen receptors (ERs) directly regulate ABCA1 translation. We suppressed ERα, which decreased the mRNA and protein expression of ABCA1. At the mRNA level, E2 treatment could partially counteract these phenomena, but not at the protein level. ABCA1 expression decreased after LXRα was inhibited. This suggests that ABCA1 translation is directly regulated by ERα. In the ovariectomized mouse model of ABCA1 protein expression was significantly reduced in the peritoneal macrophages of the ovariectomy (OVX) group. ABCA1 protein expression was greater in the E2+OVX group than in the OVX group. E2 contributes to the positive regulation of ABCA1 expression and promotes cholesterol efflux in macrophages by binding to ERα. The effect is independent of ABCA1 transcription regulation by LXRα.

Pyroptosis in the Initiation and Progression of Atherosclerosis

Pyroptosis, a newly discovered form of programmed cell death, is characterized by cell swelling, the protrusion of large bubbles from the plasma membrane and cell lysis. This death pathway is mediated by the pore formation of gasdermin D (GSDMD), which is activated by human caspase-1/caspase-4/caspase-5 (or mouse caspase-1/caspase11), and followed with the releasing of both cell contents and proinflammatory cytokines. Pyroptosis was initially found to function as an innate immune effector mechanism to facilitate host defense against pathogenic microorganisms, and subsequent studies revealed that pyroptosis also plays an eventful role in inflammatory immune diseases and tumor resistance. Recent studies have also shown that pyroptosis is involved in the initiation, the progression and complications of atherosclerosis. Here, we provide an overview of the role of pyroptosis in atherosclerosis by focusing on three important participating cells: ECs, macrophages, and SMCs. In addition, we also summarized drugs and stimuli that regulate the progression of atherosclerosis by influencing cell pyroptosis.

High expression of ACE2 in the human lung leads to the release of IL6 by suppressing cellular immunity: IL6 plays a key role in COVID-19

OBJECTIVE

The pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains clear, and no effective treatment exists. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19 and uses ACE2 as a cell receptor to invade human cells. Therefore, ACE2 is a key factor to analyze the SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included 9,783 sequencing results of different organs, analyzed the effects of different ACE2 expression patterns in organs and immune regulation.

RESULTS

We found that ACE2 expression was significantly increased in the lungs and digestive tract. The cellular immunity of individuals with elevated ACE2 expression is activated, whereas humoral immunity is dampened, leading to the release of many inflammatory factors dominated by IL6. Furthermore, by studying the sequencing results of SARS-CoV-2-infected and uninfected cells, IL6 was found to be an indicator of a significant increase in the number of infected cells. However, although patients with high expression of ACE2 will release many inflammatory factors dominated by IL6, cellular immunity in the colorectum is significantly activated. This effect may explain why individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection have severe lung symptoms and digestion issues, which are important causes of milder symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This finding indicates that ACE2 and IL6 inhibitors have important value in COVID-19.

CML/RAGE Signal Bridges a Common Pathogenesis Between Atherosclerosis and Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a common chronic disease in the world. NAFLD is not only a simple intrahepatic lesion, but also affects the occurrence of a variety of extrahepatic complications. In particular, cardiovascular complications are particularly serious, which is the main cause of death in patients with NAFLD. To study the relationship between NAFLD and AS may be a new way to improve the quality of life in patients with NAFLD. As we all known, inflammatory response plays an important role in the occurrence and development of NAFLD and AS. In this study, we found that the accumulation of Nε-carboxymethyllysine (CML) in the liver leads to hepatic steatosis. CML can induce the expression of interleukin (IL-1β), interleukin (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), C-reactionprotein (CRP) by binding with advanced glycosylation end-product receptor (RAGE) and accelerate the development of AS. After silencing RAGE expression, the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was inhibited and liver and aorta pathological changes were relieved. In conclusion, CML/RAGE signal promotes the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and atherosclerosis. We hope to provide new ideas for the study of liver vascular dialogue in multi organ communication.

Macrophage galectin-3 enhances intimal translocation of vascular calcification in diabetes mellitus

The clinical risks and prognosis of diabetic vascular intimal calcification (VIC) and medial calcification (VMC) are different. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of VIC/VMC translocation. Anterior tibial arteries were collected from patients with diabetic foot amputation. The patients were then divided into VIC and VMC groups. There were plaques in all anterior tibial arteries, while the enrichment of galectin-3 in arterial plaques in the VIC group was significantly higher than that in the VMC group. Furthermore, a macrophage/vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) coculture system was constructed. VSMC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) was labeled with fluorescent probe. After macrophages were pretreated with recombinant galectin-3 protein, the migration of VSMC-derived EVs and VSMC-derived calcification was more pronounced. And anti-galectin-3 antibody can inhibit this process of EVs and calcification translocation. Then, lentivirus (LV)-treated bone marrow cells (BMCs) were transplanted into apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE^-/-) mice, and a diabetic atherosclerosis mouse model was constructed. After 15 wk of high-fat diet, ApoE^-/- mice transplanted with LV-shgalectin-3 BMCs exhibited medial calcification and a concentrated distribution of EVs in the media. In conclusion, upregulation of galectin-3 in macrophages promotes the migration of VSMC-derived EVs to the intima and induces diabetic vascular intimal calcification.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The clinical risk and prognosis of vascular intimal and medial calcification are different. Macrophage galectin-3 regulates the migration of vascular smooth muscle cell-derived extracellular vesicles and mediates diabetic vascular intimal/medial calcification translocation. This study may provide insights into the early intervention in diabetic vascular calcification.

Role of Sortilin and Matrix Vesicles in Nε-Carboxymethyl-Lysine-Induced Diabetic Atherosclerotic Calcification

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To investigate the role of Sortilin and matrix vesicles (MVs) in Nε-Carboxymethyl-lysine (CML)-induced diabetic atherosclerotic calcification (AC).

METHODS

At human level, the correlation between Sortilin and CD9 (marker proteins of MVs) in serum MVs and CML in serum was explored by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detection and Pearson correlation analysis. After a diabetic apoE^-/- mouse model was constructed, the calcification of aorta and the expressions of related proteins under CML and MVs injection were observed by calcification staining, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot. MVs levels released by smooth muscle cells (SMCs) under different treatments was detected by nanometer tracking analysis (NTA). After treating SMCs with MVs and Anti-Sortilin, cell calcification was observed by Alizarin red staining.

RESULTS

Serological analysis of patients showed that the concentrations of Sortilin and CD9 in serum MVs were positively correlated with the concentration of CML in serum. Animal experiments showed that CML could promote the progression of diabetic AC and the high expression of Sortilin in plaques. Diabetic apoE^-/- mouse tail vein injection of CML-induced SMCs-derived MVs obviously aggravated AC. Cell experiment results showed that a high concentration of CML significantly promoted the release of MVs from SMCs. MVs from this source could markedly worsen cell calcification, while the administration of GW4869 (a widely used extracellular vesicles biogenesis inhibitor) significantly reduced cell calcification. Finally, treatment of high concentrations of CML could also promote the recruitment of Sortilin to MVs, and administration of Anti-Sortilin could markedly reduce cell calcification caused by MVs.

CONCLUSION

We proved that CML not only affects the release of MVs from SMCs but also affects the recruitment of Sortilin to MVs, thereby promoting diabetic AC. This discovery may provide a new strategy for targeted prevention of vascular calcification in diabetes.

Associations of Preoperative Irisin Levels of Paired Cerebrospinal Fluid and Plasma with Physical Dysfunction and Muscle Wasting Severity in Residents of Surgery Wards

BACKGROUND

Myokine Irisin has been proposed to regulate metabolic homeostasis, which is related to chronic diseases or physical activity. However, whether irisin levels in paired cerebrospinal fruid (CSF), plasma and their ratio of inpatients, could use as biomarkers, and be independently related to the varying physical dysfunction, muscle wasting severity and chronic diseases with varying severe degrees, remain largely elusive.

METHODS

We conducted an observational study to assess the independent associations between irisin levels in paired cerebrospinal fruid (CSF), plasma and their ratio, and the independence in activities of daily life (ADLs), muscle wasting severity and chronic diseases with varying severe degrees among elderly Chinese in-patient subjects.

RESULTS

Among 217 inpatients in surgery wards with a mean age of 68.07 years (±15.94years), 31.3% of women and 68.7% of men were included in the study. Bivariate correlation analysis showed that Log transformed CSF and plasma irisin levels and their ratio were potential associated with age, fat%, muscle wasting time, ADLs, number of multimorbidity, the severity of bone mass loss and anemia. Regression models analysis indicated that CSF and plasma irisin levels and their ratio in inpatient individuals were independently associated with the independence in ADLs. Plasma irisin levels were independently related to the change of muscle wasting use.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, the evaluation of paired plasma and CSF irisin levels, and their ratio in in-patient individuals is intriguing candidates for the susceptibility of the independence in ADLs. Plasma irisin levels were positively associated with indepedence in ADLs, negatively related to muscle wasting severity, and could use as biomarkers for muscle wasting severity.

Identification and characterisation of a novel FT orthologous gene in London plane with a distinct expression response to environmental stimuli compared to PaFT

FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) is a key integrator of environmental signals and internal cues, and codes for florigen-like activity which regulates the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth in flowering plants. Unlike annual plants, perennial tree species undergo several years of vegetative growth prior to the transition to the reproductive stage, as characterised by the ability to form flower buds. Thereafter, trees in temperate regions typically display an annual growth cycle involving distinct vegetative growth, flowering and dormancy stages. In London plane (Platanus acerifolia Willd.), a FT-like gene has previously been identified. Here, we report the isolation of a novel FT orthologous gene, PaFTL, and investigate the functions of PaFT and PaFTL through the analysis of expression profiles and transgenic phenotypes. PaFT displayed the highest levels of expression during tree dormancy, and similarly elevated expression levels were seen under conditions of low temperature and short days (LT/SD). In contrast, PaFTL transcripts were up-regulated during the floral transition phase, the early stages of inflorescence development and throughout the main flowering period, whereas expression levels were low and variable during dormancy and in response to LT/SD treatments. Ectopic expression of 35s::PaFTL in tobacco produced a phenotype similar to that with PaFT, namely, advanced floral initiation. Overall, the results suggest that PaFT and PaFTL have both conserved and diverse functions in floral initiation, floral development and dormancy regulation.

Mechanisms of Matrix Vesicles Mediating Calcification Transition in Diabetic Plaque

Vascular calcification is a key character of advanced plaque in diabetic atherosclerosis. Microcalcification induces plaque rupture, whereas macrocalcification contributes to plaque stability. However, there is still no clear explanation for the formation and transition of these two types of calcification. Based on existing work and the latest international progress, this article provides a brief review of four aspects: calcification transition in plaque; matrix vesicle-mediated calcification transition in plaque; regulation mechanism of matrix vesicle-mediated calcification transition in diabetic plaque; and proposal of a new hypothesis, which may offer a new perspective on the study of the mechanism of calcification transition in plaque.

Identification of a Good-Prognosis IDH-Mutant-Like Population of Patients with Diffuse Gliomas

BACKGROUND

Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation is the initiating event that defines major clinical and prognostic classes of gliomas, but the potential mechanisms have not been well interpreted yet. The main objective of the current study was to better understand the underlying biology of IDH mutant gliomas as captured by gene expression profiles.

METHODS

RNA sequencing data of WHO grade II-IV gliomas from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA, N=325) were used to assess differentially expressed genes between IDH mutant and wild type gliomas and to construct a gene expression-based classifier to detect IDH mutant samples with high sensitivity and specificity. The classifier was validated in independent RNA sequencing data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA, N=699), and the prognostic value of the classifier was also assessed in the two datasets.

RESULTS

A 58-gene-pair IDH mutation signature was developed by using the top scoring pairs algorithm. In CGGA dataset, 98.5% and 100% IDH mutant samples were also predicted to be mutant by gene expression based IDH status in grade II-III and grade IV gliomas, respectively. In TCGA dataset, the proportions were 99.8% and 100%, respectively. The signature remained to be a prognostic marker in multivariate cox analysis both in CGGA and TCGA datasets.

CONCLUSION

A characteristic gene expression signature is associated with and accurately predicts IDH mutation status. This suggests a common biology between these tumors and adds prognostic and biologic information that is not captured by the mutation status alone. These results may help in population stratification for clinical trials. As RNA-seq is more and more prevalent and cost-effective in glioma molecular diagnosis, this gene signature would provide a precise method to predict IDH mutation status with RNA-seq data.

Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine-induced PI3K/Akt signaling inhibition promotes foam cell apoptosis and atherosclerosis progression

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are closely associated with diabetic macrovascular complications. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Nε-Carboxymethyl-Lysine (the key active component of AGEs) in diabetic atherosclerosis on foam cell apoptosis and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Tissue sections were collected from 12 Type 2 diabetic patients and 4 control patients who underwent amputation surgery following a car accident. Peritoneal injection of streptozotocin in ApoE^-/- mice was used to generate a diabetic model in vivo, and Raw 264.7 cells treated with CML and 740Y-P (a PI3K/AKT signaling agonist) were used to explore the effect of PI3K/AKT signaling in CML-induced foam cell apoptosis in vitro. The anterior tibial section of diabetic amputees contained a thinner fiber cap, higher lipid content, and more apoptotic cells than were found in control patients. in vitro studies using Raw 264.7 cell-derived foam cells and in vivo studies using diabetic ApoE^-/- mice showed that CML levels dose-dependently reduced cell vitality, induced foam cell apoptosis and regulated apoptosis related protein. Furthermore, CML significantly decreased the phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT signaling, and restoration of PI3K/AKT signaling by 740Y-P decreased the CML-induced foam cell apoptosis. In conclusion, our results showed CML induced foam cell apoptosis in diabetic atherosclerosis through inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway.

RAGE/galectin-3 yields intraplaque calcification transformation via sortilin

AIMS

Macrocalcification and microcalcification present different clinical risks, but the regulatory of their formation was unclear. Therefore, this study explored the underlying mechanisms of macrocalcification and microcalcification in diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

Anterior tibial arteries of amputated diabetic feet were collected. According to the calcium content, patients were divided into less-calcification group and more-calcification group. And calcification morphology in plaques was observed. For further study, an in vivo mouse diabetic atherosclerosis model and an in vitro primary mouse aortic smooth muscle cell model were established. After the receptors for AGEs (RAGE) or galectin-3 were silenced, calcified nodule sizes and sortilin expression were determined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to detect the aggregation of matrix vesicles with the inhibition or promotion of sortilin.

RESULTS

Both macro- and microcalcification were found in human anterior tibial artery plaques. Macrocalcification formed after the silencing of RAGE, and microcalcification formed after the silencing of galectin-3. In the process of RAGE- or galcetin-3-induced calcification, sortilin played an important role downstream. SEM showed that sortilin promoted the aggregation of MVs in the early stage of calcification and formed larger calcified nodules.

CONCLUSION

RAGE downregulated sortilin and then transmitted microcalcification signals, whereas galectin-3 upregulated sortilin, which accelerated the aggregation of MVs in the early stage of calcification and mediated the formation of macrocalcifications, These data illustrate the progression of two calcification types and suggest sortilin as a potential target for early intervention of calcification and as an effective biomarker for the assessment of long-term clinical risk and prognosis.

CML/CD36 accelerates atherosclerotic progression via inhibiting foam cell migration

Among the various complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis causes the highest disability and morbidity. A multitude of macrophage-derived foam cells are retained in atherosclerotic plaques resulting not only from recruitment of monocytes into lesions but also from a reduced rate of macrophage migration from lesions. Nε-carboxymethyl-Lysine (CML), an advanced glycation end product, is responsible for most complications of diabetes. This study was designed to investigate the mechanism of CML/CD36 accelerating atherosclerotic progression via inhibiting foam cell migration. In vivo study and in vitro study were performed. For the in vivo investigation, CML/CD36 accelerated atherosclerotic progression via promoting the accumulation of macrophage-derived foam cells in aorta and inhibited macrophage-derived foam cells in aorta migrating to the para-aorta lymph node of diabetic apoE^-/- mice. For the in vitro investigation, CML/CD36 inhibited RAW264.7-derived foam cell migration through NOX-derived ROS, FAK phosphorylation, Arp2/3 complex activation and F-actin polymerization. Thus, we concluded that CML/CD36 inhibited foam cells of plaque migrating to para-aorta lymph nodes, accelerating atherosclerotic progression. The corresponding mechanism may be via free cholesterol, ROS generation, p-FAK, Arp2/3, F-actin polymerization.

Sequencing-based gene network analysis provides a core set of gene resource for understanding thermal adaptation in Zhikong scallop Chlamys farreri

Marine organisms are commonly exposed to variable environmental conditions, and many of them are under threat from increased sea temperatures caused by global climate change. Generating transcriptomic resources under different stress conditions are crucial for understanding molecular mechanisms underlying thermal adaptation. In this study, we conducted transcriptome-wide gene expression profiling of the scallop Chlamys farreri challenged by acute and chronic heat stress. Of the 13 953 unique tags, more than 850 were significantly differentially expressed at each time point after acute heat stress, which was more than the number of tags differentially expressed (320-350) under chronic heat stress. To obtain a systemic view of gene expression alterations during thermal stress, a weighted gene coexpression network was constructed. Six modules were identified as acute heat stress-responsive modules. Among them, four modules involved in apoptosis regulation, mRNA binding, mitochondrial envelope formation and oxidation reduction were downregulated. The remaining two modules were upregulated. One was enriched with chaperone and the other with microsatellite sequences, whose coexpression may originate from a transcription factor binding site. These results indicated that C. farreri triggered several cellular processes to acclimate to elevated temperature. No modules responded to chronic heat stress, suggesting that the scallops might have acclimated to elevated temperature within 3 days. This study represents the first sequencing-based gene network analysis in a nonmodel aquatic species and provides valuable gene resources for the study of thermal adaptation, which should assist in the development of heat-tolerant scallop lines for aquaculture.

The efficacy of moxifloxacin-based triple therapy in treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Recent evidence shows that moxifloxacin could exert an antimicrobial effect against Helicobacter pylori in both in vitro and in vivo models. To systematically evaluate whether moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy could improve eradication rates and reduce side effects in first-line or second-line anti-H. pylori treatment, eligible articles were identified by searches of electronic databases. We included all randomized trials comparing moxifloxacin-based triple therapy with standard triple or quadruple therapy during H. pylori eradication treatment. Statistical analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.0.10. Subanalysis/sensitivity analysis was also performed. We identified seven randomized trials (n=1263). Pooled H. pylori eradication rates were 79.03% (95%CI: 75.73-82.07) and 68.33% (95%CI: 64.44-72.04) for patients with moxifloxacin-based triple therapy or with standard triple or quadruple therapy, respectively (intention-to-treat analysis). The odds ratio (OR) was 1.82 (95%CI: 1.17-2.81), the occurrence of total side effects was 15.23% (95%CI: 12.58-18.20) and 27.17% (95%CI: 23.64-30.92) for groups with or without moxifloxacin, and the summary OR was 0.45 (95%CI: 0.26-0.77). In subgroup analyses, we noted that the second-line eradication rate in the moxifloxacin group was significantly higher than that in the quadruple therapy group (73.33 vs 60.17%, OR: 1.78, 95%CI: 1.16-2.73, P<0.001). However, there was no difference in first-line eradication treatment. Findings from this meta-analysis suggest that moxifloxacin-based triple therapy is more effective and better tolerated than standard triple or quadruple therapy. Therefore, a moxifloxacin-based triple regimen should be used in the second-line treatment of H. pylori infection.

Dynamical system for computing the eigenvectors associated with the largest eigenvalue of a positive definite matrix

A dynamical system for computing the largest eigenpair of a given positive matrix is introduced. Certain qualitative properties of the proposed system are analyzed in detail. The authors' results suggest that the weight-bounding term in PCA algorithms for extracting the first principal component could assume a class of forms.

Dispersion of single walled carbon nanotubes in amidine solvents

The excellent electronic and material properties of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) makes this nanomaterial very attractive for incorporation into flexible and stretchable electronics. However, the widespread application of SWNTs in electronic devices is still limited. To purify, process and place SWNTs, appropriate solvents for dispersion are needed. However, a fundamental understanding of the reasons why certain solvents are capable of dispersing SWNTs is still missing. Here we report on two new potential solvents containing amidine moieties, 1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene (DBU) and 1,5-diazabicyclo(4.3.0)non-5-ene (DBN). Even though these solvents' molecular structures differ by only two -CH(2)- groups, we found that DBU is capable of dispersing SWNTs, while DBN is not. We carried out density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the interaction between DBU and DBN, and we elucidated the reasons for the different performances of the two solvents. DBU has a preferential edge-on interaction with the SWNT, thus allowing for a higher solvent coverage than DBN. In addition, the CH(2)-SWNT interaction present for DBU substantially increases the adsorption energy compared to DBN. Our results point to the important interplay between the interaction of pi electrons, nitrogen lone pairs and the -CH(2)- groups present in aprotic solvent molecules and the delocalized pi electrons in SWNTs.

Facile Deposition Processes for Semiconducting Molecular Solids

Films of end-substituted dihexyl-α-sexithiophene and –quinquethiophene were cast from solutions in aromatic solvents onto SiO2 and polyimide dielectrics at moderately elevated temperatures and reduced pressure. X-ray diffraction showed perpendicular orientation for most samples, while electron and optical microscopy revealed considerable variations in grain sizes, spacings, and uniformity depending on deposition conditions. For favorable morphologies, thin film transistor (TFT) mobilities were as high as those typically obtained from vacuum-deposited films, in the range of 0.01-0.2 cm2/Vs, with on/off ratios >1000 in accumulation mode.

K(ATP) channels are involved in regulatory volume decrease in rat cardiac myocytes

Regulatory volume decrease (RVD) is essential for the survival of animal cells. The aim of this study was to observe the RVD process in rat ventricular myocytes, and to determine if the K(ATP) channels are involved in the RVD process in these cells. By using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis, we demonstrated that there are two types of K(ATP) channels expressed in rat ventricular myocytes: Kir6.1 and Kir6.2. When rat cardiac myocytes were exposed to hypotonic solution, cell volume increased significantly within 15 min and then gradually recovered. This typical RVD process could be inhibited by a Cl(-) channel blocker (0.5 mM 9-anthracene-carboxylic acid?9-AC), a K(+) channel blocker (5.0 mM CsCl) and a K(ATP) channel blocker glibenclamide (10 microM). Electrophysiological results showed that hypotonic solution activated a whole-cell current, which had similar biophysical characteristics with K(ATP) opener (pinacidil)-induced currents. This current could be blocked by glibenclamide. Our data suggested that the RVD process in rat ventricular myocytes is dependent on the activation of K(+) channels, and that K(ATP) channels are involved in this process.

Formation of nanostructured, nanocrystalline boron nitride microparticles with diatom-derived 3-D shapes

The first use of diatom frustules as shape-dictating 3-D templates for the syntheses of nanostructured, nanocrystalline micro-particles of a non-oxide ceramic, boron nitride, is demonstrated.

Single- and multigrain nanojunctions with a self-assembled monolayer of conjugated molecules

Systematic conductivity measurements in nanoscale junctions containing a self-assembled monolayer of conjugated molecules are reported. Different conductivity mechanisms are identified depending on the granularity of the metal used as a substrate for assembling the monolayer. Unexpectedly, the energy scale controlling the dominant conductance channels is quite low in comparison with the molecular level spacing. In single-grain junctions, the dominant conductance mechanism is hopping with an energy scale of the order of 10-100 meV determined by the nature of the metal contacts. In the case of multigrain junctions, additional tunnel conductance is observed with low-energy Coulomb-blockade features.

[Studies on extensive application of bromoacetamide in various types of schistosomiasis endemic area]

AIM

To provide scientific basis for the popularization and application of molluscide bromoacetamide.

METHODS

Large scale application of bromoacetamide in twenty eight counties of four provinces was investigated and its molluscicidal effect in marshland and influence on marshland grass (Cyperus) and fishes were observed.

RESULTS

High molluscicidal effect of bromoacetamide was found against both snails and snail eggs in various environments. According to the results observed in different fields, the applicable dosage of bromoacetamide is 1.5-2 g/m2 for spraying method, 1.5-2 g/m3 for immersing method and 1.5-2 g/m for immersing in combination with shovelling the turf along the bank. When it was applied in fish-raising ponds or rivers at an applicable dosage, no toxic effect on fishes was found. The spraying dosage of bromoacetamide did not affect the rice seedling but it did some damage to the leaf-tips of marshland grass, however, the grass did turn green and grow.

CONCLUSION

Bromoacetamide has proved to be a safe and effective mulluscicde against Oncomelania under various field conditions.

Conductance of small molecular junctions

A new method of fabricating small metal-molecule-metal junctions is developed, approaching the single-molecule limit. The conductance of different conjugated molecules in a broad temperature, source-drain, and gate voltage regime is reported. At low temperature, all investigated molecules display sharp conductance steps periodic in source-drain voltage. The position of these steps can be controlled by a gate potential. The spacing corresponds to the energy of the lowest molecular vibrations. These results show that the low-bias conductance of molecules is dominated by resonant tunneling through coupled electronic and vibration levels.

Field-effect modulation of the conductance of single molecules

Field-effect transistors based on two-component self-assembled monolayers of conjugated and insulating molecules were prepared; the conductance through them can be varied by more than three orders of magnitude by changing the applied gate bias. With very small ratios of conjugated to insulating molecules in the two-component monolayer, devices with only a few "electrically active" molecules can be achieved. At low temperatures, the peak channel conductance is quantized in units of 2e2/h (where e is the electron charge and h is Planck's constant). This behavior is indicative of transistor action in single molecules. On the basis of such single-molecule transistors, inverter circuits with gain are demonstrated.