The chromosome-level genome of the submerged plant Cryptocoryne crispatula provides insights into the terrestrial-freshwater transition in Araceae

Plant terrestrialization (i.e. the transition to a terrestrial environment) is a significant evolutionary event that has been intensively studied. While certain plant lineages, particularly in angiosperms, have re-adapted to freshwater habitats after colonizing terrene, however, the molecular mechanism of the terrestrial-freshwater (T-F) transition remains limited. Here, the basal monocot Araceae was selected as the study object to explore the T-F transition adaptation mechanism by comparative genomic analysis. Our findings revealed that the substitution rates significantly increased in the lineage of freshwater Araceae, which may promote their adaptation to the freshwater habitat. Additionally, 20 gene sets across all four freshwater species displayed signs of positive selection contributing to tissue development and defense responses in freshwater plants. Comparative synteny analysis showed that genes specific to submerged plants were enriched in cellular respiration and photosynthesis. In contrast, floating plants were involved in regulating gene expression, suggesting that gene and genome duplications may provide the original material for plants to adapt to the freshwater environment. Our study provides valuable insights into the genomic aspects of the transition from terrestrial to aquatic environments in Araceae, laying the groundwork for future research in the angiosperm.

Chromosome-level genome assembly of the aquatic plant Nymphoides indica reveals transposable element bursts and NBS-LRR gene family expansion shedding light on its invasiveness

Nymphoides indica, an aquatic plant, is an invasive species that causes both ecological and economic damage in North America and elsewhere. However, the lack of genomic data of N. indica limits the in-depth analysis of this invasive species. Here, we report a chromosome-level genome assembly of nine pseudochromosomes of N. indica with a total size of ∼ 520 Mb. More than half of the N. indica genome consists of transposable elements (TEs), and a higher density of TEs around genes may play a significant role in response to an ever-changing environment by regulating the nearby gene. Additionally, our analysis revealed that N. indica only experienced a gamma (γ) whole-genome triplication event. Functional enrichment of the N. indica-specific and expanded gene families highlighted genes involved in the responses to hypoxia and plant–pathogen interactions, which may strengthen the ability to adapt to external challenges and improve ecological fitness. Furthermore, we identified 160 members of the nucleotide-binding site and leucine-rich repeat gene family, which may be linked to the defence response. Collectively, the high-quality N. indica genome reported here opens a novel avenue to understand the evolution and rapid invasion of Nymphoides spp.

[Magnetic resonance imaging manifestation of foot injury in amateur half marathon athletes]

Eighty-four amateur half marathon athletes (168 side feet) in Beijing from October 2018 to May 2021 were recruited, and their age, gender and whether they have foot pain were collected, including 44 males and 40 females, aged from 21 to 60 (40.7±9.3) years. All participants underwent bipedal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations, and the degree of foot pain was graded by foot ankle injury scale (FASS scale). The relationship between MRI features and the foot pain of amateur half marathon athletes were analyzed. The study found that the proportion of foot pain symptoms among amateur half marathon athletes in Beijing was high(122/168), and the MRI manifestations were mainly heel tendinitis and plantar fasciitis, which accounted for about 59.5% of all cases.

Physiological and transcriptional changes provide insights into the effect of root waterlogging on the aboveground part of Pterocarya stenoptera

Pterocarya stenoptera is a tree species that occurs along rivers and has high tolerance to waterlogging. Identification of waterlogging response genes in the aboveground part of P. stenoptera will increase understanding of tolerance mechanisms under root waterlogging conditions. In this study, we employed four physiological indicators and comparative transcriptome sequencing to investigate the waterlogging tolerance mechanism in P. stenoptera. The physiological results showed that the aboveground part of P. stenoptera was not obviously affected by waterlogging. P. stenoptera enhanced waterlogging tolerance by increasing the synthesis of alpha-Linolenic acids and flavonoids and activating the jasmonic acid, ethylene, and auxin signaling pathways. Our results confirmed our hypothesis that P. stenoptera, a species that is widely distributed along rivers, has evolved a range of mechanisms in response to waterlogging. Our research will provide new insights for understanding the tolerance mechanism of species to waterlogging.

Fast and deterministic switching of a vortex core induced by an out-of-plane current in notch disks

The magnetic vortex, as one of the most interesting magnetic solitons, has attracted great interest over the past two decades. A fast and reliable method to switch vortex polarity and chirality is one of the key issues for various applications. Based on micromagnetic simulation, here we report a fast, low energy cost and deterministic switching of a vortex core, by the designing of a notch structure in disks and the use of out-of-plane current geometry. We demonstrate that with such a design, the multiple switching problems found in notch disk systems can be avoided. Furthermore, the switching time can be reduced by more than 50% compared with disks without notches.

[Magnetic resonance imaging of normal anatomy and injury of the peroneal tendon]

Objective: To explore the MR characteristics of normal anatomy and injured peroneal tendon and the diagnostic value of MR in the peroneal tendon injuries. Methods: From February 2018 to December 2018, a total of 20 healthy volunteers (40 ankle joints) were selected, 10 males and 10 females, with an age range of 20-30 (26±3) years. Retrospective analyzed 62 patients with ankle sprain and peroneal tendon injuries confirmed by operation, 34 males and 28 females, with an age range of 14-78(41±14) years. All volunteers and patients underwent MR examination. The MRI characteristics of the normal anatomy of peroneal tendon were analyzed. The patients were classified according to the MR diagnostic criteria of injury. Then the MRI features of different types of injured peroneus longus tendon and peroneus brevis tendon were analyzed. At last, imaging findings were compared with surgical results. Results: The peroneal tendon of 20 healthy volunteers showed oval and elliptical band-like structures on T(1)WI and PD-FS sequences, with natural alignment, clear boundary and uniform low signal. The whole length of the peroneal tendon can't be displayed completely on the same imaging plane. It needed multi-dimensional observation combined with axial, coronal and sagittal directions. There were 62 cases of peroneal tendon injury, including 46 cases of peroneal tendon tear (7 cases of partial-thickness tear, 11.3% of the total injuries, 39 cases of full-thickness tear, 62.9% of the total injuries), 16 cases of peroneal tendon dislocation (15 cases of intrathecal dislocation, 24.2% of the total injuries, 1 case of extrathecal dislocation, 1.6% of the total injuries). In 7 cases of partial-thickness tear (4 cases of peroneus brevis tendon tear, 3 cases of peroneus longus tendon tear), MR showed irregular tendon shape and local continuity interruption. In 39 cases of full-thickness tear (31 cases of peroneus brevis tendon tear, 8 cases of peroneus longus tendon tear), MR showed that the tear was penetrated through the whole layer of tendon from dorsolateral side to plantar side of foot, and the range of tear was different. The torn tendon could be accompanied by tendinitis or effusion of tendon sheath; 15 cases of intrathecal dislocation (3 cases of type A, 12 cases of type B), MR findings of type A dislocation showed that the peroneus longus tendon was located in the deep part of the peroneus brevis tendon, MR findings of type B dislocation showed that the peroneus longus tendon was displaced into the longitudinal tear of peroneus brevis tendon. In 1 case of extrathecal dislocation (type Ⅲ), MR showed that the SPR and the attached cortex of lateral malleolus were avulsed together, and the peroneal tendon was displaced under the avulsed fracture piece. Conclusion: MR can accurately demonstrate the fine anatomical structure of peroneal tendon and the imaging features of injuries. It has important clinical application value for the early diagnosis and accurate treatment of peroneal tendon injuries.

[Magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow joint tendon: imaging technique and clinical application]

Objective: To explore the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging technique and the clinical application in ligament and tendons of elbow. Methods: The study was reviewed and approved by an institutional review board of Beijing Jishuitan Hospital. A total of 20 normal volunteers with 40 elbows including 12 males and 8 females, aged from 20 to 55 years, with an average age of 35 years and 38 patients with 38 elbows who complained elbow pain with elbow injuries including 23 males and 15 females, ranged in age from 9 to 77 years, with an average age of 41 years old were chosen to undergo magnetic resonance examination between May 2013 and October 2018.All subjects underwent examination on coronal T(1)WI scan and PD-FS on three planes respectively in a prone position. Then the MRI characteristics of tendons in elbow of healthy volunteers and patients with elbow injuries were studied and the MRI features of tendon injury were compared with the surgical results and confirmed by double-blind method. Results: Twenty normal volunteers without tendons or ligament injures showed homogeneous low-signal-intensity on T(1)-weighted and proton fat saturation sequence (PD-FS) images.In the 38 patients with elbow injuries, there were 44 tendon injuries, including 14 cases of common extensor tendon injuries, 10 cases of common flexor tendon injuries, 3 cases of biceps tendon injuries, 7 cases of brachialis tendon injuries and 10 cases of triceps tendon injuries. The injuried tendons became thicker and discontinuity in T(1)WI and demonstrated heterogeneously increased signal intensity with effusion of tendon sheath in PD-FS. Partial tear showed discontinuity and thickening of tendons and the complete tear showed that the tendons were interrupted, retracted, the fiber structure disappeared and was filled with liquid, and the surrounding soft tissue edema was found. Conclusions: MRI can demonstrate the anatomy and injuries features of tendons in elbow joint accurately. It is significance for the early diagnosis and treatment protocols of the tendons injuries.

Molecular Phylogeography Analysis Reveals Population Dynamics and Genetic Divergence of a Widespread Tree Pterocarya stenoptera in China

The geological events, past climatic fluctuations, and river systems played key roles in the spatial distribution, population dynamics, and genetic differentiation of species. In this work, we selected Pterocarya stenoptera, a widespread tree species in China, to test the roles of these factors. Four noncoding spacers, eight microsatellite (simple sequence repeat) markers, and species distribution modeling were used to examine the phylogeographical pattern of P. stenoptera. Based on chloroplast DNA data, populations of P. stenoptera were clearly clustered into three groups. The divergence time of these groups fell into the stage of the Qinghai–Tibet Movement, 1.7–2.6 Ma. For simple sequence repeat data, only one western marginal population YNYB could be separated from other populations, whereas other populations were mixed together. Our results indicated that the environmental heterogeneity resulting from the Qinghai–Tibet movement might be response for this genetic divergence. The climatic fluctuations in the Pleistocene did not cause the substantial range shift of P. stenoptera, while the fluctuations affected its population size. Moreover, we also confirmed the river systems did not act as channels or barrier of dispersal for P. stenoptera.

Landscape genetics reveals that adaptive genetic divergence in Pinus bungeana (Pinaceae) is driven by environmental variables relating to ecological habitats

Background

Understanding the genetic basis of local adaptation has long been the concern of biologists. Identifying these adaptive genetic variabilities is crucial not only to improve our knowledge of the genetic mechanism of local adaptation but also to explore the adaptation potential of species.

Results

Using 10 natural populations and 12 start codon targeted (SCoT) markers, a total of 430 unambiguous loci were yielded. The Bayesian analysis of population structure clearly demonstrated that the 10 populations of P. bungeana could be subdivided into three groups. Redundancy analysis showed that this genetic divergence was caused by divergence selection from environmental variables related to the ecological habitats of “avoidance of flooding” and “avoidance of high temperature and humidity.” LFMM results indicated that Bio1, Bio5, Bio8, Bio12, Bio14, and Bio16, which are related to the ecological habitat of P. bungeana, were correlated with the highest numbers of environment-associated loci (EAL).

Conclusions

The results of EAL characterization in P. bungeana clearly supported the hypothesis that environmental variations related to the ecological habitat of species are the key drivers of species adaptive divergence. Moreover, a method to calculate the species landscape adaptation index and quantify the adaptation potential of species was proposed and verified using ecological niche modeling. This model could estimate climatically suitable areas of species spatial distribution. Taking the results together, this study improves the current understanding on the genetic basis of local adaptation.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12862-019-1489-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Adaptive genetic differentiation in Pterocarya stenoptera (Juglandaceae) driven by multiple environmental variables were revealed by landscape genomics

BACKGROUND

The investigation of the genetic basis of local adaptation in non-model species is an interesting focus of evolutionary biologists and molecular ecologists. Identifying these adaptive genetic variabilities on the genome responsible can provide insight into the genetic mechanism of local adaptation.

RESULTS

We investigated the spatial distribution of genetic variation in 22 natural populations of Pterocarya stenoptera across its distribution area in China to provide insights into the complex interplay between multiple environmental variables and adaptive genetic differentiation. The Bayesian analysis of population structure showed that the 22 populations of P. stenoptera were subdivided into two groups. Redundancy analysis demonstrated that this genetic differentiation was caused by the divergent selection of environmental difference. A total of 44 outlier loci were mutually identified by Arlequin and BayeScan, 43 of which were environment-associated loci (EAL). The results of latent factor mixed model analysis showed that solar radiation in June (Sr6), minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio6), temperature seasonality (Bio4), and water vapor pressure in January (Wvp1) were associated with the highest numbers of EAL. Sr6 was associated with the ecological habitat of "prefered light", and Bio6 and Wvp1 were associated with the ecological habitat of "warm and humid environment".

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provided empirical evidence that environmental variables related to the ecological habitats of species play key roles in driving adaptive differentiation of species genome.

[The classification and MR imaging of scapholunate ligament injuries]

Objective: To explore the MRI characteristics of injuries of scapholunate ligament (SLL), and provide imaging basis for the early diagnosis and treatment of the injuries. Methods: A total of 20 healthy volunteers without wrist injuries and 30 patients who complained dorsoradial-sided wrist pain and were highly suspected as the injury of SLL underwent the wrist magnetic resonance examination and X-ray examination in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from January 2013 to September 2017.All subjects underwent anterior and lateral radiographs of the wrist joint and examination on coronal T(1)WI scan and PD-FS on 3 planes respectively in a prone position.Then the MRI characteristics of 20 healthy volunteers and 30 patients with SLL injuries that confirmed by operation were analyzed.According to the comparative analysis of normal anatomy and Geissler grades, the injuries were graded and MRI features of different types of injuries were analyzed.At last, imaging findings were compared with surgical results. Results: Twenty healthy volunteers without injuries showed mainly in low signal intensity on T(1)WI and PD-FS images.According to Geissler grades, there were 11 GradeⅠ injuries (5 had triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) and SLL injuries and 1 had fracture of scaphoid and SLL injuries simultaneously), 8 GradeⅡ injuries (2 had TFCC and SLL injuries, 1 had TFCC, lunotriquetral ligament (LTL) and SLL injuries and 1 had distal radius fracture, TFCC and SLL injuries simultaneously), 7 Grade Ⅲ injuries (3 had TFCC and SLL injuries, 2 had fracture of scaphoid and SLL injuries and 1 had TFCC, LTL and SLL injuries simultaneously) and 4 Grade Ⅳ injuries (2 had TFCC and SLL injuries and 1 had fracture of scaphoid and SLL injuries simultaneously) among 30 patients.A tear can be confidently diagnosed when the ligament segment was absent or there was a fluidfilled discontinuity.A tear that involves 1 or 2 of the 3 segments (volar, proximal, or dorsal) of either the SLL was considered a partial tear, whereas a tear of all 3 segments was a complete tear. Conclusion: MRI can demonstrate the anatomy of interosseous ligaments accurately, evaluate and make the general grades of injuries.It is of significance for the early diagnosis and treatment protocols of the interosseous ligaments injuries.

[MRI anatomy and injury of the lateral collateral ligaments of ankle]

Objective: To explore the MRI features of the lateral collateral ligament injuries of the ankle and determine the value MRI in diagnosing the ligament injuries of the ankle. Methods: The study was reviewed and approved by an institutional review board of hospital. Retrospective analysised 10 healthy volunteers and 26 ankle injury cases underwent surgery since January 2013 to September 2016, the MR imaging findings of patients were compared with volunteers' and operative documents, to analysis the MRI feature of the ligament injuries of the ankle. Results: The normal anterior talofibular ligament and posterior talofibular ligament can be manifest in 3-4 layers of MRI, and can be fully displayed in 1 layer. The normal calcaneofibular ligament can be manifest in 3 layers of MRI, but can not be fully displayed in 1 layer. 26 cases of lateral ligament injury (including 1 case of ATFL injury, 1 case of CFL injury, 3 cases of ATFL conjunction with CFL injury, 3 cases of ATFL conjunction with CFL and PTFL injury) manifested the heterogeneous signal of the T(1)-weighted image, the ligament disruption, the increased signal intensity on fat-suppression PD-weighted image , the surrounding soft tissue edema and bone marrow edema. Conclusion: MR imaging is an accurate method for evaluation of the ligament injuries of the ankle, and it is a useful tool for diagnosis and treatment.

[MRI of the finger ligament and tendon injuries: imaging technique and clinical application]

Objective: To explore the MRI technique and the clinical application in ligament and tendons of fingers. Methods: The study was reviewed and approved by an institutional review board of hospital.A total of 20 normal volunteers and 50 patients from Beijing Jishuitan Hospital between May 2012 and May 2015 with finger injuries were chosen to undergo magnetic resonance examination by using Achieva 3.0 T MR produced by Philips.Scanning from coronal, sagittal and axial view in T(1)-weighted and proton fat saturation sequence (PD-FS), choosing suitable parameters, in order to get clear images of finger tendons and ligaments. Results: Twenty normal volunteers without tendons or ligament injuries showed homogeneous low-signal-intensity on T(1)-weighted and proton fat saturation sequence (PD-FS) images.In the 50 patients with finger injuries, there were 33 cases of ligament injuries, 10 cases of extensor tendon injuries and 7 cases of flexor tendon injuries. There were 8 cases of all the 50 cases combined with bone fracture.The injured ligaments and tendons became thicker and discontinued in T(1)WI and demonstrated heterogeneously increased signal intensity with edema in the soft tissues surrounding the injured sites in PD-FS. Conclusion: MRI can demonstrate the anatomy and injuries features of ligament and tendons in fingers accurately.It is significance for the early diagnosis and treatment protocols of the ligament and tendons injuries.

[Focal periphyseal edema zone on MRI and clinical significance of the adolescent knee]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the MR image characteristics and clinical significance of focal periphyseal edema (FOPE) zone of the adolescent knee which was with or without trauma history, and provide the basis for the correct diagnosis and treatment.

METHOD

A total of 12 patients (9 boys, age range 12-16 years, average age 14 years old, 3 girls, age range 12-15 years, average age 13 years )who had pain of the knee without the traumatic history and 16 patients (12 boys, age range 10-15 years, average age 14 years; 4 girls, age range 11-13 years, average age 12 years) who were painful in the knee after trauma were included in this study. The knee MR examinations were performed in all the patients. The characteristics of MRI between painful knee without trauma and painful knee after trauma were compared and analyzed, and the average vertical distances from the farthest of the edema area to the epiphyseal plate were measured. The vertical distances were measured respectively in sagittal view and coronal view in PD-FS and in sagittal view in T1WI, and the average for the three were calculated. At last, the images with the results of operation or follow-up examinations were compared and confirmed by double blind method.

RESULTS

The MRI characteristics of FOPE zone in the 12 adolescent who complained painful knee but had no trauma showed low signal intensity in T1WI and high signal intensity in PD-FS. The edema centered at the physis and extended into both the adjacent epiphysis and metaphysic.In addition, it shaped like patches and thread, and edema range(14.5±6.6)mm.The MRI findings of the 16 adolescent had pain of the knee after injury characterized by a wide range of low T1WI signal intensity and increased PD-FS signal intensity involving the articular surface of the epiphysis.The range of edema was (26.2±8.8)mm.There was statistically significant difference between non-traumatic edema and the edema caused by trauma (t=4.346, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

A FOPE zone of the adolescent knee is likely to be related to pain in the adolescent growth period and physiologic physeal fusion, and should not be mistaken for an abnormality, while the larger range of edema surrounding the epiphyseal plate may be associated with the trauma of the knee.

[Classification and MR imaging of triangular fibrocartilage complex lesions]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the MRI characteristics of injuries of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), and provide imaging basis for the early diagnosis and treatment of the injuries.

METHODS

A total of 10 healthy volunteers without wrist injuries and 200 patients from Beijing Jishuitan Hospital who complained ulnar-sided wrist pain and were highly suspected as the injury of TFCC underwent the wrist magnetic resonance examination. All subjects were in a prone position and underwent examination on coronal T1WI scan and PD-FS on 3 planes respectively. Then the MRI characteristics of 3 healthy volunteers and 67 patients with TFCC injuries that confirmed by operation were analyzed. According to the comparative analysis of normal anatomy and Palmer classification, the injuries were classified and MRI features of different types of injuries were analyzed. At last, imaging findings were compared with surgical results.

RESULTS

Three healthy volunteers without injuries showed mainly in low signal intensity on T1WI and PD-FS images. According to Palmer classification, there were 52 traumatic injuries (ⅠA 9, ⅠB 25, ⅠC 3, ⅠD 13, In addition, 1 has central perforation and ulnar avulsion and 1 has ulnar and radial injuries simultaneously) and 15 degenerative injuries (ⅡA 5, ⅡB 1, ⅡC 2 , ⅡD 1 , ⅡE 6) among 67 patients. The central perforation mainly demonstrated as linear high signal perpendicular to the disk, and run in a sagittal line. The ulnar, distal, and radial avulsion mainly showed the injuries were irregular, the structures were ambiguous, and there was high signal intensity in the injured structures on PD-FS. Degenerative injuries demonstrated the irregularity of TFC and heterogeneous signals on PD-FS. There were mixed intermediate-high signals and changes in the articular cartilage of lunate and ulna, high signal in the lunotriquetral ligament and ulnocarpal or radioulnar arthritis.

CONCLUSION

MRI can demonstrate the anatomy of TFCC accurately, evaluate and make the general classification of injuries. It is of significance for the early diagnosis and treatment protocols of the TFCC injuries.

Effect of initial stress on propagation behaviors of shear horizontal waves in piezoelectric/piezomagnetic layered cylinders

An analytical approach is taken to investigate shear horizontal wave (SH wave) propagation in layered cylinder with initial stress, where a piezomagnetic (PM) material thin layer is bonded to a piezoelectric (PE) cylinder. Two different material combinations are taken into account, and the phase velocities of the SH waves are numerically calculated for the magnetically open and short cases, respectively. It is found that the initial stress, the thickness ratio and the material performance have a great influence on the phase velocity. The results obtained in this paper can offer fundamental significance to the application of PE/PM composite media or structure for the acoustic wave and microwave technologies.

Effect of melatonin on oncosis of myocardial cells in the myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury rat and the role of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore

We aimed to evaluate the effect of melatonin on myo-cardial cell oncosis in the myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury rat, and the role of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) therein. Sprague Dawley rats (N = 60) were randomly divided into five groups of 12 rats each: control, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), melatonin treatment (MT), melatonin treatment + atractyloside (MT+ATR), and atractyloside (ATR). We prepared the myocardial ischemia/reperfusion model by reperfusion after the left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated for 30 min. The MT rats were given a 10 mg/kg MT intra-venous injection immediately thereafter; the MT+ATR rats were also given a 5 mg/kg ATR intravenous injection 15 min before the ischemia; the ATR rats were given the ATR injection only. After 2-h re-perfusion, myocardial tissue was extracted, the infarction size was determined, and myocardial ultrastructures were observed using electron microscopy. The expression level of the preoncosis receptor (porimin), which can induce membrane injury, was determined by western blot; the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) content was determined spectrophotometrically. The four treatment groups showed upregulat-ed expression of myocardial porimin, increased myocardial infarction size, and reduced NAD(+) content (P < 0.05). Compared with the I/R and MT+ATR groups, MT rats showed downregulated expression of myo-cardial porimin, reduced myocardial infarct size, and increased myo-cardial cell NAD(+) content (P < 0.05). The above indices between the ATR and MT+ATR groups were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Thus, MT might protect myocardial ischemia/reperfusion rats by inhibiting MPTP opening and reducing myocardial cell oncosis.

Probing head-to-toe deformation law assessment for abdominal tumor through respiratory movement simulation and CTVision radiation research

This paper aims to explore head-to-toe deformation law for abdominal tumor with CTVision and selfdesigned respiratory movement simulation mold and meanwhile verify the accuracy and correctness of the treatment. In experimental group, a self-designed respiratory movement mold was used. The image was scanned out by CT scanning based on the movement state and then sent to the planning system to compare the location variation of tumor and formulating the treatment plan accordingly, followed by verification and verified derivation values observation. A total of 21 cases of abdominal tumor were included in the case group. Their breathing movement was detected under a simulated locator and then the data was recorded. The image was scanned and sent to the planning system to compare the location variation of the tumor, the patients then underwent 3D conformal therapy (3D-CRT) and we performed verification and observed verified derivation values. Finally, the results of the case group and the experimental group were compared. The mean of the verified derivation values was smaller than respiratory motion values in experimental group (t=-10.78, P=0, P < 0.05); the mean of verified derivation values of the patients was smaller than respiratory motion values in group f, g, h, i, j, l, n, o, p, q, r, s t, u in the case group (P < 0.05); no remarkable difference was found between the two values in group a, b, c, k and m (P < 0.05); group e was unable to undergo the statistical test since its standard deviation was 0; the mean of the verified derivation values was higher than respiratory motion values in group d (P < 0.05). In conclusion, radiation therapy applied with CTVision proved to be accurate and convincing in the treatment of abdominal tumor.

Risk of HIV/AIDS in China: subpopulations of special importance

OBJECTIVE

To describe the HIV/AIDS epidemic in mainland China.

METHODS

We review the magnitude of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the social characteristics and geographic distribution of at-risk groups in China based on published literature and unpublished official data.

RESULTS

Injection drug use has been the dominant route for HIV infection in China, and will continue to be a major risk factor with increasing numbers of new drug users and needle sharing. Commercial plasma donation with unhygienic re-infusion of red blood cells was common in rural communities in the early 1990s. While this is unlikely to constitute a major factor for future HIV spread, those already infected represent a formidable treatment challenge. Huge seasonal work migration facilitates disease spread across regions. Many homosexual men have unprotected sex with men, women, or both, and may contract or spread HIV. Though commercial sex workers have contributed to a small proportion of the reported epidemic thus far, flourishing commercial sex is of growing concern and may have a bridging role in transmitting HIV from core groups to the general population.

CONCLUSION

Increasing numbers of sex workers and drug users, internal migration, high risk behaviours, and low condom use suggest a future upward trend for HIV/AIDS and underscore the urgency of scaling up interventions in China.

[Clinical study in treating qi-deficiency and blood-stasis syndrome of angina pectoris with qi xue granule]

55 cases of Qi-deficiency and Blood-Stasis syndrome of coronary heart disease (CHD) and angina pectoris (AP) were divided randomly into two groups. Qi Xue granule (QXG) was administered to 30 cases of treated group, while compound Salvia tablet (CST) was administered to 25 cases of control group. Besides, both group were also given one placebo tablet or granule so as to eliminate the patient's psychological effects.

RESULTS

(1) Effects on clinical symptoms: Total effective rate for AP: 90% in QXG group, marked effective rate and effective rate for ischemic ECG changes were 30% and 46.6% respectively. All of these were better than that of CST group significantly (P < 0.05). Besides, QXG group could alleviate symptoms including asthenia. (2) Effects on submaximal paddle work load test: QXG group could prolong the capacity of exercise (from 336.2 +/- 34.7 to 437.5 +/- 43.8 seconds, P < 0.05), magnify the work load (from 73 +/- 7.18 to 94 +/- 8.5 W, P < 0.05) and elevate the ST segment (from 0.218 +/- 0.03 to 0.176 +/- 0.03 mV) significantly in comparison with CST group, which had little change only. (3) Effects on plasma TXB2, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (6 Kp) level and ration of TXB2/6Kp in 10 normal subjects were 165 +/- 12.1 pg/ml, 142.6 +/- 17.4 pg/ml and 1.16 +/- 0.19 pg/ml respectively, while in 36 cases AP were 390.6 +/- 14.3, 106.0 +/- 7.9 and 3.67 +/- 0.85 pg/ml respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Isolation of creatine kinase BB isoenzyme with high specific activity and adequate purity for radioimmunoassay from human placenta on preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

This report describes the procedures for isolation of creatine kinase BB isoenzyme (CK-BB) from human placenta on preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. 2.5 mg of CK-BB was purified from a 100-g portion of the human placenta, which had a mean specific activity of 957 kU/g and a mean yield of 16%. The placenta CK-BB exhibited single protein bands on several electrophoretic techniques. In addition, both of the placenta and brain CK-BB preparations were individually iodinated and the identical immunological properties of both the CK-BB preparations were confirmed in radioimmunoassay.

Rapid purification of creatine kinase MB isoenzyme on preparative polyacrylamide slabs

We describe a procedure for purification of creatine kinase (EC 2.7.3.2) MB isoenzyme (CK-MB) from human cardiac muscle by preparative electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel. From a 50-g portion of human myocardium we isolated 21 mg of CK-MB, which had a specific creatine kinase activity of 405 kU/g. The CK-MB exhibited an enzyme band on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) with staining for enzyme activity. The preparation showed single protein bands on sodium dodecyl sulfate--PAGE, pore gradient electrophoresis, and isoelectric focusing electrophoresis, the relative molecular masses of the subunit and of the whole enzyme being 43,000 and 86,000, respectively, and the isoelectric point being 5.0. In addition, the purified CK-MB showed desirable immunological specificity and affinity (K = 2.4 x 10(11) L/mol) when measured by radioimmunoassay.

Rapid purification of creatine kinase MB isoenzyme on preparative polyacrylamide slabs

We describe a procedure for purification of creatine kinase (EC 2.7.3.2) MB isoenzyme (CK-MB) from human cardiac muscle by preparative electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel. From a 50-g portion of human myocardium we isolated 21 mg of CK-MB, which had a specific creatine kinase activity of 405 kU/g. The CK-MB exhibited an enzyme band on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) with staining for enzyme activity. The preparation showed single protein bands on sodium dodecyl sulfate--PAGE, pore gradient electrophoresis, and isoelectric focusing electrophoresis, the relative molecular masses of the subunit and of the whole enzyme being 43,000 and 86,000, respectively, and the isoelectric point being 5.0. In addition, the purified CK-MB showed desirable immunological specificity and affinity (K = 2.4 x 10(11) L/mol) when measured by radioimmunoassay.