Prefrontal activation in response to a plantar contact task under open and closed eye conditions in patients with cerebral infarction

Objective

This study investigates the effect of a bilateral (paralyzed side, healthy side) plantar contact task on dorsolateral prefrontal activation in patients recovering from cerebral infarction under open and closed eye conditions.

Methods

We selected 10 patients with cerebral infarction, admitted to the neurorehabilitation center of Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, affiliated with Capital Medical University, from January 2019 to July 2020, who met our established criteria. Under open-eye and closed-eye conditions, the paralyzed and healthy sides performed the plantar contact tasks separately. The dorsolateral prefrontal region was monitored simultaneously with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and activation was analyzed according to the curve-type changes of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin changes in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex with 560 near-infrared monitoring channels.

Results

After stratifying the data based on the eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions, some degree of heterogeneity was observed between the layers. Under the eyes-closed condition, the Pearson χ2 was 0.142, with a p value of 0.706, indicating no significant impact of the eyes-closed condition on the activation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during the plantar task, whether performed on the paralyzed or the healthy side.In contrast, the Pearson χ2 value was 15.15 for the eyes-open condition, with a p value of 0.002. This suggests that carrying out the plantar task, either on the paralyzed or the healthy side, with eyes open significantly influenced the activation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, activation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was 1.55 times higher when the task was executed with the paralyzed side compared to the healthy side. This implies that the paralyzed side was more likely to activate the dorsolateral prefrontal lobe when performing the plantar contact task under eyes-open conditions.

Conclusion

Observations via fNIRS revealed that the plantar contact task elicited dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activation. Moreover, the activation effect was intensified when performed on the paralyzed side under eyes-open conditions. Therapeutic methods that leverage these findings-namely cognitive-motor therapies that promote the recovery of motor functions by activating cognitive control brain regions via perception (information construction)-may hold promise.

[Investigation of a carbon monoxide poisoning accident with a hidden source]

In June 2022, a carbon monoxide poisoning accident with hidden source occurred in a bonded gold/silver wire manufacturing enterprise in Guangzhou, causing 10 people to be poisoned, of which 1 was caused by carbon monoxide poisoning and 9 by carbon monoxide contact reaction. The symptoms were dizziness, fatigue and vomiting. After 5 to 7 h, the saturation of carboxyhemoglobin in finger pulse was 4% to 10%, and the saturation of carboxyhemoglobin in blood gas biochemical analysis was 1.9% to 5.8%. The concentration of carbon monoxide detected in the carbon borne purification plant of the enterprise was 34.46-37.26 mg/m(3). It was judged that the accident was carbon monoxide poisoning caused by carbon monoxide gas being transported to the work post along the gas transmission pipeline due to abnormal operation of the carbon borne purification plant. By investigating the source and cause of poison, this paper provides a warning for the similar process to prevent similar events, and provides a new idea for the identification of chemical poisoning risk. At the same time, it is warned that similar enterprises should fully consider the risk of poisoning under specific circumstances, strengthen equipment maintenance and repair, and prevent the occurrence of similar incidents.

Metabolic profiles and correlation with surgical outcomes in mesial versus neocortical temporal lobe epilepsy

AIMS

Differentiating mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) and neocortical temporal lobe epilepsy (NTLE) remains challenging. Our study characterized the metabolic profiles between MTLE and NTLE and their correlation with surgical prognosis using ¹⁸ F-FDG-PET.

METHODS

A total of 137 patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and 40 age-matched healthy controls were recruited. Patients were divided into the MTLE group (N = 91) and the NTLE group (N = 46). ¹⁸ F-FDG-PET was used to measure the metabolism of regional cerebra, which was analyzed using statistical parametric mapping. The volume of abnormal metabolism in cerebral regions and their relationship with surgical prognosis were calculated for each surgical patient.

RESULTS

The cerebral hypometabolism of MTLE was limited to the ipsilateral temporal and insular lobes (p < 0.001, uncorrected). The NTLE patients showed hypometabolism in the ipsilateral temporal, frontal, and parietal lobes (p < 0.001, uncorrected). The MTLE patients showed extensive hypermetabolism in cerebral regions (p < 0.001, uncorrected). Hypermetabolism in NTLE was limited to the contralateral temporal lobe and cerebellum, ipsilateral frontal lobe, occipital lobe, and bilateral thalamus (p < 0.001, uncorrected). Among patients who underwent resection of epileptic lesions, 51 (67.1%) patients in the MTLE group and 10 (43.5%) in the NTLE group achieved Engel class IA outcome (p = 0.041). The volumes of metabolic increase for the frontal lobe or thalamus in the MTLE group were larger in non-Engel class IA patients than Engel class IA patients (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The spatial metabolic profile discriminated NTLE from MTLE. Hypermetabolism of the thalamus and frontal lobe in MTLE may facilitate preoperative counseling and surgical planning.

Integrated Analysis of Expression Profile and Potential Pathogenic Mechanism of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy With Hippocampal Sclerosis

Objective

To investigate the potential pathogenic mechanism of temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (TLE+HS) by analyzing the expression profiles of microRNA/ mRNA/ lncRNA/ DNA methylation in brain tissues.

Methods

Brain tissues of six patients with TLE+HS and nine of normal temporal or parietal cortices (NTP) of patients undergoing internal decompression for traumatic brain injury (TBI) were collected. The total RNA was dephosphorylated, labeled, and hybridized to the Agilent Human miRNA Microarray, Release 19.0, 8 × 60K. The cDNA was labeled and hybridized to the Agilent LncRNA+mRNA Human Gene Expression Microarray V3.0,4 × 180K. For methylation detection, the DNA was labeled and hybridized to the Illumina 450K Infinium Methylation BeadChip. The raw data was extracted from hybridized images using Agilent Feature Extraction, and quantile normalization was performed using the Agilent GeneSpring. P-value < 0.05 and absolute fold change >2 were considered the threshold of differential expression data. Data analyses were performed using R and Bioconductor. BrainSpan database was used to screen for signatures that were not differentially expressed in normal human hippocampus and cortex (data from BrainSpan), but differentially expressed in TLE+HS’ hippocampus and NTP’ cortex (data from our cohort). The strategy “Guilt by association” was used to predict the prospective roles of each important hub mRNA, miRNA, or lncRNA.

Results

A significantly negative correlation (r < −0.5) was found between 116 pairs of microRNA/mRNA, differentially expressed in six patients with TLE+HS and nine of NTP. We examined this regulation network’s intersection with target gene prediction results and built a lncRNA-microRNA-Gene regulatory network with structural, and functional significance. Meanwhile, we found that the disorder of FGFR3, hsa-miR-486-5p, and lnc-KCNH5-1 plays a key vital role in developing TLE+HS.

[Analysis of 1 case of convulsion death caused by large dose of diquat poisoning]

A retrospective analysis of a case of death from sudden convulsions caused by oral high-dose diquat was conducted, and the mechanism and treatment of central damage caused by diquat were investigated to lay the foundation for increasing the success rate of treatment of high-dose diquat poisoning. At the same time, at the same time, our clinical treatment experience has also been accumulated.

Calling large indels in 1047 Arabidopsis with IndelEnsembler

Large indels greatly impact the observable phenotypes in different organisms including plants and human. Hence, extracting large indels with high precision and sensitivity is important. Here, we developed IndelEnsembler to detect large indels in 1047 Arabidopsis whole-genome sequencing data. IndelEnsembler identified 34 093 deletions, 12 913 tandem duplications and 9773 insertions. Our large indel dataset was more comprehensive and accurate compared with the previous dataset of AthCNV (1). We captured nearly twice of the ground truth deletions and on average 27% more ground truth duplications compared with AthCNV, though our dataset has less number of large indels compared with AthCNV. Our large indels were positively correlated with transposon elements across the Arabidopsis genome. The non-homologous recombination events were the major formation mechanism of deletions in Arabidopsis genome. The Neighbor joining (NJ) tree constructed based on IndelEnsembler's deletions clearly divided the geographic subgroups of 1047 Arabidopsis. More importantly, our large indels represent a previously unassessed source of genetic variation. Approximately 49% of the deletions have low linkage disequilibrium (LD) with surrounding single nucleotide polymorphisms. Some of them could affect trait performance. For instance, using deletion-based genome-wide association study (DEL-GWAS), the accessions containing a 182-bp deletion in AT1G11520 had delayed flowering time and all accessions in north Sweden had the 182-bp deletion. We also found the accessions with 65-bp deletion in the first exon of AT4G00650 (FRI) flowered earlier than those without it. These two deletions cannot be detected in AthCNV and, interestingly, they do not co-occur in any Arabidopsis thaliana accession. By SNP-GWAS, surrounding SNPs of these two deletions do not correlate with flowering time. This example demonstrated that existing large indel datasets miss phenotypic variations and our large indel dataset filled in the gap.

Correction to "Metabolomics of Artichoke Bud Extract in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats"

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c01135.].

Metabolomics of Artichoke Bud Extract in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Hypertension adversely affects the quality of life in humans across modern society. Studies have attributed increased reactive oxygen species production to the pathophysiology of hypertension. So far, a specific drug to control the disease perfectly has not been developed. However, artichoke, an edible vegetable, plays an essential role in treating many diseases due to its potent antioxidant activities. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of artichoke bud extract (ABE) on heart tissue metabolomics of hypertensive rats. Spontaneously hypertensive rats and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were divided into six groups, then exposed to different doses comprising ABE, Enalapril Maleate, or 1% carboxylmethyl cellulose for 4 weeks. Their blood pressures were recorded at 0, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after the start of the test period. Thereafter, all rats were anesthetized, and blood was collected from their cardiac apexes. Then, we measured the levels for 15 kinds of serum biochemical parameters. An established orthogonal partial least square-discriminant analysis model completed the metabolomic analysis. Hypertensive rats in the ABE group exhibited well-controlled blood pressure, relative to those in the model group. Specifically, artichoke significantly lowered serum levels for total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), and uric acid (UA) in the hypertensive rats. This effect involved the action of eight metabolites, including guanine, 1-methylnicotinamide, p-aminobenzoic acid, NAD, NADH, uridine 5'-monophosphate, adenosine monophosphate, and methylmalonic acid. Collectively, these findings suggest that ABE may play a role in affecting oxidative stress and purine, nicotinate, and nicotinamide metabolism.

[Relationship between C genotype HBV mutation and intrauterine transmission]

Objective: To analyze the virus genome mutation of mothers with C genotype HBV and explore its relationship with HBV intrauterine transmission. Methods: A total of 399 mothers carrying HBV and their newborns hospitalized in the obstetrics department of the Third People's Hospital of Taiyuan from 2011 to 2013 were selected. Necessary information about mothers and children was obtained through a questionnaire survey and medical records. HBV DNA and HBV serological markers were detected by quantitative fluorescence PCR and electrochemiluminescence. Within 24 hours after birth and before active/passive immunization, those with positive HBsAg and/or HBV DNA in femoral venous blood were determined as HBV intrauterine transmission. According to the requirements of cloning and sequencing, mothers' HBV DNA load should be ≥10⁶ IU/ml. Among 54 cases of HBV intrauterine transmission, 22 pairs of mothers and their newborns meeting the requirements of cloning and sequencing were used as the intrauterine transmission group. The same number of mothers and their newborns without intrauterine transmission was selected as the random seed method's control group. After PCR amplification of HBV DNA, gene cloning, and sequencing, the gene mutation analysis of mothers with C genotype HBV was performed. Results: Among the 44 samples, 39 (88.63%, 39/44) were genotype C, 2 were genotype B, and 3 were mixed genotype B, and C. A total of 406 clone beads from 42 mothers with C genotype HBV were analyzed for gene mutation, including 204 in the intrauterine transmission group and 202 in the control group. The base substitution mutation rate of PreS1, S, C, and P regions in the HBV intrauterine transmission group were significantly lower than those in the control group (χ² ranged from 8.67 to 40.73, P<0.05). The mutation rate of base deletion in PreC and X regions in the HBV intrauterine transmission group was lower than that in the control group (χ² values were 17.82 and 34.78, P<0.001). Two clones in the X region had 31 bp insertion mutations between nt1644 and nt1645, and two clones had 27 bp insertion mutations between nt1649 and nt1650, all of which took place in the control group. Conclusions: The base substitution mutations in the PreS1, S, C, and P segments of the HBV genome in mothers with C genotype HBV were associated with the occurrence of intrauterine transmission of HBV. Deletion mutations in the PreC region, insertion and deletion mutations in the X region may reduce intrauterine transmission risk.

Measurement of Scars Using Structured-Light 3D Scanning in Forensic Practice

Abstract

Objective To validate the accuracy and reliability of structured-light three-dimensional （SL-3D） scanning in measuring the length and area of the regular and irregular scars on body surface and discuss its value in forensic practice. Methods The lengths of 30 cases of simulated linear scars and 50 cases of linear scars after injury were measured using soft ruler, vernier caliper + thin line method, and SL-3D scanning. The areas of 35 cases of simulated patchy scars and 15 cases of patchy scars after injury were measured using length × width, film tracing with coordinate paper method, pixel method, and SL-3D scanning, and then statistically analyzed. Results The differences between the length of the simulated linear scars measured by SL-3D scanning and standard length had no statistical significance. When simulated patchy scars and patchy scars after injury were measured with high surface curvature and large irregular areas, the differences between the results of SL-3D scanning measurement and the standard area had no statistical significance. When the length of 50 cases of linear scars after injury were measured using SL-3D scanning, the correlation coefficient between the measurement results of two different investigators was 0.998, and the correlation coefficient between the two measurement results by the same investigator was 1.000. The correlation coefficient between the results of SL-3D scanning and that of vernier caliper + thin line method was 0.996. Conclusion The three-dimensional information of the scars on the body surface can be acquired using SL-3D scanning. The measurement of the length and area of the scars is not influenced by the location of scars, curvature of surface, and human factors. The measurement results are accurate, reliable and has unique advantages.

[Detection of neuron-specific enolase in patients with subacute 1, 2-dichloroethane poisoning]

Objective: To investigate the changes of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with subacute 1, 2-dichloroethane (DCE) poisoning. Methods: Ten patients with subacute 1, 2-DCE poisoning hospitalized in Guangzhou 12th Municipal People's Hospital from December 2014 to March 2019 were taken as the subacute 1, 2-DCE poisoning group, 34 typical acute toxic encephalopathy patients hospitalized at the same time as typical acute toxic encephalopathy group, 40 healthy physical examinees as normal control group. The levels of serum NSE in patients of subacute 1, 2-DCE poisoning and typical acute toxic encephalopathy group during onset and improvement were detected by chemiluminescence method, and the results were analyzed statistically. The level of NSE in cerebrospinal fluid of subacute 1, 2-DCE poisoning group was detected and analyzed its correlation with the level of NSE in serum. Using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of NSE in subacute 1, 2-DCE poisoning and typical acute toxic encephalopathy (area under curve, AUC) . Results: There was no significant difference between the serum NSE level of the patients with subacute 1, 2-DCE poisoning in the onset group and the normal control group and the improvement group (P>0.05) . The serum NSE level of subacute 1, 2-DCE poisoning in the improvement group was lower than those in the normal control group (P<0.01) . The serum NSE level of the subacute 1, 2-DCE poisoning in the onset group was lower than those in the typical acute toxic encephalopathy in the onset group (P<0.01) . There was no linear correlation between cerebrospinal fluid NSE and serum NSE in patients with subacute 1, 2-DCE poisoning (r=-0.183, P=0.52) . ROC curve showed that the AUC of serum NSE in diagnosing subacute 1, 2-DCE poisoning and typical acute toxic encephalopathy were 0.661 and 0.726, respectively. Conclusion: There is no significant change in serum NSE in patients with subacute 1, 2-DCE poisoning.

[A case of acute osteofascial compartment syndrome caused by rodenticide poisoning]

Acute osteofascial compartment syndrome is a series of symptoms and signs caused by acute ischemia of muscles and nerves in osteofascial compartment. If it is not treated in time, it can lead to tissue necrosis. It is rare that it is caused by rodenticide poisoning. Such patients are often difficult to diagnose and treat early and have poor prognosis. In May 2018, a patient with acute osteofascial compartment syndrome caused by anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning was admitted to the Twelfth Hospital of Guangzhou City. After systematic treatment, he finally recovered and discharged. The early manifestations of this patient were mainly coagulation dysfunction, and finally acute osteofascial compartment syndrome. 5 days later, the diagnosis was made, and the operation of incision decompression and vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) was performed.

[Relationship between mutations of HBV basal core promoter region in HBsAg-positive mothers and intrauterine transmission]

Objective: To analyze the relationship between maternal mutations in basal core promoter region of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype C and intrauterine transmission. Methods: We collected information on general demographic characteristics and process of delivery among 399 pairs of consecutive HBsAg-positive mothers and their neonates, from the Third People's Hospital of Taiyuan in Shanxi province, China. Fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) and Electro-chemiluminescence immuno-assay (ECLIA) kits were used to detect both maternal and neonatal HBV DNA and serological markers in the peripheral blood. From 113 mothers with HBV DNA load ≥10(6) IU/ml, we selected 22 mothers whose neonates were with intrauterine transmission and randomly selected the same number of mothers whose neonates were without intrauterine transmission, as controls. The whole-length HBV DNA were extracted, amplified, cloned, sequenced and genotyped. Finally, a total of 39 mothers with genotype C of HBV were selected for mutation analysis. Results: Thirty-nine cases of genotype C (88.63%) were finally included in the study, with 19 cases in the intrauterine transmission group and 20 cases as controls. Rates of A1762T/G1764A double mutations were significantly different between the intrauterine transmission group and the control group (7.53% vs. 27.72%, P<0.001). Results from the multivariate analysis showed that the A1762T/G1764A double mutations had reduced the risk of intrauterine transmission (aOR=0.065, 95%CI: 0.006-0.746, P=0.028). Maternal A1762T/G1764A double mutations appeared to be possibly associated with neonatal HBeAg (P=0.050). Conclusion: A1762T/G1764A double mutations of HBV DNA from the genotype C of those HBsAg-positive mothers could reduced the risk of HBV intrauterine transmission during pregnancy.

Determination of Strong-Phase Parameters in D→K_{S,L}^{0}π^{+}π^{-}

We report the most precise measurements to date of the strong-phase parameters between D^{0} and D[over ¯]^{0} decays to K_{S,L}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} using a sample of 2.93  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} annihilation data collected at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. Our results provide the key inputs for a binned model-independent determination of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa angle γ/ϕ_{3} with B decays. Using our results, the decay model sensitivity to the γ/ϕ_{3} measurement is expected to be between 0.7° and 1.2°, approximately a factor of three smaller than that achievable with previous measurements, based on the studies of the simulated data. The improved precision of this work ensures that measurements of γ/ϕ_{3} will not be limited by knowledge of strong phases for the next decade. Furthermore, our results provide critical input for other flavor-physics investigations, including charm mixing, other measurements of CP violation, and the measurement of strong-phase parameters for other D-decay modes.

[Investigation on Demodex infections among university students in Kunming City]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of Demodex infection among students in Kunming Medical University, and identify the factors affecting Demodex infections, so as to provide the evidence for the development of the strategy for the prevention of Demodex infections.

METHODS

A total of 1 463 students from Grade 2014 who studied Medical Parasitology in Kunming Medical University were included in the survey. Demodex was examined in students'facial skin using the cellophane tape method, and the species was identified using microscopy. The students'gender, ethnicity, place of origin and skin type were captured using a questionnaire survey.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of Demodex infections was 19.07% (279/1 463) on the facial skin among the university students, and a higher prevalence was seen in girls (21.16%, 183/865) than in boys (16.05%, 96/598) (χ² =5.965,P <0.05).TheprevalenceofDemodex infectionswas18.33%(66/360)amongminorethnicstudents,andnoethnicity-specific prevalence was seen (P > 0.05). Demodex folliculorum was the predominant species, with a prevalence of 50.54% (141/279), and mild infections were predominant among all infections (96.77%, 270/279), without severe infections seen. Multivariate nonconditional logistic regression analysis revealed that gender and roommates with Demodex infections were risk factors of Demodex infections, and the infection was not associated with ethnicity, place of origin or skin type. There were only 2.53% (37/1 463) of the subjects understanding the knowledge pertaining to the prevention and control of Demodex infection.

CONCLUSIONS

A relatively low prevalence of Demodex infection is detected in the facial skin of students from Kunming Medical University, and Demodex infection is associated with gender and roommates with Demodex infections. Health education pertaining to the prevention of Demodex infections is suggested to be intensified among university students.

The genome of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis): A taxonomically isolated species that directs wax ester accumulation in its seeds

Seeds of the desert shrub, jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis), are an abundant, renewable source of liquid wax esters, which are valued additives in cosmetic products and industrial lubricants. Jojoba is relegated to its own taxonomic family, and there is little genetic information available to elucidate its phylogeny. Here, we report the high-quality, 887-Mb genome of jojoba assembled into 26 chromosomes with 23,490 protein-coding genes. The jojoba genome has only the whole-genome triplication (γ) shared among eudicots and no recent duplications. These genomic resources coupled with extensive transcriptome, proteome, and lipidome data helped to define heterogeneous pathways and machinery for lipid synthesis and storage, provided missing evolutionary history information for this taxonomically segregated dioecious plant species, and will support efforts to improve the agronomic properties of jojoba.

Measurement of Proton Electromagnetic Form Factors in e^{+}e^{-}→pp[over ¯] in the Energy Region 2.00-3.08 GeV

The process of e^{+}e^{-}→pp[over ¯] is studied at 22 center-of-mass energy points (sqrt[s]) from 2.00 to 3.08 GeV, exploiting 688.5  pb^{-1} of data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII collider. The Born cross section (σ_{pp[over ¯]}) of e^{+}e^{-}→pp[over ¯] is measured with the energy-scan technique and it is found to be consistent with previously published data, but with much improved accuracy. In addition, the electromagnetic form-factor ratio (|G_{E}/G_{M}|) and the value of the effective (|G_{eff}|), electric (|G_{E}|), and magnetic (|G_{M}|) form factors are measured by studying the helicity angle of the proton at 16 center-of-mass energy points. |G_{E}/G_{M}| and |G_{M}| are determined with high accuracy, providing uncertainties comparable to data in the spacelike region, and |G_{E}| is measured for the first time. We reach unprecedented accuracy, and precision results in the timelike region provide information to improve our understanding of the proton inner structure and to test theoretical models which depend on nonperturbative quantum chromodynamics.

Measurement of the Cross Section for e^{+}e^{-}→Ξ^{-}Ξ[over ¯]^{+} and Observation of an Excited Ξ Baryon

Using a total of 11.0  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data with center-of-mass energies between 4.009 and 4.6 GeV and collected with the BESIII detector at BEPCII, we measure fifteen exclusive cross sections and effective form factors for the process e^{+}e^{-}→Ξ^{-}Ξ[over ¯]^{+} by means of a single baryon-tag method. After performing a fit to the dressed cross section of e^{+}e^{-}→Ξ^{-}Ξ[over ¯]^{+}, no significant ψ(4230) or ψ(4260) resonance is observed in the Ξ^{-}Ξ[over ¯]^{+} final states, and upper limits at the 90% confidence level on Γ_{ee}B for the processes ψ(4230)/ψ(4260)→Ξ^{-}Ξ[over ¯]^{+} are determined. In addition, an excited Ξ baryon at 1820  MeV/c^{2} is observed with a statistical significance of 6.2-6.5σ by including the systematic uncertainty, and the mass and width are measured to be M=(1825.5±4.7±4.7)  MeV/c^{2} and Γ=(17.0±15.0±7.9)  MeV, which confirms the existence of the J^{P}=3/2^{-} state Ξ(1820).

LncRNA NEAT1 affects inflammatory response by targeting miR-129-5p and regulating Notch signaling pathway in epilepsy

It is crucial to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in epileptogenesis. This study aims to investigate the role of lncRNA NEAT1, miR-129-5p and Notch signaling pathway in epilepsy. In this research, temporal lobe tissues were collected from patients with epilepsy and healthy controls. The CTX-TNA cells were treated with IL-1β to establish as epilepsy cell model, which were then manipulated the expression level of NEAT1, miR-129-5p and Notch1 to investigate their roles in the epilepsy progression. The expression levels of RNA and protein in temporal lobe tissues and epilepsy cell model were determined by RT-qPCR, western blotting or ELISA, respectively. MTT assay was utilized to analyze the cell viability. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to explore the interaction relationship between lncRNA NEAT1, miR-129-5p and Notch1. Silencing NEAT1 significantly reduced the expression levels of IL-6, COX-2 and TNF-α in epilepsy cell model. The overexpression of NEAT1 suppressed the expression level of miR-129-5p. Inhibiting miR-129-5p significantly increased the expression of IL-6, COX-2, TNF-α and Notch1. Furthermore, the expression levels of IL-6, COX-2 and TNF-α were increased after overexpressing Notch1 in miR-129-5p mimics-treated cells. The expression levels of Notch1, JAG1, and HES1 were decreased after transfecting with sh-NEAT1. However, compared with sh-NEAT1 group, the expression levels of Notch1, JAG1, HES1, IL-6 and TNF-α were reversed by miR-129-5p inhibition or Notch1 overexpression. The present study verified that lncRNA NEAT1 affected inflammatory response of epilepsy by suppressing miR-129-5p and further regulating Notch signaling pathway in IL-1β-induced epilepsy cell model.Abbreviations: CNS: Central nervous system; lncRNAs: Long noncoding RNAs; NEAT1: Nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1; miRNAs: MicroRNAs; ATCC: American Type Culture Collection; DMEM: Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium; FBS: Fetal bovine serum; ELISA: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; RT-qPCR: Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction; SD: Standard deviation; ANOVA: Analysis of variance; LPS: Ligand lipopolysaccharide; GLO1: Glyoxalase I.

Observation of the Semileptonic D^{+} Decay into the K[over ¯]_{1}(1270)^{0} Axial-Vector Meson

By analyzing a 2.93  fb^{-1} data sample of e^{+}e^{-} collisions, recorded at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector operated at the BEPCII collider, we report the first observation of the semileptonic D^{+} transition into the axial-vector meson D^{+}→K[over ¯]_{1}(1270)^{0}e^{+}ν_{e} with a statistical significance greater than 10σ. Its decay branching fraction is determined to be B[D^{+}→K[over ¯]_{1}(1270)^{0}e^{+}ν_{e}]=(2.30±0.26_{-0.21}^{+0.18}±0.25)×10^{-3}, where the first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively, and the third originates from the input branching fraction of K[over ¯]_{1}(1270)^{0}→K^{-}π^{+}π^{0}.

[Analysis of 18 cases of toxic encephalopathy caused by occupational acute 1, 2-dichloroethane poisoning]

Retrospective analysis of 18 cases of occupational acute 1, 2-dichloroethane (1, 2-DCE) poisoning. The results showed that all patients have the main manifestations such as dizziness, headache, unresponsiveness and other symptoms of nervous system damage; Brain CT showed varying degrees of diffuse white matter lesions. Brain MRI showed extensive involvement of white matter in both cerebral hemispheres. Affected white matter area presented low intensity on T1WI, hyperintensity on T2WI and T2-Flair; Lumbar puncture examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure (262.5±48.39) mm H(2)O; After treatment, the required time for CSF pressure to restore was (161.56±75.27) days (50-280) days. Summary, Occupational acute 1, 2-DCE poisoning caused by toxic encephalopathy can be manifested as persistent abnormalities in CSF pressure, and the CSF pressure drops slowly during treatment; Early head CT and lumbar puncture examination will be helpful for early detection of intracranial pressure in toxic encephalopathy caused by acute 1, 2-DCE poisoning. Dynamic monitoring of CSF provides guidance for acute 1, 2-DCE poisoning with a long time of treatment and various types of dehydrating agents.

Observation of the Leptonic Decay D^{+}→τ^{+}ν_{τ}

We report the first observation of D^{+}→τ^{+}ν_{τ} with a significance of 5.1σ. We measure B(D^{+}→τ^{+}ν_{τ})=(1.20±0.24_{stat}±0.12_{syst})×10^{-3}. Taking the world average B(D^{+}→μ^{+}ν_{μ})=(3.74±0.17)×10^{-4}, we obtain R_{τ/μ}=Γ(D^{+}→τ^{+}ν_{τ})/Γ(D^{+}→μ^{+}ν_{μ})=3.21±0.64_{stat}±0.43_{syst}., which is consistent with the standard model expectation of lepton flavor universality. Using external inputs, our results give values for the D^{+} decay constant f_{D^{+}} and the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V_{cd}| that are consistent with, but less precise than, other determinations.

Complete Measurement of the Λ Electromagnetic Form Factors

The exclusive process e^{+}e^{-}→ΛΛ[over ¯], with Λ→pπ^{-} and Λ[over ¯]→p[over ¯]π^{+}, has been studied at sqrt[s]=2.396  GeV for measurement of the timelike Λ electric and magnetic form factors, G_{E} and G_{M}. A data sample, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 66.9  pb^{-1}, was collected with the BESIII detector for this purpose. A multidimensional analysis with a complete decomposition of the spin structure of the reaction enables a determination of the modulus of the ratio R=|G_{E}/G_{M}| and, for the first time for any baryon, the relative phase ΔΦ=Φ_{E}-Φ_{M}. The resulting values are R=0.96±0.14(stat)±0.02(syst) and ΔΦ=37°±12°(stat)±6°(syst), respectively. These are obtained using the recently established and most precise value of the asymmetry parameter α_{Λ}=0.750±0.010 measured by BESIII. In addition, the cross section is measured with unprecedented precision to be σ=118.7±5.3(stat)±5.1(syst)  pb, which corresponds to an effective form factor of |G|=0.123±0.003(stat)±0.003(syst). The contribution from two-photon exchange is found to be negligible. Our result enables the first complete determination of baryon timelike electromagnetic form factors.

Amplitude Analysis of D_{s}^{+}→π^{+}π^{0}η and First Observation of the W-Annihilation Dominant Decays D_{s}^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{+}π^{0} and D_{s}^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{0}π^{+}

We present the first amplitude analysis of the decay D_{s}^{+}→π^{+}π^{0}η. We use an e^{+}e^{-} collision data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.19  fb^{-1} collected with the BESIII detector at a center-of-mass energy of 4.178 GeV. We observe for the first time the W-annihilation dominant decays D_{s}^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{+}π^{0} and D_{s}^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{0}π^{+}. We measure the absolute branching fraction B(D_{s}^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{+(0)}π^{0^{(}+)},a_{0}(980)^{+(0)}→π^{+(0)}η)=(1.46±0.15_{stat}±0.23_{sys})%, which is larger than the branching fractions of other measured pure W-annihilation decays by at least one order of magnitude. In addition, we measure the branching fraction of D_{s}^{+}→π^{+}π^{0}η with significantly improved precision.

Ab initio determination of atomic structure of Zn-Zr precipitates in a Mg-Nd-Zn-Zr alloy

The atomic structure of nanometre-sized Zn-Zr precipitates in a Mg alloy is determined by combining tilt series of micro-beam electron diffraction with atomic resolution Z-contrast imaging. The stoichiometry of the Zn-Zr precipitates is Zn₂Zr₃ with a primitive tetragonal structure (space group P4₂/mnm, a = b = 0.761 nm, c = 0.682 nm). There are 20 atoms in the unit cell of tetragonal Zn₂Zr₃, comprising 12 Zr atoms at the 4d, 4f, 4g positions and eight Zn atoms at the 8j positions.

Study of e^{+}e^{-}→γωJ/ψ and Observation of X(3872)→ωJ/ψ

We study the e^{+}e^{-}→γωJ/ψ process using 11.6  fb^{-1} e^{+}e^{-} annihilation data taken at center-of-mass energies from sqrt[s]=4.008  GeV to 4.600 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring. The X(3872) resonance is observed for the first time in the ωJ/ψ system with a significance of more than 5σ. The relative decay ratio of X(3872)→ωJ/ψ and π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ is measured to be R=1.6_{-0.3}^{+0.4}±0.2, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic (the same hereafter). The sqrt[s]-dependent cross section of e^{+}e^{-}→γX(3872) is also measured and investigated, and it can be described by a single Breit-Wigner resonance, referred to as the Y(4200), with a mass of 4200.6_{-13.3}^{+7.9}±3.0  MeV/c^{2} and a width of 115_{-26}^{+38}±12  MeV. In addition, to describe the ωJ/ψ mass distribution above 3.9  GeV/c^{2}, we need at least one additional Breit-Wigner resonance, labeled as X(3915), in the fit. The mass and width of the X(3915) are determined. The resonant parameters of the X(3915) agree with those of the Y(3940) in B→KωJ/ψ and of the X(3915) in γγ→ωJ/ψ observed by the Belle and BABAR experiments within errors.

Observation of the Decay X(3872)→π^{0}χ_{c1}(1P)

Using a total of 9.0  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data with center-of-mass energies between 4.15 and 4.30 GeV collected by the BESIII detector, we search for the processes e^{+}e^{-}→γX(3872) with X(3872)→π^{0}χ_{cJ} for J=0, 1, 2. We report the first observation of X(3872)→π^{0}χ_{c1}, a new decay mode of the X(3872), with a statistical significance of more than 5σ for all systematic fit variations. Normalizing to the previously established process e^{+}e^{-}→γX(3872) with X(3872)→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ, we find B(X(3872)→π^{0}χ_{c1})/B(X(3872)→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ)=0.88_{-0.27}^{+0.33}±0.10, where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic. We set 90% confidence level upper limits on the corresponding ratios for the decays to π^{0}χ_{c0} and π^{0}χ_{c2} of 19 and 1.1, respectively.

Precision Measurement of the Branching Fractions of η^{'} Decays

Based on a sample of (1310.6±7.0)×10^{6}J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, we present measurements of J/ψ and η^{'} absolute branching fractions using the process J/ψ→γη^{'}. By analyzing events where the radiative photon converts into an e^{+}e^{-} pair, the branching fraction for J/ψ→γη^{'} is measured to be (5.27±0.03±0.05)×10^{-3}. The absolute branching fractions of the five dominant decay channels of the η^{'} are then measured for the first time and are determined to be B(η^{'}→γπ^{+}π^{-})=(29.90±0.03±0.55)%, B(η^{'}→ηπ^{+}π^{-})=(41.24±0.08±1.24)%, B(η^{'}→ηπ^{0}π^{0})=(21.36±0.10±0.92)%, B(η^{'}→γω)=(2.489±0.018±0.074)%, and B(η^{'}→γγ)=(2.331±0.012±0.035)%, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic.

Multi-outcome homodyne detection in a coherent-state light interferometer

The Cramér-Rao bound plays a central role in both classical and quantum parameter estimation, but finding the observable and the resulting inversion estimator that saturates this bound remains an open issue for general multi-outcome measurements. Here we consider multi-outcome homodyne detection in a coherent-light Mach-Zehnder interferometer and construct a family of inversion estimators that almost saturate the Cramér-Rao bound over the whole range of phase interval. This provides a clue on constructing optimal inversion estimators for phase estimation and other parameter estimation in any multi-outcome measurement.

Measurement of the Dynamics of the Decays D_{s}^{+}→η^{(')}e^{+}ν_{e}

Using e^{+}e^{-} annihilation data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.19  fb^{-1} collected at a center-of-mass energy of 4.178 GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the absolute branching fractions B_{D_{s}^{+}→ηe^{+}ν_{e}}=(2.323±0.063_{stat}±0.063_{syst})% and B_{D_{s}^{+}→η^{'}e^{+}ν_{e}}=(0.824±0.073_{stat}±0.027_{syst})% via a tagged analysis technique, where one D_{s} is fully reconstructed in a hadronic mode. Combining these measurements with previous BESIII measurements of B_{D^{+}→η^{(')}e^{+}ν_{e}}, the η-η^{'} mixing angle in the quark flavor basis is determined to be ϕ_{P}=(40.1±2.1_{stat}±0.7_{syst})°. From the first measurements of the dynamics of D_{s}^{+}→η^{(')}e^{+}ν_{e} decays, the products of the hadronic form factors f_{+}^{η^{(')}}(0) and the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V_{cs}| are determined with different form factor parametrizations. For the two-parameter series expansion, the results are f_{+}^{η}(0)|V_{cs}|=0.4455±0.0053_{stat}±0.0044_{syst} and f_{+}^{η^{'}}(0)|V_{cs}|=0.477±0.049_{stat}±0.011_{syst}.

[Influencing factors for non/low-response to hepatitis-B vaccine in infants of HBsAg positive mothers]

Objective: To investigate the influencing factors for non/low-response to hepatitis B vaccine in infants of HBsAg-positive mothers. Methods: A total of 286 HBsAg-positive pregnant women and their infants were recruited from the Third People's Hospital of Taiyuan during July 2011 to January 2013. The infants were immunized with hepatitis B vaccine according to the 0-1-6 month vaccination schedule and followed up for 12 months. The serum HBV DNA level of mothers, neonates and infants were detected by electro chemilum inescence immunoassay kits and fluorescene quantiative polymerase chain rection. Results: Among 286 infants, the rate of non/low-response to hepatitis B vaccine was 18.53% (53/286). Non-conditional logistic regression analysis indicated that the mother's HBV DNA level ≥1×10(7) copies/ml (OR=2.592, 95%CI: 1.121-5.996) and natural birth (OR=1.932, 95%CI: 1.021-3.654) were the risk factors for non/low-response to hepatitis B vaccine, the risks were 2.592 times and 1.932 times higher compared with the infants whose mothers were HBV DNA negative and the infants whose mothers had cesarean delivery. There was no multiplicative or additive interaction between high HBV DNA load and natural birth (OR=1.055, 95%CI: 0.209-5.321), (RERI=1.617, 95%CI: -4.038-7.272; AP=0.364, 95%CI: -0.527-1.225; SI=1.195, 95%CI: 0.270-13.135). After stratified analysis of mother's HBV DNA level, delivery mode of mothers was not associated with non/low-response of their infants. Conclusion: The mother's load of HBV DNA≥1×10(7) copies/ml might be the factor for non/low-response to hepatitis B vaccine in infants of HBsAg positive mothers.

First Measurement of the Form Factors in D_{s}^{+}→K^{0}e^{+}ν_{e} and D_{s}^{+}→K^{*0}e^{+}ν_{e} Decays

We report on new measurements of Cabibbo-suppressed semileptonic D_{s}^{+} decays using 3.19  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} annihilation data sample collected at a center-of-mass energy of 4.178 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. Our results include branching fractions B(D_{s}^{+}→K^{0}e^{+}ν_{e})=[3.25±0.38(stat)±0.16(syst)]×10^{-3} and B(D_{s}^{+}→K^{*0}e^{+}ν_{e})=[2.37±0.26(stat)±0.20(syst)]×10^{-3}, which are much improved relative to previous measurements, and the first measurements of the hadronic form-factor parameters for these decays. For D_{s}^{+}→K^{0}e^{+}ν_{e}, we obtain f_{+}(0)=0.720±0.084(stat)±0.013(syst), and for D_{s}^{+}→K^{*0}e^{+}ν_{e}, we find form-factor ratios r_{V}=V(0)/A_{1}(0)=1.67±0.34(stat)±0.16(syst) and r_{2}=A_{2}(0)/A_{1}(0)=0.77±0.28(stat)±0.07(syst).

Observation of D^{+}→f_{0}(500)e^{+}ν_{e} and Improved Measurements of D→ρe^{+}ν_{e}

Using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93  fb^{-1} recorded by the BESIII detector at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV, we present an analysis of the decays D^{0}→π^{-}π^{0}e^{+}ν_{e} and D^{+}→π^{-}π^{+}e^{+}ν_{e}. By performing a partial wave analysis, the π^{+}π^{-} S-wave contribution to D^{+}→π^{-}π^{+}e^{+}ν_{e} is observed to be (25.7±1.6±1.1)% with a statistical significance greater than 10σ, besides the dominant P-wave contribution. This is the first observation of the S-wave contribution. We measure the branching fractions B(D^{0}→ρ^{-}e^{+}ν_{e})=(1.445±0.058±0.039)×10^{-3}, B(D^{+}→ρ^{0}e^{+}ν_{e})=(1.860±0.070±0.061)×10^{-3}, and B(D^{+}→f_{0}(500)e^{+}ν_{e},f_{0}(500)→π^{+}π^{-})=(6.30±0.43±0.32)×10^{-4}. An upper limit of B(D^{+}→f_{0}(980)e^{+}ν_{e},f_{0}(980)→π^{+}π^{-})<2.8×10^{-5} is set at the 90% confidence level. We also obtain the hadronic form factor ratios of D→ρe^{+}ν_{e} at q^{2}=0 assuming the single-pole dominance parametrization: r_{V}={[V(0)]/[A_{1}(0)]}=1.695±0.083±0.051, r_{2}={[A_{2}(0)]/[A_{1}(0)]}=0.845±0.056±0.039.

Study of the D^{0}→K^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ} Dynamics and Test of Lepton Flavor Universality with D^{0}→K^{-}ℓ^{+}ν_{ℓ} Decays

Using e^{+}e^{-} annihilation data of 2.93  fb^{-1} collected at center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=3.773  GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the absolute branching fraction of D^{0}→K^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ} with significantly improved precision: B_{D^{0}→K^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ}}=(3.413±0.019_{stat}±0.035_{syst})%. Combining with our previous measurement of B_{D^{0}→K^{-}e^{+}ν_{e}}, the ratio of the two branching fractions is determined to be B_{D^{0}→K^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ}}/B_{D^{0}→K^{-}e^{+}ν_{e}}=0.974±0.007_{stat}±0.012_{syst}, which agrees with the theoretical expectation of lepton flavor universality within the uncertainty. A study of the ratio of the two branching fractions in different four-momentum transfer regions is also performed, and no evidence for lepton flavor universality violation is found with current statistics. Taking inputs from global fit in the standard model and lattice quantum chromodynamics separately, we determine f_{+}^{K}(0)=0.7327±0.0039_{stat}±0.0030_{syst} and |V_{cs}|=0.955±0.005_{stat}±0.004_{syst}±0.024_{LQCD}.

[Relationship between the HBsAg-positive infection status of mothers and the non/low-response to hepatitis B vaccine of their infants]

Objective: To explore the relationship between the status of HBsAg-positive infection of mothers and the non/low-response to hepatitis B vaccine of their infants. Methods: A total of 225 pairs of mothers and their infants were recruited in our cohort from June 2011 to July 2013. Infants were given three doses of hepatitis B vaccine at hour 24, first month and month 6(t)h respectively and were followed up for one year after birth. HBV serological markers and HBV DNA in the peripheral blood of both mothers and infants were detected by Electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay and fluorescence quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction. Results: Six HBV infection models were detected in HBsAg-positive mothers, and "HBsAg (+), HBeAg (+), anti-HBc (+)" (model one) and "HBsAg (+), anti-HBe (+), anti-HBc (+)" (model two) accounted for 92.5%(208/225) of all the models. Rate of non/low-response to hepatitis B vaccine in infants born to mothers in model one was lower than those in model two, the differences are statistically significant (χ(2)=4.80, P=0.029). The rate of non/low-response to hepatitis B vaccine in infants showed a downward trend with the rising of HBeAg level in their mothers (χ(2)=4.86, P=0.028). Results from the unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that the HBeAg of the HBsAg-positive mothers was significantly correlated with the low risk of non/low-response to hepatitis B vaccine in infants (OR=0.598, 95%CI: 0.378-0.947). The positive rate of serum HBV DNA in HBsAg-positive mothers was 54.2%, while the rate of non/low-response to hepatitis B vaccine in infants born to HBV DNA positive mothers was similar to those infants born to HBV DNA negative mothers (χ(2)=0.22, P=0.640). Conclusions: "HBsAg (+), HBeAg (+), anti-HBc (+)" and "HBsAg (+), anti-HBe(+), anti-HBc (+)" were the common models seen in HBsAg-positive mothers, and the rate of non/low-response to hepatitis B vaccine was different between the two models. HBeAg of HBsAg-positive mothers might have positive effects on the immune response to hepatitis B vaccine in infants but the mechanisms remained not clear. HBV DNA of the HBsAg-positive mothers did not seem to be correlated with the immune response to hepatitis B vaccine in infants.

Observation of the Semileptonic Decay D^{0}→a_{0}(980)^{-}e^{+}ν_{e} and Evidence for D^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{0}e^{+}ν_{e}

Using an e^{+}e^{-} collision data sample of 2.93  fb^{-1} collected at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV by the BESIII detector at BEPCII, we report the observation of D^{0}→a_{0}(980)^{-}e^{+}ν_{e} and evidence for D^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{0}e^{+}ν_{e} with significances of 6.4σ and 2.9σ, respectively. The absolute branching fractions are determined to be B(D^{0}→a_{0}(980)^{-}e^{+}ν_{e})×B(a_{0}(980)^{-}→ηπ^{-})=[1.33_{-0.29}^{+0.33}(stat)±0.09(syst)]×10^{-4} and B(D^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{0}e^{+}ν_{e})×B(a_{0}(980)^{0}→ηπ^{0})=[1.66_{-0.66}^{+0.81}(stat)±0.11(syst)]×10^{-4}. This is the first time the a_{0}(980) meson has been measured in a D^{0} semileptonic decay, which would open one more interesting page in the investigation of the nature of the puzzling a_{0}(980) states.

Non-Dirac Chern insulators with large band gaps and spin-polarized edge states

Based on first-principles calculations and k·p models, we demonstrate that PbC/MnSe heterostructures are a non-Dirac type of Chern insulator with very large band gaps (244 meV) and exotically half-metallic edge states, providing the possibilities of realizing very robust, completely spin polarized, and dissipationless spintronic devices from the heterostructures. The achieved extraordinarily large nontrivial band gap can be ascribed to the contribution of the non-Dirac type electrons (composed of px and py) and the very strong atomic spin-orbit coupling (SOC) interaction of the heavy Pb element in the system. Surprisingly, the band structures are found to be sensitive to the different exchange and correlation functionals adopted in the first-principles calculations. Chern insulators with various mechanisms are acquired from them. These discoveries show that the predicted nontrivial topology in PbC/MnSe heterostructures is robust and can be observed in experiments at high temperatures. The system has great potential to have attractive applications in future spintronics.

Comparative study of methotrexate and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

In this study, a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model was established to simulate rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using two intradermal injections of bovine type II collagen and Freund’s complete adjuvant mixture given at two-week intervals. Subsequently, the transplantation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) was used to treat RA and the treatment efficacy, as well as the possible regulatory mechanism underlying hUC-MSC transplantation, was observed. During the study, forty rats were randomly divided into four groups and their blood samples were collected at different time points to measure levels of serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). Based on the symptoms and pathological features of the rats, a total success rate of 83% was achieved by the treatment. Furthermore, the improvement of joint symptoms was more obvious when methotrexate and MSC transplantation were used. In summary, it was concluded that MSC transplantation relieved the symptoms of arthritis by down-regulating the expression of COMP on the synovial membrane and in the serum of CIA rats.

[Relationship between HBeAg from HBsAg positive mothers and regulatory T cells in neonates and its influence on HBV intrauterine transmission]

Objective: To explore the relationship between HBeAg in HBsAg positive mothers and CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+)Foxp3(+)regulatory T cells (Treg) in newborns, as well as how they would influence the increasing risk on HBV intrauterine transmission. Methods: We collected information on general demographic characteristics and delivery on 270 HBsAg positive mothers and their newborns from the Third People's Hospital of Taiyuan. Fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) and chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) were used to detect HBV DNA and HBV serological markers in peripheral blood from both mothers and neonates. The expression of Treg and other immune cells in peripheral blood of neonates were detected with flow cytometry (FCM). Results: Maternal HBeAg positive rates were associated with an increased risk of intrauterine transmission (OR=4.08, 95%CI: 1.89-8.82). Rates of Treg in newborns born to HBsAg-positive mothers were higher than that of the negative group (Z=2.29, P=0.022). Each pair of the subjects was assigned to five different groups according to the HBeAg titers of mothers. Frequencies of both Treg and HBeAg in newborns and HBV DNA in mothers between the above said 5 groups showed similar trends of changing patterns and the differences between groups were statistically significant(χ(2)=18.73, P<0.001; χ(2)=181.60, P<0.001; χ(2)=183.09, P<0.001). Results from partial correlation analysis showed that after adjusting for neonatal HBeAg and maternal HBV DNA, mother's HBeAg titers were positively related to the percentage of Treg in their newborns (r(s)=0.19, P=0.039). In addition, the frequencies of Treg were negatively correlated with pDC and CD(4)(+) T cell in their newborns (r(s)=-0.21, P=0.017; r(s)=-0.23, P=0.009). Conclusion: HBeAg from HBsAg positive mothers might have inhibited the function of neonatal DC cells and T cells to reduce the immune response to HBV by up-regulating the proportion of Treg and finally increased the risk of HBV intrauterine transmission.

Younger age at surgery and lesser seizure frequency as prognostic factors for favorable seizure-related outcome after glioma resection in adults

The identification of variables predictive of good seizure control following surgical tumor resection in adult glioma patients with tumor-related epilepsy would greatly benefit treatment decisions. Therefore, we analyzed the clinical data of adult patients with tumor-related epilepsy who underwent tumor resection at our institute between November 2011 and August 2013. Patients were divided into seizure-free (Engel Ia) and unfavorable outcome groups (Engel Ib-IV), and potential prognostic factors were analyzed. Of 90 patients, 61 (68%) had a favorable outcome at an average of 3 years after surgery. Our analyses indicated that younger age at surgery (P=0.048) and rare seizure frequency (P=0.006) were associated with significantly more favorable postoperative seizure-related outcomes. In conclusion, younger age at surgery and lesser seizure frequency were independent predictors of favorable epileptic seizure control after glioma resection in adults. Thus, early surgical resection is necessary for achieving favorable seizure outcome.

The molecular classification of astrocytic tumors

Aim

This study will explore the genetic and epigenetic alterations in astrocytomas, and identify the critical molecular signatures and signaling pathways for prognosis assessment by multiplatform comprehensive analysis.

Method

We performed integration analyses of incorporating DNA methylation, mRNA expression, microRNA expression, and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression in 33 astrocytic tumor tissues and 9 non-tumor brain tissues.

Result

We observed that 11,795 DNA methylation sites, 3,627 genes, 136 microRNAs, and 3,334 lncRNAs were significantly differential between tumors and non-tumor brain tissues, and the filtered signatures through comprehensive analysis were significantly enriched in calcium signaling pathway. Furthermore, four signatures involved in calcium signaling pathway and age could contribute to predicting the patients’ overall survival. Additionally, we identified differentially expressed signatures between IDH-mutated and IDH wild-type astrocytic tumors, and complement and coagulation cascades pathway was the most significant pathway in functional enrichment analysis using multiplatform data. The IDH wild-type astrocytomas were divided into two subtypes by Cluster of Cluster (CoC) analysis, one of which was enriched for astrocytomas overexpressed in chemokine signaling pathway.

Conclusion

The calcium signaling pathway played a key role in astrocytoma tumorigenesis and prognosis. IDH mutation was a vital biomarker, and resulted in the change of expression level in complement and coagulation cascades pathway. The chemokine signaling pathway could characterize subtypes of IDH wild-type astrocytomas.

[Registration and review of Chinese patent drugs in Kunming and the compilation and revision of the Recipe Directory of 81 Kinds of Chinese Patent Medicines in Kunming]

The Recipe Directory of 81 Kinds of ChinesePatent Medicines Examined To Be Qualified by The Health Bureau of Kunming Municipal People's Government, or Recipe Directory of 81 Kinds of Chinese Patent Medicines for short, was published in March 1954 by the Pharmaceutical Industry Association of Kunming Federation of Industry and Commerce. The background of the compilation of the book was that theold Catalogue of Kunming Prescriptions (1939) was still used after 1949 in all the medicinal shops in Kunming which was in short of preparation, usage, etc., resulting in the confusion with the introduction to Chinese patent medicine and a few manufacturers' cut corners.Since April 1952, the Kunming City Health Bureau of the People's Government had carried out drug registration and review, with a total of 292 kinds of patent Chinese medicine qualified. The common and old unified prescriptions were compiled as the Recipe Directory of 81 Kinds of Chinese Patent Medicines, making some changes, unification and compression, and supplemented with those missing in the original book. Recipe Directory of 81 Kinds of Chinese Patent Medicines has standardized the production and sales, established the basis for inspection, and was convenient for application. There was also biases in this later book, such as excessive compression, etc.

[Effect of telbivudine on infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers with non-/hypo-response to hepatitis B vaccine during their second and third trimesters of pregnancy]

Objective: To explore the effect of telbivudine treatment in a prevention program on infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers with non-/hypo-responsiveness to hepatitis B vaccine. Methods: A retrospective cohort study with a total of 321 HBsAg-positive pregnant women and their infants enrolled, was conducted. The mothers were recruited from the Third People' s Hospital of Taiyuan, from July 2011 to January 2013. According to the situation of telbivudine intake in second and third trimesters of pregnancy, the participants were divided into two groups: with telbivudine-treated or as control. The neonates were followed up till the age of 12 months. Maternal, neonatal and infantile HBV-M together with HBV DNA in serum were measured using the electro-chemiluminescence immuno-assay (ECLIA) kits and fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) assay, respectively. Results: The rate of non-/hypo-response was 17.99%. After adjusting the potential confounding factors, the telbivudine treatment on HBsAg-positive mothers in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy seemed as the protective factor for non-/hypo-response to hepatitis B vaccine in infants (aRR=0.119, 95% CI: 0.014-0.974). Levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 in telbivudine-treated group were higher than those in the controls (aRR=8.684, 95%CI: 1.977-38.140; aRR=5.330, 95% CI: 1.278-22.236). When the serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 in neonatal peripheral blood were higher than 228.47 pg/ml and 174.05 pg/ml respectively, the infants were less likely to be non-/hypo-responsive to the hepatitis B vaccine (aRR=0.300, 95%CI: 0.105-0.857) (aRR= 0.104, 95% CI: 0.030-0.354). Conclusion: Telbivudine treatment provided for the HBsAg-positive mothers in second and third trimesters of pregnancy were less likely to develop non-/low-responsive to hepatitis B vaccine in infants since IFN-γ and IL-10 might have played a vital role in this process.

[The compilation, characteristic and value of Kun ming fang mu (Catalogue of Formulary in Kunming)]

Kun ming fang mu (Catalogue of Formulary in Kunming) collected and compiled by the Kunming Medicinal Materials Industry Association in 1939, was first seen in the archives of the Republic of China. All the collected Chinese proprietary medicines were tested by the Yunnan Health Laboratory Office as qualified, and served as a standard for manufacturing products at drugstores of traditional Chinese medicine in Kunming in Republic of China. The book was divided into 14 categories with a total of 82 kinds of proprietary medicines, including their name, composition and quantity. Its classical preparation method, concise name, especially the shown quantities used demonstrated its rather high historical value. Kun ming fang mu has inherited and standardized the ancient prescription and the traditional preparation method, preserved the intangible cultural heritage of traditional Chinese medicine, therefore, it was an important book carried on the past heritage and opened up the future in the history of modern Kunming pharmacy.

Cloning of three genes involved in the flavonoid metabolic pathway and their expression during insect resistance in Pinus massoniana Lamb

Pinus massoniana Lamb. is an important timber and turpentine-producing tree species in China. Dendrolimus punctatus and Dasychira axutha are leaf-eating pests that have harmful effects on P. massoniana production. Few studies have focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying pest resistance in P. massoniana. Based on sequencing analysis of the transcriptomes of insect-resistant P. massoniana, three key genes involved in the flavonoid metabolic pathway were identified in the present study (PmF3H, PmF3'5'H, and PmC4H). Structural domain analysis showed that the PmF3H gene contains typical binding sites for the 2OG-Fe (II) oxygenase superfamily, while PmF3'5'H and PmC4H both contain the cytochrome P450 structural domain, which is specific for P450 enzymes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that each of the three P. massoniana genes, and the homologous genes in gymnosperms, clustered into a group. Expression of these three genes was highest in the stems, and was higher in the insect-resistant P. massoniana varieties than in the controls. The extent of the increased expression in the insect-resistant P. massoniana varieties indicated that these three genes are involved in defense mechanisms against pests in this species. In the insect-resistant varieties, rapid induction of PmF3H increased the levels of PmF3'5'H and PmC4H expression. The enhanced anti-pest capability of the insect-resistant varieties could be related to temperature and humidity. In addition, these results suggest that these three genes maycontribute to the change in flower color during female cone development.

Molecular cloning, genomic organization, chromosome mapping, tissues expression pattern and identification of a novel splicing variant of porcine CIDEb gene

Cell death-inducing DNA fragmentation factor-α-like effector b (CIDEb) is a member of the CIDE family of apoptosis-inducing factors, CIDEa and CIDEc have been reported to be Lipid droplets (LDs)-associated proteins that promote atypical LD fusion in adipocytes, and responsible for liver steatosis under fasting and obese conditions, whereas CIDEb promotes lipid storage under normal diet conditions [1], and promotes the formation of triacylglyceride-enriched VLDL particles in hepatocytes [2]. Here, we report the gene cloning, chromosome mapping, tissue distribution, genetic expression analysis, and identification of a novel splicing variant of the porcine CIDEb gene. Sequence analysis shows that the open reading frame of the normal porcine CIDEb isoform covers 660bp and encodes a 219-amino acid polypeptide, whereas its alternative splicing variant encodes a 142-amino acid polypeptide truncated at the fourth exon and comprised of the CIDE-N domain and part of the CIDE-C domain. The deduced amino acid sequence of normal porcine CIDEb shows an 85.8% similarity to the human protein and 80.0% to the mouse protein. The CIDEb genomic sequence spans approximately 6KB comprised of five exons and four introns. Radiation hybrid mapping demonstrated that porcine CIDEb is located at chromosome 7q21 and at a distance of 57cR from the most significantly linked marker, S0334, regions that are syntenic with the corresponding region in the human genome. Tissue expression analysis indicated that normal CIDEb mRNA is ubiquitously expressed in many porcine tissues. It was highly expressed in white adipose tissue and was observed at relatively high levels in the liver, lung, small intestine, lymphatic tissue and brain. The normal version of CIDEb was the predominant form in all tested tissues, whereas the splicing variant was expressed at low levels in all examined tissues except the lymphatic tissue. Furthermore, genetic expression analysis indicated that CIDEb mRNA levels were significantly higher in the white adipose tissue of lean pigs than their obese counterparts, in contrast to porcine CIDEa and CIDEc [3]. We therefore speculate that CIDEb may play a contrary role to the other CIDEs. The basic molecular information we provide here will be useful for further investigations of the physiological function of the gene, which will be helpful in better understanding the role of the CIDE family in lipid metabolism in pig models.

A genome-wide association study of growth trait-related single nucleotide polymorphisms in Chinese Yancheng chickens

Chicken (Gallus gallus) growth traits are important economic traits, and many studies have been conducted on genetic selection for body weight. However, most of these studies have detected functional chromosome mutations or regions by conventional molecular markers or gene chips. In this study, we performed a new genome-wide association study using specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technology in purebred Yancheng chickens. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were significantly associated with phenotypic traits were identified by GAPIT-compressed mixed linear models. Eighteen SNP markers reached 5% Bonferroni genome-wide significance. A region spanning 72.3 to 82.1 Mb on GGA4 had a strong influence on growth traits. Four genes (FAM184B, KCNIP4, MIR15A, and GLI3) were closely associated with body weight. Some SNPs were coincident with previously reported quantitative trait locus regions. Our results would promote the researches of Chinese chickens and accelerate the utilization of Chinese chicken, specially Yancheng chicken.

Correlation between natriuretic peptide receptor C (NPR3) gene polymorphisms and hypertension in the Dai people of China

Hypertension affects one-fifth of the world population. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that correlated with hyper-tension in large samples. However, the genetic mutations leading to hypertension might differ among various populations, as they have different origins and are subjected to different environmental pressures. Therefore, additional studies are urgently needed to verify the GWAS findings across different populations. This study focused on the natriuretic peptide receptor C gene (NPR3), one of the hypertension-positive genes identified in a GWAS of an East Asian population. The correlation analysis between NPR3 and hypertension was replicated in 450 Chinese Dai (235 patients vs 215 controls) and 484 Chinese Mongolian (211 patients vs 273 controls) individuals. The positive SNP identified by GWAS analysis and three other tag SNPs representing the NPR3 linkage disequilibrium (LD) block regions were selected for genotyping. The results revealed that the rs1173766 polymorphism was associated with the occurrence of hypertension (χ(2) = 6.87, P = 0.0088), and that the T allele should be protective in the Dai ethnic group. Consider-ing a close LD block at the 3' end of the NPR3 gene in the East Asian population, we speculate that there might be a mutation in the last five exons or the 3' untranslated region of NPR3 that could change the structure or expression of the NPR3 gene. However, in the Mongolian ethnic group, these SNPs were not associated with the incidence of hypertension, suggesting population heterogeneity for the genetic factors that contribute to hypertension.