Composite formation of whey protein isolate and OSA starch for fabricating high internal phase emulsion: A comparative study at different pH and their application in biscuits

The composites formed by whey protein isolate (WPI) and octenyl succinate anhydride (OSA)-modified starch were characterized with a focus on the effect of pH, and their potential in fabricating high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) as fat substitutes was evaluated. The particles obtained at pH 3.0, 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0 presented a nanosized distribution (122.04 ± 0.84 nm-163.24 ± 4.12 nm) while those prepared at pH 4.0 and 5.0 were remarkably larger. Results from the shielding agent reaction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) showed that the interaction between WPI and OSA starch was mainly hydrophobic at pH 3.0-5.0, while there was a strong electrostatic repulsion at pH 6.0-8.0. A quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) study showed that remarkably higher ΔD and lower Δf/n were observed at pH 3.0-5.0 after successive deposition of WPI and OSA starch, whereas slight changes were noted for those made at higher pH values. The WPI-OSA starch (W-O) composite-based HIPEs made at pH 3.0 and 6.0-8.0 were physically stable after long-term storage, thermal treatment, or centrifugation. Incorporation of HIPE into the biscuit formula yielded products with a desirable sensory quality.

[Genetic diagnosis of microcephaly]

Objective: To explore the diagnostic value of chromosome karyotype analysis, chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and whole exome sequencing (WES) in microcephaly. Methods: A total of 9 cases of microcephaly fetuses diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound or children with microcephaly diagnosed after birth were selected from the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from January 2014 to August 2022.Karyotype analysis and/or CMA were used to detect. The cases with negative karyotype analysis and CMA results were further sequenced by trio-based WES (Trio-WES). Then the coding genes contained in the pathogenic copy number variation (CNV) fragments were analyzed by gene ontology (GO) enrichment. The genes related to the development of the central nervous system contained in the pathogenic CNV and the pathogenic genes found by Trio-WES were combined for gene interaction network analysis. Results: In this study, 9 cases of microcephaly were recruited, with the time of diagnosis ranged from 23 weeks of gestation to 7 years after birth, and the head circumference of fetus or children ranged from 18.3 to 42.5 cm (-7SD to -2SD). Karyotype analysis was detected in all 9 cases and no abnormality result was found. Eight cases were detected by CMA, and one abnormal was found. Five cases were detected by Trio-WES, and two cases were detected with likely pathogenic genes. The GO enrichment analysis of the coding gene in the 4p16.3 microdeletion (pathogenic CNV) region showed that: in biological process, it was mainly concentrated in phototransduction, visible light; in terms of molecular function, it was mainly concentrated in fibroblast growth factor binding; in terms of cell components, it was mainly concentrated in rough endoplasmic reticulum. Gene interaction network analysis suggested that CDC42 gene could interact with CTBP1, HTT and ASPM gene. Conclusions: CMA could be used as a first-line detection technique for microcephaly. When the results of chromosome karyotype analysis and/or CMA are negative, Trio-WES could improve the detection rate of pathogenicity of microcephaly.

[Changes of the World Health Organization 2022 classification (5th edition) of salivary glands tumors]

Pathological diagnosis of salivary gland tumors is one of the most challenging areas in all head and neck surgical pathology. The classification of salivary gland tumors was updated in the 5th edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumours, most of which were based on their molecular pathological characteristerics. This new classification features a description of several new entitiesamong benign and malignant neoplasms, salivary gland tumors with updated naming or diagnostic criteria, and lesions deleted from this section, etc.This present review focuses on the updates and changes in the new classification of salivary gland tumors, and provides some reference for head and neck surgeons and pathologists.

4 year outcomes in a prospective evaluation of transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve, valve-in-ring and valve-in-mitral annular calcification: results from the MITRAL trial

Background

The MITRAL Trial (Mitral Implantation of TRAnscatheter vaLves) evaluates the safety and feasibility of balloon-expandable aortic transcatheter heart valves in patients with severe mitral valve disease with mitral annular calcification (MAC), failed surgical rings or failed bioprostheses.

Purpose

We sought to evaluate 4-year outcomes of patients enrolled in the MITRAL trial.

Methods

This is a prospective study that enrolled 91 high surgical risk patients at 13 sites in the U.S. 30 patients underwent Mitral Valve-in-Valve (MViV), 30 Valve-in-Ring (MViR) and 31 Valve-in-MAC (ViMAC). 4-year outcomes of these patients were evaluated in this analysis. Primary endpoints and key serious adverse events including deaths were adjudicated by an independent Clinical Events Committee. Cardiac computed tomography (CT) and echocardiographic images were evaluated by independent CT and Echocardiographic Core Laboratories.

Results

Mean age was 74.3±8.9 years. Most patients undergoing MViV and ViMAC were female (MVIV=63.3%, MViR=36.7% and ViMAC=71%). Mean STS score was 9.2±6.6% (MViV 10.2±6.5%, MViR 8.7±4.7%, ViMAC=8.6±8.2%). All-cause mortality at 4 years was higher for ViMAC and MViR: MViV=6.9% (cardiovascular 3.4%), MViR=48.1% (cardiovascular 18.5%), ViMAC=51.9% (cardiovascular 29.6%), p=0.002 (Figure 1). At 4 years, all survivors had ≤1+ mitral regurgitation and most had none or trace mitral regurgitation (MViV=87.5, MViR=33.3% and ViMAC=100%). Mean mitral valve gradients remained stable (MViV=5.9±2.2 mmHg, MViR= 6.6±5.1 mmHg, ViMAC=5.1±1.0 mmHg), Figure 2. Most survivors experienced significant improvement of symptoms and were in NYHA class I-II at 4-year follow-up (MViV=78.9%, MViR=66.7% and ViMAC=66.7%).

Conclusions

MViV is associated with excellent outcomes at 4 years. MViR and ViMAC were associated with higher mortality at 4 years. However, most survivors in all groups experienced sustained improvement of symptoms and stable THV performance at 4 years. Whether survival bias had an impact on THV performance and improved symptoms at follow-up is not known and deserves further evaluation.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Unrestricted Research Grant from Edwards Lifesciences.

[Current situation on drug resistance and influencing factors of multidrug-resistance in newly treated pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Gansu province]

Objective: In order to provide the precise prevention and control strategy of drug resistance TB in Gansu province, we analyzed the status and risk factors of new drug resistance pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Methods: New pulmonary tuberculosis patients were enrolled from 30 tuberculosis-specialized medical institutions (drug resistance monitoring stations) in Gansu province between first September 2014 to 31^th August 2017, and filled in the survey questionnaire. The isolated Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) strains were implemented 10 drugs drug- susceptibility tes, including isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RFP), ethambutol (EMB), streptomycin (Sm), kanamycin (Km), amikacin (Am), ofloxacin (Ofx), capreomycin (Cm), propithio-iso-nicotinamide (Pto).The risk factors were analyzed by logistic regression model. Results: One patient was corresponding one clinical isolates among 1 815 patients. The rate (95%CI) of total drug-resistance, single drugresistance, multiple drug- resistance, multidrug-resistance and extensively drug-resistant were 25.45% (23.45%-27.46%), 11.40% (9.94%-12.87%),6.23% (5.11%-7.34%), 7.82% (6.59%-9.06%) and 0.28% (0.03%-0.52%) respectively. Among 142 multidrug-resistant TB patients, the farmers, young adults aged 20-59 and low-income group were 90.85%, 62.68% and 31.69%, respectively. The results of univariate and multivariate analysis showed that the male, non-Han, treatment less than 1 month group and treatment less than 1 month and withdrawal less than 2 month group were risk factors of new multidrug-resistant pulmonary TB. Conclusions: Compared with the Chinese national baseline level of TB resistance, the total drug resistance rate of new TB patients in Gansu province was low, but the multidrug-resistance rate was high. The health assistance for rural low-income TB patients was still an important strategy to prevent and control multidrug-resistant in Gansu province. And measures must implement to stop irregular treatment and poor compliance, as the risk factors of multidrug-resistance in new PTB patients.

[Ocular biometry of infants and young children with congenital cataract]

Objective: To understand the developmental characteristics of early ocular biological parameters in patients with congenital cataract. Methods: Retrospective case series study. The ocular biometry data such as the axial length, corneal curvature, anterior chamber depth and central corneal thickness of 169 patients under 3 years old who were diagnosed with congenital cataract in Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Hangzhou Branch) from June 2016 to June 2020 were reviewed, and they were analyzed by 3 age groups. There were 87, 41, and 41 patients in three age groups, 1 to 6 months, 7 to 12 months, and 13 to 36 months, respectively; 108 patients with bilateral affected eyes and 61 patients with unilateral affected eyes were included; 84 patients with partial opacity lens and 85 patients with total opacity lens were included. The right eyes of the patients with bilateral congenital cataract were selected for analysis. Statistical analysis of ocular biological parameters between groups was performed using the independent samples t-test and paired samples t-test. Statistical analysis of the relationship between age in months and biological parameters was performed using the Pearson's correlation test. Results: The axial length at the age of 1 to 6 months in the affected eyes of patients with bilateral cataract was (17.59±1.19) mm, it was shorter than the affected eyes of patients with unilateral cataract [(18.18±1.34) mm], and the axial length in the affected eyes of patients with unilateral cataract were shorter than the healthy eyes [(19.01±0.93) mm]. At the age of 7 to 12 months, the axial length in the affected eyes of patients with unilateral cataract [(19.89±0.74) mm] was shorter than the healthy eyes [(20.48±0.43) mm]. The differences were statistically significant (t=-2.06, -5.62, -3.47, all P<0.05). The axial length in the affected eyes with partial opacity at the age of 1 to 6 months was shorter than those with total opacity [(17.43±1.14) mm vs. (18.06±1.29) mm; t=-2.38, P=0.020]. The difference in axial length (affected eyes vs. healthy eyes) was significantly correlated with the age in months in partial cataract (r=0.53, P=0.001). The corneal curvature in the affected eyes of patients with unilateral cataract was flatter than the healthy eyes at the age of 7 to 12 months [(42.41±1.82) D vs. (43.19±1.96) D; t=-2.29, P=0.038], but was steeper at the age of 13 to 36 months [(43.36±2.32) D vs. (42.55±1.88) D; t=2.17, P=0.043]. The anterior chamber depth in the affected eyes of patients with unilateral cataract was less than the healthy eyes at the age of 1 to 6 months [(2.44±0.37) mm vs. (2.58±0.33) mm; t=-2.08, P=0.048].The central corneal thickness in the affected eyes of patients with unilateral cataract was thicker than the healthy eyes both at the age of 1 to 6 months and 7 to 12 months [(555.26±46.95) μm vs. (541.85±40.78) μm, (542.93±27.63) μm vs. (530.93±30.36) μm; t=3.82, 2.26; P=0.001, 0.040]. Conclusions: Congenital cataracts maybe affect the early development of axial length, corneal curvature, anterior chamber depth and central corneal thickness. The degree of lens opacity maybe affecte the early axial length development. The axial length in eyes with partial opacity can be shorter than those with total opacity before the age of 6 months, and thereafter gradually outnumbered the latter.

[Distributive characteristics of HBV DNA CpG islands in HBsAg positive mothers and its relationship with intrauterine transmission]

Objective: To investigate the type, length, and CG loci of HBV DNA CpG islands in HBsAg positive maternal C genotype and its relationship with intrauterine HBV transmission, so as to provide a new perspective for the study of intrauterine transmission of HBV. Methods: From June 2011 to July 2013, HBsAg-positive mothers and their newborns who delivered in the obstetrics and gynecology department of the Third People's Hospital of Taiyuan were collected. Epidemiological data were collected through face-to-face questionnaires and electronic medical records. Serum HBV markers and serum HBV DNA were detected by electrochemiluminescence and quantitative fluorescence PCR, respectively. Intrauterine transmission of HBV was determined by positive HBsAg and/or HBV DNA in femoral venous blood before injection of HBV vaccine/Hepatitis B immunoglobulin within 24 h of birth. A total of 22 mothers and their newborns with HBV DNA load ≥10⁶ IU/ml in intrauterine transmission were selected as the intrauterine transmission group, and 22 mothers with HBV DNA load ≥10⁶ IU/ml without intrauterine transmission were chosen as the control group by random seed method. The distribution prediction of CpG islands of HBV DNA in 39 mothers with genotype C by HBV DNA sequencing was analyzed. Results: Among 39 mothers with HBV C genotype, 19 were in the intrauterine transmission group, and 20 were in the control group. The HBV DNA of 39 patients with genotype C traditional CpG island Ⅱ and Ⅲ, while the control group had traditional CpG island Ⅰ and novel CpG island Ⅳ and Ⅴ. The length of CpG island Ⅱ and Ⅲ and the number of CG loci of CpG island Ⅱ in the intrauterine transmission group differed from those in the control group (P<0.05). The CpG island Ⅱ length ≥518 bp and the number of CG loci ≥40 in the intrauterine transmission group (11/19) were significantly higher than those in the control group (2/20) (P<0.05). The length of CpG island Ⅱ and the number of CG loci in the X gene promoter region (Xp region) were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). In the HBV intrauterine transmission group, most of maternal (12/19) HBV DNA CpG island Ⅱ completely covered the Xp region, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (5/20), and the number of HBV DNA Xp region CG loci was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions: The distribution of maternal C genotype HBV DNA CpG islands is related to intrauterine transmission. The length of CpG island Ⅱ and the number of CG sites may increase the risk of intrauterine transmission of HBV.

[Recommendations of diagnosis and treatment of relapsing polychondritis in China]

Relapsing polychondritis is an immune mediated systemic inflammatory disease, involving the cartilaginous and proteoglycan rich structures. The characteristic manifestations were inflammation and deformity of ear and nasal cartilage. Here, Chinese Rheumatology Association summarized manifestations, diagnosis and disease activity index evaluation of relapsing polychondritis, standardized treatment regimens, to improve disease prognosis.

[Safety evaluation of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in patients with local advanced gastric cancer after radical resection for prevention of peritoneal metastasis]

Objective: Patients with advanced gastric cancer have a poor prognosis and a possibility of peritoneal metastasis even if receiving gastrectomy. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) can effectively kill free cancer cells or small lesions in the abdominal cavity. At present, preventive HIPEC still lacks safety evaluation in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer. This study aims to explore the safety of radical resection combined with HIPEC in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer. Methods: A descriptive case series study was carried out. Clinicopathological data of 130 patients with locally advanced gastric cancer who underwent radical resection + HIPEC at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2020 to February 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Inclusion criteria: (1) locally advanced gastric adenocarcinoma confirmed by postoperative pathology; (2) no distant metastasis was found before surgery; (3) radical resection; (4) at least one HIPEC treatment was performed. Exclusion criteria: (1) incomplete clinicopathological data; (2) tumor metastasis was found during operation; (3) concomitant with other tumors. HIPEC method: all the patients received the first HIPEC immediately after D2 radical resection, and returned to the ward after waking up from anesthesia; the second and the third HIPEC were carried out according to the patient's postoperative recovery and tolerance; interval between two HIPEC treatments was 48 h. Observation indicators: (1) basic information, including gender, age, body mass index, etc.; (2) treatment status; (3) perioperative adverse events: based on the standard of common adverse events published by the US Department of Health and Public Health (CTCAE 5.0), the adverse events of grade 2 and above during the treatment period were recorded, including hypoalbuminemia, bone marrow cell reduction, wound complications, abdominal infection, lung infection, gastroparesis, anemia, postoperative bleeding, anastomotic leakage, intestinal obstruction, pleural effusion, abdominal distension, impaired liver function, and finally a senior professional title chief physician reviewed the above adverse events and made a safety evaluation of the patient; (4) association between times of HIPEC treatment and adverse events in perioperative period; (5) analysis of risk factors for adverse events in perioperative period. Results: Among the 130 patients, 79 were males and 51 were females with a median age of 59 (54, 66) years and an average body mass index of (23.9±7.4) kg/m(2). The tumor size was (5.4±3.0) cm and 100 patients (76.9%) had nerve invasion. All the 130 patients received radical resection + HIPEC and 125 (96.2%) patients underwent laparoscopic surgery. The mean operative time was (345.6±52.3) min and intraoperative blood loss was (82.0±36.5) ml. One HIPEC treatment was performed in 54 patients (41.5%), 2 HIPEC treatments were in 57 (43.8%), and 3 HIPEC treatments were in 19 (14.6%). The average postoperative hospital stay was (13.1±7.5) d. A total of 57 patients (43.8%) had 71 cases of postoperative complications of different degrees. Among them, the incidence of hypoalbuminemia was 22.3% (29/130), and the grade 2 and above anemia was 15.4% (20/130), lung infection was 3.8% (5/130), bone marrow cell suppression was 3.7% (4/130), abdominal cavity infection was 2.3% (3/130), and liver damage was 2.3% (3/130), wound complications was 1.5% (2/130), abdominal distension was 1.5% (2/130), anastomotic leakage was 0.8% (1/130), gastroparesis was 0.8% (1/130) and intestinal obstruction was 0.8% (1/130), etc. These adverse events were all improved by conservative treatments. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of adverse events during the perioperative period among patients undergoing 1, 2, and 3 times of HIPEC treatments (all P>0.05). Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses showed that age > 60 years (OR: 2.346, 95%CI: 1.069-5.150, P=0.034) and neurological invasion (OR: 2.992, 95%CI: 1.050-8.523, P=0.040) were independent risk factors for adverse events in locally advanced gastric cancer patients undergoing radical resection+HIPEC (both P<0.05). Conclusions: Radical surgery + HIPEC does not significantly increase the incidence of perioperative complications in patients with advanced gastric cancer. The age >60 years and nerve invasion are independent risk factors for adverse events in these patients.

Safety and Tolerability of Hydroxychloroquine in healthcare workers and first responders for the prevention of COVID-19: WHIP COVID-19 Study

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Hydroxychloroquine chemoprophylaxis is safe in high-risk populations for COVID-19.

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No increased cardiovascular risks were observed with hydroxychloroquine chemoprophylaxis.

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Adverse events were similar between placebo and hydroxychloroquine treatment arms.

Background

Health care workers (HCW) are among the highest risk groups for acquisition of COVID-19 because of occupational exposures. The WHIP COVID-19 Study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as chemoprophylaxis for SARS-CoV-2 infection in this population.

Methods

HCW, first responders, and other occupationally high-risk participants were enrolled in a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study of HCQ from April to October 2020. The trial compared daily versus weekly HCQ with placebo and with a prospective cohort on HCQ for autoimmune diseases. Participants were followed for 8 weeks. Serology or a positive polymerase chain reaction test was used to determine laboratory confirmed clinical cases.

Results

A total of 624 participants were randomized to placebo (n = 200), weekly HCQ (n = 201), daily HCQ (n = 197). For the primary safety end point, 279 (44.7%) participants experienced adverse event (AE) level II or lower (total AEs n = 589), similar rates in all randomized groups (P = .188) with no hospitalizations or interventions required. Only 4 laboratory confirmed COVID-19 cases occurred, with 2 in the placebo arm and one in each HCQ randomized arm.

Conclusions

This randomized placebo-controlled trial was able to demonstrate the safety of HCQ outpatient chemoprophylaxis in high-risk groups against COVID-19. Future studies of chemoprophylaxis for SARS-CoV-2 are needed as the epidemic continues worldwide.

[Analysis of epidemiological characteristics of human coronavirus in hospitalized children with respiratory tract infection in Hebei region]

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of human coronavirus (HCoV) in hospitalized children with respiratory tract infection in Hebei region, providing evidence for the diagnosis and prevention of children with respiratory tract infection. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 1 062 HCoV positive children hospitalized for respiratory tract infection in Children's Hospital of Hebei Province from January 2015 to December 2020, aged from 33 days to 14 years, with a median age of 2 years. 27 932 (60.9%) were males and 17 944(39.1%) were females. And the gender, ages, seasonal distribution, HCoV-positive rates, co-detection distribution and clinical diagnosis of HCoV positive cases were analyzed by SPSS 25.0. Enumeration data were expressed by frequency and percentage; categorical variable were compared by the Pearson χ²test. Results: The overall HCoV-positive rate was 2.31% (1 062/45 876), which was 2.37% (662/27 932) in male children and 2.23% (400/17 944) in female children. There was no statistically significant difference between genders (χ²=0.916, P=0.339). Children at age groups<1 years (2.44%) and 1-<3 years (2.63%) had higher HCoV-positive rates than those at age groups 3-<5 years (1.97%) and ≥5 years (1.38%) (χ²=27.332,P<0.01). The HCoV-positive rates from 2015 to 2018 were 2.13%, 2.45%, 2.28% and 2.23%. The HCoV-positive rate of 2019 (1.71%) was significantly lower than in 2016 (χ²=12.05, P<0.01), 2017 (χ²=7.34, P=0.01) and 2018 (χ²=6.78, P=0.01), but there was no significant difference compared with 2015 (χ²=2.84, P=0.09). The HCoV-positive rate of 2020 (3.37%) was significantly higher than in 2015 (χ²=13.636, P<0.01), 2016 (χ²=11.099, P<0.01), 2017 (χ²=15.482, P<0.01), 2018(χ²=18.601, P<0.01) and 2019(χ²=45.580, P<0.01). The positive rate was highest in spring (March to May) in 2015 and 2017 to 2018. February to April and July to September of 2016 were the peak periods of positive detection. No obvious seasonal change was observed in 2019 and the HCoV-positive rate of 2020 was extremely low from January to July, following significantly increased from August to December. 26.37% (280/1 062) of HCoV were co-detected with other respiratory pathogens and the most frequently identified mixed detection was RSV. Three or more pathogens were detected in 7.34% (78/1 062) of the HCoV-positive samples. Bronchopneumonia and bronchiolitis were more frequently observed in the single HCoV positive (61.89% and 16.75%) children compared to co-detected children(34.29% and 9.64%)(χ²=63.394 and 8.228, P<0.01). However, compared to those with HCoV mono-detection, co-detected children were more likely to have severe pneumonia (4.6% and 47.14%) (χ²=280.171, P<0.01). Conclusions: HCoV is one of the respiratory pathogens in children in Hebei region and more prevalent in spring. The susceptible population of HCoV is mainly children under the age of 3 years old. HCoV often co-detects with other respiratory pathogens, and the co-infection is one of the risk factors of severe pneumonia in children with respiratory infection.

[Occlusal contact of primary dentition at intercuspal position in children with individual normal occlusion]

Objective: To record occlusal contact of primary dentition at maximal intercuspal position in children with individual normal occlusion. Methods: A total of 57 children were recruited from patients of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. Inclusion criteria were that the subjects were 3-5 years old with no visually detectable caries or pupal and periapical diseases, had complete primary dentition, had individual normal occlusion, had normal function of craniofacial system, were medically healthy, could cooperate with sampling and had obtained written informed consent from the parents or guardians. Finally, forty-seven children aged 3 to 5 years old were enrolled, including 24 males and 23 females. The age, height and weight of all subjects were (4.1±0.7) years old (ranging 3.0-5.8 years old), (103.7±7.2) cm (ranging 90-120 cm) and (17.1±2.5) kg (ranging 12.5-22.5 kg), respectively. Occlusal abilities such as occlusal contact area, average bite pressure, maximum bite pressure, maximum bite force and occlusal balance were measured with Dental Prescale Ⅱ system. Results: Maximum bite force and occlusal contact area at intercuspal position in children with primary dentition were (567.40±223.84) N (ranging 226.7-1 154.6 N) and (18.56±6.54) mm² (ranging 8.4-41.2 mm²), respectively. There was a significantly strong correlation between maximum bite force and occlusal contact area (r=0.954, P<0.01). Height and weight of children were also positively correlated with their maximum bite force (r=0.397, P=0.022 and r=0.453, P=0.008, respectively). Maximum occlusal bite force and contact occlusal area of boys [(651.80±224.34) N and (20.77±6.97) mm²] were significantly higher and larger than those of girls [(479.34±190.45) N and (16.25±5.27) mm²] (P<0.05). Thirty-two of all 47 children had one occlusal contact point with maximum bite pressure, mostly locating within the primary molar region. Bite forces of anterior and posterior teeth of primary dentition were (124.12±56.99) N and (450.11±205.09) N, respectively, about (21.82±11.40)% and (71.80±21.35)% of maximum bite force of the whole primary dentition. All of the occlusal balance points located in posterior teeth regions. Occlusal contacts were observed at both anterior and posterior teeth of primary dentition with individual normal occlusion. Conclusions: There was a great variation of maximum bite forces of primary dentitions at intercuspal position of children with individual normal occlusion. Maximum bite force of primary dentition was significantly correlated with occlusal contact area, height and weight of children. Occlusal contact points with maximum bite pressure and occlusal bite balance points of primary dentitions mostly located in primary molar regions.

[Comparison of the accuracy of intraocular lens power calculation formulas based on the new swept-source optical coherence tomography biometry]

Objective: To compare the accuracy of 6 intraocular lens power calculation formulas based on the new swept-source optical coherence tomography biometry and to analyze the prediction error. Methods: Retrospective case series study. Clinical data were collected from 599 patients (599 eyes) who had underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification and the IOLMaster 700 examination at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between November 2018 and November 2019. Among the patients, there were 208 males and 391 females with an age of (69±10) years. According to the axial length (AL), eyes were divided into the short AL group (≤22.5 mm, n=100), the normal AL group (>22.5 mm and<25.5 mm, n=375); and the long AL group (≥25.5 mm, n=124). Eyes were also grouped based on the mean keratometry (Km) as flat (≤42.00 D, n=47), normal (>42.00 D to<46.00 D, n=461), and steep (≥46.00 D, n=91), and by anterior chamber depth (ACD) as shallow (≤2.5 mm, n=71), normal (>2.5 mm to<3.5 mm, n=436), and deep (≥3.5 mm, n=92). The median absolute errors (MedAEs) of the Barrett Universal Ⅱ, Haigis, Hoffer Q, Holladay Ⅰ, Holladay Ⅱ, and SRK/T formulas in different AL, Km, and ACD groups were compared using the Friedman test. Results: The differences in MedAE among the 6 formulas of 599 patients (599 eyes) were statistically significant (χ²=120.549, P<0.001). The MedAE of the Barrett Universal Ⅱ formula was smallest (0.35 D), followed by the SRK/T formula (0.36 D). There was no significant difference between the MedAEs of the Barrett universal Ⅱ and Haigis, SRK/T formula (all P=1.000), but there were statistically significant differences among the other formulas (all P<0.01). In different AL groups, the MedAE of each formula was statistically different (χ²=38.307, 38.779, 112.997; all P<0.01).The Barrett Universal Ⅱ formula resulted in the lowest MedAE in the short AL group (0.40 D) and the long AL group (0.31 D). The MedAE of the SRK/T in the normal AL group was lowest (0.35 D). The 6 formulas showed significant differences in MedAE values in different Km groups (χ²=12.284, 90.924, 39.387; all P<0.05).The Haigis formula achieved the lowest MedAE in the flat Km group (0.26 D) and the steep Km group (0.34 D). The Barrett UniversalⅡ formula achieved the lowest MedAE in the normal Km group (0.33 D). The differences in MedAE values of the 6 formulas in different ACD groups were statistically significant (χ²=37.389, 57.643, 52.845; all P<0.01), and the MedAE values of the Barrett Universal Ⅱ in different ACD groups were smallest (0.46, 0.33, 0.31 D). Conclusions: The Barrett Universal Ⅱ formula perform the best over the entire AL range, followed by the Haigis and SRK/T formulas. The Barrett Universal Ⅱ formula result in the lowest prediction error in the short AL group, the long AL group, and all ACD groups. The Haigis formula may be more accurate when the Km was ≤42.00 D or ≥46.00 D. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 502-511).

[Dynamic changes of axial length, corneal refractive power, and refractive state after cataract surgery in infants]

Objective: To investigate the changes of axial length, corneal refractive power, and refractive state in infants with congenital cataract surgery. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Medical records of 103 patients who underwent congenital cataract surgery in the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Hangzhou Branch from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2018 were reviewed. There were 61 boys and 42 girls in the study. The mean age at the surgery of 103 congenital cataract patients was (3.95±1.94) months. In patients receiving bilateral cataract surgery, only the left eye was selected for analysis. The patients were followed up for at least 1 year. The patients were divided into the groups of <4 months old and 4-12 months old according to the age at cataract surgery. The change in the axial length, corneal refractive power, and refractive state of each patient at 1 year after surgery was analyzed. Independent sample t-test, one way variance analysis and simple linear regression were used for statistical analysis. Results: There were 71 cases of bilateral cataract, including 33 in the group of <4 months old and 38 in the group of 4-12 months old, and 32 cases of unilateral cataract, including 17 in the group of <4 months old and 15 in the group of 4-12 months old. The change in the axial length of bilateral cataract children in the <4-month-old group was (2.46±1.33) mm at 1 year after surgery, which was greater than (1.52± 1.00) mm in the group of 4-12 months old (t=3.21; P<0.01). In the same surgery age group, there was no significant difference in the change of axial length among bilateral cataract eyes, unilateral cataract eyes and the contralateral eyes at 1 year after surgery (both P>0.05). One year after surgery, the axial length of the eyes in patients with bilateral cataract, the affected eyes and the fellow eyes in patients with unilateral cataract all was highly correlated with the logarithm of the actual age (r=0.68, 0.52, 0.73; all P<0.01). The corneal refractive power showed a decreased trend with the increase of age. The change in the corneal refractive power of the bilateral cataract children in the <4-month-old group at 1 year after surgery was (1.43±2.87) D, and in the group of 4-12 months old was (0.68±2.10) D, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The chang in spherical equivalent of bilateral cataract children was (2.02±2.60) D in the <4-month-old group, greater than that in the group of 4-12 months old [(0.69±1.89) D; t=2.15; P<0.05]. The change of spherical equivalent one year after surgery in 4-12 months group, unilateral cataract eyes was significantly greater than that of bilateral cataract eyes [(2.05±0.95) D vs. (0.69±1.89) D; t=2.49; P<0.05]. The spherical equivalent of both bilateral and unilateral cataract children was highly correlated with the actual age (r=-0.51, -0.54; both P<0.01). Conclusions: The axial length is increased, the corneal refractive power is decreased, and the spherical equivalent is decreased at 1 year after surgery for congenital cataract in infants. The younger the age at cataract surgery, the greater the change in the axial length, myopia drift, and corneal refractive power. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 34-40).

Formation of a Key Intermediate Complex Species in Catalytic Hydrolysis of NH3BH3 by Bimetal Clusters: Metal-Dihydride and Boron-Multihydroxy

The hydrolysis of AB (AB, NH₃BH₃) with the help of transition metal catalysts has been identified as one of the promising strategies for the dehydrogenation in numerous experiments. Although great progress has been achieved in experiments, evaluation of the B-N bond cleavage channel as well as the hydrogen transfer channel has not been performed to gain a deep understanding of the kinetic route. Based on the density functional theory (DFT) calculation, we presented a clear mechanistic study on the hydrolytic reaction of AB by choosing the smallest NiCu cluster as a catalyst model. Two attacking types of water molecules were considered for the hydrolytic reaction of AB: stepwise and simultaneous adsorption on the catalyst. The Ni and Cu metal atoms play the distinctive roles in catalytic activity, i.e., Ni atom takes reactions for the H₂O decomposition with the formation of [OH]⁻ group whereas Cu atom takes reactions for the hydride transfer with the formation of metal-dihydride complex. The formation of Cu-dihydride and B-multihydroxy complex is the prerequisite for the effectively hydrolytic dehydrogenation of AB. By analyzing the maximum barrier height of the pathways which determines the kinetic rates, we found that the hydride hydrogen transferring rather than the N-B bond breaking is responsible to the experimentally measured activation energy barrier.

First-principles investigation of a new 2D magnetic crystal: Ferromagnetic ordering and intrinsic half-metallicity

The development of two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials with half-metallic characteristics is of great interest because of their promising applications in spintronic devices with high circuit integration density and low energy consumption. Here, by using density functional theory calculations, ab initio molecular dynamics, and Monte Carlo simulation, we study the stability, electronic structure, and magnetic properties of a OsI₃ monolayer, of which crystalline bulk is predicted to be a van der Waals layered ferromagnetic (FM) semiconductor. Our results reveal that the OsI₃ monolayer can be easily exfoliated from the bulk phase with small cleavage energy and is energetically and thermodynamically stable at room temperature. Intrinsic half-metallicity with a wide bandgap and FM ordering with an estimated T_C = 35 K are found for the OsI₃ monolayer. Specifically, the FM ordering can be maintained under external biaxial strain from -2% to 5%. The in-plane magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy of the 2D OsI₃ monolayer reaches up to 3.89 meV/OsI₃, which is an order larger than that of most magnetic 2D materials such as the representative monolayer CrI₃. The excellent magnetic features of the OsI₃ monolayer therefore render it a promising 2D candidate for spintronic applications.

[Effects of preoperative percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage on surgical treatment of type Ⅲ and Ⅳ hilar cholangiocarcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the effects of preoperative percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage on surgical treatment of type Ⅲ and Ⅳ hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Methods: Clinical data of 72 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma of the Bismuth-Corlette type Ⅲ and Ⅳ treated at Department of General Surgery,First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from January 2010 to December 2017 were analyzed retrospectively.Patients were divided into two groups based on whether PTBD was performed:a drained group and an undrained group.In the drained group,there were 31 patients,20 males and 11 females,aged (59.9±9.7)years (range: 39-73 years).Among them,14 patients underwent hepatectomy with half or more than half of the liver removed (extended hepatectomy)and 17 patients underwent non-anatomical hepatectomy in the hilar region (limited hepatectomy).In the undrained group,there were 41 patients, 26 males and 15 females, aged (60.8±7.8)years(range: 45-75 years).Among them, 17 patients underwent hepatectomy with half or more than half of the liver removed (extended hepatectomy)and 24 patients underwent non-anatomical hepatectomy in the hilar region (limited hepatectomy).Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage(PTBD)was used in the drained group.Under the guidance of ultrasound,one or more hepatobiliary ducts could be sufficiently drained,which had good effect and was not restricted by the obstruction location of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.The analysis of the measurement data was performed using t test,and the analysis of the count data was performed using χ(2) test,and the survival curve was plotted using Kaplan-meier method. Results: In total, 72 jaundiced patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma underwent surgical treatment: 31 had PTBD prior to operation while 41 did not had PTBD.There were significant differences in ALT((93.2±21.4)U/L vs.(207.4±65.1)U/L),AST((87.6±18.1)U/L vs.(188.9±56.6)U/L)and total bilirubin((68.8±12.6)μmol/L vs.(227.5±87.7)μmol/L)between the patients after treatment and those before treatment(t=10.958, P=0.000; t=10.845, P=0.000; t=10.386, P=0.000).Compared with those in the undrained group, the operation time was shorter, the amount of intraoperative bleeding and the incidence of complications were lower in the drained group(t=-2.840, P=0.006; t=-3.698, P=0.000; χ(2)=4.108, P=0.043).There were no perioperative death cases in drained group and 2 perioperative death cases in undrained group.There was no significant difference in R0 resection rate between the two groups(χ(2)=0.778,P=0.378).The 1-,3-,5-year survival rate of patients in the drained group and the undrained group was 72.7%,34.2%, 13.7% and 72.8%, 31.5%, 11.8%, respectively.The difference was not statistically significant(all P>0.05). Conclusions: The preoperative percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma of Bismuth-Corlette type Ⅲ and Ⅳ could effectively shorten operative time, reduce amount of intraoperative bleeding and incidence of postoperative complications,but have no significant effect on the R0 resection rate and survival rate.

[Association between ADAMTS14 gene polymorphism and the temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis in Chinese Han females]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of ADAMTS14 gene rs4747096 and osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint in Chinese Han females.

METHODS

As a case-control study, a total of 213 Chinese Han females were involved in the present study, which contained 103 temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis patients and 110 healthy people who had no symptoms or signs of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis as control. Peripheral blood samples were collected from each participant. Genomic DNAs of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis patients and healthy control were extracted from peripheral venous blood, which were stored in -80 °C refrigerator by using DNA extraction kits. The designed primers were used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of specific DNA fragments. Genotype was determined by sequencing the PCR products. The software Chromas 2.22 was used to analyze the genotype. The genotype distributions, allele frequencies and genetic models between the patients and controls were compared. The age distribution was checked by t-test. Genotype and allele frequency were detected by Chi-square test.

RESULTS

In the present study, there were no significant differences between the osteoarthritis patients and healthy controls in terms of age. The genotype distribution was in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the two groups. The genotype frequency of the ADAMTS14 (rs4747096) in the experimental group was 38.8% (AA), 55.4% (AG), and 5.8% (GG), respectively. The genotype frequency in the control group was 40.9% (AA), 43.6% (AG), and 15.5% (GG), respectively. The difference of genotype frequency of the ADAMTS14 (rs4747096) was significant between the experimental group and the control group (P=0.047). There was no significant difference in allele frequency between the two groups (P=0.415). AA and AG genotypes significantly increased the risk of the disease compared with GG in dominant model (OR=1.114, 95% CI: 1.015-1.223, P=0.028).

CONCLUSION

A significant correlationship was found between the ADAMTS14 (rs4747096) SNP and the temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis in Chinese Han females. The distribution of rs4747096 may be different between temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis and healthy population.

Influence of glucose metabolism on cognitive function of patients with acute small-artery occlusion

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of abnormal glucose metabolism on cognitive function of patients with acute small-arterial occlusion (SAO). The present study included 1,211 patients, with small-artery occlusion according to the Trial of Org 10172 in acute stroke treatment (TOAST) classification, admitted between March 2014 and December 2016 to The Second Hospital of Jiaxing. According to cognitive function, the patients were divided into a group of normal cognitive function, a mild cognitive impairment group (MCI group) and a dementia group. The patients were also divided into normal a blood sugar group, an impaired glucose regulation group (IGR group) and a diabetes mellitus (DM) group based on glucose metabolism. Cognitive functions of patients in the different glucose metabolism groups were compared based on Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). General data, medical history, neuropsychological assessment and haematological index of the patients in each group were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to study independent risk factors influencing cognitive impairment. When comparing the group of normal cognitive function with the MCI group, there were no statistical significant differences between the MMSEs scores of patients among the three groups, but the difference in MoCAs scores had statistical significance. Hypertension history, hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhcy) and sedentariness were independent risk factors for SAO patients with MCI. When comparing the group of normal cognitive function with the dementia group, there were statistically significant differences (P<0.05) between the MMSE and MoCA scores of patients among the three groups. Abnormal glucose metabolism, old age, female, high blood pressure, Hhcy, family stroke history and sedentariness were independent risk factors for SAO patients with dementia. In conclusion, abnormal glucose metabolism impairing cognitive function is not an independent risk factor for SAO patients with MCI, but is an independent risk factor for SAO patients with dementia.

[Typical carcinoid tumor in sphenoid sinus:a case report]

We report a case of typical carcinoid tumor in sphenoid sinus.A 52-year-old woman presented with a history of nasal obstruction,nasal purulent discharge and occasionally accompanied with blood streaks and hyposmia.All laboratory examinations were normal.Sinus computed tomography showed soft tissue mass in the right nasal cavity,nasopharynx and sphenoid sinus,with thickened locoregional mucosa.No sign of bone erosion was observed.In conclusion the case was diagnosed as typical carcinoid tumor.

[Operation treatment method of Bismuth-Corlette Ⅲ, Ⅳ hilar cholangiocarcinoma]

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) is also known as cancer at the upper part of bile duct, perihilar cholangiocarcinoma or Klatskin tumor, etc.Bismuth-Corlette type Ⅲ hilar cholangiocarcinoma refers to tumor invading right hepatic duct (Ⅲa) or left hepatic duct (Ⅲb). While Bismuth-Corlette type Ⅳ hilar cholangiocarcinoma refers to both left and right intrahepatic bile ducts being invaded. Under the premise of strictly grasping the indications of surgery, if preoperative management is conducted carefully, extended hepatic resection is a safe and feasible surgery to remove Bismuth-Corlette type Ⅲ and type Ⅳ hilar cholangiocarcinoma. When conducting extended hepatic resection, right hepatectomy and combined caudate lobectomy should be conducted depending on the circumstances. Routine skeletization lymph node dissection of the hepatoduodenal ligament is performed, which could be expanded into celiac trunk, para-aortic area and the rear of pancreatic head. In the premise of radical resection, invaded vessels should be removed and then reconstructed depending on circumstances.

Association of CD36 expression and polymorphism with serum biochemical indices in Cherry Valley duck

Cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) plays a crucial role in lipid sensing, innate immunity, atherogenesis, and glycolipid metabolism. This aims of this study were to delineate the CD36 mRNA expression profile in 16 duck tissues using relative quantitative real-time PCR and to screen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the duck CD36 gene by PCR-single strand conformation polymorphism and DNA direct sequencing. In addition, this study investigated CD36 gene expression, genetic variation, and their effect on serum biochemical indices in duck. The results showed that CD36 mRNA was expressed in all tissues, and was highly specific to the pituitary and large intestine, and to subcutaneous and abdominal fat. Furthermore, three genotypes of the SNP g.476593 T > C in exon 9 of the duck CD36 gene were identified: MM, MN, and NN. The dominant genotype and allele were MM and M, with frequencies of 0.453 and 0.643, respectively. The genotype distributions deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P < 0.05) and achieved moderate levels of polymorphism in ducks. Correlation results showed that CD36 mRNA was significantly negatively correlated with triglycerides (P < 0.05), and significantly positively correlated with total protein, globulin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol (P < 0.01). All serum biochemical indices measured, with the exception of triglycerides, in birds with the NN genotype were significantly higher than those in birds with the MM genotype. These findings demonstrated that CD36 might be an important genetic marker for the selection of lipid metabolism and meat quality traits in ducks.

[Research progress in relative crystallin genes of congenital cataract]

Congenital cataract is the common cause of visual disability in children. Nearly one third of congenital cataract cases may have a related genetic mutation. With the development of molecular genetics, especially gentechnik, more and more genes, such as crystallin genes, membrane protein genes, eytoskeletal protein genes and regulatory protein genes have been confirmed to participate in the process of congenital cataract. Furthermore, crystallin genes account for most of these genes and the crystallin has the highest amount of the whole protein in lens.It has been found that nearly one hundred mutations in crystallin genes are associated with the onset of congenital cataract. Researchers are exploring how these mutations further affect the function of cellular biology and eventually lead to cataract. Although more and more research results gradually reveal the pathogenesis of congenital cataract from the level of gene and protein, the specific pathogenesis is still unclear. The recent progression about inherited congenital cataract related with crysallin genes is summarized in this review.

Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and risk of fractures: an updated meta-analysis from the National Osteoporosis Foundation

The aim was to meta-analyze randomized controlled trials of calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and fracture prevention. Meta-analysis showed a significant 15 % reduced risk of total fractures (summary relative risk estimate [SRRE], 0.85; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.73-0.98) and a 30 % reduced risk of hip fractures (SRRE, 0.70; 95 % CI, 0.56-0.87).

INTRODUCTION

Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation has been widely recommended to prevent osteoporosis and subsequent fractures; however, considerable controversy exists regarding the association of such supplementation and fracture risk. The aim was to conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials [RCTs] of calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and fracture prevention in adults.

METHODS

A PubMed literature search was conducted for the period from July 1, 2011 through July 31, 2015. RCTs reporting the effect of calcium plus vitamin D supplementation on fracture incidence were selected from English-language studies. Qualitative and quantitative information was extracted; random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to generate summary relative risk estimates (SRREs) for total and hip fractures. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q test and the I (2) statistic, and potential for publication bias was assessed.

RESULTS

Of the citations retrieved, eight studies including 30,970 participants met criteria for inclusion in the primary analysis, reporting 195 hip fractures and 2231 total fractures. Meta-analysis of all studies showed that calcium plus vitamin D supplementation produced a statistically significant 15 % reduced risk of total fractures (SRRE, 0.85; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.73-0.98) and a 30 % reduced risk of hip fractures (SRRE, 0.70; 95 % CI, 0.56-0.87). Numerous sensitivity and subgroup analyses produced similar summary associations. A limitation is that this study utilized data from subgroup analysis of the Women's Health Initiative.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis of RCTs supports the use of calcium plus vitamin D supplements as an intervention for fracture risk reduction in both community-dwelling and institutionalized middle-aged to older adults.

Identification of genes associated with the increased number of four-seed pods in soybean (Glycine max L.) using transcriptome analysis

Seed number per pod is an important component of yield traits in soybean (Glycine max L.). In 2010, we identified a natural mutant with an increased number of four-seed pods from a soybean variety named 'Jinong 18' (JN18). Subsequent observations indicated that the trait was stably inherited. To identify and understand the function of genes associated with this mutant trait, we analyzed the genetic differences between the mutant (JN18MT01) and source variety (JN18) by transcriptome sequencing. Three types of tissues, axillary buds, unfertilized ovaries, and young pods at three different growth stages, V6, R1, and R3, were analyzed, respectively. The sequencing results yielded 55,582 expressed genes and 4183 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Among these, the log2 ratio value of 162 DEGs was >10, and 13 DEGs had overlapping expression at three different growth stages. Comparisons of DEGs among three different growth stages yielded similar results in terms of the percentage of genes classified into each gene ontology (GO) category. DEGs were classified into 25 different functional groups in clusters of orthologous groups analysis. Proportions of the main functional genes differed significantly over developmental stages. A comparison of enriched pathways among the three developmental stages revealed that 646 unigenes were involved in 103 metabolic pathways. These results show that the development of four-seed pods is associated with a complex network involving multiple physiological and metabolic pathways. This study lays the foundation for further research on cloning and on the molecular regulation of genes related to the four-seed pod mutation.

The relationship of plumage colours with MC1R (Melanocortin 1 Receptor) and ASIP (Agouti Signaling Protein) in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

1. The relationship of polymorphisms in the Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R) and Agouti Signalling Protein (ASIP) genes with plumage colour in Japanese quail was investigated by cloning and sequencing the entire coding regions from black, white and maroon Japanese quail embryos at 12 d of incubation. 2. Three SNPs were identified in the MC1R coding region by multiple alignment of sequences from individuals with different plumage colours. A missense C/T mutation located at 169 bp within the Open Reading Frame caused a Ile57Val mutation in the amino acid sequence, and had a significant relationship with the black colour. 3. The expression of MC1R was higher in black plumage quails than that in maroon plumage quails, whereas the expression of ASIP was higher in maroon plumage quails than that in black plumage quails. 4. It is concluded that the black plumage colour in Japanese quails may be caused by either increased production of MC1R or decreased production of ASIP.

Ultrathin single-crystal ZnO nanobelts: Ag-catalyzed growth and field emission property

We report the growth of ultrathin single-crystal ZnO nanobelts by using a Ag-catalyzed vapor transport method. Extensive transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy measurements reveal that the thickness of the ultrathin ZnO nanobelts is approximately 2 nm. Scanning electron microscopy and post-growth annealing studies suggest a '1D branching and 2D filling' growth process. Our results demonstrate the critical role of catalyst in the deterministic synthesis of nanomaterials with the desired morphology. In addition, these ultrafine nanobelts exhibit stable field emission with unprecedented high emission current density of 40.17 mA cm(-2). These bottom-up building blocks of ultrathin ZnO nanobelts may facilitate the construction of advanced electronic and photonic nanodevices.

Comment on 'Absorption in one-dimensional metallic-dielectric photonic crystals'

Using the transfer matrix method for calculating the transmittance, absorptance and photon density of states of one-dimensional metallic-dielectric photonic crystals, we investigate the origin of the absorption enhancement in these photonic systems. The effect of the metallic layer thickness on the electric field distribution is discussed.

Biophysical properties and ionic signature of neuronal progenitors of the postnatal subventricular zone in situ

Previous studies have reported the presence of neuronal progenitors in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and rostral migratory stream (RMS) of the postnatal mammalian brain. Although many studies have examined the survival and migration of progenitors after transplantation and the factors influencing their proliferation or differentiation, no information is available on the electrophysiological properties of these progenitors in a near-intact environment. Thus we performed whole cell and cell-attached patch-clamp recordings of progenitors in brain slices containing either the SVZ or the RMS from postnatal day 15 to day 25 mice. Both regions displayed strong immunoreactivity for nestin and neuron-specific class III beta-tubulin, and recorded cells displayed a morphology typical of the neuronal progenitors known to migrate throughout the SVZ and RMS to the olfactory bulb. Recorded progenitors had depolarized zero-current resting potentials (mean more depolarized than -28 mV), very high input resistances (about 4 GOmega), and lacked action potentials. Using the reversal potential of K+ currents through a cell-attached patch a mean resting potential of -59 mV was estimated. Recorded progenitors displayed Ca2+-dependent K+ currents and TEA-sensitive-delayed rectifying K+ (KDR) currents, but lacked inward K+ currents and transient outward K+ currents. KDR currents displayed classical kinetics and were also sensitive to 4-aminopyridine and alpha-dendrotoxin, a blocker of Kv1 channels. Na+ currents were found in about 60% of the SVZ neuronal progenitors. No developmental changes were observed in the passive membrane properties and current profile of neuronal progenitors. Together these data suggest that SVZ neuronal progenitors display passive membrane properties and an ionic signature distinct from that of cultured SVZ neuronal progenitors and mature neurons.

GABA depolarizes neuronal progenitors of the postnatal subventricular zone via GABAA receptor activation

Previous studies have reported the presence of migrating and dividing neuronal progenitors in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and rostral migratory stream (RMS) of the postnatal mammalian brain. Although the behaviour of these progenitors is thought to be influenced by local signals, the nature and mode of action of the local signals are largely unknown. One of the signalling molecules known to affect the behaviour of embryonic neurons is the neurotransmitter GABA. In order to determine whether GABA affects neuronal progenitors via the activation of specific receptors, we performed cell-attached, whole-cell and gramicidin perforated patch-clamp recordings of progenitors in postnatal mouse brain slices containing either the SVZ or the RMS. Recorded cells displayed a morphology typical of migrating neuronal progenitors had depolarized zero-current resting potentials, and lacked action potentials. A subset of progenitors contained GABA and stained positive for glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD-67) as shown by immunohistochemistry. In addition, every neuronal progenitor responded to GABA via picrotoxin-sensitive GABAA receptor (GABAAR) activation. GABAARs displayed an ATP-dependent rundown and a low sensitivity to Zn2+. GABA responses were sensitive to benzodiazepine agonists, an inverse agonist, as well as a barbiturate agonist. While GABA was hyperpolarizing at the zero-current resting potentials, it was depolarizing at the cell resting potentials estimated from the reversal potential of K+ currents through a cell-attached patch. Thus, our study demonstrates that neuronal progenitors of the SVZ/RMS contain GABA and are depolarized by GABA, which may constitute the basis for a paracrine signal among neuronal progenitors to dynamically regulate their proliferation and/or migration.

FISH in the evaluation of pleural and ascitic fluids

Pleural and ascitic fluids (PAF) are complications of both nonmalignant and malignant conditions, such as congestive heart failure and chronic infections, as well as neoplasias, such as mesothelioma, lymphoma, and adenocarcinomas of the lung, ovary, endometrium, breast, colon, stomach, and pancreas. Differentiation between malignant and nonmalignant PAF is not always easy to assess on the basis of clinical, cytologic, and other criteria. A review of the chromosomal anomalies in neoplasms which can cause PAF revealed aneusomies of chromosomes 1, 3, 7, 8, 10, and 11 in about 40% to 80% of these malignancies. We performed FISH using centromere-specific probes for chromosomes 1, 3, 7, 8, 10, and 11 and chromosomal analysis on PAF cells from 21 patients, including 3 with ovarian cancer, 2 with lymphoma, 5 with adenocarcinoma of unknown origin, 1 with breast cancer, and 10 with atypical lymphocytosis of unknown cause. The results indicate a) a high correspondence between FISH and the clinical diagnosis (9 of the 11 cases of malignant fluid showing FISH abnormalities); b) that FISH is more sensitive than cytogenetics in detecting abnormal clones (10 vs. 6); and c) that FISH is a valuable adjunct to cytology in the interpretation of atypical lymphocytosis (3 of the 10 cases were shown to be abnormal by FISH). Thus, the FISH technique can be a very useful adjunct to conventional cytogenetics in yielding crucial information on the origin of PAF.

Regulation of RAG-2 protein expression in avian thymocytes

The recombinase-activating genes, RAG-1 and RAG-2, have been shown to be necessary to initiate the process of V(D)J recombination during the ontogeny of lymphocytes. While much is known about the end products of this rearrangement process, little is known about the function or regulation of the components of the recombinase system. To this end, we have generated a monoclonal antibody to the chicken RAG-2 protein. Chicken thymocytes were found to express high levels of RAG-2, part of which is phosphorylated. Within thymocytes, RAG-2 is expressed primarily within the nucleus. RAG-2 protein levels are high in the CD4- CD8- and CD4+ CD8+ immature thymocytes but absent at the single-positive CD4+ CD8- or CD4- CD8+ stage of thymocyte development. Mitogenic stimulation of thymocytes with phorbol myristate acetate and ionomycin results in down-regulation of RAG-2 expression. Consistent with these data, in vivo levels of RAG-2 are markedly lower in proliferating thymocytes than in smaller, G0/G1 cells. Down-regulation of RAG-2 expression appears to occur before cells enter S phase, suggesting that RAG-2 function may be limited to noncycling cells.

Immunohistochemical localization of transforming growth factor alpha in the major salivary glands of male and female rats

The three major salivary glands of normal male and female Fischer 344 rats of different ages were examined for the localization of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha) by immunohistochemical staining. EGF was demonstrated only in the granulated convoluted tubule (GCT) cells of the submandibular gland, the results confirming the previous reports, and most abundantly in adult males and pregnant females. TGF alpha stain was localized in all three glands and was found throughout the entire duct system, excluding acinar cells. The myoepithelial cells of the sublingual gland were also reactive with the TGF alpha antibody. The specificity of the staining was confirmed by negative staining reaction with the absorbed antibody and by radio-immunoassay and Western blot methods. This is the first report describing the presence of TGF alpha in the rat salivary glands.

Serial MRI and CT findings in infantile Krabbe disease

Krabbe disease (globoid cell leukodystrophy) is an autosomal recessive childhood disorder characterized by severe motor and mental deterioration. The disease has been divided into 3 main types and further subdivided into several subtypes based on age of onset and symptoms. Initial clinical findings and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with several follow-up scans are presented to identify the order and extent of white matter involvement and developing brain atrophy in a child with the floppy infant variant of Krabbe disease. When the patient's clinical condition proceeded to stage 2, MRI disclosed severe involvement of the deep white matter around the atria and posterior limbs of the internal capsules. At the same time there was progression of normal myelination around the frontal horns. At age 32 months, the patient's clinical condition proceeded to stage 3; she did not interact with her environment. MRI revealed a significant decrease of white matter volume, generalized atrophy, and abnormal high signal in all white matter areas except the anterior limbs of the internal capsules. At the same time the volume of the central gray nuclei was decreased and also demonstrated abnormal high signal. Despite its sensitivity, MRI could not differentiate the findings of this variant of Krabbe disease from the classic form; therefore, subclassifications of Krabbe disease should be made on clinical grounds because they cannot be distinguished by biochemical or radiologic (MRI) criteria.

Multiple sclerosis masquerading as a mass lesion

Six patients presenting with new neurological deficits underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that displayed mass lesions leading to diagnoses of tumor or abscess. Biopsy revealed demyelinating lesions.

Generalized cortical dysplasia. Clinical and pathologic aspects

Three children with profound mental retardation and intractable seizures died at ages 10 months, 3 years, and 7 years, respectively. Complete examination of their brains showed generalized cortical dysplasia, without any major malformation of the external gyral pattern. The neuropathologic features of cortical dysplasia include abnormally thickened cortex with indistinct demarcation of the gray-white matter junction. In many areas, the cortex contained increased numbers of large neurons with disordered cortical lamination. Heterotopic neurons were scattered throughout the white matter with decreased myelination of the underlying white matter. To our knowledge, these cases represent the first fully detailed neuropathologic study of diffuse cortical dysplasia--a newly recognized entity of abnormal neuronal migration.