Heralded Three-Photon Entanglement from a Single-Photon Source on a Photonic Chip

In the quest to build general-purpose photonic quantum computers, fusion-based quantum computation has risen to prominence as a promising strategy. This model allows a ballistic construction of large cluster states which are universal for quantum computation, in a scalable and loss-tolerant way without feed forward, by fusing many small n-photon entangled resource states. However, a key obstacle to this architecture lies in efficiently generating the required essential resource states on photonic chips. One such critical seed state that has not yet been achieved is the heralded three-photon Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (3-GHZ) state. Here, we address this elementary resource gap, by reporting the first experimental realization of a heralded 3-GHZ state. Our implementation employs a low-loss and fully programmable photonic chip that manipulates six indistinguishable single photons of wavelengths in the telecommunication regime. Conditional on the heralding detection, we obtain the desired 3-GHZ state with a fidelity 0.573±0.024. Our Letter marks an important step for the future fault-tolerant photonic quantum computing, leading to the acceleration of building a large-scale optical quantum computer.

Investigating the prognostic value of constructing disulfidptosis-related gene models for lung adenocarcinoma patients

OBJECTIVE

Disulfidptosis is a novel mode of cell death, a programmed mode of intracellular disulfide accumulation due to solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)-mediated abnormalities in the cell membrane cystine transport system. Numerous studies have confirmed the prominent role played by SLC7A11 in tumors, but the involvement of SLC7A11 as an important mediator of disulfidptosis in the death process of lung adenocarcinoma cells remains unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We obtained 4,107 SLC7A11-related genes and analyzed them using a total of 1,040 lung adenocarcinoma transcriptome sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort and GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) cohort and 991 relevant clinical data. First, we screened for differential genes and identified molecular subtypes for assessing characteristic differences between lung adenocarcinoma subtypes under the influence of SLC7A11-associated genes. Then, risk score models were constructed to assess the prognosis, immune infiltration, tumor microenvironment, and drug treatment effects in lung adenocarcinoma patients. Finally, we also analyzed the distribution of cell types and expression of characteristic genes within the tumor using a single-cell database. In addition, relevant drug sensitivities were predicted.

RESULTS

We screened 956 genes with significant differences and identified 2 molecular subtypes and found significant differences in their prognosis and that subtype B had a significantly better survival prognosis than subtype A. In addition, we found that pathways associated with cell proliferation division and DNA repair were enriched in the high-risk type A samples. Finally, we constructed a robust risk-scoring system, and our risk analysis revealed a general reduction of various immune cell components and tumor stromal components in the immune microenvironment of high-risk lung adenocarcinoma and a distinct immune infiltration pattern of immune cells, which was associated with a lower survival rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Our comprehensive analysis of SLC7A11-related genes suggests that disulfidptosis has a potential value in the tumor microenvironment, immunity, clinical outcome, and prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma. These findings may increase our understanding of disulfidptosis as a novel cell death paradigm and provide ideas for assessing the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma and developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

[Analysis on the effect of sound insulation reconstruction in operation room of steel rolling production line in a steel plant]

Objective: To investigate the effect of sound insulation improvement on the noise exposure of workers in the operation room of hot rolling line for wide and heavy plate. Methods: From September 2019 to September 2017, based on the occupational health Survey, the data of 25 fixed operation rooms and workers in operation rooms of a steel rolling production line were collected retrospectively, the noise exposure levels before and after the improvement of sound insulation were statistically analyzed. Results: The noise exposure value of the workers, the qualified rate of 0 Grade 8 hours equivalent noise (L(EX, 8 h)) ≤85 dB (A) and the qualified rate of the design limit value of the operation room were all higher than those before the modification, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01) , after the renovation, the Class II and above noise hazards were eliminated, the equivalent continuous a sound level (L(Aeq, 8 h)) >75 dB (A) of the workers in the operation room was 8h, and the noise level in the operation room still did not meet the Ergonomics limit standard. Conclusion: The improvement of sound insulation can effectively improve the working environment of noise workplace operating room and reduce the workers'noise exposure level.

On-Demand Semiconductor Source of Entangled Photons Which Simultaneously Has High Fidelity, Efficiency, and Indistinguishability

An outstanding goal in quantum optics and scalable photonic quantum technology is to develop a source that each time emits one and only one entangled photon pair with simultaneously high entanglement fidelity, extraction efficiency, and photon indistinguishability. By coherent two-photon excitation of a single InGaAs quantum dot coupled to a circular Bragg grating bull's-eye cavity with a broadband high Purcell factor of up to 11.3, we generate entangled photon pairs with a state fidelity of 0.90(1), pair generation rate of 0.59(1), pair extraction efficiency of 0.62(6), and photon indistinguishability of 0.90(1) simultaneously. Our work will open up many applications in high-efficiency multiphoton experiments and solid-state quantum repeaters.

Chromosome 7 translocation breakpoints in male carriers: clinical features and implications for genetic counseling

Balanced reciprocal translocations are associated with reproductive failure. Some reciprocal translocation carriers exhibit azoospermia or oligozoospermia, and an association exists between these chromosomal abnormalities and recurrent abortion. Previous reports have indicated the involvement of chromosome 7 translocations in male infertility and recurrent miscarriage. A translocation breakpoint can occur within an important gene, interrupting its structure and leading to male infertility. However, clinical characteristics resulting from chromosome 7 translocation breakpoints have not been studied. Here, we report such breakpoints and their associated clinical features, to enable informed genetic counseling of carriers. Balanced reciprocal translocations were found in 1.57% of the tested patients. Among these 82 individuals, 14 (17.07%) carried a chromosome 7 translocation, of which, five presented with pregestational infertility and clinical manifestations of oligozoospermia or necrospermia, while nine presented with gestational infertility (i.e., were able to conceive, but often resulting in miscarriage). Breakpoints at 7q31 and 7q36 were associated with pregestational infertility, whereas those at 7p10, 7q21.2, 7q22, and 7q32 were connected to gestational infertility. However, the breakpoint at 7p15 was associated with both. Chromosome 7 translocation carriers with pregestational or gestational infertility should be counseled on chromosomal breakpoints and the various molecular technologies available for assisted reproduction.

Translocation breakpoints of chromosome 1 in male carriers: clinical features and implications for genetic counseling

Reciprocal translocation is closely associated with male infertility and recurrent miscarriages. Balanced reciprocal translocations associated with reproductive failures are predominantly observed on chromosome 1. Additionally, infertile male patients present a number of breakpoints throughout chromosome 1. A translocation breakpoint might interrupt the structure of an important gene, leading to male infertility. Here, we report the breakpoints on chromosome 1 translocation and the clinical features presented in carriers, to enable informed genetic counseling of these patients. Balanced reciprocal translocations were found in 1.57% of the tested patients. Among 82 patients, 23 patients (28.05%) were carriers of the chromosome 1 translocation: 12 presented pre-gestational infertility with clinical manifestations of azoospermia or oligozoospermia, while 11 patients presented gestational infertility (able to conceive but with a tendency to miscarry or give birth to a stillborn). The breakpoint at 1p22 was predominantly observed in these patients; additionally, breakpoints at 1p31.2, 1p10, and 1q25 were associated with gestational infertility. Breakpoints at 1p13, 1q12, and 1q21 were associated with pre-gestational infertility. These results suggested that breakpoints at 1p32, 1p13, and 1q21 were predominantly associated with pre-gestational infertility, while that at 1q25 was associated with gestational infertility. Chromosome 1 translocation carriers with infertility presenting as azoospermia or oligospermia should be counseled on chromosomal breakpoints and the different molecular technologies available to facilitate reproduction.

Balanced reciprocal translocation at amniocentesis: cytogenetic detection and implications for genetic counseling

Balanced translocation is a common structural chromosomal rearrangement in humans. Carriers can be phenotypically normal but have an increased risk of pregnancy loss, fetal death, and the transmission of chromosomal abnormalities to their offspring. Existing prenatal screening technologies and diagnostic procedures fail to detect balanced translocation, so genetic counseling for carriers remains a challenge. Here, we report the characteristics of chromosomal reciprocal translocation in 3807 amniocentesis cases. Of the 16 detected cases of fetal reciprocal translocation, 8 cases (50%) showed positive biochemical marker screening; 3 cases (18.75%) were the parental carriers of a chromosomal abnormality; 2 (12.5%) were of advanced maternal age, 2 (12.5%) had a previous history of children with genetic disorders, and 1 case (6.25%) was associated with positive soft markers in obstetric ultrasound. Chromosomes 5 and 19 were the most commonly involved chromosomes in balanced translocations. Of the 13 cases with fetal balanced translocations, 8 (61.5%) were inherited from a paternal chromosome, 3 (23.1%) from a maternal chromosome, and 2 (15.4%) cases were de novo. The incidence of balanced translocation at amniocentesis was 0.42%. Male carriers of reciprocal chromosome translocation appear to have a higher chance of becoming a parent of a child born by normal childbirth than female carriers.

De novo interstitial deletion in the long arm of chromosome 11: a case report

The 11q terminal deletion disorder is a rare genetic disorder associated with numerous clinical features. A few case reports have been made about de novo interstitial deletion of chromosome 11q. However, due to the heterogeneity in size and position of the deletions, a clear genotype-phenotype correlation is not easily made. Here we report a case interstitial 20.5-Mb deletion at chromosome 11q13.4q21, as confirmed by array comparative genomic hybridization. Dysmorphic features such as coarse facial features, congenital laryngomalacia, oblique inguinal hernia, high-arched palate, and camptodactyly were observed in the subject. The present case broadens the spectrum of clinical findings observed in individuals with 11q interstitial deletion.

[Preparation of folate-targeted magnetic nanocomposites loaded with TFPI-2 plasmid and cisplatin and evaluation of its targeting and inhibitory effect on nasopharyngeal carcinoma HNE-1 cells in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To prepare a novel folate-targeted magnetic nanocomposites loaded with tissue facor pathway inhibitor 2 (TFPI-2) and cisplatin (CDDP) and to investigate its targeting ability and anti-tumor effect on nasopharyngeal carcinoma HNE-1 cells in vitro.

METHODS

The copolymer folic acid-polyethylene glycol-polyethyleneimine (FA-PEG-PEI) was synthesized through amidation reaction, and then FA-PEG-PEI/ magnetic nanoparticles-CDDP/TFPI-2 (MNP-CDDP/TFPI-2) nanocomposites was obtained by electrostatic adsorption between TFPI-2 plasmid and magnetic nanoparticles loaded with CDDP (MNP-CDDP) with vortex FA-PEG-PEI. (1)H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ((1)H NMR ) was used to determine if FA-PEG-PEI was synthesized. The particle size, zeta potential and morphology were detected by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The content of Fe and CDDP was measured by phenanthroline and o-phenylenediamine (OPDA) colourimetry. Agarose gel electrophoresis was used to analyze the binding ability of FA-PEG-PEI/MNP-CDDP to TFPI-2 plasmid. Molecular targeted uptake of FA-PEG-PEI/ MNP-CDDP/TFPI-2 coupling with green fluorescent protein (GFP) in NPC cells were observed by Prussian-blue iron staining and fluorescence microscope. The levels of TFPI-2 protein expression after transfection were evaluated by Western blot. The effects of nanocomposites on HNE-1 cells proliferation and apoptosis were measured with Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8) and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Special peak value of FA, PEG and PEI were showed on (1)H NMR spectrogram. The mean size and zeta potential of FA-PEG-PEI/MNP-CDDP/TFPI-2 were 141.1 nm and 21.5 mV. The nanocomposites showed a good monodispersity and an insufficient size uniformity under TEM. The content of Fe and CDDP were 116.2 μg/ml and 92.88 μg/ml, respectively. Agarose gel electrophoresis showed TFPI-2 could be encapsulated completely and protected from digestion of DNA enzyme as the mass ratio of FA-PEG-PEI/ MNP-CDDP and TFPI-2 plasmid was equal or higher than 1∶1. More blue-stained magnetic granulars and green fluorescence were seen in folate receptor (FR)-positive HNE-1 cells than in FR-negative CNE-2 (P<0.05) under microscope and fluorescence microscope. The level of TFPI-2 protein expression in HNE-1cells increased significantly after transfection by FA-PEG-PEI/ MNP-CDDP/TFPI-2, compared with other control groups (FA-PEG-PEI/MNP-CDDP group and TFPI-2 group), all P<0.05. The nanocomposites inhibitory effect on HNE-1 including cell growth inhibition rate (64.00%) and apoptosis rate (49.61%) were significantly higher than that in FA-PEG-PEI/MNP group (8.19%, 9.26%), FA-PEG-PEI/TFPI-2 group (40.35%, 19.85%) and FA-PEG-PEI/MNP-CDDP group(56.15%, 36.46%)(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

FA-PEG-PEI/MNP-CDDP/TFPI-2 nanocomposites was successfully synthesized using amidation and electrostatic adsorption technology and has a good molecular targeting and inhibitory effect on FR-positive HNE-1cells in vitro.

Outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection in oligozoospermic men with Y chromosome AZFb or AZFc microdeletions

We investigated whether the presence of Y chromosome azoospermia factor (AZF) microdeletions impacts upon the outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using fresh ejaculated spermatozoa. Sixteen oligozoospermia patients with Y chromosome AZFb or AZFc microdeletions and undergoing ICSI cycles between March 2013 and November 2014 were studied. Twenty-six infertile men with normal Y chromosomes and also undergoing IVF/ICSI in the same time period were used as controls. A retrospective case-control study approach was used. Among the 16 cases, 12 (75%, 12/16) had deletions of AZFc markers (sY152, sY254 and sY255), one (6.25%, 1/16) had a deletion of sY152, and two (12.5%, 2/16) had deletions of sY152, sY254, sY255 and sY157. AZFb microdeletions were found in one patient (6.25%, 1/16). There were no significant differences between groups for cleaved embryo rate, high-grade embryo rate, blastocyst formation rate, embryo implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate and delivery rate. The clinical outcomes of ICSI for oligozoospermic patients with Y chromosome AZF microdeletion are comparable to those of infertile patients with normal Y chromosomes. Our findings indicate that ICSI should be offered to patients with an AZFc deletion and that oligozoospermia patients with AZFb microdeletions are likely to father children.

Copy number variations in spermatogenic failure patients with chromosomal abnormalities and unexplained azoospermia

Male infertility is mostly caused by spermatogenic failure. Currently, routine genetic analyses of unexplained azoospermia or oligozoospermia are limited to the investigation of Y chromosomal microdeletions and chromosome karyotype analyses. The aim of this study was to find spermatogenic failure genes in patients with chromosomal abnormalities and unexplained azoospermia caused by copy number variations in order to provide a theoretical basis for further research. Spermatogenic failure patients consisting of 13 males with chromosomal abnormalities and 20 with unexplained azoospermia were enrolled. The subjects underwent high-throughput genome-wide sequencing to find copy number variants (CNVs), and the results were analyzed using the Database of Genomic Variants, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database, and PubMed. The results showed that 16 CNVs were detected in 11 patients with chromosome abnormalities, and 26 CNVs were found in 16 males with azoospermia. Our data showed CNV-involved loci including: three times on 11p11.12 and 14q11.2 and twice on 6p21.32, 13q11, 15q11.11, 16p12.2, and 21q22.3. Some CNVs may involve changes in genetic structure and function or gene mutations, which may affect gene expression in testicular tissues and lead to spermatogenic failure. The involved genes include EDDM3A, EDDM3B, HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQA1, POTE B, GOLGA8C, DNMT3L, ALF, NPHP1, NRG1, RID2, ADAMTS20, TWF1, COX10, MAK, and DNEL1. By applying high throughput genome-wide sequencing to determine CNVs, we provide a number of candidate genes possibly contributing to spermatogenic failure.

Clinical and cytogenetic results of a series of amniocentesis cases from Northeast China: a report of 2500 cases

The aims of this study were to demonstrate the clinical and cytogenetic results of amniocentesis (AS) cases in Northeast China, to compare the incidence of different kinds of chromosomal abnormalities, and to study the association between the detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities and different indications for prenatal diagnosis. Cytogenetic analysis was performed on long-term tissue cultures of 2500 second-trimester amniotic fluid samples. The most common indication for genetic AS was abnormal maternal serum-screening test (69.56%), followed by advanced maternal age (15.04%). Chromosomal abnormality was detected in 206 (8.24%) of the 2500 samples. The detection rate of abnormal karyotypes was 62.5% in the group in which one member of the couple was a carrier of a chromosome abnormality; in the group having a positive result from noninvasive prenatal testing, the frequency was 50%. To determine the origin of fetal chromosome abnormal karyotype, 45 fetuses were analyzed. Of these, 20 were found to be de novo abnormalities and 25 were familial. The frequency and proportion of abnormal karyotypes varied substantially across different maternal AS indications. Knowing the origin and type of chromosomal abnormality would help determine termination or continuation of the pregnancy.

Correlation between chromosomal polymorphisms and male infertility in a Northeast Chinese population

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between chromosomal polymorphisms and male infertility. The patients were diagnosed with azoospermia or oligospermiaby a semen analysis. Chromosomal analysis was performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from the patients, with standard G-banding and C-banding. Y chromosome microdeletions were detected by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. The parents of 35 polymorphic probands were also subjected to chromosomal analysis, and their detailed reproductive histories were surveyed. The frequency of autosomal polymorphisms did not differ significantly among the infertile patients and fertile control individuals. The frequency of the Yqh-variant increased with the decrease in sperm count; this appeared at a significantly higher frequency in the azoospermia group (57.2 vs 24.3 vs 0%). The results of PCR amplification indicated that 32.14% of the patients with Yqh ± had microdeletions in the Y chromosome. The parents of the probands with the same chromosomal polymorphisms as the probands (among the 35 recalled families) did not show any adverse reproductive history. We observed no significant correlations between autosomal polymorphisms and male infertility. However, we observed a significant increase in the frequency of Yqh- in the azoospermic patients. This may be attributed to Y chromosome microdeletions, although the association between Y chromosome microdeletions and Y chromosome variants remains to be elucidated.

Inheritance of balanced translocation t(17; 22) from a Down syndrome mother to a phenotypically normal daughter

We report that a 30-year-old woman with mental retardation was referred for prenatal diagnoses during pregnancy. An ultrasound scan showed that the heart structure and function of the fetus were normal. Cytogenetic analysis showed that the female karyotype was 47,XX, t(17; 22) (q21; q11), +21. The woman's husband had a normal male karyotype and was phenotypically normal. During this first pregnancy, an amniocentesis, which was done at 19 weeks, revealed that the fetal karyotype was 46,XX, t(17; 22) (q21; q11). Fluorescence in situ hybridization testing of amniotic fluid gave a normal result for chromosome 21. The child was a phenotypically normal female baby.

Varicocele and male infertility in Northeast China: Y chromosome microdeletion as an underlying cause

The prevalence of Y chromosome microdeletions among azoospermic, severe oligozoospermic, moderate oligozoospermic, and mild oligozoospermic patients with varicocele-related and idiopathic infertility shows conflicting data in Asian countries. We aimed to detect this frequency in Northeast China, and investigated spermatogenic defects whether associated with varicocele or Y chromosome microdeletions. All samples underwent a thorough physical examination, semen analysis, and PCR analyses for Y chromosome microdeletions. We randomly selected 150 infertile non-obstructive azoospermic patients with left varicocele (Group 1), 150 idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermic infertility patients (Group 2), 150 infertile severe oligozoospermic patients with left varicocele (Group 3), 150 idiopathic severe oligozoospermic infertility patients (Group 4), 150 infertile moderate oligozoospermic patients with left varicocele (Group 5), 150 idiopathic moderate oligozoospermic infertility patients (Group 6), 150 infertile mild oligozoospermic patients with left varicocele (Group 7), 150 idiopathic mild oligozoospermic infertility patients (Group 8), and 60 healthy unrelated men with proven fertility were recruited as control subjects (Group 9). We observed that our samples from Northeastern China had a higher frequency of microdeletions among the non-obstructive azoospermic individuals with varicocele, as compared with other Asian countries. Furthermore, the spermatogenic defect is due to the underlying Y chromosome microdeletion, and not the varicocele itself. Although varicocele is not the cause of male infertility, it may be associated with male infertility in the Northeastern Chinese population.

Sperm aneuploidy and implications for genetic counseling in a pedigree of three t(1;3) balanced translocation carriers

A reciprocal translocation between the short arm of chromosome 1 and the long arm of chromosome 3 was observed in a pedigree of three carriers (proband, and his brother and mother). In this study, the three carriers had different clinical manifestations: the proband with infertility, his brother with spousal miscarriages, and his mother with no adverse reproductive history. Cytogenetic analysis of metaphase chromosomes was performed, and triple-color fluorescence in situ hybridization was applied to the detection of aneuploidy sperm related to the interchromosomal effect (ICE). An increase of aneuploidy of chromosome 21 in the proband and aneuploidy of chromosomes 13, 21, and Y in the brother were observed. Since patients with reciprocal translocations and spermatogenetic impairment are candidates, with their partners, for intracytoplasmic sperm injection, the study of the level of sperm aneuploidy rates would provide useful information for couples at risk, as well as contributing to a better understanding of the ICE.

Reproductive outcome of a case with familial balanced translocation t(3;6): implications for genetic counseling

Although it is known that parental carriers of structural chromosomal rearrangements are associated with recurrent pregnancy loss, subsequent natural pregnancies remain possible. We examined the reproductive outcome of a familial balanced translocation with t(3;6)(q12;q27). Karyotyping of the proband revealed 46,XY chromosomes with the balanced translocation t(3;6). The first 2 pregnancies resulted in spontaneous abortions. Based on the proband karyotype, his father and half-brother were subjected to cytogenetic analysis, and both showed 46,XY, t(3;6)(q12;q27). After genetic counseling, the proband chose to continue the pregnancy. During the third pregnancy, the subject gave birth to a normal male infant. For parental carriers with balanced chromosomal translocations, natural pregnancy should be considered during genetic counseling.

DNA hypermethylation of the forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3) promoter in CD4+ T cells of patients with systemic sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease that involves dysregulation of immune homeostasis. The failure of impaired regulatory T cells (Tregs) to maintain immune homeostasis plays a major role in the development of SSc. Transcriptional silencing of the forkhead box protein 3 gene (FOXP3) via hypermethylation of regulatory regions has been identified as a hallmark of committed Tregs and several autoimmune disorders.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether aberrant expression and methylation of FOXP3 occurs in CD4+ T cells of patients with SSc and their roles in the pathogenesis of SSc.

METHODS

FOXP3 expression in CD4+ T cells was measured by real-time quantitative reverse-itranscriptase polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Bisulfite sequencing was performed to determine the methylation status of the FOXP3 proximal promoter sequence. The percentage of Treg cells was estimated by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Decreased FOXP3 expression was observed in CD4+ T cells from patients with SSc. The methylation levels of the FOXP3 regulatory sequences were elevated and inversely correlated with FOXP3 mRNA expression in patients with SSc. The number of Tregs was significantly reduced in patients with SSc. Treatment of SSc CD4+ T cells with a DNA methylation inhibitor, 5-azacytidine, reduced the mean methylation levels, and enhanced FOXP3 expression and Treg generation. The promoter methylation status and expression level of FOXP3 are significantly associated with disease activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The contribution of the hypermethylation of the FOXP3 promoter to decreased FOXP3 expression and the subsequent quantitative defects of Tregs may mediate the immune dysfunction in SSc.

Birth of a healthy child by a woman with inherited Xq duplications who had experienced stillbirths

A 23-year-old woman who had experienced repeated stillbirths, was found to carry an additional segment on the long arm of the X chromosome. Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) confirmed the origin of the 2 duplications (about 17.11 Mb). Thus, her karyotype was 46, X, dup (X) (q13.2-q21.1), dup(X) (q21.32-q22.1). We demonstrate that aCGH is a useful complementary tool to cytogenetic analysis for accurately determining banding. To our knowledge, this is the first case with normal apparently phenotype who inherited 2 duplications on Xq. Notably, after 2 stillbirths, she bore a healthy, normal female infant via natural pregnancy. Thus, a carrier of this karyotype can birth a phenotypically normal child.

Sperm retrieval from patients with nonmosaic Klinefelter's syndrome by semen cytology examination

Successful sperm retrieval from ejaculates of nonmosaic Klinefelter's syndrome (KS) patients by using semen cytology examination was described in this report. The clinical parameters of KS patients with sperm compared to patients without sperm were described. One hundred and fifty-one patients were proven to suffer from KS by chromosomal analysis using G-banding. Spermatozoa were obtained from 10 patients (10/151, 6.6%) using semen analysis. After semen cytology examination, 32 patients (32/151, 21.2%) were found to have sperm or germ cell in their ejaculate. The patients with successful sperm retrieval were significantly younger (27.1 ± 3.7 years) than the patients for whom sperm retrieval failed (28.9 ± 4.2 years). The mean serum testosterone level and the mean T/LH ratio of KS patients with successful sperm retrieval were significantly higher in men with sperm than in men without sperm (testosterone: 3.2 ± 2.1 ng/mL vs 2.7 ± 1.5 ng/mL; T/LH ratio: 0.2 ± 0.3 vs 0.1 ± 0.1). In conclusion, semen cytology examination should be performed to identify sperm and germ cells in the ejaculate of KS patients if no sperm can be detected by traditional semen analysis. The serum testosterone level and T/LH ratio revealed an association between impaired Leydig cell function and impaired spermatogenesis in KS males. KS patients should receive earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Reproductive outcomes in recurrent pregnancy loss associated with a parental carrier of chromosome abnormalities or polymorphisms

The subsequent reproductive outcomes in couples with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) associated with chromosome abnormalities or polymorphisms are generally not reported in China. Many RPL carrier couples have decided not to have children. The present study recorded the subsequent delivery, miscarriage, and unpregnancy outcomes of 113 RPL carrier couples and 226 non-carrier couples, and compared differences in reproductive outcomes between couples with different types of chromosome abnormalities or polymorphisms and chromosome normal couples. Our results showed that couples with RPL associated with parental chromosome abnormalities or polymorphisms did not have significantly lower live birth rates than non-carrier couples in China. These results suggest the current guidance given to Chinese RPL couples.

Impact of chromosomal translocations on male infertility, semen quality, testicular volume and reproductive hormone levels

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the relationship between male infertility and chromosomal translocations, and the influence of different types of chromosomal translocations on semen quality, testicular volume and hormone levels.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of infertile men was recruited for chromosomal analysis using standard Giemsa stain banding. Physical examinations, semen analysis, hormonal analysis and the detection of azoospermia factor (AZF) microdeletions were carried out. Men with normal fertility were used as controls.

RESULTS

Among the 1056 infertile men, 22 had chromosomal translocations (2.1%), including seven with Robertsonian translocations (0.7%), 11 with autosome-autosome reciprocal translocations (1.0%) and four with gonosome-autosome reciprocal translocations (0.4%). Left and right testicular volumes of patients with chromosomal translocations were significantly smaller than those in the fertile control group. There were no significant differences in hormone levels between patients with chromosomal translocations and fertile controls, except for significantly lower testosterone levels in patients with Robertsonian and gonosome-autosome reciprocal translocations compared with the controls. All AZF microdeletion analyses showed normal results.

CONCLUSIONS

Chromosomal translocations may cause reductions in testicular volume and testosterone level, which may impact spermatogenesis, resulting in azoospermia or oligozoospermia and male infertility.

Azoospermia factor microdeletions: occurrence in infertile men with azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia from China

Azoospermia factor (AZF) microdeletions are the most frequent genetic cause of male infertility after Klinefelter's syndrome. Although some assisted reproductive techniques such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) have been successfully introduced to clinical treatment for infertile males, the AZF microdeletions might be transmitted from infertile fathers to their male offspring during these procedures. Thus, it is important to carefully evaluate AZF microdeletions in infertile males before assisted reproductive techniques are performed. In this article, we aimed to investigate the frequencies of AZF microdeletions in 137 infertile males with azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia from Jilin province of China and analyse the relationship between the levels of reproductive hormones and AZF microdeletions. Result analysis showed that AZF microdeletions were present in 8 (8.70%) azoospermic males and 3 (6.67%) severely oligozoospermic males. The most frequent microdeletions were detected in the AZFc region, followed by AZFb + c, AZFb and AZFa. And there was no significant correlation between the AZF microdeletion and the levels of reproductive hormones. These findings reinforce the necessity of AZF microdeletion testing among infertile males prior to employment of assisted reproduction techniques in Jilin province of China.

Expansion and de novo occurrence of Y chromosome microdeletions occurring via natural vertical transmission in northeastern China

OBJECTIVE

To determine characteristics of classical and partial deletions of the Y chromosome azoospermia factor (AZF) region transmitted from father to son by natural fertilization.

METHODS

Patients from northeastern China with primary male infertility (n = 10) and their fathers were investigated. Healthy fertile men and women were recruited as positive and negative controls, respectively. The Y chromosome microdeletions were detected by polymerase chain reaction. Serum concentrations of reproductive hormones were determined by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Expansions of microdeletions were observed in seven father–son pairs; de novo microdeletions were found in the remaining three father–son pairs. The Y chromosome microdeletions were larger in sons than in their fathers. Patients with infertility had significantly higher levels of follicle stimulating hormone and lower levels of inhibin B than fertile men.

CONCLUSIONS

The Y chromosome microdeletions were transmitted from father to son via natural transmission. These microdeletions may expand during transmission or arise de novo, possibly resulting in reduced fertility.

Analysis of HLA-DM polymorphisms in the Chinese Han population

Non-classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DM plays an important and unique role in the processing and presentation of exogenous antigens. Polymorphisms of certain genes and frequency of alleles in populations may indicate susceptibility to certain diseases. In this study, the analysis of HLA-DMA and HLA-DMB gene polymorphisms and haplotypes in the Chinese Han population was conducted to obtain population genetic data. HLA-DM typing has been performed previously by other groups by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism and PCR-sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe techniques. In this study, we established a TaqMan PCR typing method as an alternative to these techniques to survey the frequency of DMA and DMB alleles in the population. Genotyping was conducted in 1000 unrelated individuals of Han nationality in South and North China using TaqMan PCR typing. Four different DMA alleles and six different DMB alleles were detected. All loci met the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium principle that both allele and genotype frequencies in a population remain constant. We found that the DMA*01:01 (69.35%) and DMB*01:01 (52.5%) alleles were more frequent in Chinese Hans. Analysis of the haplotypes for two loci of DMA and DMB showed that a highly significant positive linkage disequilibrium (LD) presented for DMA*01:01-DMB*01:02, DMA*01:01-DMB*01:03, DMA*01:01-DMB*01:04, DMA*01:02-DMB*01:01, DMA*01:02-DMB*01:05, DMA*01:03-DMB*01:07, and DMA*01:04-DMB*01:01 haplotypes. Analysis of haplotypes for four loci associated with antigen processing (DMA-DMB-TAP1-TAP2) showed a highly significant LD in DMA*01:01-DMB*01:04-TAP1*02:01:01-TAP2*01:02, DMA*01: 02-DMB*01:05-TAP1*01:01-TAP2*01:01, and DMA*01:01-DMB*01:03-TAP1* 04:01-TAP2*01:01 haplotypes. The comparison between the Chinese Han population and non-Chinese populations showed that no significant differences were found at the HLA-DMA locus in the Chinese Han population compared with people of German nationality, whereas significant differences presented when compared with Turkish, American Caucasian, Japanese, French, and Italian nationalities. However, at the HLA-DMB locus, highly significant differences presented in the Chinese Han population compared with Germans and Italians. This study lays the foundations for further disease association analyses.

Ureaplasma urealyticum in male infertility in Jilin Province, North-east China, and its relationship with sperm morphology

This study investigated the effects of Ureaplasma urealyticum infection and raised seminal leucocyte levels on sperm morphology in 967 infertile males and 201 fertile healthy volunteers. U. urealyticum infection led to a significant decrease in the percentage of morphologically normal sperm in infertile males. There was a clear correlation between U. urealyticum infection, raised seminal leucocytes and abnormal sperm morphology. The percentage of morphologically normal sperm was significantly lower in U. urealyticum-positive than U. urealyticum-negative infertile males or fertile controls. The percentage of morphologically normal sperm was lowest in U. urealyticum-positive males with raised seminal leucocytes. Previous studies have found raised seminal leucocyte levels to be associated with reactive oxygen species. The authors suggest that oxidative stress contributes to the effects of U. urealyticum on sperm morphology. In conclusion, U. urealyticum infection can negatively affect sperm morphology and this study provided two possible mechanistic explanations.

Measurement and assessment of carrying capacity of the environment in Ningbo, China

Carrying Capacity of the Environment (CCE) provides a useful measure of the sustainable development of a region. Approaches that use integrated assessment instead of measurement can lead to misinterpretation of sustainable development because of confusion between Environmental Stress (ES) indexes and CCE indexes, and the selection of over-simple linear plus models. The present paper proposes a comprehensive measurement system for CCE which comprises models of natural resources capacity, environmental assimilative capacity, ecosystem services capacity, and society supporting capacity. The corresponding measurable indexes are designed to assess CCE using a carrying capacity surplus ratio model and a vector of surplus ratio of carrying capacity model. The former aims at direct comparison of ES and CCE based on the values of basic indexes, and the latter uses a Euclidean vector to assess CCE states. The measurement and assessment approaches are applicable to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and environmental planning and management. A case study is presented for Ningbo, China, whereby all the basic indexes of ECC are measured and the CCE states assessed for 2005 and 2010.

Seminal Plasma Zinc Level May be Associated with the Effect of Cigarette Smoking on Sperm Parameters

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cigarette smoking on seminal plasma zinc levels and sperm parameters, and to examine the role of seminal plasma zinc. Semen samples from 79 non-smokers and 68 smokers were obtained. There was a significant decrease in seminal plasma zinc in smokers and a clear correlation between seminal plasma zinc levels and the extent of smoking. Sperm parameters (concentration, motility and morphology) among smokers were significantly lower in comparison to non-smokers. These parameters were also significantly decreased among smokers with abnormal zinc levels, while there was no significant difference between non-smokers with normal zinc and non-smokers with abnormal zinc levels. As previous studies have shown that seminal plasma zinc is associated with a decrease of anti-oxidant defences, seminal plasma zinc could be a contributor to the effects of cigarette smoking on sperm parameters. In conclusion, cigarette smoking can affect sperm parameters and this study may help towards providing a mechanistic explanation.

Evolutionary conservation of alternative splicing in chicken

Alternative splicing represents a source of great diversity for regulating protein expression and function. It has been estimated that one-third to two-thirds of mammalian genes are alternatively spliced. With the sequencing of the chicken genome and analysis of transcripts expressed in chicken tissues, we are now in a position to address evolutionary conservation of alternative splicing events in chicken and mammals. Here, we compare chicken and mammalian transcript sequences of 41 alternatively-spliced genes and 50 frequently accessed genes. Our results support a high frequency of splicing events in chicken, similar to that observed in mammals.

Tumor-associated macrophages and CD3-zeta expression of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in human esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma

The clinical significance of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and CD3-zeta chain expression of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and their correlation in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are not very clear. Serial histological slides from 137 esophageal SCC patients who had undergone tumor resection were immunohistochemically studied with anti-CD68, anti-CD3-zeta and anti-CD3-epsilon antibodies. TAMs infiltration (expressed as macrophage index, M(phi)I) and CD3-zeta expression (judged by Z/E = CD3-zeta+ cells/CD3-epsilon+ cells ratio) in different tissue compartments were observed. We found that the total tumor tissue region had significantly higher macrophage density and lower CD3-zeta expression (mean +/- SD: M(phi)I(normal): 225.3 +/- 85.9; Z/E(total): 0.52 +/- 0.25; n = 137) relative to adjacent histologically normal esophageal squamous epithelium (M(phi)I(normal): 60.5 +/- 31.7, P < 0.001; Z/E(normal): 0.79 +/- 0.35, P = 0.001; n = 70). Significantly higher M(phi)I(stroma) (P = 0.006) and lower Z/E(total) (P = 0.016) were detected in patients with lymph node metastasis than in those without. Patients with high M(phi)I(total) and M(phi)I(cancer) but low Z/E(total) had poorer surgical outcomes. Univariate analysis of M(phi)I(total) and multivariate analysis of M(phi)I(total) with specific clinico-pathological parameters demonstrated M(phi)I(total) to be an independent prognostic factor for survival in esophageal SCC patients (Cox proportional hazard model, P = 0.029 and P = 0.031, respectively).

A survey of cigarette smoking among middle school students in 1988

A survey of the prevalence of smoking in middle school students aged 13-21 years in Harbin city, China, was undertaken in the Spring of 1988. A random sample of 4712 students was selected using proportional stratified clustering. A self-administered confidential questionnaire relating to smoking habits and certain family and school factors was administered. The results showed that 1.29% of the students (2.21% boys and 0.38% girls) smoked regularly, 5.62% (10.52% boys and 0.76% girls) were light smokers and 13.77% (24.29% boys and 2.92% girls) smoked only occasionally. Smoking habits were related to the type of school and to age, there being a higher proportion of smoking in senior grade students. Students were significantly more likely to smoke if they were male and if their siblings smoked. Prevalence of regular smoking was not related to parental occupation or family income. It is suggested that anti-smoking education in the school curriculum should be directed towards students in middle school.

Diagnosis of tertian malaria by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

A method of ELISA diagnosis of tertian malaria based on detecting Plasmodium vivax antigen in red blood cells (RBC) was developed, using 0.16 ml of packed, washed, and sonicated RBC. 68 blood samples from tertian malaria cases were examined; 67 (98.5%) were positive. 104 normal persons were all negative by this test. The lowest parasite number detected was 3 parasites/10(5) RBC on a thin film, or 1-2 parasites per thick film of usual size.