[Research progress in clinical diagnosis and treatment of osteosarcoma of the jaw]

Osteosarcoma of the jaw (JOS), is a relatively rare type of osteosarcoma, with a unique pathogenesis and pathological manifestations. The clinical manifestation of JOS is not characteristic, and it often needs to be diagnosed by combining radiological and pathological examination. At present, the conventional treatment of JOS is a comprehensive treatment based on surgery and supplemented by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Recently, the emergence of new therapies such as immunotherapy, gene therapy, phototherapy and traditional Chinese medicine has provided more choices for treatment and brought new hope to patients with JOS. Therefore, this article summarized the current understanding of diagnosis and the latest treatment development of JOS.

[Identification and 3D architecture analysis of the LIPC gene mutation in a pedigree with familial hypercholesterolemia-like phenotype]

Objective: To identify and analyze 3D architecture of the mutational sites of susceptible genes in a pedigree with familial hypercholesterolemia-like phenotype (FHLP). Methods: This is a case series study. A pedigree with suspected familial hypercholesterolemia was surveyed. The proband admitted in Beijing Anzhen Hospital in April 2019. Whole-exome sequencing was performed to determine the mutational sites of susceptible genes in the proband. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequencing was used to verify the pathogenic variant on proband's relatives. The structural and functional changes of the proteins were analyzed and predicted by Discovery Studio 4.0 and PyMol 2.0. Results: The patients in the pedigree showed abnormal lipid profiles, especially elevated levels of total cholesterol(TC). The genetic screening detected the c.1330C>T SNP in the exon 8 of lipase C (LIPC) gene, this mutation leads to an amino acid substitution from arginine to cysteine at position 444 (Arg444Cys), in the proband and proband's father and brother. In this family, members with this mutation exhibited elevated TC, whereas lipid profile was normal from the proband's mother without this mutation. This finding indicated that LIPC: c.1330C>T mutation might be the mutational sites of susceptible genes. The analysis showed that Arg444Cys predominantly affected the ligand-binding property of the protein, but had a limited impact on catalytic function. Conclusion: LIPC: c.1330C>T is a new mutational site of susceptible genes in this FHLP pedigree.

A nondepleting anti-CD19 antibody impairs B cell function and inhibits autoimmune diseases

B cells contribute to multiple aspects of autoimmune disorders, and B cell-targeting therapies, including B cell depletion, have been proven to be efficacious in treatment of multiple autoimmune diseases. However, the development of novel therapies targeting B cells with higher efficacy and a nondepleting mechanism of action is highly desirable. Here we describe a nondepleting, high-affinity anti-human CD19 antibody LY3541860 that exhibits potent B cell inhibitory activities. LY3541860 inhibits B cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation of primary human B cells with high potency. LY3541860 also inhibits human B cell activities in vivo in humanized mice. Similarly, our potent anti-mCD19 antibody also demonstrates improved efficacy over CD20 B cell depletion therapy in multiple B cell-dependent autoimmune disease models. Our data indicate that anti-CD19 antibody is a highly potent B cell inhibitor that may have potential to demonstrate improved efficacy over currently available B cell-targeting therapies in treatment of autoimmune conditions without causing B cell depletion.

[Development in diagnostic criteria for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis]

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an allergic lung disease caused by the sensitization of Aspergillus fumigatus. In recent years, the research into ABPA has progressed, the testing methods have improved and the diagnostic criteria have been continuously updated. There is no gold standard for the diagnosis of the disease. The diagnostic criteria for ABPA include predisposing diseases, fungal-related immunoassay and pathological examination. Understanding the clinical significance of ABPA diagnostic criteria may help to prevent irreversible bronchopulmonary injury, improve respiratory function and improve the prognosis of patients.

[Analysis on survival time and influencing factors among reported HIV/AIDS in Yunnan Province, 1989-2021]

Objective: To analyze the survival time of reported HIV/AIDS and influencing factors of Yunnan Province from 1989 to 2021. Methods: The data were extracted from the Chinese HIV/AIDS comprehensive response information management system. The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The life table method was applied to calculate the survival probability. Kaplan-Meier was used to draw survival curves in different situations. Furthermore, the Cox proportion hazard regression model was constructed to identify the factors related to survival time. Results: Of the 174 510 HIV/AIDS, the all-cause mortality density was 4.23 per 100 person-years, the median survival time was 20.00 (95%CI:19.52-20.48) years, and the cumulative survival rates in 1, 10, 20, and 30 years were 90.75%, 67.50%, 47.93% and 30.85%. Multivariate Cox proportional risk regression model results showed that the risk of death among 0-14 and 15-49 years old groups were 0.44 (95%CI: 0.34-0.56) times and 0.51 (95%CI:0.50-0.52) times of ≥50 years old groups. The risk for death among the first CD4⁺T lymphocytes counts (CD4) counts levels of 200-349 cells/μl, 350-500 cells/μl and ≥501 cells/μl groups were 0.52 (95%CI: 0.50-0.53) times, 0.41 (95%CI: 0.40-0.42) times and 0.35 (95%CI: 0.34-0.36) times of 0-199 cells/μl groups. The risk of death among the cases that have not received antiretroviral therapy (ART) was 11.56 (95%CI: 11.26-11.87) times. The risk for death among the cases losing to ART, stopping to ART, both losing and stopping ART was 1.66 (95%CI:1.61-1.72) times, 2.49 (95%CI:2.39-2.60) times, and 1.65 (95%CI:1.53-1.78) times of the cases on ART. Conclusions: The influencing factors for the survival time of HIV/AIDS cases were age at diagnosis in Yunnan province from 1989 to 2021. The first CD4 counts levels, antiretroviral therapy, and ART compliance. Early diagnosis, early antiretroviral therapy, and increasing ART compliance could extend the survival time of HIV/AIDS cases.

[Microvascular perfusion and cardiac function after revascularization assessed by myocardial contrast echocardiography in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction]

Objectives: To evaluate microvascular perfusion and left ventricular function in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction after revascularization using myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE), and to explore clinical influencing factors of abnormal microvascular perfusion in these patients. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The analysis was performed among patients admitted to Peking University People's Hospital for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) from June 2018 to July 2021. All patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and completed MCE within 48 hours after PCI. Patients were divided into normal myocardial perfusion group and abnormal perfusion group according to the myocardial perfusion score. The echocardiographic indexes within 48 hours after PCI, including peak mitral valve flow velocity (E), mean value of early diastolic velocity of left ventricular septum and lateral mitral annulus (Em), left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) and so on, were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the influencing factors of myocardial perfusion abnormalities. Results: A total of 123 STEMI patients, aged 59±13 years with 93 (75.6%) males, were enrolled. There were 50 cases in the normal myocardial perfusion group, and 73 cases in the abnormal myocardial perfusion group. The incidence of abnormal myocardial perfusion was 59.3% (73/123). The left ventricular volume index ((62.3±18.4)ml/m² vs. (55.1±15.2)ml/m², P=0.018), wall motion score index (WMSI) (1.59 (1.44, 2.00) vs. 1.24(1.00, 1.47), P<0.001) and mitral E/Em (17.8(12.0, 24.3) vs. 12.2(9.2, 15.7), P<0.001) were significantly higher whereas left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) ((-10.8±3.4)% vs. (-13.8±3.5)%, P<0.001) was significantly lower in the abnormal myocardial perfusion group than those in the normal myocardial perfusion group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that left anterior descending (LAD) as culprit vessel (OR=3.733, 95%CI 1.282-10.873, P=0.016), intraoperative no/low-reflow (OR=6.125, 95%CI 1.299-28.872, P=0.022), and peak troponin I (TnI) (OR=1.018, 95%CI 1.008-1.029, P=0.001) were independent risk factors of abnormal myocardial perfusion. As for ultrasonic indexes, deceleration time of mitral E wave (OR=0.979, 95%CI 0.965-0.993, P=0.003), mitral E/Em (OR=1.100, 95%CI 1.014-1.194, P=0.022) and WMSI (OR=7.470, 95%CI 2.630-21.222, P<0.001) were independently related to abnormal myocardial perfusion. Conclusions: The incidence of abnormal myocardial perfusion after PCI is high in patients with acute STEMI. Abnormal myocardial perfusion is related to worse left ventricular systolic and diastolic function. LAD as culprit vessel, intraoperative no/low-reflow and peak TnI are independent risk factors of abnormal myocardial perfusion.

[Detection and clinical application of HIV-1 DNA]

The persistence of the HIV-1 reservoir is still the main obstacle to the cure of HIV. In clinical research, reliable biomarkers are needed to label it. HIV-1 DNA can be continuously detected in the HIV-1 reservoir. It has significant application value in diagnosing HIV-1 infection, the timing of antiretroviral therapy, the prediction of virus rebound, and monitoring treatment effects. The detection technology based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the most commonly used HIV-1 DNA detection method in clinical practice. The continuous innovation and advancement of technology can accurately detect the total, integrated, and unintegrated HIV-1 DNA in infected cells using qualitative or quantitative methods. Different forms of HIV-1 DNA in infected cells have been increasingly reported as biomarkers in HIV infection monitoring and AIDS treatment-related research. This article reviews the progress of HIV-1 DNA.

[Clinical report of hoding cricoarytenoid joint reduction with visual laryngoscope under intravenous anesthesia]

Objective: To investigate the reduction effect of hoding cricoarytenoid joint reduction with visual laryngoscope under intravenous anesthesia. Methods: The therapeutic effects of 40 patients with arytenoid dislocation(AD)treated by closed reduction in the single center from January 2020 to September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including 21 males and 19 females, median age 48 years. The etiology, symptoms, preoperative evaluation methods, reduction mode, reduction times, and the recovery of arytenoid cartilage movement and sound after reduction were evaluated and analyzed. Results: All patients had obvious hoarseness and breath sound before treatment. Under stroboscopic laryngoscope or electronic nasopharyngoscope, different degrees of vocal cord movement disorder and poor glottic closure can be seen. There were 28 cases of left dislocation, 9 cases of right dislocation and 3 cases of bilateral dislocation. The etiology of dislocation of cricoarytenoid joint: 25 cases (62.5%) of tracheal intubation under general anesthesia were the most common causes, was as follows by laryngeal trauma, gastroscopy, cough, vomiting and so on. Among them, 28 cases of reduction were initially diagnosed in our department, and 12 cases were diagnosed later after failure of reduction treatment. Of the 40 patients, 6 underwent reduction 24 hours after dislocation; 18 cases from 3 days to 1 month; 7 cases from 1 to 3 months; 6 cases were reset in 3~6 months; Over 6 months in 3 cases. After one reduction, 10 cases (10/40, 25%) recovered normal pronunciation, 14 cases (14/40, 35%) recovered normal pronunciation after two reduction, 10 cases (10/40, 25%) recovered normal pronunciation after three times, 2 cases (2/40, 5%) recovered normal pronunciation after four times, and 1 case (2.5%) recovered normal pronunciation after five times. Thin slice CT scan of larynx and cricoarytenoid joint reconstruction showed the types of AD: subluxation in 37 cases (92.5%) and total dislocation in 3 cases; 28 cases of left dislocation, 9 cases of right dislocation and 3 cases of bilateral dislocation; 29 cases (72.5%) had posterior dislocation and 11 cases (27.5%) had anterior dislocation. All patients were treated by intravenous anesthesia with arytenoid cartilage clamped by cricoarytenoid joint reduction forceps under visual laryngoscope. The curative effect was evaluated by stroboscopic laryngoscope and/or voice analysis at 1-2 weeks after operation. The vocal cord movement returned to normal and the pronunciation was good in 37 cases (92.5%). Conclusions: Hoding cricoarytenoid joint reduction with the vision laryngoscope under intravenous anesthesia is easy to operate and the reduction effect is more stable. It is a effective method for AD.

Pharmacological Evaluation of a Pegylated Urocortin-1 Peptide in Experimental Autoimmune Disease Models

Urocortin-1 (UCN1) is a member of the corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) family of peptides that acts through CRH-receptor 1 (CRHR1) and CRH-receptor 2 (CRHR2). UCN1 can induce adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) and downstream glucocorticoids through CRHR1 and promote beneficial metabolic effects through CRHR2. UCN1 has a short half-life and has been shown to improve experimental autoimmune disease. A pegylated UCN1 peptide (PEG-hUCN1) was generated to extend half-life and was tested in multiple experimental autoimmune disease models and in healthy mice to determine effects on corticosterone induction, autoimmune disease, and glucocorticoid induced adverse effects. Cardiovascular effects were also assessed by telemetry. PEG-hUCN1 demonstrated a dose dependent 4-to-6-fold elevation of serum corticosterone and significantly improved autoimmune disease comparable to prednisolone in several experimental models. In healthy mice, PEG-hUCN1 showed less adverse effects compared to corticosterone treatment. PEG-hUCN1 peptide induced an initial 30% reduction in blood pressure that was followed by a gradual and sustained 30% increase in blood pressure at the highest dose. Additionally, an adeno-associated viral 8 (AAV8) UCN1 was used to assess adverse effects of chronic elevation of UCN1 in wild type and CRHR2 knockout mice. Chronic UCN1 expression by an AAV8 approach in wild type and CRHR2 knockout mice demonstrated an important role of CRHR2 in countering the adverse metabolic effects of elevated corticosterone from UCN1. Our findings demonstrate that PEG-hUCN1 shows profound effects in treating autoimmune disease with an improved safety profile relative to corticosterone and that CRHR2 activity is important in metabolic regulation. Significance Statement This study reports the generation and characterization of a pegylated UCN1 peptide and the role of CRHR2 in UCN1-induced metabolic effects. The potency/selectivity, pharmacokinetic properties, pharmacodynamic effects and efficacy in four autoimmune models and safety profiles are presented. This pegylated UCN1 shows potential for treating autoimmune diseases with reduced adverse effects compared to corticosterone treatment. Continuous exposure to UCN1 through an AAV8 approach demonstrates some glucocorticoid mediated adverse metabolic effects that are exacerbated in the absence of the CRHR2 receptor.

[Analysis of vocal fold vibration characteristics of spasmodic dysphonia by laryngeal high speed photography combined with glottis area wave]

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of vocal fold vibration of normal people and patients with spasmodic dysphonia (SD) using laryngeal high speed videoendoscopy combined with glottal area wave analysis. Methods: This prospective study examined twenty healthy subjects (10 males and 10 females), 12 patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia(AdSD) (2 males,10 females)as AdSD group and 2 patients with abductor spasmodic dysphonia(AbSD) (2 males) as AbSD group. Twelve of healthy subjects (2 males,10 females) were selected as control group according to AdSD group gender match. All the subjects were recruited from the Department of Voice, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University from October 2019 to December 2020. All subjects underwent laryngeal high speed videoendoscopy and 10 vibration periods were selected from each recording and were used to quantitatively analyze the change of glottal area and vocal fold vibration parameters (Speed Quotient (SQ), Open Quotient (OQ) and Close Quotient (CQ)). Results: 1. There were statistically significant differences in SQ, CQ and OQ between males and females in the healthy subjects (t=12.28, 5.59, 5.59, P<0.05). The change of the glottal area during each vibration period in healthy subjects was relatively stable(0.19-0.42). 2. The change of the glottal area during each vibration period in AdSD subjects had larger fluctuations, with the glottal area change index fluctuating in the range of 0.31 to 0.62. The SQ value of the AdSD group was significantly lower than that of control group (t=4.246, P<0.05). There were no significant differences in OQ and CQ between AdSD group and normal group (t=1.064, 1.332, P>0.05); The SQ value of the AbSD group tended to increase compared to normal group. Conclusions: Laryngeal high speed videoendoscopy combined with glottal area wave analysis has a certain reference value in the studying the vibration characteristics of SD patients. SQ has good specificity.

Limonitum Ameliorates Castor Oil-Induced Diarrhoea in Mice by Modulating Gut Microbiota

Diarrhoea is a common clinical condition; its pathogenesis is strongly associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis. Limonitum is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine that exerts appreciable benefits regarding the amelioration of diarrhoea. However, the mechanism through which Limonitum ameliorates diarrhoea remains unclear. Here, the efficacy and underlying mechanism of Limonitum decoction (LD) regarding diarrhoea were explored from the aspect of gut microbiota. Castor oil (CO) was used to induce diarrhoea in mice, which were then used to evaluate the effects of LD regarding the timing of the first defecation, diarrhoea stool rate, degree of diarrhoea, diarrhoea score, intestinal propulsive rate, and weight of intestinal contents. The concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetic, propionic, isobutyric, butyric and valeric acids, were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology was applied to evaluate changes in the gut microbiota under exposure to LD. LD was found to effectively ameliorate the symptoms of diarrhoea, and the diversity and relative abundance of gut microbiota were restored to normal levels following LD treatment. Additionally, LD significantly restored the observed reductions in SCFAs. These results provide strong evidence that LD can sufficiently ameliorate diarrhoea in mice by regulating their gut microbiota. The findings presented here highlight that Limonitum may constitute a prospective remedy for diarrhoea.

[HCV and Treponema pallidum infection status in HIV/AIDS cases in Yunnan province, January-June, 2020]

Objective: To understand the infection status of HCV and Treponema pallidum (TP) in HIV/AIDS cases in Yunnan province,and identify the risk factors. Methods: Between January 1 and June 30 in 2020,a cross-sectional survey was conducted in Yunnan. Two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to detect anti-HCV, the positive results of both two kits indicated HCV infection. ELISA and syphilis toluidine red untreated serum test were applied to identify TP infection. Both Excel 2016 and SPSS 22.0 software were used for statistical analysis, and logistic regression model was conducted to identify the relevant factors of HCV and TP infection. Results: A total of 5 922 HIV/AIDS cases were included in this study, the infection rates of HCV and TP were 6.5% (383/5 922) and 5.8% (344/5 922) respectively. The co-infection rate of HCV and TP was 0.4% (22/5 922). The risk for HCV infection in HIV/AIDS cases was higher in younger age groups compared with age group ≥50 years (15-19:aOR=3.53;20-29:aOR=3.02;30-39:aOR=2.91;40-49:aOR=3.61), in males than in females (aOR=2.31), in the married and unmarried than in the divorced or widowed (married:aOR=1.61;unmarried:aOR=1.63), in other ethnic groups than in Han ethnic group (aOR=1.70), in people with lower education level than in people with education level of college and above (primary school degree and below:aOR=4.69;middle school:aOR=3.96), in people living in the central and western Yunnan than in people living in eastern Yunnan (central Yunnan:aOR=2.46; western Yunnan:aOR=7.08), in injection drug users than in MSM (aOR=131.08). The risk of TP infection in HIV/AIDS cases was higher in people with education level of college and primary school than in middle school degree (primary school and below:aOR=1.73;college and above:aOR=1.77), in people with other occupations than in farmers (aOR=1.39), in people living in eastern Yunnan than in people living in western Yunnan (aOR=1.75); in MSM than in people with heterosex (aOR=9.75). Conclusions: A certain proportion of HIV/AIDS cases reported between January and June in 2020 in Yunnan were co-infected with HCV and TP, many factors were associated with the co-infection. It is suggested to strengthen HCV and TP tests in HIV/AIDS cases and conduct active treatment of the co-infection.

[Transient spontaneous regression of pulmonary lymphoma: two case report and review of the literature]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features and pathogenesis of spontaneous regression of lymphoma involving the respiratory system. Methods: Two cases of pulmonary lymphoma which regressed spontaneously were reported. Literatures with"spontaneous regression, lymphoma""spontaneous remission, lymphoma"published before February 2020 were searched in Wanfang, CNKI and Pubmed database. And cases with respiratory system involvement of lymphoma which regressed spontaneously were analyzed. A total of 22 cases were finally retrieved. There were 6 males and 16 females, with an average age of (62.5±16.8) years. Results: Common symptoms included dyspnea, cough, expectoration, fever and weakness. Imaging examination showed that any parts in respiratory system could be involved. The proportion of invasive and indolent lymphomas was approximately similar. The time interval between diagnosis of lymphoma and first sign of spontaneous regression of the disease was from 2 weeks to 1 year. Spontaneous regression of the disease could sustain from 50 days to 60 months. Moreover, 78.6% of patients achieved complete remission in their courses of treatment, and some patients showed wax and wane phenomena. Conclusions: Spontaneous regression of lymphoma may occur in any part of the respiratory system. When a patient exhibits spontaneous regression of pulmonary lesions, lymphoma should be considered in the differential diagnoses. Pathology study is needed to achieve a definitive diagnosis. Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis related to empirical treatment of antibiotics and corticosteroid should be avoided.

[A preliminary investigation of the clinical characteristics of community acquired pneumonia with concomitant pulmonary embolism]

Objective: To understanding the clinical characteristics of the patients of pneumonia concomitant with acute pulmonary embolism, and the early identification of high-risk patients. Methods: Retrospective analysis of hospitalized patients with confirmed diagnosis of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) with concomitant pulmonary embolism (PE) within a period of 5 years. Patients hospitalized with CAP alone in the same period were included in the control group in a ratio of 1∶2 according to the principle of gender and age. The demographic characteristics, clinical feature, laboratory examination, radiographic and other clinical data of these 2 groups of patients were studied. Statistical analysis was performed by Chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis test and logistic regression. Results: Thirty-nine patients with CAP combined with PE and 78 patients with CAP alone were included. Compared to patients with CAP alone, dyspnea (21/39 vs 21/78, P=0.004), a history of heart disease (10/39 vs 8/78, P=0.031), and a history of connective tissue diseases (3/39 vs 0/78, P=0.035) were more common to seen in patients with CAP combined with PE. D-dimer [2 222(854, 3 539) ng/ml vs 295(168, 707) ng/ml, P=0.000], arterial PH value (7.5±0.5 vs 7.4±0.4, P=0.022), BNP [103.9(48.7, 236.8) pg/ml vs 98.4(44.8, 246.3) pg/ml, P=0.028] and incidence of lower extremity venous thrombosis (18/39 vs 3/41, P=0.000) were higher in patients with CAP combined with PE, while arterial partial pressure of CO₂ [(35.3±6.2) mmHg vs (38.4±4.4) mmHg, P=0.009, 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa] was lower. Logistic regression analysis showed that D-dimer (P=0.000) and dyspnea (P=0.033) were associated with the risk of PE. Conclusion: When patients with CAP represent dyspnea or have a history of heart disease or connective tissue diseases concomitant PE should be considered for differential diagnosis. Determination of D-dimer, arterial PH value, arterial partial pressure of CO₂, BNP and ultrasonography of lower extremities had important implications for the diagnosis of pneumonia complicated with acute pulmonary embolism.

[Immunogenicity and safety of a boost dose of measles, mumps, and rubella combined vaccine for 4-6 years old children]

Objective: To investigate the immunogenicity and safety of a boost dose of measles, mumps, and rubella combined vaccine (MMR) for children 4 to 6 years old. Methods: Children, aged 4 to 6 years old, had vaccinated with 1 dose of measles and rubella combined vaccine(MR) at the age of 8 months and 1 dose of MMR vaccine at 18-months, were recruited in Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, and Beijing, respectively. All children were assigned into 4, 5 and 6-year-old group. The children who met inclusion and exclusion criteria were vaccinated with 1 dose MMR vaccine, and were collected blood samples before vaccination and 35 to 42 d after the vaccination. During the study period, adverse events were collected at 30 min, 1 d, 2 d, 3 d, 4-12 d, and 13 to 42 days after vaccination. Serum was tested for IgG antibodies against measles, mumps and rubella. Geometric mean concentrations (GMC) of measles, mumps, and rubella antibodies were compared among groups by analysis of variance or non-parametric test. Seropositive rates and adverse event rates were compared among groups by Chi-square test or Fisher exact test. Results: A total of 500 children were included in immunogenicity analysis and 535 children were included in safety analysis. The overall adverse event rate was 20.37%, the most of severity for adverse events was mild. The rates of local and systemic adverse events were 0.37% and 20.00%, respectively. Symptoms of local adverse events were redness. The main systemic adverse events were fever, followed by cough, rash and runny nose. Received a dose of MMR vaccine for booster immunization, the seropositive rates of measles antibody, mumps antibody and rubella antibody were above 99% for all 3 age groups, and there was no significant difference between groups. There were significant differences in mumps antibody GMC among groups (P=0.042), but no significant differences in measles and rubella antibodies GMC. Conclusion: The immunogenicity and safety of a boosted MMR vaccintion in children aged 4, 5 and 6 years were all similar good.

[Application of dynamic CT scan in the three-dimensional dynamic morphology changes of laryngeal soft tissue in unilateral vocal fold paralysis patients]

Objective: To explore the dynamic changes of three-dimensional morphology of laryngeal soft tissue and its clinical value in the unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) patients through dynamic CT scanning during the process from inspiration to phonation. Methods: From October 2017 to July 2019, a retrospective study was performed in 18 patients with UVFP (10 males and 8 females with the range of age from 29 to 75 years old) and 10 normal subjects (5 males and 5 females with the range of age from 25 to 58 years old) in Department of Voice-Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Section Two, Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University. The laryngeal dynamic computed tomography (CT) of cine mode was performed. Ten dynamic sequence images of vocal folds movements were obtained during the process from inspiration to phonation. Based on the dynamic changes of glottic area and the displacement of cricoid cartilage. The above dynamic sequence images were divided into inspiratory phase and phonation phase as well as open phase and closed phase. The soft tissue parameters were measured respectively, including vocal folds length, width, thickness and subglottal convergence angle. Independent-sample t test was used to analyze between UVFP group and control group. Results: During the process from inspiration to phonation, the morphology of vocal folds in control group was relatively stable at inspiratory phase and closed phase in phonation. When open phase and closed phase of phonation were switching, the morphology of vocal folds changed obviously. The length of vocal folds became longer (1.19±0.10) mm, the width became wider (2.19±0.17) mm, the thickness became thinner (2.66±0.56) mm, and the subglottal convergence angle decreased (31.45±4.78)°. Compared with the controll group, in the open phase, the thickness and width of the vocal fold on affected side in the UVFP group were thinner (t=10.25, P<0.001) and wider (t=5.25, P<0.001).While in the closed phase, the subglottal convergence angle was larger (t=4.41, P=0.001).The width of the healthy side vocal fold in the UVFP was wider (t=2.54, P=0.026) than that in the control group. The differences in other parameters were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Dynamic laryngeal CT scanning provides a simple and non-invasive method for the objective and quantitative measurement of the dynamic changes of laryngeal morphology from inspiration to phonation. Compared with the control group, the characteristic dynamic changes among UVFP were observed during this particular process, which included changes of subglottal convergence angle and thickness of vocal muscle due to denervation. In addition, in UVFP group, the width of the vocal fold healthy side in the closed phase may be used to assess its compensatory function.

[Characteristics of HIV-1 genotype and drug resistance among men who have sex with men in Kunming, 2018]

Objective: To understand the characteristics of HIV-1 genotypes and drug resistance among men who have sex with men in Kunming in 2018. Methods: A total of 193 plasma samples were collected from the newly reported HIV-1 infected MSM in Kunming from January to December 2018. Viral RNA was extracted, and the gag, pol, env gene segments were amplified by nested PCR. HIV-1 genotypes and drug resistance were also analyzed. Subsequently, the evolutionary characteristics of CRF55_01B and CRF68_01B among MSM in Kunming were analyzed by Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo method. Results: Multiple HIV-1 genotypes were identified among these 193 samples, including CRF07_BC (39.4%, 76/193), CRF01_AE (34.2%, 66/193), unique recombinant forms (URFs) (20.2%, 39/193), CRF08_BC (3.1%, 6/193), CRF55_01B (1.6%, 3/193), subtype B (1.0%, 2/193) and CRF68_01B (0.5%, 1/193). Results from the Bayesian evolutionary analysis showed that CRF55_01B started to spread locally after being imported from other provinces, while CRF68_01B was likely to have been brought in from the eastern provinces of China. Prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistant strains was 2.6%(5/190) before antiviral treatment, with mutation rates resistant to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors being the highest (2.1%, 4/190) among MSM in Kunming, 2018. Conclusion: The diversity of HIV-1 was increasing among MSM in Kunming. Although the resistance rate on pretreatment drug was relatively low, the emergence of multiple resistant strains to first-line antiviral drugs posed a challenge to antiretroviral therapy, in Kunming.

[Analysis on characteristics of HIV-1 molecular networks in men who have sex with men in Kunming, 2016-2018]

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of HIV-1 molecular network in men who have sex with men (MSM) from 2016 to 2018 in Kunming, Yunnan province, explore the risk factors associated with HIV-1 transmission network and provide evidence for the effective implementation of intervention. Methods: A total of 540 samples of newly reported HIV-1 positive MSM were consecutively collected in Kunming from 2016 to 2018, the pol gene fragments were amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). HIV-1 molecular networks were constructed according to the bootstrap value of the maximum likelihood evolutionary tree over 95% and the genetic distance less than 3%. The factors associated with the subjects entering network and network growth were further analyzed. Results: Among 459 successfully sequenced samples, seven genotypes were found, in which CRF07_BC (49.2%, 226/459) and CRF01_AE (40.3%, 185/459 ) were predominant. Other genotypes included URFs (4.8%, 22/459), CRF08_BC (3.1%, 14/459), CRF55_01B (1.7%, 8/459), B (0.7%, 3/459) and CRF68_01B (0.2%, 1/459). A total of 163 sequences entered the network, with an entry rate of 35.5%(163/459), forming 56 clusters with the number of individuals in the cluster was between 2 and 13. The analysis of the factors associated with entering network showed that the MSM who married and had multiple homosexual partners were more likely to be found in HIV-1 molecular networks. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the number of sexual partners was the factor for the growth of HIV-1 molecular network. According to the criteria for the emergence of three or more newly reported cases in every year, six transmission clusters were judged as active transmission clusters, in which MSM who were not Kunming natives, had sexually transmitted diseases (STD), were divorced and students were the key targets of intervention. Conclusions: HIV-1 genotypes in MSM in Kunming were becoming complex, the risk factors associated with transmission networks in MSM in Kunming included being married and having multiple partners, the intervention targets in active transmission clusters included MSM who were not Kunming natives, had STD, were divorced and students. This study provided the basis for applying HIV-1 molecular networks to real-time intervention in this population.

[Population's acceptance and attitude toward a novel fecal immunochemical test for colorectal cancer screening: a multi-center survey in China]

Objective: To investigate the acceptance and attitude toward a novel fecal immunochemical test (FIT) in colorectal cancer screening among populations in China. Methods: From May 2018 to May 2019, 2 474 people aged 50-74 years were recruited from five provinces of China (Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangsu, Hunan and Yunnan). The general demographic characteristics, acceptance of the new FIT technology and operational difficulties through the whole screening process were obtained through questionnaire survey. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors related to difficulties encountered in sampling stool, reading and uploading results. Results: The subjects were (60.0±6.4) years old, and female, high school of above educated, unemployed/retired/other, married and with medical insurance status of "new rural cooperative medical care (NRCMC)" accounted for 61.7% (1 526), 29.0%(718), 34.3% (849), 92.7% (2 293) and 31.3%(775), respectively. The population's acceptance of the FIT technology was 94.8%. In the process of FIT screening, the percentage of occurred difficulties in sampling stool, reading and uploading results were 33.1% (819), 46.4% (1 147) and 62.9% (1 557), respectively. The main difficulties were the uncertainty about whether the sampling operation was standard (28.0%), the inability to accurately judge the result displayed (32.5%) and the need for help without using a smartphone (44.2%). The results of multivariate logistic regression model analysis showed that people aged 65-74 years old and with medical insurance status of "NRCMC" were more likely to encounter difficulties in sampling, and those who were unemployed/retired/other and living with 3 or more family members were less likely to encounter difficulties in sampling. Those aged 65-74 years old, farmers or migrant workers, and those with "NRCMC" were more likely to encounter difficulties in readingresults, and those with 3 or more family members were less likely to encounter difficulties in reading result. Those with "NRCMC" were more likely to encounter difficulties in uploading results, and those with education level of high school or above, living with more than 3 family members were less likely to encounter difficulties in uploading results. Conclusion: The acceptance of the new FIT technology is relatively high among the subjects. Age, education level, occupation, number of family members living together and medical insurance status might be related to difficulties encountered in sampling stool, reading and uploading results, and it can be further strengthened in terms of the technology and characteristics of sub-populations.

Inhibition of myostatin prevents microgravity-induced loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength

The microgravity conditions of prolonged spaceflight are known to result in skeletal muscle atrophy that leads to diminished functional performance. To assess if inhibition of the growth factor myostatin has potential to reverse these effects, mice were treated with a myostatin antibody while housed on the International Space Station. Grip strength of ground control mice increased 3.1% compared to baseline values over the 6 weeks of the study, whereas grip strength measured for the first time in space showed flight animals to be -7.8% decreased in strength compared to baseline values. Control mice in space exhibited, compared to ground-based controls, a smaller increase in DEXA-measured muscle mass (+3.9% vs +5.6% respectively) although the difference was not significant. All individual flight limb muscles analyzed (except for the EDL) weighed significantly less than their ground counterparts at the study end (range -4.4% to -28.4%). Treatment with myostatin antibody YN41 was able to prevent many of these space-induced muscle changes. YN41 was able to block the reduction in muscle grip strength caused by spaceflight and was able to significantly increase the weight of all muscles of flight mice (apart from the EDL). Muscles of YN41-treated flight mice weighed as much as muscles from Ground IgG mice, with the exception of the soleus, demonstrating the ability to prevent spaceflight-induced atrophy. Muscle gene expression analysis demonstrated significant effects of microgravity and myostatin inhibition on many genes. Gamt and Actc1 gene expression was modulated by microgravity and YN41 in opposing directions. Myostatin inhibition did not overcome the significant reduction of microgravity on femoral BMD nor did it increase femoral or vertebral BMD in ground control mice. In summary, myostatin inhibition may be an effective countermeasure to detrimental consequences of skeletal muscle under microgravity conditions.

[Value of contrast - enhanced ultrasonography and acoustic radiation force impulse elastography in identification of boundary range and viability of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the biologic viability and boundary range of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) by the contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and acoustic radiation force impulse elastography (ARFI).

METHODS

Totally 27 HAE patients confirmed by pathology underwent CEUS and ARFI examinations.

RESULTS

Gray scale sonography of HAE showed unclear boundary, inhomogeneous, and middle hyperechoic nodules, and the maximum area was (6.08 ± 4.47) cm² in 27 lesions. CEUS of HAE showed non-enhancement in three phases and black hole sign. Circumferential enhancement on the pe riphery of the lesion was synchronized with the liver parenchyma and showed "fast in and slow out". The maximum area was (8.87 ± 4.83) cm². The area of ECUS was larger than gray scale sonography in HAE (t = 2.20, P = 0.03). The mean shear wave velocities (SWVs) of the interior, the boundary range, and the surrounding liver tissues of HAE were statistically different by ARFI (F = 84.538, P < 0.001), and the interior had the highest values.

CONCLUSIONS

CEUS and ARFI examinations can detect the biologic viability and boundary range of migrating zone around HAE, which is valuable for guiding treatment, judging curative effect, and predicting prognosis.

[Long-term prognostic value of mean platelet volume in patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention]

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between admission mean platelet volume (MPV) and 2-year cardiac mortality in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and explored the consistence of this relationship in diabetes mellitus (DM) and non-DM subgroups. Method: A total of 4 293 patients who underwent PCI in Fuwai Hospital in 2013 were enrolled and divided into two groups according to MPV as follows: lower MPV (n=2 219, MPV≤10.5fL) and higher MPV (n=2 074, MPV>10.5fL). Result: Patients with high MPV had a higher rate of DM (30.4%(674/2 219) vs 34.5%(715/2 074)), smoking (53.3%(1 183/2219) vs 57.0%(1 182/2 074)), and previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (4.0%(88/2 219) vs 5.4%(112/2 074)), while left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (64±7 vs 63±7), and glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (92±14 vs 91±15) were lower compared with patients in the low MPV group (all P<0.05). In the laboratory examination, patients with high MPV had higher glycosylated hemoglobin, and lower platelet count (all P<0.05). In coronary angiography, there was no significant difference in SYNTAX scores, left main/three-vessel lesions, stent type, success rate of operation, and total stent length (all P>0.05). Compared with low MPV group, patients with high MPV had ahigher cardiac mortality [18 (0.9%) vs 5 (0.2%), P=0.004]. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that compared to low MPV group, cardiac mortality in high MPV group was significantly higher (Log-rank P=0.004). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that high MPV was independently associated with 2-year cardiac mortality (HR 4.127, 95%CI 1.373 to 12.405, P=0.012). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis also showed that MPV had a good diagnostic value in predicting 2-year cardiac mortality (area under the curve=0.624, 95%CI: 0.511-0.738, P=0.04). Subgroup analysis showed that in patients with DM (HR 2.090, 95%CI 1.217-3.589, P=0.008) and male (HR 1.561, 95%CI 1.007-2.421, P=0.047), MPV was significantly related with cardiac mortality. Conclusion: In patients with stable CAD who underwent elective PCI, high MPV was independently associated with an increase in 2-year cardiac mortality, especially in patients with DM and male gender.

[Jean-Martin Charcot, discovery and nomenclature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]

In the 19th century, neurologists discovered a series of diseases characterized by limb weakness and muscle atrophy, but it was not certain whether they were variants of the same disease or completely different diseases. In 1869, Jean-Martin Charcot first diagnosed the disease, and began to use the term "amyotrophic lateral sclerosis" in 1874. The disease is also known as "Lou Gehrig's disease" in the United States, "Charcot's disease" in France, and "Motor Neuron Disease (MND)" in UK. In China, it is commonly known as "Jian-Dong Ren disease" .

[Safety and efficacy of second generation drug eluting stents in diabetic and non-diabetic patients]

Objective: To investigate the long-term prognosis of Second generation drug-eluting stents(G2-DES) in diabetic mellitus(DM) and non-DM patients. Methods: Patients with coronary heart disease(CHD) in Fuwai Hospital from January 2013 to December 2013 who had exclusively G2-DES implantation, were consecutively included the follow-up period was 2 years. Results: A total of 6 094 patients with CHD were implanted with G2-DES, of which 1 862 patients with DM, and 4 232 patients without DM.The proportion of DM patients receiving G2-DES implantation with the following characteristics: advanced age, female, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, history of previous stroke, history of peripheral artery disease, previous history of PCI, and with triple vessel, high preoperative Syntax score, high number of target lesions, B2 or C type lesions, severe calcification lesions, and chronic occlusive disease were significantly higher than those of non-DM patients(P<0.05). The incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebral vascular events(MACCE), target vascular revascularization(TVR) and target lesion revascularization(TLR) were higher in DM patients than in non-DM patients during 2 year's follow-up(P<0.05). The univariate COX regression analysis showed that diabetes was risk factor for MACCE in patients with CHD implanting G2-DES(HR=1.241, 95%CI: 1.053-1.463, P=0.010). However, multivariable COX analysis showed that DM was not an independent risk factor for MACCE in CHD patients with G2-DES(HR=1.125, 95%CI: 0.952-1.330, P=0.167). While age, female, preoperative Syntex score, triple vessel, B2 or C lesion were independent risk factors for poor clinical prognosis in CHD patients with G2-DES. Conclusions: (1) CHD patients with DM often accompany more clinical risk factors and complicated coronary lesions; (2) the incidence of MACCE, TVR and TLR in DM patients is significantly higher than non-DM patients with G2-DES during the 2 year's follow-up; (3) after multivariate adjustment, DM is not an independent risk factor for poor clinical prognosis in CHD patients with G2-DES, while traditional risk factors and complex coronary lesions are independent risk factors for poor clinical prognosis.

[HIV-1 drug resistance transmission threshold survey in Dehong prefecture of Yunnan province, 2015]

Objective: To study the HIV-1 drug resistance transmission level in HIV infected persons receiving no antiviral therapy in Dehong prefecture of Yunnan province in 2015. Methods: A total of 72 plasma samples were collected from recently reported HIV-infected persons aged 16-25 years in Dehong from January to July 2015 for drug resistance gene detection. Results: Forty eight samples were successfully sequenced and analyzed. Among them, 31.2% (15/48) were from Chinese, and 68.8% (33/48) were from Burmese. Based on pol sequences, HIV genotypes included URF (52.08%, 25/48), CRF01_AE (16.67%, 8/48), RF07_BC (10.42%, 5/48), subtype B (6.25%, 3/48), subtype C (6.25%, 3/48), CRF57_BC (6.25%, 3/48) and CRF08_BC (2.08%, 1/48). One drug resistant mutation site to non-nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) and two drug resistant mutation site to nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) were detected in four sequences. Based on the statistical method of HIV drug resistance threshold survey, the prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistant strain was 5%-15%. Conclusions: The proportion of Burmese among newly reported HIV-infected individuals aged 16-25 years in Dehong in 2015 was higher. HIV-1 genetic diversity was found in Dehong. The prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistant strain had reached a moderate level in Dehong.

[A large scale cohort study on AIDS in communities in Dali, Yunnan province, 2014-2015]

Objective: To understand HIV incidence in community residents and epidemiological characteristics of newly detected HIV infection cases in Dali, Yunnan province. Methods: A cohort study was conducted among 146 720 community residents who were tested to be HIV negative during 2010-2011, they were followed-up from June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2015. Results: A total of 136 356 community residents received follow up (92.9%). The follow-up time was 0.23-5.40 years (medium: 3.43 years), cumulatively 459 675 person years, and 78 people were found to be HIV positive. The incidence rate of HIV infection was 0.170/1 000 person years. The incidence rate was 0.037/1 000 person years in age group 15-29 years, 0.288/1 000 person years in age group 30-44 years, 0.210/1 000 person years in age group 45-59 years, 0.204/1 000 person years in age ≥60 years; 0.213/1 000 person years in males, 0.130/1 000 person years in females; 0.248/1 000 person years in Han ethnic group, 0.149/1 000 person years in Minorities; 0.194/1 000 in people with education level ≤ junior middle school, 0.046/1 000 person years in people with education level > junior middle school; 0.070/1 000 person years in the unmarried, 0.194/1 000 person years in the married and 0.425/1 000 person years in the divorced/widowed. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that being male (HR=1.731), aged 30-44 years (HR=13.158), aged 45-59 years (HR=10.329), aged ≥60 years (HR=8.291), unmarried (HR=3.162) and divorced/widowed (HR=2.689) were the risk factors for HIV infection, while the education level > junior middle school (HR=0.132) was the protective factor for HIV infection. Conclusions: By medium 3.43 years follow up, the cohort study showed that incidence rate HIV infection was 0.170/1 000 person years in the community residents in Dali. Male, middle aged and old people, people with low education level, the unmarried and the divorced/widowed had relatively higher risk to be infected with HIV, Close attention should be paid to the prevention and control of AIDS in these populations.

[HIV-1 gene subtypes among newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in two border areas of Yunnan province]

Objective: To explore the features of distribution on HIV-1 gene subtypes among newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in the border areas of Yunnan province. Methods: A total of 233 newly reported HIV/AIDS cases aged 18 or more were consecutively included in the border counties of Dehong Dai and Jingpo autonomous prefecture (Dehong prefecture), Honghe Hani and Yi autonomous prefecture (Honghe prefecture) of Yunnan province from November 2015 to October 2016. HIV-1 RNA was extracted with pol and env genes amplified. HIV-1 gene subtypes were determined through phylogenetic analysis. Results: A total of 146 out of 233 specimens were genotyped successfully. HIV-1 was found to have had 8 gene subtypes in Dehong prefecture, with the unique recombinant forms (URFs) as the predominant (52.8%, 57/108) type, including 56.8% (21/37) of the cases with Chinese ethnicity and another 50.7% (36/71) were Myanmar citizens. Four HIV-1 gene subtypes were detected in Honghe prefecture, with CRF01_AE as predominant (71.1%, 27/38), including 81.0% (17/21) Vietnamese and 58.8% (10/17) Chinese. Differences on the distribution of HIV-1 gene subtypes were seen statistically significant between Dehong prefecture and Honghe prefecture (χ(2)=61.072, P<0.001). Conclusions: The distribution of HIV-1 gene subtypes showed big difference in the two border areas of Yunnan province, suggesting that both Chinese or non- Chinese citizens living in the area should be taken good care of, in terms of HIV/AIDS prevention and control.

[Knowledge, related behavior and on AIDS/HIV infection among rural adults with Derung minority, in Yunnan province, 2016]

Objective: To understand the related risk behaviors, knowledge and status of HIV/AIDS infection among rural adults of Derung minority, to provide relevant messages for the development of HIV/AIDS intervention strategy in this minority group. Methods: We used system sampling method to conduct a cross-sectional survey in 6 administration villages of Derung Township, Gongshan Derung and Nu Autonomous County in Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province, with a sample size estimated as 383. Adult residents with Derung minority in six villages of Gongshan County were involved, with relevant information collected through door-to-door visit. HIV antibody was tested and SPSS 17.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Information on 394 valid respondents was collected, with age as between 18 and 65 (34.39±9.74), 80.7% (318/394) as married, 54.0% (213/394) having had primary school education, 13.2% (52/394) as migrant workers. In this population, the overall HIV infection rate appeared as 0.5% (2/400), mainly through sexually transmission. The rate of awareness on HIV/AIDS was 69.8% (275/394), mainly through free publicized materials 50.0% (197/394). Rates on premarital sexual behavior on multiple sexual partners in the past year, on temporary sexual partners in the past year, having commercial sexual experiences in the past year and ever used condoms when engaging in casual sex, were 6.4% (60/366), 18.0%(66/366), 5.7%(21/366), 1.9%(7/366) and 8.0%(25/311), respectively. Conclusions: Few numbers of HIV infections were identified among the migrating workers with Derung minority, with sexual transmission as the major route, along with the increased number of rural migrant workers and the low rates both on AIDS knowledge and condom use, accompanied by the high risk sexual behavior appeared in this rural adult residents of Derung minority. Relative strategies on HIV/AIDS intervention and control should be developed.

[Usefulness of the residual SYNTAX score to predict long term outcome in acute coronary syndrome patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention]

Objective: To quantify the extent and complexity of residual coronary stenosis following PCI by the residual SYNTAX score, and to evaluate its impact on adverse ischemic outcomes in acute coronary syndrome(ACS) patients. Methods: From January 2013 to December 2013, a total of 1 414 consecutive moderate- and high-risk ACS patients who underwent any PCI with multi-vessel coronary artery disease were evaluated.Patients were stratified by rSS quartiles and their outcomes were compared. Results: The rSS was 4.8±6.7. 591 patients (41.8%) had rSS=0(CR), 233 patients (16.5%) had rSS>0 but ≤ 3, 296 patients (20.9%) had rSS>3 but ≤8 and 294 patients (20.8%) had rSS>8.Clinical risk factors were more frequent in patients with incomplete revascularization(IR) compared with complete revascularization(CR). The 2-year rates of all-caused death(1.2% vs 0.4%, 2.0%, 4.4%, P=0.003), cardiac death, revascularization and MACCE were significantly higher in high rSS group, compared to other groups.By multivariable analysis, rSS was a strong independent predictor of ischemic outcomes at 2-year, including all-cause mortality (HR=1.05, 95%CI 1.01-1.09, P=0.019), cardiac death, revascularization and MACCE. Conclusions: The rSS is a strong independent predictor of all-caused death, cardiac death, revascularization and MACCE and has moderated predictive ability for those ischemic outcomes.

[Effect of cricothyroid and thyroarytenoid muscle botulinum toxin injection on patients with dyspnea caused by bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis]

Objective: To discuss the clinical effect of small dose of botulinum toxin injection in cricothyroid muscle and thyroarytenoid muscle on patients with incomplete bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis. Methods: Six patients were selected with Ⅰor Ⅱ or Ⅲ degree of dyspnea diagnosed as bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve injury by laryngeal electromyography, and small dose of botulinum toxin injection was performed in cricothyroid muscle and thyroarytenoid muscle as a treatment. Degree of dyspnea was assessed one month before and after the treatment, and the stroboscopic laryngoscope results, acoustic parameters and CT image of the patients were collected in the 6 patients. The relevant parameters were also collected one month before and after treatment, including the degree of dyspnea, stroboscopic laryngoscope results, acoustic parameters and CT image of the patients. The angle between bilateral vocal cords in stroboscopy at full inspiratory was calculated, acoustic parameters (F0, jitter, shimmer) were analysed, and vocal length, width and the vocal region were measured. Then, the paired t test was performed for statistical analysis between before and after one month injection, the one way analysis of variance was performed among vocal parameters in CT image. Result: Botulinum toxin injection was successfully completed in the 6 patients, followed without any serious complications. The degree of dyspnea was alleviated to some extent after treatment in all 6 patients; the angle between bilateral vocal cords at the end of a deep inspiration was significantly increased (t=2.44, P<0.05) after the treatment. The changes of F0 and jitter between before and after treatment were not statistically significant (t=0.72, t=1.42, P>0.05). Shimmer was significantly decreased after treatment (t=2.61, P<0.05). Vocal fold length, width and vocal region increased with F0, there was a statistically significant difference between different F0 before injection, and there was no statistically significant difference between different F0 after injection. The follow-up time was respectively seven months, 1 year, 1 year, 18 months, 22 months and 2 years respectively. Conclusion: Small dose of botulinum toxin injection in bilateral cricothyroid muscles and thyroarytenoid muscles can relieve the dyspnea caused by bilateral vocal cords paresis to some extent, accompanied without serious complications, despite the sound quality was slightly worse.

Development of a selective androgen receptor modulator for transdermal use in hypogonadal patients

We have identified a non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), termed LY305, that is bioavailable through a transdermal route of administration while highly cleared via hepatic metabolism to limit parent compound exposure in the liver. Selection of this compound and its transdermal formulation was based on the optimization of skin absorption properties using both in vitro and in vivo skin models that supported PBPK modeling for human PK predictions. This molecule is an agonist in perineal muscle while being a weak partial agonist in the androgenic tissues such as prostate. When LY305 was tested in animal models of skeletal atrophy it restored the skeletal muscle mass through accelerated repair. In a bone fracture model, LY305 remained osteoprotective in the regenerating tissue and void of deleterious effects. Finally, in a small cohort of healthy volunteers, we assessed the safety and tolerability of LY305 when administered transdermally. LY305 showed a dose-dependent increase in serum exposure and was well tolerated with minimal adverse effects. Notably, there were no statistically significant changes to hematocrit or HDL after 4-week treatment period. Collectively, LY305 represents a first of its kind de novo development of a non-steroidal transdermal SARM with unique properties which could find clinical utility in hypogonadal men.

Characteristics and formation of typical winter haze in Handan, one of the most polluted cities in China

Handan, a city within the North China Plain (NCP) region, is a typical city influenced by regional particulate matter (PM) pollution. One-year hourly semi-continuous observation was carried out in 2015 in Handan with the aim of identifying the chemical composition and variations in PM_2.5. Moreover, the concentration of aerosol precursors, meteorological factors, and secondary transformations are considered. The results demonstrate that the annual average PM_2.5 concentration in Handan is 122.35μgm^-3, approximately 3.5 times higher than the Chinese National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) (35μgm^-3), and only 12days were below the guideline. As expected, PM concentrations are highest in winter, especially in December. In addition, we measure the concentrations of five species commonly found in PM, nitrate, sulfate, ammonium, inorganic carbon, and organic carbon. Of these, nitrate and sulfate account for the largest proportion of PM_2.5; during periods when the PM_2.5 concentration was below 400μgm^-3, nitrate dominates, while above this concentration, sulfate dominate. This is likely related to the nitrogen and sulfur oxidation ratios, which are in turn, especially the sulfur oxidation ratio, driven by high relative humidity (>60%). In addition, haze events are driven by other meteorological conditions, wind speed and direction, where low wind speeds from the south and southwest enable pollutant accumulation, which are infrequently interspersed with brief periods with high wind speeds that promote pollutant dispersal. Even though Handan is among the ten most polluted cities in China with regard to air pollution, few studies beyond model simulations have analyzed air pollutant concentrations in this city. Therefore, this study makes a significant contribution to understanding air pollution in Handan, which can further be used to improve our understanding of regional pollution in the highly populated North China Plain. These results have implications for the creation of policies and legislation, as well as other pollution control measures.

Repurposing a novel parathyroid hormone analogue to treat hypoparathyroidism

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Human parathyroid hormone (PTH) is critical for maintaining physiological calcium homeostasis and plays an important role in the formation and maintenance of the bone. Full-length PTH and a truncated peptide form are approved for treatment of hypoparathyroidism and osteoporosis respectively. Our initial goal was to develop an improved PTH therapy for osteoporosis, but clinical development was halted. The novel compound was then repurposed as an improved therapy for hypoparathyroidism.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

A longer-acting form of PTH was synthesised by altering the peptide to increase cell surface residence time of the bound ligand to its receptor. In vitro screening identified a compound, which was tested in an animal model of osteoporosis before entering human trials. This compound was subsequently tested in two independent animal models of hypoparathyroidism.

KEY RESULTS

The peptide identified, LY627-2K, exhibited delayed internalization kinetics. In an ovariectomy-induced bone loss rat model, LY627-2K demonstrated improved vertebral bone mineral density and biomechanical properties at skeletal sites and a modest increase in serum calcium. In a Phase I clinical study, dose-dependent increases in serum calcium were reproduced. These observations prompted us to explore a second indication, hypoparathyroidism. In animal models of this disease, LY627-2K restored serum calcium, comparing favourably to treatment with wild-type PTH.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

We summarize the repositioning of a therapeutic candidate with substantial preclinical and clinical data. Our results support its repurposing and continued development, from a common indication (osteoporosis) to a rare disease (hypoparathyroidism) by exploiting a shared molecular target.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed section on Inventing New Therapies Without Reinventing the Wheel: The Power of Drug Repurposing. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.2/issuetoc.

[Clinical characteristics and prognosis in the patients of stroke after percutaneous coronary intervention]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis in patients with stroke after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: From January 2013 to December 2013, 10 724 consecutive patients undergoing PCI including acute coronary syndrome and stable angina pectoris were enrolled.A two years' follow up was conducted among these patients to investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with stroke and of those without. A comparison was done between the two groups. Results: One hundred and forty-five patients had stroke (1.4%) during the follow-up period after PCI, including 124 cases with ischemic stroke (1.2%), out of whom 4 (3.2%) patients died; 21 cases with hemorrhagic stroke, out of whom 9 patients (42.9%) died.There was more female, and more patients with risks factors, hypertension, previous myocardial infarction, previous stroke, etc. in the patients with stroke.During the 2-year follow-up, patients with stroke experienced higher incidence of all-cause mortality (9% vs 1.1%, P<0.000 1). There were no significant differences in the incidences of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, stent thrombosis and major adverse cardiovascular event rates between the two groups.COX regression analysis showed that stroke after PCI was associated with the increased mortality (HR=8.387, 95%CI: 4.725-14.855, P<0.000 1). Meanwhile, after propensity score matched analyses (129 pairs), the trend was not changed, and stroke was still an independent risk factor of all-cause mortality (HR=6.737, 95%CI: 1.52-29.85, P=0.012). Conclusions: The patients underwent PCI, who had stroke later, had more clinical risk factors, and more serious degree of atherosclerosis.The incidence of stroke is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality in patients with coronary heart disease after PCI.

[Impact of platelet distribution width on the extent and long-term outcome of patients with stable coronary artery disease post percutaneous coronary intervention]

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between platelet distribution width(PDW) and the extent of coronary artery disease and 2-year outcome in patients received percutaneous coronary artery intervention(PCI) because of stable coronary artery disease(SCAD). Methods: We consecutively enrolled 4 293 patients who received PCI because of SCAD in Fuwai Hospital from Jan 2013 to Dec 2013, patients were followed up for 2 years. Patients were divided into three groups according to tertiles values of PDW as follows: PDW≤11.4%(1 402 patients), 11.4%<PDW≤12.9%(1 441 patients) and PDW>12.9% (1 450 patients). Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) were defined as the occurrence of death, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, intra stent thrombosis and stroke during follow-up. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between PDW and the extent of CAD. Multivariable Cox regression was used to evaluate the relationship between PDW and prognosis of SCAD patients. Results: PDW was associated with diabetes mellitus, body mass index, red cell distribution width, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet counts and glycosylated haemoglobin (P<0.05), but not associated with age, sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate (P>0.05). PDW was not correlated with the extent of CAD(P=0.990), SYNTAX score(P=0.721), no-reflow phenomenon after PCI(P=0.978). Multivariable logistic regression also showed no relationship between PDW and extent of CAD (OR=0.994, 95%CI 0.961-1.029, P=0.73). PDW was found to be an independent risk factor of 2-year cardiac death (HR=1.242, 95%CI 1.031-1.497, P=0.022), but was not an independent risk factor of all-cause death and MACCE. Conclusions: PDW is not related with the extent of coronary artery disease. PDW is an independent risk factor of 2-year cardiac death, but is not an independent risk factor of all-cause death and MACCE in this patient cohort.

[Compliancy of pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV infection in men who have sex with men in Chengdu]

Objective: To evaluate the compliancy of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Chengdu, Sichuan province, and explore the influencing factors. Methods: From 1 July 2013 to 30 September 2015, a random, open, multi-center and parallel control intervention study was conducted in 328 MSM enrolled by non-probability sampling in Chengdu. The MSM were divided into 3 groups randomly, i.e. daily group, intermittent group (before and after exposure) and control group. Clinical follow-up and questionnaire survey were carried out every 3 months. Their PrEP compliances were evaluated respectively and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the related factors. Results: A total of 141 MSM were surveyed, in whom 59(41.8%) had good PrEP compliancy. The PrEP compliancy rate was 69.0% in daily group, higher than that in intermittent group (14.3%), the difference had significance (χ(2)=45.29,P<0.001). Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that type of PrEP was the influencing factors of PrEP compliancy. Compared with daily group, the intermittent group had worse PrEP compliancy (OR=0.07, 95%CI: 0.03-0.16). Conclusion: The PrEP compliance of the MSM in this study was poor, the compliancy would be influenced by the type of PrEP.

Evaluation of trace mineral source and preharvest deletion of trace minerals from finishing diets on tissue mineral status in pigs

Objective

An experiment was conducted to evaluate dietary supplemental trace mineral source and deletion on mineral content in tissues.

Methods

Weanling crossbred pigs (n = 144; 72 barrows and 72 gilts; body weight [BW] = 7.4±1.05 kg) were used. A basal diet was prepared, and trace mineral premix containing either inorganic (ITM) or organic (OTM) trace minerals (Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) was added to the basal diet. Pigs were blocked by sex and BW and randomly allotted to 24 pens for a total of 6 pigs per pen, and fed a diet containing either ITM or OTM supplemented at the 1998 NRC requirement estimates for each of 5 BW phases (Phase I to V) from 7 to 120 kg. The trace mineral supplementation was deleted for 6, 4, 2, and 0 wk of Phase V; regarding nutrient adequacy during this phase, the indigenous dietary Fe and Mn was sufficient, Cu was marginal and Zn was deficient.

Results

At the end of Phase IV, Mn content (mg/kg on the dry matter basis) was greater (p<0.05) in heart (0.77 vs 0.68), kidney (6.32 vs 5.87), liver (9.46 vs 8.30), and longissimus dorsi (LD; 0.30 vs 0.23) of pigs fed OTM. The pigs fed OTM were greater (p<0.05) in LD Cu (2.12 vs 1.89) and Fe (21.75 vs 19.40) and metacarpal bone Zn (141.86 vs 130.05). At the end of Phase V, increased length of deletion period (from 0 to 6 wk) resulted in a decrease (linear, p<0.01) in liver Zn (196.5 to 121.8), metacarpal bone Zn (146.6 to 86.2) and an increase (linear, p<0.01) in heart Mn (0.70 to 1.08), liver Mn (7.74 to 12.96), and kidney Mn (5.58 to 7.56). The only mineral source by deletion period interaction (p<0.05) was observed in LD Zn.

Conclusion

The results demonstrated differential effects of mineral deletion on tissue mineral content depending on both mineral assessed and source of the mineral.

Defective enamel and bone development in sodium-dependent citrate transporter (NaCT) Slc13a5 deficient mice

There has been growing recognition of the essential roles of citrate in biomechanical properties of mineralized tissues, including teeth and bone. However, the sources of citrate in these tissues have not been well defined, and the contribution of citrate to the regulation of odontogenesis and osteogenesis has not been examined. Here, tooth and bone phenotypes were examined in sodium-dependent citrate transporter (NaCT) Slc13a5 deficient C57BL/6 mice at 13 and 32 weeks of age. Slc13a5 deficiency led to defective tooth development, characterized by absence of mature enamel, formation of aberrant enamel matrix, and dysplasia and hyperplasia of the enamel organ epithelium that progressed with age. These abnormalities were associated with fragile teeth with a possible predisposition to tooth abscesses. The lack of mature enamel was consistent with amelogenesis imperfecta. Furthermore, Slc13a5 deficiency led to decreased bone mineral density and impaired bone formation in 13-week-old mice but not in older mice. The findings revealed the potentially important role of citrate and Slc13a5 in the development and function of teeth and bone.

Time course of disassociation of bone formation signals with bone mass and bone strength in sclerostin antibody treated ovariectomized rats

Sclerostin antibodies increase bone mass by stimulating bone formation. However, human and animal studies show that bone formation increases transiently and returns to pre-treatment level despite ongoing antibody treatment. To understand its mechanism of action, we studied the time course of bone formation, correlating the rate and extent of accrual of bone mass and strength after sclerostin antibody treatment. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats were treated with a sclerostin-antibody (Scle-ab) at 20mg/kg sc once weekly and sacrificed at baseline and 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8weeks post-treatment. In Scle-ab treated rats, serum PINP and OCN rapidly increased at week 1, peaked around week 3, and returned to OVX control levels by week 6. Transcript analyses from the distal femur revealed an early increase in bone formation followed by a sustained decrease in bone resorption genes. Lumbar vertebral (LV) osteoblast surface increased 88% by week 2, and bone formation rate (BFR/BS) increased 138% by week 4. Both parameters were below OVX control by week 8. Bone formation was primarily a result of modeling based formation. Endocortical and periosteal BFR/BS peaked around week 4 at 313% and 585% of OVX control, respectively. BFR/BS then declined but remained higher than OVX control on both surfaces through week 8. Histomorphometric analyses showed LV-BV/TV did not further increase after week 4, while BMD continued to increase at LV, mid femur (MF), and femoral neck (FN) through week 8. Biomechanical tests showed a similar improvement in bone strength through 8weeks in MF and FN, but bone strength plateaued between weeks 6 and 8 for LV. Our data suggest that bone formation with Scle-ab treatment is rapid and modeling formation dominated in OVX rats. Although transient, the bone formation response persists longer in cortical than trabecular bone.

High molecular weight organic compounds (HMW-OCs) in severe winter haze: Direct observation and insights on the formation mechanism

High molecular weight organic compounds (HMW-OCs), formed as secondary organic aerosols (SOA), have been reported in many laboratory studies. However, little evidence of HMW-OCs formation, in particular during winter season in the real atmosphere, has been reported. In January 2013, Beijing faced historically severe haze pollution, in which the hourly PM_2.5 concentration reached as high as 974 μg m^-3. Four typical haze events (HE1 to HE4) were identified, and HE2 (Jan. 9-16) was the most serious of these. Based on the hourly observed chemical composition of PM_2.5 and the daily organic composition analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), we found that abundant ion peaks in m/z 200-850 appeared on heavy haze days, whereas these were negligible on a clear day, indicating the existence of HMW-OCs in the wintertime haze. A negative nonlinear correlation between HMW-OCs and O₃ suggested that gas oxidation was not likely to be the dominant mechanism for HMW-OCs formation. During the heavy haze events, the relative humidity and mass ratio of H₂O/PM_2.5 reached as high as 80% and 0.2, respectively. The high water content and its good positive correlation with HMW-OCs indicated that an aqueous-phase process may be a significant pathway in wintertime. The evidence that acidity was much higher during HE2 (0.37 μg m^-3) than on other days, as well as its strong correlation with HMW-OCs, indicated that acid-catalyzed reactions likely resulted in HMW-OCs formation during the heavy winter haze in Beijing.

Vitamin D and/or calcium deficient diets may differentially affect muscle fiber neuromuscular junction innervation

INTRODUCTION

There is evidence that supports a role for Vitamin D (Vit. D) in muscle. The exact mechanism by which Vit. D deficiency impairs muscle strength and function is not clear.

METHODS

Three-week-old mice were fed diets with varied combinations of Vit. D and Ca²⁺ deficiency. Behavioral testing, genomic and protein analysis, and muscle histology were performed with a focus on neuromuscular junction (NMJ) -related genes.

RESULTS

Vit. D and Ca²⁺ deficient mice performed more poorly on given behavioral tasks than animals with Vit. D deficiency alone. Genomic and protein analysis of the soleus and tibialis anterior muscles revealed changes in several Vit. D metabolic, NMJ-related, and protein chaperoning and refolding genes.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that detrimental effects of a Vit. D deficient or a Vit. D and Ca²⁺ deficient diet may be a result of differential alterations in the structure and function of the NMJ and a lack of a sustained stress response in muscles. Muscle Nerve 54: 1120-1132, 2016.

[Effects and related mechanism of flavone from Galium verum L on peroxide induced oxidative injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of flavone from Galium verum L (FGVL) on hydrogen peroxide induced oxidative injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), and explore related mechanisms.

METHODS

HUVEC were divided into five groups: control group (1640 complete medium), injured group (HUVEC treated with 100 μmol/L hydrogen peroxide for 4 h), FGVL group (HUVEC treated with 12.5 mg/L FGVL (group F1), 25.0 mg/L (group F2), 50.0 mg/L (group F3) for 24 h before hydrogen peroxide). The nitric oxide content was measured by nitric acid reductase method. The 6-keto-Prostacyclin-F1α (6-keto-PGF1α), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), interleukin(IL)-6 and IL-22 were determined by ELISA.mRNA expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was detected by RT-PCR.Protein expression of p-Akt (ser(473)) and p-eNOS (ser(1177)) was determined by Western blot.Cell apoptosis was observed with fluorescence microscope after Hoechst33258 staining.

RESULTS

(1) The contents of nitric oxide were significantly lower in the injured group than in the control group ((34.11±1.78) μmol/L vs. (74.81±2.93) μmol/L, P<0.05), which was significantly increased in group F2 ((41.86±2.32) μmol/L) and group F3 ((62.79±1.16) μmol/L) compared with injured group (both P<0.05). (2)The secretion level of 6-keto-PGF1α was significantly lower in the injured group ((44.84±3.87) ng/L) than in the control group ((82.38±3.98) ng/L, P<0.05), which was significantly increased in group F1 ((52.76±1.78) ng/L), FGVL 2 group which was(56.58±1.44) ng/L and FGVL 3 group which was(67.78±2.02) ng/L than that of injured group(all P<0.05). The secretion level of TXB2 was significantly higher in the injured group((43.37±3.96) ng/L) than in the control group ((25.56±1.75) ng/L, P<0.05), which was significantly reduced group F2 group ((32.41±1.68) ng/L) and group F3 ((28.23±2.15) ng/L) than that of injured group(both P<0.05). (3) The contents of IL-6 and IL-22 were significantly higher in the injured group ((539.74±11.63) ng/L) and ((23.70±3.05) ng/L, respectively) than in the control group ((288.67±19.52) ng/L) and ((23.70±3.05) ng/L, respectively, both P<0.05). The contents of IL-6 were significantly lower in group F1, F2 and F3 compared to that of injured group(all P<0.05). The contents of IL-22 were significantly lower in group F2 and F3 than that of injured group(both P<0.05). (4)The relative levels of PI3K mRNA and eNOS mRNA in injured group (0.68±0.09 and 0.22±0.03, respectively) were significantly lower compared to control group(0.81±0.12 and 0.63±0.11, respectively, both P<0.05), PI3K mRNA in group F2 (0.76±0.03) and group F3 (PI3K mRNA 0.83±0.06) as well as eNOS mRNA in group F1 (0.37±0.08), F2 (0.53±0.04) and F3 (0.56±0.09) than those of injured group(all P<0.05). The mRNA expression of Akt was similar among groups (P>0.05). (5) The relative levels of p-Akt (ser(473)) and p-eNOS (ser(1177)) in injured group (0.48±0.05 and 0.23±0.03, respectively) were significantly lower compared to control group (0.71±0.12 and 0.66±0.05, respectively, both P<0.05), which was up-regulated in group F1, F2 and F3 groups compared to injured group(all P<0.05). (6) The cell apoptosis rate in injured groups was significantly higher compared to control group which ((63.67±11.37)% vs. (4.67±1.15)%, P<0.05) which was significantly reduced in group F1((43.33±4.16)%), F2((18.33±4.93)%) and F3((15.67±2.08)%) compared to injured group(all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The FGVL can reduce hydrogen peroxide induced oxidative injury in HUVEC by increasing the level of nitric oxide through PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway.

[Study on the threshold of HIV-1 drug resistance in Dehong prefecture of Yunnan province in 2014]

OBJECTIVE

To study the HIV-1 genotypes and transmitted drug resistance (TDR) in Dehong prefecture of Yunnan province in 2014.

METHODS

A total of 70 plasma samples of recently reported HIV-infected individuals between 16 and 25 years old were collected in Dehong prefecture from January to August 2014. Among them, 58 samples which met the criterion of HIV drug resistance threshold survey (HIVDR-TS) were subjected to genetic drug resistance detection.

RESULTS

50 plasma samples were successfully sequenced and analyzed. Among them, 34.0% were Chinese and 66.0% were Burmese. Based on pol sequences, all the identified HIV genotypes would include CRF01_AE (28.0%), subtype C(20.0%), URF(20.0% ), CRF62_BC(10.0% ), CRF08_BC(8.0% ), CRF07_BC (4.0%), CRF64_BC(4.0%), subtype B(4.0%) and CRF55_01B(2.0%). One drug, which resistant mutation to proteinase inhibitors had been detected in one sequence. Based on the statistical method of HIVDR-TS, the prevalence of transmitted HIV-1 drug resistance was adjusted as <5%.

CONCLUSION

The proportion of Burmese was relatively higher among those newly reported HIV-infected individuals aged 16 to 25 in Dehong. We noticed that the novel circulating recombinant forms began to function. However, the level of transmission through HIV-1 drug resistant strains still kept low in Dehong.

[The role of acoustic analysis of fundamental frequency in differentiating arytenoid dislocation from vocal fold paralysis]

Objective:Analysis of the sustained vowels of acoustic parameters in arytenoid dislocation and vocal fold paralysis. To investigate their acoustic characteristics and evaluate the role of this acoustic analysis method in differentiating arytenoid dislocation from vocal fold paralysis. Method:Thirty-three cases with unilateral vocal cord movement disorders were collected.All cases were divided into arytenoid dislocation group and vocal fold paralysis group through the laryngeal electromyography. Each group was further devided into male group and female group. The voice signals of sustained vowel of /a/ were measured using the software MDVP and obtain the acoustic parameters(Jitter, Shimmer, SPI and Fo). The acoustic characteristics between the two groups were observed and compared. Results were analyzed using Rank sum test for group design.Result:There were significant differences in Fo between arytenoid dislocation group and vocal fold paralysis group in both male and female group（P <0.05）. And mean rank order of Fo in arytenoid dislocation group was greater than vocal fold paralysis group. There were no significant differences in jitter,shimmer and SPI between arytenoid dislocation group and vocal fold paralysis group（P >0.05）.Conclusion:Mean rank order of Fo in arytenoid dislocation group is greater than vocal fold paralysis group in both the male and the female group. Fo is of value in differentiating arytenoid dislocation from vocal fold paralysis. This provides a theoretical basis for the acoustic analysis method to identify these two diseases.

Ectopic expression of Arabidopsis thaliana Na+(K+)/H+ antiporter gene, AtNHX5, enhances soybean salt tolerance

Drought and salt stresses are the two major factors influencing the yield and quality of crops worldwide. Na(+)(K(+))/H(+) antiporters (NHXs) are ubiquitous membrane proteins that play important roles in maintaining the cellular pH and Na(+)(K(+)) homeostasis. The model plant Arabidopsis potentially encodes six NHX genes, namely AtNHX1 to 6. In the present study, AtNHX5, a comparatively less well-studied NHX, was cloned and transferred into a soybean variety, Dongnong-50, via Agrobacterium-mediated cotyledonary node transformation to assess its role in improving salt tolerance of the transgenic plants. The transgenic soybean plants were tolerant to the presence of 300 mM NaCl whereas the non-transgenic plants were not. Furthermore, after NaCl treatment, the transgenic plants had a higher content of free proline but lower content of malondialdehyde compared to the non-transgenic plants. Our results revealed that that AtNHX5 possibly functioned by efficiently transporting Na(+) and K(+) ions from the roots to the leaves. Overall, the results obtained in this study suggest that soybean salt tolerance could be improved through the over expression of Arabidopsis AtNHX5.

Multitrial analysis of the effects of copper level and source on performance in nursery pigs

A multitrial analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of Cu from either Cu(2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid [HMTBa])2 or CuSO4 on growth performance in nursery pigs. Six nursery trials were conducted from 2007 to 2012 under the same commercial conditions with initial BW of 5.75 ± 0.41 kg at 21 ± 3 d of age; the trials lasted for 42 d with a 3-phase feeding program (7 d in Phase I, 14 d in Phase II, and 21 d in Phase III). Diets were medicated with antibiotics and supplemented with 3,000 mg/kg Zn as ZnO during phases I and/or II. Treatments included a basal diet without added Cu or according to the NRC (1998) and supplemental levels of Cu (50 to 250 mg Cu/kg diet) from either Cu(HMTBa)2 or CuSO4; HMTBa was supplemented to make diets isomethionine. Treatments from each trial included 6 or 9 replicate pens/treatment with 22 to 25 piglets/pen. Mixed model analysis was conducted in which trial was considered a random effect, Cu level was considered a continuous fixed effect, and Cu source was a fixed effect. The basal diet within trial and statistical tests of the intercept between sources were not different, resulting in fitting a common intercept mixed model to the overall responses across phases. Cumulative ADG and ADFI quadratically responded (P < 0.05) with increasing Cu supplementation; predicted optimal ADG and ADFI occurred at 174 and 119 mg/kg, respectively. Increasing Cu supplementation linearly improved G:F (P = 0.054). No differences between sources were observed in ADG or ADFI. Numerically, pigs fed Cu(HMTBa)2 had higher ADG and lower ADFI compared to pigs fed CuSO4, resulting in better G:F for pigs supplemented with Cu(HMTBa)2 compared to pigs supplemented with CuSO4 (P < 0.01). The linear slope for increasing Cu supplementation on G:F was 2.1-fold higher for Cu(HMTBa)2 than that of CuSO4, with larger differences occurring in Phase II. In conclusion, Cu supplementation in nursery diets resulted in improved performance and Cu(HMTBa)2 is more effective than CuSO4 in improving feed efficiency.

Sevoflurane induces neurotoxicity in young mice through FAS/FASL signaling

Sevoflurane, the most widely used anesthetic in clinical practice, has been shown to induce apoptosis, inhibit neurogenesis, and cause learning and memory impairment in young mice. However, the underlying mechanism is still unknown. In this study, wild-type and the FAS- or FAS ligand (FASL)-knockout mice (age 7 days) were exposed to sevoflurane or pure oxygen. Western blotting was used to examine the expression of FAS protein. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) staining were employed to quantify the apoptotic cells and newborn cells in the hippocampus and Morris water maze (MWM) in order to evaluate learning and memory status. Sevoflurane significantly increased the expression of FAS protein in wild-type mice. Compared to FAS- and FASL-knockout mice treated with sevoflurane, sevoflurane-treated wild-type mice exhibited more TUNEL-positive hippocampal cells and less BrdU-positive hippocampal cells. The MWM showed that compared with FAS- and FASL-knockout mice treated with sevoflurane, sevoflurane treatment of wild-type mice significantly prolonged the escape latency and reduced platform crossing times. These data suggest that sevoflurane induces neurotoxicity in young mice through FAS-FASL signaling.