Cobaltaelectro-Catalyzed C-H Activation for Central and Axial Double Enantio-Induction

In recent years, enantioselective electrocatalysis has surfaced as an increasingly-effective platform for sustainable molecular synthesis. Despite indisputable progress, strategies that allow the control of two distinct stereogenic elements with high selectivity remain elusive. In contrast, we, herein, describe electrochemical cobalt-catalyzed C-H activations that enable the installation of chiral stereogenic centers along with a chiral axis with high levels of enantio- and diastereoselectivities. The developed electrocatalysis strategy allowed for C-H/N-H activations/annulations with cyclic and non-cyclic alkenes providing expedient access to various central as well as atropo-chiral dihydroisoquinolinones paired to the valuable hydrogen evolution reaction. Studies on the atropo-stability of the obtained compounds demonstrated that the exceedingly mild conditions ensured by the electrocatalytic process were key for the achieved high stereoselectivities.

[Cardiovascular diseases burden attributed to low physical activity in China, 1990-2019]

Objective: To analyze the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) attributed to low physical activity (LPA) and its changing trends in China from 1990 to 2019. Methods: On the basis of the province results of the Study of Global Burden of Disease 2019 in China, we described the distribution of CVD death and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) attributed to LPA by sex, age and province. Joinpoint 4.9.1.0 was used to calculate the average annual percentage change. Results: In 2019, the number of CVD deaths and DALY attributed to LPA in people aged ≥25 years were 0.127 million and 1.863 million person-years in China, respectively, The age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and standardized DALY rate of CVD attributed to LPA were slightly higher in men than in women, and much higher in ischemic heart disease patients than in ischemic stroke patients. The ASMR (8.85/100 000) and the standardized DALY rate (112.34/100 000) of CVD attributed to LPA in China in 2019 showed no obvious change compared with 1990, while decreased in the last decade. The largest increases in the mortality rate and DALY rate were observed in people aged ≥75 years from 1990 to 2019 (26.89%, 15.61%), but the mortality rate and DALY rate in people aged 60-74 years showed a decreasing trend. The mortality rate and DALY rate in men aged 25- 44 years showed the largest increases (37.50%, 35.49%), while women aged ≥75 years had the largest increases (31.00%, 18.02%). In 2019, the highest ASMR and standardized DALY rate of CVD attributed to LPA were found in Jilin, Inner Mongolia and Hebei. The largest increases were found in Qinghai (182.41%, 154.70%), Gansu (181.29%, 152.77%), and Chongqing (132.01%, 102.79%) and the largest decreases were found in Beijing (59.11%, 62.09%), Macau (41.89%, 39.37%) and Guangdong (36.93%, 40.72%) from 1990 to 2019. Conclusion: The disease burden of CVD attributed to LPA in China was quite high and showed gender, age and area specific differences.

[Chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, processing and clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine Scrophulariae Radix: a review]

Traditional Chinese medicine Scrophulariae Radix, which is also called Yuan Shen, black Shen, is the dried root of Scrophularia ningpoensis of the Scrophulariaceae family. Research has indicated that the chemical constituents of Scrophulariae Radix mainly include terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, organic acids, volatile oils, steroids, sugars, flavonoids, alkaloids and phenols, among which iridoids and phenylpropanoids were the main active constituents. It has been reported that extracts of Scrophulariae Radix or its active substances have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-tumor, anti-fatigue, uric acid-lowering, anti-depression, myocardial cell-protective and other pharmacological activities, and can regulate cardiovascular system, central nervous system and immune system. This paper reviewed the present research achievements of Scrophulariae Radix in chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, processing methods, toxicity and other aspects, and the clinical application of Scrophulariae Radix in ancient and modern times was illustrated. This paper aimed to provide reference for further research of Scrophulariae Radix and facilitated its clinical application.

[Clinical observation of superior rectus transposition with/without augmented suture and vertical rectus transposition for the treatment of strabismus caused by complete abducens nerve palsy]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of superior rectus transposition (SRT) with/without augmented suture and vertical rectus transposition (VRT) for the treatment of strabismus caused by complete abducens nerve palsy. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. Forty-two patients (42 eyes) with complete abducens nerve palsy underwent strabismic surgeries from January 2015 to November 2020 in Tianjin Eye Hospital. According to the different procedures, the patients were divided into three groups: SRT group (16 cases, SRT with medial rectus recession), superior rectus transposition with augmented suture (SRTA) group (13 cases, SRT with Buckley suture and medial rectus recession) and VRT group (13 cases). The preoperative and postoperative (1, 6 and 12 months) data including deviations, ocular motility, binocular vision and surgical complications among three groups were analyzed and compared. χ² test was used for comparison of count data among three groups. The measurement data were compared among three groups by the repeated measures ANOVA. LSD-t test was used for within-group comparison and between-group comparison. Results: There was no difference in sex ratio, age and course of disease among the groups (all P>0.05). The horizontal deviations of the three groups at 1, 6 and 12 months after surgeries was lower than that before surgeries, and the difference was statistically significant (all P<0.001). The horizontal deviations of the SRT group, SRTA group and VRT group at 12 months after surgeries were (+0.8±5.8), (+0.8±4.5), (+1.2±2.5) prism diopters (PD), respectively, lower than that of the preoperative (+82.8±17.2), (+77.7±26.1), (+71.5±18.6) PD. However, there was no significant difference among different postoperative follow-up timepoints (all P>0.05). There was no difference in horizontal deviations before surgeries and at 1, 6 and 12 months after surgeries among three groups (P>0.05). There were significant differences in the scales of abduction motility among preoperative, postoperative 1, 6 and 12 months measurements for three group (all P<0.001). The scales of abduction before surgeries in the SRT group, SRTA group, and VRT group were (-4.4±0.5), (-4.4±0.5), (-4.5±0.5) scale and at 12 months after surgeries were (-2.3±0.7), (-2.2±0.5), (-2.1±0.6) scale respectively. But there was no change among different postoperative follow-up timepoints (all P>0.05). Preoperative and postoperative 1-, 6-and 12-month abduction motility was similar among three groups (P>0.05). There were significant differences in the scales of adduction limitation among preoperative, postoperative 1-, 6-and 12-months measurements for three group (all P<0.05). But there was no change among different postoperative follow-up timepoints (all P>0.05). There were significant differences between the SRT group [(-0.9±0.6), (-0.8±0.6) scale] and the SRTA groups [(-1.5±0.5), (-1.4±0.5) scale] (t=-2.62, -2.52) and between the SRTA group and the VRT group [(-0.8±0.8), (-0.6±0.7) scale] (t=2.62, 3.01) at 6 and 12 months after surgeries (all P<0.05). The outcomes of binocular vision at postoperative 12 months were similar among three groups (P>0.05). No patient had torsional diplopia and anterior segment ischemia. Only 2 patients from the SRTA group had hypotropia of 4 to 5 PD in the primary position associated with supraduction limitation. Conclusions: SRT with/without augmented suture and VRT are effective and safe procedures for the treatment of strabismus caused by complete abducens nerve palsy. They could correct deviations, improve abduction motility and restore binocular vision, with stable outcomes and a small risk of vertical and torsional diplopia.

Absorbable Artificial Dura Versus Nonabsorbable Artificial Dura in Decompressive Craniectomy for Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Two Centers

Background

Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients usually need decompressive craniectomy (DC) to decrease intracranial pressure. Duraplasty is an important step in DC with various dura substitute choices. This study aims to compare absorbable dura with nonabsorbable dura in duraplasty for severe TBI patients.

Methods

One hundred and three severe TBI patients who underwent DC and dura repair were included in this study. Thirty-nine cases used absorbable artificial dura (DuraMax) and 64 cases used nonabsorbable artificial dura (NormalGEN). Postoperative complications, mortality and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score in one year were compared in both groups.

Results

Absorbable dura group had higher complication rates in transcalvarial cerebral herniation (TCH) (43.59% in absorbable dura group vs. 17.19% in nonabsorbable dura group, P = 0.003) and CSF leakage (15.38% in absorbable dura group vs. 1.56% in nonabsorbable dura group, P = 0.021). But severity of TCH described with hernial distance and herniation volume demonstrated no difference in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference in rates of postoperative intracranial infection, hematoma progression, secondary operation, hydrocephalus, subdural hygroma and seizure in both groups. KPS score in absorbable dura group (37.95 ± 28.58) was statistically higher than nonabsorbable dura group (49.05 ± 24.85) in one year after operation (P = 0.040), while no difference was found in the rate of functional independence (KPS ≥ 70). Besides, among all patients in this study, TCH patients had a higher mortality rate (P = 0.008), lower KPS scores (P < 0.001) and lower functionally independent rate (P = 0.049) in one year after surgery than patients without TCH.

Conclusions

In terms of artificial biological dura, nonabsorbable dura is superior to absorbable dura in treatment of severe TBI patients with DC. Suturable nonabsorbable dura has fewer complications of TCH and CFS leakage, and manifest lower mortality and better prognosis. Postoperative TCH is an important complication in severe TBI which usually leads to a poor prognosis.

[A real-world study of the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir in the treatment of HCV-infected patients in a county in northern China]

Objective: To evaluate the real-world efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) tablets in the treatment of Chinese patients with chronic HCV infection. Methods: An open-label, single-center, prospective clinical study was conducted in a county in northern China. A total of 299 cases were enrolled. Of these, 161 cases with chronic hepatitis C and 73 cases with compensated cirrhosis received SOF/VEL for 12 weeks. 65 cases with decompensated cirrhosis received SOF/VEL combined with ribavirin for 12 weeks (22 cases) or SOF/VEL for 24 weeks (43 cases). Virological indicators, liver and renal function indexes, and liver stiffness measurement were detected at baseline, the fourth week of treatment, the end of treatment, and the 12-weeks of follow-up. Adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities were observed during the course of treatment . The primary endpoint was undetectable rate of HCV RNA (SVR12) at 12 weeks of follow-up with the use of modified intention-to-treat (mITT) approach. Measurement data between two groups were compared using t-test. One Way ANOVA was used for comparison between multiple groups. Enumeration data were analyzed by chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Results: 291 cases had completed treatment. HCV RNA was undetectable after 12 weeks of follow-up, and the SVR12 rate was 97.3% (95% confidence interval: 95.4%-99.3%). Among them, 97.4% of genotype 1b, 96.4% of genotype 2a, and 100% of those with undetected genotype achieved SVR12. The SVR12 rates in patients with chronic hepatitis C, compensated and decompensated liver cirrhosis were 98.1%, 98.6% and 93.8%, respectively. An improvement in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and other liver biochemical indicators accompanied with virological clearance and reduced liver stiffness measurement was observed in patients with compensated cirrhosis, with statistically significant difference. There was no significant abnormality in renal function before and after treatment. The most common adverse reactions were fatigue, headache, epigastric discomfort and mild diarrhea. The overall adverse reactions were mild. One patient died of decompensated liver cirrhosis combined with massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which was unrelated to antiviral treatment. Four patients discontinued treatment prematurely due to adverse events. Relapse was occurred in four cases, and drug-resistance related mutations were detected in three cases. Conclusion: Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir tablets in Chinese HCV-infected patients with different genotypes, different clinical stages or previously treated with pegylated interferon combined with ribavirin resulted in higher SVR12, indicating that the treatment safety profile is good.

[HIV infection status and related factors in men who have sex with men in sentinel surveillance in Shanxi province, 2010, 2015 and 2020]

Objective: To understand the infection status of HIV and related factors in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Shanxi province in 2010, 2015 and 2020. Methods: According to the sentinel surveillance protocol, continuous cross-sectional survey were conducted to collect the information about basic characteristics, general demographic characteristics, AIDS knowledge awareness, high-risk sexual behavior, sexually transmitted diseases, intervention services and HIV infection rate of the MSM in Shanxi in 2010, 2015 and 2020. Results: In 2010, 2015 and 2020, a total of 2 708 MSM were included in this study. There were significant differences in HIV infection rate among three years (χ²=23.76, P<0.001) with an increasing trend with year (trend χ² =17.34, P<0.001). The rates of anal sex, commercial sex and heterosexual behavior in the past 6 months were 77.62% (2 102/2 708), 5.91% (160/2 708) and 28.14% (762/2 708) respectively, and the rates of consistent use of condom were 52.52% (1 104/2 102), 63.13% (101/160) and 23.49%(179/762) respectively, and the rate of consistent condom use was low. Results from multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that different cities, having educational level of junior high school or below, being recruited through internet, voluntary counseling and testing, suffering from sexually transmitted diseases, occasional condom use in anal sex in the past 6 months were the correlative factors of HIV infection of MSM. Conclusions: The HIV infection rate of MSM in Shanxi increased year by year from 2010, 2015 to 2020. The HIV/AIDS-related risk behavior persisted, and the proportion of condomuse adherence was low, and the HIV detection rate was low in the MSM, so targeted and effective measures should be taken to promote the condom use adherence and regular HIV testing in MSM.

Effects of oregano essential oil as an antibiotic growth promoter alternative on growth performance, antioxidant status, and intestinal health of broilers

This experiment was conducted to assess the comparative effects of dietary antibiotics and oregano essential oil (OEO) addition on growth performance, antioxidant status and intestinal health of broilers. A total of 384 one-day-old broilers were randomly allocated to 4 treatments with 6 replicates of 16 broilers each. The 4 treatments were: an antibiotic-free control diet (control), control + 20 mg/kg colistin sulfate and 20 mg/kg virginiamycin (antibiotics), control + 200 mg/kg natural oregano essential oil (NOEO), and control + 200 mg/kg synthetic oregano essential oil (SOEO). The experiment lasted for 42 d. Results showed that birds fed with OEO had greater (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and lower (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) than those fed with control diet during d 1 to 21. Besides, birds fed with NOEO had the greatest (P < 0.05) ADG in the four groups during d 22 to 42. The serum oxidative stress parameters showed that OEO improved (P < 0.05) the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) of birds on day 21 and the activity of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of birds on d 42. Relative to control, NOEO increased (P < 0.05) the activity of T-AOC in jejunum and decreased (P < 0.05) the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum and jejunum. Moreover, OEO supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of sIgA in duodenum and jejunum, Lactobacillus and total anaerobes in cecum, as well as activities of trypsin, chymotrypsin, lipase and amylase in duodenum, but restrained (P < 0.05) the amount of Escherichia coli. The NOEO supplementation increased (P < 0.05) total anaerobes of broilers on d 42 and the villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH/CD) of ileum. These results suggest that OEO improved antioxidant status and intestinal health of broilers which contributed to the growth performance improvement of broilers. Dietary OEO supplementation can be a promising alternative to antibiotic growth promoters for improving poultry production.

[Comparison of prognostic significance between multiparameter flow cytometry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in the detection of minimal residual disease of Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute B lymphocytic leukemia before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

目的

探讨多参数流式细胞术（MFC）与实时定量聚合酶链反应技术（RQ-PCR）两种方法检测费城染色体阳性（Ph⁺）急性B淋巴细胞白血病（B-ALL）患者异基因造血干细胞移植（allo-HSCT）前微小残留病（MRD）的预后意义。

方法

回顾性分析2014年7月至2018年2月在北京大学血液病研究所接受allo-HSCT的280例Ph⁺ B-ALL患者，同时用MFC和RQ-PCR法（检测BCR-ABL融合基因表达）检测移植前MRD。

结果

RQ-PCR与MFC检测MRD具有相关性（rs＝0.435，P<0.001）。MFC、RQ-PCR法检测移植前MRD的阳性率分别为25.7％（72/280）、60.7％（170/280）。移植前MFC-MRD阳性组患者移植后白血病3年累积复发率（CIR）明显高于MFC-MRD阴性组（23.6％对8.6％，P<0.001）。RQ-PCR检测BCR/ABL融合基因阳性组（RQ-PCR MRD阳性组）的3年CIR、非复发死亡（NRM）、无白血病生存（LFS）、总生存（OS）与BCR/ABL融合基因阴性组（RQ-PCR MRD阴性组）相比差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05）。移植前RQ-PCR MRD≥1％组比<1％组具有更高的3年CIR（23.1％对11.4％，P＝0.032）、更低的LFS率（53.8％对74.4％，P＝0.015）与OS率（57.7％对79.1％，P＝0.009）。多因素分析显示，移植前MFC-MRD阳性是影响移植后CIR的危险因素（HR＝2.488，95％CI1.216～5.088，P＝0.013），移植前RQ-PCR MRD≥1％是影响LFS（HR＝2.272，95％CI 1.225～4.215，P<0.001）、OS（HR＝2.472，95％ CI 1.289～4.739，P＝0.006）的危险因素。MFC检测MRD预测复发的敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值（PPV）、阴性预测值（NPV）分别为48.50％、77.56％、23.62％、87.16％。以RQ-PCR MRD≥1％预测复发的敏感性、特异性、PPV、NPV分别为23.00％、88.59％、17.15％、91.84％。移植前MFC-MRD阳性或RQ-PCR MRD≥1％二者任一成立为指标预测移植后复发的敏感性、特异性、PPV、NPV分别为54.29％、73.88％、45.70％、91.87％。

结论

MFC和RQ-PCR法检测移植前MRD水平均可预测Ph⁺ B-ALL患者移植预后。移植前MFC-MRD阳性是移植后复发的危险因素。联合使用两种方法（移植前MFC-MRD阳性状态或RQ-PCR MRD≥1％成立）可提高预测移植后复发的敏感性、阳性预测值与阴性预测值，有助于更好筛选出高危患者。

Development of an integrated multivariate trend-frequency analysis method: Spatial-temporal characteristics of climate extremes under global warming for Central Asia

Temperature and precipitation are the two most critical climate variables and their extreme states have more severe impacts than average states on both human society and natural ecosystem. In this study, an integrated multivariate trend-frequency analysis (IMTFA) approach is developed for the risk assessment of climate extremes under the global warming. Through incorporating multiple time series analysis techniques (i.e., M-K test, Sen's slope estimator and Pettitt test) and copula function into a general framework, IMTFA is capable not only of analyzing the temporal trends and change points of extreme temperatures and precipitations, but also of quantifying their univariate and multivariate risks. IMTFA is applied to the Central Asia with considering a long-term (1881-2018) observation data. Our findings are: (i) significant wetting and warming trends were occurred in the Central Asia over past one hundred years, where 42.5%, 59.4% and 79.2% stations have change points for extreme precipitations, maximum and minimum temperatures, respectively; (ii) the occurrences of extreme climate events show obviously spatial heterogeneity, where the highest risks of meteorological drought, flood and frost events are occurred in the southwest, southeast and northeast regions, respectively; (iii) global warming significantly affects the intensities and frequencies of extreme precipitations and temperatures, and their univariate and multivariate risks are intensified in the most regions of Central Asia. The above findings can provide more valuable information for risk assessment and disaster adaptation of climate extremes in Central Asia.

Assessment of the effects of human activity and natural condition on the outflow of Syr Darya River: A stepwise-cluster factorial analysis method

Water scarcity causes a series of eco-environmental problems, such as land salinization, biodiversity reduction and food crisis, which seriously restricts the sustainable development of the Aral Sea basin. In this study, a stepwise-cluster factorial analysis (SCFA) approach is proposed for assessing the effects of natural condition and human activity on the outflow of Syr Darya River (abbreviated as OSR) that has significant effects on the eco-environmental restoration of the Aral Sea. SCFA coupled stepwise cluster analysis and factorial analysis cannot only reflect the variability of outflow, but also identify the driving factors quantitatively. The results disclose that, in 1960-1991, the dominant factors (affecting the OSR) are upstream inflow (25.77%) > agricultural water use of Uzbekistan (7.21%) > industrial water use of Uzbekistan (4.53%) > agricultural water use of Kazakhstan (3.81%) > Precipitation (3.66%); interactions between upstream inflow and agricultural water use of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan and interactions between reservoir and evapotranspiration have the significant effects on the OSR. Results also indicate that, in 1992-2015, the dominant factors that affect the OSR are agricultural water use of Uzbekistan (23.31%) > agricultural water use of Kazakhstan (22.15%) > industrial water use of Uzbekistan (8.31%) > domestic water use of Kazakhstan (4.68%) > agricultural water use of Tajikistan (4.54%) > domestic water use of Uzbekistan (4.41%); the interactions between industrial water use and agricultural water use of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan and the interactions between reservoir and upstream inflow have the pivotal effects on OSR. In the future, when the agricultural water use of the basin decrease as 4% and the industry water use of Uzbekistan decrease as 2%, the OSR may recover to the middle level of 1970s. The results help identify the major factors affecting the outflow of Syr Darya River as well as seek an effective approach to restore the eco-environment of Aral Sea basin.

[The role of time-series propagation map and activity path of confirmed cases in the analysis and determination of COVID-19 epidemic]

Objective: The time sequence transmission map and the cases travel track were used to explain the chain of transmission, describe the characteristics of transmission and analyze the mode of epidemic of novel coronavirus pneumonia, so as to provide evidence for the relevant government departments to carry out epidemic prevention and control. Methods: The time sequence transmission map and the cases travel track table were drawn, according to the time of incidence, age, sex, number of close contacts and their interrelations. Results: At the end of February 10, 2020, 63 COVID-19 cases were reported in the research area. Among them, 57 cases were confirmed (1 deaths) and 6 cases were asymptomatic, 57 cases were imported cases (90.48%), 36 cases were reported by cluster epidemic (57.14%) among friends and relatives. Cases have been spread to the fourth generation. Conclusion: The time sequence transmission map and the cases travel track showed that, in the research area, the epidemic situation of COVID-19 was mainly caused by imported case, and the clustering transmission was the major spread model. The time sequence transmission map and the cases travel track are worth popularizing in the prevention and control of major infectious diseases.

Spatial-temporal assessment of agricultural virtual water and uncertainty analysis: The case of Kazakhstan (2000-2016)

In this study, a fuzzy-vertex-based virtual-water analysis method (FVAM) is developed for assessing the virtual water content (VWC) of main agricultural products, imports, and exports at a national scale. FVAM has advantages in quantifying state-level VWC with a bottom-up approach and reflecting uncertain parameters based on vertex analysis technique. FVAM is applied to a real case of Kazakhstan in Central Asia. Results reveal that (i) the VWC of Kazakhstan's agricultural products is between 55.61 and 83.98 billion m³/yr in 2000-2016, where wheat is the largest water consumer and the Kostanay state has the largest VWC; (ii) Kazakhstan is a net exporter of virtual water, most of which flows to neighboring countries such as Russia and Azerbaijan; (iii) uncertainties in crop coefficient (Kc), feed water requirement (FWR), drinking water requirement (DWR) and service water requirement (SWR) can affect the VWC assessment; (iv) the massive export of water-intensive products makes the water resources more severe in Kazakhstan, which further squeezes the local ecological water use. Therefore, reducing the export of virtual water should be the focus of future agricultural policies. The findings are useful for decision makers to optimize Kazakhstan's agricultural structure, mitigate the national water scarcity, and facilitate the regional sustainable development.

[Minimal residual disease in adults with Philadelphia chromosome negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia in high-risk]

目的

探讨高危Ph阴性急性淋巴细胞白血病（Ph⁻ALL）中微小残留病（MRD）对预后和治疗策略的影响。

方法

回顾性分析2008年1月1日至2017年12月31日收治的初治成人高危Ph⁻ALL并获得完全缓解（CR）患者的临床资料，通过Cox回归模型和Landmark分析，寻找预后相关因素。

结果

177例患者纳入研究，其中男性99例（56%），中位年龄40（16~65）岁，95例（54%）在第1次完全缓解（CR₁）后接受异基因造血干细胞移植（移植组）。多因素分析显示，巩固治疗1个疗程后MRD阴性（HR=0.52，95%CI 0.30~0.89，P=0.017）、诱导化疗4周达到CR（HR=0.43，95%CI 0.24~0.79，P=0.006）是影响患者无病生存（DFS）的有利因素，CR₁移植是影响患者DFS（HR=0.13，95%CI 0.08~0.22，P<0.001）和总生存（OS）（HR=0.24，95%CI 0.15~0.41，P<0.001）的共同有利因素。121例患者进入Landmark分析，在巩固治疗1个疗程后MRD阴性的85例患者中进行多因素分析显示，巩固治疗3个疗程后MRD阴性是影响患者DFS（HR=0.18，95%CI 0.05~0.64，P=0.008）和OS（HR=0.14，95%CI 0.04~0.50，P=0.003）的有利因素。在巩固治疗1个疗程和3个疗程后MRD均阴性的患者中，移植组患者3年DFS率有高于化疗组的趋势（75.2%对51.3%，P=0.082），但3年OS率相近（72.7%对68.7%，P=0.992）。巩固治疗1个疗程和3个疗程后MRD至少1次阳性的患者中，移植组的3年DFS率（64.8%对33.3%，P=0.006）和3年OS率（77.0%对33.3%，P=0.028）均显著高于化疗组，与这两个时间点MRD均阴性的移植患者的预后差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。

结论

在高危成人Ph⁻ALL患者中，巩固治疗1个疗程后MRD阴性是预后良好的独立影响因素。巩固治疗1个疗程和3个疗程MRD均阴性的患者，接受移植或化疗的生存率相似。移植显著改善了巩固治疗1个疗程和3个疗程后MRD至少一次阳性患者的预后。

Teunomyces basidiocarpi sp. nov. and Teunomyces luguensis sp. nov., two ascomycetous yeast species related to the Candida kruisii clade isolated in Taiwan

Four strains of anamorphic yeasts isolated from the fruiting bodies of mushrooms collected in Taiwan were found to represent two novel yeast species belonging to the genus Teunomyces, which was formally known as the Candida kruisii clade. Strains NY13M09^T and NY14M14 were related to the type strains of Teunomyces panamensis, T. pallodes, T. tritomae and T. lycoperdinae, and strains GG4M07^T and GG6M14 were related to T. kruisii NRRL Y-17087^T and T. cretensis NRRL Y-27777^T. However, strains NY13M09^T and NY14M14 differed from their closest phylogenetic neighbours by 2.9-3.7 % in the D1/D2 domain sequence of the LSU rRNA gene and by 6.6-13.7 % in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS); GG4M07^T and GG6M14 differed from their closest known species by 2.4 % in the D1/D2 domain sequence of the LSU rRNA gene and by 8.7-10.0 % in the ITS. Meanwhile, these strains were also clearly distinguished from their closest relatives based on the results of physiological tests. Based on the characteristics described above, the strains could be regarded as representing two novel species of the genus Teunomyces, for which the names Teunomyces basidiocarpi sp. nov. and Teunomyces luguensis sp. nov. are proposed. The holotypes are Teunomyces basidiocarpi BCRC 23475^T and Teunomyces luguensis BCRC 23476^T.

Taxonomy of the yeast genus Vanderwaltozyma and proposal of Vanderwaltozyma meishanica sp. nov., Vanderwaltozyma huisunica sp. nov., and Vanderwaltozyma molinica sp. nov

Using electrophoretic karyotyping, RAPD fingerprinting and phylogenetic analysis of ribosomal RNA gene sequences, twenty-six Vanderwaltozyma strains were studied. Out of 19 strains isolated in mountainous areas of Taiwan, eighteen strains were isolated from soil and one strain was isolated from the fruiting body of mushroom, six were identified as V. polyspora and three as V. verrucispora. Based on the results of a multigene sequence analysis (D1/D2, ITS and mitochondrial COX II gene) and DNA-DNA reassociation, three new ascosporic members of the genus Vanderwaltozyma are formally described: V. huisunica sp. nov. (GA1S06^T = CBS 12250^T = BCRC 23260^T), V. meishanica sp. nov. (EN4S02^T = CBS 12249^T = BCRC 23255^T) and V. molinica sp. nov. (GJ8S05^T = CBS 12251^T = BCRC 23264^T), and the holotypes of these novel species are assigned as BCRC 23260^T, BCRC 23255^T and BCRC 23264^T, respectively.

[Characteristic and prognostic significance of leukemia stem cells associated antigens expressions in t (8;21) acute myeloid leukemia]

Objective: To investigate the characteristic and prognostic significance of leukemia stem cells associated antigens expressions including CD34, CD38, CD123, CD96 and TIM-3 in t (8;21) AML. Methods: Bone marrow samples of 47 t (8;21) AML patients were collected at diagnosis from October 2015 to April 2018 in Peking University Peoples' Hospital, then flow cytometry method was performed to detect the expression frequencies of CD34, CD38, CD123, CD96 and TIM-3 to analyze the relationship between leukemia stem cells associated antigens expressions and relapse. Results: Of 47 t (8;21) AML patients tested, the median percentages of CD34(+)CD38(-), CD34(+) CD38(-)CD123(+), CD34(+)CD38(-) CD96(+) and CD34(+) CD38(-) TIM-3(+) cells among nucleated cells were 2.37%, 0.24%, 0.27% and 0.06%, respectively. All the frequencies of CD34(+)CD38(-), CD34(+)CD38(-)CD123(+), CD34(+)CD38(-)CD96(+) and CD34(+) CD38(-)TIM-3(+) cells had no impact on the achievement of CR after the first course of induction. All higher frequencies of CD34(+)CD38(-), CD34(+)CD38(-)CD123(+), CD34(+)CD38(-)CD96(+) cells were related to higher 2-year CIR rate. Whereas, the frequency of CD34(+) CD38(-) TIM-3(+) cells had no impact on CIR rate. Both high frequency of CD34(+) CD38(-) cells and the high level of minimal residual diseases (patients with <3-log reduction in the RUNX1-RUNX1T1 transcript level after the second consolidation therapy) were independent poor prognostic factors of CIR[P=0.025, HR=6.9 (95%CI 1.3-37.4) ; P=0.031, HR=11.1 (95%CI 1.2-99.2) ]. Conclusion: Different leukemia stem cells associated antigens had distinct prognostic significance in t (8;21) AML. High frequencies of CD34(+) CD38(-), CD34(+) CD38(-) CD123(+) and CD34(+)CD38(-)CD96(+) cells at diagnosis predicted relapse in patients with t (8;21) AML.

[Surveillance of human intestinal parasitic diseases in Nanping City from 2014 to 2018]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the status of human intestinal parasitic diseases in Nanping City from 2014 to 2018, so as to provide reference for the development of the effective control measures.

METHODS

Administrative villages were selected using the two-stage cluster sampling in Nanping City from 2014 to 2018, and surveillance of human intestinal parasitic diseases was performed in 5 administrative villages in each county (district) of Nanping City. Intestinal parasitic infections were detected using a modified Kato-Katz thick smear method (two smears for a single stool sample) in villagers, and the hookworm species was differentiated. In addition, the eggs of Enterobius vermicularis were detected using the adhesive tape method in children aged 3 to 6 years.

RESULTS

A total of 6 317 villagers were detected in Nanping City from 2014 to 2018, and the overall prevalence of human intestinal parasitic infections was 2.15%. There was year- (χ² = 10.53, P < 0.05) and gender-specific prevalence of human intestinal parasitic infections in Nanping City during the study period (χ² = 17.00, P < 0.01). The prevalence of human intestinal parasitic infections increased with age, and there was age-specific prevalence of human intestinal parasitic infections in Nanping City (χ² = 102.62, P < 0.01). A total of 945 children at ages of 3 to 6 years were detected, and the prevalence of E. vermicularis infection was 3.28%.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of human intestinal parasitic infections is at a low level in Nanping City from 2014 to 2018, and the infection mainly occurs in villagers of advanced age and low education levels. Further comprehensive measures are required to control intestinal parasitic infections in key populations.

[The comparison of predicting clinical outcomes between immunolophenotype and hematological complete remission before human leukocyte antigen-matched sibling donor transplantation in acute myeloid leukemia]

目的

比较移植前免疫表型缓解（ICR）和血液形态学缓解对急性髓系白血病（AML）患者同胞HLA相合造血干细胞移植（MSDT）疗效的预测价值。

方法

回顾性分析182例接受MSDT的AML患者（除外急性早幼粒细胞白血病），将移植前血液形态学缓解分为血细胞恢复的完全缓解（CR）、血小板未恢复的CR（CRp）、血小板和中性粒细胞均未恢复的CR（CRi），将多参数流式细胞术检测微小残留病阴性定义为ICR。

结果

①全部182例AML患者中，男97例，女85例，中位年龄41（4~62）岁。②移植前CR、CRp+CRi率分别为80.8%（147/182）、19.2%（35/182）；移植前CRp+CRi组、CR组的预期4年累积复发率（CIR）[（11.0±4.3）%对（16.0±7.1）%，χ²=0.274，P=0.600]、非复发死亡率（NRM）[（14.0±4.3）%对（9.0±6.3）%，χ²=0.913，P=0.339]、无白血病生存（LFS）率[（75.0±5.1）%对（75.0±8.3）%，χ²=0.256，P=0.613]、总生存（OS）率[（77.0±5.2）%对（80.0±8.1）%，χ²=0.140，P=0.708]差异均无统计学意义。③移植前ICR组（147例）与非ICR组（35例）比较，4年CIR较低[（11.3±3.4）%对（55.2±8.8）%，χ²=32.687，P<0.001]，LFS率[（76.2±4.7）%对（32.8±8.7）%，χ²=26.234，P<0.001]和OS率[（79.0±4.7）%对（39.0±9.1）%，χ²=25.253，P<0.001]较高，NRM差异无统计学意义[（12.5±4.1）%对（12.0±7.1）%，χ²=1.002，P=0.656]。④多因素分析显示，移植前非ICR是影响AML患者MSDT后复发[HR=11.026（95% CI 4.685~25.949），P<0.001]、LFS[HR=5.785（95% CI 2.974~11.254），P< 0.001]和OS[HR=5.578（95%CI 2.575~27.565），P<0.001]的独立危险因素。

结论

移植前ICR对AML患者MSDT的疗效预测价值优于HCR。

[Comparison and analysis of minimal residual disease in multiple myeloma patients detected by 4-color and 8-color fluorescence antibody panels]

目的

探讨与比较4色和8色荧光抗体组合检测多发性骨髓瘤（MM）患者治疗后微小残留病（MRD）的灵敏度。

方法

建立一组以CD38/CD138对浆细胞进行设门，同时检测胞膜抗原CD45、CD19、CD56、CD117及胞质轻链cKappa、cLambda的8色抗体组合；6组4色抗体组合中，4组以CD38/CD138设门，分别分析CD45/CD19、CD56/CD117、CD19/CD56胞膜抗原（M1-3）和胞质轻链（C组）表达；MC1-2组分别以CD38/SSC和CD138/SSC设门，同时检测CD19或CD45胞膜抗原和胞质轻链。采用以上组合对20名健康志愿者和73例完全缓解后MM患者标本进行检测并进行比较分析。

结果

8色组合识别异常浆细胞（aPCs）和克隆性浆细胞（cPCs）的阳性率均为82.19%，一致率为89.04%（65/73）；cPCs中位比例为0.105%，均显示明显的单克隆轻链；敏感度为0.004%。CD38/SSC设门的浆细胞比例明显高于CD38/CD138（P<0.001）和CD138/SSC（P=0.001）设门。4色组合中C-_胞质组MRD阳性率最低，仅为65.75%，明显低于8色组合的82.19%（P=0.024）；M2-_56/117组检测的aPCs比例最低，为0.095%，与其他组相比差异有统计学意义（P=0.014）；MC1-_CD38和MC2-_CD138组，以cPCs作为判断标准时MRD阳性率均高于以aPCs为判断标准（P<0.05），结果一致率分别为68.49%（50/73）和79.45%（58/73）。与8色组合相比，4色组合中MC2-_CD138组敏感性、准确性和阴性预测值最高，阳性预测值和特异性也较高；其次是M1-_45/19组。

结论

CD38/CD138设门更准确，反映克隆性的胞质轻链检测较胞膜抗原更敏感，胞膜抗原异常表达并不完全代表为cPCs，建议胞膜抗原和胞质轻链同时检测。有条件者建议选用8色组合，4色组合中建议同时采用M1-_45/19和MC2-_CD138组合。

[Comparison of molluscicidal cost and effectiveness between 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules and 26% suspension concentrate of metalaldehyde and niclosamide ethanolamine salt]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the molluscicidal effects and cost-effectiveness of 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules (NEG) and 26% suspension concentrate of metalaldehyde and niclosamide ethanolamine salt (MNSC) .

METHODS

Two plots with high Oncomelania hupensis snail density were selected as research areas in Nanjing Chemical Industry Zone, and 5% NEG (40 g/m²) and 26% MNSC (40 g/m²) were used by the spraying method for snail control in the two plots, and their molluscicidal effects and cost-effectiveness were investigated and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between 5% NEG and 26% MNSC in the molluscicidal effects. The cost of 5% NEG was 1.25 times higher than that of 26% MN-SC per ten thousand square meters in snail control.

CONCLUSIONS

The cost of 5% NEG is higher than that of 26% MNSC per ten thousand square meters in snail control. Their molluscicidal effects are similar.

A mesoscopic reaction rate model for shock initiation of multi-component PBX explosives

The primary goal of this research is to develop a three-term mesoscopic reaction rate model that consists of a hot-spot ignition, a low-pressure slow burning and a high-pressure fast reaction terms for shock initiation of multi-component Plastic Bonded Explosives (PBX). Thereinto, based on the DZK hot-spot model for a single-component PBX explosive, the hot-spot ignition term as well as its reaction rate is obtained through a "mixing rule" of the explosive components; new expressions for both the low-pressure slow burning term and the high-pressure fast reaction term are also obtained by establishing the relationships between the reaction rate of the multi-component PBX explosive and that of its explosive components, based on the low-pressure slow burning term and the high-pressure fast reaction term of a mesoscopic reaction rate model. Furthermore, for verification, the new reaction rate model is incorporated into the DYNA2D code to simulate numerically the shock initiation process of the PBXC03 and the PBXC10 multi-component PBX explosives, and the numerical results of the pressure histories at different Lagrange locations in explosive are found to be in good agreements with previous experimental data.

Using the attract method to identify core pathways in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

The aim of this study was to identify core pathways associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) using the attract method. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways were determined using the GSEA-ANOVA method, based on the gene expression data of JIA. Syn-expression groups within core attractor pathways were identified by hierarchical clustering. Correlated sets of genes exhibiting highly similar profiles to the syn-expression groups were identified and each correlated set was subjected to a gene ontology functional enrichment analysis to discover potentially shared biological themes. Based on a false-discovery rate < 0.05, we identified 11 significant pathways were identified as potential attractors. Flag genes or uninformative genes were removed and 5 discriminative pathways: the proteasome, ribosome, protein export, spliceosome, and Parkinson's disease pathways were identified. A final set of syn-expression groups with a consistent trend of relative expression of pathway-related genes was obtained; that is, the proteasome, ribosome, protein export, spliceosome, and Parkinson's disease pathways were composed of 2, 2, 1, 2, and 3 clusters, respectively. Genes in each correlated set shared common roles, and changes at the pathway level were more likely to be real. In light of these, the attract method was able to on expand important context to find distinguishing expression patterns within pathways. This paper predicted that the functional themes involved in protein synthesis (such as proteasome, ribosome, spliceosome) were closely related to the progression of JIA, which might contribute to the detection of therapy target for JIA.

Protective effect of necrostatin-1 on myocardial tissue in rats with acute myocardial infarction

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of necrostatin-1 on myocardial tissue of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) rats and to provide a basis for necrostatin-1 for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. AMI rats (45) were established by ligating the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery. The rats were randomly divided into the model group and necrostatin-1 low-dose and high-dose groups. The control group rats (15) underwent the sham operation. The rats in the necrostatin-1 low-dose and high-dose groups were injected with 1 and 4 mg/kg necrostatin-1, respectively, via the tail vein. The rats in the control and model groups were injected with isometric dimethyl sulfoxide, once daily, for 3 consecutive days. The levels of RIP1 and RIP3 mRNA and phosphorylated protein in the myocardial tissue of rats were detected by real time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. The myocardial infarct size was detected by tetrazolium chloride. Compared with that in the control group, the levels of RIP1 and RIP3 mRNA and phosphorylated protein significantly increased in the myocardial tissue of model group rats, necrostatin-1 low-dose group, and high-dose group. The levels of RIP1 and RIP3 mRNA and phosphorylated protein in the myocardial tissue of rats in the necrostatin-1 low-dose and high-dose groups decreased significantly compared with that in the model group (P < 0.05). The levels of RIP1 and RIP3 mRNA in the myocardium of the high-dose group rats were significantly lower than those of the low-dose group rats (P < 0.05). The myocardial infarct sizes significantly increased in model, low-dose, and high-dose group rats. The apoptotic level of myocardial cells significantly decreased in the low-dose group and high-dose group after treatment with necrostatin-1 but was still higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, necrostatin-1 can inhibit myocardial tissue apoptosis and necrosis in acute myocardial infarct rats and has a protective effect on myocardial tissue.

[Clinical characteristics of acute myeloid leukemia with t (16;21) (p11;q22):nine cases report and literature review]

目的

探讨t(16;21）（p11；q22）急性髓系白血病（AML）的生物学及临床特征、疗效及预后。

方法

回顾性分析2009年1月至2014年12月北京大学人民医院收治的9例初诊t(16;21）（p11；q22）AML患者临床资料，并汇总国外文献报道的42例患者，采用Kaplan-Meier法进行生存分析。

结果

9例t(16;21）（p11；q22) AML占同期AML患者的0.66%。9例患者中，男4例，女5例。FAB分型：M₁ 1例、M₂ 5例、M₄ 1例、M₅ 2例；其中3例在诊断时形态学可见空泡形成。免疫表型除表达髓系CD117、CD13、CD33及CD34外，均表达CD56。染色体G显带分析均可见t(16;21）（p11；q22），5例伴有复杂核型。所有患者均可检测到TLS/FUS-ERG融合基因。9例化疗后均获完全缓解（CR）。2例仅接受化疗的患者分别于诊断后5和16个月复发，并于10和27个月死亡。7例于缓解后接受异基因造血干细胞移植（allo-HSCT），中位生存21(11~46）个月。汇总文献报道的42例成人t(16;21）（p11;q22）AML患者，其中单纯化疗组27例，HSCT组15例，两组患者中位生存期分别为10(95% CI 1~17）个月及18(95% CI 2~76）个月，差异有统计学意义（P<0. 001）。

结论

t(16;21）（p11；q22) AML是一类少见的AML，其具有特殊的形态学及免疫表型特点，总体预后差，allo-HSCT治疗可改善其预后，推荐首次CR后行allo-HSCT治疗。

Hepatitis B virus pre-S2 mutant large surface protein inhibits DNA double-strand break repair and leads to genome instability in hepatocarcinogenesis

Although hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been established to cause hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the exact mechanism remains to be clarified. Type II ground glass hepatocytes (GGHs) harbouring the HBV pre-S2 mutant large surface protein (LHBS) have been recognized as a morphologically distinct hallmark of HCC in the advanced stages of chronic HBV infection. Considering its preneoplastic nature, we hypothesized that type II GGH may exhibit high genomic instability, which is important for the carcinogenic process in chronic HBV carriers. In this study we found that pre-S2 mutant LHBS directly interacted with importin α1, the key factor that recognizes cargos undergoing nuclear transportation mediated by the importin α/β-associated nuclear pore complex (NPC). By interacting with importin α1, which inhibits its function as an NPC factor, pre-S2 mutant LHBS blocked nuclear transport of an essential DNA repair and recombination factor, Nijmegen breakage syndrome 1 (NBS1), upon DNA damage, thereby delaying the formation of nuclear foci at the sites of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Pre-S2 mutant LHBS was also found to block NBS1-mediated homologous recombination repair and induce multi-nucleation of cells. In addition, pre-S2 mutant LHBS transgenic mice showed genomic instability, indicated by increased global gene copy number variations (CNVs), which were significantly higher than those in hepatitis B virus X mice, indicating that pre-S2 mutant LHBS is the major viral oncoprotein inducing genomic instability in HBV-infected hepatocytes. Consistently, the human type II GGHs in HCC patients exhibited increased DNA DSBs representing significant genomic instability. In conclusion, type II GGHs harbouring HBV pre-S2 mutant oncoprotein represent a high-risk marker for the loss of genome integrity in chronic HBV carriers and explain the complex chromosome changes in HCCs. Mouse array CGH raw data: GEO Accession No. GSE61378 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE61378).

Activated natural killer cells accelerate liver damage in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection

Emerging evidence indicates that natural killer (NK) cells may contribute to liver injury in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Because HBV infection progresses through various disease phases, the cytolytic profiles of peripheral and intrahepatic NK cells in HBV-infected patients remain to be defined. In this study, we comprehensively characterized intrahepatic and peripheral NK cells in a cohort of HBV-infected individuals, and investigated their impact on liver pathogenesis during chronic HBV infection. The study population included 34 immune-clearance (IC) patients, 36 immune-tolerant (IT) carriers and 10 healthy subjects. We found that the activity of peripheral NK cells from IC patients was functionally elevated compared to IT carriers and controls, and NK cell activation was indicated by an increased expression of CD69, CD107a, interferon (IFN)-γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Further analysis showed that the increased activity of both peripheral and hepatic NK cells was correlated positively with liver injury, which was assessed by serum alanine aminotransferase levels (ALT) and the liver histological activity index (HAI). Interestingly, the frequency of peripheral NK cells was reduced in IC patients (especially those with higher HAI scores of 3-4), but there was a concomitant increase in hepatic NK cells. The functionally activated NK cells are enriched preferentially in the livers of IC patients and skew towards cytolytic activity that accelerates liver injury in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.

Effects of hypoxia on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells: an in vitro and in vivo study

Changes in oxygen concentration may influence various innate characteristics of stem cells. The effects of varying oxygen concentration on human periodontal ligament stem cells (HPDLSCs) has not been explored, particularly under hypoxia-related conditions. First, HPDLSCs were cultured from the periodontium of human teeth using the outgrowth method. STRO-1 and CD146 expression of HPDLSCs was investigated by flow cytometry. To detect the multilineage differentiation capacities of HPDLSCs, osteogenic-like and adipogenic-like states were induced in cells. Next, HPDLSCs (passage 3) were exposed to normal oxygen (21% O2) or hypoxia (2% O2) conditions for 7 days and cell proliferation was evaluated. After culture in osteogenic medium for 7 days, osteoblastic differentiation was evaluated by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis to detect 3 osteoblastic markers: core-binding factor a 1/runt-related transcription factor 2, osteocalcin, and osteopontin. In addition, each cell group was incubated with a hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate carrier and transplanted subcutaneously into the back of immunocompromised mice to investigate transplantation differences in vivo. HPDLSCs were isolated, cultured, and successfully identified. After exposure of HPDLSCs to hypoxia for 7 days, the proliferation rate was increased and showed higher osteogenic differentiation potential compared to control cells. After 12 weeks of transplantation, hypoxia-treated HPDLSCs differentiated into osteoblast-like cells that formed bone-like structures. These results suggest that oxygen concentrations affect various aspects of HPDLSC physiology and that hypoxia enhances osteogenic differentiation both in vivo and in vitro. Oxygen concentration may be a critical parameter for HPDLSCs during expansion and differentiation.

Decline in intrahepatic cccDNA and increase in immune cell reactivity after 12 weeks of antiviral treatment were associated with HBeAg loss

Viral load reduction facilitates recovery of antiviral T-cell responses. Dynamic alterations in intrahepatic viraemia clearance and immune cell reactivity during the early phase of nucleoside analogue (NA) therapy and the impact of these changes on HBeAg seroconversion are unknown. Fifteen HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients were treated with adefovir dipivoxil. T-cell reactivity to HBV core and surface antigens were tested using ELISPOT assay from baseline to week 48 post-treatment (at 4-week intervals). Before and at week 12 of treatment, paired liver biopsies were analysed for intrahepatic HBV-DNA and cccDNA via real-time fluorescent PCR. In situ detection of CD4(+) , CD8(+) T cells and NK cells was analysed by immunohistochemistry. With viral load reduction, HBV-specific IFN-γ-producing CD4(+) T cells in patients with HBeAg loss were greatly enhanced and reached the highest level at week 12, with further increase observed between week 36 and week 48. After 12 weeks of treatment, total intrahepatic HBV-DNA and cccDNA had significantly decreased; however, there was no difference in the viral loads or extent of reduction between patients with and without HBeAg loss. Paralleling reduction in viral load, intrahepatic CD8(+) T lymphocytes increased in patients with HBeAg loss compared with baseline values. Only one patient without HBeAg loss exhibited similar results. Increased immune cells were observed in certain patients along with reduced hepatic viral loads during the second phase of HBV-DNA decline, which could promote the recovery of antiviral immunity and facilitate HBeAg loss.

Nitrogen-corrected True Metabolizable Energy and Amino Acid Digestibility of Chinese Corn Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles in Adult Cecectomized Roosters

This study was conducted to evaluate chemical composition, nitrogen-corrected true metabolizable energy (TMEn) and true amino acids digestibility of corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) produced in China. Twenty five sources of corn DDGS was collected from 8 provinces of China. A precision-fed rooster assay was used to determine TMEn and amino acids digestibility with 35 adult cecectomized roosters, in which each DDGS sample was tube fed (30 g). The average content of ash, crude protein, total amino acid, ether extract, crude fiber and neutral detergent fiber were 4.81, 27.91, 22.51, 15.22, 6.35 and 37.58%, respectively. TMEn of DDGS ranged from 1,779 to 3,071 kcal/kg and averaged 2,517 kcal/kg. Coefficient of variation for non-amino acid crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber and TMEn were 55.0, 15.7, 15.9 and 17.1%, respectively. The average true amino acid digestibility was 77.32%. Stepwise regression analysis obtained the following equation: TMEn, kcal/kg = -2,995.6+0.88×gross energy+49.63×a* (BIC = 248.8; RMSE = 190.8; p<0.01). Removing gross energy from the model obtained the following equation: TMEn, kcal/kg = 57.88×ether extracts+87.62×a* (BIC = 254.3, RMSE = 223.5; p<0.01). No correlation was found between color scores and lysine true digestibility (p>0.05). These results suggest that corn DDGS produced in China has a large variation in chemical composition, and gross energy and a* value can be used to generate TMEn predict equation.

Microtubule depolymerization activates the Epstein–Barr virus lytic cycle through protein kinase C pathways in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells

Elevated levels of antibodies against Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and the presence of viral DNA in plasma are reliable biomarkers for the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in high-prevalence areas, such as South-East Asia. The presence of these viral markers in the circulation suggests that a minimal level of virus reactivation may have occurred in an infected individual, although the underlying mechanism of reactivation remains to be elucidated. Here, we showed that treatment with nocodazole, which provokes the depolymerization of microtubules, induces the expression of two EBV lytic cycle proteins, Zta and EA-D, in EBV-positive NPC cells. This effect was independent of mitotic arrest, as viral reactivation was not abolished in cells synchronized at interphase. Notably, the induction of Zta by nocodazole was mediated by transcriptional upregulation via protein kinase C (PKC). Pre-treatment with inhibitors for PKC or its downstream signalling partners p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) abolished the nocodazole-mediated induction of Zta and EA-D. Interestingly, the effect of nocodazole, as well as colchicine and vinblastine, on lytic gene expression occurred only in NPC epithelial cells but not in cells derived from lymphocytes. These results establish a novel role of microtubule integrity in controlling the EBV life cycle through PKC and its downstream pathways, which represents a tissue-specific mechanism for controlling the life-cycle switch of EBV.

Overexpression of microRna-200c in CD44+CD133+ CSCS inhibits the cellular migratory and invasion as well as tumorigenicity in mice

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are believed to be responsible for drug resistance, metastasis of tumors. To investigate the biological characteristics of CD44+CD133+CSCs with over- expressing microRNA-200c (miR-200c), and to provide evidences for miR-200c as a tumor suppressor to treat melanoma. CD44+CD133+CSCs were isolated from the mouse melanoma B16F10 cell line by using immune magnetic activated cell sorting. The lentivirus miR-200c was transduced into the cells, and the effect of miR-200c overexpression on the biological characteristics of B16F10 CD44+ CD133+CSCs was analyzed by a series assays. The stable overexpression of miR-200c in B16F10 CD44+CD133+CSCs obviously resulted in downregulation of zinc-finger E-box binding homeobox 1 expression, reduction of the cell proliferation, colony forming, cell migratory and invasion ability in vitro as well as tumorigenicity in vivo compared with those of the B16F10 cells and B16F10 non-CD44+ CD133+CSCs. These findings suggest that the miR-200c overexpression as a novel strategy to target therapy of melanoma CSCs.

Autologous mesenchymal stem cells prevent transplant arteriosclerosis by enhancing local expression of interleukin-10, interferon-γ, and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase

Transplant arteriosclerosis (TA) remains the major limitation of long-term graft survival in heart transplantation despite the advances in immunosuppressants. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been demonstrated to suppress allogeneic immune responses by numerous in vitro studies. However, the immunomodulatory effects of MSCs in vivo are controversial and the underlying molecular mechanisms are not conclusive. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of autologous bone marrow-derived MSCs on TA in a porcine model of femoral artery transplantation. MSCs or saline were injected into the soft tissue surrounding the arterial grafts immediately postanastomosis. Four weeks after transplantation, neointimal formation increased significantly in untreated allografts compared with the MSC-treated grafts as assessed by intravascular ultrasound (maximum luminal area stenosis: 40 ± 12% vs. 18 ± 6%, p < 0.001). Grafts harvested at 4 weeks showed dense perivascular lymphocyte infiltration accompanied by significant intimal hyperplasia in the untreated but not in the MSC-treated allografts. Serial angiographic examination showed that all of the untreated allografts became occluded at the 8th week whereas the majority of the MSC-treated grafts remained patent at the 12th week posttransplantation (n = 12 each group, p < 0.001). Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that Foxp3 expression was comparable between the untreated and the MSC-treated groups. However, expression of interleukin-10 (IL-10), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) was increased significantly in the MSC-treated allografts compared with that in the allograft controls (p = 0.021 for IL-10, p = 0.003 for IFN-γ, and p = 0.008 for IDO). In conclusion, local delivery of autologous MSCs alleviates TA by inducing allograft tolerance via enhanced expression of IL-10, IFN-γ, and IDO but not Foxp3-positive cells in the vessel wall. These results suggest that MSCs induce immune tolerance by activating the type 1 regulatory T-like cells.

Five novel species of the anamorphic genus Candida in the Cyberlindnera clade isolated from natural substrates in Taiwan

Twelve strains representing five novel yeast species were isolated from natural samples distributed in mountain areas in Taiwan during 2007 and 2009. Sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene revealed that these species are members of the Cyberlindnera clade. These five new species have a greater than 1% difference from their closest relatives in the sequences of the D1/D2 domain of the LSU rRNA gene and were well separated from their closest relatives in terms of physiological characteristics. Moreover, a sexual state could not be found in these five novel yeast species. Therefore, the scientific names of Candida maesa sp. nov. (type strain GJ8L01(T)), Candida takata sp. nov. (type strain EN25S01(T)), Candida taoyuanica sp. nov. (type strain GY15S07(T)), Candida hungchunana sp. nov. (type strain NC3W71(T)) and Candida stauntonica sp. nov. (type strain GY13L05(T)) were proposed to accommodate these yeasts.

Asterotremella meifongana sp. nov. and Asterotremella nantouana sp. nov., two anamorphic basidiomycetous yeasts isolated from soil and mushrooms

Two novel yeast species, Asterotremella meifongana sp. nov. and Asterotremella nantouana sp. nov., belonging to Asterotremellaceae within the Trichosporonales, are proposed to accommodate five strains isolated from Taiwanese samples of soil and basidiocarps during 2006-2007. Sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene revealed that the two species are phylogenetically closely related to species of the genus Asterotremella, which indicates that they are members of the genus. The two species can be further differentiated from other Asterotremella species based on their internal transcribed spacer sequences, as well as on a few physiological test responses. The type strains are A. meifongana SN4S04(T) (=CBS 11424(T) = BCRC 23196(T)) and A. nantouana SN5S06(T) (=CBS 10890(T) = BCRC 23135(T)).

The effect of the major components of Salvia Miltiorrhiza Bunge on bone marrow cells

Salvia Miltiorrhiza Bunge (SMB), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has been alleged to support bone healing. However, the effects of the isolated major components of SMB on osseous cells and their corresponding effective doses are still unclear. In the present study, the effects of three components of SMB, including tanshinone IIA (Ts), salvianolic acid B (salB) and protocatechuic aldehyde (Pca), on mesenchymal bone marrow cells with the potential for osteoblastic differentiation were investigated. Various concentrations of Ts, salB and Pca were added to a rat bone marrow cell culture. The total metabolic activity and differentiation of bone marrow cells were evaluated by a metabolic assay and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, respectively. The morphology and number of cells was observed by phase contrast microscopy and fluorescent microscopy after propidium iodide staining, respectively. Ts suppressed the growth and differentiation of bone precursor cells. SalB exhibited a biphasic effect: the high concentration of 160 microg/mL significantly depressed the population of bone marrow cells, however, lower concentrations (3-80 microg/mL) enhanced the total metabolic activity and their ALP expression. Pca suppressed the bone marrow cell population in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, SalB has the potential to ameliorate bone healing by stimulating both the total metabolic activity and ALP activity of osteoblastic cells. Aqueous extracts, which preferably contain salB over Pca and are free of Ts therefore are recommended for bone formation.

Breastfeeding, amenorrhea and contraceptive practice among postpartum women in Zibo, China

This paper reports a hospital-based longitudinal study that was conducted in Zibo, China, in June 1996. The objective was to investigate the existing patterns of breastfeeding, amenorrhea and contraceptive use among postpartum women in urban areas of China. Information was obtained from 492 newly parturient women. Follow-up interviews were done at 42 days. 4 months and 1 year after delivery. The results showed that the full breastfeeding rate (including exclusive and almost exclusive breastfeeding) was 78% and 43% at 42 days and 4 months after delivery, respectively. The mean reported length of abstinence from sexual intercourse after delivery was 71 days. The mean reported time to menses resumption was 184 days. Ninety-three per cent of women had resumed sexual intercourse at 4 months after delivery. Seventy-three per cent of women were using contraceptive methods when they resumed sexual activity after delivery. After childbirth, the majority ofthe women interviewed used condoms within 3 months. Thereafter, most of them switched to intrauterine device (IUD)). Life table analysis shows that the continuation rates of full breastfeeding and amenorrhea at 4 months after delivery were 35% and 68%, respectively. This implies that if the full breastfeeding rate can be prolonged, it is feasible to use the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) among Chinese postpartum women. The policy implications of this study are that quality care on contraceptive services and information for postpartum women in urban areas need to be improved further.

Structural investigation of catalyst deactivation of Pt/SDB for catalytic oxidation of VOC-containing wastewater

The stability of styrene-divinyl benzene copolymer (SDB)-supported Pt (Pt/SDB) catalysts for destruction of volatile-organic-compound (VOC) in wastewater was examined. The test reaction was wet oxidation of water-containing aliphatic alcohol and formaldehyde at 140 degrees C and 90 psig for 40 h. The catalytic performance tests indicated that activity of the Pt/SDB catalysts could be maintained for VOC concentration of 3 wt.%, whereas the catalysts deactivated rapidly for 10 wt.% VOC containing wastewater. In order to investigate the nature of catalyst deactivation, extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and X-ray absorption near edge (XANES) spectroscopy were used to characterize the fresh and used catalysts. After the reaction, there is no oxidation of Pt clusters observed in EXAFS and XANES spectroscopy suggesting that the oxidation reaction takes places via the adsorbed oxygen. The spectroscopy results further indicated that deactivation of the catalysts were mainly caused by the increase of Pd particle size. After the reaction, the Pt-Pt coordination number has no significant change for the 3 wt.% wastewater whereas increase from 5.6 to 6.2 for 10 wt.% wastewater. Combined with the fact that the catalysts fractured during the reactions, we suggested that Pt agglomeration was mainly caused by thermal migration of the metal clusters.

[The research on GH composite material of artificial bone implant in animal]

OBJECTIVE:To improve modeling different complex forms ability of pure hydroxyapatite.METHODS: Medicial gelatin and hydroxyapatite were compounded to form GH composite artifical bone.It was implanted in the tibial bone of six adult female New Zealand white rabbits.The rabbits were sacrificed at week 2, 6 and 12 respectively after operation,The bone repairing ability was assessed by histology observation.RESULTS:It connect with bone directly without inflammatory reactions with the muscle tissue.CONCLUSION:It's an ideal replacement material for bone.

Nuclear area and DNA content in tumor and nontumor portions of hepatocellular carcinoma

The nuclear area and DNA content between tumor and nontumor portions of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were compared. Thirty pairs of imprint smears were made from surgical specimens and stained with a modified Feulgen reaction. Two hundred nuclei were scanned with a microdensitometer at a wavelength of 550 nm. DNA histograms were plotted with lymphocytes as the internal control. Nuclear areas of 200 cells in each case were measured with Minimagiscan image analyzer. Hyperploidy (DNA index > 1.1) was 76.7% and 53.3% in tumor and nontumor portions, respectively. The S-phase fraction value was 7.9 +/- 3.5% (+/- SD) and 4.1 +/- 2.4% in tumor and nontumor portions of HCC (P < .001). The mean nuclear area of the tumor portion was significantly larger than that of its corresponding nontumor portion (232.9 +/- 68.1 vs. 137.6 +/- 15.5 microns2, P < .001). Marked anisonucleosis was found in both the tumor and nontumor portions of HCC. The mean coefficient of variation of mean nuclear areas was 27.8 +/- 10.4% and 22.9 +/- 4.9% in the tumor and nontumor portions, respectively (P < .05). DNA ploidy correlated well with mean nuclear area in the tumor portions (r = .730) but not in the nontumor ones. The results indicate that the three most important cytologic criteria of malignant cells--hyperchromatism, nuclear enlargement and anisonucleosis--are evident in both the tumor and nontumor portions of HCC.

Correlation of flow cytometric and microdensitometric DNA content analysis in lung cancer

The DNA histograms of 29 histologically verified primary lung cancers were analyzed with flow cytometry and microdensitometry. Fresh tumor tissues were imprinted on the slide and air dried for modified Feulgen staining. Then the smears were scanned with a scanning microdensitometer at a wavelength of 550 nm. The S-phase fraction value was estimated from the DNA histogram with a cumulated probability scale. The remaining parts of the tumors were minced and prepared for dispersal as a single cell suspension for propidium iodide staining. The tumor cells were then analyzed with a flow cytometer at 488 nm. The correlation between the analyses measured with these two methods showed r = .75 for the DNA index, r = .71 for the S-phase fraction and r = .61 for the G0G1 population; P < .001. The DNA indices, S-phase fraction values and G0G1 populations obtained with flow cytometry and microdensitometry correlated well.

[Natural conceptive probability in normal married women]

A total of 1,974 married couples were investigated for natural conception rate and the time required to become pregnant after cessation of contraceptive measure. Among them, 33 couples were infertile due to various causes and 52 couples employed contraceptive method continuously. Therefore, the time intervals of natural conception were available for analysis only in 1,889 couples. Fourteen hundred and sixty-seven women (77.6%) became pregnant within 3 months after exposure to the risk of conception, 1,683 (89.0%) within 6 months, 1,793 (94.8%) within one year and 1,855 (98.0%) within 2 years. The correlations among conceptive probability, history of using contraceptive methods, age of marriage, and menstrual status were discussed.

Cadmium exposure and health effects among residents in an irrigation area with ore dressing wastewater

About 0.05 mg Cd l-1 was found in the irrigation water contaminated by the wastewater discharged from tungsten ore dressing plants, and about 1 mg Cd kg-1 was found in irrigated acid soils. The main sources of cadmium intake by residents of the polluted areas are agricultural products. The average intake of cadmium was 367-382 micrograms day-1, and for smokers 417 micrograms day-1. Among the residents who have been exposed to cadmium for more than 25 years, cadmium absorption (urinary cadmium greater than or equal to 10 micrograms g-1 creatine) was 60% and an early effect on the target organ (urinary cadmium greater than or equal to 15 micrograms g-1 creatinine and urinary beta 2-microglobulin greater than 500 micrograms g-1 creatinine) was detected in 17% of the sample of 433 persons. Levels of urinary cadmium and blood cadmium exceeded the critical value in the exposed group. The concentrations of urinary calcium, beta 2-microglobulin and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase were significantly higher in residents of contaminated areas than in those of control areas. Case-control study of the residents shows that many have suffered from a nephropathy with tubulo-interstitial abnormalities. Owing to the combined cadmium effect, the cases with fractional beta 2-microglobulin excretion greater than 0.10 were 46% in the exposed population, and were much higher than that in the control group (20.3%).