Effects of fermented cottonseed meal inclusions on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and hepatic lipid metabolism of geese during 28-70 d of age

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of solid-state fermented cottonseed meal (FCSM) inclusion levels on the growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and hepatic lipid metabolism in geese from 28 to 70 d of age. A total of 288 twenty-eight-d-old male geese were randomly divided into 4 treatments with FCSM levels of 0, 5, 15 and 25% including 0, 22.74, 67.33, 111.27 mg FG/kg diet, respectively. Each treatment contained 6 replicates and 12 birds per replicate. Treatments of FCSM inclusions from 0 to 25% had no effect on growth rate and feed intake in geese during d 28 to 70. The F/G ratio was increased (P < 0.05) in geese fed the diet with 25% FCSM compared with birds fed the diet with 0% FCSM. Treatment with 25% FCSM levels had no effect on the contents of TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, but increased (P < 0.05) AST and ALT activities in serum of geese at d 70. Treatment with 25% FCSM increased the contents of FG, HDL-C, TC, C18:2n6, C20:4n6 and PUFA and decreased (P < 0.05) the contents of NEFA, SFA, MUFA in liver compared with treatment of 0% FCSM inclusion. Additionally, treatment with 25% FCSM decreased (P < 0.05) the PPARα, AMPK, and LXR mRNA expression related to lipid deposition, and increased (P < 0.05) PPARγ and ACC mRNA expression related to lipolysis in liver compared with birds fed the diet with 0% FCSM. Overall, treatment with 0 to 15% FCSM (<=67.33 mg FG/kg diet) had no adverse effects on the growth performance and lipid metabolism of geese. However, treatment fed 25% FCSM (111.27 mg FG/kg diet) decreased feed efficiency and promoted hepatic lipid deposition associated with the alteration of related gene expression in geese at 28 to 70 d of age.

A binary pulsar in a 53-minute orbit

Spider pulsars are neutron stars that have a companion star in a close orbit. The companion star sheds material to the neutron star, spinning it up to millisecond rotation periods, while the orbit shortens to hours. The companion is eventually ablated and destroyed by the pulsar wind and radiation1,2. Spider pulsars are key for studying the evolutionary link between accreting X-ray pulsars and isolated millisecond pulsars, pulsar irradiation effects and the birth of massive neutron stars3-6. Black widow pulsars in extremely compact orbits (as short as 62 minutes7) have companions with masses much smaller than 0.1 M⊙. They may have evolved from redback pulsars with companion masses of about 0.1-0.4 M⊙ and orbital periods of less than 1 day8. If this is true, then there should be a population of millisecond pulsars with moderate-mass companions and very short orbital periods9, but, hitherto, no such system was known. Here we report radio observations of the binary millisecond pulsar PSR J1953+1844 (M71E) that show it to have an orbital period of 53.3 minutes and a companion with a mass of around 0.07 M⊙. It is a faint X-ray source and located 2.5 arcminutes from the centre of the globular cluster M71.

Usefulness of transperineal shear wave elastography of levator ani muscle in women with stress urinary incontinence

This study aimed to quantitatively assess the quality of levator ani muscle (LAM) using shear wave elastography (SWE) and to evaluate the association between the elasticity of LAM and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The study population included 32 women with SUI and 34 women with normal pelvic support. The thickness of LAM, bladder neck descent (BND), and urethral funneling (UF) were assessed by transperineal ultrasound. LAM elasticity was measured by SWE at rest and during the maximal Valsalva maneuver. Age, menopause, BND, and UF showed a positive correlation with SUI. There was no significant between-group difference in the elastic modulus values of LAM at rest. The thickness of LAM in women with SUI was greater than that in control group at rest and during the maximal Valsalva maneuver (P < 0.001). The elastic modulus values of E_max and E_mean were significantly increased from rest to the maximal Valsalva maneuver in all participants (56.24 vs 82.43 kPa and 47.92 vs 72.37 kPa, P < 0.001). The change of these variables from rest to the maximal Valsalva maneuver in the control group was more obvious than that in the SUI group (34.09 vs 17.87 kPa and 31.55 vs 16.82 kPa, P < 0.05). The elasticity of LAM, as quantified by SWE, may potentially be used as an index for predicting SUI.

Prefertilization Exposure of Rainbow Trout Eggs to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances to Simulate Accumulation During Oogenesis

Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) are used in firefighting and are sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the environment through surface runoff and groundwater contamination at defense and transportation sites. Little is known regarding the toxicity and bioaccumulation of newer AFFF formulations containing novel PFAS. To mimic maternal transfer of PFAS, prefertilization rainbow trout eggs were exposed to three PFAS using novel methodologies. Batches of unfertilized oocytes were exposed for 3 h to 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, or 10 µg/ml separately to perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorohexanoic acid, or perfluorooctanesulfonic acid in either coelomic fluid or Cortland's solution. After exposure, the gametes were fertilized and rinsed with dechlorinated water. Egg yolk was aspirated from a subset of fertilized eggs for PFAS quantification. Each PFAS was detected in yolks of eggs exposed to the respective PFAS, and yolk concentrations were directly proportional to concentrations in aqueous media to which they were exposed. Exposure in coelomic fluid or Cortland's solution resulted in similar concentrations of PFAS in egg yolks. Ratios of PFAS concentrations in oocytes to concentrations in exposure media (oocyte fluid ratios) were <0.99 when exposed from 0.01 to 10 µg/ml and <0.45 when exposed from 0.1 to 10 µg/ml for both media and all three PFAS, demonstrating that the water solubility of the chemicals was relatively great. Prefertilization exposure of eggs effectively introduced PFAS into unfertilized egg yolk. This method provided a means of mimicking maternal transfer to evaluate toxicity to developing embryos from an early stage. This method is more rapid and efficient than injection of individual fertilized eggs and avoids trauma from inserting needles into eggs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:3159-3165. © 2021 SETAC.

[Efficacy comparison between laparoscopy and open surgery in the treatment of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors larger than 2 cm using multicenter propensity score matching method]

Objective: To compare the efficacy between laparoscopy and open surgery for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) larger than 2 cm. Methods: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was performed. Inclusion criteria: long diameter of primary gastric GIST > 2 cm; undergoing laparoscopy or open surgery; diagnosis confirmed by postoperative pathology without distant metastasis; without preoperative targeted therapy. Clinicopathological data of 857 gastric GIST patients, including 320 in PLA General Hospital, 284 in Shanghai Renji Hospital, 175 in Wuhan Union Hospital and 78 in Tianjin Cancer Hospital, from January 2010 to May 2017 were retrospectively collected. There were 418 males and 439 females, mainly aged between 50 and 70 years old. Among 857 patients, 413 were in the laparoscopy group and 444 in the open group. The nearest neighbor matching of propensity score matching method was conducted with 1:1 matching based on tumor location and size between laparoscopy and open group to obtain samples of covariate equilibrium, and the caliper value was 0.04. The t test, χ(2) test and Wilcoxon rank test were used to compare short-term efficacy, and the Kaplan-Meier curve and log rank test were applied to compare long-term outcomes between the two groups. Results: After propensity score matching, laparoscopy group and open group both enrolled 293 cases. The baseline data, including age, gender, tumor location, tumor long diameter, NIH classification, etc. were not significantly different between the two groups (all P>0.05). Compared with the open group, the laparoscopy group had less intraoperative blood loss [<100 ml: 2.9% (155/293) vs. 36.2% (106/293), Z=-12.857, P<0.001], shorter time to postoperative feeding [(4.0±0.2) days vs. (5.3±0.9) days, t=1.505, P=0.003] and to the removal of drainage tube [(4.8±1.0) days vs. (6.5±1.0) days, t=1.847, P=0.008], and shorter postoperative hospital stay [(8.6±0.3) days vs. (10.5±0.3) days, t=4.235, P<0.001]. Subgroups analysis according to anatomical location: (1) Gastric cardia and pylorus: there were no statistically significant differences in perioperative parameters between the two groups (all P>0.05). (2) Stomach base: feeding time after surgery [(4.0±0.2) days vs. (4.5±0.2) days, t=0.512, P=0.038], drainage tube removal time [(5.1±0.4) days vs. (6.4±0.6) days, t=0.517, P=0.044], postoperative hospital stay [(8.0±0.5) days vs. (11.1±0.9) days, t=0.500, P=0.002] were all significantly shorter in the laparoscopy group as compared to the open group, while the differences in other perioperative parameters were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). (3) Lesser curvature of the stomach: the laparoscopy group had less intraoperative blood loss [<100 ml ratio: 58.1% (43/74) vs. 33.7% (25/74), Z=7.632, P=0.034], shorter gastric tube removal time [(2.7±0.2) days vs. (3.2±0.3) days, t=0.503, P=0.007], earlier postoperative passage of gas [(2.8±0.1) days vs. (3.4±0.2) days, t=0.532, P=0.030], earlier postoperative feeding [(3.6±0.2) days vs. (4.3±0.2) days, t=0.508, P=0.020], shorter drainage tube removal time [(4.2±0.4) days vs. (5.7±0.5) days, t=0.508, P=0.020] and postoperative hospital stay [(8.3±0.6) days vs. (10.7±0.3) days, t=0.502, P=0.006] as compared to the open group. (4) Great curvature of the stomach: the laparoscopy group presented less intraoperative blood loss [<100 ml ratio: 52.7% (39/74) vs. 36.5% (27/74), Z=7.681, P=0.032], earlier gastric tube removal [(2.6±0.2) days vs. (3.6±0.2) days, t=0.501, P=0.001], earlier postoperative passage of gas [(2.7±0.2) days vs. (3.4±0.2) days, t=0.501, P=0.016], earlier postoperative feeding [(3.6±0.2) days vs. (4.7±0.2) days, t=0.500, P=0.001], shorter drainage tube removal time [(4.0±0.5) days to (5.9±0.4) days, t=0.508, P=0.002] and postoperative hospital stay [(7.5±0.3) days to (9.5±0.1) days, t=0.500, P=0.001] than the open group. Subgroup analysis according to tumor size: (1) Tumor long diameter 2.0-5.0 cm: the laparoscopy group had earlier passage of gas [(2.9±0.1) days vs. (3.5±0.1) days, t=0.500, P=0.001], earlier postoperative feeding [(4.5±0.1) days vs. (5.0±0.2) days, t=0.501, P=0.013], shorter drainage tube removal time [(4.8±0.3) days vs. (6.0±0.3) days, t=0.511, P=0.008] and postoperative hospital stay [(8.1±0.4) days to (10.1±0.3) days, t=0.513, P=0.001] than the open group. (2) Tumor long diameter 5.1-10.0 cm: in the laparoscopic group, postoperative feeding time [(4.0±0.2) days vs. (4.7±0.2) days, t=0.506, P=0.015], drainage tube removal time [(4.6±0.4) days vs. (6.4±0.5)) days, t=0.501, P=0.004], postoperative hospital stay [(8.2±0.3) days vs. (10.9±0.6) days, t=0.500, P=0.001] were all shorter than those in the open group. No intraoperative and postoperative complications were observed in each group. The 5-year recurrence-free survival rates of the laparoscopy group and the open group were 95.4% and 91.6%, respectively (P=0.734), and the 5-year overall survival rates were 93.8% and 90.8% (P=0.691), respectively, and the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: In experienced medical centers, laparoscopic surgery for gastric GIST larger than 2 cm is safe and feasible, and can achieve comparable efficacy with open surgery. For gastric GISTs which do not locate in the greater curvature and the anterior wall of the stomach, and whose long diameter is ≤5 cm, laparoscopic surgery does not increase the risk of recurrence and metastasis, and can accelerate postoperative recovery.

Measurement of the cosmic ray proton spectrum from 40 GeV to 100 TeV with the DAMPE satellite

The precise measurement of the spectrum of protons, the most abundant component of the cosmic radiation, is necessary to understand the source and acceleration of cosmic rays in the Milky Way. This work reports the measurement of the cosmic ray proton fluxes with kinetic energies from 40 GeV to 100 TeV, with 2 ¹/₂ years of data recorded by the DArk Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE). This is the first time that an experiment directly measures the cosmic ray protons up to ~100 TeV with high statistics. The measured spectrum confirms the spectral hardening at ~300 GeV found by previous experiments and reveals a softening at ~13.6 TeV, with the spectral index changing from ~2.60 to ~2.85. Our result suggests the existence of a new spectral feature of cosmic rays at energies lower than the so-called knee and sheds new light on the origin of Galactic cosmic rays.

[Establishment of Cas9 stably expressed human hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma cell lines]

Objective: To facilitate using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system in human liver and gallbladder cancer cells, we established Cas9 stably expressed human liver and gallbladder cancer cell lines, and validated the gene editing activity of Cas9. Methods: Human liver cancer cell lines (Huh7, PLC/PRF/5, HepG2, Hep3b, SK-HEP-1 and Li-7), human cholangiocarcinoma cells (RBE) and human gallbladder cancer cells (GBC-SD) were infected with 3 Cas9-expressing lentivirus vectors (pLv-EF1α-Cas9-Flag-Neo, pLv-EF1α-Cas9-Flag-Puro, Cas9m1.1), respectively, and Cas9 stably expressed colonies were screened and selected. We extracted the genomic DNA and protein, validated the stable expression of Cas9 by using genomic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot. Three of cell lines were further infected with Lv-EF1α-mCherry. Then mCherry positive cells were sorted by flow cytometry and infected with designed guide RNA (gRNA) vectors which targeted mCherry gene. Subsequently the gene editing activity of Cas9 was detected by genomic PCR, fluorescence microscopic observation and flow cytometry analysis. Results: One hundred Cas9-expressing human liver and gallbladder cancer cell lines were selected. Among them, 35 cell lines expressed Cas9-Neo, 25 expressed Cas9-puro, and 40 expressed mutant Cas9 (mCas9). We also established 3 cell lines with stable expression of mCherry (Huh7-mCas9-M, PLC/PRF/5-Cas9-M and SK-HEP-1-Cas9-M). The results of genomic PCR and sequencing showed that by lentiviral infection with 2 types of designed gRNA, the long fragment deletion of mCherry gene was found in these 3 cell lines. Moreover, mCherry(-)EGFP(+) cells infected with 2 types of gRNA were observed by fluorescence microscope. The results of flow cytometry showed that mCherry(-)EGFP(+) cells accounted from 0.3% to 93.6%. Conclusion: We successfully establish 100 human liver and gallbladder cancer cell lines with stable expression of Cas9 protein and validate their activities of gene editing.

[Clinical significance of syndecan-1 and syndecan-2 expression in gallbladder squamous cell/adenosquamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the expression of syndecan-1 and syndecan-2 and their clinicopathological significance in patients with gallbladder squamous cell (SC)/adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) and adenocarcinoma (AC). Methods: A total of 126 patients with SC/ASC (n=46) and AC (n=80) were included in this study. The expression levels of syndecan-1 and syndecan-2 were detected by Envison™ immunohistochemistry assay. The clinical and prognostic significance of syndecan-1 and syndecan-2 were analyzed. Results: In the 46 SC/ASC samples, syndecan-1 and syndecan-2 were positively expressed in 29 (63.0%) and 28 (60.9%) tumor tissues, respectively. (Positive expression was defined based on the staining in the component of squamous cell carcinoma. That is to say, the tissue which adenocarcinoma part was positively stained, but squamous cell carcinoma part was negatively stained is also regarded as negative.) In the 80 AC samples, 47 (58.8%) cases showed syndecan-1 positive expression, and 51 (63.8%) showed syndecan-2 positive expression. There was no significant difference in the positive rates of syndecan-1 and syndecan-2 between SC/ASC and AC groups (P>0.05 for all). The levels of syndecan-1 and syndecan-2 were associated with tumor size, TNM staging, lymph node metastasis, invasion of adjacent tissue, and surgical procedures in SC/ASC patients (P<0.05 for all). However, their expression was associated with tumor differentiation, tumor size, TNM staging, lymph node metastasis, invasion of adjacent tissue, and surgical procedures in AC patients (P<0.05 for all). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of SC/ASC and AC patients revealed that the average survival time for patients with positive syndecan-1 and syndecan-2 expression was significantly shorter than that of those with negative expression (P<0.01 for all). Cox multivariate analysis indicated that syndecan-1 and syndecan-2 expression were independent unfavorable prognostic factors for SC/ASC and AC patients (P<0.05 for all). Conclusion: The syndecan-1 and syndecan-2 expression are associated with the tumor progression and poor prognosis in patients with gallbladder SC/ASC and AC.

[Establishment and validation of human cancer cell lines with stable Cas9 expression]

Objective: To establish human cancer cell strains with stable Cas9 expression, and to validate the gene editing activity of Cas9 for simple gene editing in future study. Methods: Fifteen cancer cell lines of different tissue origins were infected with pLv-EF1α-Cas9-Flag-Neo or pLv-EF1α-Cas9-Flag-Puro by lentivirus and clone selection was employed to screen Cas9 stably expressed cancer cell lines. Afterward designed guide RNA vectors targeting TSC22 gene were transiently transfected into 3 of cell lines, and subsequently the gene editing activity of Cas9 was evaluated by genomic PCR, sequencing and Western blot. Results: Sixty-nine human cancer cell strains with stable Cas9 expression from different cancers were established, and by transient transfection with designed guide RNA, long fragment deletion was detected in TSC22 gene. Conclusions: Sixty-nine human cancer cell strains are successfully established with stable expression of Cas9 protein and gene editing activity. These cell strains may be employed in large-scale drug screening, screening of new drug targets and gene function investigation.

[Effects of IL10-592 locus of AA genotype on the incidence of aGVHD and survival after HLA-matched unrelated allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the impact of IL10-592 (rs1800872) single nucleic acid polymorphism (SNP) on the prognosis of HLA matched unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

METHODS

The polymorphism of IL10-592 in 104 recipient-donor pairs and 100 healthy volunteers was analyzed with sequence based typing (SBT).

RESULTS

When the genotype of IL10-592 in donors and recipients matched, AA/AA genotype had higher incidence of Ⅲ-Ⅳ aGVHD than AC/AC or CC/CC genotype (47.1%, 3.7%, 0, P=0.002). When the genotype of IL10-592 in donors and recipients mismatched, recipients with AC genotype or donors with AA genotype, there was significant different incidence of Ⅲ-ⅣaGVHD among donors or recipients with different genotype (P=0.046, P=0.041). The recipients with AA genotype had higher incidence of Ⅲ-Ⅳ aGVHD than AC or CC genotype (27.8% vs 10.2%, 11.1%; P=0.072), and higher incidence of intestinal aGVHD (22.2% vs 5.1%,11.1%; P=0.040) , lower incidence of 2-year overall survival (OS: 48.2% vs 75.1%, 85.7%; P=0.002), lower incidence of 2 year disease free survival (DFS: 48.5% vs 66.3%, 76.2%; P=0.045). Patients had higher incidence of Ⅲ-Ⅳ aGVHD with donors of AA genotype than with donors of AC or CC genotype (26.5% vs 8.9%, 0; P= 0.024), and higher incidence of intestinal aGVHD (20.4% vs 4.4%, 0; P=0.026). In multivariate analysis, the genotype of IL10-592AA in recipients and donors had increased risk of Ⅲ-Ⅳ aGVHD (OR=3.3, P= 0.049; OR=3.9, P=0.043). There were no statistical differences on the incidence of cGVHD and relapse.

CONCLUSION

In HLA-10/10 matched unrelated HSCT, the presence of IL10-592 AA genotype in recipients and/or donors is an adverse factor for Ⅲ-ⅣaGVHD, worse OS and 2-year DFS.

Determination of the potential of induced pluripotent stem cells to differentiate into mouse nucleus pulposus cells in vitro

We determined the potential for induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells to differentiate into nucleus pulposus (NP)-like cells in mice. iPS cells were generated from tail-tip fibroblasts. We used a pellet culture model with the aim of determining the applicability of iPS cell-based therapy to intervertebral disc degeneration (IVD). The cell pellet was cultured in an NP cell basal medium comprising Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with transforming growth factor beta 1, dexamethasone, ascorbate-2-phosphate, and 1% ITS-Premix. The pellet was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemical staining, and biochemical composition. The differentiation of iPS cells into NP cells was demonstrated by the protein and mRNA expression levels of proteoglycan, collagen II, aggrecan, and CD24. Furthermore, increased hydroxyproline content and dimethylmethylene blue staining demonstrated that the collagen II and glycosaminoglycan content in the NP cells increased with time. We have shown that cultured mouse iPS cells can be induced to differentiate into NP cells. Such proof-of-concept opens up the possibility of producing patient-specific NP cells in a relatively simple and straightforward manner with high efficiency. We are confident that such cells could be immediately useful for the study of IVD disease.

Differential microRNA expression in signet-ring cell carcinoma compared with tubular adenocarcinoma of human gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is a disease with a heterogeneous pathology; its pathological mechanisms remain unclear because there is a poor understanding of its etiology. In this study, we identified differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) among various gastric cancer subtypes. miRNA microarray analysis and bioinformatic analysis were used to compare miRNA expression between the signet-ring cell carcinoma and tubular adenocarcinoma subtypes of gastric cancer. Thirteen dysregulated miRNAs were identified in signet-ring cell carcinoma compared with tubular adenocarcinoma: miR-30a, miR-26b, miR-381, let-7i, miR-29c, miR-543, miR-499-3p, miR-628-3p, miR-524-5p, miR-181b, miR-1914, miR-663b, and miR-676. This is the first time that miR-499-3p, miR-628-3p, miR-524-5p, and miR-1914 have been identified in gastric cancer tissues. Bioinformatic analysis using target prediction algorithms indicated that these miRNAs are directly involved in gastric cancer pathogenesis and have different pathological mechanisms in various subtypes of signet-ring cell carcinoma and tubular adenocarcinoma. The miRNA expression patterns in different gastric adenocarcinoma subtypes may help discriminate between signet-ring cell and tubular gland cancer or other gastric cancer subtypes that would otherwise be difficult to identify using routine histological and immunohistochemical analyses. These preliminary data should be verified in further prospective studies.

Identification of a major quantitative trait locus for ear size induced by space flight in sweet corn

The development of molecular markers has contributed to progress in identifying the gene(s) responsible for favorable variations in maize studies. In this study, quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping was conducted using simple sequence repeat markers in an F2 sweet corn population from a cross between parental line 1132 and space flight-induced mutant line 751 to identify the loci contributing to an increase in some yield traits. A primary mutated genomic region was located on chromosome 9. In total, 26 QTL were detected for eight yield-related traits and assembled into three clusters on chromosome 9. The largest QTL cluster at bin 9.02/03, primarily contributing to >10% of the phenotypic variation in ear and cob diameters, was likely due to a major QTL. Desired alleles of these QTL were provided by the mutant line 751. The primary action of the major mutant allele was an additive effect. Another mutant locus, which was induced in bin 9.01, increased cob and ear diameters by dominant genetic action.

Comparative study of clinicopathological significance, BIRC7, and STC2 expression between squamous cell/adenosquamous carcinomas and adenocarcinoma of gallbladder

Gallbladder cancers (GBCs) are uncommon, but highly aggressive cancers. The majority of GBCs are adenocarcinomas (ACs), but rare subtypes of GBCs such as squamous cell carcinoma (SC) and adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) are observed as well. The clinicopathological characteristics of SC/ASC have not been well documented. Expressions of BIRC7 and STC2 were observed in some tumors. However, BIRC7 and STC2 expressions and clinical significances in gallbladder cancer have not been reported.In this study, the protein expressions of BIRC7 and STC2 in 46 SCs/ASCs and 80 ACs were measured using immunohistochemistry. We demonstrated that positive BIRC7 and STC2 expressions were significantly associated with large tumor mass (>3cm), high TNM stage and lymph node metastasis in SC/ASC and AC (p<0.05). Positive expression of BIRC7 was significantly associated with invasion of around tissues and organs in both SC/ASC and AC. Additionally, negative BIRC7 and STC2 expressions were significantly associated with surgical curability in AC. Univariate Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that BIRC7 and STC2 expressions, differentiation, tumor size, TNM stages, invasion, lymph node metastasis, and surgical curability were significantly associated with post-operative survival in both SC/ASC and AC patients(p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that positive BIRC7 and STC2 expressions are independent poor-prognostic factors in both SC/ASC and AC patients. Our study suggested that positive BIRC7 and STC2 expressions are closely correlated with clinical, pathological, and biological behaviors as well as poor-prognosis of gallbladder cancer.

First Report of Leaf Spot Caused by Alternaria longipes on Atractylodes macrocephala in China

Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. is a perennial herb that has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for centuries. During the summer of 2011, leaf spots were observed on leaves of A. macrocephala in Panan County of Zhejiang Province, China. Approximately 40% of the plants surveyed showed severe symptoms of leaf spot. At the initial stage of the infection, small, light brown spots appeared on the leaves that gradually became semicircular, oval, or irregular-shaped with dark brown or black centers surrounded by brown or light brown margins. The lesions enlarged and coalesced to form large areas of necrosis on leaves until entire leaves died. Eight fungal isolates were obtained from diseased A. macrocephala leaves by a tissue isolation method (1). Isolates were cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates at 25°C in darkness. Colonies on PDA were initially white and became grayish brown over time. Conidiophores were light brown with one or a few regular septa, mostly unbranched. Conidia were obclavate, dark brown, with three to eight transverse and zero to two longitudinal or oblique septa, and on average measured 35.1 (20 to 53) × 9.8 (5.8 to 13.3) μm (n = 20). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA was amplified using the primers ITS1F/ITS4 and sequenced (GenBank Accession No. JQ004404). The ITS sequence had 99% identity over 545 bp with Alternaria longipes (Ellis & Everh.) E. W. Mason (GenBank Accession No. AY278835), a fungal pathogen reported to cause leaf spot on Smilax china in China (3). To further identify the fungus, we chose the Alternaria allergen gene (Alt a 1 gene), which aids in identifying species of Alternaria (2). Amplification of the Alt a 1 gene was conducted using primers Alt-for/Alt-rev and sequenced (GenBank Accession No. JQ004405). Sequence comparisons showed there was 97% sequence identity with Alternaria longipes (GenBank Accession No. AY563304). Pathogenicity tests were performed on detached healthy A. macrocephala leaves. Nine leaves were inoculated by placing a PDA plug (0.5 cm²) of mycelia on upper surfaces of the leaves. Another nine leaves treated with sterile PDA plugs served as a control. Leaves were incubated in three petri dishes with a 12-h photoperiod at 25°C and 95% relative humidity. After 7 days, the symptoms described above were observed on all inoculated leaves, whereas no symptoms developed on control leaves. Reisolation of the fungus from symptomatic leaf tissues on PDA confirmed that the causal agent was Alternaria longipes. This pathogenicity test was performed three times. The genus Alternaria is ubiquitous and includes both plant pathogenic and saprophytic species that may cause leaf spot and blight on numerous plants (3,4), but to our knowledge, our research demonstrated this is the first report of leaf spot on A. macrocephalae caused by Alternaria longipes in China. References: (1) O. D. Dhingra and J. B. Sinclair. Basic Plant Pathology Methods. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 1995. (2) S. G. Hong et al. Fungal Genet. Biol. 42:119, 2005. (3) Y. Long et al. Plant Pathol. 58:800, 2009. (4) S. X. Zang et al. J. Hebei Normal Univ. Sci. Tech. 19:46, 2005.

Use of fuzzy evidential reasoning in maritime security assessment

Over the last few years, there has been a growing international recognition that the security performance of the maritime industry needs to be reviewed on an urgent basis. A large number of optional maritime security control measures have been proposed through various regulations and publications in the post-9/11 era. There is a strong need for a sound and generic methodology, which is capable of taking into account multiple selection criteria such as the cost effectiveness of the measures based on reasonable security assessment. The use of traditional risk assessment and decision-making approaches to deal with potential terrorism threats in a maritime security area reveals two major challenges. They are lack of capability of analyzing security in situations of high-level uncertainty and lack of capability of processing diverse data in a utility form suitable as input to a risk inference mechanism. To deal with such difficulties, this article proposes a subjective security-based assessment and management framework using fuzzy evidential reasoning (ER) approaches. Consequently, the framework can be used to assemble and process subjective risk assessment information on different aspects of a maritime transport system from multiple experts in a systematic way. Outputs of this model can also provide decisionmakers with a transparent tool to evaluate maritime security policy options for a specific scenario in a cost-effective manner.

Oily skin: specific features in Chinese women

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Inconsistent data are available on the various types of skin, their prevalence and characterization, particularly regarding Asian skins. This observation prompted to conduct a large study in China to assess the prevalence of oily skin and identify the specific factors related to that type of skin.

METHODS

The multicentre trial involved 1787 Chinese women in Shenyang, Harbin, Beijing, Chengdu and Suzhou, between 18 and 65 years of age. Data on history of acne, the presence of environmental factors and a detailed self-evaluation of the skin were collected using a standardized questionnaire. A clinical evaluation of facial skin oiliness was carried-out by a dermatologist at each centre. Sebum secretion was measured on the forehead using Sebumeter SM810. Statistical analysis (multiple correspondence analysis) of typology was conducted based on self-evaluation data.

RESULTS

According to self-evaluation data, oily skin prevalence in the overall Chinese population of the study was 25.6%. Self-evaluation results were quite consistent with sebum measurements and with clinical assessment by dermatologist. Parameters associated with oily skin were (i) shiny skin and a past history of acne, (ii) irregular menstruation, and (iii) highly reactive or sensitive skin. Moreover, a clear and significant link was noted between oily skin and the ingestion of spicy or sweet food. Lastly, sebum levels were found to be twice as high in Beijing as in the other cities and were correlated to higher oily skin prevalence.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated the capacity of women for proper self-evaluation of their skin type. It also suggests a potential link between nutritional factors such as spicy and/or sweet diets and oily skin as well as between sensitive and oily skin in this population.

The interaction of Cu2 + ions and NaDC micelles

By mixing an aqueous solution of CuCl2 with an NaDC aqueous solution of various concentration and initial molar ratio, seven coordinated samples with distinct appearances and characters were obtained. Their structures and components were investigated by FT-IR spectroscopy, EXAFS (the extended X-ray absorption fine structure), thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, laser light scattering, TEM (transmission electron micrograph), element analysis and ICP (inductively coupled plasma) analysis. The following conclusions were given: (1) The complexes of Cu2+-NaDC with distinct appearances and properties were synthesized. (2) After Cu(DC)2 dissolved in NaDC aqueous solution, larger micelles (30-90 nm diameter) formed in the supernate, it is a mixed micelle with Cu(DC)2 and NaDC. So these micelles are a new kind of micelle containing two kinds of metal ions. This is a new result using metal ions as bridges to form micelle. (3) According to the different concentration of Cu2+ to NaDC, the complexes formed as gel or poly-crystals. Both the composition of gel complexes and the coordination structure of carboxyl groups with metal ions varied with the initial molar ratio of Cu2+ to Na+. The gel complexes exhibits the non-stoichiometric character. (4) These results are in agreement with physiological condition. All the different states such as gel, precipitate, micelles of various structures are present in bile of gallbladder. We can suggest an ideal model of the interaction between Cu2+ and bile salts in vivo.

The hemispheric difference of semantic processing of Chinese characters in two dimensions as revealed by ERPs

An experiment was conducted to examine the hemispheric dominance in semantic processing of Chinese characters. Results showed that N1 is the earliest component that reflects the semantic processing of Chinese characters. Although N1 of the left hemisphere is larger in amplitude, that of the right hemisphere is shorter in latency. Based on these findings, the authors propose that the left hemisphere does not start processing until the necessary information has been transferred from the right hemisphere. Once the left hemisphere starts processing, its intensity is stronger. Thus, it is more appropriate to differentiate hemispheric processing dominance into two dimensions: speed and intensity. Moreover, the semantic cognition onset of Chinese characters occurs from 100 ms to 160 ms in the posterior perceptual processing area of brain.

[Energy transfer between electric polymer PVK and terbium complex and its transmission electronmicroscope (TME) study]

A chloroform-soluble terbium complex, which is confirmed to be Tb(aspirin)3 phen using element analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy, was synthesized. Photoluminescent investigation on the terbium complex and PVK-terbium complex composite was conducted. Förster energy transfer occurred between the terbium complex and the PVK matrix. There are no overlap between UV spectrum of the complex and the emission spectrum of PVK, however, overlap is observed between the excitation spectrum of the complex and the emission spectrum of PVK. Therefore, we suggest that the necessary condition of Förster energy transfer should be overlap between the excitation (not UV) spectrum of one complex and the emission spectrum of polymer matrix. Further investigation indicates that the emission of PVK can be suppressed at different extents by doping various amount of Tb(aspirin)3 phen into PVK films. The ratio of Tb(aspirin)3 phen: PVK = 1:2 (wt%) are regarded as an optimized ratio for limiting the emission of PVK. TEM images of PVK/Tb(aspirin)3 phen films reveal that nanoparticles of the Tb complex are dispersed in the PVK matrix. The size of the aggregated complex in PVK matrix is 20-30 nm. The film is not homogeneous as dark regions co-exist with light region in the TEM images. This phenomenon may be related to the short lifetime of electroluminescent devices.

[Systematic study on the authentic and superior medicinal herba and GAP of herba asari]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the methodology of the systematic study on the Authentic and Superior Medicinal Herba and GAP of Herba Asari.

METHOD

The study was made by textual criticism of Herbology, Botany, Palynology, Cytology, Chemistry, Pharmacology, the analytic methods of allozyme and RAPD. Many subjects on the herb were investigated, such as history, botanical origin, routine examination, morphology of pollen, chromosome and karyotype, the content of oil and its pharmacological effects and so on.

RESULT AND CONCLUSION

The methodology of systematic study on the Authentic and Superior Medicinal Herba was provided. According to the results of the systematic study, the GAP of the herb can be made.

[AFLP markers of restoring genes of the wild-abortive hybrid rice]

Fertile and sterile pools were set up by bulked segregant analysis (BSA) based on the selection for the highly fertile and highly sterile plants of Shanyou 63 F2 population. The AFLP analysis of the two pools indicated that 64 primer combinations amplified 3,477 stable and clear bands. Exception of the combination E-AGC/M-CAA, all primer combinations had not detected polymorphism between the two pools. It was proved by investigation of two parents, individuals of F2 segregant population, backbone sterile lines and restorer lines that the polymorphic fragment AP1 generated from the primer E-AGC/M-CAA was associated with the restoring gene. AP1 was a single copy detected by Southern blot hybridization. The distance between AP1 and the restoring gene was 4.76 cM.

Effects of microinjection of OFQ into PAG on spinal dorsal horn WDR neurons in rats

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of microinjection of orphanin FQ (OFQ) into periaqueductal gray (PAG) on sensory processing in the wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons of the spinal dorsal horn and to explore the effect of OFQ on a descending system of pain modulation. The results show that microinjection of OFQ into ipsilateral PAG significantly facilitated C-fibre evoked response and post-discharge of spinal dorsal horn WDR neurons. This is consistent with our previous results obtained in behavioral studies. It suggests that the supraspinal effect of OFQ on pain may partly be mediated by PAG neurons.

Expression of 5-HT(1A) receptor mRNA in rat nucleus raphe magnus neurons after peripheral inflammation

The present study demonstrated that 5-HT(1A) receptor mRNA was expressed with moderate level in the NRM neurons. Most of 5-HT(1A) receptor mRNA positive cells were 5-HT neurons, suggesting the majority of 5-HT(1A) receptor in the NRM might be autoreceptors. Eight hours after carrageenan inflammation, the expression of 5-HT(1A) receptor mRNA in the NRM neurons, especially in the 5-HT neurons, was significantly increased. These results suggest that synthesis of 5-HT(1A) receptors, including 5-HT(1A) autoreceptors, is increased in the NRM during peripheral inflammation.

Recombination of chromosomes 3A(m) and 5A(m) of Triticum monococcum with homeologous chromosomes 3A and 5A of wheat: the distribution of recombination across chromosomes

Recombination of chromosomes 3A(m) and 5A(m) of Triticum monococcum with closely homeologous chromosomes 3A and 5A of T. aestivum was compared with recombination across corresponding homologous chromosome pairs. Differentiation between the homeologues impacted recombination in the proximal regions of the long arms the most and in the distal regions of the long arms the least. It is concluded that this variation principally reflects allocation of multiple crossovers across an arm and positive crossover interference across chromosome arms. Recombination rates between homeologous chromosomes 5A(m) and 5A differed in the opposite sexes.

Position effects of ribosomal RNA multigene loci on meiotic recombination in wheat

Homeologous wheat chromosome arms that differ by the presence or absence of a Nor locus or greatly differ in the numbers of copies of rRNA genes per Nor locus show conspicuous differences in the distribution of recombination. To assess directly the position effects of Nor loci on recombination across chromosome arms, a Triticum monococcum Nor9 haplotype was substituted for Triticum aestivum Nor9 haplotypes on two T. aestivum 1A chromosomes in the isogenic background of cv Chinese Spring. The numbers of rRNA genes in the 1A Nor9 haplotypes are greatly reduced relative to the T. monococcum haplotype. The substitution resulted in reduced recombination rate in the vicinity of the Nor9 locus. An intra-arm compensatory increase was observed in the proximal region of the arm so that the genetic length of the chromosome arm was unchanged. These findings suggest that Nor loci suppress recombination in their vicinity and change recombination patterns in Nor-bearing chromosome arms.

Restriction fragment length polymorphism and divergence in the genomic regions of high and low recombination in self-fertilizing and cross-fertilizing aegilops species

RFLP was investigated at 52 single-copy gene loci among six species of Aegilops, including both cross-fertilizing and self-fertilizing species. Average gene diversity (H) was found to correlate with the level of outcrossing. No relationship was found between H and the phylogenetic status of a species. In all six species, the level of RFLP at a locus was a function of the position of the locus on the chromosome and the recombination rate in the neighborhood of the locus. Loci in the proximal chromosome regions, which show greatly reduced recombination rates relative to the distal regions, were significantly less variable than loci in the distal chromosome regions in all six species. Variation in recombination rates was also reflected in the haplotype divergence between closely related species; loci in the chromosome regions with low recombination rates were found to be diverged less than those in the chromosome regions with high recombination rates. This relationship was not found among the more distantly related species.

[Clinical and experimental study on wenchangning oral liquor in treating infantile autumn diarrhea]

Gold-Dampness Syndrome of Infantile Autumn diarrhea treated with Wenchangning Oral Liquor was observed clinically. There were 238 cases in the treated group, the cure rate was 81.9%. In comparing with control group (32 cases in Huoxiang Zhengqi Liquid group, 50 cases in gentamycin group), there were highly significant difference between treated and control groups in the cure rate, markedly effective rate, total effective rate, time for stopping diarrhea and for disappearing of clinical symptoms, P < 0.01 and < 0.001. Clinical practice and animal experiments revealed that the drug had no toxic and side-effects. The possible therapeutic mechanisms were; (1) Anti-Rotavirus, anti-diarrhea; (2) Promote the recovery of intestinal digestive and absorptive function; (3) Enhance the immune function of the body; (4) Inhibit the motility of intestinal tract, Wenchangning Oral Liquor is rapid in action, conveniant in administration and safe, conforming to the criteria for the preventing and treating diarrhea of World Health Organization.

A comparative study of detection of hepatitis E virus RNA by RT-PCR and digoxin probe techniques

Techniques for detecting hepatitis E virus nucleic acid by RT-PCR and digoxin probe spot hybridization tests were developed. The examination by RT-PCR test of 250 stored stool specimens from patients with acute hepatitis E gave a positive rate of 40.9% and was positive in one stool specimen collected 28 days after the patient had contracted the illness. Serologic examination yielded a positive rate of 66.7%, and also utilizing the DIG probe labelled with PCR product it was 66.6%. RT-PCR with the digoxin probe proved to be suitable for clinical diagnosis and basic research on hepatitis E.

A neuromagnetic study of acupuncturing LI-4 (Hegu)

The brain magnetic fields evoked by acupuncturing LI-4(Hegu) were measured by using SQUID (superconductive Quantum Interference Device) Biomagnetometer, and the morphological characters of these biomagnetic fields were examined in 12 subjects. The observed phenomenon of the LI-4(Hegu)'s projection area overlapping on the jaw's and face's projection area suggests that excitation of LI-4 (Hegu)'s projection area activated by acupuncturing LI-4(Hegu) could inhibit action of the jaw's and face's projection through the overlapping area, and this is the reason why the acupuncturing LI-4(Hegu) could effectively case pains in the treatment of dental pain.

[The biological significance of endocrine cells in pancreatic carcinoma]

Endocrine cells (EC) were found in 19 out of 42 cases of the pancreas carcinoma (42.5%). Among them, 4 cases had a positive rate of EC more than 50%. The positive rate of EC in the well differentiated carcinomas (5/20) was lower than that of the poorly-differentiated ones (12/19) or mucinous carcinoma (2/2), and the positive rate in histologic grade I cases (5/18) was significantly lower than that of the grade III cases (7/8). The number of mast cells infiltrating in the matrix in EC positive cases was significantly higher than that of the negative ones. The positive rate of EC in the cases with metastasis (8/14) was higher than that of the non-metastasis cases (7/21). Immunocytochemical staining showed that GN (8), SS(4), HCG(5), CK(12), EMA(13) and CEA(9) were positive in 19 EC positive cases.

[Study on X-ray division type of pneumoconiosis-tuberculosis]

By analyzing the chest X-ray films of 805 cases of pneumoconiosis-tuberculosis patients, the authors suggested that the patients could be classified into 6 different types, which were infiltrative, conglomerating, cavitary, destroyed, pleural effusive and blood disseminative types. The principle preventive and therapeutic measures were also recommended. The authors concluded that all these would be helpful for early diagnosis, effective treatment, prognosis evaluation and scientific control of pneumoconiosis-tuberculosis.

[Twenty four-hour arterial blood pressure and urinary norepinephrine excretion rate in patients with essential hypertension]

Twenty four-hour blood pressure and heart rate were recorded with the Accutracker RII every hour automatically, and at the same time the urinary norepinephrine (NE) excretion rate (10.00-18.00, 18.00-22.00, 22.00-06.00, 06.00-10.00) were assessed by high performance liquid chromatography in essential hypertensive and normotensive subjects. In every time period, the absolute levels of arterial blood pressure and urinary norepinephrine excretion rate were higher in the essential hypertensive than in normotensive group. But both groups had a distinct circadian rhythm--nocturnal reductions of blood pressure, heart rate and urinary norepinephrine excretion rate. Correlation analyses confirm that arterial blood pressure was positively correlated with urinary norepinephrine excretion rate in every time period. Thus, persons with essential hypertension had similar circadian rhythm to that of normal subjects, but showed evidence of enhanced sympathetic nervous activity through out the 24-hour cycle. In addition, determination of urine NE excretion rate provides a handy and sensitive method for studying the role of peripheral sympathetic nerve in BP maintenance. As the relatively high level of NE and BP all occurred during the day time, we recommend that it could be used as an index to decide when to administer antihypertensive drugs.

Effects of selenium on ribonucleic acid synthesis and degradation in rat liver

Six groups of weanling rats were fed a low-selenium based diet containing less than 0.01 mg/kg of Se in the diet or the basal diet supplemented with five levels of selenium as selenite (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 mg/kg) for at least 16 to 18 weeks. For determination of the effect of selenium on ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis in rat liver, rats of each dietary group were injected with a single dose of (5-3H)-uridine, and 3 hours later their livers were removed and subjected to cell fractionation. The radioactivities in the nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA were taken as a measure of the RNA synthesis rate. With selenium supplementation between 0.2 and 0.5 mg/kg diet, the radioactivities, amounts of RNA, as well as RNA/DNA ratios in both nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions of rat liver all increased significantly. In addition, at similar levels of selenium supplementation, statistically significant increments of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and reductions in lipid peroxide in liver were also observed. For assessment of RNA degradation, activities of ribonucleases (RNase) and RNase inhibitor in rats fed the low-selenium diet or a selenium-supplemented diet were determined. The activities of acid RNase and both free and latent alkaline RNase in liver homogenate were not affected by selenium deficiency; however, the level of RNase inhibitor present in the supernatant fraction increased significantly with selenium supplementation at 0.2 mg/kg diet.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The predictive value of the hemostasis parameters in the development of preeclampsia

In order to find out which hemostasis parameters would have the predictive value for the development of preeclampsia, modified antithrombin III (ATM, representative of the antithrombin III-serine esterase complex), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), beta-thromboglobulin (BTG), antithrombin III (AT III), fibrinogen, fibrin(ogen) degradation product (FDP), FDP D-dimer and euglobulin lysis time (ELT) were measured in 20 normal non-pregnant women, 21 normal pregnant women, 6 high-risk pregnant women, 14 preeclampsia pregnant women, and 5 patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Only tPA and AT III were found significantly different between the preeclampsia and the normal or high-risk pregnant women: tPA was found progressively and significantly increased from the normal pregnant, to the high-risk pregnant, then to the preeclampsia women (p less than 0.05). AT III was significantly lower in the preeclampsia than in the normal pregnant (p = 0.0001) or in the high-risk pregnant women (p = 0.002). In the 2nd trimester, tPA, PAI, fibrinogen and FDP were significantly higher, and AT III was significantly lower in the preeclampsia than in the normal pregnant women, whereas in the 3rd trimester, tPA and AT III were significantly higher or lower, respectively, in the preeclampsia than in the normal pregnant women. No significant difference of ATM could be found between the preeclampsia and the normal or high-risk pregnant women. From the present study, we suggest that tPA and AT III would be used as the main predictors, and FDP and D-dimer as the complementary predictors for the development of preeclampsia and should be detected in the normal or high-risk pregnant women.

[The diagnostic value of headache in intracranial tumor]

500 cases of intracranial tumor confirmed surgically and pathologically were studied. The aim of this study was to see the diagnostic value of headache in intracranial tumor. Four problems related to headache were studied in 350 cases along with other informations: Relationship between time of headache and tumor; Relationship between locality of headache and tumor; Relationship between degree of seriousness of headache and tumor; Relationship between headache and accompanying symptoms and signs. It was pointed out that headache is of certain diagnostic value in patients with intracranial tumor.

[Acute cerebrovascular disorders and myocardial infarction]

A retrospective study in 1,314 cases with acute cerebrovascular disease was conducted. The clinical diagnosis included cerebral hemorrhage (CH) 489 cases, cerebral thrombosis (CT) 686 cases, cerebral embolism (CE) 68 cases, and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) 71 cases. Of the 1,314 cases there were 21 patients (1.6%) complicated with acute myocardial infarction during the stage of stroke. The percentage of incidence was 2 cases in CH (0.4%), 13 cases in CT (1.9%), 2 cases in CE (2.9%), and 4 cases in SAH (5%). Based on the detail cases reports the incidence, death rate, diagnosis, and pathogenesis of acute cerebrovascular disease complicated with myocardial infarction were discussed respectively.

Acupuncture and emotion: the influence of acupuncture anesthesia on the sensory and emotional components of pain

Objective indices (heart rate, perspiration quantity, finger plethysmograph curves, and facial expression) and subjective indices (sensory and emotional subject reports) were recorded for 25 young Chinese adults (16 men, 9 women) during and after the simultaneous application of a strong pain stimulus and either foot classical (alloneural points Tsusanli and Yanglingchuan) or hand classical (alloneural points Hegu and Neiguan) acupuncture. Both forms of acupuncture were equally effective, showing that stimulation of the same nerve is not essential for pain relief. Acupuncture assuaged the emotional, but not the sensory, response to the painful stimulation.

[Toxicity experiment on Sargassum, radix Knoxiae, radix Ransul and flos Genkwa against radix Glycyrrhizae in the antagonism of 18 Chinese drugs]

In order to further look into the cause of the antagonisms in the 18 Chinese medicinal herbs, stimulation and toxicity experiments, with five Chinese medicinal herbs (Sargassum Radix Knoxiae, Radix Kansul and Flos Genkwa against Radix Glycyrrhiza) as a group, were done in healthy rats and rabbits.

Arrangements of alpha-globin gene cluster in Taiwan

In a gene mapping study on 217 newborn babies in Taiwan with alpha- and zeta-globin probes, we have observed 4 cases (1.84%) of alpha-thalassemia-2 heterozygotes (zeta zeta-alpha/zeta zeta alpha alpha) without increased levels of hemoglobin (Hb) Bart's in the cord blood. Eleven subjects (5.07%) were found to have the South East Asian alpha-thalassemia-1 haplotype (zeta zeta--SEA/zeta zeta alpha alpha) with increased Hb Bart's levels ranging from 2.2 to 9%. One case, with Hb Bart's level of 14% in the cord blood, was found to have the genotype of zeta zeta--SEA/zeta zeta alpha alpha T (0.46%). Four heterozygotes (1.84%) were found with the triple alpha gene anti-rightward arrangement (zeta zeta alpha alpha alpha 3.7/zeta zeta alpha alpha). Twenty-one heterozygotes (9.68%) were found to have the triple zeta-globin gene arrangement (zeta zeta zeta alpha alpha/zeta zeta alpha alpha). A new triple zeta-globin gene variant with a BamHI polymorphism was also observed in this study.

Role of caesarean section in prevention of mother-infant transmission of hepatitis B virus

447 infants, born to mothers positive for hepatitis B e antigen and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), received hepatitis B immunisation. A higher rate of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was found at birth in infants delivered vaginally (96/385, 24.9%) than in infants delivered by caesarean section (6/62, less than 10%). At birth, serum HBV-DNA was detected in 13 of 67 infants delivered vaginally, but in none of 30 infants delivered by caesarean section. Caesarean section combined with hepatitis B immunisation is advisable in infants of mothers who are chronic HBsAg carriers with high serum HBV-DNA levels.