[Impact of water body environments on the microbial community of Oncomelania hupensis snails in marshlands around the eastern Dongting Lake]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of water body environments on the microbial community of Oncomelania hupensis snails in marshlands of the eastern Dongting Lake where natural extinction of O. hupensis snails are found, so as to explore the correlation between the natural extinction of O. hupensis snails and the microbial community in snails.

METHODS

Snails were caged water bodies in the Qianliang Lake marshland (Qianliang Lake regions) where natural extinction of snails was found and in the Junshan Park marshland (Junshan Park regions) in the eastern Dongting Lake for 30 days, and then all snails were collected and identified for survival or death. DNA sequencing of the fungi and bacteria was performed in snails before and after immersion in waters, and the biodiversity and abundance were analyzed.

RESULTS

The survival rates of O. hupensis snails were 28.0% (70/250) and 64.8% (162/250) in Qianliang Lake regions and Junshan Park regions 30 days after immersion in waters, respectively (χ² = 81.365, P < 0.01). The number of the fungal community and the biodiversity of the bacterial community were both greater in snails caged in Qianliang Lake regions post-immersion than pre-immersion, and there was a significant difference in the structure of the fungal and bacterial communities. The microbial community with a significant difference included Flavobacteriaceae,which was harmful to O. hupensis snails.

CONCLUSIONS

The water body environment affects the composition of the microbial community in O. hupensis snails in marshlands with natural snail distinction around the eastern Dongting Lake; however, further studies are required to investigate whether the natural distinction of snails is caused by water body environments-induced changes of the microbial spectrum in O. hupensis snails.

[Institutional delivery rate in minority inhabited areas of China from 1996 to 2017]

Objective: To describe the secular trends of institutional delivery (ID) rate in minority inhabited areas of China from 1996 to 2017 according to national health policies. Methods: The number of live births and IDs for each county/district in 31 provinces of China were derived from the datasets collected by the Office for National Maternal & Child Health Statistics of China. Information on health policies and ethnical areas was derived from official governmental websites. The calendar years were divided into three periods: pre-program period (1996 to 1999), program implementation period (2000 to 2008) and post-program period (2009 to 2017). Minority autonomous regions, autonomous prefectures, and autonomous counties were defined as minority inhabited areas. The ethnic that a county was classified into was determined by a principle of close proximity to the name of the county or its next higher level administrative division. A total of 700 counties in minority inhabited areas were included in the analysis. Results: A total of 45 684 265 live births including 35 098 855 delivered in institutions were analyzed. The ID rate in minority inhabited areas was 37.5% (696 221/1 856 164) in 1996 and 99.2% (2 371 209/2 390 131) in 2017, with an annual growth rate of 4.7%. During the 22-years period, the ID rates in the eastern, central and western regions increased simultaneously, with the annual growth rates of 3.1%, 4.2% and 4.9% respectively. The difference between the eastern and western regions decreased steadily from 16% in 1996 to <1% in 2017 and the difference between the urban and rural areas decreased from 32.1% in 1996 to <1% in 2017. Besides, the ID rates in Tibetan and Yi inhabited areas with lower baseline levels increased 73 and 63 percentage points respectively. The number of counties with the ID rate of <96% were substantially reduced from 589 in 1996 to 72 in 2017; the 71 counties were all located in national deep poverty-stricken areas named Three Districts and Three States, predominantly involving Tibetan (58), Yi (6), Uygur (2) and Lisu (2) ethnics. Conclusion: During the past 22 years, the ID rate in minority inhabited areas in China has dramatically increased, achieving the goal of 2 020 ahead of schedule, but there remains a few western counties where ID rates are still<96%, indicating that minority inhabited western areas should be focused in developing national policies concerning institutional delivery.

[Effect analysis of 60 cases of modified septoplasty]

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy and operative skills of modified septum plasty in the treatment of deviated nasal septum. Method:Retrospectively analyzed the case characteristics, surgical methods, postoperative complications, VAS score and nasal resistance value of 60 patients who received nasal septum surgery. Result:The VAS score of 28 patients who underwent improved septoplasty was significantly lower than that before surgery, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01). The postoperative nasal resistance of the narrow side of the nasal cavity and total nasal resistance of the patients were significantly lower than those before the operation, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01 or P<0.05). Conclusion:Modified nasal septum plasty is a safe and effective method for the treatment of nasal septum deviation, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

[Expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor gene in placenta tissue and its correlation with gestational diabetes mellitus]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene and the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Chinese Han population in northern China. Method: This study was consisted of 126 GDM women and 150 cases of healthy subjects who came from the obstetrics department of Maternity Hospital of Qingdao University and Maternity and Child Care Hospital of Donggang District of Rizhao. The protein expression of MIF in placenta tissue was detected by Western blot method. The blood glucose, insulin levels and other clinical physicochemical index were tested. The differences of MIF, fasting blood-glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FIN) and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were compared between the two groups of pregnant women. Result: The level of MIF protein in GDM group (0.85±0.10) was higher than that in healthy pregnant group (0.12±0.09), with significant difference (P<0.001). Insulin resistance index in GDM group were higher than that in healthy pregnant group, with significant difference (P<0.001). Conclusion: The expression of MIF in placental tissues of GDM women was increased and correlated with insulin resistance in GDM patients, suggesting that MIF may play an important role in the occurrence and development of GDM.

[Small interference of transcription factor Snail contribute to enhanced cisplatin sensitivity on human laryngeal resistant cancer cells]

Objective:To study the relationship between transcription factor Snail and the sensitivity of cisplatin on human laryngeal resistant cancer cells.Method:siRNA interference of Snail was transfected by small RNA interference technology. The interference efficiency on mRNA level were detected by RT-qPCR assay; the expression of Snail protein level was assessed by immunofluorescence. The inhibition ratio of different cisplatin concentration (0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 μg/ml) was detected by CCK-8 assay; the protein level of Snail, E-cadherin, MDR1were detected by Western blot assay.Result:RT-qPCR assay show the expression of Snail on mRNA level was decreased to (67.85±9.50)% after transfection in Hep-2/CDDP cell(P<0.05). Immunofluorescence show fluorescence intensity of si-Hep-2/CDDP group was reduced both in nucleus and cytoplasm; CCK-8 assay show the inhibitory ratio of transfected group was increased compared to negative control and Hep-2/CDDP group in different cisplatin concentration (0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 μg/ml) (P<0.05). Western blot assay show the protein expression of Snail and MDR1 were down-regulated in transfected Hep-2/CDDP cells (allP<0.05), while epithelial marker E-cadherin was up-regulated in protein level (P<0.05).Conclusion:Small interference of transcription factor Snail could increase the expression of E-cadherin while decrease the expression of MDR1, and it was confirmed that interference Snail contribute to enhanced cisplatin sensitivity on human laryngeal resistant cancer cells.

The Receptor-Like Cytoplasmic Kinase STRK1 Phosphorylates and Activates CatC, Thereby Regulating H2O2 Homeostasis and Improving Salt Tolerance in Rice

Salt stress can significantly affect plant growth and agricultural productivity. Receptor-like kinases (RLKs) are believed to play essential roles in plant growth, development, and responses to abiotic stresses. Here, we identify a receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase, salt tolerance receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase 1 (STRK1), from rice (Oryza sativa) that positively regulates salt and oxidative stress tolerance. Our results show that STRK1 anchors and interacts with CatC at the plasma membrane via palmitoylation. CatC is phosphorylated mainly at Tyr-210 and is activated by STRK1. The phosphorylation mimic form CatC^Y210D exhibits higher catalase activity both in vitro and in planta, and salt stress enhances STRK1-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation on CatC. Compared with wild-type plants, STRK1-overexpressing plants exhibited higher catalase activity and lower accumulation of H₂O₂ as well as higher tolerance to salt and oxidative stress. Our findings demonstrate that STRK1 improves salt and oxidative tolerance by phosphorylating and activating CatC and thereby regulating H₂O₂ homeostasis. Moreover, overexpression of STRK1 in rice not only improved growth at the seedling stage but also markedly limited the grain yield loss under salt stress conditions. Together, these results offer an opportunity to improve rice grain yield under salt stress.

[Investigation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition induced by cisplatin on human laryngeal resistant cancer cells]

Objective:To investigate the mechanism between epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cisplatin induced resistant cell subline and the malignant biological characteristics, to explore EMT in human hep-2 laryngeal resistant cells. Method:Using cisplatin-resistant cells (hep-2/CDDP) and non-resistant cells (hep-2) established in our previous study; the invasion and migration biological behaviors were detected by transwell and scratch assay; the expressions of E-cadherin, Zo-1, Snail, Slug, Twist1, Vimentinon in the mRNA level were detected by RT-qPCR and the protein level by Western blot. Result:Transwell and scratch assay show the invasion and migration behaviors were increased in hep-2/CDDP cells (P<0.05), the epithelial marker E-cadherin and Zo-1 were downregulated in hep-2/CDDP cells (all P<0.05), transcription factor Snail, Slug were upregulated in mRNA and protein level (all P<0.01) while Twist1 had no significant changed in protein level (P>0.05), the expression of mesenchymal marker Vimentin was also increased in mRNA and protein levels in cisplatin resistant cells (P<0.01). It was confirmed that the hep-2/CDDP cells possessed EMT phenotypes. Conclusion:The cisplatin resistant laryngeal cancer cells perform higherinvasion and migration biological behaviors,and the mechanisms of increased ability of invasion and migration induced by cisplatin was associated to eEMT, study on signal path related to EMT may overcome cisplatin resistance and reduce invasion and migration behaviors.

[Impact of HIV/HBV infection and HIV/HBV co-infection on outcomes of pregnancy]

Both HIV and HBV infection have become major health problems, of global concern, due to the high prevalence in the past few decades. Data from cumulated epidemiological surveys have shown the links between maternal HIV or HBV infection and adverse outcomes on pregnancy. Maternal HIV or HBV infection may also increase the mother-to-child (MTCT) transmission of the two diseases. However, association between HIV-HBV co-infection and adverse pregnancy is still inconclusive. Does maternal HIV-HBV co-infection have an impact on mother-to-child transmission on either HIV or HBV? Study on effective precautionary measures to promote both maternal and child's health is deemed necessary.

[Effects of functional training combined with self-made hand flexing training band in treatment of scar contracture after burn injury of dorsal hand]

Objective: To observe the effects of functional training combined with self-made hand flexing training band in treatment of scar contracture after burn injury of dorsal hand. Methods: Forty-six patients with scar contracture after deep partial-thickness or full-thickness burn injury of dorsal hand hospitalized in our department from March 2013 to February 2015 were divided into routine training group (RT, n=18) and comprehensive training group (CT, n=28) according to their willingness. Two weeks after the wounds were healed, patients in group RT were treated with functional training of hands and self-made pressure gloves, while patients in group CT were treated with self-made hand flexing training band (consisting of nylon strap, flexing band, and velcro) on the basis of those in group RT. All patients were treated for 3 months. Before and after treatment, scar condition of affected hands was assessed with Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). The range of motion of joints of affected hands was measured by Total Active Movement (TAM) Scale. The function of affected hands was evaluated by Carroll Upper Extremity Function Test. Data were processed with t test, chi-square test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: (1) The score of VSS in patients of group RT was (10.0±1.9) points before treatment and (4.4±1.4) points after treatment, with the improved score of (5.6±1.0) points. The score of VSS in patients of group CT was (10.5±1.8) points before treatment and (4.6±1.4) points after treatment, with the improved score of (5.9±1.2) points. There was no statistically significant difference in the improved score of patients between the two groups (t=0.834, P>0.05). The score of VSS in patients of groups RT and CT after treatment was significantly lower than that before treatment (with t values respectively 14.014 and 10.003, P values below 0.01). (2) Before treatment, the ratios of excellent and good results according to TAM were 2/9 in patients of group RT and 3/14 in group CT, with no statistical differences between them (χ(2)=2.140, P>0.05). After treatment, the ratio of excellent and good results according to TAM in patients of group CT (6/7) was higher than that in group RT (5/9, χ(2)=0.023, P=0.038). The ratios of excellent and good results according to TAM in patients of groups RT and CT after treatment were significantly higher than those before treatment (with Z values respectively -2.023 and -4.780, P values below 0.05). (3) The improved score of hand function in patients of group CT was (26±12) points, which was higher than (15±7) points in group RT (t=3.278, P=0.002). The score of hand function in patients of groups RT and CT after treatment was significantly higher than that before treatment (with t values respectively 2.628 and 6.125, P values below 0.05). There were no significant differences in grades of hand function of patients between the two groups before treatment (Z=-0.286, P>0.05). After treatment, the grade of hand function in patients of group CT was higher than that in group RT(Z=-1.993, P=0.046). The grades of hand function in patients of groups RT and CT after treatment were significantly higher than those before treatment (with Z values respectively -2.717 and -4.998, P values below 0.01). Conclusions: For patients with scar contracture after burn injury of dorsal hand, early functional training combined with hand flexing training band can improve the range of motion of hand joints and functional recovery of hand, and the result was better than functional training alone.

[Infestation status Aedes albopictus and related mosquito-borne infectious disease risk in central urban area in Shanghai]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate Aedes albopictus infestation status in the central urban area of Shanghai, and analyze the related epidemic risk of mosquito-borne infectious disease.

METHODS

Consecutive mosquito surveillance was conducted in the green lands and residential areas in the central urban area of Shanghai during 2012-2014, the Aedes albopictus density and its seasonal fluctuation were observed; the sequence of Aedes albopictus in Shanghai was aligned with that in other epidemic area abroad, and the susceptibility of Aedes albopictus to mosquito-borne virus and endemic risk were analyzed.

RESULTS

No Aedes aegypti was found in the central urban area of Shanghai. As predominant species in both the residential area and the green lands, the proportion of Aedes albopictus in the residential area was significantly higher than that in the green lands(78.53% vs. 19.99%, χ(2) =15 525.168, P<0.001), and so was the density(11.91, 42.02 pcs/day · site in the residential area vs. 3.65, 2.18, 2.73 pcs/day · site in the green lands, all P value <0.001). In 2014, the density reached 42.02 pcs/day · site and the proportion reached 94.69% in the residential areas. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the genetic distance between Aedes albopictus in Shanghai and Aedes albopictus in Africa was quite far.

CONCLUSION

No Aedes aegypti was found in Shanghai and its surrounding areas, while Aedes albopictus infestation in the central urban area of Shanghai was serious. Strict measures should be taken to reduce the Aedes albopictus density for the effective control Zika virus spread.

Effects of epigallocatechin gallate on lipid metabolism and its underlying molecular mechanism in broiler chickens

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on fat metabolism and to establish the molecular mechanism of these effects in broilers. Seventy-two 28-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens were divided into three groups with different levels of EGCG supplementation for 4 weeks: normal control (NC) group, L-EGCG (a low-level supplement of EGCG, 40 mg/kg body weight daily) and H-EGCG (a high-level supplement of EGCG, 80 mg/kg body weight daily). After 4 weeks of oral administration, EGCG significantly reduced the level of abdominal fat deposition in broilers. The serum triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol of chickens in H-EGCG group were also significantly decreased compared with the NC group, and the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was notably increased at the same time. Moreover, the vital role of the liver and abdominal adipose tissue in lipid metabolism of poultry animals was examined through gene expression and enzyme activities related to fat anabolism and catabolism in these organs. Our data show that EGCG supplementation for 2 weeks significantly downregulated the expression of fatty acid synthesis and fat deposition-related genes, and upregulated the expression of genes involved in fatty acid β-oxidation and lipolysis genes. Simultaneously, the activities of hepatic fatty acid synthesis enzymes (fatty acid synthase and acetyl CoA carboxylase) were significantly decreased, and the activity of carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 was notably elevated. The results suggest that EGCG could alleviate fat deposition in broilers through inhibiting fat anabolism and stimulating lipid catabolism in broilers.

Polymorphic microsatellite loci for the crimson snapper (Lutjanus erythropterus)

We isolated and characterized 22 polymorphic microsatellite loci in Lutjanus erythropterus using a (GT)13-enriched genomic library. We found between 2 and 8 alleles per locus, with a mean of 4.85. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.065 to 0.867 and from 0.085 to 0.832, respectively, with means of 0.461 and 0.529, respectively. Allele frequencies in three loci were found to deviate from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Evidence for null alleles was found for three loci. These markers will be useful for distinguishing released captive-bred L. erythropterus individuals from wild individuals.

Histone demethylase retinoblastoma binding protein 2 regulates the expression of α-smooth muscle actin and vimentin in cirrhotic livers

Liver cirrhosis is one of the most common diseases of Chinese patients. Herein, we report the high expression of a newly identified histone 3 lysine 4 demethylase, retinoblastoma binding protein 2 (RBP2), and its role in liver cirrhosis in humans. The siRNA knockdown of RBP2 expression in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) reduced levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and vimentin and decreased the proliferation of HSCs; and overexpression of RBP2 increased α-SMA and vimentin levels. Treatment with transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) upregulated the expression of RBP2, α-SMA, and vimentin, and the siRNA knockdown of RBP2 expression attenuated TGF-β-mediated upregulation of α-SMA and vimentin expression and HSC proliferation. Furthermore, RBP2 was highly expressed in cirrhotic rat livers. Therefore, RBP2 may participate in the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis by regulating the expression of α-SMA and vimentin. RBP2 may be a useful marker for the diagnosis and treatment of liver cirrhosis.

Helium ion microscopy of graphene: beam damage, image quality and edge contrast

A study to analyse beam damage, image quality and edge contrast in the helium ion microscope (HIM) has been undertaken. The sample investigated was graphene. Raman spectroscopy was used to quantify the disorder that can be introduced into the graphene as a function of helium ion dose. The effects of the dose on both freestanding and supported graphene were compared. These doses were then correlated directly to image quality by imaging graphene flakes at high magnification. It was found that a high magnification image with a good signal to noise ratio will introduce very significant sample damage. A safe imaging dose of the order of 10(13) He(+) cm(-2) was established, with both graphene samples becoming highly defective at doses over 5 × 10(14) He(+) cm(-2).The edge contrast of a freestanding graphene flake imaged in the HIM was then compared with the contrast of the same flake observed in a scanning electron microscope and a transmission electron microscope. Very strong edge sensitivity was observed in the HIM. This enhanced edge sensitivity over the other techniques investigated makes the HIM a powerful nanoscale dimensional metrology tool, with the capability of both fabricating and imaging features with sub-nanometre resolution.

Adsorption of phenanthrene by quaternary ammonium surfactant modified peat and the mechanism involved

Removal of phenanthrene (PHE) from aqueous solution by adsorption onto quaternary ammonium surfactant modified peat was studied. The results show that surfactant modification enhanced the PHE adsorption capacity of peat. Low temperature and neutral pH favored PHE adsorption. Peat modified with long carbon chain surfactant performed better than peat modified with short carbon chain surfactant. The magnitude of PHE adsorption capacity followed the order of MP-HPB>MP-HTAB>MP-TBAB>RP, ranged from 924 to 1,228 μg g(-1). A negative trend between adsorption capacity (y) and (O+N)/C ratio of biosorbent (x) was observed (y = -1,369.6x + 2,176), which confirmed the negative effect of polarity on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) removal. The study provides a guide to modify raw materials to enhance adsorption of hydrophobic organics.

Tunable electrical properties of silicon nanowires via surface-ambient chemistry

p-Type surface conductivity is a uniquely important property of hydrogen-terminated diamond surfaces. In this work, we report similar surface-dominated electrical properties in silicon nanowires (SiNWs). Significantly, we demonstrate tunable and reversible transition of p(+)-p-i-n-n(+) conductance in nominally intrinsic SiNWs via changing surface conditions, in sharp contrast to the only p-type conduction observed on diamond surfaces. On the basis of Si band energies and the electrochemical potentials of the ambient (pH value)-determined adsorbed aqueous layer, we propose an electron-transfer-dominated surface doping model, which can satisfactorily explain both diamond and silicon surface conductivity. The totality of our observations suggests that nanomaterials can be described as a core-shell structure due to their large surface-to-volume ratio. Consequently, controlling the surface or shell in the core-shell model represents a universal way to tune the properties of nanostructures, such as via surface-transfer doping, and is crucial for the development of nanostructure-based devices.

Prevalence and molecular diversity of Archaea in subgingival pockets of periodontitis patients

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and molecular diversity of Archaea in the subgingival crevices of patients with chronic periodontitis.

METHODS

Subgingival plaque was collected from 41 patients with chronic periodontitis and 15 healthy subjects. The prevalence of Archaea in those plaque samples was tested by polymerase chain reaction with two broad-range archaeal primer sets. Amplicons from eight Archaea-positive plaque samples were cloned and sequenced for molecular diversity analysis using one of these two primer sets and a novel third primer set.

RESULTS

Archaea were detected in the subgingival plaque of patients with chronic periodontitis at a prevalence of 70.7-73.2%, but were not detected in healthy subjects. Using one primer set, all sequences of the archaeal amplicons were identified as Methanobrevibacter oralis-like species. With another primer set, the amplicons were also found to be identical to the uncultured M. oralis-like species except one phylotype was found to belong to the class Thermoplasmata.

CONCLUSION

Archaea might be correlated with periodontal diseases. The diversity of Archaea associated with periodontitis was limited. Almost all sequenced amplicons fell into the genus Methanobrevibacter of the Euryarcheota phylum. M. oralis-like species was the predominant but non-exclusive archaeon in the subgingival dental plaque of patients with periodontitis.

Separation of oil from oily wastewater by modified resin

A new type of packing material, polystyrene resin modified by cetyltrimethyl-ammonium bromide (R-CTAB), was developed for separation of emulsified oil wastewater. The unique separation mechanism of the modified resin is due to the hydrogen bond formation between hydrocarbon molecules and the free hydrophilic part of the fixed surfactant. It changed the zeta potential of oil droplets and made them coalescing easier, which provide an optional choice without any chemicals added into the wastewater. A column of R-CTAB was investigated for its performance in separating emulsified oil droplets in oily wastewater. The effects of liquid space velocity and influent oil concentration were studied in particular. The results showed that R-CTAB column was more efficient than the un-modified resin column. Under the optimum experimental conditions, more than 85% of oil was removed by using R-CTAB column that at least 10% higher than the un-modified resin column.

Generalized negative binomial distribution: a promising statistical distribution for Oncomelania hupensis in the lake- and marsh-land regions of China

A new generalization of the negative binomial distribution (GNBD) is introduced and fitted to counts of Oncomelania hupensis, the intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum, made, in areas of Chinese lakeland and marshland, early in the winter of 2005 and late in the spring of 2006. The GNBD was found to fit the snail data better than the standard negative binomial distribution (NBD) that has previously been widely used to model the distribution of O. hupensis. With two more parameters than the NBD, the GNBD can integrate many discrete distributions and is more flexible than the NBD in modelling O. hupensis. It also provides a better theoretical distribution for the quantitative study of O. hupensis, especially in building an accurate prediction model of snail density. The justification for adopting the GNBD is discussed. The GNBD allows researchers to broaden the field in the quantitative study not only of O. hupensis and schistosomiasis japonica but also of other environment-related helminthiases and family-clustered diseases that have, traditionally, been modelled using the NBD.

White matter tractography by diffusion tensor imaging plays an important role in prognosis estimation of acute lacunar infarctions

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomical and clinical relationship between lacunar infarction and the corticospinal tract (CST) in patients with acute lacunar infarction and predict clinical outcome. We examined 28 pyramidal tract stroke patients in the acute phase or early subacute phase (<3 days) with a marked motor deficit. The anatomical location and the extent of CST involvement within the infarcts were visualized on three-dimensional colour-coded diffusion tensor tractography (DTT). With regard to the CST, all patients were divided into three clinical subgroups: Group 1 (intact type), Group 2 (partial involvement type) and Group 3 (whole involvement type). Subsequently, the severity of the motor deficit of each patient was determined according to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores at the acute/early subacute phase (<3 days after onset of symptoms), early chronic phase (8-14 days) and outcome (30-60 days). NIHSS scores of Group 1 (12/28) were significantly lower than those of Group 2 (9/28) at the acute phase or early subacute phase (U = -2.816, p<0.01), and those of Group 2 were significantly lower than those of Group 3 (7/28) (U = -3.136, p<0.01). At outcome,NIHSS scores of Group 1 were significantly lower than those of Group 2 (U = -2.846, p<0.01), and scores of Group 2 were significantly lower than those of Group 3 (U = -3.130, p<0.01). At the same time, the NIHSS scores of each group gradually decreased from acute phase to outcome, Neurological improvement was statistically different among the three topographical types of infarction (H = 26.15, p<0.01; H = 11.03, p<0.01; H = 10.05, p<0.01). In conclusion, the three-dimensional colour-coded DTT allows in vivo differentiation of distinct CST stroke subtypes and may help in better establishing the prognosis for patients after CST stroke.

[Study on radiation dose estimation and monitor in TBI using an anthropomorphic phantom]

Absorbed doses and the dose distributions at important tissues and organs in an anthropomorphic phantom are measured using TLD under the TBI conditions. The dose for each tissue or organ is also estimated and monitored for TBI treatment.

Identification, characterization, and functional analysis of heart-specific myosin light chain phosphatase small subunit

Myosin light chain phosphatase consists of three subunits, a 38-kDa catalytic subunit, a large 110-130-kDa myosin binding subunit, and a small subunit of 20-21 kDa. The catalytic subunit and the large subunit have been well characterized. The small subunit has been cloned and studied from smooth muscle, but little is known about its function and specificity in the other muscles such as cardiac muscle. In this study, cDNAs for heart-specific small subunit isoforms, hHS-M(21), were isolated and characterized. Evidence was obtained from an analysis of genome to suggest that the small subunit was the product of the same gene as the large subunit. Using permeabilized renal artery preparation and permeabilized cardiac myocytes, it was shown that the small subunit increased sensitivity to Ca(2+) in muscle contraction. It was also shown using an overlay assay that hHS-M(21) bound the large subunit. Mapping experiments demonstrated that the binding domain and the domain involved in the increasing Ca(2+) sensitivity mapped to the same N-terminal region of hHS-M(21). These observations suggest that the heart-specific small subunit hHS-M(21) plays a regulatory role in cardiac muscle contraction by its binding to the large subunit.

[Effect of microinjection of taurine into anterior hypothalamic area on blood pressure in rats]

The effect of taurine in anterior hypothalamic area (AHA) on blood pressure was investigated by means of microinjection and spectrophotofluorometry. The results are as follows. (1) Taurine microinjected into AHA decreased blood pressure markedly. (2) The depressor response of taurine in AHA could be antagonized by propranolol, but not by phentolamine. (3) After microinjection of taurine into AHA, the content of norepinephrine in hypothalamus increased significantly. The above results suggest that taurine in AHA attenuates blood pressure by increasing the content of norepinephrine, probably mediated by beta-adrenergic receptor.

Position and orientation of the globular domain of linker histone H5 on the nucleosome

It is essential to identify the exact location of the linker histone within nucleosomes, the fundamental packing units of chromatin, in order to understand how condensed, transcriptionally inactive chromatin forms. Here, using a site-specific protein-DNA photo-crosslinking method, we map the binding site and the orientation of the globular domain of linker histone H5 on mixed-sequence chicken nucleosomes. We show, in contrast to an earlier model, that the globular domain forms a bridge between one terminus of chromatosomal DNA and the DNA in the vicinity of the dyad axis of symmetry of the core particle. Helix III of the globular domain binds in the major groove of the first helical turn of the chromatosomal DNA, whereas the secondary DNA-binding site on the opposite face of the globular domain of histone H5 makes contact with the nucleosomal DNA close to its midpoint. We also infer that helix I and helix II of the globular domain of histone H5 probably face, respectively, the solvent and the nucleosome. This location places the basic carboxy-terminal region of the globular domain in a position from which it could simultaneously bind the nucleosome-linking DNA strands that exit and enter the nucleosome.

[Portal-systemic shunting and hemodynamics of prehepatic portal hypertensive rat models]

Hemodynamics and relationship between portal-systemic shunting and portal pressure were measured by radioactive microsphere techniques in 31 rats after various degree portal vein constriction. Prominent hyperdynamic state was present in prehepatic portal hypertensive rats models. Both cardiac output and index were increased, the mean arterial pressure and pripheral resistance were reduced significantly. The total splanchnic blood flow was increased but splanchnic resistance reduced remarkably. Portal-systemic shunting flow was higher. There was a significant positive correlation between them, Y = 26.14 + 5.32X (r = 0.76, P < 0.001). For this reason, elevated systemic and portal venous flow provided main impetus for maintaining portal hypertension.