Local dynamic range compensation for scanning electron microscope imaging system

This is the extended project by introducing the modified dynamic range histogram modification (MDRHM) and is presented in this paper. This technique is used to enhance the scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging system. By comparing with the conventional histogram modification compensators, this technique utilizes histogram profiling by extending the dynamic range of each tile of an image to the limit of 0-255 range while retains its histogram shape. The proposed technique yields better image compensation compared to conventional methods.

Suppression of lentivirus-mediated transgenic dendritic cells in graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in mice

We determined whether genetically engineered immature dendritic cells (imDCs) mediated by lentiviral vectors alleviate acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT) in mice. We introduced the mouse chemokine receptor 7 (Ccr7) gene into the bone marrow-derived imDCs of C57BL/6 mice to construct genetically engineered imDCs. A 1:1 mixture of bone marrow and spleen cells from the donors was injected into the recipients, which were divided into four groups: radiation, transplantation, empty vector, and transgenic imDC groups. Symptoms, clinical scores, GVHD pathological changes, and survival times and rates of recipients were recorded; secretion of IFN-γ and IL-4, and allogeneic chimerism rates were detected. The survival time of the transgenic imDC group (27.5 ± 7.55 days) was significantly longer than in the other three groups (P < 0.01). The GVHD score of the imDC group mice was significantly lower than in the transplantation and empty vector groups (P < 0.05), which meant that mice in the transgenic imDC group had the lightest pathology damage in the target organs. In the transplantation group, IFN-γ increased while IL-4 decreased. In contrast, IFN-γ decreased and IL-4 increased in both empty vector and trans-imDC groups, and the difference was significant in the latter (P < 0.01). Thirty days or more following transplantation, the allogeneic chimerism rate was still 95-100%, suggesting complete donor type implantation. Ccr7 transfection into imDCs suppressed occurrence and severity of acute GVHD after allo-BMT in mice; the mechanism might be associated with IFN-γ decrease and IL-4 increase.

Molecular cloning, characterization and expression analysis of a Doublesex gene from Daphnia carinata (Crustacea: Cladocera) during different reproductive stages

To better understand the reproductive transformation mechanism of Daphnia carinata, a Doublesex (Dsx) gene was cloned based on rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE), and was designated DapcaDsx2. Next, we compared similarities and assumed homology based on deduced amino acid sequences. It showed 97.52, 87.94, and 85.11% identity to orthologous genes in D. magna, D. pulex, and D. galeata respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that DapcaDsx2 clustered in the same class, and was evolutionarily more distant to sequences from other species. qRT-PCR showed that DapcaDsx2 was most abundantly expressed during sexual reproduction (P < 0.05). Using digoxigenin-labeled RNA probes, we studied DapcaDsx2 expression in parthenogenetic and sexual females by whole-mount in situ hybridization. The results revealed that DapcaDsx2 was mainly expressed in the second antennae and several sites of the ventral carapace, whereas higher expression levels were found in sexual than in parthenogenetic females. This suggests that the DapcaDsx2 gene is involved in switching modes of reproduction and in sexual differentiation.

Establishment of a new cell line from the heart of giant grouper, Epinephelus lanceolatus (Bloch), and its application in toxicology and virus susceptibility

A new marine fish cell line, derived from the heart of giant grouper, Epinephelus lanceolatus (Bloch), was established and characterized. The cell line was designated as ELGH and subcultured with more than 60 passages. The ELGH cells were mainly composed of fibroblast-like cells and multiplied well in Leibovitz's L-15 medium supplemented with 10% foetal bovine serum (FBS) at 28 °C. Chromosome analysis indicated that the modal chromosome number was 48. The fluorescent signals were detected in ELGH when transfected with green fluorescent protein reporter plasmids. The 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50 ) of the extracellular products (ECPs) from Streptococcus iniae and Vibrio alginolyticus E333 on ELGH cells was 60.02 and 12.49 μg mL(-1), respectively. Moreover, the ELGH cells showed susceptibility to Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV), but not to soft-shelled turtle iridovirus (STIV), red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV) and spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV), which was demonstrated by the presence of a severe cytopathic effect (CPE) and increased viral titres. In addition, electron microscopy observation showed that abundant virus particles were present in the infected cells. Taken together, our data above provided the potential utility of ELGH cells for transgenic and genetic manipulation, as well as cytotoxicity testing and virus pathogenesis.

Effects of conservative laparoscopic endometrial cystectomy and use of kidney-reinforcing and blood activating traditional Chinese medicine on ovarian functions

This study investigated functional changes in the ovaries of women who have had conservative laparoscopic endometrial cystectomy and the effects of traditional kidney-reinforcing and blood-activating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) on ovarian function. Seventy female patients who underwent laparoscopic endometrial cystectomy were randomized into two groups: TCM group receiving kidney-reinforcing and blood-activating Chinese medicine (N = 35) and control group receiving only routine follow-up (N = 35). The serum levels of all study participants were measured for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2) and inhibin B (INHB) prior to and after endometrial surgery. Postoperative menstruation conditions were also assessed. Compared to preoperative conditions, both LH and FSH levels during the postoperative 1st month increased in both groups, while E2 and INHB levels decreased (P < 0.05). In the TCM group, in contrast to the control group and the postoperative 1st month, we observed a decrease in LH and FSH levels during the postoperative 4th month, while E2 and INHB levels increased (P < 0.05). In this study, we found that certain TCM prescriptions lowered postoperative serum FSH and LH levels and increased the serum INHB and basal E2 levels, thereby improving the ovarian reserve.

Effects of arginine 10 to lysine substitution on ω-conotoxin CVIE and CVIF block of Cav2.2 channels

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

ω-Conotoxins CVIE and CVIF (CVIE&F) selectively inhibit Cav2.2 channels and are lead molecules in the development of novel analgesics. At physiological membrane potentials, CVIE&F block of Cav2.2 channels is weakly reversible. To improve reversibility, we designed and synthesized arginine CVIE&F analogues in which arginine was substituted for lysine at position 10 ([R10K]CVIE&F), and investigated their serum stability and pharmacological actions on voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs).

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Changes in peptide structure due to R10K substitution were assessed by NMR. Peptide stability in human serum was analysed by reversed-phase HPLC and MS over a 24 h period. Two-electrode voltage-clamp and whole-cell patch clamp techniques were used to study [R10K]CVIE&F effects on VGCC currents in Xenopus oocytes and rat dorsal root ganglion neurons respectively.

KEY RESULTS

R10K substitution did not change the conserved ω-conotoxin backbone conformations of CVIE&F nor the ω-conotoxin selectivity for recombinant or native Cav2.2 channels, although the inhibitory potency of [R10K]CVIF was better than that of CVIF. At -80 mV, the R10K chemical modification significantly affected ω-conotoxin-channel interaction, resulting in faster onset kinetics than those of CVIE&F. Heterologous and native Cav2.2 channels recovered better from [R10K]CVIE&F block than CVIE&F. In human serum, the ω-conotoxin half-lives were 6-10 h. CVIE&F and [R10K]CVIE&F were more stable than CVID.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

R10K substitution in CVIE&F significantly alters the kinetics of ω-conotoxin action and improves reversibility without diminishing conotoxin potency and specificity for the Cav2.2 channel and without diminishing the serum stability. These results may help generate ω-conotoxins with optimized kinetic profiles for target binding.

Differential expression of hemolymph proteins between susceptible and insecticide-resistant Blattella germanica (Blattodea: Blattellidae)

A proteomic approach combining two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and tandem mass spectrometry was used to compare hemolymph expression profiles of a beta-cypermethrin-resistant Blattella germanica L. strain and a beta-cypermethrin-susceptible strain. Twenty-eight hemolymph proteins were differentially expressed in the resistant cockroach strain; 19 proteins were upregulated and 9 proteins were downregulated compared with the susceptible strain. Protein identification indicated that expression of putative cuticular protein, nitric oxide synthase, triosephosphate isomerase, alpha-amylase, ABC transporter, and Per a 3 allergen was elevated, and expression of arginine kinase and glycosidase was reduced. The differential expression of these proteins reflects the overall change in cellular structure and metabolism related to the resistance of pyrethroid insecticides.

First Report of Leaf and Fruit Spot of Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Nian Ju Caused by Colletotrichum truncatum in China

In the spring of 2011, leaf and fruit spot symptoms were observed in three orchards planted with Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Nian Ju in Longmen City, Guangdong Province. The incidence of fruit and leaf spot ranged from of 5 to 25% across all three orchards. Similar symptoms were not observed on the fruit of C. reticulata cv. Shiyue Ju planted at the same orchards. Lesions on the diseased leaves and fruit first emerged on the lower portions of the trees and were initially small, circular, and diffuse in distribution over the leaf surface. Within 2 weeks, the small circular spots on the leaves and fruit enlarged to brown sunken necrotic lesions ranging from 5 to 30 mm in diameter. To isolate the causal organism, symptomatic leaves and fruit peels (from different trees) adjacent to the lesions as well as the lesions themselves were surface-disinfested with 1% sodium hypochlorite for 1 min and rinsed three times with sterile water. The tissues were then plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) under alternating light and dark conditions at 28°C for 4 days. Sixteen fungal isolates with nearly identical fungal colonies were recovered from all samples. After 7 days of incubation, isolates with grayish white to dark gray mycelium and salmon pink conidia masses were observed. The conidia were hyaline, smooth-walled, aseptate, one-celled, and falcate, with oil droplets in the cytoplasm. The conidia were 19.7 to 22.5 (mean = 21.5) × 2.8 to 3.9 (mean = 3.4) μm. The fungal colonies also produced acervuli, setae, and sclerotia in the culture. The cultural and morphological characteristics of these isolates were consistent with the description of Colletotrichum truncatum (2). The ACT, TUB2, CHS I, GAPDH, and ITS regions of four representative isolates (GenBank Accession Nos. KF591214, KF591213, KF591211, KF591212, and KF011205) were sequenced and identical to those of the type specimen of C. truncatum CBS 151.35. To determine pathogenicity, leaves of three 3-year-old potted plants and ten 8-month-old fruit of C. reticulata Blanco cv. Nian Ju were each wound-inoculated with 20 μl of a suspension of conidia (1 × 10⁵ conidia/ml). Leaves of an additional two potted plants and 10 similarly-aged fruit were wound-inoculated with 20 μl of sterile water as control. The citrus plants and fruit were then maintained at 90% relative humidity at 28°C with a 12-h photoperiod. Symptoms identical to those observed in the orchards in Longmen City developed on all of the inoculated citrus leaves and fruit after 14 days. The controls remained healthy throughout this period. The inoculation experiment was performed a second time with identical results. Isolates of C. truncatum identical to that of the isolate used for inoculation were obtained from all the inoculated symptomatic citrus leaves and fruit. C. truncatum has a broad host range and is known to be pathogenic on several crops including Medicago sativa L., Phaseolus lunatus, and Arachis hypogea (1,2,3,4). To our knowledge, this is the first report of leaf and fruit rot of C. reticulata Blanco cv. Nian Ju caused by C. truncatum in China. The golden-yellow fruit of C. reticulata Blanco cv. Nian Ju are commonly displayed during the Spring Festival of the Chinese New Year, and future epidemics of fruit spot may affect sustainability of this important cultural practice. References: (1) P. A. Backman et al. Plant Dis. 66:1032, 1982. (2) U. Damm et al. Fungal Divers. 39:45, 2009. (3) C. Eken and E. Demirci. Plant Dis. 84:100, 2000. (4) F. Huang et al. Fungal Divers. 61:61, 2013.

Fatigue life enhancement of NiTi rotary endodontic instruments by progressive reciprocating operation

AIM

To evaluate the effect of reciprocating amplitude and progressive angular increment on fatigue life enhancement of NiTi rotary endodontic instruments.

METHODOLOGY

ProTaper F2 instruments were operated in steel artificial canals with both stationary reciprocating (SR) and progressive reciprocating (PR) motions. The SR motions involved symmetric to and fro reciprocation of ± 180(o) , ± 135(o) , ± 90(o) , ± 60(o) and ± 45(o) . The PR motions were ± 45(o) stationary motion superimposed with angular increments of 7(o) , 11(o) , 22.5(o) or 31(o) whenever an instrument completed 1, 10 or 30 reciprocating cycles (rc). The fatigue lives were compared with those under continuous rotation (CR) and a reciprocating operation with a forward 144(o) and backward 72(o) motion proposed by Yared (2008). The statistical significance of these operating modes on fatigue life was examined using one way anova and post hoc Tukey's tests at P = 0.05. Fractographic analysis was also applied to probe the fracture mechanisms of different rotation motions.

RESULTS

Fatigue life increased with decreasing reciprocating amplitude. Operating in the SR increased fatigue life by 355% over that in the CR. Except for the 22.5(o) increment, all PR motions yielded longer fatigue lives than the SR motion. A progressive reciprocating operation with a ± 45(o) reciprocating amplitude and a + 7(o) progressive angular increment every 10 reciprocating cycles (± 45(o) /10rc/+7(o) ) increased fatigue life by 990% over that in the CR motion. In terms of life enhancement over the CR motion, the larger the curvature the less are the differences between different movements. Single crack initiation sites were found in the CR and SR motions, while three crack initiation sites were typical in the ± 45(o) /10rc/+7(o) motion.

CONCLUSIONS

Fatigue life increased with decreasing reciprocating amplitude in stationary reciprocation. A progressive reciprocating operation with ± 45(o) /10rc/+7(o) motion led to significant fatigue life enhancement and multiple fatigue crack initiation in NiTi endodontic instruments.

Upgraded high time-resolved x-ray imaging crystal spectroscopy system for J-TEXT ohmic plasmas

This paper presents the upgraded x-ray imaging crystal spectrometer (XICS) system on Joint Texas Experimental Tokamak (J-TEXT) tokamak and the latest experimental results obtained in last campaign. With 500 Hz frame rate of the new Pilatus detector and 5 cm × 10 cm spherically bent crystal, the XICS system can provide core electron temperature (Te), core ion temperature (Ti), and plasma toroidal rotation (VΦ) with a maximum temporal resolution of 2 ms for J-TEXT pure ohmic plasmas. These parameters with high temporal resolution are very useful in tokamak plasma research, especially for rapidly changed physical processes. The experimental results from the upgraded XICS system are presented.

Cardiac autonomic function and insulin resistance for the development of hypertension: a six-year epidemiological follow-up study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To explore the impact of cardiac autonomic function (CAF) and insulin resistance (IR) on incident hypertension.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In 1996, 1638 subjects finished baseline examination, which included anthropometry, blood pressures, CAF, blood biochemistry, plasma insulin, urine examination and electrocardiogram. CAF included standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals or RR intervals (SDNN), low- and high-frequency power spectrum (LF and HF), and LF/HF ratio at supine for 5 min, the RR interval changes during lying-to-standing maneuver, and the ratio between the longest RR interval during expiration and the shortest RR interval during inspiration (E/I ratio). We used homeostasis model assessment to define beta cell function (HOMA-B) and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). In total, 992 non-hypertensive participants completed the follow-up assessment in 2003 and 959 participants were included for the final analysis. Incident hypertension was determined by blood pressure status at follow-up. In unadjusted model, both square root of HOMA-IR (OR:3.37, 95%CI: 2.10-6.64) and HOMA-B (OR:0.996, 95%CI: 0.992-0.999) were related to incident hypertension. In multivariate model, square root of HOMA-IR (OR:1.97, 95%CI: 1.05-3.70), but not HOMA-B, was associated with incident hypertension. After further adjustment for baseline CAF, the positive relationship between the square root of HOMA-IR and incident hypertension disappeared. In contrast, LF/HF ratio (OR:1.18, 95%CI: 1.01-1.37), HF power (OR:0.98, 95%CI: 0.96-0.999), and E/I ratio (OR:0.71, 95%CI: 0.54-0.95) were each independently associated with incident hypertension after further adjustment for HOMA measures.

CONCLUSION

Sympathovagal imbalance with an apparently decreased parasympathetic tone is an important predictor of incident hypertension independent of IR.

miR-499A>G rs3746444 and miR-146aG>C expression and hepatocellular carcinoma risk in the Chinese population

We conducted a case-control study of a possible association of miR-499A>G rs3746444 and miR-146aG>C rs2910164 with risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Samples from 172 hepatocellular carcinoma patients and 185 cancer-free controls were collected from October 2008 to December 2011. PCR-RFLP analysis was performed to determine the polymorphisms in each individual. The MAFs of miR-146aG>C and miR-499A>G in controls were similar to that known from the SNP database, and frequencies of genotypes in controls were in line with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. We found that miR-499 AG was significantly associated with decreased risk for hepatocellular carcinoma when compared with miR-499 AA genotype (adjusted odds ration = 0.74, 95% confidence interval = 0.24-0.96). However, subjects carrying miR-146a GG had a non-significant 0.62-fold decreased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. We did not find a significant association of miR-146aG>C rs2910164 and miR-499A>G rs3746444 polymorphisms with hepatocellular carcinoma risk in the Chinese population. Further investigations are warranted to clarify the relationship between miRNA polymorphisms and susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma risk in various ethnic populations.

First Report of Colletotrichum siamense Causing Leaf Drop and Fruit Spot of Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Shiyue Ju in China

Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Shiyue Ju, which produces one of China's most popular tropical fruits, is widely planted throughout southern China. In 2008, a new citrus disease was found in Zhaoqing City in Guangdong Province on about 20,000 ha. Yield losses averaged 15% on a wide range of different aged trees of C. reticulata cv. Shiyue Ju. No yield losses were observed on C. reticulata cv. Gong gan. Symptoms first appeared on young leaves as leaf lesions, which were reddish-brown, elliptical, and 2 to 5 mm in diameter. After several weeks, 20 to 70% of leaves dropped and 10 to 50% of fruits on the trees showed brown spots (5 to 40 mm in diameter). Leaves and fruit peels adjacent to and including lesions from different trees were surface disinfested with 1% sodium hypochlorite for 1 min and rinsed three times in sterile water. Then the tissues were plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) in alternating light and dark at 28°C for 3 days. Twenty-three similar isolates of a fast-growing fungus were recovered from all samples. For identification, single-spore cultures were grown on potato dextrose agar (PDA) at 28°C. Initially, the colonies were white, but after 5 days, they became pale gray with concentric zones and greenish black beneath. No setae, acervuli, or ascocarp were observed in the PDA culture. Conidia formed in pink conidial masses, were hyaline, fusiform, straight, obtuse at the ends, sometimes slightly curved, and 14 to 20 × 4.5 to 6 μm (x¯ = 16.2 ± 1.5 × 4.9 ± 0.5, n = 100). The cultural and morphological characteristics of these isolates matched the description of Colletotrichum siamense (3), but not that of C. gloeosporioides or C. acutatum, which cause anthracnose on citrus plants (1,2). The actin, β-tubulin, CHS I, CAL, GPDH, and ITS regions of four representative isolates (GenBank KC524462, KC524463, KC524464, KC524465, KC524466, and KC524467) were identical and with almost 100% identity to those of the type specimen of C. hymenocallidis isolate CSSN3 (C. hymenocallidis is synonymous with C. siamense) (4), except for two inconsistent nucleotide bases in the GPDH gene. Four potted plants of C. reticulata cv. Shiyue Ju were used for pathogenicity tests. On each plant, 10 randomly selected leaves and four 6-month-old fruits were wound-inoculated with 20 μl of sterile water or conidial suspensions (1 × 10⁵ conidia per ml). Plants were then maintained at 90% relative humidity with a 12-h photoperiod at 28°C. Symptoms resembling those in the field were observed on three inoculated plants after 14 days. In another similar experiment without wounding, three of 20 inoculated plants exhibited the symptoms after 14 days. Controls remained healthy throughout this period. The tests were performed three times. C. siamense was reisolated from all diseased inoculated plants, and the culture and fungus characteristics were the same as the original isolate. Thus, C. siamense was determined to be the pathogen causing leaf drop and fruit spot on C. reticulata cv. Shiyue Ju. To our knowledge, this is the first report of leaf drop and fruit spot on C. reticulata cv. Shiyue Ju caused by C. siamense. References: (1) H. Benyahia et al. Plant Pathol. 52:798, 2003. (2) N. A. Peres et al. Plant Dis. 89:784, 2005. (3) H. Prihastuti, et al. Fungal Diversity 39:89, 2009. (4) B. Weir et al. Stud Mycol. 73:115, 2012.

The impact of short daily hemodialysis on anemia and the quality of life in Chinese patients

Anemia is a frequent complication in hemodialysis patients. Compared to conventional hemodialysis (CHD), short daily hemodialysis (sDHD) has been reported to be effective in many countries except China. The aim of the present study was to determine whether sDHD could improve anemia and quality of life (QOL) for Chinese outpatients with end-stage renal disease. Twenty-seven patients (16 males/11 females) were converted from CHD to sDHD. All laboratory values were measured before conversion (baseline), at 3 months after conversion (sDHD1), and at 6 months after conversion (sDHD2). The patient's QOL was evaluated at baseline and 6 months after conversion using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Hemoglobin concentration increased significantly from 107.4±7.9 g/L at baseline to 114.4±6.8 g/L (P<0.05) at sDHD1, and 118.3±8.4 g/L (P<0.001) at sDHD2 (Student paired t-test). However, the dose requirement for erythropoietin decreased from 6847.8±1057.3 U/week at baseline to 5869.6±1094.6 U/week (P<0.05) at sDHD2. Weekly stdKt/V increased significantly from 2.05±0.13 at baseline to 2.73±0.20 (P<0.001) at sDHD1, and 2.84±0.26 (P<0.001) at sDHD2. C-reactive protein decreased from baseline to sDHD1 and sDHD2, but without statistically significant differences. Physical and mental health survey scores increased in the 6 months following conversion to sDHD. sDHD may increase hemoglobin levels, decrease exogenous erythropoietin dose requirements, and improve QOL in Chinese hemodialysis patients compared to CHD. A possible mechanism for improvement of clinical outcomes may be optimized management of uremia associated with the higher efficiency of sDHD.

First evidence for the contribution of the genetic variations of BRCA1-interacting protein 1 (BRIP1) to the genetic susceptibility of cervical cancer

BRIP1 (BRCA1-interacting protein 1), a DNA-dependent ATPase and a DNA helicase, is critical for BRCA-associated DNA damage repair functions, and may be involved in the development of cervical cancer. Genetic markers in different regions of the BRIP1 gene have a plausible role in modulating the risk of cervical cancer. In this study, we evaluate the association between the BRIP1 variations and the risk of cervix cancer. We examined the potential association between cervical cancer and eighteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, rs2048718, rs16945692, rs4968451, rs6504074, rs4988344, rs8077088, rs10515211, rs9897121, rs9906313, rs2159450, rs4986764, rs11871785, rs4986763, rs11079454, rs7213430, rs34289250, rs4988345 and rs12937080) of the BRIP1 gene using the MassARRAY system. The participants enrolled in this study included 298 patients with cervical cancer and 286 healthy women as the healthy controls from a Chinese Han population. The results showed that rs16945692 (intron 1), rs4968451 (intron 4), rs4986764 (exon 18) and rs7213430 (3'UTR) were significantly associated with cervical cancer (P<0.05). Furthermore, strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) was observed in three blocks (D'>0.9), and significantly more T-A-C-A haplotypes (block 1) (P=0.001) were found in the patients with cervical cancer. Significantly higher frequencies of C-A-T haplotypes (block 2) (P=0.018) and A-A haplotypes (block 3) (P=0.009) were detected in the healthy controls than in the patients with cervical cancer, suggesting that they may show protective effects against cervical cancer. These findings point to a role for the BRIP1 gene polymorphisms in cervical cancer in a Chinese Han population, and may be informative for future genetic or biological studies on cervical cancer.

The identification of a bacterial strain BGI-1 isolated from the intestinal flora of Blattella germanica, and its anti-entomopathogenic fungi activity

A bacterial strain BGI-1 was isolated from the gut of German cockroaches (Blattella germanica L.) and was identified as Bacillus subtilis based on 16S rDNA sequence and morphological, physiological, and biochemical characters. The strain BGI-1 inhibited the growth of Beauveria bassiana; the diameter of the inhibition zone exceeded 30 mm. Vesicles were observed in B. bassiana hyphae on the edge of the inhibition zone. Fermentation of BGI-1 reduced the conidial germination rate by 12%. Further studies demonstrated that B. bassiana infections in German cockroaches orally treated with the extracts of BGI-1 fermentation were significantly weakened. Cumulative mortality rate was 49.5% in the treatment group at the 20 d, while that of the control group was 62.3%. The study intends to understand the relationship between the intestinal flora and the cockroach. Those microbes with anti-entomopathogenic fungi activity might contribute to resisting the infection of pathogenic fungi.

Ficolin-A Enhances Inhibition of the C-Terminal 19 kDa Region of Merozoite Surface Protein-1 of Plasmodium berghei Using Test In Vivo

BACKGROUND

Malaria remains a serious public health problem with significant morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted to identify whether ficolin-A could play an active role of against malaria infection.

METHODS

The function of ficolin-A was analyzed in mouse model. The open reading frame of ficolin-A was cloned from the liver of new born C57BL/6 mice by RT-PCR and then inserted into the expression vector of eukaryon to construct pVAX1-ficolin-A plasmid. Meanwhile, the open reading frame of the 19-kDa fragment of merozoite surface protein-1 of Plasmodium berghei (MSP119) was cloned and then the expression vector of eukaryon, pVAX1- MSP119 was constructed. Both recombinant vectors were used in the mouse model of infection by Plasmodium berghei.

RESULTS

pVAX1-ficolin-A alone could not significantly suppress parasite density and prolong survival time of infection mice; however, when injected pVAX1-ficolin-A and pVAX1-MSP119 together, the percent of invasion by Plasmodium was decreased (from 43.78% to 22.23% at 10 day after infection, compared to vector) and the survival time was prolonged significantly in the infection mouse model (P=0.01).

CONCLUSION

Ficolin-A can enhance the immunoprotection of MSP119, it implies ficolin-A may be used as immunoenhancer in the study of vaccine defending malaria.

Control of Fusarium wilt in banana with Chinese leek

The inhibitory effects of Chinese leek(Allium tuberosum) on Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) and on Fusarium wilt incidence were studied in order to identify a potential efficient way to control the disease. Adopting the rotation system of Chinese leek-banana reduced the Fusarium wilt incidence and disease severity index by 88 %-97 % and 91 %-96 %, respectively, improved the crop value by 36 %-86 %, in an area heavily infested by Foc between 2007 and 2009. As a result of inoculation in the greenhouse, Chinese leek treatment reduced disease incidence and the disease severity index by 58 % and 62 %, respectively in the variety Baxi (AAA) and by 79 % and 81 %, respectively in the variety Guangfen NO.1 (ABB). Crude extracts of Chinese leek completely inhibited the growth of Foc race 4 on Petri dishes, suppressed the proliferation of the spores by 91 % and caused 87 % spore mortality. The findings of this study suggest that Chinese leek has the potential to inhibit Foc growth and Fusarium wilt incidence. This potential may be developed into an environmentally friendly treatment to control Fusarium wilt of banana.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for orthodontic pain control: a randomized trial

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy intervention for patients who experienced pain during orthodontic treatment. The baseline characteristics were assessed via questionnaires and oral examinations. Four hundred and fifty eligible individuals were recruited and randomized by computer-generated block randomization into three groups: cognitive behavioral therapy intervention (n = 150), ibuprofen intervention (n = 150), and no intervention (control; n = 150). Primary outcomes were the change from baseline in pain intensity measured with 100-mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores at 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, and 30 days after initial archwire placement. Outcomes assessment was blinded and followed the intention-to-treat principle. One hundred forty-three (95.30%), 145 (96.70%), and 141 (94.00%) individuals in the cognitive behavioral therapy, the ibuprofen, and the control groups, respectively, completed the one-month follow-up evaluations. Those in the cognitive behavioral therapy group showed a greater decrease in mean VAS scores than did those in the control group over the previous five time-points (p < 0.001). Cognitive behavioral therapy was shown to be effective in pain control during the initial stage of orthodontic treatment. The study registration number was ChiCTR-TRC-00000556.

Phase sensitive SPR sensor for wide dynamic range detection

Phase detection has been utilized to enhance the sensitivity of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors for a long time. However, an inherent drawback for phase sensitive SPR sensors are their limited dynamic range, which has greatly hindered wide applications of such sensors. In this Letter, a design combining phase detection and angular interrogation has been proposed to provide an SPR sensor with both high sensitivity and wide dynamic range. As a result, a resolution of 2.2×10^-7 RIU with a dynamic range of over 0.06 RIU has been achieved simultaneously. An added advantage of this design is the flexibility for sensitivity and dynamic range adjustment.

Haplotypic variation and characteristics across the toll-like receptor 3 locus in chickens

Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) has an important protective function against viral infection. The ability of an individual to respond properly to TLR ligands may be impaired by variants located in the TLR genes. By directly PCR sequencing four exons and their flanking sequence of chicken TLR3, a total of 50 nucleotide variants were identified from five breeds. Tibetan chickens and Silkies exhibited more abundant variation sites and rare alleles. Thirty haplotypes were reconstructed, with 31 variants whose minor allelic frequency was above 5% in five breeds, which revealed four divergent clades. Chicken TLR3 was partitioned into three haplotype blocks by the htSNPer program, and six tag SNPs could be used to distinguish these 30 haplotypes. Thirty variants were located in the coding sequence of chicken TLR3, and 16 of them were non-synonymous substitutions. It is predicted that p.Ser180Gly amino substitution could form an N-myristoylation site; the p.Lys240Thr amino substitution in chicken TLR3 could result in the loss of one protein kinase C phosphorylation site. These data provide a basic understanding of chicken TLR3 sequence variation and provide haplotypic markers for disease association studies.

Overactive bladder in Taiwanese women: re-analysis of epidemiological database of community from 1999 to 2001

AIMS

To update our previous computerized epidemiological data according to the new taxonomy, we re-evaluated and re-analyzed the data using the current definitions of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) which were approved and published by the ICS in 2002 and 2010 according to patient perception. Further, we divided overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms into OAB dry and OAB wet to assess their prevalence percentages by using the current definitions.

METHODS

OAB syndrome in our computerized database was re-defined as having the following storage symptoms present, that is, frequency, urgency, nocturia, urgency incontinence, or stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The prevalence of OAB syndrome was determined with a different taxonomy for those five storage symptoms either singly or in combination. OAB symptoms which were probably associated with mixed incontinence were either ignored or excluded.

RESULTS

The prevalence of OAB syndrome varied from 34.76% to 28.33% to 20.95% using different classifications of the above five storage symptoms. The prevalence of OAB wet symptoms increased with advancing age and this finding was consistent with three different definitions.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of OAB using the current definition is slightly higher than the result found in our previous published data using a defective classification system of OAB symptoms. The effects of mixed symptoms and probable misclassification cannot be overlooked because many women with OAB (with or without urgency incontinence) might also have SUI.

Impetigo herpetiformis with gestational hypertension: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Impetigo herpetiformis (IH) is a rare skin disorder that occurs during pregnancy. It was previously associated with high maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity, but now has a better prognosis.

CASE REPORT

We report a case of a pregnant woman with IH who presented with generalized erythematous pustular eruptions in the 32nd week of gestation. The IH progressed rapidly, and gestational hypertension was observed in the 36th week. The lesions did not subside, despite treatment with corticosteroids and phototherapy. She delivered a healthy male baby via cesarean section in the 37th week. One month after her delivery, her skin returned to normal, except for residual pigmentation, with complete recovery 3 months postpartum.

CONCLUSION

An experienced medical team comprising obstetricians, dermatologists, perinatologists and neonatologists is critical to aggressively treat this life-threatening specific dermatosis of pregnancy and to prevent ensuing complications, such as fluid and electrolyte imbalance, secondary infection and placental insufficiency.

Dynamic phase evaluation in sparse-sampled temporal speckle pattern sequence

The rapid progress of modern manufacturing technology has posed stringent requirements for inspecting techniques for vibration characterization and dynamic testing. Because of its simplicity, accuracy, and whole-field character, speckle interferometry has served as one of the major techniques for dynamic measurement, where normally a dense-sampled temporal speckle sequence is captured for phase retrieval using Fourier or wavelet transforms. In this Letter, a method is proposed for phase evaluation of sparse-sampled speckle patterns when the sampling rate is lower than two points per temporal cycle. Dynamic experiments using a high-speed camera demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method for complicated wrapped phase retrieval in electronic/digital speckle pattern interferometry.

Establishment and characterization of a new marine fish cell line derived from red-spotted grouper Epinephelus akaara

A new marine fish cell line, EAGL, derived from the liver of red-spotted grouper Epinephelus akaara was established and characterized. The cells multiplied well in minimum essential medium (MEM) supplemented with 10% foetal bovine serum (FBS) at temperatures between 25 and 30° C. The growth rate of this cell line increased as the proportion of FBS increased from 5 to 20% at 25° C, with maximum growth at the concentration of 15 or 20% FBS. Morphologically, the cells were epithelial-like and the presence of pancytokeratin confirmed their epithelial origin. Chromosome analysis revealed that the modal chromosome number was 48. The susceptibility of the cell line to four fish viruses was tested. Significant cytopathic effect (CPE) was only observed in Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV)-infected cells, and the virus replication was further confirmed by immunofluorescence, electron microscopy and real-time reverse-transcription (RT)-PCR assay. When the cells were transfected with pEGFP-N3 plasmid, bright fluorescent signals were observed, suggesting that this cell line can be used for transgenic and genetic manipulation studies.

Experimental Study on Angiogenesis in a Rabbit VX2 Early Liver Tumour by Perfusion Computed Tomography

Ten rabbits implanted with VX2 liver tumours were investigated by perfusion computed tomography (PCT) imaging 1 week (early) and 2 weeks (late) after tumour induction; 10 other rabbits were non-implanted controls. Time–density curves, perfusion parametric maps and perfusion parameters were obtained for tumour rim and normal tissue surrounding the tumour, and for liver tissue from the controls. In addition, microvessel density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were studied by immunohistochemistry 2 weeks after tumour implantation. A deconvolution mathematical model was used to calculate hepatic blood flow (HBF), hepatic blood volume (HBV), mean transit time (MTT), capillary vessel surface permeability (PS) and hepatic arterial index (HAI). At the tumour rim on the early PCT scan, MTT was significantly lower whereas HBF, HBV, HAI and PS were significantly higher than in surrounding normal tissue. There were no significant changes in perfusion parameters on the late PCT scan compared with the early scan. Significant linear correlations of MVD and VEGF were found with HBF, PS and HAI, but not with HBV or MTT. It is concluded that PCT imaging is useful for the evaluation of tumour angiogenesis and for the early detection of liver tumours.

Could changes in arterioles impede the perivascular drainage of interstitial fluid from the cerebral white matter in leukoaraiosis?

AIMS

Leukoaraiosis (LA) is the increase in fluid in cerebral white matter with hyperintensity on T2-weighted MR imaging that occurs in 25% of individuals over 65 years of age and in Alzheimer's disease. Age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and cardiac disease are the major risk factors for LA. Ischaemia is considered to be the cause of LA, but the aim of the present study is to assess whether changes in arterioles in LA could impede perivascular lymphatic drainage of interstitial fluid from the cerebral white matter.

METHODS

We quantified arteriolosclerosis and immunohistochemical changes in the extracellular matrix in arterioles of cerebral white matter in 20 hypertension autopsy cases with LA and in 10 controls.

RESULTS

The ratio of the area immunoreactive for collagen types I, III, V and VI to the cross-sectional area of arterioles was significantly higher in LA patients compared with controls (P < 0.001). Changes were observed in collagen IV and laminin. The walls of white matter arterioles in LA were significantly thicker (P < 0.01), and lumina were significantly smaller (P < 0.01). Arterioles had a significantly higher sclerotic index [1 - (internal/external diameter)] in LA than in adjacent cortex or control white matter (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that thickening and sclerosis of the walls of arterioles in cerebral white matter in LA are associated with the accumulation of extracellular matrix components. Although these changes may result in decreased perfusion, they could also impede perivascular lymphatic drainage of interstitial fluid from white matter in LA.

Immunohistochemical localization of glucagon and pancreatic polypeptide on rat endocrine pancreas: coexistence in rat islet cells

We used immunofluorescence double staining method to investigate the cellular localization of glucagon and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) in rat pancreatic islets. The results showed that both A-cells (glucagon-secreting cells) and PP-cells (PP-secreting cells) were located in the periphery of the islets. However, A-cells and PP-cells had a different regional distribution. Most of A-cells were located in the splenic lobe but a few of them were in the duodenal lobe of the pancreas. In contrast, the majority of PP-cells were found in the duodenal lobe and a few of them were in the splenic lobe of the pancreas. Furthermore, we found that 67.74% A-cells had PP immunoreactivity, 70.92% PP-cells contained glucagon immunoreactivity with immunofluorescence double staining. Our data support the concept of a common precursor stem cell for pancreatic hormone-producing cells.

Immunohistochemical localization of glucagon and pancreatic polypeptide on rat endocrine pancreas: coexistence in rat islet cells

We used immunofluorescence double staining method to investigate the cellular localization of glucagon and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) in rat pancreatic islets. The results showed that both A-cells (glucagon-secreting cells) and PP-cells (PP-secreting cells) were located in the periphery of the islets. However, A-cells and PP-cells had a different regional distribution. Most of A-cells were located in the splenic lobe but a few of them were in the duodenal lobe of the pancreas. In contrast, the majority of PP-cells were found in the duodenal lobe and a few of them were in the splenic lobe of the pancreas. Furthermore, we found that 67.74% A-cells had PP immunoreactivity, 70.92% PP-cells contained glucagon immunoreactivity with immunofluorescence double staining. Our data support the concept of a common precursor stem cell for pancreatic hormone-producing cells.

Immunocytochemical localization of monoamine oxidase type B in rat liver

We used an immunohistochemical method to examine the localization of monoamine oxidase type B (MAOB) in rat liver. At the light microscopic level, MAOB was highly expressed in rat liver. It was intense around portal area, and weak around central area. All the hepatocytes examined had MAOB immunoreactivity. For the first time, using a double-labeling immunofluorescence histochemical method for laser microscopy, we report that no MAOB is found in endothelial cells, hepatic stellate cells, or Kupffer's cells. When examined under transmission electron microscopy, MAOB was localized to the mitochondrial outer membrane of hepatocytes. No apparent localization of MAOB was found in the rough endoplasmic reticulum, the crystal membrane of mitochondria, the nuclear envelope, or the plasma membrane.

Computerized tomography technique for reconstruction of obstructed phase data in shearography

Shearography is an interferometric method that overcomes several limitations of holography by eliminating the reference beam. It greatly simplifies the optical setup and has much higher tolerance to environmental disturbances. Consequently, the technique has received considerable industrial acceptance, particularly for nondestructive testing. Shearography, however, is generally not applicable to the measurement of an obstructed area, as the area to be measured must be accessible to both illumination and imaging. We present an algorithm based on the principle of tomography that permits the reconstruction of the unavailable phase distribution in an obstructed area from the measured boundary phase distribution. In the process, a set of imaginary rays is projected from many different directions across the area. For each ray, integration of the phase directional derivative along the ray is equal to the phase difference between the boundary points intercepted by the ray. Therefore, a set of linear equations can be established by considering the multiple rays. Each equation expresses the unknown phase derivatives in the obstructed area in terms of the measured boundary phase. Solution of the set of simultaneous equations yields the unknown phase distribution in the blind area. While its applications to shearography are demonstrated, the technique is potentially applicable to all full-field optical measurement techniques such as holography, speckle interferometry, classical interferometry, thermography, moiré, photoelasticity, and speckle correlation techniques.

Bupivacaine inhibits COX-2 expression, PGE2, and cytokine production in endotoxin-activated macrophages

BACKGROUND

Upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and resultant prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) overproduction has been shown to play a crucial role in initiating a systemic inflammatory response during sepsis. Sepsis also induces robust production of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), and IL-6 as well as anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. We sought to elucidate the effects of bupivacaine on COX-2 expression and production of PGE(2) and cytokines using an endotoxin-activated murine macrophages model.

METHODS

Confluent murine macrophages (RAW264.7 cells) were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 100 ng/ml) or LPS plus bupivacaine (1, 10, or 100 microM). Bupivacaine was added immediately after LPS. After reacting for 18 h, cell cultures were harvested for subsequent analysis.

RESULTS

LPS significantly upregulated COX-2 transcription and PGE(2) production in macrophages. LPS also significantly increased the production of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL-10 in macrophages. Bupivacaine significantly inhibited the effects of LPS on COX-2 transcription and PGE(2) production in a dose-dependent manner. In a dose-dependent manner, bupivacaine also significantly inhibited the effects of LPS on the production of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6. However, bupivacaine exerted no significant effects on LPS-induced IL-10 production.

CONCLUSION

Bupivacaine significantly inhibited COX-2 expression, PGE(2) and cytokine production in endotoxin-activated macrophages.

Clonal spread of SCCmec type IV methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus between community and hospital

The staphylococcal chromosome cassette (SCC)mec types of 382 hospital-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (HA-MRSA) isolates in Taiwan were analysed over a 7-year period (1999-2005). There was an abrupt increase in SCCmec type IV in HA-MRSA during 2005. The molecular epidemiology of a subset (n = 69) of HA-MRSA isolates with SCCmec types III, IV or V was characterised and compared with that of community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) (n = 26, collected during 2005). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed three major pulsotypes (A, B and C) and 15 minor clones. Pulsotypes B and C, which contained isolates carrying SCCmec types IV and V, respectively, included both CA-MRSA and HA-MRSA isolates. Among 24 toxin genes analysed, five genes had significant differential distribution between CA-MRSA and SCCmec type III HA-MRSA. Furthermore, among SCCmec type IV isolates, the seb gene was detected more commonly in HA-MRSA. Analysis of representative members of the three major pulsotypes by multilocus sequence typing revealed two sequence types (STs), namely ST239 (SCCmecIII) and ST59 (SCCmecIV or SCCmecV). This suggests that ST59:SCCmecIV, which is usually community-acquired, has become an important nosocomial pathogen in the hospital studied.

Whole-body F-18 FDG PET for hepatocellular carcinoma patients after interventional treatment

For hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after primary treatment, conventional anatomical imagings may not be reliable in detecting residual, recurrent or metastatic lesions. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the usability of FDG PET in the follow-up of HCC patients after prior interventional treatments. The database consisted of 10 male and 2 female (age range, 46-82 years; mean age, 63.4 +/- 11.7 years) who had received primary HCC treatments and underwent FDG PET scans at the National Taiwan University Hospital. The accuracy of FDG PET detection was determined by the histopathological results or other clinical evidences afterwards. Of the 22 lesions, FDG PET studies were able to detect 8 (8/10, 80%) intrahepatic lesions and 8 (8/12, 66.7%) extrahepatic lesions. The lesion based detection rate of FDG PET is 72.7% (16/22). FDG PET was able to detect at least 1 lesion in 11 patients. The 6 false negative lesions in 6 patients include 2 intrahepatic lesions, 1 brain lesion, 1 sphenoid sinus lesion and 2 multiple subcentimeter pulmonary lesions. FDG PET scan is able to provide valuable auxiliary information for the follow up of HCC patients clinically suspicious of recurrence if their conventional image findings are not unambiguous.

Heterogeneous catalytic oxidation of hypophosphite by H2O2: pH effect

Phosphorus chemicals control key aspects of eutrophication and other environmental process. Hypophosphite (HP) originating from manmade and natural sources was evidenced as present in the environment and was investigated rarely. Recently, iron oxide has been used as a catalyst for oxidising organic contaminants with hydrogen peroxide (i.e. heterogeneous Fenton-like reaction). This study focused mainly on the oxidation of 1.0 mM HP by hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a novel iron oxide catalyst (B1 catalyst) which was prepared through a fluidised-bed Fenton reactor (FBR-Fenton). The background experiments including the oxidation experiment of HP by air only, by H2O2 only and adsorption of HP by B1 catalyst were first elucidated. It was found that HP could not be oxidised at all by air and H2O2 at pH 2.5-12 in 24 hours. On the other hand, it could be adsorbed by B1 catalyst with 89.8% removal at pH 2.5 in 5 hours and complete desorption at pH 11.0. Then, we investigated the effects of pH and Fe leaching from the catalyst on the oxidative efficiency of HP. We found that although the removal rate of HP at pH 2.5 is faster than that at pH 4.0, B1 catalyst has a higher HP oxidation efficiency at pH 4.0 than that at pH 2.5. We conclude that it is a major heterogeneous catalytic oxidation by our novel iron oxide catalyst to oxidise HP at pH 4.0. Also, B1 could be a useful and potential catalyst for the treatment of HP wastewater.

Electrical breakdown in helium cells at low temperature

Electrical breakdown of partially filled helium cells below 0.5 K is shown to be the result of Penning ionization of metastable triplet helium excimers bound to the surface of the liquid.

Which has the least immunity depression during postoperative analgesia—morphine, tramadol, or tramadol with lornoxicam?

BACKGROUND

Analgesics are commonly used to provide pain relief after surgery. These drugs produce some extended depression of immunity. A prospective randomized controlled trial was designed to observe expressions of T-lymphocyte subsets (CD3(+), CD3(+)CD4(+) and CD3(+)CD8(+)), natural-killer cells (CD3(-)CD16(+)CD56(+)), and activated T-lymphocytes (CD3(+)CD25(+)) of patients undergoing gastric cancer surgeries and receiving patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA).

METHODS

Forty-five patients undergoing elective gastric cancer surgeries under general anesthesia were randomly allocated into 3 groups. Group I received PCIA using morphine after surgery, group II using tramadol, and group III using tramadol with lornoxicam. The analgesic efficacy was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) and Bruggrmann comfort scale (BCS). Expressions of CD3(+), CD3(+)CD4(+), CD3(+)CD8(+), CD3(-)CD16(+)CD56(+), and CD3(+)CD25(+) were measured as percentages of total lymphocytes by flow cytometer at 5 time points.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in analgesic efficacy and the baselines of CD3(+), CD3(+)CD4(+), CD3(+)CD8(+), CD3(-)CD16(+)CD56(+), and CD3(+)CD25(+) in all groups. Compared with the baseline, CD3(+)CD8(+) had no changes in all groups at any time point. Ninety minutes after incision, CD3(+), CD3(+)CD4(+), CD3(-)CD16(+)CD56(+), and CD3(+)CD25(+) were lower in all groups (P<0.05). 24 h after surgery, CD3(+), CD3(+)CD4(+), CD3(-)CD16(+)CD56(+), and CD3(+)CD25(+) were lower in group I and group II (P<0.05); meanwhile CD3(+), CD3(+)CD4(+), and CD3(+)CD25(+) returned to the baseline but CD3(-)CD16(+)CD56(+) was still low (P<0.05) in group III. 48 h after surgery, CD3(+), CD3(+)CD4(+), CD3(-)CD16(+)CD56(+), and CD3(+)CD25(+) returned to the baseline in group II and group III, but not in group I (P<0.05). 72 h after surgery, CD3(+), CD3(+)CD4(+), CD3(+)CD4(+)/CD3(+)CD8(+) returned to the baseline, but CD3(+)CD25(+) and CD3(-)CD16(+)CD56(+) were still low in group I (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

PCIA using lornoxicam with tramadol has the same good analgesic efficacy and less immunity depression than PCIA using morphine or tramadol.

A genome scan for quantitative trait loci associated with body weight at different developmental stages in chickens

A genome scan to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting body weight in chickens was conducted on 238 F(2) chickens from a reciprocal cross of Silky Fowl and White Plymouth Rock using 125 microsatellite markers covering 23 autosomes and the Z chromosome. Two types of QTL were considered: static QTL (SQ) and developmental QTL (DQ). Static QTL affected the body weight from hatch to time t, and DQ affected the body weight from time t-1 to time t. Six SQ and nine DQ were detected. Of these QTL, four reached a genome-wide significance of 5% or better, with SQ1 and DQ1 being the most significant QTL. Static QTL1 was on chromosome 1 between GCT0006 and MCW0106 and explained 4.05-9.80% of the phenotypic variation in body weights from 3 to 12 weeks of age. At 9, 10 and 11 weeks, the genome-wide significance thresholds of SQ1 were <1%. Developmental QTL1 was located on chromosome 1 between MCW0168 and GCT0006, and explained 2.75% of the phenotypic variation for body weight from week 7 to 8 with a genome-wide significance level <1%. The results suggest that body weight from hatch to time t and developmental growth from time t-1 to time t may involve two different sets of genes or gene actions.

Controlled synthesis and field emission properties of ZnO nanostructures with different morphologies

By simply controlling atmosphere, rods, tetraleg-rods, and arrays of ZnO nanostructures have been fabricated respectively through pure zinc powder evaporation without catalyst at temperature of 650 - 700 degrees C. Investigations through HRTEM and XRD showed that the growth of the synthesized ZnO nanostructures was controlled by vapor-solid mechanism. Field emission measurements revealed that all of the structures, owing to their very low turn-on voltage, sufficient emission current and proper linearity of 1/V - Ln(l/V2), are likely to be potential candidates as a field emitter. The results also indicated that field emission properties are relative to morphology and size of the tips of ZnO nanostructures, and the nanorods with sharp tips possess the first-class FE property.

Novel activated alumina-supported iron oxide-composite as a heterogeneous catalyst for photooxidative degradation of reactive black 5

A novel activated alumina-supported iron oxide-composite (denoted as FeAA-500) was prepared by so-called fluidized-bed reactor (FBR) crystallization. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption/desorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to characterize the FeAA-500. The photo-catalytic activity of the FeAA-500 was evaluated in the photooxidative degradation of 0.1 mM azo-dye reactive black 5 (RB5) in the presence of H2O2 and UVA light (lambda = 365 nm) in a solution with a pH of 2.5. Complete decolorization of the model pollutant RB5 was achieved; the total organic carbon (TOC) removal ratio was 95%, and a trace amount of leached ferric ion was detected following 75 min of reaction when 2.0 g/L FeAA-500 was used as a catalyst. FeAA-500 has high photo-catalytic activity; it is therefore a promising heterogeneous photocatalysis of the degradation of organic compounds.

Photooxidation of azo dye reactive black 5 using a novel supported iron oxide: heterogeneous and homogeneous approach

Photooxidation of azo dye Reactive Black 5 (RB5) by H202 was performed with a novel supported iron oxide in a batch reactor in the range of pH 2.5-6.0. The iron oxide was prepared through a fluidized-bed reactor (FBR) and much cheaper than the Nafion-based catalysts. Experimental results indicate that the iron oxide can significantly accelerate the degradation of RB5 under the irradiation of UVA light (wavelength = 365 nm). An advantage of the catalyst is its long-term stability, which was confirmed through using the catalyst for multiple runs in the degradation of RB5. In addition, this study focused mainly on determining the proportions of homogeneous catalysis and heterogeneous catalysis in the batch reactor. Conclusively, although heterogeneous catalysis contributes primarily to the oxidation of RB5 during pH 4.5-6.0, the homogeneous catalysis is of increasing importance below pH 4.0 because of the Fe ions leaching from the catalyst to solution.

Electron microscopic examination of the viromatrix of Rana grylio virus in a fish cell line

Rana grylio virus (RGV), a Ranavirus belonging to the family Iridoviridae, assembles in the viromatrix which is a factory for viral genome replication and particle assembly. Ultrastructural studies of the viromatrix will clarify the pathway of assembly. The viromatrix and quantitative changes in RGV infected epithelipma papulosum cyprini (EPC) cells, one of fish cell lines, were studied by electron microscopy. It was shown that viromatrices were adjacent to the nucleus, and the electron density was lower than that of the surrounding cytoplasm. The viromatrix contained virus particles with different forms, electron-dense materials and amorphous structures which included tubules and membranous materials. Tubules were often observed in direct continuity with empty capsids. Several bundles of intermediate filaments were seen alongside the viromatrix and crystalline aggregates. Large clusters of mitochondria occurred in proximity to viromatrix. A total of 990 cells profiles were examined. The results showed that 394 cells contained viromatrix: 89.3% contained one, and 10.7% contained two to four viromatrices. The number of viromatrices increased gradually and reached a peak at 16 h p.i. The viromatrix area at 24 h p.i. increased up to 7.4 +/- 0.69 microm(2) which was three-times lower than that at 6 h p.i. The number of empty capsids within viromatrix was generally more than that of "full" particles at different time points, and there was a strong positive correlation between them.

Distribution of human chemokine (C-X3-C) receptor 1 (CX3CR1) gene polymorphisms and haplotypes of the CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) promoter in Chinese people, and the effects of CCR5 haplotypes on CCR5 expression

Two chemokine (C-X3-C) receptor 1 (CX3CR1) gene polymorphisms, V249I and T280M, and 10 CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) promoter haplotypes, P1-P10, have recently been reported to influence the progression of acquired immune-deficiency syndrome (AIDS). As these studies were performed mainly with Caucasian and African-American subjects, we determined the distribution of these alleles in Chinese people for the purpose of predicting possible clinical responses to the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) epidemics in countries with significant Chinese populations, as well as to establish their effects on the expression of surface CCR5. Ninety-six HIV-negative Chinese individuals in Taiwan were subjected to genotyping, and we thus determined that the allelic frequencies of CX3CR1V249I and T280M changes were 2.6% and 2.1%, respectively, which were lower than found in Caucasians (25.5% and 14.0%, respectively). Unlike the previous reports, we only detected CCR5P1 and P4 haplotypes in Taiwanese people, and the P1/P1, P1/P4 and P4/P4 genotype frequencies were 21.0%, 41.1% and 37.9%, respectively. The sequencing data confirmed the results of previous studies, showing that CCR5P1 exhibited a complete linkage disequilibrium with a polymorphic allele 59029A present in the CCR5 promoter. Furthermore, fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis revealed that, in the absence of the CCR2-64I mutation, individuals carrying CCR5P1 tended to express more surface CCR5 on monocytes and CD4+ cells. Therefore, this study not only reports the frequencies for the CX3CR1 and CCR5 promoter haplotypes in a Chinese population living in Taiwan, but also identifies a statistical link between the P1/P1 haplotype and the elevated CCR5 expression levels in the study group.

Vitamin B6 deficiency decreases the glucose utilization in cognitive brain structures of rats

The effects of vitamin B(6) deficiency on metabolic activities of brain structures were studied. Male Sprague-Dawley weanling rats received one of the following diets: (1) 7 mg pyridoxine HCl/kg (control group); (2) 0 mg pyridoxine HCl/kg (vitamin B(6)-deficient group); or (3) 7 mg pyridoxine HCl/kg with food intake restricted in quantity to that consumed by the deficient group (pair-fed control group). After 8 weeks of dietary treatment, rats in all three groups received an intravenous injection of 2-deoxy-[(14)C] glucose (100 microCi/kg). Vitamin B(6) status was evaluated by plasma pyridoxal 5'-phosphate concentrations. The vitamin B(6)-deficient group had significantly lower levels of plasma pyridoxal 5'-phosphate than did the control and pair-fed groups. The local cerebral glucose utilization rates in structures of the limbic system, basal ganglia, sensory motor system, and hypothalamic system were determined. The local cerebral glucose utilization rates in each of the four brain regions in the deficient animals were approximately 50% lower (P < 0.05) than in the control group. Results of the present study suggest that serious cognitive deficit may occur in vitamin B(6)-deficient animals.

Degradation of azo dyes using low iron concentration of Fenton and Fenton-like system

This study investigated Fenton and Fenton-like reactions at low iron concentration (<or==10 mg l-1) to oxidize three commercial azo dyes, namely Red MX-5B, Reactive Black 5 and Orange G. In some local cases in Taiwan, wastewater color was found to be the only problem in meeting local effluent standards. This investigation reveals that both of these methods can remove the color of these dyes completely. Moreover they only produce little sludge in wastewater that meet local effluent standards and do not need to further treat. The effects of Fe2+, Fe3+, H2O2 and solution pH on dye decolorization are demonstrated in detail. The optimum pH for both Fenton and Fenton-like reactions in this study are about pH 2.5-3.0. Increasing the dose of ferric nitrate enhances the dye decolorization. The optimal levels of H2O2 required for the process are also examined. High levels of H2O2 appear to reduce dye decolorization. In addition, it is also found that decolorization of azo dyes undergoes a faster reaction rate than mineralization of azo dyes.

Persistent retention of acetic acid is associated with complete tumour necrosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing percutaneous acetic acid injection

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous acetic acid injection therapy (PAIT) is effective for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to determine the occurrence and predictive value of persistent intra-tumoral retention of acetic acid after PAIT.

METHODS

We prospectively studied 60 (52 M, mean age 68 +/- 10 years) patients with 72 HCC nodules (45 < or = 3 cm) treated with PAIT. The presence of post-treatment persistent retention of acetic acid, defined as a homogeneous and highly hyperechoid mass in US appearance 3 days after completion of the treatment, was correlated with the treatment response.

RESULTS

The mean size of the treated tumour was 2.9 +/- 1.0 cm (range 1.5-5 cm). Thirty (42%) HCC nodules showed complete tumour necrosis demonstrated by contrast-enhanced dynamic CT. Complete response was found in 22 (69%) of 32 nodules showing persistent intra-tumoral retention of acetic acid (P < 0.001). Small (< or = 3 cm) tumour size was also significantly associated with complete tumour necrosis (P = 0.001). There were no significant differences of the injection volume and treatment sessions between those with and without complete tumour necrosis in either small or large (> 3 cm) HCC (P > 0.1). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that persistent retention of acetic acid (odds ratio (OR) 10.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.1-34.7; P < 0.001) and tumour size < or = 3 cm (OR 6.8, 95%, CI 1.8-25.8; P = 0.002) were independent factors predicting complete tumour necrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of persistent retention of acetic acid is associated with a favourable response and may predict complete tumour necrosis after PAIT.

Study on hydrogen production with hysteresis in UASB

This paper uses a 10-l UASB (upflow anaerobic sludge blanket) bench-scale reactor to treat the esterification wastewater of a polyethylene terephthalate manufacturing plant. Two organic loading rates are used to evaluate the effect on H2 production of temperature gradually step-down and step-up in the range of 11-25 degrees C. Experimental results show that H2 production is positively related to temperature. H2 production increases with temperature at the higher organic loading rate (4.5 kg COD m(-3)d(-1)). However, the H2 produced does not go back to its original concentration but rather follows a hysteresis curve. This hysteresis also occurs in the corresponding concentrations of COD, acetate, propionate and butyrate. As in the H2 profiles, these parameter curves return clockwise during the temperature step-up. At the lower organic loading rate (2.2 kg COD m(-3)d(-1)), no obvious hysteresis is observed for H2 curve. The pattern of other parameters, except for the propionate, returns counterclockwise resulting in the hysteresis phenomena.

Treatment of non-biodegradable wastewater by electro-Fenton method

A novel electro-Fenton method, called the Fered-Fenton method, applying H2O2 and electrogenerated ferrous ions for treating organic-containing wastewater was investigated. By combining electrochemical reduction and chemical oxidation, the process can regenerate ferrous ions and remove organic compounds simultaneously in a batch reactor. Because the generation rate of ferrous ions is one of the key parameters in evaluating the oxidation efficiency of the reaction system, the initial current efficiencies (eta(i)) for iron (III) reduction are examined first. It shows that increasing initial ferric ion concentration can achieve high initial current efficiency. In addition, eta(i) decreased (ca. 20-100%) with increasing current density of cathode (ca. 40-199 A/m2). For illustration, the wastewater from chemical (i.e. electroless) nickel plating was treated in this investigation owing to its non-biodegradability and high organic concentration. The average pH, COD and Ni concentrations of this wastewater were about 5.0, 30,000 and 2,000 mg/L, respectively. Experimental results indicate that traditional Fenton method only removed 60% of COD when using 5,000 mg/L of ferrous ions. However, the COD removal efficiency was promoted after the electricity was introduced into the system (i.e. Fered-Fenton method). Moreover, Ni concentration was reduced from 2,080 to 0.3 mg/L, indicating that the removal efficiency was higher than 99.9%.