[Studies on the DNA damage in the transformed bronchial epithelial cells induced by hexavalent chromium]

Objective: To investigate DNA damage in the transformed human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) induced by hexavalent chromium (Cr(6+)) and further elucidate the potential carcinogenesis mechanism of Cr(6+). Methods: 16HBE were treated with different concentration of Cr(6+ ()0, 0.625, 1.25, 2.5 μmol/L) for 15 weeks. The malignant degrees of transformed cells were identified by the assays for anchorage-independent growth and tumorigenicity. According to the single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay, the DNA damage rate was calculated. The expression level of 53BP1 was determined by Western blot. Results: Chromium-treated cells could form colonies in soft agar and tumors in nude mice. Compared with the control group, colony formation efficiency of 1.25μmol/L and 2.5 μmol/L Cr(6+)-treated cells in soft agar showed significant increases (p<0.05) . The 2.5 μmol/L Cr(6+)-treated cells also formed tumors subcutaneously in nude mice. Cr(6+) could cause different degree of DNA damage to 16HBE cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, Western blot analyses showed that 53BP1 was aberrantly down-regulated at 2.5 μmol/L dose and has no significant changes at 0.625 μmol/L and 1.25 μmol/L dose under the treatment of Cr(6+). Conclusion: The declined expression of 53BP1 may mediate Cr(6+)-induced DNA damage and further involved in the cell malignant transformation.

In vivo brain GPCR signaling elucidated by phosphoproteomics

A systems view of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling in its native environment is central to the development of GPCR therapeutics with fewer side effects. Using the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) as a model, we employed high-throughput phosphoproteomics to investigate signaling induced by structurally diverse agonists in five mouse brain regions. Quantification of 50,000 different phosphosites provided a systems view of KOR in vivo signaling, revealing novel mechanisms of drug action. Thus, we discovered enrichment of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway by U-50,488H, an agonist causing aversion, which is a typical KOR-mediated side effect. Consequently, mTOR inhibition during KOR activation abolished aversion while preserving beneficial antinociceptive and anticonvulsant effects. Our results establish high-throughput phosphoproteomics as a general strategy to investigate GPCR in vivo signaling, enabling prediction and modulation of behavioral outcomes.

[Effects of epicardial adipose tissue and inflammatory factors on left ventricular diastolic function in patients with coronary heart disease]

Objective: To investigate the effects ofepicardial adipose tissue volume (EATV) and inflammatory factors on left ventricular diastolic function in patients with coronary heart disease(CHD). Methods: The clinical data of patients with coronary heart disease receiving coronary artery intervention therapy from January 2014 to October 2015 in TEDA international cardiovascular hospital were preoperatively collected.We measured the indexes of EATV and left ventricular diastolic function. Results: The difference of age (F=7.76, P=0.01), IL-6 (F=14.34, P<0.01), Hs-CRP (F=4.08, P=0.04), adiponect-in (F=4.50, P=0.04) and EATV (F=71.29, P<0.01) between the diastolicdysfunction group (n=156) and the normal group (n=76) was statistically significant.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that EATV was a risk factor for left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with coronary artery disease (P<0.05), OR=1.05, 95%CI (1.03-1.06). The AUC value of EATV in the diagnosis of left ventriculardiastolic function in patients with coronary heart disease was 0.79, 95%CI (0.73-0.85) P<0.01. Conclusions: EATV can be used as an independent risk factor for left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.It has some non-invasive diagnosis and predictive value, and it can be used as a new therapeutic target.

[The caregiver burden and related factors on quality of life among caregivers for patients with lung cancer]

Objective: To explore the influence of caregiver burden on quality of life among caregivers for patients with lung cancer in Beijing. Methods: From August to October in 2017, 336 caregivers for patients with primary lung cancer from a large tertiary hospital were recruited to this survey by convenient sampling method. The Caregiver Reaction Assessment (CRA) and the WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) Instruments were used to evaluate the caregiver burden and quality of life. The demographic characteristics were evaluated using Pearson chi-square or Fisher's exact tests. In addition, using the 4 dimensions of quality of life scale as the dependent variables while the 5 dimensions of caregiver burden and demographic variables as the explanatory variables, we conducted the multiple linear stepwise regression analysis (the defaults were 0.15 for FORWARD and BACKWARD). Results: The scores of family caregivers' esteem, impact on schedule, impact on finances, impact on health and lack of family support were 4.30±0.47、3.55±0.74、3.10±0.91、2.60±0.78、2.32±0.73, respectively. Regression results showed that demographic factors, including marriage, occupation and relationship with patients and impact on health, caregivers' esteem and impact on finances dimensions of caregiver burden were the factors which influenced the quality of life of caregivers. Conclusions: The caregiver burden in patients with lung cancer is mainly focused on impact on schedule and finances. Impact on health, finances and caregivers' esteem (seven items were reverse-scored) are significantly negatively correlated with quality of life of caregivers.

[Effectiveness of different screening strategies for primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases in a rural northern Chinese population]

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the potential health benefit of screening strategies for cardiovascular diseases primary prevention in a rural northern Chinese population.

METHODS

A total of 6 221 adults aged 40-74 years old, from rural Beijing, China and free from cardiovascular diseases at baseline were included. The following screening strategies were compared: Strategy 1, the strategy based on numbers of risk factors recommended by the Chinese Guideline for Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases in people aged 40-74; Strategy 2, screening people aged 40-74 based on the Prediction for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk in China (China-PAR) risk prediction model; Strategy 3, screening people aged 50-74 using the China-PAR risk prediction model. Participates who were classified into medium- or high-risk by the corresponding strategies would be introduced to lifestyle intervention, while high risk population would take medication in addition. Markov model was used to compare the potential health benefits within 10 years in each scenario, which applied the parameters from this rural northern Chinese cohort, published literatures, meta-analyses and systematic reviews, clinical trials and other cohort studies of Chinese population. Quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) events/deaths could be prevented and number needed to be screened (NNS) per QALY gained/per CVD event prevented/per CVD death prevented were calculated to compare the effectiveness. One-way sensitivity analysis concerning uncertainty of cardiovascular disease incidence rate and probabilistic sensitivity analysis about the uncertainty of hazard ratios were conducted.

RESULTS

Compared with non-screening strategy, the potential health benefits of each strategy were: Strategy 1 would gain QALY of 498 (95%CI: 103-894) and prevent 298 (95%CI: 155-441) CVD events; Strategy 2 would gain QALY of 691 (95%CI: 233-1 149) and prevent CVD events of 374 (95%CI: 181-567); Strategy 3 would gain QALY of 654 (95%CI: 199-1 108) and prevent CVD events of 346 (95%CI: 154-538). Screening strategy based on ChinaPAR risk prediction model (strategy 2 or 3) would be generally better in terms of QALY gained, CVD events/deaths prevented and NNS than the strategy based on numbers of CVD risk factors (all P<0.05 except NNS per QALY gained and NNS per CVD event prevented in 40-74 years). Similar benefits were obtained for the strategy 2 and 3. The results were consistent in the sensitivity analyses on the parameters of incidence rates and hazard ratios.

CONCLUSION

Screening people to target increased risks of cardiovascular diseases in this rural northern Chinese population is necessary. Screening strategy based on China-PAR risk prediction model could gain more health benefits than that based on numbers of CVD risk factors.

[Efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon α-2b injection (Y shape, 40 kD) in treatment of patients with genotype 1/6 chronic hepatitis C]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of the new investigational drug pegylated interferon α-2b (Peg-IFN-α-2b) (Y shape, 40 kD) injection (180 µg/week) combined with ribavirin in the treatment of patients with genotype 1/6 chronic hepatitis C (CHC), with standard-dose Peg-IFN-α-2a combined with ribavirin as a positive control. Methods: A multicenter, randomized, open-label, and positive-controlled phase III clinical trial was performed. Eligible patients with genotype 1/6 CHC were screened out and randomly divided into Peg-IFN-α-2b(Y shape, 40kD) group and Peg-IFN-α-2a group at a ratio of 2:1. The patients in both groups were given oral ribavirin for 48 weeks in addition and then followed up for 24 weeks after drug withdrawal. Abbott Real Time HCV Genotype II was used to determine HCV genotype, and Cobas TaqMan quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure HCV RNA level at 0, 4, 12, 24, 48, and 72 weeks. Adverse events were recorded in detail. The primary efficacy endpoint was sustained virological response (SVR), and a non-inferiority test was also performed. Results: A total of 561 patients with genotype 1/6 CHC were enrolled, among whom 529 received treatment; 90.9% of these patients had genotype 1 CHC. The data of the full analysis set showed that SVR rate was 69.80% (95% CI 65.00%-74.60%) in the trial group and 74.16% (95% CI 67.73%-80.59%) in the control group (P = 0.297 0). The data of the per protocol set (PPS) showed that SVR rate was 80.63% (95% CI 76.04%-85.23%) in the trial group and 81.33% (95% CI 75.10%-87.57%) in the control group (P = 0.849 8), and the 95% CI of rate difference conformed to the non-inferiority standard. The analysis of the PPS population showed that of all subjects, 47.9% achieved rapid virologic response, with a positive predictive value of 93.8%. The incidence rate of adverse events was 96.30% in the trial group and 94.94% in the control group, and the incidence rate of serious adverse events was 5.13% in the trail group and 5.06% in the control group. Conclusion: In the regimen of Peg-IFN-α combined with ribavirin for the treatment of genotype 1/6 CHC, the new investigational drug Peg-IFN-α-2b(Y shape, 40 kD) has comparable clinical effect and safety to the control drug Peg-IFN-α-2a.

Genome-wide association studies to identify quantitative trait loci affecting milk production traits in water buffalo

Water buffalo is the second largest resource of milk supply around the world, and it is well known for its distinctive milk quality in terms of fat, protein, lactose, vitamin, and mineral contents. Understanding the genetic architecture of milk production traits is important for future improvement by the buffalo breeding industry. The advance of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) provides an opportunity to identify potential genetic variants affecting important economical traits. In the present study, GWAS was performed for 489 buffaloes with 1,424 lactation records using the 90K Affymetrix Buffalo SNP Array (Affymetrix/Thermo Fisher Scientific, Santa Clara, CA). Collectively, 4 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in 2 genomic regions were found to associate with buffalo milk production traits. One region affecting milk fat and protein percentage was located on the equivalent of Bos taurus autosome (BTA)3, spanning 43.3 to 43.8 Mb, which harbored the most likely candidate genes MFSD14A, SLC35A3, and PALMD. The other region on the equivalent of BTA14 at 66.5 to 67.0 Mb contained candidate genes RGS22 and VPS13B and influenced buffalo total milk yield, fat yield, and protein yield. Interestingly, both of the regions were reported to have quantitative trait loci affecting milk performance in dairy cattle. Furthermore, we suggest that buffaloes with the C allele at AX-85148558 and AX-85073877 loci and the G allele at AX-85106096 locus can be selected to improve milk fat yield in this buffalo-breeding program. Meanwhile, the G allele at AX-85063131 locus can be used as the favorable allele for improving milk protein percentage. Genomic prediction showed that the reliability of genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) of 6 milk production traits ranged from 0.06 to 0.22, and the correlation between estimated breeding values and GEBV ranged from 0.23 to 0.35. These findings provide useful information to understand the genetic basis of buffalo milk properties and may play a role in accelerating buffalo breeding programs using genomic approaches.

[Effect of Bmi1 gene overexpression on hematopoietic differentiation colony-forming assay of human embryonic stem cells]

Objective: To study the effect of Bmi1 gene overexpression on hematopoietic differentiation colony-forming assay of human embryonic stem cells. Method: Human embryonic stem cell H1 was co-cultured with mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells OP9 to simulate hematopoietic differentiation in vitro. On the eighth day of co-culture, CD34(+) hematopoietic progenitor cells were selected for colony- forming assay to induce hematopoietic colonies. The expression of Bmi1 gene and BMI1 protein in the process of H1 in vitro hematopoietic differentiation to CD34(+) precursor cells was respectively detected by real-time PCR and Western Blot. The human embryonic stem cell H1 which overexpress Bmi1 gene was subjected to hematopoietic differentiation in the same way. Compare the colonies generated by hematopoietic differentiation of the two types of H1 cells. Results: The expression of Bmi1 gene was first increased and then decreased in the process of in vitro hematopoietic differentiation to CD34(+) hematopoietic progenitor cells of human embryonic stem cells. Colony-forming assay showed H1 cells which overexpress Bmi1 gene produced significantly more erythroid colony forming units and mixed colony forming units than normal H1 cells. Conclusion: Overexpression of Bmi1 gene promote the production of erythroid and mixed colony forming units during hematopoietic differentiation of human embryonic stem cell H1.

Serological biomarker screening and host factor analysis elucidating immune response heterogeneity in active pulmonary tuberculosis

While mortality and morbidity from pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) have improved, diagnosis of this infectious disease remains suboptimal without a point-of-care test. Antibody/ antigen-based serodiagnostics is the most amenable for point-of-care translation but hampered by a lack of validated biomarkers and a heterogeneous patient antibody response. Using a case-control design, we assessed serodiagnostic potential of immunoglobulins G, A, and dimeric IgA responses against 18 antigenic preparations, followed by antibody-subclass responses against antigen 60 (A60), and four markers of host innate immunity by enzymelinked immunoassay using sera samples (n=110) collected from April to October 2007 in VietNam from human immunodeficiency-negative patients with provisional diagnosis of PTB. We further analyzed host variables to investigate factors driving biomarker heterogeneity observed in patients. Among active pulmonary tuberculosis patients, low correlation was observed between anti-A60 antibody-classes, and between anti-A60 immunoglobulin G subclasses, but anti-A60 immunoglobulin A subclasses were significantly correlated. The best diagnostic combination of anti-A60 immunoglobulin G/A and a C-reactive protein "ruleout" remains insufficient at 82%/92% sensitivity/specificity (95%CI: 72-92%/82-98%). Heterogeneity of anti-A60 immunoglobulins G2, G3, M, as well as C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A levels observed in this study population appeared to be significantly associated with history of previous tuberculosis, hemoptysis, age, vaccination, night sweats, smoking, chest pain, fever, alcohol, and solid culture count. Further research on tuberculosis serological biomarkers may require consideration of host factors and new approaches using multiple biomarkers.

[An investigation of trichloroethylene-induced effects on histone methylation in L-02 hepatic cells]

Objective: To further explore TCE-induced hepatotoxicity and its mechanisms by identification of trichloroethylene (TCE) induced abnormal histone methylation in human liver cells. Methods: L-02 cells were treated with 0 and 8 mmol/L TCE for 24 h. Histones were extracted by acid. Liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-LC-MS/MS) were used to identify and quantify TCE related histone methylations. TCE induced abnormal methylation of H3K79 me2 and H3K79 me3 were validated by Western blot analysis. The further analysis of the function of histone abnormal methylation modifications were done by single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) and Western blot analysis of p53 and ɤH2AX. Results: After treatment with TCE for 24 h in L-02 cells, the 36 TCE related histone methylation sites in 28 peptide segments were identified by MS. After treatment with TCE in concentrations of 0 and 8.0 mmol/L in L-02 cells for 24 h, the relative expression level of histone H3K79 me3 were 1.00±0.06, 0.70±0.09 (t=15.01, P=0.015); the relative expression level of histone H3K79 me2 were 1.00±0.05, 0.74±0.07 (t=16.69, P=0.018); the Olive Tail Moment about DNA damage were 1.46±0.28, 3.12± 0.68 (t=15.22, P=0.018); the relative expression levels of p53 were 1.00±0.04, 1.24±0.04 (t=18.71, P= 0.012); and the relative expression levels of ɤH2AX were 1.00 ± 0.03, 1.56 ± 0.11 (t=8.32, P=0 045). Conclusion: TCE can induce changes in the relative expression level of H3K79 me2 and H3K79 me3 in L-02 cell, and induce DNA damage, suggesting that TCE may induce changes in the relative expression level of H3K79 me2 and H3K79 me3 by DNA damage.

Activation of dioxygen by copper metalloproteins and insights from model complexes

Nature uses dioxygen as a key oxidant in the transformation of biomolecules. Among the enzymes that are utilized for these reactions are copper-containing metalloenzymes, which are responsible for important biological functions such as the regulation of neurotransmitters, dioxygen transport, and cellular respiration. Enzymatic and model system studies work in tandem in order to gain an understanding of the fundamental reductive activation of dioxygen by copper complexes. This review covers the most recent advancements in the structures, spectroscopy, and reaction mechanisms for dioxygen-activating copper proteins and relevant synthetic models thereof. An emphasis has also been placed on cofactor biogenesis, a fundamentally important process whereby biomolecules are post-translationally modified by the pro-enzyme active site to generate cofactors which are essential for the catalytic enzymatic reaction. Significant questions remaining in copper-ion-mediated O2-activation in copper proteins are addressed.

Expression of inflammatory cytokines in ovarian epithelial cancer and their correlation

This study investigates the expression of interleukin (IL)-17 (IL-17A and IL-17D) and its role in ovarian epithelial tumor and its correlation with the clinical characteristics. Fifty malignant ovarian epithelial tumor specimens were collected after surgery and set as group A. Ten benign epithelioma specimens and ten normal epithelial specimens were set as group B and C, respectively. The expression of IL-17A and IL-17D in the three groups was detected using the EnVision method, and the correlation of positive expression rate with pathological type, clinical stage, presence of ascites and differentiation degree was analyzed. Group A had higher expression of IL-17A and IL-17D compared to group B and C (p less than 0.05). The expression rate was in correlation to clinical stage and differentiation degree, but in no correlation to pathological type and presence of ascites. The expression rate of malignant epithelioma in the early stage was lower than that in the late stage (p less than 0.05). Lower differentiation degree indicated higher expression rate (p less than 0.05). Pathological type and presence of ascites had no remarkable influence on the expression rate (p>0.05). Study of the expression of IL-17 provides theoretical support for the clinical treatment and prognosis prediction of ovarian epithelial tumor.

Dynamics of Polarons in Organic Conjugated Polymers with Side Radicals

Based on the one-dimensional tight-binding Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model, and using the molecular dynamics method, we discuss the dynamics of electron and hole polarons propagating along a polymer chain, as a function of the distance between side radicals and the magnitude of the transfer integrals between the main chain and the side radicals. We first discuss the average velocities of electron and hole polarons as a function of the distance between side radicals. It is found that the average velocities of the electron polarons remain almost unchanged, while the average velocities of hole polarons decrease significantly when the radical distance is comparable to the polaron width. Second, we have found that the average velocities of electron polarons decrease with increasing transfer integral, but the average velocities of hole polarons increase. These results may provide a theoretical basis for understanding carriers transport properties in polymers chain with side radicals.

[Perioperative management and surgical treatment of neurosurgical critical patients with thrombocytopenia]

OBJECTIVE

To study the perioperative management and surgical treatment of patients with neurosurgical critical diseases and thrombocytopenia.

METHODS

Eleven patients with the diagnosis of neurosurgical critical diseases and thrombocytopenia who received surgical treatment in Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2010 to 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. All eleven patients received platelet transfusions preoperatively. The safety and efficacy of surgical treatment were analyzed by GOS score at 6 months after operations.

RESULTS

Platelet counts of six patients who received minimally invasive surgery reached 80×10(9) /L by platelet transfusions preoperatively. Platelet counts of five patients who received Craniotomy and ventriculoperitoneal shunt reached 100×10(9) /L by platelet transfusions preoperatively. Eight patients received platelet transfusions postoperatively according to a low platelet count 24 hours after operations. Two patients died after surgery and one died after discharge. All other eight survival patients got well recovery with an average GOS score of 4.5 at six months after operations.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with neurosurgical critical diseases and thrombocytopenia could receive surgical treatment in collaboration with relative departments.

94 β-Decay Half-Lives of Neutron-Rich _{55}Cs to _{67}Ho: Experimental Feedback and Evaluation of the r-Process Rare-Earth Peak Formation

The β-decay half-lives of 94 neutron-rich nuclei ^{144-151}Cs, ^{146-154}Ba, ^{148-156}La, ^{150-158}Ce, ^{153-160}Pr, ^{156-162}Nd, ^{159-163}Pm, ^{160-166}Sm, ^{161-168}Eu, ^{165-170}Gd, ^{166-172}Tb, ^{169-173}Dy, ^{172-175}Ho, and two isomeric states ^{174m}Er, ^{172m}Dy were measured at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory, providing a new experimental basis to test theoretical models. Strikingly large drops of β-decay half-lives are observed at neutron-number N=97 for _{58}Ce, _{59}Pr, _{60}Nd, and _{62}Sm, and N=105 for _{63}Eu, _{64}Gd, _{65}Tb, and _{66}Dy. Features in the data mirror the interplay between pairing effects and microscopic structure. r-process network calculations performed for a range of mass models and astrophysical conditions show that the 57 half-lives measured for the first time play an important role in shaping the abundance pattern of rare-earth elements in the solar system.

[Comparison of clinical outcomes of patients with non-small cell lung cancer harboring different types of epidermal growth factor receptor sensitive mutations after first-line EGFR-TKI treatment]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze whether there are differences in the efficacy and clinical outcomes to first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) therapy in Chinese patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring different subtypes of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of stage ⅢB or Ⅳ NSCLC patients who were diagnosed by histology and received EGFR mutation test, in order to confirm if there is any difference between the therapeutic effects of TKIs as first-line therapy and the prognosis.

RESULTS

A total of 165 patients harboring EGFR exon 19 deletion (19del, n=71), exon 21 L858R mutation (L858R, n=80) or uncommon sensitive mutation (n=14) were treated with EGFR-TKIs for first-line treatment. The comparison among different groups of common types of sensitive mutations revealed that the objective response rate (ORR) of group 19del and group L858R were 57.8% and 45.0%, respectively (P=0.113). The disease control rate (DCR) was 93.0% and 93.8%, respectively (P=0.158). However, the ORR and DCR of uncommon sensitive mutation were 35.7% and 78.6%, which were significantly lower than that of the group 19del (P=0.035) and group L858R (P=0.020). The median progression-free survival (PFS) of group 19del, group L858R and uncommon sensitive mutation were 14.0 months, 7.8 months and 5.1 months, respectively (P=0.001). The median PFS of the group 19del was significantly longer than that of the group L858R (P=0.009). The median overall survival (OS) of these three groups had significant difference (22.8, 15.2 and 10.0 months) (P=0.048). But those of group 19del and group L858R were similar (P=0.152). The multivariate analysis indicated that ECOG-PS (P=0.030), cigarette smoking (P=0.013) and EGFR mutation types (P=0.034) are independent prognostic factors of OS.

CONCLUSIONS

For Chinese NSCLC patients with different types of sensitive mutation, there are differences between their efficacy and prognosis of EGFR-TKIs as first-line treatment. The PFS of group 19del is obviously longer than that of other types of sensitive mutations, but have no significant differences in OS. The PFS and OS of patients with common types of sensitive mutation are better than those with uncommon sensitive mutation.

Fluorophore Labeling, Nanodisc Reconstitution and Single-molecule Observation of a G Protein-coupled Receptor

Activation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) by agonist ligands is mediated by a transition from an inactive to active receptor conformation. We describe a novel single-molecule assay that monitors activation-linked conformational transitions in individual GPCR molecules in real-time. The receptor is site-specifically labeled with a Cy3 fluorescence probe at the end of trans-membrane helix 6 and reconstituted in phospholipid nanodiscs tethered to a microscope slide. Individual receptor molecules are then monitored over time by single-molecule total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, revealing spontaneous transitions between inactive and active-like conformations. The assay provides information on the equilibrium distribution of inactive and active receptor conformations and the rate constants for conformational exchange. The experiments can be performed in the absence of ligands, revealing the spontaneous conformational transitions responsible for basal signaling activity, or in the presence of agonist or inverse agonist ligands, revealing how the ligands alter the dynamics of the receptor to either stimulate or repress signaling activity. The resulting mechanistic information is useful for the design of improved GPCR-targeting drugs. The single-molecule assay is described in the context of the β₂ adrenergic receptor, but can be extended to a variety of GPCRs.

Genetic characteristics of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in ethnic Uighur people, and their clinical significance

The incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in China is increasing and is attracting attention as a topic of research. The percentage of NHL cases in ethnic Uighur people is also gradually increasing. We therefore recruited Uighur people with NHL to investigate the correlation between genetic alternations and clinical/pathological features in an attempt to determine their clinical significance. A total of 60 NHL patients were recruited from our hospital for a microscopic examination of their tumor cell morphology. Further analysis of chromosome karyotypes revealed the relationship between genetic alternations and clinical/pathological features. Microscopic examination revealed increased numbers of tumor cells with altered morphology. The recruited patients all exhibited abnormal karyotypes. Chromosomal breakages were detected at 14q32, 18q21, 6q21-25, +3, +, +18, and short tandem repeat 17 (str17) in 18.3, 25, 25, 18.3, 15, and 21.7% of patients, respectively. Karyotype change was not related to age, gender, performance status score, or pathological type (P > 0.05), but was correlated with clinical stage, average lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, extra-lymphatic metastasis, median survival time, and efficacy of radio- or chemotherapy (P < 0.05). Independent risk factors for genetic change in Uighur NHL patients included clinical stage, average LDH level, extra-lymphatic metastasis, median survival time, and efficacy of radio- or chemotherapy (P < 0.05). Uighur NHL patients exhibited genetic changes including t(14:18), 6q21-25, +3, +7, +18, and str17. Clinical stage, average LDH level, extra-lymphatic metastasis, median survival time, and efficacy of radio- or chemotherapy were all independent risk factors for NHL.

Nasal immunization with inhibin DNA vaccine delivered by attenuated Salmonella choleraesuis for improving ovarian responses and fertility in cross-bred buffaloes

This study was conducted to determine the effect of immunization with inhibin DNA vaccine delivered by attenuated Salmonella choleraesuis on ovarian responses and fertility in cross-bred buffaloes. A total of 134 cross-bred buffaloes were divided into four groups: groups T1 (n = 34), T2 (n = 35) and T3 (n = 31) were nasal immunized twice a day with 10 ml of 1 × 10¹⁰  CFU/ml of the C501 (pVAX-asd-IS) vaccine for 5, 3 and 1 day, respectively. Group C (n = 34) was nasal immunized with 10 ml PBS for 5 days. All animals were immunized twice with an interval of 14 days and administered with 200 μg of a GnRH analogue on day 28, 0.5 mg PGF_2α on day 35 and 200 μg of the same GnRH analogue on day 37. TAI was performed at 18 and 24 hr after the second GnRH treatment. Fourteen days after primary immunization, C501 (pVAX-asd-IS) elicited significant immune responses, and anti-inhibin IgG antibody titres in group T1 were significantly higher (p < .01) than groups T3 and C. After the second GnRH treatment, the growth speed of the dominant follicles in group T1 was significantly faster (p < .05) than groups T3 and C. The number and diameter of large follicles (≥10 mm) as well as ovulatory follicles in group T1 were the greatest in all groups, resulting in a greater conception rate in buffaloes with positive anti-inhibin antibodies. These results demonstrate that immunization with the C501 (pVAX-asd-IS) vaccine, coupled with the Ovsynch protocol, could be used as an alternative approach to improve reproductive performance in cross-bred buffaloes.

[Study on development of rehabilitation therapy for voice problems of hearing impaired children]

The production of voice is related to the coordinated operation of respiratory system,phonation system and resonance system.Sonic wave which is produced by the vibration of vocal fold goes through the resonating cavities to bring the voice out.Hearing and voice are two kinds of functions which are very related.Hearing impaired children have a very strong tendency to be in communication with people by improving the volume of their voice(Lombard's effect).To summarize the reasons,the methods of assessment and therapy of voice problems of hearing impaired children.Review 32 literature related to voice problems of hearing impaired children in the near past 12 years.Hearing intervention and improper way of phonation have great effect on the voice health of hearing impaired children.There are few studies on the therapy efficiency and auditory feedback training of voice problems of hearing impaired children,which are expecting our further study.

[Functions of participatory ergonomics programs in reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders]

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are most commonly seen in all the occupational non-fatal injuries and illnesses for workers, especially those who are involved in labor-intensive industries. Participatory ergonomics is frequently used to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. This paper gives an overview of a historical perspective on the use of participatory ergonomics approach in reducing the health effects of labor-intensive industries. Progress, barriers and facilitators on the organization, implementation and evaluation of participatory ergonomics programs are studied. Participatory ergonomics seems a successful method to develop, prioritize measures to prevent MSDs. Participatory ergonomics can help industries reduce musculoskeletal injuries and disorders, improve workplace condition and promote health conditions of the workers.

Copper(I)-Dioxygen Adducts and Copper Enzyme Mechanisms

Primary copper(I)-dioxygen (O₂) adducts, cupric-superoxide complexes, have been proposed intermediates in copper-containing dioxygen-activating monooxygenase and oxidase enzymes. Here, mechanisms of C-H activation by reactive copper-(di)oxygen intermediates are discussed, with an emphasis on cupric-superoxide species. Over the past 25 years, many synthetically derived cupric-superoxide model complexes have been reported. Due to the thermal instability of these intermediates, early studies focused on increasing their stability and obtaining physical characterization. More recently, in an effort to gain insight into the possible substrate oxidation step in some copper monooxygenases, several cupric-superoxide complexes have been used as surrogates to probe substrate scope and reaction mechanisms. These cupric superoxides are capable of oxidizing substrates containing weak O-H and C-H bonds. Mechanistic studies for some enzymes and model systems have supported an initial hydrogen-atom abstraction via the cupric-superoxide complex as the first step of substrate oxidation.

Association between monoamine oxidase B A644G polymorphism and Parkinson's disease risk: a meta-analysis in the Chinese population

Although various individual studies have evaluated the correlation between monoamine oxidase B (MAOB), polymorphism, and Parkinson's disease (PD), the results remain inconclusive. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis in the Chinese population to provide comprehensive data on the association between the MAOB polymorphism and PD. Eligible studies were identified via databases such as PubMed, Springer Link, Ovid, Chinese Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chinese Biology Medicine, throughout November 2015. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strengths of these associations. Eight studies documenting a total of 1385 cases of PD and 1426 controls were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, no significant association was found between the MAOB A644G polymorphism and PD risk in the Chinese population. However, in subgroup analyses, where results were stratified by geographical areas and source of controls, increased risk for PD in Northern China was observed (allele A vs G: OR = 1.33, 95%CI = 1.11-1.58; AA vs GG: OR = 1.46, 95%CI = 1.09-1.97; AA + AG vs GG: OR = 1.42, 95%CI = 1.06-1.90). Similarly, population-based studies also showed significant association between the MAOB A644G polymorphism and PD risk among different populations (allele A vs G: OR = 1.29, 95%CI = 1.11-1.51; AA vs GG: OR = 1.41, 95%CI = 1.09-1.82; AA + AG vs GG: OR = 1.34, 95%CI = 1.04- 1.71). In conclusion, this meta-analysis provided evidence that the MAOB A644G polymorphism may contribute to PD development in Northern China. Further studies conducted in other ethnic groups are required for definite conclusions.