The Hierarchy of Proinflammatory Cytokines in Ocular Inflammation

PURPOSE

The concept of tissue-dependent cytokine hierarchy has been demonstrated in a number of diseases, but it has not been investigated in ophthalmic diseases. Here, we evaluated the functional hierarchy of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-17A, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in the induction of ocular inflammation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We delivered adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors expressing IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, or TNF intravitreally in naïve C57/BL6 mice and compared and contrasted the inflammatory effects in the eye 5 weeks after AAV-mediated gene transfer. We also used an in vitro human system to test the effect of cytokines on barrier function.

RESULTS

We found that IL-1β had the highest ability to initiate ocular inflammation. The continuous overexpression of IL-1β resulted in a significant upregulation of additional proinflammatory mediators in the eye. Using scanning laser ophthalmoscope and optical coherence tomography imaging techniques, we showed that a low dose of AAVIL-1β was sufficient and was as pathogenic as a high dose of TNF in inducing vascular leakage, retinal degeneration, and cellular infiltration. Furthermore, only a marginal increase in IL-1β was enough to cause cellular infiltration, thus confirming the highly pathogenic nature of IL-1β in the eye. Contrary to our expectation, IL-6 or IL-17A had minimal or no effect in the eye. To examine the clinical relevance of our findings, we used an impedance assay to show that IL-1β alone or TNF alone was able to cause primary human retinal endothelial cell barrier dysfunction in vitro. Again, IL-6 alone or IL-17A alone had no effect on barrier function; however, in the presence of IL-1β or TNF, IL-17A but not IL-6 may provide additive proinflammatory effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Our studies demonstrate the existence of a functional hierarchy of proinflammatory cytokines in the eye, and we show that IL-1β is the most pathogenic when it is continuously expressed in the eye.

[Associations between overweight-obesity and puberty timing in children with different genders in China]

Objective: To understand the associations between overweight-obesity and puberty timing in children with different genders. Methods: The girls in grade 2, 3, 7, 8 and boys in grade 3, 4, 7, 8 were recruited from primary and middle schools in North new area of Shenyang, Yanqing district of Beijing, Erqi district of Zhengzhou and Jiulongpo district of Chongqing by purposive sampling method between October and December 2014, respectively. The information of demographic characteristics of the respondents were collected and the pubertal development status was evaluated by Pubertal Development Scale (PDS). A total of 6 701 students were recruited; 6 137 out of which were valid with complete questionnaires. The associations between overweight-obesity and puberty timing were estimated by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of overweight-obesity in primary schools were 34.8% (522/1 499) among boys and 24.2% (341/1 409) among girls, respectively. The prevalence of overweight-obesity in middle schools were 31.3% (591/1 658) among boys and 21.8% (342/1 571) among girls, respectively. The prevalence of premature puberty in primary schools were 15.0% (225/1 499) among boys and 14.2% (200/1 409) among girls, respectively. The prevalence of delayed puberty in middle schools were 14.3% (237/1 658) among boys and 14.9% (234/1 571) among girls, respectively. After adjusting the effects of region, age, one-child, family income and the parents' educational levels, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that overweight-obesity had significantly positive association with premature puberty (OR=2.16, 95%CI: 1.56-2.99) among girls in primary schools, and significantly negative association with delayed puberty (OR=0.54, 95%CI: 0.36-0.80) among girls in middle schools when compared with students with normal weights, both P values were <0.05. There was no significant associations among boys in primary and middle schools between overweight-obesity and puberty timing, and the corresponding OR(95%CI) were 1.08(0.80-1.45) and 0.93(0.69-1.27) respectively, both P values >0.05. Conclusion: There was significantly positive association between overweight-obesity and premature puberty among girls, and significantly negative association with delayed puberty among girls in middle schools; but the association was not found among boys.

[Investigation of group sex in men who have sex with men in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, 2013-2015]

Objective: To understand the prevalence of group sex in men who have sex with men (MSM) and related factors in Taizhou, Zhejiang province. Methods: From March 2013 to September 2015, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among MSM recruited from gay bars or bath houses in Taizhou by using questionnaire to collect the information about their sexual behavior and HIV test. Results: A total of 1 435 MSM were recruited, 179 of them (12.5%) were HIV infected, 231 (16.1%) reported group sex during the past year. Compared with MSM without group sex, more MSM with group sex had more than ten male sexual partners (53.7% vs. 19.0%, χ(2)=125.527, P<0.01), had both male and female sexual partners (86.6% vs. 68.2%, χ(2)=31.935, P<0.01), used no condom at sex with female partners during the past year (28.1% vs. 19.8%, χ(2)=6.540, P<0.05). After adjusted for educational level and occupation, group sex was associated with age[≥50 years old vs. ≤24 years old, adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.25, P=0.027], marriage with female (divorced or widowedvs. unmarried, aOR=0.29, P=0.001), census registering (local resident vs. non-local resident, aOR=1.56, P=0.023), number of male seuxal partners (≥21 vs. 2-5, aOR=8.06, P<0.001; 11-20 vs. 2-5, aOR=3.25, P<0.001) and number of female seuxal partners (≥6 vs. 0, aOR=2.63, P=0.005; 2-5 vs. 0, aOR=2.58, P=0.001; 1 vs. 0, aOR=2.01, P=0.010). Conclusion: The prevalence of group sex in MSM was high in Taizhou, and their poor condom use and complex sex behaviors would result in higher HIV infection rate and risk of transmission.

[Influence of growing experience on non-heterosexual orientation among male college students in Nanjing]

Objective: To analyze the influence of growing experience on non-heterosexual orientation among male college students. Methods: From October to November in 2015, a total of 2 535 male students from 96 classes in 14 colleges/departments were recruited from two colleges that participated in the experimental work of AIDS prevention by cluster random sampling method. A structured questionnaire was administered in this study, including general demographic information, growing experience and Kinsey scale (to evaluate sexual orientation). Out of 2 500 questionnaires distributed in this study, 2 332 effective copies were withdrew, with the effective rate at 93.3%. Chi square test was used to analyze the differences of non-heterosexual orientation among the individuals with different social demographic characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of non-heterosexual orientation. Results: Among the 2 332 individuals, the proportion of self-reported non-heterosexual was 6.2% (144).The proportions of male students who identify as non-heterosexual from freshman to junior year were 5.2%(63/1216),6.9%(65/941),11.7%(13/111) and 4.7%(3/64), respectively (χ(2)=9.06,P=0.029). Compared with the individuals of very good relationship with parents, those with bad relationship (OR=3.3, 95%CI: 1.7-6.5) and general relationship (OR=1.7, 95%CI: 1.0-2.9) with parents had a higher risk of non-heterosexual orientation, respectively. Those encountered sexual assault had a higher risk of non-heterosexual orientation than those without encountered sexual assault (OR=5.9, 95%CI: 3.2-10.9). Conclusions: This study reported a high proportion of self-reported non-heterosexual among college male students in Nanjing, and highlighted the importance of targeting students with poor parental relationships and who subjected to sexually abused.

[Cross-sectional surveys on the use of recreational drug nitrous-acid-ester rush-poppers in men who have sex with men, Nanjing]

Objective: To investigate the situation of recreational drug nitrous acid ester inhaler-rush poppers use in men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods: From April to June in 2014, October to December in 2014, April to June in 2015, three round cross-sectional surveys were conducted in MSM recruited in Nanjing by means of serum test and questionnaire survey. Results: Of the 1 721 MSM surveyed in three round, 19.3% (332/1 721) had ever used rush poppers, the proportions of MSM who used rush poppers in three round surveys showed an increasing trend (liner by liner χ(2)= 14.879, P=0.000), which was 12.6% (86/681), 27.6% (121/439) and 20.8% (125/601) respectively. Rush poppers use was associated with HIV infection significantly (OR=1.676, 95%CI: 1.201-2.339, P=0.002). Compared with MSM without rush poppers use, the MSM with rush poppers use were mainly aged <30 years, unmarried, received college and higher education, had lived in Nanjing for less than 2 years, seek sex partners through internet and identified themselves as homosexual orientation. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that less than 30 years old, living in Nanjing for less than 2 years, with college and higher education level, more than 2 sex partners in the past 6 months, being diagnosed with STDs in the previous one year and using traditional drugs were the risk factors associated with rush poppers use. Conclusion: Rush poppers use was related with HIV infection in MSM in Nanjing.

[A cohort study on association between the first trimester phthalates exposure and fasting blood glucose level in the third trimester]

Objective: To examine the association between the phthalate exposure in the first trimester and fasting blood glucose level or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the third trimester in pregnant women. Methods: A total of 3 474 pregnant women, receiving their prenatal examination in Ma' anshan Maternal and Child Health-Care Hospital of Anhui province, were selected from May 2013 to September 2014. Questionnaires were used to collect the information about their socio-demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics and GDM diagnostic results in the first, second and third trimesters. Urine samples and fasting venous blood samples were collected. Concentrations of 7 kinds of phthalate metabolites in urine samples were detected by solid phase extraction-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-HPLC-MS/MS), and multiple linear regression model was used for statistical analyses. Logistic regression analysis on the risk of the first trimester phthalate exposure for GDM in the third trimester was conducted. Results: The prevalence of GDM in this study was 12.8%, monomethyl phthalate (MMP), monoethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP), monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) and mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) exposure levels were positively correlated with the fasting blood glucose level in the third trimester (P<0.05), but mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) and mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxylhexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) exposure levels were negatively correlated with the fasting blood glucose level in the third trimester (P<0.05). Stratified analysis showed a positive correlation between MEHHP exposure and the third trimester fasting blood glucose level in both normal group and GDM group. However, MMP, MEP, MBP, MBzP, MEHP and MEOHP exposure levels had influences on the third trimester fasting blood glucose level in normal group but not in GDM group. MMP and MBP exposure might increase the risk of GDM, but MEOHP exposure might reduce the risk of GDM. Conclusion: The phthalate exposure in the first trimester might be associated with the fasting blood glucose level in the third trimester, MMP, MEP, MBP, MBzP and MEHHP concentrations were positively associated with the third trimester blood glucose level, MEHP and MEOHP concentrations were negatively associated with the third trimester blood glucose level. Moreover, the effects of different kinds of phthalates might be different.

Comparison between thermodynamic work and heat in autonomous quantum systems

One of the most important problems in quantum thermodynamics is how to distinguish work and heat in autonomous quantum systems. In this paper, work and heat are defined through the following criterion, i.e., work is the energy that cannot change the entropy of the energy resource, and satisfies the Jarzynski equality, while heat does not. Two kinds of definitions satisfying the two corresponding requirements are proposed and demonstrated, and the consistency condition of the two kinds is given. Through the first definition, the problem of entropy production is investigated. A model study is also presented to verify the proposal.

[Clinical effects of different methods of the proximal fusion for long segmental lumbar vertebrae fusion in treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis]

Objective: To explored the clinical effects of different methods of the proximal fusion for long segmental lumbar vertebrae fusion in treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis(DLS). Methods: From January 2007 to March 2014 fifty-five cases of DLS treated by the posterior proximal fusion of long segmental lumbar vertebrae fusion were analyzed in Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai general Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (35)HuaiAn The First Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University(20). According to various upper instrumented vertebra(UIV) the patients were divided into Group A(upper horizontal vertebra, UHV, n=17), Group B (upper natural vertebra, UNV n=18 ), and Group C(upper end vertebra, UEV, n=20). The VAS, ODI, spinal balance parameters and postoperative complications in each group were assessed. Results: Except for 1 case death of serious lung infection in early postoperative, 54 cases were received 2-4 years follow-up. No statistical differences in improvements and fusion rates were found among 3 groups (P>0.05). The improvements of the coronal Cobb's angle in the A group were significantly more than the C group (75.8%±12.8%, 69.6%±11.8%, 63.4%±15.3%, P<0.05). The incidences of early postoperative complications in A group were the highest, next in B group, and lowest C group (52.9%, 22.0%, 15.0%, P<0.05). The incidences of proximal ASD in the C group were significantly more than the A group (12.5%, 22.2%, 50.0%, P=0.045). Conclusion: UHV, UNV and UEV had similar clinical outcomes for treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis in short term. Correction of the coronal deformity of UHV was superior to UEV. UEV was beneficial to reduce early complications, but more likely to happen proximal adjacent segment degeneration in the long run.

Induction of trap formation in nematode-trapping fungi by bacteria-released ammonia

A total of 11 bacterial strains were assayed for bacteria-induced trap formation in the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora YMF1·01883 with two-compartmented Petri dish. These strains were identified on the basis of their 16S rRNA gene sequences. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of eight isolates were extracted using solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) and their structures were identified based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). At the same time, all isolates were used for quantitative measurement of ammonia by the indophenol blue method. The effects of pure commercial compounds on inducement of trap formation in A. oligospora were tested. Taken together, results demonstrated that the predominant bacterial volatile compound inducing trap formation was ammonia. Meanwhile, ammonia also played a role in other nematode-trapping fungi, including Arthrobotrys guizhouensis YMF1·00014, producing adhesive nets; Dactylellina phymatopaga YMF1·01474, producing adhesive knobs; Dactylellina cionopaga YMF1·01472, producing adhesive columns and Drechslerella brochopaga YMF1·01829, producing constricting rings.

[The application value of two-dimensional image technology and three-dimensional visualization technology in hepatocellular carcinoma treated by associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy: a preliminary study]

OBJECTIVE

To preliminarily explore the application value of two-dimensional image technology and three-dimensional visualization technology in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) treated by associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy(ALPPS).

METHODS

Clinical data of nineteen HCC patients treated by ALPPS were retrospectively analyzed in Sun-Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University from August 2013 to May 2015.Preoperative assessment, surgical planning and intraoperative guidance were assisted by traditional two-dimensional imaging technology(group 2D) in 15 cases, and the rest 4 cases were assisted by three-dimensional visualization technology(group 3D).

RESULTS

Three-dimensional visualization technology offered precise, visual, and distinct images, calculated the liver volume precisely, achieved virtual simulation operations, and assisted the formulation of intraoperative decisions.The mean operation time of the first stage were(331.3±61.7)minutes and (261.3±21.4)minutes in group 2D and group 3D, and the mean volume of intraoperative bleedings were (360.7±51.9)ml and (300.0±40.8)ml, respectively.The mean operation time of the second stage were (199.3±41.0)minutes and (170.0±29.4)minutes in group 2D and group 3D, and the mean volume of intraoperative bleedings were (285.3±132.6)ml and (257.5±99.5)ml, respectively.The mean interval time between two stages of operations were (15.3±6.5)d and (13.8±5.1)d in group 2D and group 3D, and the mean hospital stays were (39.3±5.8)d and (31.5±7.5)d, respectively.There were 4 cases and 12 cases who accepted the second stage operation in group 2D and group 3D respectively.There were 7 cases(4 with grade A, 2 with grade B, 1 with grade C) and 2 cases(1 with grade A, 1 with grade B) with post-hepatectomy liver failure and 9 cases(4 with grade Ⅰ, 2 with grade Ⅱ, 1 with grade Ⅲ, 2 with grade Ⅳ) and 3 cases (1 with grade Ⅰ, 1 with grade Ⅱ, 1 with grade Ⅲ)with postoperative complications in group 2D and group 3D respectively.There were 2 cases and 0 case died after operation in group 2D and group 3D respectively.There were 3 cases and 1 case who were recurrent and 4 cases and 1 case died 6 months after surgery in group 2D and group 3D respectively.

CONCLUSION

Three-dimensional visualization technology assisted the formulation of preoperative assessments and surgical planning individually and precisely, which displayed potential application value in HCC treated by ALPPS.

[Consideration of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer therapy]

Immune checkpoint inhibitor targets T-cell regulatory pathways by blocking negative signal to enhance antitumor immune response, and led to anti-tumor effect. This therapy has shown a durable clinical response which can lead part of cancer patients a long survival time. With lessons learned from advanced melanoma, I propose some questions and try to discuss some of them.

Isolation and characterization of Calcineurin B-like gene (PbCBL1) and its promoter in birch-leaf pear (Pyrus betulifolia Bunge)

Calcium plays a critical role in regulating abiotic stress responses in plants. Calcineurin B-like (CBL) proteins are calcium sensors in calcium signaling pathways. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying calcium signaling remain to be elucidated. In this study, the CBL1 gene, which codes for the CBL protein, was isolated from the birch-leaf pear. One 2,969-bp sequence was cloned using PCR, and using the cloned 2,027-bp sequence was isolated from pear genomic DNA via genome walking. Sequencing analysis revealed that the 4,996-bp sequence was a PbCBL1 gene consisting of eight exons and seven introns, and the 2,027-bp sequence was identified as the promoter of the PbCBL1 gene, which contains the basic promoter elements TATA and CAAT boxes. In addition, some other cis-acting elements including heat, cold, drought, and hormone responsive elements were also present. To further investigate the activity of this promoter, the sequence was used to drive a GUS fusion gene into leaf discs of tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) with Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method. GUS gene expression could be regulated by the PbCBL1 promoter following induction by GA, ABA, SA, and MeJA. Furthermore, the results of real-time RT-qPCR indicate that the PbCBL1 gene can respond to changes in the intracellular calcium concentration, and that it can be induced by cold, heat, drought, and stress by several hormones including GA, ABA, SA, and MeJA. PbCBL1 gene may be involved in several signal transduction pathways, and play an important role in the condition of adversity stress in pear.

SERS detection of R6G based on a novel graphene oxide/silver nanoparticles/silicon pyramid arrays structure

We present a novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate based on graphene oxide/silver nanoparticles/silicon pyramid arrays structure (GO/Ag/PSi). The SERS behaviors are discussed and compared by the detection of R6G. Based on the contrast experiments with PSi, GO/PSi, Ag/PSi and GO/AgA/PSi as SERS substrate, the perfect bio-compatibility, good homogeneity and chemical stability were confirmed. We also calculated the electric field distributions using Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) analysis to further understand the GO/Ag/PSi structure as a perfect SERS platform. These experimental and theoretical results imply that the GO/Ag/PSi with regular pyramids array is expected to be an effective substrate for label-free sensitive SERS detections in areas of medicine, food safety and biotechnology.

Development of EST-SSR markers related to disease resistance and their application in genetic diversity and evolution analysis in Gossypium

Cotton (Gossypium spp) is one of the most economically important crops that provide the world's most widely used natural fiber. Diseases such as Fusarium wilt and particularly Verticillium wilt seriously affect cotton production, and thus breeding for disease resistance is one of the most important goals of cotton breeding programs. Currently, potential exists to improve disease resistance in cultivated cotton. Increasing the understanding of the distribution, structure, and organization of genes or quantitative trait loci for disease resistance will help the breeders improve crop yield even in the event of disease. To facilitate the mapping of disease-resistance quantitative trait loci to achieve disease-resistant molecular breeding in cotton, it is necessary to develop polymorphic molecular markers. The objective of this study was to develop simple sequence repeat markers based on cotton expressed sequence tags for disease resistance. The efficacy of these simple sequence repeat markers, their polymorphisms, and cross-species transferability were evaluated. Their value was further investigated based on genetic diversity and evolution analysis. In this study, the unique sequences used to develop markers were compared with the G. arboretum and G. raimondii genome sequences to investigate their position, homology, and collinearity between G. arboretum and G. raimondii.

Role of APN and TNF-α in type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease caused by non-excessive alcohol consumption and is the most common cause of elevated levels of serum liver enzymes. We examined changes in adiponectin (APN) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complicated by NAFLD and their relationships with insulin resistance (IR). Forty-two T2DM, 39 NAFLD, and 45 T2DM complicated with NAFLD (complicated group) patients were enrolled in this study. Body mass index, fasting blood plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin, triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, APN, TNF-α, and homeostasis model of assessment (HOMA)-IR were determined. The degree of fatty liver was graded according to liver/spleen computed tomography ratio and intrahepatic vessel manifestations. Compared with the T2DM and NAFLD groups, fasting blood plasma glucose, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, TG, TNF-α, and HOMA-IR in the complicated group were significantly increased, while APN was significantly reduced. Body mass index in the complicated group was significantly higher than in the T2DM group. The complicated group was prone to severe fatty liver compared with the NAFLD group. APN was negatively correlated with body mass index, fasting blood plasma glucose, TG, TNF-α, and HOMA-IR. TNF-α was negatively correlated with APN, but positively correlated with FPG, fasting insulin, TG, and HOMA-IR. The complicated group had clear IR. A more severe degree of fatty liver was associated with higher HOMA-IR and TNF-α and lower APN. APN was an important factor for antagonizing inflammation and mitigating IR.

Agonist of farnesoid X receptor protects against bile acid induced damage and oxidative stress in mouse placenta--a study on maternal cholestasis model

INTRODUCTION

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a pregnancy-specific disorder, which is characterized by raised serum bile acid level and potential adverse fetal outcome. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR), also known as a bile acid receptor, was found to be expressed in placenta with low level. Whether activation of FXR by specific agonists could regulate the pathogenesis of ICP is still unclear.

METHODS

A model of maternal cholestasis was induced by administration of 17α-ethynylestradiol (E2) in pregnant mice for 6 days. We explored the regulatory effect of WAY-362450 (W450), a highly selective and potent FXR agonist on placenta.

RESULTS

In this study, we demonstrated that administration of E2 increased bile acid levels in mouse serum, liver and amniotic fluid. Bile acid levels were significantly decreased after W450 treatment. W450 protected against the impairment of placentas induced by E2, including severe intracellular edema and apoptosis of trophoblasts. Moreover, W450 significantly induced the expressions of FXR target bile acid transport gene ATP-binding cassette, sub-family B (MDR/TAP), member 11 (Abcb11;Bsep) in placenta. W450 could also attenuate placental oxidative stress and increase the expressions of antioxidant enzymes Prdx1 and Prdx3.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our data demonstrated that FXR agonist W450 modulated bile acid balance and protected against placental oxidative stress. Thus, our results support that potent FXR agonists might represent promising drugs for the treatment of ICP.

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head: using CT, MRI and gross specimen to characterize the location, shape and size of the lesion

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the accuracy of using CT and MRI to characterize lesions of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH).

METHODS

Coronal CT and MRI scans were performed on 30 femoral head specimens collected from 23 patients who had undertaken hip arthroplasty owing to ONFH. The results were compared with findings from coronal sectional gross specimens. Two radiologists independently measured the volume of necrotic lesions from CT and MR images using computer software, and the results were averaged. The volume of specimens' necrotic lesion was measured using the water displacement method.

RESULTS

There was a high degree of consistency between CT, MRI and the coronal sectional gross specimen on the location, shape and spatial structure of lesions. Differences of the lesion volume measured from CT and MR images were not statistically significant between two radiologists. The necrotic lesion volumes measured from CT and MR images and gross specimens were 22.07 ±5.35, 22.21 ± 5.15 and 21.12 ±4.96 cm(3), respectively, and the differences were not statistically significant (F = 0.396; p = 0.674).

CONCLUSION

For patients with ONFH in Association Research Circulation Osseous stage III or above, CT and MRI can accurately display the characterization of lesion.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

The size and location of necrotic lesions are major factors associated with femoral head collapse. CT is superior to MRI in identifying subchondral fracture. CT can help diagnose and predict the prognosis of ONFH.

Role of interference in the photosynthetic heat engine

The observation of quantum coherence in pigment-protein complexes has attracted considerable interest. One such endeavor entails applying a quantum heat engine to model the photosynthetic reaction center, but the definition of work used is inconsistent with that defined in quantum thermodynamics. Using the definition of work proposed in Weimer et al. [Europhys. Lett. 83, 30008 (2008)EULEEJ0295-507510.1209/0295-5075/83/30008], we investigated two proposals for enhancing the performance of the photosynthetic reaction center. In proposal A, which is similar to that in Dorfman et al. [Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 110, 2746 (2013)PNASA60027-842410.1073/pnas.1212666110], we found that the power and current-voltage characteristic of the heat engine can be increased by Fano interference but the efficiency cannot. In proposal B, which is similar to that in Creatore et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 253601 (2013)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.111.253601], we found that the mechanism of strengthening the performance of the heat engine is invalid; i.e., the dipole-dipole interaction between two electron donors could not increase the power, efficiency, or current-voltage characteristic.

The risk of placental abruption and placenta previa in pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B viral infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Several epidemiological studies have found a positive association between chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) infection and the risk of placental abruption and placenta previa, but various studies have reported conflicting findings. The objective was to systematically review the literature to determine a possible association between CHB infection and these two placental complications.

METHODS

We conducted a computerized search in electronic database through March 1, 2014, supplemented with a manual search of reference lists, to identify original published research on placental abruption and placenta previa rates in women with CHB infection. Data were independently extracted, and relative risks were calculated. The meta-analysis was performed using Stata version 10.0 software.

RESULTS

Five studies involving 9088 placenta previa cases were identified. No significant association between CHB infection and placenta previa was identified (OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.60-1.62). Five studies involving 15571 placental abruption cases were identified. No significant association between CHB infection and placental abruption was identified (OR = 1.42, 95% CI, 0.93-2.15).

DISCUSSION

The immune response against the virus represents a key factor in determining infection outcomes. No observation of significant increased risk of the placental complications could be partially explained by the complex immune response during CHB infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis found no evidence of significant associations between CHB infection and increased risk of placental abruption as well as placenta previa. Further well-designed studies were warranted to assess any potential association between CHB infection and increased risk of placental abruption as well as placenta previa.

Note: measurement for the disturbance of discharge medium in pulsed gas laser

In this paper, a single-filament schlieren system equipped with a four-element photodiode was developed to investigate the disturbance in the discharge region of a pulsed gas laser. This method showed a high sensitivity in measuring weak disturbance left in the test region. Therefore, it was applied in a discharge-pumped ArF excimer laser for the acquiring of optical disturbance of the gas medium in the directions of pulsed discharge and gas flow simultaneously. Time-resolved signals of the optical disturbance were recorded for each pulse. A quantitative evaluation for the strength of residual disturbance was obtained from the differential output of the four-element photodiode, and the influence of the disturbance on the pulsed energy was also analyzed. It showed that this method can be easily applied in pulsed gas laser to study the effect of the gas non-uniformity on beam parameters.

Production of S-acetoin from diacetyl by Escherichia coli transformant cells that express the diacetyl reductase gene of Paenibacillus polymyxa ZJ-9

S-acetoin (S-AC) is an important four-carbon chiral compound that has unique industrial applications in the asymmetric synthesis of valuable chiral specialty chemicals. However, previous studies showed that the usually low yield and optical purity of S-AC as well as the very high substrate cost have hindered the application of this compound. In the current work, a gene encoding diacetyl reductase (DAR) from a Paenibacillus polymyxa strain ZJ-9 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Whole cells of the recombinant E. coli were used to produce S-AC from diacetyl (DA). Under optimal conditions, S-AC with high optical purity (purity >99·9%) was obtained with a yield of 13·5 ± 0·24 and 39·4 ± 0·38 g l(-1) under batch and fed-batch culture conditions, respectively. This process featured the biotransformation of DA into S-AC using whole cells of engineered E. coli. The result is a considerable increase in the yield and optical purity of S-AC, which in turn facilitated the practical application of the compound.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study demonstrated a highly efficient new method to produce S-acetoin with higher than 99·9% optical purity from diacetyl using whole cells of engineered Escherichia coli. It will therefore decrease the production cost of S-acetoin and highlight its application in asymmetric synthesis of highly valuable chiral compounds.

Synthesis of Fe-group metal oxide nanostructures by thermal oxidation and their magnetic properties

In this paper, we review the preparation of Fe-group metal oxide nanostructures by the thermal oxidation method developed in our lab. By this method, we have prepared several kinds of nanostructures, including nanowires and nanoleaves. The magnetic properties of these nanostructures have also been studied. By carefully controlling the reacting time, temperature, and humidity, we have prepared alpha-Fe2O3, gamma-Fe2O3, Fe3O4, and Co3O4 nanowires and alpha-Fe2O3 nanoleaves by heating the substrates in proper atmosphere. The alpha-Fe2O3 and Co3O4 nanowires are produced by directly oxygenating pure metal at 550 to approximately 650 degrees C and 480-520 degrees C, separately. The gamma-Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 nanowires are produced by reducing as-prepared alpha-Fe2O3 nanowires in a mixture of N2 and H2. The nanowires are about 10-20 microm, with diameter of about 20 to approximately 100 nm. Most of the nanowire arrays are grown vertically from the surface of the substrate at a high surface density (10(8)-10(9) cm(-2)). Compared with the nanowires prepared by hydrothermal process and template method, Most of our nanowires are structurally uniform and single crystallites. The magnetic properties of these nanostructures are also studied, and demonstrate some novel properties.

Heparin-functionalized collagen matrices with controlled release of basic fibroblast growth factor

Tissue engineering scaffolds with controlled long-term release of growth factors are constructed in an attempt to mimic the intelligent ability of the extracellular matrix (ECM) to release endogenous growth factors. In this study, collagen sponges (Collagen group) were modified by N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) crosslinking (EDC/NHS group) and heparin immobilization (EDC/NHS-H group), and subsequently seeded with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Native and modified sponges were pre-adsorbed with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to evaluate the sustained release and bioactive maintenance of bFGF from the sponges. We found that modified collagen matrices permitted HUVECs to proliferate and migrate well and to distribute uniformly. The EDC/NHS-H group exhibited an excellent sustained-release profile and bioactive maintenance of the pre-adsorbed bFGF as compared with the Collagen and EDC/NHS groups. These results suggest that heparin-functionalized collagen matrices can support a controlled release of bFGF and thus, have potential as a tissue engineering scaffold.

User adaptive handwriting recognition by self-growing probabilistic decision-based neural networks

It is generally agreed that, for a given handwriting recognition task, a user dependent system usually outperforms a user independent system, as long as a sufficient amount of training data is available. When the amount of user training data is limited, however, such a performance gain is not guaranteed. One way to improve the performance is to make use of existing knowledge, contained in a rich multiuser data base, so that a minimum amount of training data is sufficient to initialize a model for the new user.We mainly address the user adaption issues for a handwriting recognition system. Based on self-growing probabilistic decision-based neural networks (SPDNNs), user adaptation of the parameters of SPDNN is formulated as incremental reinforced and antireinforced learning procedures, which are easily integrated into the batched training procedures of the SPDNN. In this study, we developed 1) an SPDNN based handwriting recognition system; 2) a two-stage recognition structure; and 3) a three-phase training methodology for a) a global coarse classifier (stage 1); b) a user independent hand written character recognizer (stage 2); and c) a user adaptation module on a personal computer. With training and testing on a 600-word commonly used Chinese character set, the recognition results indicate that the user adaptation module significantly improved the recognition accuracy. The average recognition rate increased from 44.2% to 82.4% in five adapting cycles, and the performance could finally increase up to 90.2% in ten adapting cycles.