Long non-coding RNA OIP5-AS1 serves as a competing endogenous RNA to modulate X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein expression via adsorbing miR-429 in papillary thyroid cancer

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is currently one of the most common endocrine tumors worldwide. Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) is a vital regulator in the biological processes of diverse tumors. Hence, this work aimed to clarify the role and mechanism of lncRNA OIP5-AS1 in PTC progression. OIP5-AS1 and miR-429 expression levels in PTC tissues and cells were examined using qRT-PCR. Immunohistochemical staining (IHC) was applied to detect X-linked inhibitors of apoptosis protein (XIAP) expression in PTC tissues. A dual-luciferase reporter gene experiment was employed to validate the relationship for miR-429 and XIAP, miR-429 and OIP5-AS1. The regulatory effects of OIP5-AS1 on PTC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion was detected using the MTT, BrdU, Transwell and Western blot assays. In this work we reported that OIP5-AS1 expression was up-modulated in PTC tissues and cell lines. OIP5-AS1 overexpression enhanced the proliferation and metastasis of PTC cells, but the transfection of miR-429 mimics reversed the functions of OIP5-AS1 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PTC cells. Additionally, OIP5-AS1 was identified as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) that repressed miR-429, thereby increasing the expression level of XIAP. Taken together, the findings confirm that OIP5-AS1 accelerates PTC progression via modulating the miR-429/XIAP axis and imply that OIP5-AS1 is likely to be a therapeutic target for PTC.

Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Aprotic Li-CO2 Batteries with a Ruthenium-Complex-Based Mobile Catalyst

Li-CO₂ batteries are regarded as next-generation high-energy-density electrochemical devices. However, the greatest challenge arises from the formation of the discharge product, Li₂ CO₃ , which would accumulate and deactivate heterogenous catalysts to cause huge polarization. Herein, Ru(bpy)₃ Cl₂ was employed as a solution-phase catalyst for Li-CO₂ batteries and proved to be the most effective one screened so far. Spectroscopy and electrochemical analyses elucidate that the Ru^II center could interact with both CO₂ and amorphous Li₂ C₂ O₄ intermediate, thus promoting electroreduction process and delaying carbonate transformation. As a result, the charge potential is reduced to 3.86 V and over 60 discharge/charge cycles are achieved with a fixed capacity of 1000 mAh g^-1 at a current density of 300 mA g^-1 . Our work provides a new avenue to improve the electrochemical performance of Li-CO₂ batteries with efficient mobile catalysts.

[Left ventricular guidewire pacing during transcatheter aortic valve replacement]

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of left ventricular guidewire pacing during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods: This is a retrospective study. Thirteen patients, who underwent TAVR with left ventricular guidewire pacing from October 2019 to December 2019 in Fuwai Hospital, were included. Clinical data and operational procedure data of the patients were collected. Changes in blood pressure and electrocardiogram were observed during operations. Ascending aorta angiography was performed to evaluate the regurgitation of aortic valve after valve implantion. The incidence of major adverse cardiac events during hospitalization and at 3-months after discharge was recorded. Results: There were 7 male and 6 female patients in this cohort,and age was (73.8±8.3) years old. Among the 13 patients, 9 were tricuspid aortic valves, 3 were bicuspid aortic valves, and 1 was degenerated bioprosthetic surgical aortic valve. TAVR were successfully performed in all of the 13 cases using pacing through the left ventricular guidewire. During balloon dilation, the blood pressure decreased to below 60 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) after 180 beats/min pacing, and the valve release process was smooth and the position was stable. The results of aortography showed that there was no regurgitation in 7 cases, mild regurgitation in 5 cases and moderate regurgitation in 1 case. Three patients required temporary pacing during the procedure due to complete heart block, among whom 1 patient was implanted with permanent pacemaker during hospitalization, and the other 2 patients recovered within 24 hours after operation. In another case, there was no significant change of electrocardiogram during the operation, and complete heart block occurred 10 days after the operation, and treated with permanent pacemaker. The other 10 patients began to carry out bedside activities and rehabilitation training 24 hours after operation. There was no death, myocardial infarction, stroke and other major adverse cardiac events during hospitalization and at 3-month follow-up after discharge. Conclusion: Left ventricular guidewire pacing is a safe and effective strategy for TAVR.

[Effect of miR-186 targeting E-cadherin on proliferation and metastasis of renal cell carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the role of miR-186 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and its molecular mechanism of miR-186 targeting E-cadherin to inhibit cell proliferation and metastasis of RCC. Methods: A total of 40 RCC samples which were collected in Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital from January 2015 to January 2019 and four RCC cell lines were measured the expression of miR-186 by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The effect of miR-186 overexpression on the proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis of 786-O cells were detected by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8), colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assay and flow cytometric analysis. The effect of miR-186 on the expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related markers (E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Vimentin) was analyzed by Western blot, and the dual luciferase reporter was used to verify the miR-186 targeting E-cadherin. Results: There were 26 males and 14 females with an age of (58.4±9.2) years. miR-186 expression levels decreased significantly in RCC tissues and cells (tissues: 0.005 2±0.000 4 vs 0.015 5±0.001 5, P<0.001; cells: 0.334 3±0.025 1, 0.457 0±0.026 6, 0.229 8±0.011 0, 0.741 1±0.091 0 vs 1.000 0±0.085 2, all P<0.001). The expression of miR-186 had a negative correlation with tumor size (≥4 cm: 0.003 2±0.003 4 vs<4 cm: 0.008 4±0.007 2, P<0.001), TNM staging (≤Ⅱ: 0.007 8±0.005 8 vs>Ⅱ: 0.002 7±0.002 3, P=0.021) and Fuhrman grade (<Ⅱ: 0.008 8±0.006 3 vs ≥Ⅱ: 0.004 6±0.003 0, P<0.001). The overexpression of miR-186 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and metastasis, and induced cell apoptosis. delivered.miR-186 overexpression can retard tumor growth in nude mice. Luciferase assay showed that E-cadherin was a direct target gene of miR-186. Conclusion: miR-186 may affect EMT of RCC and inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of RCC by directly regulating E-cadherin.

Reproductive performance, metabolism and oxidative stress profile in Chinese yellow-feathered broiler breeder hens fed multiple levels of isoleucine

1. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary isoleucine (Ile) on reproductive performance and certain indices of metabolism and oxidative stress in Chinese yellow-feathered broiler breeder hens.2. A total of 600, 40-week-old Chinese yellow-feathered broiler breeder hens were fed a basal diet formulated with maize, corn gluten meal and spray-dried blood cell meal containing 3.3 g/kg Ile, or supplemented to contain 4.5, 5.7, 6.9, or 8.1 g/kg Ile for five weeks. Each dietary treatment had six replicates with 20 birds per replicate. After three weeks of receiving the trial diets, 24 eggs were collected at random from each replicate to measure egg quality. Starting after four weeks of treatment, 50 settable eggs per replicate were collected for 7 d in succession for hatching. After five weeks of being fed the treatment diets, birds were slaughtered for tissue and organ collection.3. For the overall period, laying rate, egg weight, egg mass and hatchling weight linearly (P < 0.05) and quadratically (P < 0.05) increased with dietary Ile levels. Final body weight, feed intake and relative liver weight of birds fed 3.3 g/kg Ile was lower compared to birds fed the other diets (P < 0.05). There was no effect of Ile level on egg quality (P > 0.05). Hatchling weight was linearly (P < 0.05) and quadratically increased (P < 0.05) in line with dietary supplemental Ile.4. After three weeks on the trial diets, birds fed the diet containing 3.3 g/kg Ile had decreased blood TG concentrations compared to breeders fed 6.9 or 8.1 g/kg Ile (P < 0.05). Activities of CK were significantly higher in breeders fed the 3.3 g/kg Ile diet compared to all other levels of dietary Ile after five weeks of treatment. A quadratic effect (P < 0.05) was evident for glucose at 8.1 g/kg Ile level. After five weeks of treatment, plasma TG concentrations in birds fed 3.3 g/kg Ile were significantly lower than in birds fed all other levels of Ile. Glucose concentrations in breeder hens receiving the 3.3 g/kg Ile diet were lowest and the highest concentrations were in birds fed 5.7 g/kg Ile (P < 0.05). Plasma activities of LDH were highest in breeders on the 3.3 g/kg Ile diet but were only significantly different (P < 0.05) for birds fed 5.7 g/kg Ile.5. The current study indicated that Ile deficiency decreased reproductive performance and appeared to serve as a stressor. The optimal dietary Ile for Chinese yellow-feathered broiler breeder hens in the laying period was 5.79 g/kg feed (0.75 g/d).

[Feasibility of single-stage stent implantation following rotational atherectomy combined with TAVR]

Objective: To explore the feasibility of the single-stage stent implantation following rotational atherectomy combined with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in treating patients with severe aortic stenosis(AS) and severe calcified coronary artery stenosis. Methods: Three patients who received single-stage stent implantation following rotational atherectomy combined with TAVR in Fuwai hospital from April to October 2019 were included in this retrospective analysis. Clinical and anatomical features (including echocardiography and aortic CT) of the patients were collected, efficacy and safety of this operation strategy were observed and 6 months follow up results were summarized. Results: Three patients (2 females, 66-80 years old) were included. The mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) risk score was 7.8%. The mean maximum velocity of aortic valve was 4.4 m/s, the mean transvalvular pressure gradient was 53.2 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 48.6%. All three patients had severe calcified coronary artery stenosis: left anterior descending artery (LAD, n=2) and left main coronary artery (LM, n=1), requiring rotary grinding. The mean SYNTAX score was 20. All the procedures were performed through transfemoral access. After aortic valve crossing, all coronary lesions were successfully treated with stent implantation following rotational atherectomy, transfemoral TAVR was then immediately performed with a self-expandable Venus-A valve. One patient underwent"valve-in-valve"implantation due to the high-implantation position of the first valve. The procedures were completed without complications in all the three patients. The immediate effect was satisfactory. Echocardiography results showed that the mean maximum velocity of aortic valve was 2.1 m/s, mean gradient was 9.3 mmHg, and mean LVEF was 59% after the procedure. There was no death and revascularization during the 6 months follow-up. Conclusion: In patients with severe calcified coronary artery and severe AS with high risk of cardiac surgery, the single-stage stent implantation following rotational atherectomy combined with TAVR is feasible and results are satisfactory in this patient cohort.

Hyperprolactinemia due to pituitary metastasis: A case report

BACKGROUND

Pituitary metastasis is an uncommon manifestation of systemic malignant tumors. Moreover, hyperprolactinemia and overall hypopituitarism caused by metastatic spread leading to the initial symptoms are rare.

CASE SUMMARY

A 53-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital with complaints of bilateral blurred vision, dizziness, polyuria, nocturia, severe fatigue and somnolence, decreased libido, and intermittent nausea and vomiting for more than 6 mo. During the last 7 d, the dizziness had worsened. Laboratory investigations revealed overall hypofunction of the pituitary gland, but the patient had an elevated serum prolactin level (703.35 mg/mL). Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tumor in the sellar region, accompanied by intratumoral hemorrhage and calcification. Thus, transnasal subtotal resection of the lesion in the sellar region was performed. The histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations of the resected lesion revealed metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma to the pituitary gland. Oral hydrocortisone (30 mg/d) and levothyroxine (25 mg/d) were given both pre- and postoperatively. Post-operatively, the clinical symptoms were significantly improved. However, 4 mo following the surgery, the patient succumbed due to multiple organ failure.

CONCLUSION

Hyperprolactinemia is one of the markers of poor prognosis in patients with carcinoma that metastasizes to the pituitary gland. Exogenous hormone supplementation plays a positive role in relieving the symptoms of patients and improving quality of life.

Using arterial blood as a substitute for venous blood in routine biochemistry parameter examinations in rabbits

Background

It has been widely accepted that there is a significant difference in peripheral blood oxygen between arteries and veins. Therefore, arterial blood has been collected for blood gas analysis, and venous blood, because it is convenient to collect, has been used for most laboratory examinations. However, venous blood is always difficult to collect in rabbits; in contrast, arterial blood is easier to obtain, and research on whether arterial blood can be used instead of venous blood for routine biochemical parameter examination is rare. Therefore, the present study was designed to explore whether arterial blood can be used as a substitute for venous blood for routine biochemistry parameter examination in rabbits.

Results

Three venous blood samples with gross hemolysis were excluded. Venous and arterial blood samples were obtained from forty-two rabbits. Arterial blood samples correlate well with venous blood in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), total protein (TP), globulin (GLB), serum total cholesterol (TC), serum triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), urea (Ur) and creatinine (Cr) levels by Deming regression analysis with slopes ranging from 0.893 to 1.176 and intercepts ranging from − 4.886 to 5.835. Bland-Altman analysis showed that the two sample parameters had 93%-98% of the points within the 95% consistency limits. There were significant differences between venous blood and arterial blood in ALP, TP, TC, TG, HDL, LDL and Cr, while AST, ALT, GGT, GLB and Ur showed no significant differences.

Conclusions

Arterial blood can be a substitute for venous blood in routine biochemistry parameter examinations in rabbits, especially in situations where venous blood is difficult to collect.

Cardiac Disease Associated Genetic Variants in Yi Nationality in Regions with High Incidence of Yunnan Sudden Unexplained Death

Abstract

Objective To explore the association of cardiac disease associated genetic variants and the high incidence of Yunnan sudden unexplained death （YNSUD） in Yi nationality. Methods The genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples collected from 205 Yi villagers from YNSUD aggregative villages （inpatient group） and 197 healthy Yi villagers from neighboring villages （control group）. Fifty-two single nucleotide variants （SNVs） of 25 cardiac disease associated genes were genotyped using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry （MALDI-TOF-MS）. The SPSS 17.0 was used to analyze data. The pathogenicities of variants with differences between the two groups that have statistical significance were predicted by protein function prediction software PolyPhen-2 and SIFT. All villagers from inpatient group were given electrocardiogram （ECG） examination using a 12-lead electrocardiograph. Results The allele frequency and the genotype frequency of missense mutation DSG2 （rs2278792, c.2318G>A, p.R773K） of pathogenic genes of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy （ARVC） in inpatient group was higher than that in control group （P<0.05）. Abnormal ECG changes were detected in 71 individuals （34.6%） in the inpatient group, among which 54 individuals carried R773K mutation, including clockwise （counterclockwise） rotation, left （right） axis deviation, ST segment and T wave alteration and heart-blocking. Conclusion Definite pathogenic mutations have not been found in the 52 cardiac disease genes associated SNVs detected in Yi nationality in regions with high incidence of YNSUD. The cause of high incidence of YNSUD in Yi nationality needs further study.

Forensic Analysis of 72 Cases with Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome Caused by Traffic Accidents

Abstract

Objective To investigate the epidemiological and forensic characteristics of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome （MODS） after severe trauma and explore the reference indexes for determining traumatic MODS. Methods In terms of the number of organs or systems involved in MODS, the number of failures of each organ or system, the first failing organ and the survival time after organ failure, 72 cases of MODS death caused by traffic accidents were retrospectively analyzed. The cases were divided into two groups according to the mean injury severity score （ISS）. The t test was used to analyze the differences in the number of organs or systems involved in MODS in the two groups. Chi-square test was used to analyze the differences in the types of first failing organs and the differences between the two groups in the number of cases of organ or system failure involved in MODS. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze the differences between the two groups in survival time of MODS after trauma. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was drawn and Log-Rank test was performed. Results The number of MODS involved organs or systems after trauma in ISS≤35 group was 3-5, and 2-4 in the ISS>35 group （P<0.05）. The cases of MODS organ or system failure after trauma occurred more in brain and lung in the two groups. The first failing organ after trauma was mainly the lung or kidney. The median time of first organ failure after trauma was 2.00 d, the median survival time of MODS after trauma in ISS≤35 group was 6.00 d, and 2.33 d in ISS>35 group （P<0.05）. The survival curve of ISS≤35 group was relatively high and declined gradually, while the survival curve of ISS>35 group was relatively low and the decline was steep （P<0.05）. Conclusion The epidemiological and forensic characteristics of MODS caused by traffic accidents have certain specificity. The ISS and the forensic characteristics of MODS at ISS>35 can be used as reliable reference indexes for evaluation of the causal relationship among trauma, MODS and death.

[Epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria in Shandong province, 2017-2018]

Objective: To understand epidemiological characteristics of imported cases of malaria in Shandong province and provide scientific basis for timely adjustment of prevention and control measures. Methods: The incidence data of malaria, case investigation data and case review data by Shandong Provincial Reference Laboratory for Malaria Diagnosis from 2017 to 2018 were collected. Software SPSS 18.0 was used for statistical analysis and software QGIS 2.18 was used for mapping. Results: A total of 442 imported cases of malaria were reported in Shandong from 2017 to 2018, and the main infection source was in Africa (97.96%, 433/442). All the 17 prefectures in Shandong reported imported malaria cases, mainly in Jining (88 cases), Yantai (65 cases), Weihai (46 cases), Qingdao (44 cases) and Dezhou (42 cases), accounting for 64.48% (285/442). The cases were distributed in 77.37%(106/137) of counties of the province. The cases were reported in every month without seasonal characteristics. The median (M) of time interval between onset and the first medical care seeking was 2 days, and the interquartile range (IQR) was 3 days. The M of time interval between the first medical care seeking and final diagnosis was 0 day, and the IQR was 3 days. The proportion of medical care seeking on onset day was only 27.83% (123/442). Only 69.68% (308/442) of cases were diagnosed with malaria in the first medical care seeking, and the diagnostic accuracy of medical institutions below the county level was lower than other medical institutions (all P<0.01). Only 51.13% (226/442) of cases were diagnosed with malaria in the first medical care seeking, the differences in the rates among medical institutions at different levels were not significant (P>0.05). Conclusions: The imported malaria in Shandong was characterized by a large number of cases, multiple infection sources and wide area distribution during 2017-2018. The awareness of timely medical care seeking in the cases was low, meanwhile the awareness and ability of malaria diagnosis and treatment in primary medical institutions were still inadequate. It is necessary to adjust the prevention and control measures accordingly.

[Investigation of posterior teeth displacement under normal bite force by an intraoral scanner]

Objective: To quantitatively evaluate the change of the long axis angle and the relative displacement of the crown feature points of the posterior teeth under normal bite force utilizing an intraoral scanner, and to provide clinical reference. Methods: From May to December 2019, fifteen graduate volunteers (5 males and 10 females, aged from 22 to 30, with an average age of 25.7 years) from Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology were recruited to participate in the study. The surface data (U1, L1) of the maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth were scanned by an intraoral scanner i500, and saved as original data. The volunteers were guided to bite in the intercuspal position with normal bite force. The buccal bite data of the posterior teeth were scanned as the basis for registration. The digital casts were imported into Geomagic studio 2013 software and the boundary lines along the gingival margin and mesial and distal contact area of posterior teeth of data (U1, L1) were determined. Long axis of the crown, crown centroid and mesial functional cusp vertex were establishd. The data (U1, L1) were segmented into single tooth. Single tooth was aligned to buccal bite data separately using best-fit alignment command based on the buccal common area of the crown and new casts data (U2, L2) were obtained as the data under bite force. The long axis angle and centroid distance between adjacent teeth (second premolar and first molar, second molar and first molar) were measured and the deviation between data obtained at mouth-open state and that at biting state was calculated. Negative value meant centroid distance became shorter under bite force. The first molar was set as the common area and registrate the U1, L1 to U2, L2. The angle of long axes, and displacement of centroid and of functional cusp vertex between second premolar of two casts were calculated, as well as between second molar of two casts. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to analyze the differences of teeth displacement between second premolar and second molar, and between maxillary and mandibular jaws with SPSS 26.0 statistical software. Results: The result of second premolar and second molar in the same jaw had no statistical difference (P>0.05). The centroid distance deviation of mandibular second premolar-first molar [-0.022(0.046) mm] was larger than that of maxilla [-0.006 (0.040) mm] (P<0.05). The long axis angle of second premolar itself [0.913°(0.647°)] and centroid distance of second molar itself [0.102 (0.106) mm] on the mandibular jaw were different from that on the maxillary jaw, which were 0.590°(0.550°) and 0.074(0.060) mm respectively (P<0.05). Conclusions: Under bite force, displacement of the second premolar and second molar was present, including the displacement of centroids and deflection of long axes. The mandibular posterior teeth have larger displacement than the maxillary teeth.

[Efficacy and safety of levosimendan in elderly patients with severe heart failure]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of different dosage regimens of levosimendan in elderly patients with severe heart failure. Methods: Thirty-two patients 75 years or older were randomly divided into a loading dose group (16 cases) in which levosimendan was maintained at 0.1 μg·kg(-1)·min(-1) for 24 h after loaded with 6 μg/kg, and a maintenance dose group (16 cases) with same schedule without loading dose. The amino-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) before and after treatment was detected. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), stroke volume (SV), stroke volume index (SVI) by echocardiograph were monitored. Adverse events, the length of stay in ICU and 28-day mortality were recorded. Results: The NT-proBNP level in loading group after treatment was 1 950 (922,6 481)ng/L, which was improved than that before treatment [4 018(2 716,9 637)ng/L, P<0.05]. The result was similar in maintenance group [1 390 (599,3 297)ng/L vs. 4 576 (2 681,10 682)ng/L, P<0.05]. LVEF in loading group before and after treatment was (39.4±8.8) % vs. (48.9±9.2) % respectively, while in maintenance group it was (40.4±8.8) % vs. (48.7±12.0) % (both P<0.05). SV were also improved after treatment in both groups compared with baseline levels (P<0.05). NT-proBNP started to decline on day 3 in the loading group, while on day 7 in the maintenance group. SVI recovered on day 14 in the loading group [ (29.4±6.5) ml/m(2) vs. (27.3±6.7) ml/m(2),P<0.05], while it did not change much in the maintenance group. There was no significant differences as to the length of stay in ICU [ (11.1±4.4) d in loading group vs. (9.6±3.5) d in maintenance group] and 28-day mortality rates were comparable (2/16 in loading group vs. 1/16 in maintenance group) . The adverse events were 7 vs. 2 cases in loading group and maintenance group respectively, which were mild and all alleviated. Conclusion: The application of levosimendan only with maintenance dose improves cardiac function in very elderly patients with severe heart failure. Adverse events are mild and manageable.

Constraining the External Capture to the ^{16}O Ground State and the E2 S Factor of the ^{12}C(α,γ)^{16}O Reaction

The ^{12}C(α,γ)^{16}O reaction is one of the most crucial reactions in nuclear astrophysics. The E2 external capture to the ^{16}O ground state (GS) has not been emphasized in previous analyses but may make a significant contribution to the ^{12}C(α,γ)^{16}O cross section depending on the value of the GS asymptotic normalization coefficient (ANC). In the present work, we determine this ANC to be 337±45  fm^{-1/2} through the ^{12}C(^{11}B,^{7}Li)^{16}O reaction using a high-precision magnetic spectrograph. This sheds light on the existing large discrepancy of more than 2 orders of magnitude between the previously reported ANC values. Based on the new ANC, we experimentally constrain the GS external capture and show that through interference with the high energy tail of the 2^{+} subthreshold state, a substantial enhancement in the GS S_{E2}(300) factor can be obtained (70±7  keV b) compared to that of a recent review (45 keV b), resulting in an increase of the total S factor from 140 to 162 keV b, which is now in good agreement with the value obtained by reproducing supernova nucleosynthesis calculations with the solar-system abundances. This work emphasizes that the external capture contribution for the ground state transition cannot be neglected in future analyses of the ^{12}C(α,γ)^{16}O reaction.

Development of a blocking immunoperoxidase monolayer assay for differentiation between pseudorabies virus-infected and vaccinated animalss

Pseudorabies (PR) outbreaks have devastated many swine farms in several parts of China since late 2011. The outbreak-associated pseudorabies virus (PRV) variant strains exhibited some typical amino acid changes in glycoprotein E (gE), a diagnostic antigen used for discriminating between PRV-infected and vaccinated animals (DIVA). To counteract the potential impact of epitope variations on current serological diagnostics of PRV, we produced monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against gE protein of one representative PRV variant strain and developed a blocking immunoperoxidase monolayer assay (b-IPMA) for DIVA. The b-IPMA was based on the inhibition of binding between PRV-infected cells and mAb by PRV-specific antibodies present in clinical swine sera and was validated by comparison with a commercial PRV gpI Antibody Test Kit (IDEXX Laboratories, USA). The diagnostic sensitivity, diagnostic specificity and agreement were determined to be 99.25%, 98.18% and 99.02% respectively upon testing 509 serum samples. b-IPMA detected only PRV-specific antibodies and showed no cross- -reactivity with antibodies elicited by gE-deleted vaccine or other common swine pathogens. Thus, b-IPMA has the potential to be used for high-throughput screening of PRV-infected animals in veterinary clinics.

[Canceration of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the larynx:a case report]

Summary Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor（IMT） is a rare spindle neoplasm with malignant potentials of local invasion, recurrence and metastasis. Here, we present an extremely unusual case of the larynx IMT that was recurred three times and transformed into laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

[Construction and identification of mouse model with conditional knockout of p75 neurotrophin receptor gene in epidermal cells by Cre-loxP system]

Objective: To construct and identify a mouse model with conditional knockout (cKO) of p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR-cKO) gene in epidermis cells by Cre-loxP system. Methods: Five p75NTR(flox/flox) transgenic C57BL/6J mice (aged 6-8 weeks, male and female unlimited, the age and sex of mice used for reproduction were the same below) and five keratin 14 promotor-driven (KRT14-) Cre(+ /-) transgenic C57BL/6J mice were bred and hybridized via Cre-loxP system. Five p75NTR(flox/+) ·KRT14-Cre(+ /-) mice selected from the first generation of mice were mated with five p75NTR(flox/flox) mice to obtain the second generation hybrids. After the second generation mice were born 20-25 days, the parts of the mice tail were cut off to identify the genotype by polymerase chain reaction method. Four p75NTR gene complete cKO mice (6 weeks old) and 4 wild-type mice (6 weeks old) were selected and sacrificed respectively. The abdominal skin tissue and brain tissue were excised to observe the expression of p75NTR in the two tissue of two types of mice by immunohistochemical staining. The abdominal skin tissue of two types of mice was obtained to observe the histomorphological changes by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: (1) Twenty second generation mice were bred. The genotype of 4 mice was p75NTR(flox/flox)·KRT14-Cre(+ /-)(p75NTR(-/-)), i. e. p75NTR gene complete cKO mice; the genotype of 5 mice was p75NTR(flox/+) ·KRT14-Cre(+ /-), i. e. p75NTR gene partial cKO mice; the genotype of 5 mice was p75NTR(flox/flox)·KRT14-Cre(-/-), and that of 6 mice was p75NTR(flox/+) ·KRT14-Cre(-/-), all of which were wild-type mice. (2) The expression of p75NTR was negative in skin epidermis tissue of p75NTR gene complete cKO mice, while numerous p75NTR positive expression was observed in skin epidermis tissue of wild-type mice. Abundant p75NTR positive expression was observed in brain tissue of both wild-type mice and p75NTR gene complete cKO mice. (3) There was no abnormal growth of skin epidermis tissue in both wild-type mice and p75NTR gene complete cKO mice, with intact hair follicle structure. Conclusions: Applying Cre-loxP system can successfully construct a p75NTR-cKO mice model in epidermis cells without obvious changes in skin histomorphology.

Two new pregnane steroidal glycosides from Cynanchum taihangense

As our ongoing chemical investigation, two new pregnane steroidal glycosides, cynataihosides G (1), with a new aglycone, and H (2) were isolated from the 95% ethanol extract of Cynanchum taihangense. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1 D and 2 D NMR spectral data, HR-ESI-MS analysis and qualitative chemical methods. The compounds were subjected to detect the cytotoxicity against three human tumor cell lines (HL-60, THP-1 and PC-3). The compounds displayed no significant cytotoxicity.Supplemental data for this article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2019.1672682.

Evaluation and Countermeasures of the Implementation of Forensic Clinical Identification Standards Based on the Perspective of Accreditation

Abstract

The new Standardization Law, implemented in 2018, has added a standard post-implementation evaluation system, aiming to continuously improve the quality of standards through post-implementation evaluation. Standards in the forensic science field are closely related to accreditation activities. Forensic science standards are not only the criteria on which accreditation activities are carried out, but also one of the key contents of the inspection of forensic science institutions in accreditation activities. Since 2018, the certification and accreditation policies in the forensic science field have also been changed, which has brought impacts on the construction of a standard system based on accreditation.This paper analyzes the standard data from China National Accreditation Center from Conformity Assessment on forensic clinical identification accreditation assessment. It points out that the current coverage of laboratory accreditation activities is limited, the development in different provinces is unbalanced, and there is overlap and crossover in the standards in use. It is emphasized that the construction of the national forensic science standardization technical committee, the improvement of the forensic science standard system, the establishment of the standard implementation evaluation index system, and promotion of the coordination of standards, and the certifications and accreditations should be accelerated, in order to continue to promote the standardization and accreditation activities in the field of forensic science.