Designing of metallic nanocrystals embedded in non-stoichiometric perovskite nanomaterial and its surface-electronic characteristics

Engineering of novel functional nanocomposite as like as the metallic nanocrystals supported non-stoichiometric perovskite nanomaterial in controlled parameters (size, shape and ratio of chemical characteristics) is a challengeable task. In this context, we present a facile route to fabricate and study its physicochemical property at real time mode in this report. Nanoscale pure Pb crystals surfaced on non-stoichiometric A-site deficient Pb_1-xTiO_3-y nanoparticle were fabricated when a precursor lead titanate (PbTiO₃) nanoparticle was exposed to an electron beam irradiation (EBI) in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) at ambient temperature. In the state of the art, the chemical states and electronic structure of non-irradiated and irradiated PbTiO₃ were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Electron bombardment resulted in a new visible feature at low binding energy in the Pb 4f core level, while Ti 2p and O 1s line shape showed slight changes. The Fermi level of the corresponding materials was determined to be 1.65 ± 0.1 eV and 2.05 ± 0.1 eV above the valence band maximum, respectively. The normal, weakly p-type PTO exhibits peculiar n-type feature after EBI process (The Fermi level moves near to the conduction band). A feasible mechanism is proposed involving the electron-stimulated local bond-breaking phenomenon in PbTiO₃.

[Evaluation of the modified test system for children sound localization]

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of modified test system for sound localization (SL) in children. Methods: Modified system (6 male, 9 female) and traditional method ( 5 male, 5 female) were used for evaluation of minimum audible angle(MAA) and root-mean-square error(RMS) error of 4 to 6 years old children, and the results were compared to verify the accuracy and effectiveness of the modified test system for children sound localization.SPSS 17.0 software was used to analyze the data(t test). Results: (1) Comparison of veracity of modified system and traditional test: when tested at the positive front position using modified system, MAA and RMS error were(3.23±1.00)° and (13.68±5.18)° respectively.When using traditional method, MAA and RMS error were(3.17±0.59)°and (13.96±4.56)° respectively. No statistical differences were found between two groups(t value was 0.16, -0.14, both P>0.05). (2) Comparison of time used were as followed: when using modified system, it was (14.67±1.95) min for MAA, and (6.67±1.35) min for RMS error. When using traditional method, it was (36.30±6.81) min for MAA, and (21.00±3.50) min for RMS error. Time used were significant shorter in modified system than in traditional method (t value was-9.78, -12.37, both P<0.05). Conclusion: Modified test system for children sound localization is useful and reliable in children's horizontal SL test.The time used of modified test system is shorter than that of traditional test system.

Aortic dissection with acute non-st-segment elevation myocardial infarction as the first manifestation

Acute chest pain caused by aortic dissection or acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the most serious medical emergencies and requires very quick differential diagnosis to seize the best time for treatment. Aortic dissection and acute myocardial infarction are manifested with similar symptoms, making it difficult to differentially diagnose these two conditions. The present case was initially misdiagnosed as an acute non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) with left aortic disease, and then diagnosed by coronary angiography examination as type A aortic dissection (AAD). This case points to the need to collect and analyze as much patient clinical data as possible, including medical history and the results of auxiliary examination which would help to avoid misdiagnosis or treatment delay and reduce mortality among patients with type AAD when they manifest symptoms of chest pain and an ECG pattern of NSTEMI.

Study on the expression of human lysozyme in oviduct bioreactor mediated by recombinant avian adeno-associated virus

Due to its antimicrobial properties and low toxicity, human lysozyme (hLYZ) has broad application in the medical field and as a preservative used by the food industry. However, limited availability hinders its widespread use. Hence, we constructed a recombinant avian adeno-associated virus (rAAAV) that would specifically express hLYZ in the chicken oviduct and harvested hLYZ from the egg whites of laying hens. The oviduct-specific human lysozyme expression cassette flanked by avian adeno-associated virus (AAAV) inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) was subcloned into the modified baculovirus transfer vector pFBX, and then the recombinant baculovirus rBac-ITRLYZ was generated. The recombinant avian adeno-associated virus was produced by co-infecting Sf9 cells with rBac-ITRLYZ and the other 2 baculoviruses containing AAAV functional genes and structural genes, respectively. Electron microscopy and real-time PCR revealed that the recombinant viral particles were generated successfully with a typical AAAV morphology and a high titer. After one intravenous injection of each laying hen with 2 × 1011 viral particles, oviduct-specific expression of recombinant human lysozyme (rhLYZ) was detected by reverse transcription-PCR. The expression level of rhLYZ in the first wk increased to 258 ± 11.5 μg/mL, reached a maximum of 683 ± 16.4 μg/mL at the fifth wk, and then progressively declined during the succeeding 7 wk of the study. Western blotting indicated that the oviduct-expressed rhLYZ had the same molecular weight as the natural enzyme. These results indicate that an efficient and convenient oviduct bioreactor mediated by rAAAV has been established, and it is useful for production of other recombinant proteins.

Giant linear strain gradient with extremely low elastic energy in a perovskite nanostructure array

Although elastic strains, particularly inhomogeneous strains, are able to tune, enhance or create novel properties of some nanoscale functional materials, potential devices dominated by inhomogeneous strains have not been achieved so far. Here we report a fabrication of inhomogeneous strains with a linear gradient as giant as 10⁶ per metre, featuring an extremely lower elastic energy cost compared with a uniformly strained state. The present strain gradient, resulting from the disclinations in the BiFeO₃ nanostructures array grown on LaAlO₃ substrates via a high deposition flux, induces a polarization of several microcoulomb per square centimetre. It leads to a large built-in electric field of several megavoltage per metre, and gives rise to a large enhancement of solar absorption. Our results indicate that it is possible to build up large-scale strain-dominated nanostructures with exotic properties, which in turn could be useful in the development of novel devices for electromechanical and photoelectric applications.

Connexin 43 enhances oxaliplatin cytotoxicity in colorectal cancer cell lines

Oxaliplatin, a platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent, is an important first-line drug in the treatment of colorectal cancers, but drug resistance causes treatment failure. It has been reported that gap junctional communication can enhance the cytotoxicity of platinum drugs.  The gap junction formed of connexin proteins provides a direct pathway for electrical and metabolic cell-cell interaction. The voltage-dependent gating of gap junction allows small hydrophilic molecules and ions to permeate to adjacent cells. Connexin 43 is a diagnostic marker for cancer therapy and the predominant connexin isoform in many cell types. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of connexin 43 in oxaliplatin activity by using colorectal cancer cell lines. LoVo and HCT116 cell lines were used for analysis. Connexin 43 expression was confirmed by western blot and immunocytochemistry. MTT, western blot, "Parachute" dye-coupling assays and reactive oxygen species measurement were used to detect cytotoxicity and the inhibition of connexin 43 expression induced by oxaliplatin. Results showed that connexin 43 enhanced oxaliplatin cytotoxicity through gap junctional communication function and high concentration of oxaliplatin inhibited connexin 43 expression to counteract its cytotoxicity. This study suggested that connexin 43 could be considered a molecular target of oxaliplatin activity in colorectal cancer.

[Influences of repeated propofol anesthesia on hippocampal apoptosis and long-term learning and memory abilities of neonatal rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influences of repeated propofol anesthesia on the hippocampal apoptosis and the long-term learning and memory abilities of neonatal rats.

METHODS

In the study, 45 male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 7 days, were randomly divided into 3 group (n=15 each): control group (C group) that received intralipid 7.5 mL/kg intraperitioneal (IP) once a day×7 days; group propofol 1 (P1) that received propofol 75 mg/kg IP once a day×7 days; group propofol 2 (P2) that received intralipid 7.5 mL/kg IP once a day×6 days+propofol 75 mg/kg IP on the 7th day. In each group, 5 animals were chosen and arterial blood samples were obtained immediately after the animals were fully awake for blood gas analysis. Learning and memory abilities were assessed using Morris water maze when the other rats were 4 weeks old. The animals were decapitated after the tests. The hippocampi were isolated for detection of neuron-specific nucleoprotein (NeuN) expression by immunohistochemistry method and the expression of caspase-3 using the Western blot.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the indexes of blood gas analysis among the 3 groups. Morris water maze test: compared with group C, the escape latency and the length of searching on the 5th day were significantly prolonged, and the searching time in target quadrant and platform crossing on the 6th day were significantly decreased in group P1 (P<0.05) but not in group P2. Compared with group C, NeuN-positive neurons were decreased, and the expression of caspase-3 was increased in the rats of group P1 (P<0.05) but not in group P2.

CONCLUSION

Repeated propofol anesthesia may destroy long-term learning and memory abilities by inducing apoptosis of hippocampal neurons in neonatal rats, while single dose of propofol has no obvious effect on the hippocampal apoptosis and long-term learning and memory of neonatal rats.

[Prospective study of riskfactors of difficult laryngeal exposure in suspension laryngoscopy]

Objective:The aim of this study was to demonstrate the risk factors which affect the exposure of glottis in suspension laryngoscopy.Method:We performed a prospective study about 90 cases of vocal cord lesions underwent microlaryngosurgery(including polyps,vocal nodules,cyst and papilloma).Then we recorded the clinical data related to glottic exposure, both preoperatively and intraoperatively. Result:Univariate analysis showed that parameters like age(P=0.038), Cormack-Lehane score(P=0.007),maximuminterincisors gap(P=0.007),hyoid-mental distance(HMD) in full extension(P=0.033), thyroid-mental distance(TMD) in full extension(P=0.014), vertical thyroid-mental distance(VTMD) in full extension(P=0.042), sternum-mental distance(SMD) in full extension(P=0.01) and degree of neck flexion-extension(P=0.003) were related to intraoperative difficult exposure of the glottic area.In logistic regression analysis, Cormack-Lehane score(P=0.003), maximuminterincisors gap(P=0.001) and degree of neck flexion-extension(P=0.002) were significantly risk factors of difficult laryngealexposure. Conclusion:Combination of Cormack-Lehane score, maximuminterincisors gap and degree of neck flexion-extensionmay help to predict the difficult laryngealexposure, so we should evaluate patients before operations of suspension laryngoscopy to decrease the surgical complication.

[Preventive and therapeutic effects of rapamycin against autoimmune hepatitis and liver fibrosis and possible mechanisms]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the preventive and therapeutic effects of rapamycin (RAPA) on autoimmune hepatitis and liver fibrosis induced by concanavalin A (ConA) and possible mechanisms.

METHODS

Female C57BL/6 mice aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into normal control group, ConA model group, and ConA+RAPA treatment group. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured; hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining and Knodell HAI and Ishak scoring systems were used to evaluate the degrees of liver inflammation and fibrosis. Gradient centrifugation was used to separate mononuclear cells, flow cytometry was used to measure CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio, and intracellular cytokine staining was performed to measure the levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) in immune cells. The t-test was used for data comparison between groups.

RESULTS

The RAPA treatment group showed a significant reduction in serum ALT level compared with the ConA model group (P < 0.05). Liver inflammatory injury was reduced significantly, and there was no obvious fibrous tissue proliferation. The level of TGF-β in mononuclear cells was reduced significantly, and the treatment group had a significantly lower level of TGF-β than the model group (8.91%±1.25% vs 16.65%±2.05%, P < 0.05). The proportions of CD4(+) and CD8(+)T cells in the liver were reduced, and the treatment group had significantly lower proportions of CD4(+) and CD8(+)T cells than the model group (proportion of CD4(+)T cells: 4.09%±1.20% vs 8.91%±0.69%, P < 0.05; proportion of CD8(+)T cells: 3.28%±0.66% vs 9.68%±1.46%, P < 0.05). The proportion of Th1 cells was reduced, and the treatment group had a significantly lower proportion of Th1 cells than the model group (1.02%±0.06% vs 2.83%±0.21%, P < 0.05); the proportions of Th3 and Tr1 regulatory T cells were increased, and the treatment group had significantly higher proportions of Th3 and Tr1 regulatory T cells than the model group (proportion of Th3 regulatory T cells: 59.53%±9.82% vs 47.13%±4.79%, P < 0.05; proportion of Tr1 regulatory T cells: 10.63%±2.27% vs 7.09%±1.66%, P < 0.05), but the proportion of Th2 cells showed no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

RAPA can promote the differentiation of Th3/Tr1 cells, reduce the expression of TGF-β in mononuclear cells, slow down the progression of chronic hepatitis induced by ConA into liver fibrosis, and thus prevent liver fibrosis.

Influence of dairy by-product waste milk on the microbiomes of different gastrointestinal tract components in pre-weaned dairy calves

The community structure of colonised bacteria in the gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) of pre-weaned calves is affected by extrinsic factors, such as the genetics and diet of the calves; however, the dietary impact is not fully understood and warrants further research. Our study revealed that a total of 6, 5, 2 and 10 bacterial genera showed biologically significant differences in the GITs of pre-weaned calves fed four waste-milk diets: acidified waste milk, pasteurised waste milk, untreated bulk milk, and untreated waste milk, respectively. Specifically, generic biomarkers were observed in the rumen (e.g., Bifidobacterium, Parabacteroides, Fibrobacter, Clostridium, etc.), caecum (e.g., Faecalibacterium, Oxalobacter, Odoribacter, etc.) and colon (e.g., Megamonas, Comamonas, Stenotrophomonas, etc.) but not in the faeces. In addition, the predicted metabolic pathways showed that the expression of genes related to metabolic diseases was increased in the calves fed untreated waste milk, which indicated that untreated waste milk is not a suitable liquid diet for pre-weaned calves. This is the first study to demonstrate how different types of waste milk fed to pre-weaned calves affect the community structure of colonised bacteria, and the results may provide insights for the intentional adjustment of diets and gastrointestinal bacterial communities.

Karyotype analysis and ribosomal gene localization of spotted knifejaw Oplegnathus punctatus

The spotted knifejaw, Oplegnathus punctatus, is an important aquaculture fish species in China. To better understand the chromosomal microstructure and the karyotypic origin of this species, cytogenetic analysis was performed using Giemsa staining to identify metaphase chromosomes, C-banding to detect C-positive heterochromatin, silver staining to identify the nucleolus organizer regions (Ag-NORs), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for physical mapping of the major (18S rDNA) and minor (5S rDNA) ribosomal genes. The species showed a karyotype of 2n = 48 for females, composed of 2 submetacentric and 46 telocentric chromosomes, with a fundamental number (FN) = 50, while the karyotype of males was 2n = 47, composed of 1 exclusive large metacentric, 2 submetacentric, and 44 telocentric chromosomes, with FN = 50. These karyotype results suggest that O. punctatus might have an X₁X₁X₂X₂/X₁X₂Y multiple sex chromosome system. C-positive heterochromatin was distributed in the centromeres of all chromosomal pairs and in the terminal portions of some chromosomes. A single pair of Ag-positive NORs was found to be localized at the terminal regions of the short arms of the subtelocentric chromosome pair, which was supported by FISH of 18S rDNA. After FISH, 5S rDNA were located on the interstitial regions of the smallest telocentric chromosome pair. This study was the first to identify the karyotype of this species and will facilitate further research on karyotype evolution in the order Perciformes.

[Effects of mTOR-Cdc42 signaling pathway on phagocytosis of alveolar macrophages in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease mice]

Objective: To investigate effects of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)- cell division cycle 42 (Cdc42) signaling pathway on phagocytosis of alveolar macrophages (AMs) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mice. Methods: Forty mice were randomly divided into control group and model group. Each group contained 20 mice. COPD model group were established by cigarette smoking exposure. AMs were isolated from lung tissue by discontinuous density gradient centrifugation. AMs from control group were divided into health control group and rapamycin control group while AMs from model group were divided into COPD group and rapamycin COPD group. The AMs from rapamycin control group and rapamycin COPD group were incubated with a final concentration of 10 nmol/L rapamycin for 24 hours. Mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) and the positive percent of alveolar macrophage engulfed flurescein isothiocyanate-labeled Escherichina coli (FITC-E.coli) AM (AM%) were detected by flow cytometry. Real time PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blot were applied to detect mRNA and protein. The activity of Cdc42 was detected by G-LISA Small GTPase Activation Assays (G-LISA) Cdc42 Kit. The cytoskeleton structure of AM was observed by laser scanning confocal microscopy. Results: MFI and AM% in COPD group were decreased than those in health control group[4 060±590 vs 9 190±988 and (28.65±1.26)% vs (67.50±4.56)%]; Compared with COPD group, MFI and AM% in rapamycin COPD group[4 856±762, (38.31±1.71)%]were increased (all P<0.05). The expression of mRNA, protein and activity of mTOR in COPD group were increased than those in health control group[(2.62±0.46, 1.30±0.52, 1.46±0.43) vs (1.00±0.00, 0.48±0.27, 0.58±0.26)]; compared with COPD group, the expression of mRNA, protein and activity of mTOR in rapamycin COPD group (1.40±0.36, 0.90±0.66, 0.92±0.28) were decreased (all P<0.05). The Cdc42 mRNA, protein and activity in COPD group were higher than those in health control group[(2.56±0.50, 1.61±0.37, 0.46±0.09) vs (1.00±0.00, 0.67±0.22, 0.30±0.07)](all P<0.01); compared with COPD group, the expression of mRNA, protein and activity of Cdc42 in rapamycin COPD group (1.38±0.34, 0.91±0.48, 0.36±0.06) were decreased (all P<0.01). Filopodia protruding can not be seen in the cytoskeleton of AMs from health control group and rapamycin control group; some filopodia protruding can be seen in AM from COPD group; some long filopodia protruding can be seen in AM from rapamycin COPD group. Negative correlations were existed between the mRNA, protein and activity of mTOR, Cdc42 and MFI in all group. Conclusions: mTOR-Cdc42 signaling pathway is activated and related to phagocytosis deficiency of AM in COPD. It can be inferred that the pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of COPD.

Role of COL9A1 genetic polymorphisms in development of congenital talipes equinovarus in a Chinese population

Talipes equinovarus is a common congenital deformity. COL9A1 polymorphisms are associated with the development of articular cartilage-related diseases. In the current study, we evaluated the relationship between COL9A1 rs1135056, rs35470562, and rs592121 genetic polymorphisms and risk of congenital talipes equinovarus. Between January 2013 and July 2015, 87 children with congenital talipes equinovarus and 174 control subjects were recruited from the Fourth People's Hospital of Shaanxi and the First Hospital of Yulin. Genotyping of COL9A1 rs1135056, rs35470562, and rs592121 was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Using conditional regression analysis, the AA genotype of COL9A1 rs35470562 was found to be significantly associated with increased risk of congenital talipes equinovarus compared to the GG genotype [odds ratio (OR) = 2.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06-6.32]. In addition, under a recessive model, rs35470562 AA carriers were observed to be at higher risk for this condition in comparison to individuals with GG or GA genotypes (OR = 2.23, 95%CI = 1.03-5.04). However, no significant relationship was established between the COL9A1 rs1135056 and rs592121 polymorphisms and congenital talipes equinovarus in any of the genetic models tested. In conclusion, our results indicate that the COL9A1 rs35470562 variant may contribute to congenital talipes equinovarus susceptibility in the Chinese population examined.

An instrument for measuring scintillators efficiently based on silicon photomultipliers

An instrument used for measuring multiple scintillators' light output and energy resolution was developed. The instrument consisted of a light sensor array which was composed of 64 discrete SiPMs (Silicon Photomultipliers), a corresponding individual channel readout electronics system, and a data processing algorithm. A Teflon grid and a large interval between adjacent SiPMs were employed to eliminate the optical cross talk among scintillators. The scintillators' light output was obtained by comparing with a reference sample with known light output. Given the SiPM temperature dependency and the difference among each SiPM, a temperature offset correction algorithm and a non-uniformity correction algorithm were added to the instrument. A positioning algorithm, based on nine points, was designed to evaluate the performance of a scintillator array. Tests were performed to evaluate the instrument's performance. The uniformity of 64 channels for light output measurement was better than 98%, the stability was better than 98% when temperature varied from 15 °C to 40 °C, and the nonlinearity under 511 keV was better than 2%. This instrument was capable of selecting scintillators and evaluating the packaging technology of scintillator arrays with high efficiency and accuracy.

[Combination of B-type brain natriuretic peptide with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction for prediction of mortality in the patients with septic shock]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prognostic value of combination of plasma brain natriuretic peptide(BNP) with the ratio of early diastolic mitral inflow velocity to early diastolic mitral annulus velocity(E/E') in the patients with septic shock.

METHODS

From June 2012 to December 2013 , 127 patients with septic shock were consecutively recruited and underwent trans-thoracic echocardiography examination within 6 h after admission to Intensive Care Unit(ICU), Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital. Plasma BNP concentration was measured using ELISA method. All Clinical, laboratory, and survival data were prospectively collected.

RESULTS

Of 127 patients enrolled, mean values for age were(59.9±17.3) years and APACHE Ⅱ score(16.8±5.8), respectively. 95 patients(74.8%) took mechanical ventilation. 28- , 60-day mortality rate was 36.3% and 42.3%, respectively. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that age, coronary artery disease, serum creatinine and lactate, plasma BNP, left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF), E/E' and APACHE Ⅱ score were significantly(P≤0.05) associated with 60-day mortality. Multivariate analysis revealed that serum lactate, plasma BNP(χ(2)=9.4, P=0.002) , E/E'(χ(2)=4.89, P=0.02) and APACHE Ⅱ score(χ(2)=10.6, P=0.001) remained independent predictors for 60-day mortality. ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal plasma BNP and E/E' cutoff values identified were 338.8 pg/ml and 10.8, and the areas under ROC curve were 0.89(sensitivity: 83.7%; specificity: 81.4%)and 0.83(sensitivity: 76.7%; specificity: 72.9%)for 60-day mortality, respectively. In addition to plasma BNP and clinical predictors, the E/E' could provide in independent and incremental prognostic value of 60-day mortality(χ(2)=59.3 vs 47.8, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Plasma BNP and E/E' are independent predictors for 60-day mortality, and combination of plasma BNP and E/E' could improve risk stratification in patients with septic shock.

[Clinical, pathological and imaging features of primary pelvic Ewing's sarcoma]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical, pathological and imaging features of Ewing's sarcoma in pelvis and to improve knowledge and diagnosis of the disease.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the clinical, pathological and imaging data of pathologically confirmed 13 cases of Ewing's sarcoma in pelvis was carried out between May 2008 and March 2016 in the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University and the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University.

RESULTS

The median age 13 cases of pelvic primary Ewing's sarcoma was 17 years old.The X-ray and CT imagings showed osteolytic and mixed bone destruction, CT showed mixed type in 10 cases, 8 cases of bone tumors as a flocculent, 10 cases of bone expansion failure, 10 cases of periosteal reaction, the layered 5 cases, radial in 5 cases.Thirteen cases showed soft tissue mass, soft tissue mass was equal or slightly lower density.Four cases showed heterogeneous contrast enhancement.The lesions showed low signal in T1WI and mixed high signal in T2WI of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). The boundary of the lesions were obscure, and 5 cases had patchy necrosis area, and 9 cases had incomplete false capsule, surrounding soft tissue was violated.Four cases showed heterogeneous contrast enhancement after MRI enhancement scan.

CONCLUSIONS

The age of onset of Ewing's sarcoma of the pelvis is more concentrated in about 15 years.The imaging feaures are mixed bone destruction and more bone is swelling and permeability damage, soft tissue mass is larger, bone tumor is cloudy or acicular, periosteal reaction in a layered and radial, most cases show that the false envelope is not complete.Combined with clinical and imaging examination, the diagnosis of the disease can be made.

Genetic diversity of rhg1 and Rhg4 loci in wild soybeans resistant to soybean cyst nematode race 3

Over-utilization of germplasms that are resistant to the soybean cyst nematode (SCN) in soybean breeding programs can lead to genetic vulnerability in resistant cultivars. Resistant wild soybean (Glycine soja) is considered an invaluable gene source for increasing the genetic diversity of SCN resistance. In this study, we genotyped 23 G. soja accessions that are resistant to SCN race 3 for polymorphisms in the resistance genes, rhg1, Rhg4, and SHMT, and investigated their genetic relationship with eight Glycine max resistant cultivars. We identified 89 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 11 DNA insertion-deletions (InDels), of which 70 SNPs and 8 InDels were found in rhg1, 9 SNPs were found in Rhg4, and 10 SNPs and 3 InDels were found in SHMT. Nucleotide diversity was π = 0.00238 and θ = 0.00235, and haplotype diversity was 1.000. A phylogenetic tree comprising four clusters was constructed using sequence variations of the 23 G. soja and 8 G. max resistant accessions. Five G. soja accessions in subcluster A2, and four G. soja accessions in cluster B were genetically distant from G. max genotypes. Eight resistance-associated SNPs in the three resistance genes formed nine haplotypes in total. G. soja resistant accessions had different haplotypes (H2, H4, H5, H6, H7, and H8) compared with those of G. max (H1, H3, and H9). These results provide vital information on the use of wild soybeans for broadening the genetic base of SCN resistance.

[Study on the pharyngeal constriction and function of cricopharyngeal muscle in normal persons using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the superiority of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging as an assessment method of pharyngeal constriction and cricopharyngeal muscle function, and introduce a new way to measure the pharyngeal constriction ratio, anteroposterior diameter of esophageal entrance and thickness of cricopharyngeal muscle in healthy volunteers.

METHODS

Twenty volunteers who were assessed as normal by fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and videofluoroscopic swallowing study were included in this study. With the use of 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging, Fiesta sequence and Asset technique, the median sagittal plane and intervertebral transverse plane from C1 to C5 were scanned repeatedly. Pharyngeal constriction ratio in the median sagittal and intervertebral transverse plane, anteroposterior diameter of esophageal entrance and thickness of cricopharyngeal muscle were assessed and the data were analysed by SPSS13.0.

RESULTS

The intervertebral transverse plane between C1 and C2 was superior in observation of pharyngeal constriction ratio in the same way that the plane between C4 and C5 was superior in cricopharyngeal evaluation. The average of sagittal and intervertebral pharyngeal constriction ratio were estimated as 0.08±0.02, 0.09±0.04 respectively and the average of thickness of cricopharyngeal muscle and anteroposterior diameter of esophageal entrance were (6.50±1.69) mm, (1.99±0.76) mm respectively.

CONCLUSION

Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging was superior in assessing the function of pharyngeal constriction and cricopharyngeal muscle by scanning the swallowing process in the median sagittal and intervertebral transverse plane.

Nodal ratio of positive to excised nodes, but not number of positive lymph nodes is better to predict group to avoid chemotherapy among postmenopausal ER-positive, lymph node-positive T1-T2 breast cancer patients

AIM OF STUDY

To identify whether nodal ratio (NR) of positive to excised nodes is superior to number of positive lymph nodes to predict group to avoid chemotherapy among postmenopausal ER-positive, lymph node-positive, T1-T2 breast cancer patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Postmenopausal estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, lymph node-positive patients who received endocrine therapy (n = 173) with complete baseline data in our hospital between 2000 and 2006 were included. The disease-free survival (DFS) was compared. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the prognostic value of chemotherapy with different NR for DFS. P--values less than 0.05 were regarded as significant.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 72 months. Three of 13 variables analyzed remained significantly prognostic for survival in the Cox proportional hazards model. These included age (hazard ratio (HR) =1.642, 95% confidence interval (CI) =1.154-2.337, P = 0.006); histological grade (HR = 2.463,95% CI = 1.389-4.367, P = 0.002); and NR (HR = 2.280, 95% CI = 1.113-4.671, P = 0.024). Subgroup analysis by NR status showed that in patients with NR ≥ 0.20, chemotherapy significantly improves DFS (HR = 0.360, 95% CI = 0.195-0.663, P = 0.001); while in patients with NR < 0.20, chemotherapy did not significantly affect DFS (HR = 0.677, 95% CI = 0.227-2.107, P = 0.493). Radiotherapy is an important factor that improves DFS in lymph node-positive patients, so it is considered in all analysis.

CONCLUSION

This retrospective analysis demonstrates that NR of positive to excised nodes, but not number of positive lymph nodes is better to predict group to avoid chemotherapy among postmenopausal ER-positive, lymph node-positive T1-T2 breast cancer patients.

MICA/B genotyping of Tujias from Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China

One hundred eighty-seven Tujia individuals from Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China were genotyped at the MICA and MICB loci using polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific priming and sequencing-based typing methods. MICA and MCB genotypes are consistent with expected HW proportions. These genotype data are available in the Allele Frequencies Net Database.

[Clinical characteristics analysis of 120 cases of pediatric spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormality]

OBJECTIVE

To study the epidemiologic characteristics of pediatric spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormality.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed and 120 cases of children with spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormality were admitted in China Rehabilitation Research Center from January 2005 to December 2014.The gender, age, causes of injury, injury condition and complication were analyzed. All cases were divided into two groups (0-7 years old and 8-13 years old) according to age.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty cases included 31 boys (25.8%) and 89 girls (74.2%). Most of the children were 0-7 years old (96 cases, 80.0%). The top 3 causes of spinal cord injury were sports activities (60 cases, 50.0%), traffic accident (25 cases, 29.2%) and other trauma (11 cases, 12.5%). Seventy-one cases were low-energy injury (59.2%) and 49 cases were high-energy trauma (40.8%), most of low-energy injury were completely injured (56 cases, 78.9%). The complication rate was 59.2% and the top 3 complications were urinary infection (35 cases, 29.2%), hydronephrosis (12 cases, 10.0%) and pressure ulcers (10 cases, 8.3%).

CONCLUSION

It is needed to pay more attention to pediatric spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormality caused by low-energy injury, especially children aged 0-7 years old with history of slight injury, and be careful about spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormality result from high-energy damage.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with growth traits in Jinghai yellow chickens

Body weight is one of the most important economic traits in the poultry industry. In the present study, a custom SNP Beadchip was used to analyze the association between those 15 SNPs and 12 growth traits of Jinghai yellow chickens, and other important genetic parameters were also calculated and analyzed. The results indicated that nine of the 15 SNPs were associated with growth traits in Jinghai yellow chickens (P < 0.05), and the identified SNPs were also in linkage disequilibrium. Five of the nine identified SNPs were mainly associated with all of the growth traits, which indicated that those five SNPs might have significant influence on Jinghai yellow chicken growth traits. Polymorphism information content (PIC) analyses indicated that five of the nine SNPs exhibited moderate polymorphism (0.25 < PIC < 0.5), which reflected intermediate genetic diversity. Six candidate genes surrounding the significant SNPs were obtained and subjected to Gene Ontology annotation analyses and pathway analyses. The functions of six important candidate genes (SETDB2, ATP7B, INTS6, KPNA3, DLEU7, and FOXO1A) were discussed. The present study provided basic data for marker-assisted selection in Jinghai yellow chickens.