[Accuracy of the China-PAR and WHO risk models in predicting the ten-year risks of cardiovascular disease in the Chinese population]

Objective: To externally validate and compare the accuracy of the China-PAR (Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China) model and the 2019 World Health Organization (WHO) cardiovascular disease risk charts for East Asian in predicting a 10-year cardiovascular disease in a general Chinese population. Methods: Participants aged 40-79 years without prior cardiovascular disease at baseline in the CHinese Electronic health Records Research in Yinzhou (CHERRY) were analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated the observed cardiovascular events (including non-fatal myocardial infarction, fatal coronary heart disease, and non-fatal or fatal stroke) rate within ten years. The expected risks were calculated using the WHO risk charts for East Asia (including the laboratory-based and non-laboratory-based models) and the China-PAR model. The expected-observed ratios were calculated to evaluate the overestimation or underestimation of the models in the cohort. Model accuracy was assessed by discrimination C-index, calibration χ² value, and calibration plots. Results: During a median of 7.26 years of follow-up, 13 301 cardiovascular events were identified among 225 811 participants. The C-index for the China-PAR model, WHO laboratory-based model and WHO non-laboratory-based model were 0.741 (0.735-0.747), 0.747 (0.740-0.753), and 0.739 (0.733-0.746) for men, and 0.782 (0.776-0.788), 0.789 (0.783-0.795), and 0.782 (0.776-0.787) for women, respectively. The WHO laboratory-based model and non-laboratory-based model underestimated the 10-year ASCVD risk by around 15% in women and underestimated by 0.8% and 4.4% in men, respectively. The China-PAR model underestimated the risks by 19.5% and 42.3% for men and women. Conclusions: The China-PAR and WHO models all have pretty good discriminations for 10-year cardiovascular risk assessment in this general Chinese population. However, the accuracy should be improved in the highest-risk groups, suggesting further specific models are still needed for those with the highest risk, such as patients with diabetes or older persons.

[Applications of the NDR and DIAL models for risk prediction on cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes in Ningbo]

Objective: To validate the performance of cardiovascular risk prediction models based on the Sweden National Diabetes Register (NDR) and Diabetes Lifetime-perspective prediction (DIAL) model for assessing risks of 5-year and 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Based on the Chinese Electronic Health Records Research in Yinzhou study, 83 503 patients with type 2 diabetes aged 30-75 years without a history of CVD at baseline were included from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2020. Recalibrated NDR model was used to estimate 5-year risk, while the recalibrated DIAL model was used to predict 5-year and 10-year risks. The competing events adjusted Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to obtain the observed cardiovascular events. Discrimination C statistics evaluated model accuracy, calibration χ² value, and calibration plots. Results: Through a median follow-up of 7.0 years, 7 326 cardiovascular events, and 2 937 non-vascular deaths were identified among a total of 83 503 subjects. The recalibrated NDR model overestimated 5-year risk by 39.4% in men and 8.6% in women, whereas the overestimation for the recalibrated DIAL model was 14.6% in men and 50.1% in women. The DIAL model had a better discriminative ability (C-statistic=0.681, 95%CI: 0.672-0.690) than NDR model (C-statistic=0.667, 95%CI: 0.657-0.677) in 5-year risk prediction for men, and the models had a similar ability for women (C-statistic=0.699, 95%CI: 0.690-0.708 for NDR and C-statistic=0.698, 95%CI: 0.689-0.706 for DIAL). The prediction accuracy of the DIAL model was improved in the 10-year risk, with the underestimation being 1.6% for men and the overestimation being 12.8% for women. Conclusions: Both recalibrated NDR and DIAL models overestimated 5-year cardiovascular risk in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes, while the higher overestimation was shown using the DIAL model. However, the improvement was found in predicting 10-year CVD risk using the DIAL model, which suggested the value of lifetime risk prediction and indicated the need for research on the lifetime risk prediction model for cardiovascular risk assessment in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes.

[Temporal trend of antibiotic use among primary school children in Shanghai, 2017-2020]

To investigate the temporal trend of antibiotic use among children in Shanghai from 2017 to 2020. The stratified cluster sampling method was used to establish a dynamic cohort of healthy children based on primary schools in Changning District, Shanghai. In the cohort, there were 282 children from 2017, 287 children from 2018, 294 from 2019 and 301 from 2020. A total of 700 children aged 7-11 years were included in the study. The basic information and antibiotic use of children were investigated by questionnaire every year, and their height and weight were measured at the same time. Chi-square test was used to analyze the difference of antibiotic use rate in each year and generalized estimation equation was used to analyze the temporal trend of antibiotic use. The results showed that the use rates of all antibiotics, cephalosporins, azithromycin and other antibiotics (including penicillin, lincomycin, quinolones, etc.) of children between 2017 and 2020 were 15.6%, 10.5%, 2.7%, and 2.4%, respectively. In 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, there were significant differences for the use rates of total antibiotics and other antibiotics in children (P=0.033, P=0.040), and there were no significant differences for the use rates of cephalosporins and azithromycin (P=0.274, P=0.455). After adjusting for children's basic characteristics, the generalized estimation equation showed that the annual use rate of all antibiotics, cephalosporins, and other antibiotics decreased over time.

Integrating network pharmacology and experimental evidence to decipher the cardioprotective mechanism of Yiqihuoxue decoction in rats after myocardial infarction

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

"Qi deficiency and blood stasis" syndrome is one of the most common syndromes treated with Traditional Chinese Medicine among ischemic heart disease (IHD) patients in clinic. As a Chinese herbal formula with the function of tonifying Qi and activating blood, Yiqihuoxue Decoction (YQHX) has been frequently proven to be effective in the clinical treatment of IHD.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The cardioprotective mechanisms of YQHX in treating ischemic heart disease were investigated, with emphasis on the key targets and pathways.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, the potential targets of compounds identified in YQHX were predicted using PharmMapper, Symmap, and STITCH databases, and a "herb-compound-target" network was constructed using Cytoscape. Subsequently, the GO and KEGG functional enrichment analyses were analyzed using the DAVID database. Furthermore, a protein-protein interaction network was constructed using STRING to obtain the key target information. Besides, we used a myocardial ischemia rat model to investigate the cardioprotective effects of YQHX. Transmission electron microscopy and Western blotting were used to observe apoptotic bodies and confirm protein expressions of key candidate targets, respectively.

RESULTS

Network pharmacology showed that a total of 141 potential targets were obtained from these databases. The functional analysis results revealed that the targets of YQHX were largely associated with apoptosis, and the PI3K-AKT and MAPK pathways might represent key functional pathways. The hub genes of network include ALB, TP53, AKT1, TNF, VEGFA, EGFR, MAPK1, CASP3, JUN, FN1, MMP9, and MAPK8. In vivo, YQHX significantly improved cardiac function and suppressed apoptosis in ischemic rat myocardium. Furthermore, YQHX could significantly upregulate Nrf2 and HO-1 expression, and inhibit JNK phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on network pharmacology and experimental evidence, this study proves that the cardioprotective effects and mechanisms of YQHX depend on multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway. In particular, YQHX exerts anti-apoptotic effects potentially by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 and JNK-MAPK pathways.

[An analysis of the new "three tubes" method in the treatment of spontaneous esophageal rupture]

To investigate the clinical efficacy, feasibility and safety of new "three tubes" method in the treatment of spontaneous esophageal rupture. A total of 22 patients with spontaneous esophageal rupture were retrospectively analyzed. Through the new "three tubes" method of treatment, patients achieved leak cured with reduced hospital stay, less medical expenses and early resumption of oral diet. The new "three tubes" method for spontaneous esophageal rupture has the advantages of easy handling, minimal invasion, few complication and exact curative effect.

[Causal analysis and management strategies of 30-day unplanned revision surgery following single-stage posterior vertebral column resection for severe spinal deformity]

Objective: To investigate the causes of 30-day unplanned revision surgery following one-stage posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) for severe spinal deformity and the methods of prevention and management. Methods: A total of 112 severe deformity patients underwent one-stage PVCR for surgical treatment in the 306(th) Hospital of People's Liberation Army from May 2010 to December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Six patients required reoperation within 30 days after PVCR, including 2 males and 4 females with average age of 21 years (ranging from 12 to 38 years). Four cases were congenital kyphoscoliosis, 1 was post-laminectomy kyphoscoliosis and 1 was post-tuberculous angular kyphosis. Three cases associated with preoperative neurologic deficit (Frankel C in 1 patient and D in 2 patients). The causes, management and outcomes of unplanned revision surgery within 30 days after PVCR were recorded. Results: The total incidence of unplanned revision surgery within 30 days following PVCR was 5.4% (6/112). There was 1 case due to cerebrospinal fluid leak, 5 cases with varying degrees of new neurologic deficits, the causes were as followed: dural buckling in 1 case, residual bone compression in 1 case, epidural hematoma compression in 2 cases, spinal subdural hematoma in 1 case. All the 6 cases underwent surgical exploration again, including further dural repair, decompression and hematoma clearance. After unplanned reoperation, 6 cases recovered completely. The average follow-up time after surgery was 30.8 months (ranging from 10 to 60 months). The major curve at coronal plane was improved from preoperative 87.7° to 34.2°, with a mean correction of 61.0% at final follow-up; the sagittal kyphosis curve was improved from preoperative 119.5° to 45.5°, with a mean correction of 61.9% at final follow-up. Two patients' neurological status improved from Frankel D to Frankel E, one patient's neurological status improved from Frankel C to Frankel E. Conclusions: One-stage PVCR could be an effective method for treatment of severe spinal deformity. The causes of 30-day unplanned reoperation after PVCR are as followed: cerebrospinal fluid leak, dural buckling, residual bone compression and hematoma compression. Timely surgical exploration can gain good clinical outcomes.

Medium density fibreboard production by hot pressing without adhesive using Triarrhena sacchariflora residue bio-pretreated by white-rot fungus Coriolus versicolor

AIMS

To produce fibreboard with Triarrhena sacchariflora residue (TSR) without adhesive and understand the relationship between bio-pretreatment and mechanical property of fibreboard.

METHODS AND RESULTS

White-rot fungus Coriolus versicolor was used to pretreat TSR, and biochemical and physical analysis were investigated by ultraviolet spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy method.

CONCLUSIONS

TSR was suitable to produce fibreboard without adhesive by bio-pretreatment with C. versicolor. The property of fibreboard became stronger by optimization of bio-pretreatment parameters, and the moduli of rupture and elasticity of fibreboard were increased to 18·12 MPa and 4·3 GPa, respectively, which were close to national standard of medium-density fibreboard with adhesive. Bio-pretreated TSR increased the mechanical properties of fibreboard because of 1·4-fold content of polysaccharide and 1·15 U g(-1) laccase, more hydroxyl group and more porous surface structure than that of untreated TSR.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

TSR-based fibreboard production without adhesive eliminated potential formaldehyde gas emission.

In vitro antioxidant activities of endophytic fungi isolated from the liverwort Scapania verrucosa

We investigated in vitro antioxidant activities of 49 endophytic fungi isolated from the liverwort Scapania verrucosa. Based on morphological and molecular identification, the endophytic fungi isolated were classified into seven genera (Hypocrea, Penicillium, Tolypocladium, Chaetomium, Xylaria, Nemania, and Creosphaeria), all belonging to one family (Xylariaceae). By screening with the 2,2'-azino-di(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) decolorization assay, the ethyl acetate extracts of five endophytic fungi (T7, T21, T24, T32, and T38 strains), which exhibited remarkable Trolox equivalent (TE) antioxidant capacity (ranging from 997.06 to 1248.10 μmol TE/g extract), were selected and their antioxidant capacity was further evaluated by assays for 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, reducing power, and ferrous ion chelating. The ethyl acetate extracts of two endophytic fungi (T24 and T38) were found to have comparable scavenging abilities on both DPPH-free radicals (93.9 and 88.7%, respectively, at 50 μg/mL) and hydroxyl radicals (97.1 and 89.4%, respectively, at 2 mg/mL) when compared with those of the positive controls (ascorbic acid and butylated hydroxytoluene, respectively). Although their reducing powers were similar to that of butylated hydroxytoluene, as indicated by absorbance (0.35 and 0.30 at 50 μg/mL, respectively), only the T38 strain's ethyl acetate extract showed ferrous ion chelating ability (92.9% at 1 mg/mL) comparable to that of the EDTA-2Na control. These endophytic fungi in S. verrucosa are a potential novel source of natural antioxidants.

Stimulatory effect of LPS and feedback effect of PGE2 on IL-27 production

Interleukin (IL)-27 is a new member of the IL-6/IL-12 family, composed of two subunits, the Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 3 (EBI3) and p28 chains (p28), and produced by activated monocytes and dendritic cells. IL-27 plays an important role in the regulation of differentiation of naive T helper cells and has diverse effects on innate immune cells. However, the pro-inflammatory mechanisms of IL-27 are still not well known. In this study, we investigated the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the production of IL-27. We found that LPS-stimulated IL-27 production was in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner in THP-1 cells. We have also shown that IL-27 induced PGE2 production and COX-2 gene expression at the level of mRNA as well as protein. Moreover, we found feed back effect of PGE2 on the production of IL-27 in THP-1 cells. The results suggest that PGE2 significantly inhibits LPS-induced IL-27 production, without affecting basal IL-27 expression. Further experiment suggests that PGE2 and LPS regulate IL-27 through NF-κB pathway. Our findings may have wide implication for IL-27 in inflammatory diseases.

The QTL analysis on maternal and endosperm genome and their environmental interactions for characters of cooking quality in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Investigations to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) governing cooking quality traits including amylose content, gel consistency and gelatinization temperature (expressed by the alkali spread value) were conducted using a set of 241 RIL populations derived from an elite hybrid cross of "Zhenshan 97"x"Minghui 63" and their reciprocal backcrosses BC1F1 and BC2F1 populations in two environments. QTLs and QTLxenvironment interactions were analyzed by using the genetic model with endosperm and maternal effects and environmental interaction effects on quantitative traits of seed in cereal crops. The results suggested that a total of seven QTLs were associated with cooking quality of rice, which were subsequently mapped to chromosomes 1, 4 and 6. Six of these QTLs were also found to have environmental interaction effects.

Correlation analysis of mineral element contents and quality traits in milled rice (Oryza stavia L.)

The relationships among potassium (K), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) contents in milled rice (Oryza stavia L.) of 274 genotypes and the relationships between these mineral element contents and other rice quality traits including 3 cooking quality traits, 17 amino acid contents, and protein content were investigated. The results showed that there were significant correlations among most of mineral element contents. Mg, Fe, and Mn contents were significantly correlated with most of the other mineral element contents, while Cu content had significantly negative associations with the K and Mg contents of rice. The relationships between mineral element contents and cooking quality traits showed that gel consistency (GC) was significantly correlated with K, Cu, and Mn contents of rice. Amylose content (AC) was significantly associated with K, Na, Mg, Cu, and Mn contents. The alkali spreading value (ASV) had closely positive relationships with Ca, Mg, and Mn contents. In addition, 8 mineral element contents had obvious correlations with different amino acid contents. Mg, Ca, and Zn contents were significantly correlated with most of the 17 amino acid contents, but Na content did not correlate with amino acid contents except aspartic acid of rice. Furthermore, significant associations were found between protein content and Na, Mg, Zn, Cu, or Mn content. Six principal components were extracted to explain 84.50% of the total variances and contained the information provided by the original 29 variables according to the principal component analysis.

The dynamic gene expression from different genetic systems for protein and lysine contents of indica rice

The dynamic expression of genes for protein and lysine contents of rice grain under different environments was carried out with time-dependent measures by using the developmental genetic models for quantitative traits of triploid endosperm in cereal crops. The results showed that the genetic effects, especially genotype x environment (GE) interaction effects from the genes expression of different genetic systems including triploid endosperm, cytoplasm and diploid maternal plant were important for the performance of both nutrient quality traits at all developmental times/stages of rice grain. The conditional genetic variance analysis found that the activation of quantitative genes especially from endosperm and maternal plant genetic systems for protein and lysine contents was gradually carried through the developmental process of rice grain. The net genetic effects showed that the new expression of quantitative genes for protein and lysine contents was more active at late filling stage (15-21 days after flowering) and maturity stage (22-28 days) of rice grain. Also the sequential expression of cytoplasmic genes cannot be ignorable for the development of nutrient quality traits. The phenomena that some genes could continuously express for several developmental stages or the genes expression could be interrupted among developmental stages of rice grain was detected especially for net endosperm additive main effects or maternal additive main effects. The differences of genetic relationships from different genetic systems were found for protein and lysine contents among developmental times of rice grain.

Genetic and genotype x environment interaction effects for the content of seven essential amino acids in indica rice

It is necessary for rice breeders to understand the genetic basis of nutrient quality traits of rice. Essential amino acids are most important in determining the nutrient quality of rice grain and can affect the health of people who depend on rice as a staple food. In view of the paucity of genetic information available on essential amino acids in indica rice, we estimated the genetic main effects and genotype x environment (G x E) interaction effects on the content of essential amino acids. Nine cytoplasmic male sterile lines as females and five restorer lines as males were introduced in a North Carolina II design across environments. Estimates of the content of the essential amino acids valine, methionine, leucine and phenylalanine showed that they were mainly controlled by genetic main effects, while the contents of threonine, cysteine and isoleucine were mainly affected by G x E effects. In the case of genetic main effects, both cytoplasmic and maternal genetic effects were predominant for all essential amino acids, indicating that selection for improving essential amino acid content based on maternal performance would be more effective than that based on seeds. The total narrow-sense heritabilities were high and ranged from 0.72 to 0.83. Since general heritabilities for these essential amino acids (except for cysteine) were found to be much larger than G x E interaction heritability, the improvement of content of most essential amino acids under selection would be expected under various environments. Rice varieties such as Zhenan 3, Yinchao 1, T49, 26715, 102 and 1391 should be selected as optimal parents for increasing the content of most essential amino acids, while the total genetic effects from Zhexie 2, Xieqingzao, Gangchao 1, V20, Zuo 5 and Zhenshan 97 were mainly negative and these parents could decrease the contents of most essential amino acids.

The Cytological Mechanism of Low Fertility in the Naked Seed Rice

The low fertility of naked seed rice (NSR) was investigated by the following observations: somatic chromosome constitute, behavior of pollen mother cells (PMCs), the germination of mature pollen grains, the development of male and female gametes and the structure of the anther opening. The results indicated that somatic chromosomal number was 2n = 24, behavior of PMCs were normal and most of pollen grains could regularly develop further to mature male gametophytes in NSR. And dehiscence chamber and thickened endothecium cell (TEC) in numerous anthers of the NSR were developed abnormally after dicaryotic phase, result in few anthers complete opening and most partly opening or failure to opening, therefore much fewer of pollen grains attach on the stigma as compared with normal variety. Furthermore most of embryo sacs possessed abnormal structure and were sterile. All of above illustrated that the failure of the anther opening and the abortion of female gametophyte were main factors controlling the low seed-setting rate of the NSR.

Methods of developing core collections based on the predicted genotypic value of rice ( Oryza sativa L.)

The selection of an appropriate sampling strategy and a clustering method is important in the construction of core collections based on predicted genotypic values in order to retain the greatest degree of genetic diversity of the initial collection. In this study, methods of developing rice core collections were evaluated based on the predicted genotypic values for 992 rice varieties with 13 quantitative traits. The genotypic values of the traits were predicted by the adjusted unbiased prediction (AUP) method. Based on the predicted genotypic values, Mahalanobis distances were calculated and employed to measure the genetic similarities among the rice varieties. Six hierarchical clustering methods, including the single linkage, median linkage, centroid, unweighted pair-group average, weighted pair-group average and flexible-beta methods, were combined with random, preferred and deviation sampling to develop 18 core collections of rice germplasm. The results show that the deviation sampling strategy in combination with the unweighted pair-group average method of hierarchical clustering retains the greatest degree of genetic diversities of the initial collection. The core collections sampled using predicted genotypic values had more genetic diversity than those based on phenotypic values.

Developmental behavior of gene expression for brown rice thickness under different environments

The dynamic changes of genetic effects, including main effects, and genotype x environment (GE) interaction effects on brown rice thickness (BRT) across environments were investigated by using the developmental genetic models. Seven cytoplasmic male sterile lines of indica rice (Oryza sativa L.) as females and five restoring lines as males were used in a factorial design to produce grains of F(1)s and F(2)s in two environments (years) for developmental genetic analysis. The results indicate that genetic effects, especially GE interaction effects of triploid endosperm genes, cytoplasm genes, and diploid maternal plant genes were important to the performance of BRT at various filling stages of rice. The BRT was genetically controlled by the net genetic effects of genes expressed at the early and late filling stages (1-7 days and 15-21 days after flowering, respectively). The differences in net genetic effects under different environments for endosperm, cytoplasm, and maternal plant genes were found, and the net GE interaction effects were more important to BRT at the early filling and mature stages of rice. Some net genetic effects, especially for net cytoplasm effects spasmodically expressed, were detected among filling stages. Higher additive and cytoplasm main effects, along with their interaction effects, were found, which would be useful for selection for BRT in breeding programs. The predicated genetic effects at different filling stages show that the parents of V20 and Xieqingzao were better than others for improving BRT of progenies.

The interaction of Cu2 + ions and NaDC micelles

By mixing an aqueous solution of CuCl2 with an NaDC aqueous solution of various concentration and initial molar ratio, seven coordinated samples with distinct appearances and characters were obtained. Their structures and components were investigated by FT-IR spectroscopy, EXAFS (the extended X-ray absorption fine structure), thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, laser light scattering, TEM (transmission electron micrograph), element analysis and ICP (inductively coupled plasma) analysis. The following conclusions were given: (1) The complexes of Cu2+-NaDC with distinct appearances and properties were synthesized. (2) After Cu(DC)2 dissolved in NaDC aqueous solution, larger micelles (30-90 nm diameter) formed in the supernate, it is a mixed micelle with Cu(DC)2 and NaDC. So these micelles are a new kind of micelle containing two kinds of metal ions. This is a new result using metal ions as bridges to form micelle. (3) According to the different concentration of Cu2+ to NaDC, the complexes formed as gel or poly-crystals. Both the composition of gel complexes and the coordination structure of carboxyl groups with metal ions varied with the initial molar ratio of Cu2+ to Na+. The gel complexes exhibits the non-stoichiometric character. (4) These results are in agreement with physiological condition. All the different states such as gel, precipitate, micelles of various structures are present in bile of gallbladder. We can suggest an ideal model of the interaction between Cu2+ and bile salts in vivo.

[Energy transfer between electric polymer PVK and terbium complex and its transmission electronmicroscope (TME) study]

A chloroform-soluble terbium complex, which is confirmed to be Tb(aspirin)3 phen using element analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy, was synthesized. Photoluminescent investigation on the terbium complex and PVK-terbium complex composite was conducted. Förster energy transfer occurred between the terbium complex and the PVK matrix. There are no overlap between UV spectrum of the complex and the emission spectrum of PVK, however, overlap is observed between the excitation spectrum of the complex and the emission spectrum of PVK. Therefore, we suggest that the necessary condition of Förster energy transfer should be overlap between the excitation (not UV) spectrum of one complex and the emission spectrum of polymer matrix. Further investigation indicates that the emission of PVK can be suppressed at different extents by doping various amount of Tb(aspirin)3 phen into PVK films. The ratio of Tb(aspirin)3 phen: PVK = 1:2 (wt%) are regarded as an optimized ratio for limiting the emission of PVK. TEM images of PVK/Tb(aspirin)3 phen films reveal that nanoparticles of the Tb complex are dispersed in the PVK matrix. The size of the aggregated complex in PVK matrix is 20-30 nm. The film is not homogeneous as dark regions co-exist with light region in the TEM images. This phenomenon may be related to the short lifetime of electroluminescent devices.

[Synthesis and spectroscopic properties of rare earth complexes with o-phthalate and 1,10-phenanthroline]

The complexes of rare earth ions (Nd3+, Sm3+) with o-phthalate and 1,10-phenanthroline have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, 1H NMR, IR, and DTA-TG. The compositions of complexes have been confirmed to be RE2L3.2H2O and RE2L3 phen.2H2O (RE: rare earth ions, L: o-phthalic, phen: 1,10-phenanthroline), their far-IR and FT-Raman spectra have been discussed and studied.

Distinguishing malignant from normal oral tissues using FTIR fiber-optic techniques

Oral tissue samples were studied using mid-IR fiber-optic attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy and other spectral techniques. The 1745 cm(-1) band, which is assigned to the ester group (C==O) vibration of triglycerides, is a reliable marker that is present in normal tissues but absent or a weak band in malignant oral tissues. Other bands such as C--H stretching bands and the amide bands are also helpful in distinguishing malignant tissues from normal tissues. Subtraction spectra confirmed the above conclusion. In addition, Raman spectroscopic measurements were in agreement with the results observed from FTIR spectra.

[High-level expression of human calmodulin in E. coli and its effects on cell proliferation]

The gene coding for human CaM was amplified by PCR in which pUC/hCaM3 cDNA was usd as template. After inserting the hCaM III cDNA into the expression plasmid pBV220, we constructed the hCaM3 cDNA-recombinant expression vector(hCaM3/pBV220). The recombinant plasmid was then transformed into E. coli DH5 alpha. After heat induction, a high level expression of CaM protein was obtained. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the recombinant E. coli could express a 17 kD protein which accounted for about 20% of the total cellular protein. Western blot analysis showed that anti-CaM monoclonal antibody(McAb) specifically bound to the 17 kD band of expression product. rhCaM was purified by Phenyl-sepharose CL-4B affinity chromatography from recombinant bacterial lysate. 3-4 mg of the purified protein were obtained from 1 liter of bacterial culture. The rhCaM was able to activate NAD kinase to the same extent as the standard human brain CaM (Sigma). K562 cells and SP2/0 cells were seeded in 24-well or 96-well plate and cultured for 48 h with rhCaM and CaM-antagonist trifluoperazine(TFP). Cell proliferation rates was determined by MTT assay. There was a significant positive correlation between the concentrations of rhCaM and the cell proliferation rates. CaM-antagonist TFP had an inhibitory effect on cell proliferation rate. The inhibition could be corrected by the addition of extracellular rhCaM.

A BAC-Based STS-Content Map Spanning a 35-Mb Region of Human Chromosome 1p35–p36

We have devised a mapping method for rapid assembly and ordering of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones on a radiation hybrid (RH) panel, using sequence-tagged sites (STSs) and PCR. The protocol consists of two rounds of two-dimensional screening from a limited number of BACs to correspond each to an STS. In the first round, STSs are assembled in the RH bins and ordered according to PCR signals derived from 384-well microtiter plates (MTPs) in which BAC clones have been arrayed. In the second round, individual BAC clones are isolated from the MTPs to build a contig. We applied this method to a 35-Mb region spanning human chromosome 1p35-p36 and assembled 1366 BACs in 11 contigs, the longest being about 20 Mb. The working draft sequences of the human genome have been integrated into the contigs to validate the accuracy.

[Developmental genetic analysis of brown rice thickness of indica rice (Oryza sativa L.)]

Analysis of developmental genetic effects for brown rice thickness (BRT) trait in indica rice (Oryza sativa L.) at four different filling stages was conducted and a developmental genetic model and corresponding statistical approaches for quantitative traits of triploid endosperm in cereal crops was used. The results indicated that the diploid maternal plant, triploid endosperm and cytoplasmic genetic effects were important for BRT trait at all filling stages of rice and those effects were the major effect at initial medium, filling period and mature period respectively. The additive and dominance effects were the major effect alternatively at four filling stages of rice. Significant endosperm and maternal dominance effects for BRT suggest that the utilization of heterosis for BRT is viable. The results of conditional genetic variance components shown that the expression of new quantitative genes in endosperm, cytoplasm and maternal plant for BRT was found at most filling stages of rice. The gene expression was most active at the early filling stages, especially at the second stage (8-14 days after flowering). Near to mature period (22-28 days after flowering), however, the expression of genes decreased sharply and even closed. The phenomena that the genes expressed spasmodically, i.e. the net genetic effects equaled to zero in some filling stages were detected for some genetic effects. Dominance and cytoplasmic correlation coefficients were significant at 0.05 or 0.01 probability level in some filling stages meanwhile there were the most strong relationship between mature period and other periods for BRT.

Comparison of the hydrophobic properties of Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis

Although Candida dubliniensis is a close genetic relative of Candida albicans, it colonizes and infects fewer sites. Nearly all instances of candidiasis caused by C. dubliniensis are restricted to the oral cavity. As cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) influences virulence of C. albicans, CSH properties of C. dubliniensis were investigated and compared to C. albicans. Growth temperature is one factor which affects the CSH status of stationary-phase C. albicans. However, C. dubliniensis, similar to other pathogenic non-albicans species of Candida, was hydrophobic regardless of growth temperature. For all Candida species tested in this study (C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis), CSH status correlated with coaggregation with the anaerobic oral bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum. Previous studies have shown that CSH status of C. albicans involves multiple surface proteins and surface protein N-glycans. The hydrophobic surface glycoprotein CAgp38 appears to be expressed by C. albicans constitutively regardless of growth temperature and medium. C. dubliniensis expresses a 38-kDa protein that cross-reacts with the anti-CAgp38 monoclonal antibody; however, expression of the protein was growth medium and growth temperature dependent. The anti-CAgp38 monoclonal antibody has been shown to inhibit adhesion of C. albicans to extracellular matrix proteins and to vascular endothelial cells. Since protein glycosylation influences the CSH status of C. albicans, we compared the cell wall mannoprotein content and composition between C. albicans and C. dubliniensis. Similar bulk compositional levels of hexose, phosphate, and protein in their N-glycans were determined. However, a component of the C. albicans N-glycan, acid-labile phosphooligomannoside, is expressed much less or negligibly by C. dubliniensis, and when present, the oligomannosides are predominantly less than five mannose residues in length. In addition, the acid-labile phosphooligomannoside profiles varied among the three strains of C. dubliniensis we tested, indicating the N-glycan of C. dubliniensis differs from C. albicans. For C. albicans, the acid-labile phosphooligomannoside influences virulence and surface fibrillar conformation, which affects exposure of hydrophobic surface proteins. Given the combined role in C. albicans of expression of specific surface hydrophobic proteins in pathogenesis and of surface protein glycosylation on exposure of the proteins, the lack of these virulence-associated CSH entities in C. dubliniensis could contribute to its limited ability to cause disseminated infections.

[Experimental study of inhibitory effect of kangxian recipe on TGF-beta 1 induced hepatocyte apoptosis]

OBJECTIVE

To study the inhibitory effect of Kangxian Recipe (KXR) on TGF-beta 1 induced hepatocyte apoptosis.

METHODS

The in vitro model of hepatocyte apoptosis was established by cell biologic methods, utilizing the characteristics of TGF-beta 1 to observe the inhibitory effect of KXR on hepatocyte apoptosis.

RESULTS

TGF-beta 1 induced apoptosis of hepatocyte in a dose-dependent manner. The apoptosis rate of 2.2.15 cells was 63% when 500 ng/L TGF-beta 1 was used, while for HepG2 cell, it was merely 44%. After treatment of 20 ng/L KXR, the apoptosis rate of the two kinds of cell lines lowered to 33% and 24% respectively. The inhibition rate of both groups was about 50%.

CONCLUSION

KXR had strong inhibitory effect on hepatocyte apoptosis induced by TGF-beta 1.

Sugar interaction with metal ions. Crystal structure and FT-IR spectroscopic study of strontium galactarate mono-hydrate

The crystal structure of strontium galactarate mono-hydrate, Sr2+ x C6H8O8(2-) x H2O, Mr = 313.76, monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 10.268(2), b = 10.333(2), c = 10.194(2) A, beta = 117.87(3) degrees, lambda(Mo K alpha) = 0.71073 A, Z = 4, Dx = 2.180 Mg m(-3), V = 956.1(3) A3, mu = 5.676 mm(-1), F(000) = 624, T = 293(2) K, R = 0.0260 for 1690 observed reflections and 145 parameters refined, has been determined. The galactarate ion is centro-symmetrical in the crystal structure, although it contains independent half-ions. The Sr2+ ion is nine-coordinated (tricapped trigonal prism) with five Sr-O bonds from carboxylic groups, and four from hydroxyl groups. The water molecule does not take part in the coordination. Six hydrogen bonds are formed, three of them related to the water molecule. The spectroscopic evidence shows that the carboxylic acid dimers of the free acid dissociate. The asymmetric stretching vibrations of the anionic COO groups in the salt are observed at 1609 and 1548, and 1581 cm(-1), assigned to a mono-dentate and a tetra-dentate coordination, respectively. The symmetric stretching vibration is located at 1397 cm(-1). The hydroxyl groups of the galactarate skeleton take part in the metal-oxygen interaction, and the hydrogen-bonding network is rearranged upon sugar metalation.

Sugar interaction with metal ions. FT-IR study on the structure of crystalline galactaric acid and its K+, NH4+, Ca2+, Ba2+, and La3+ complexes

The FT-IR spectra of galactaric acid and its K+, NH4+, Ca2+, Ba2+, and La3+ salts have been recorded and interpreted. Spectroscopic evidence shows that the dimeric carboxylic groups of the free acid are dissociated upon formation of the salt, and the asymmetric and symmetric stretching vibrations of the anionic COO- group in these salts are observed at about 1600 and 1400 cm-1, respectively. The two carboxylic groups of the galactarate coordinate with Ca2+ ions in a monodentate form. One of the carboxylic groups in the Ba2+ salt coordinates in a monodentate state; another group interacts with three cations in a tetradentate form. In the K+, NH4+, and La3+ salts, the COO- groups coordinate in a polydentate manner with the cations. By comparison of the spectra of the salts with that of the free acid, it is concluded that the hydroxyl groups of the galactarate skeleton take part in metal-oxygen interaction, and the hydrogen-bonding network is rearranged upon sugar metalation. The degree of participation of the sugar OH groups in metal-galactarate interaction is varied from the K+ and NH4+ salts to the Ca2+, Ba2+, and La3+ salts.

Biological effects of rare earth protein complexes: influence of lanthanide ions Eu3+, Tb3+ on secondary structure of calmodulins

The secondary structure of four kinds of calmodulins (CaMs; i.e., Brassica campestris pollen CaM, bovine brain CaM, earthworm calcium binding protein, and earthworm new calcium binding protein) in thin films are determined by the FTIR resolution enhanced technique and curve fitting. The variation in the secondary structure of CaM upon its binding with Ca2+, Eu3+, and Tb3+, the assay of phosphodiesterase enzyme, and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis are also investigated. The effect of lanthanide ions on the conformation of CaM are described.

The effect of lanthanide chloride on abscisic acid and electron-transport activity of some crops

The abscisic acid (ABA) content of the root tips of four crops grown in lanthanide chloride solution and their root lengths had been determined. At lanthanide concentrations of 5 and 10 ppm, these crops all grew well and the ABA decreased. At higher lanthanide concentrations (100-500 ppm), the ABA is increased again. At these concentrations of lanthanum chloride, the photosystems I and II (PSI and PSII) and whole electron chain transport activities were inhibited. PSII was more sensitive than PSI, and it is concluded that La3+ acts on the diphenylcarbazide (DPC) action place of PSII oxidizing site.

Negative correlation between cyclophilin mRNA level in leukocytes of renal allograft recipients and ciclosporin concentration in whole blood

AIM

To study mRNA level of cyclophilin in the white blood cells (WBC) of the renal allograft recipients (RAR) and its correlation with ciclosporin concentration in whole blood.

METHODS

The cyclophilin mRNA levels and beta-actin as controls in the WBC of 47 RAR were measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The blood ciclosporin assay utilized monoclonal antibody fluorescence polarization immunoassay.

RESULTS

With the increase of ciclosporin concentration in whole blood (from 62 micrograms.L-1 to 678 micrograms.L-1), relative cyclophilin mRNA level in the WBC of RAR decreased nonlinearly (from 1.1 to 0.03, r = 0.8195).

CONCLUSION

There was a negative correlation between the mRNA level of cyclophilin in the WBC of RAR and the ciclosporin concentration in whole blood.

[Effect of acupoint irradiation with Q-wave millimeter microwave on peripheral white blood cells in post-operational treatment with chemotherapy in stomach and colorectal cancer patients]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the biological effect of Q-wave millimeter microwave (QWMM).

METHODS

The QWMM was used to irradiate the acupoints Xuehai (Sp10) and Geshu (B17) in treating post-operational and chemotherapy treated stomach cancer and colorectal cancer patients. The effect of irradiation on chemotherapy affected peripheral white blood cells was observed. 62 cases (stomach cancer 42, colorectal cancer 20) in total were divided into two groups: group A, 21 cases (stomach cancer 15, colorectal cancer 6) the irradiation began 10 days after operation, and on the 16th day the chemotherapy combined with irradiation started. Group B had 41 cases (stomach cancer 27, colorectal cancer 14), in which the irradiation began immediately after the occurrence of chemotherapy induced peripheral WBC reduction, which persisted for at least 12 days.

RESULTS

The effective rate for the group A and B was 85.7% (18/21) and 73.2% (30/41) respectively. The total effective rate of the two groups was 77.4% (48/62). The effective rate of group A was significantly higher than that of group B, P < 0.01.

CONCLUSION

GWMM irradiation at acupoints could promote the hematopoietic function of bone marrow, and the irradiation performed 1 week before chemotherapy yielded even better protection on bone marrow.

[Study on risk factors of vaginitis in married women at reproductive ages in rural areas Luliang County, Yunnan Province]

Utilizing data from 2,287 married women at reproductive ages from Luliang county in Yunnan province, a study of prevalence and risk factors of vaginitis was conducted. It is found that the prevalence of vaginitis in Luliang county was 10.2%. The main risk factors selected by Logistic regression were occupation, contraceptive methods used currently, numbers of pregnancies, sexual intercourse per month, habit of washing lower body with dirty water during menses etc. The main risk factors through chi 2-test were age, occupation age of marriage, numbers of pregnancies, numbers of induced abortion, numbers of natural abortion, numbers of stillbirth, numbers of total failing pregnancies, contraception methods used currently, contraception methods ever used before, intercourse per month, wash lower body with dirty water during menses.

Chronic tonsillitis and IgA nephropathy

The authors studied the effect of tonsillectomy for IgA nephropathy and the relationship between chronic tonsillitis and IgA nephropathy. Forty-five patients with IgA nephropathy were treated by tonsillectomy in our department. The effective rate of hematuria type IgA nephropathy was 86.2% and that of non-hematuria type 62.5%. We also determined the immunoglobulin composition of the tonsilla tissue in 18 IgA nephropathy patients and compared it with that of 18 chronic tonsillitis patients. The immunoglobin level of the IgA nephropathy group was higher than that of the contrast group, indicating that the disorder of tonsilla immunity may be one of the pathogenic factors for IgA nephropathy. Since no specific method has been available for the treatment of IgA nephropathy, we use tonsillectomy as an effective procedure.

Synthesis, characterization, and antiinflammatory activity of naproxen complexes with rare earth (III)

RE(III) complexes of Naproxen(HNap) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, conductance measurements, solubilities, thermal analysis, infrared, proton magnetic resonance, and electronic spectral data. The elemental analyses reveal the presence of 1:3 (metal:ligand) stoichiometry and the IR spectra suggest the carboxylate group of HNap functions, as a bridging ligand to coordinate to RE(III) ions. The electronic spectra recorded in solid exhibit only slight shifts in visible regions, on which beta, delta and b1/2 of covalent parameters have been calculated. Formalin-induced rat paw edema and croton oil-induced rat ear edema inflammatory models were chosen to examine the antiinflammatory activity of Nd(III) complex, which ascertained enhanced antiinflammatory activity relative to the ligand.

Fibronectin in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing dialysis

Fibronectin (FN) levels were determined in 64 cases with chronic renal failure (CRF), some of whom were undergoing dialysis. FN levels were 14.9 +/- 7.6 mg/dl in CRF (n = 20), 13.4 +/- 4.3 mg/dl in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) (n = 20) and 16.7 +/- 7.2 mg/dl in patients on hemodialysis (HD) (n = 24). All the levels were significantly lower than in normal subjects (23.1 +/- 4.6 mg/dl). Serum FN was compared with some nutritional indices. Positive correlations were found between serum FN and nitrogen balance (BN), serum prealbumin (PreA) and transferrin (Tf) in all the patients. With serum albumin (Alb), however, this correlation was only found in patients undergoing dialysis. Negative correlations were found between serum FN and the ratio of serum urea to serum creatinine (Surea/Scr) in CAPD and HD patients. In 10 CAPD patients, the low serum FN levels went up after increased protein intake. This indicates that it was the result of malnutrition due to decreased protein intake. Serum FN level reflects a negative BN earlier and better than serum PreA, Tf and Alb. It is a sensitive, reliable and simple index for judging the nutritional protein status and the effect of nutritional treatment in patients with CRF undergoing dialysis.

Sequence, transcription and translation of a late gene of the Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus encoding a 34.8K polypeptide

A 1.4 kb region downstream of the DNA polymerase gene of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus was sequenced. Two open reading frames (ORFs) were identified of 927 and 474 bases in length. The 927 base ORF encodes a 34.8K protein as determined by in vitro translation of both hybrid-selected RNA and RNA synthesized in vitro from a 927 base ORF template. The predicted amino acid sequence of the 34.8K polypeptide (p34.8) reveals a hydrophobic N terminus, two potential N-glycosylation sites, and potential sites for phosphorylation by casein kinase I and protein kinase C. The p34.8 gene has a strong codon usage bias which is strikingly different from that of the polyhedrin gene. The two 5' ends of the 927 base ORF transcripts initiate from an ATAAG sequence and a GTAAG sequence 11 and 87 bases upstream of the ATG codon respectively. A short upstream reading frame is present in the leader sequence of the longer RNA. The transcripts have multiple 3' ends; the most proximal endpoint correlates with a polyadenylation signal overlapping the translational termination codon of the 927 base ORF. Transcripts of the latter were not observed early in the infection cycle but appeared 6 h after infection and were maximally expressed at 12 to 24 h post-infection. The late nature of these transcripts was confirmed by their sensitivity to aphidicolin and cycloheximide, inhibitors of DNA replication and protein synthesis respectively. Attempts to construct viral mutants carrying a deletion of the p34.8 gene and fusion with the beta-galactosidase gene suggest that the former gene is essential for viral replication.

The location, sequence, transcription, and regulation of a baculovirus DNA polymerase gene

The Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV) DNA polymerase gene was identified with the aid of an oligonucleotide probe corresponding to an amino acid sequence conserved among viral DNA polymerases of other virus families. A 3.6-kb pair region of the AcMNPV DNA, from 39.5 to 42.5 map units (m.u.), was sequenced and an open reading frame (ORF) of 2994 bp was observed. From the first ATG of this ORF, a translation product of 984 amino acids (Mr 114,310) was predicted. Amino acid sequence similarities to other viral DNA polymerases were found. Transcription was analyzed by Northern RNA blot analysis and nuclease protection studies of RNA:DNA hybrids. The ORF is transcribed in the counterclockwise direction as a 3-kb RNA. Transcripts appear to initiate at two differently regulated sites (ca. -120 and -212 bp) upstream of the initiating ATG (+1,+2,+3) and to be polyadenylated at a single site near a signal (A2UA3) which overlaps the translational termination signal (UAA) at +2952. Transcripts were observed only during a narrow window between 2 to 8 hr postinfection (p.i.) with maximum expression between 4 and 6 hr p.i. Polymerase gene transcripts were observed in the presence of the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide which also blocked the shut-off of these early transcripts. Aphidicolin, an inhibitor of both viral and host DNA polymerases, inhibited polymerase gene transcription suggesting a unique regulation involving DNA replication.

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activities of pig coronary arteries

Most (85% or more) of the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (3' :5' -cyclic-AMP 5'-nucleotidohydrolase, EC 3.1.4.17) activity of pig coronary arteries was found in the 40 000 times g supernatant fraction of homogenates of the intima plus media layer. Chromatography of the soluble fraction of this layer on DEAE-cellulose resolved two phosphodiesterase activities and a heat stable, non-dializable activator. Peak I activity had apparent Km values of 2-4 muM for cyclic GMP and 40-100 muM for cyclic AMP. Peak II activity was relatively specific for cyclic AMP and exhibited apparent negatively cooperative behavior. Peak I but not peak II activity could be stimulated 3-8-fold by the addition of the boiled activator fraction or a boiled crude supernatant fraction. Cyclic AMP hydrolysis by peak I or peak II was more rapid in the presence of Mn-2+ than Mg-2+, but the latter promoted hydrolysis of cyclic GMP by peak I more effectively than did Mn-2+ in the presence of activator. In the absence of added metals, ethylene bis(oxyethylenenitriol)tetra-acetic acid (EGTA) and EDTA both inhibited hydrolysis of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP by phosphodiesterase activities in the supernatant fraction and in peak I, but EDTA produced more complete inhibition at lower concentrations than did EGTA. Imidazole (1 muM to 10 mM) had virtually no effect on the hydrolysis of cyclic AMP or cyclic GMP catalyzed by either of the two separated peaks or by total phosphodiesterase activities in crude supernatant or particulate fractions.