The landscape of very important pharmacogenes variants and potential clinical relevance in the Chinese Jingpo population: a comparative study with worldwide populations

BACKGROUND

Pharmacogenomics is a facet of personalized medicine that explores how genetic variants affect drug metabolism and adverse drug reactions. Therefore, this study aims to detect distinct pharmacogenomic variations among the Jingpo population and explore their clinical correlation with drug metabolism and toxicity.

METHODS

Agena MassARRAY Assay was used to genotype 57 VIP variants in 28 genes from 159 unrelated Jingpo participants. Subsequently, the chi-squared test and Bonferroni's statistical tests were utilized to conduct a comparative analysis of genotypes and allele frequencies between the Jingpo population and the other 26 populations from the 1000 Genome Project.

RESULTS

We discovered that the KHV (Kinh in Ho ChiMinh City, Vietnam), CHS (Southern Han Chi-nese, China) and JPT (Japanese in Tokyo, Japan) exhibited the smallest differences from the Jingpo with only 4 variants, while ESN (Esan in Nigeria) exhibited the largest differences with 30 variants. Besides, a total of six considerably different loci (rs4291 in ACE, rs20417 in PTGS2, rs1801280 and rs1799929 in NAT2, rs2115819 in ALOX5, rs1065852 in CYP2D6, p < 3.37 × 10-5) were identified in this study. According to PharmGKB, rs20417 (PTGS2), rs4291 (ACE), rs2115819 (ALOX5) and rs1065852 (CYP2D6) were found to be associated with the metabolism efficiency of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, montelukast and tamoxifen, respectively. Meanwhile, rs1801280 and rs1799929 (NAT2) were found to be related to drug poisoning with slow acetylation.

CONCLUSION

Our study unveils distinct pharmacogenomic variants in the Jingpo population and discovers their association with the metabolic efficiency of NSAIDs, montelukast, and tamoxifen.

SOWAHB polymorphisms affect thyroid cancer risk in the Chinese Han population

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to detect the correlation between SOWAHB polymorphisms and Thyroid cancer (TC) risk in the Chinese Han population.

METHODS

We genotyped SOWAHB variants in 510 TC patients and 509 controls using Agena MassARRAY. We assessed the association between SOWAHB polymorphisms and TC susceptibility, with the significant results evaluated through FPRP analysis. We predicted TC risk by the SNP-SNP interaction, analyzed by MDR.

RESULTS

Carriers with rs2703129 CC had a lower probability of TC (codominant, recessive: p = 0.002), while subjects with rs1874564 AG had an increased risk of developing TC (codominant, recessive: p = 0.000, log-additive: p = 0.028). In subjects aged > 45 years, rs2703129 may reduce TC predisposition (codominant: p = 0.011, recessive: p = 0.007), but there was an increased association between rs1874564 and TC risk (codominant: p = 0.030, dominant: p = 0.047). Also, rs2703129 was associated with a lower risk of TC among males (codominant: p = 0.018, recessive: p = 0.013). Conversely, rs1874564 was associated with an increased risk of TC in females (codominant: p = 0.001, dominant: p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

SOWAHB SNPs were related to the occurrence of TC, and rs2703129 may be a protective site for TC.

Effect of antioxidant procyanidin b2 (pcb2) on ovine oocyte developmental potential in response to in vitro maturation (ivm) and vitrification stress

BACKGROUND

It was demonstrated that external stress, such as in vitro maturation (IVM) and vitrification process can induce significantly reduced development capacity in oocytes. Previous studies indicated that antioxidants play a pivotal part in the acquisition of adaptation in changed conditions. At present, the role of the natural potent antioxidant PCB2 in response to IVM and vitrification during ovine oocyte manipulation has not been explored.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether PCB2 treatment could improve the developmental potential of ovine oocytes under IVM and vitrification stimuli.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The experiment was divided into two parts. Firstly, the effect of PCB2 on the development of oocytes during IVM was evaluated. Un-supplemented and 5 ug per mL PCB2-supplemented in the IVM solution were considered as control and experimental groups (C + 5 ug per mL PCB2). The polar body extrusion (PBE) rate, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ATP, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and early apoptosis of oocytes were measured after IVM. Secondly, we further determine whether PCB2 could improve oocyte quality under vitrification stress. The survival rate, PBE rate and early apoptosis of oocytes were compared between fresh group, vitrified group and 5 ug per mL PCB2-supplemented in the IVM solution after vitrification (V + 5 ug per mL PCB2).

RESULTS

Compared to the control group, adding PCB2 significantly increased PBE rate (79.4% vs. 62.8%, P < 0.01) and MMP level (1.9 +/- 0.08 vs. 1.3 +/- 0.04, P < 0.01), and decreased ROS level (47.1 +/- 6.3 vs. 145.3 +/- 8.9, P < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in ATP content and early apoptosis. Compared to the fresh group, vitrification significantly reduced oocytes viability (43.0% vs. 90.8%, P < 0.01) as well as PBE rate (24.2% vs. 60.6%, P < 0.05). However, 5 ug per mL PCB2-supplemention during maturation had no effect on survival, PBE or early apoptosis in vitrified oocytes.

CONCLUSION

PCB2 could effectively antagonise the oxidative stress during IVM and promote oocyte development. DOI: 10.54680/fr23210110412.

Transcriptome analysis in an AEG‑1‑deficient neuronal HT22 cell line

Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) is a key regulatory factor of progression in multiple types of tumor and neurodegenerative disease development. AEG-1 is associated with glutamate excitotoxicity due to its reported function of repressing excitatory amino acid transporter 2 expression in astrocytes. Although the function of AEG-1 has been demonstrated in neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the underlying mechanism of neuronal AEG-1 function remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to clarify the function and related mechanism of AEG-1 in neurons. A stable AEG-1-deficient HT22 neuronal cell line was constructed using CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting were carried out to analyze the knockdown efficiency of AEG-1-deficient HT22 cell line. RNA Sanger sequencing analysis was performed in AEG-1-deficient HT22 cells and wild-type HT22 cells without knockout (KO). Results from RNA sequencing revealed that AEG-1 modulated neuronal morphology and development by regulating the expression of numerous genes, such as ubiquitin C, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1, MMP9, Notch1, neuropilin 1 and ephrin type-A receptor 4. In addition, AEG-1 deficiency impacted several signaling pathways by mediating cell survival differentiation, apoptosis, and migration; this included the TNF-α pathway, the NF-κB pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway, the Notch signaling pathway and Axon guidance. Downregulation in cellular ion homeostasis, including ion channel function and neurotransmitter release, were observed after knocking out AEG-1 expression. Collectively, the present study provides insights into AEG-1-dependent gene regulation and signaling pathway transduction in neurons. The results of the present study may be applied for improving the understanding of AEG-1-associated central nervous system diseases.

Pregnancy of cryopreserved ovine embryos at different developmental stages

BACKGROUND

Developmental stage and cryopreservation method have significant impact on the pregnancy rate after transfer of embryos produced in vivo.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the pregnancy outcomes from ovine embryos cryopreserved at different developmental stages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Embryos at different developmental stages were obtained from donor ewes through simultaneous estrus treatment and laparoscopic artificial insemination. Embryos, either cryopreserved via vitrification or slow freezing method, were implanted into recipient ewes. The pregnancy rate was determined 35 days after transfer.

RESULTS

The pregnancy rate of developing embryos increases after transfer from the morula stage, early blastocyst to expanded blastocyst stages (64.9%, 73.9% and 81.3%, respectively). However, cryopreservation significantly decreases the pregnancy rate of embryos at all three developmental stages, and there is no significant difference among developmental stages (43.9%, 43.7%, 52.9%, respectively). There is also no significant difference in the pregnancy rate between slowly-frozen embryos and vitrified embryos.

CONCLUSION

The pregnancy outcomes of embryo transfer is better at the expanded blastocyst stage than at earlier stages. However, no difference is observed in the pregnancy rate of embryos at different developmental stage after cryopreservation, either by slow freezing and vitrification. Cryopreservation methods for ovine embryos, both slow freezing and vitrification, need further improvement. doi.org/10.54680/fr22510110512.

Efficacy of supplemented Er-xian decoction combined with acupoint application for poor ovarian response

This study aims to observe the efficacy of supplemented Er-xian decoction combined with acupoint application in treating poor ovarian response (POR). This study was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 80 patients, who were treated in the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2016 to December 2017, were divided into two groups by tables of random numbers: experimental group (n = 40), and control group (n = 40). In the experimental group, patients orally received supplemented Er-xian decoction with acupoint application. In the control group, a Kuntai capsule was administered according to the course of treatment. The therapeutic effects in the two groups were observed and compared. In the experimental group, the total effective rate was 90%, the cure rate was 15% (six patients), the markedly effective rate was 35% (14 patients), the effective rate was 40% (16 patients), and the ineffective rate was 10% (four patients). In the control group, the total effective rate was 50%, the cure rate was 5% (two patients), the markedly effective rate was 15% (six patients), the effective rate was 30% (12 patients), and the ineffective rate was 50% (20 patients). The differences were statistically significant (P > 0.05). Definite efficacy was observed when a poor ovarian response was treated by supplemented Er-xian decoction combined with acupoint application. Improvements in perimenopausal symptoms, menstruation conditions, hormone levels, inhibin B (INHB), and antral follicle count (AFC) were markedly better in the experimental group than in the control group. In addition, the treatment was safe and had few side effects.

Contribution of single-gene defects to congenital cardiac left-sided lesions in the prenatal setting

OBJECTIVES

To explore the contribution of single-gene defects to the genetic cause of cardiac left-sided lesions (LSLs), and to evaluate the incremental diagnostic yield of whole-exome sequencing (WES) for single-gene defects in fetuses with LSLs without aneuploidy or a pathogenic copy-number variant (pCNV).

METHODS

Between 10 April 2015 and 30 October 2018, we recruited 80 pregnant women diagnosed with a LSL who had termination of pregnancy and genetic testing. Eligible LSLs were aortic valve atresia or stenosis, coarctation of the aorta, mitral atresia or stenosis and hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). CNV sequencing (CNV-seq) and WES were performed sequentially on specimens from these fetuses and their parents. CNV-seq was used to identify aneuploidies and pCNVs, while WES was used to identify diagnostic genetic variants in cases without aneuploidy or pCNV.

RESULTS

Of 80 pregnancies included in the study, 27 (33.8%) had a genetic diagnosis. CNV-seq analysis identified six (7.5%) fetuses with aneuploidy and eight (10.0%) with pCNVs. WES analysis of the remaining 66 cases revealed diagnostic genetic variants in 13 (19.7%) cases, indicating that the diagnostic yield of WES for the entire cohort was 16.3% (13/80). KMT2D was the most frequently mutated gene (7/66 (10.6%)) in fetuses with LSL without aneuploidy or pCNVs, followed by NOTCH1 (4/66 (6.1%)). HLHS was the most prevalent cardiac phenotype (4/7) in cases with a KMT2D mutation in this cohort. An additional six (9.1%) cases were found to have potentially deleterious variants in candidate genes.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-gene defects contribute substantially to the genetic etiology of fetal LSLs. KMT2D mutations accounted for approximately 10% of LSLs in our fetal cohort. WES has the potential to provide genetic diagnoses in fetuses with LSLs without aneuploidy or pCNVs. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Clinical evaluation of total and high-avidity anti-dsDNA antibody assays for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus

Background

This study evaluated the diagnostic performances of total and high-avidity (HA) anti-dsDNA enzyme immunoassays (EIA) in Chinese systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.

Methods

A total of 410 serum samples from 217 SLE patients, 54 patients with other systemic autoimmune diseases, and 139 healthy subjects were tested on total and HA anti-dsDNA EIA, as well as three commercial in vitro diagnostic kits: BioPlex 2200 ANA Screen, Kallestad anti-dsDNA EIA, and Crithidia Lucilae IFA. The disease activities of SLE patients were assessed using the modified SLE Disease Activity Index. The diagnostic performances of each assay were analyzed using Analyse-it software.

Results

The diagnostic performances of the total and HA anti-dsDNA EIA kits were comparable to other commercially available in vitro diagnostic assays. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated an area under the curve ranging from 0.85 to 0.89, with the total anti-dsDNA kit demonstrating the highest sensitivity and the HA kit showing higher specificity. An overall agreement of >90% was observed between the total and HA anti-dsDNA EIA kits and commercially available quantitative anti-dsDNA kits. The ratio of HA to total anti-dsDNA antibody was significantly higher among SLE patients with active disease status and/or kidney damage. All assays exhibited a significant correlation with disease activity and multiple clinical manifestations.

Conclusions

While the clinical performances of various anti-dsDNA assays showed adequate agreements, the BioPlex 2200 anti-dsDNA assay demonstrated the highest positive likelihood ratio and odds ratio. The HA anti-dsDNA EIA kit in association with the total anti-dsDNA kit provided superior performance in SLE diagnosis and monitoring disease activity.

Widespread white matter microstructural differences in schizophrenia across 4322 individuals: results from the ENIGMA Schizophrenia DTI Working Group

The regional distribution of white matter (WM) abnormalities in schizophrenia remains poorly understood, and reported disease effects on the brain vary widely between studies. In an effort to identify commonalities across studies, we perform what we believe is the first ever large-scale coordinated study of WM microstructural differences in schizophrenia. Our analysis consisted of 2359 healthy controls and 1963 schizophrenia patients from 29 independent international studies; we harmonized the processing and statistical analyses of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data across sites and meta-analyzed effects across studies. Significant reductions in fractional anisotropy (FA) in schizophrenia patients were widespread, and detected in 20 of 25 regions of interest within a WM skeleton representing all major WM fasciculi. Effect sizes varied by region, peaking at (d=0.42) for the entire WM skeleton, driven more by peripheral areas as opposed to the core WM where regions of interest were defined. The anterior corona radiata (d=0.40) and corpus callosum (d=0.39), specifically its body (d=0.39) and genu (d=0.37), showed greatest effects. Significant decreases, to lesser degrees, were observed in almost all regions analyzed. Larger effect sizes were observed for FA than diffusivity measures; significantly higher mean and radial diffusivity was observed for schizophrenia patients compared with controls. No significant effects of age at onset of schizophrenia or medication dosage were detected. As the largest coordinated analysis of WM differences in a psychiatric disorder to date, the present study provides a robust profile of widespread WM abnormalities in schizophrenia patients worldwide. Interactive three-dimensional visualization of the results is available at www.enigma-viewer.org.

Characterization of slow cycling corneal limbal epithelial cells identifies putative stem cell markers

In order to identify reliable markers of corneal epithelial stem cells, we employed an inducible transgenic “pulse-chase” murine model (K5Tta × TRE-H2BGFP) to localize, purify, and characterize slow cycling cells in the cornea. The retention of GFP labeling in slowly dividing cells allowed for localization of these cells to the corneal limbus and their subsequent purification by FACS. Transcriptome analysis from slow cycling cells identified differentially expressed genes when comparing to GFP^- faster-dividing cells. RNA-Seq data from corneal epithelium were compared to epidermal hair follicle stem cell RNA-Seq to identify genes representing common putative stem cell markers or determinants, which included Sox9, Fzd7, Actn1, Anxa3 and Krt17. Overlapping retention of GFP and immunohistochemical expression of Krt15, ΔNp63, Sox9, Actn1, Fzd7 and Krt17 were observed in our transgenic model. Our analysis presents an array of novel genes as putative corneal stem cell markers.

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

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

SP6616 as a new Kv2.1 channel inhibitor efficiently promotes β-cell survival involving both PKC/Erk1/2 and CaM/PI3K/Akt signaling pathways

Kv2.1 as a voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channel subunit has a pivotal role in the regulation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and pancreatic β-cell apoptosis, and is believed to be a promising target for anti-diabetic drug discovery, although the mechanism underlying the Kv2.1-mediated β-cell apoptosis is obscure. Here, the small molecular compound, ethyl 5-(3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-7-methyl-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-5H-[1,3]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine-6-carboxylate (SP6616) was discovered to be a new Kv2.1 inhibitor. It was effective in both promoting GSIS and protecting β cells from apoptosis. Evaluation of SP6616 on either high-fat diet combined with streptozocin-induced type 2 diabetic mice or db/db mice further verified its efficacy in the amelioration of β-cell dysfunction and glucose homeostasis. SP6616 treatment efficiently increased serum insulin level, restored β-cell mass, decreased fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels, and improved oral glucose tolerance. Mechanism study indicated that the promotion of SP6616 on β-cell survival was tightly linked to its regulation against both protein kinases C (PKC)/extracellular-regulated protein kinases 1/2 (Erk1/2) and calmodulin(CaM)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/serine/threonine-specific protein kinase (Akt) signaling pathways. To our knowledge, this may be the first report on the underlying pathway responsible for the Kv2.1-mediated β-cell protection. In addition, our study has also highlighted the potential of SP6616 in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

AIP1-mediated actin disassembly is required for postnatal germ cell migration and spermatogonial stem cell niche establishment

In mammals, spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) arise from early germ cells called gonocytes, which are derived from primordial germ cells during embryogenesis and remain quiescent until birth. After birth, these germ cells migrate from the center of testicular cord, through Sertoli cells, and toward the basement membrane to form the SSC pool and establish the SSC niche architecture. However, molecular mechanisms underlying germ cell migration and niche establishment are largely unknown. Here, we show that the actin disassembly factor actin interacting protein 1 (AIP1) is required in both germ cells and Sertoli cells to regulate this process. Germ cell-specific or Sertoli cell-specific deletion of Aip1 gene each led to significant defects in germ cell migration after postnatal day 4 or 5, accompanied by elevated levels of actin filaments (F-actin) in the affected cells. Furthermore, our data demonstrated that interaction between germ cells and Sertoli cells, likely through E-cadherin-mediated cell adhesion, is critical for germ cells' migration toward the basement membrane. At last, Aip1 deletion in Sertoli cells decreased SSC self-renewal, increased spermatogonial differentiation, but did not affect the expression and secretion levels of growth factors, suggesting that the disruption of SSC function results from architectural changes in the postnatal niche.

Involvement of dopamine D1 receptors of the hippocampal dentate gyrus in spatial learning and memory deficits in a rat model of vascular dementia

We investigated the involvement of dopamine (DA) and its D1 receptors of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) in spatial learning and memory deficits in a rat model of vascular dementia (VD) established by permanent bilateral carotid occlusion. Spatial learning and memory abilities of rats were measured by Morris water maze, and extracellular concentrations of DA in the DG were determined by in vivo microdialysis. The DA concentrations in the DG decreased in the VD rats compared with sham-operated group. Microinjection of SFK38393 (D1 receptor agonist) into the DG attenuates spatial learning and memory deficits in the VD rats.

First Report of Bean common mosaic virus Infecting Azuki Bean (Vigna angularis) in China

Azuki bean (Vigna angularis Ohwi & Ohashi) is one of the traditional grain legumes in China. From 2010 to 2013, mosaic and crumpling symptoms on leaves and stunting, all typical symptoms of a viral disease, were observed on cultivars CWA030, CWA221, and JCA002 of azuki bean with incidence rates of 30 to 100% and yield losses of 50 to 95% in the three fields of Changping district, Beijing. To identify the possible viral pathogen(s), 21 symptomatic leaf samples from different cultivars were collected and total RNA was extracted from the samples and subjected to RT-PCR testing with degenerate primers targeting portions of the coding regions of Cucumovirus capsid protein (CP) (1) and Potyvirus NIb (2); these viruses had been reported in azuki bean. Fragments of 940 bp and 350 bp corresponding to Cucumovirus CP and Potyvirus NIb, respectively, were amplified from all the samples collected. Sequencing of the PCR products from nine samples, followed by BLAST analysis, confirmed the presence of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV). All the samples tested were also positive with direct antigen coating (DAC)-ELISA using specific antiserum to CMV or BCMV (Agdia, Elkhart, IN). The CMV CP gene (GenBank Accession No. KJ467817) shared 99% sequence identity with a China CMV isolate (DQ873558). To further characterize the BCMV strain found, fragments of 3,388 bp spanning BCMV NIa, NIb, CP and 3'UTR regions were amplified with another primer set, BCMV-F (5'-AGCAAGTCAATTTACAAGGGACTTC-3') and BCMV-R (5'-GGAACAACAAACATTGCCGTAGCTAC-3') from three samples, and three independent clones from each sample were sequenced. Sequence analysis revealed that this segment (KJ467816) shared 98% identity with the BCMV azuki bean strain (U60100). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of BCMV, together with CMV, naturally infecting azuki bean in China. Further attention should be paid to this emerging viral disease and measures should be taken to control the spread of BCMV. References: (1) S. K. Choi et al. J. Virol. Methods 83:1345, 1999. (2) L. Zheng et al. Plant Pathol. 59:1345, 2010.

A fuzzy-set-theory-based approach to analyse species membership in DNA barcoding

Reliable assignment of an unknown query sequence to its correct species remains a methodological problem for the growing field of DNA barcoding. While great advances have been achieved recently, species identification from barcodes can still be unreliable if the relevant biodiversity has been insufficiently sampled. We here propose a new notion of species membership for DNA barcoding-fuzzy membership, based on fuzzy set theory-and illustrate its successful application to four real data sets (bats, fishes, butterflies and flies) with more than 5000 random simulations. Two of the data sets comprise especially dense species/population-level samples. In comparison with current DNA barcoding methods, the newly proposed minimum distance (MD) plus fuzzy set approach, and another computationally simple method, 'best close match', outperform two computationally sophisticated Bayesian and BootstrapNJ methods. The new method proposed here has great power in reducing false-positive species identification compared with other methods when conspecifics of the query are absent from the reference database.

Pellagra: a review with emphasis on photosensitivity

Niacin has recently been demonstrated to lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients and to reduce cardiovascular events when combined with a statin. As a consequence, niacin has been elevated from being of historical interest as the treatment for pellagra, to being a compound with possible relevance to contemporary therapeutics. In spite of this, niacin deficiency leading to pellagra continues to be a health problem in some countries. Characterized by an exposed-site hyperpigmented dermatitis, pellagra is generally accepted to have been the first photosensitivity syndrome described. At its worst, pellagra manifests as one of the most striking examples of systemic photosensitivity. This is the only photosensitivity syndrome where death is included as a cardinal clinical feature (the often quoted four 'Ds': dermatitis, diarrhoea, dementia and death). However, the pathogenetic mechanism for the photosensitivity caused by niacin deficiency has yet to be determined. This review seeks to update the classification and phenotypic characterization of the various forms of niacin-deficient photosensitivity. Previous speculation about possible mechanisms for the pathogenesis of photosensitivity due to niacin deficiency is reviewed in the context of advances in the understanding of the photochemical basis of photosensitivity reactions. The review concludes by highlighting research required to advance the understanding of this photosensitivity syndrome.

Gas Chromatographic Determination of Bifenthrin in Technical and Selected Formulated Products: Collaborative Study

A GC method for the analysis of technical and formulated bifenthrin samples was evaluated in a collaborative study. Bifenthrin is determined by using a 50 (trifluoropropyl)-methylpolysiloxane wide-bore capillary column and flame ionization detector. Ten samples, consisting of four formulations and a technical material were analyzed by 12 collaborators using Youden pairs. The four formulation types included in this study were microemulsion (ME), wettable powder (WP), suspension concentrate (SC), and emulsifiable concentrate (EC). Variability in the analysis of two of the formulation types, SC and EC, was later found to be due to the noncommercial containers used to hold the test samples. Because of this, valid data could not be obtained for the EC and SC. For the two formulations for which valid data could be obtained, ME and WP, and the technical chemical, accuracy and variability results are typical of large data sets. For the technical chemical and the two formulations for which valid data were obtained, Official First Action is recommended.

Ethnic differences in ovulatory function in nulliparous women

African-American women have a long-standing approximately 20% higher breast cancer incidence rate than USA White women under age 40 while rates among Latinas are lower than those of Whites. The reasons for this are not clear, however they may be due to ethnic differences in circulating oestradiol and progesterone levels. In a cross-sectional study, we investigated whether anovulation frequency and circulating serum oestradiol and/or progesterone levels vary among normally cycling nulliparous African-American (n=60), Latina (n=112) and non-Latina White (n=69) women. Blood and urine specimens were collected over two menstrual cycles among healthy 17- to 34-year-old women. Frequency of anovulation was greater among White women (nine out of 63, 14.3%) than African-American women (four out of 56, 7.1%) or Latina women (seven out of 102, 6.9%), although these differences were not statistically significant. African-American women had 9.9% (P=0.26) higher follicular phase oestradiol concentrations than Latina women and 17.4% (P=0.13) higher levels than White women. African-American women also had considerably higher levels of luteal phase oestradiol (vs Latinas, +9.4%, P=0.14; vs Whites, +25.3%, P=0.003) and progesterone (vs Latinas, +15.4%, P=0.07; vs Whites, +36.4%, P=0.002). Latina women were also observed to have higher follicular oestradiol, and luteal oestradiol and progesterone levels than White women (follicular oestradiol: +6.8%, P=0.48; luteal oestradiol: +14.6%, P=0.04; luteal progesterone: +18.2%, P=0.06). These results suggest that exposure to endogenous steroid hormones may be greater for young African-American and Latina women than for Whites.

[Molecular markers linked to dwarf gene Rht3 in wheat]

The dwarf gene Rht3 derived from Tom Thumb variety, a Tibetan wheat of China, is a dominant gene with the insensitivity to gibberellic acid. Rht3 shows to depress alpha-amylase activity and hence enchance the resistance to preharvest sprouting mainly through its effect on the expression of alpha-Amy1. Near isogenic lines with Rht3 and their segregating population were analyzed by PCR and RFLP techonology. In RAPD analysis, out of 310 random primers (10 bp) screened, only three primers of UBC389, OPV-06 and S1060 revealed polymorphisms in NIL from 310 random primers. Fragments S1060(1900) and S1060(2000) amplified by primer S1060 were shown to be linked to Rht3 with a genetic distance 7.1 cM and 9.2 cM. Fifty-three probes specific for short arms of homoeologous group 4 were screened in RFLP analysis. Xpsr584, XksuF8 and Xcdo38 showed polymorphisms between the NIL. The linkage analysis indicateded that Xpsr584 was linked to Rht3 with a genetic distance 8.0 cM.

A multiethnic population-based study of smoking, alcohol and body size and risk of adenocarcinomas of the stomach and esophagus (United States)

OBJECTIVES

Since the 1970s incidence rates for esophageal and gastric cardia adenocarcinomas have risen substantially, particularly among white males in the United States. Reasons for the increase of these tumor types are not well understood. We sought to determine the role of smoking, alcohol use, and body size characteristics in the etiology of esophageal, gastric cardia, and distal gastric adenocarcinomas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A population-based case-control study that included Whites, African-Americans, Latinos and Asian-Americans diagnosed with incident esophageal (n = 222), gastric cardia (n = 277), and distal gastric adenocarcinomas (n = 443), and 1356 control subjects was conducted in Los Angeles County. Unconditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs), as an estimate of the relative risk, and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the three tumor types of interest.

RESULTS

After adjustment for age, gender, race, birthplace, and education, current cigarette smoking was a significant risk factor for all tumor types; the association was strongest for esophageal adenocarcinomas (OR = 2.80, 95% CI = 1.8-4.3), intermediate for gastric cardia adenocarcinomas (OR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.5-3.1), and weaker for distal gastric adenocarcinomas (OR= 1.50, 95% CI = 1.1-2.1). For esophageal adenocarcinomas only, cigarette smoking had a long-lasting deleterious effect, even 20 years after smoking cessation. Alcohol use was not associated with an increased risk of these tumor types. Risks of esophageal and gastric cardia adenocarcinomas also increased statistically significantly in a dose-dependent manner with increasing body mass index measured at ages 20 and 40 years and recently. The positive associations with smoking and body mass index were generally consistent when evaluated separately for Whites, non-Whites, males, and females.

CONCLUSIONS

Cigarette smoking and high body mass index are significant, independent risk factors for esophageal and gastric cardia adenocarcinomas. Studies designed to understand the mechanisms whereby smoking and high body mass influence these tumor types are needed.

Motivation for conflict among Chinese university students: effects of others' expertise and one's own confidence on engaging in conflict

Researchers (A. C. Amason, 1996; D. H. Gruenfeld, 1995; K. A. Jehn, 1995, 1997; M. A. Rahim, 1989; M. A. Rahim & A. A. Blum, 1994; D. M. Schweiger, W. R. Sandberg, & P. L. Rechner, 1989; P. E. Tetlock, D. Armor, & R. S. Peterson, 1994) have documented the value of conflictual discussions for solving problems, but few have explored the conditions under which people are motivated to engage in controversy (K. A. Jehn, C. Chadwick, & S. M. B. Thatcher, 1997). Some (M. Van Berklom & D. Tjosvold, 1981) have hypothesized that high expertise and a competitive social context arouse concerns about defending one's position and challenging the opposing one. In the present study, Chinese university students in Hong Kong who expected to disagree with an expert, compared with those who did not expect to disagree with an expert, had less confidence, felt less knowledgeable about their position, and selected an agreeable discussant. Consistent with the idea of maintaining distance from those in power, the participants were reluctant to disagree directly with someone with greater expertise.

Effects of soy foods on ovarian function in premenopausal women

It has been proposed that the high intake of soy foods among Asians may partly explain their lower rates of breast cancer, perhaps by lowering endogenous oestrogen levels, although this has been inadequately studied. Twenty healthy cycling premenopausal women (ten Asians and ten non-Asians) participated in a 7-month soy intervention study which was designed to investigate the effect of supplementation on ovarian function. Asian soy foods (tofu, soymilk, green soybean peas) in the amount of approximately 32 mg of isoflavones per day were added to the women's diets for three menstrual cycles. The women's baseline (two cycles) serum hormone levels were compared to levels during soy intervention (three cycles) and levels after intervention (two cycles). During the entire study period, subjects provided almost daily overnight urine samples and blood specimens during specified days of their menstrual cycles. The day of urinary luteinizing hormone (LH) peak was used as a marker for the day of ovulation. Knowledge of day of ovulation allowed comparison of hormone measurements at baseline to those obtained during intervention and recovery cycles with standardization of day of cycle. Soy intervention was associated with a statistically significant reduction in serum luteal oestradiol level (-9.3%, P < 0.05), but there were no significant changes in follicular phase oestradiol, follicular or luteal phase progesterone, sex hormone-binding globulin or menstrual cycle length. This significant reduction in luteal phase oestradiol was, however, observed only among Asian (-17.4%) but not among non-Asian (-1.2%) participants; urinary excretion of isoflavones was higher among Asians than non-Asians (29.2 vs 17.1 micromol day(-1), P= 0.16) during the intervention period. Thus, supplementation using traditional soy foods reduced serum oestradiol levels among Asian participants in this study. Differences in the type of soy products (i.e. traditional soy foods versus soy protein products), amount of isoflavones, and race/ethnicity of participants may have contributed to the divergent results. Larger soy intervention studies designed specifically to include participants of different race/ethnicities and using both traditional soy foods and soy protein products providing comparable doses of isoflavones are needed to definitively determine the effect of soy on ovarian function.

[Pollen morphology identification of five species of medicinal sanguisorba with electron microscope]

OBJECTIVE

To approach a new evidence for identifying various species of Rosaceae Sanguisorba, especially for distinguishing S. applanata from S. sitchinese.

METHOD

The pollens of five species S. officinalis, S. officinalis var. longifolia, S. applanata, S. applanata var. villosa and S. sitchinese were morphologically identified with electron microscope.

RESULTS

The pollens are prolate or perprolate, having six colporates and featuring sculptures of small caverns and small granules combined. The species are closed to each other in pollen morphology, bur display differences in the diameter of pollens, clarity of pore membrane and presence or absence of irregular verrucous sculptures.

CONCLUSION

This paper provides a new evidence for identifying the Sanguisorba.

Closed one-stage functional end-to-end jejunojejunostomy in horses with use of linear stapling equipment

OBJECTIVE

To use gastrointestinal linear stapling instrumentation to perform a closed one-stage functional end-to-end jejunojejunostomy in adult horses as an alternative to a stapled side-to-side jejunojejunostomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Clinical outcome, anatomic and histological architecture, and anastomotic dimensions were determined at 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 weeks postoperatively.

ANIMALS OR SAMPLE POPULATION

18 adult horses.

METHODS

The anastomosis and peritoneal cavity were inspected for adhesions. The diameter and circumference of the anastomosis and jejunum oral and aboral to the anastomosis were determined from digitized contrast radiographs and linear measurements. Healing of anastomotic sites was evaluated histologically.

RESULTS

Three horses were euthantized in the immediate postoperative period. In the 15 surviving horses, there were no peritoneal adhesions or distortion of the anastomoses and stomas remodeled in an end-to-end fashion. The mean anastomotic staple line (7.48 cm) and mucosa (6.89 cm) diameters were significantly (P < .05) larger than the mean jejunal diameter oral (6.03 cm) and aboral (6.01 cm) to the anastomosis. The mean anastomotic luminal circumference (13.61 cm) was significantly (P < .01) larger than the mean oral (11.43 cm) and aboral (11.12 cm) jejunal circumference. Histologically, there was adequate mucosal and muscularis mucosae reapposition with a moderate degree of fibrosis and inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Closed one-stage functional end-to-end jejunojejunostomy resulted in an acceptable functional anastomosis.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This technique appears to be an acceptable alternative to linearly stapled, side-to-side jejunojejunostomies performed in horses.

[Hypocrellin B-ethanolamine (HB-E) sensitized photodamage on rat mitochondria]

The Hypocrellin B-Ethanolamine (HB-E) sensitized photodamage on lipid peroxidation, sulfhydryl oxidation and ATPase inactivation of rat liver mitochondria was studied under illumination of 640 nm, The HB-E sensitized photodamage of lipid peroxidation is less than sulfhydryl photooxidation, when HB-E concentration is 50 mumol/L. To elucidate the mechanism of photodamage of HB-E, antioxidant: BHT, Vit E, oxygen radical quencher: L-His, beta-Cart, were investigated. The results showed that HB photodamage of mitochondria is not only by oxygen radical, but also by HB-E radical as well. From compared tests among HB, HA, Hp, MB and HB-E, we found that HB-E had higher ability to photodamage lipid peroxidation, sulfhydryl oxidation and tryptophan than other photosensitizers. The experiments showed that the superoxide generated may be by HB-E radical.

[Case report of pulmonary histoplasmosis]

A case of pulmonary histoplasmosis in Beijing was reported Patient's CT scan showed naly patchy consolidation partly with small cavitations and hilar silhouette enlarged in both lungs. On pathologic examination, Histoplasma Capsutatums were found in the lung tissures by percutaneous lung biopsy. Skin rash had developed in the course. After treated by fluconaxole, most of the lung lesions and skin rash disappeared.

[Cytological study on Eclipta prostrata L]

The authors report that the karyotype formula of Eclipta prostrata is K(2n) = 22 = 16m + 6sm, which belongs to "1A" of stebbins, the chromosome composition based on relative length is 2n = 22 = 10M2 + 12M1, and the total length of the chromosome is 29.3 microns. The chromosome volume of E. prostrata has also been calculated.

Cytotoxicity of compounds that interfere with the regulation of intracellular pH: a potential new class of anticancer drugs

The extracellular pH (pHe) in many solid tumors is often lower than in normal tissues. Cells may survive conditions of acid pHe because antiports in their membrane exchange Na+ for H+, or HCO3- for Cl-, and thus regulate the intracellular pH (pHi). We have therefore assessed the effects of drugs which interfere with regulation of pHi on survival of Chinese hamster ovary and human bladder cancer MGH-U1 cells in tissue culture. Nigericin, an ionophore which acidifies the cytoplasm when cells are placed in medium at low pHe, was not toxic at pHe 6.5 or above but became very toxic as pHe was reduced below this value. Amiloride and 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene 2,2-disulfonic acid, inhibitors of the Na+/H+ and HCO3-/Cl- exchangers, respectively, decreased pHi in the presence of nigericin at low pHe. These drugs showed little or no toxicity in the pHe range of 6.0-7.0 but added greatly to the toxicity of nigericin. A combination of all three drugs led to toxicity in the pHe range of 6.5-6.8, well within the measured range of tumor pH, but not at pHe 7.0 or above. A combination of low pH and hypoxia, two conditions likely to be found in regions distant from tumor blood vessels, caused cell mortality in the absence of drugs, and this effect was increased by nigericin used alone or in combination with amiloride and 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene 2,2-disulfonic acid. These drugs may be regarded as prototypes for potential new anticancer agents that might achieve selective killing of tumor cells by interfering with the regulation of intracellular pH.