A long non-coding RNA associated with H3K7me3 methylation negatively regulates OsZIP16 transcription under cadmium stress

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic environmental pollutant, posing a high risk to crop production and human health. However, the genetic mechanisms for regulation of Cd accumulation in crops are poorly understood. In this study, we functionally identified a novel long non-coding RNA (lncRNA, TCONS_00502780) that repressed a locus encoding an uncharacterized metal transporter ZIP16 (ZRT/IRT-like Protein) in rice. LncRNA-OsZIP16 (L16) is resident in the antisense strand of OsZIP16. Both L16 and OsZIP16 were transcriptionally expressed during the life cycle, but under Cd stress the L16 transcription was repressed, whereas the OsZIP16 expression was upregulated. OsZIP16 is localized to the endoplasmic reticulum. Knocking out OsZIP16 by CRISPR-Cas9 (C16) resulted in Cd sensitivity, manifested by reduced plant growth and intense cellular damage with a slightly higher Cd translocation from roots to shoots, suggesting that OsZIP16 expression is required for rice growth and development under Cd stress. Conversely, OsZIP16 constitutive overexpression (OE16) lines displayed a growth phenotype compatible to the wide-type with lower Cd translocation ratio from roots to shoots. L16 knock-down lines by RNA interference (L16-R) showed a similar phenotype to the OE16 lines, while the L16 overexpression (L16-OE) lines were phenotypically similar to the C16 lines. The OsZIP16 transcription was upregulated in the L16-R lines but downregulated in the L16-OE lines. Using an antibody against the trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) followed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), we found the reduced H3K27me3 methylation marks surrounding the OsZIP16 gene under Cd stress. Further examination of H3K27me3 in the L16-R lines revealed that the methylation levels were also significantly lower than those in WT. Taken together, these data suggest that the L16 could negatively regulate the OsZIP16 transcriptional expression through an epigenetic mechanism for rice adaption to Cd stress.

A transposable element-derived siRNAs involve DNA hypermethylation at the promoter of OsGSTZ4 for cadmium tolerance in rice

Environmental contaminants such as cadmium (Cd) pose high risks to crop production and human health. The genetic basis for regulation of Cd stress-responsive genes for plant adaptation to adverse environments remains poorly understood. In this study, we characterized a rice Zeta family glutathione-S-transferase (OsGSTZ4) gene for Cd detoxification. Heterologous expression of OsGSTZ4 in a yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) conferred cellular Cd tolerance. Transgenic rice overexpressing OsGSTZ4 improved plant growth, attenuated Cd-induced toxicity, and accumulated more Cd in roots. OsGSTZ4 transcription was rapidly induced 3 h after Cd exposure and then declined to the basal level. This was followed by (days after Cd treatment) by CHH hypermethylation (by 41.2 %) at a MITE (Miniature Inverted-repeat Transposable Element) transposable element (TE) inserted in the 5'-untranscribed region (UTR) (-1,722 ∼ -1,392 bp) of OsGSTZ4. Meanwhile, three 24-nt siRNAs derived from the TE (-1,722 ∼ -1,471 bp) were detected and was also rapidly enriched under Cd stress. To validate the possibility that Cd-induced change in OsGSTZ4 expression correlates with the siRNAs-involved CHH methylation through an RdDM (RNA-directed DNA methylation) pathway, genetic analyses were performed. We found that the CHH methylation at the promoter and transcript level of OsGSTZ4 were compromised in the osdrm2 (loss of function for CHH methylation) and osrdr2i (defective in RNA-dependent RNA polymerase 2) but did not change in other types of methyltransferases such as osmet1, ossdg714 or osros1. Promoter deletion analyses confirmed that the siRNA target sequences were essential for the proper expression of OsGSTZ4. Our studies reveal an unusual feedback mechanism by which the Cd-induced rapid OsGSTZ4 expression for Cd tolerance would interplay with the late CHH hypermethylation to silence the TE through the 24-nt siRNAs- and Osdrm2-mediated RdDM pathway, and help understand the diversity of gene regulation via an epigenetic mechanism for rice adaptation to the environmental stress.

Cytochrome P450 CYP90D5 Enhances Degradation of the Herbicides Isoproturon and Acetochlor in Rice Plants and Grains

The rice cytochrome P450 gene has been comprehensively studied in the present study. This gene encodes CYP90D5 in promoting the degradation of isoproturon (IPU) and acetochlor (ACT) in rice tissues and grains. It has here been found that CYP90D5 improved the resistance of the plant to IPU and ACT, which was reflected in the improvement of the growth of the overexpression (OE) lines. CYP90D5 also reduced the levels of IPU and ACT accumulation in rice, and the CRISPR-Cas9 (Cas9) lines displayed the opposite effects. This function of CYP90D5 for pesticide degradation was also confirmed by the transformation of CYP90D5 in Pichia pastoris. Compared with the control yeast, it grew better and could degrade more pesticides. In addition, the relative contents of the IPU and ACT derivatives increased in the OE rice, while they decreased in the Cas9 rice. This suggested that CYP90D5 plays a pivotal role in the pesticide detoxification and degradation.

[HIV self-testing and related factors in men who have sex with men in Shijiazhuang]

Objective: To understand HIV self-testing and related factors in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Shijiazhuang. Methods: From August to September 2020, convenient sampling was used to recruit MSM in Shijiazhuang. Online questionnaires were used to collect information about their demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors and HIV self-testing. logistic regression model was used to analyze the related factors associated with HIV self-testing. Results: In the 304 MSM respondents, 52.3% (159/304) had HIV self-testing in the past 6 months, and 95.0% (151/159) used fingertip blood HIV detection reagent. Self-purchase was the main way to obtain HIV testing reagents (45.9%, 73/159), followed by supply from MSM social organization (44.7%, 71/159). The reasons for having HIV self-testing were non-specific testing time (67.9%, 108/159) and privacy protection (62.9%,100/159), the reasons for having no HIV self-testing included inability of using (32.4%, 47/145), being unaware of HIV self-testing reagent (24.1%, 35/145), and worry about inaccurate self-testing results (19.3%, 28/145). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that being 18-29 years old (aOR=2.68, 95%CI: 1.20-5.94), obtaining free HIV self-testing kits in recent 6 months (aOR=8.61, 95%CI: 4.09-18.11) and making friends through Internet and social software (aOR=2.68, 95%CI: 1.48-4.88) were positive factors for having HIV self-testing. Conclusion: HIV self-testing is a more flexible and convenient way to detect HIV in MSM, and the promotion of HIV self-testing in MSM should be strengthened to further increase the HIV detection rate in this population.

A metal chaperone OsHIPP16 detoxifies cadmium by repressing its accumulation in rice crops

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmentally polluted toxic heavy metal and seriously risks food safety and human health through food chain. Mining genetic potentials of plants is a crucial step for limiting Cd accumulation in rice crops and improving environmental quality. This study characterized a novel locus in rice genome encoding a Cd-binding protein named OsHIPP16, which resides in the nucleus and near plasma membrane. OsHIPP16 was strongly induced by Cd stress. Histochemical analysis with pHIPP16::GUS reveals that OsHIPP16 is primarily expressed in root and leaf vascular tissues. Expression of OsHIPP16 in the yeast mutant strain ycf1 sensitive to Cd conferred cellular tolerance. Transgenic rice overexpressing OsHIPP16 (OE) improved rice growth with increased plant height, biomass, and chlorophyll content but with a lower degree of oxidative injury and Cd accumulation, whereas knocking out OsHIPP16 by CRISPR-Cas9 compromised the growth and physiological response. A lifelong trial with Cd-polluted soil shows that the OE plants accumulated much less Cd, particularly in brown rice where the Cd concentrations declined by 11.76-34.64%. Conversely, the knockout oshipp16 mutants had higher levels of Cd with the concentration in leaves being increased by 26.36-35.23% over the wild-type. These results suggest that adequate expression of OsHIPP16 would profoundly contribute to Cd detoxification by regulating Cd accumulation in rice, suggesting that both OE and oshipp16 mutant plants have great potentials for restricting Cd acquisition in the rice crop and phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated wetland soils.

OsZIP11 is a trans-Golgi-residing transporter required for rice iron accumulation and development

Iron (Fe) is a mineral nutrient necessary for plant growth and development. Whether the rice ZRT/IRT-like protein family metal transporter OsZIP11 is involved in Fe transport has not been functionally defined. The objective of the study is to figure out the essential role of the uncharacterized OsZIP11 played in rice growth, development, and iron accumulation, particularly in seeds. Transient subcellular location assays show that OsZIP11 was targeted to the trans-Golgi network. OsZIP11 was preferentially expressed in the rice tissues (or organs) at later flowering and seed development stages. Transcripts of OsZIP11 were significantly induced under Fe but not under zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) or manganese (Mn) deficiency. Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) transformed with OsZIP11 sequences displayed an active iron input which turned out that excessive iron accumulated in the cells. Knocking out OsZIP11 by CRISPR-Cas9 approach led to the attenuated rice growth and physiological phenotypes, depicting shorter plant height, reduced biomass, chlorosis (a symptom of lower chlorophyll concentration), and over-accumulation of malondialdehyde (complex representing the peroxidation of membrane lipids) in rice plantlets. The field trials demonstrated that OsZIP11 mutation impaired the capacity of seed development, with shortened panicle and seed length, compromised spikelet fertility, and reduced grain per plant or 1000-grain weight. Knocking out OsZIP11 also lowered the accumulation of iron in the brown rice by 48-51% compared to the wild-type. Our work pointed out that OsZIP11 is required for iron acquisition for rice growth and development.

[Research advances on the promotive healing effect of hydrogel dressing for diabetic foot wound]

In recent years, the number of diabetic patients has gradually increased, and the number of patients with diabetic foot has also increased. Diabetic foot has a high rate of disability and death, seriously affects the patients' quality of life, shortens life expectancy, and brings heavy social burden. The current treatment methods for diabetic foot are insufficient. The concepts and methods of tissue engineering provide new thoughts and means for the treatment of diabetic foot. This article introduces the pathogenesis of diabetic foot wounds, the factors leading to non-healing of diabetic foot, the applications of functional hydrogel dressings in the treatment of diabetic foot and their technical methods of functional hydrogel dressings for treating skin wounds in diabetic animals, and the future development direction of functional hydrogel dressing for treating diabetic foot wounds is prospected.

Identification of a rice metallochaperone for cadmium tolerance by an epigenetic mechanism and potential use for clean up in wetland

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that initiates diverse chronic diseases through food chains. Developing a biotechnology for manipulating Cd uptake in plants is beneficial to reduce environmental and health risks. Here, we identified a novel epigenetic mechanism underlying Cd accumulation regulated by an uncharacterized metallochaperone namely Heavy Metal Responsive Protein (HMP) in rice plants. OsHMP resides in cytoplasm and nucleus, dominantly induced by Cd stress and binds directly to Cd ions. OsHMP overexpression enhanced the rice growth under Cd stress but accumulated more Cd, whereas knockout or knockdown of OsHMP showed a contrasting effect. The enhanced Cd accumulation in the transgenic lines was confirmed by a long-term experiment with rice growing at the environmentally realistic Cd concentration in soil. The bisulfite sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation assessments revealed that Cd stress reduced significantly the DNA methylation at CpG (Cytosine-Guanine) and histone H3K9me2 marks in the upstream of OsHMP. By identifying a couple of mutants defective in DNA methylation and histone modification (H3K9me2) such as Osmet1 (methylatransfease1) and Ossdg714 (kryptonite), we found that the Cd-induced epigenetic hypomethylation at the region was associated with OsHMP overexpression, which consequently led to Cd detoxification in rice. The causal relationship was confirmed by the GUS reporter gene coupled with OsHMP and OsMET1 whereby OsMET1 repressed directly the OsHMP expression. Our work signifies that expression of OsHMP is required for Cd detoxification in rice plants, and the Cd-induced hypomethylation in the specific region is responsible for the enhanced OsHMP expression. In summary, this study gained an insight into the epigenetic mechanism for additional OsHMP expression which consequently ensures rice adaptation to the Cd-contaminated environment.

[Epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 outbreak in Gaocheng district of Shijiazhuan]

Objective: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 outbreak in Gaocheng district of Shijiazhuan. Methods: Data and epidemiological survey reports of COVID-19 cases in the outbreak were collected from China's Infectious Disease Information System, Shijazhuang Municipal Center for Diseases Prevention and Control and official information published by the National Health Commission of China. The data were analyzed, using the descriptive epidemiological method. Results: From January 2^nd to February 14^th, 2021, a total of 1 033 laboratory confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported in Shijiazhuang. The attack rate was 9.36/100 000. The cases were distributed in 14 counties, and most cases (859/1 033, 83.16%) were reported in Gaocheng, and the disease spread to 5 provinces. The cases in Xiaoguo village (299 cases), Liujiazhuo village (107 cases) and Nanqiaozhai village (162 cases) of Zengcun township in Gaocheng accounted for 54.99% of the total cases in Shijiazhuang. The attack rates in the villages mentioned above were 7 412.00/100 000, 10 348.16/100 000 and 6 612.24/100 000, respectively. The ratio of urban cases to rural cases was 1∶15.53. The male to female ratio of the cases was 1∶1.34. The average age of the cases was 40.49 years. The incidence peaks occurred on January 3^rd (9.97%, 103 cases) and on January 9^th (9.10%, 94 cases). A total of 307 clusters occurred, in which 228(74.27%) occurred in households and 48 (15.64%) occurred in schools or child care settings. But the clusters related with church ceremony had the highest case numbers (82.67 cases/time), followed by wedding feast or feast celebrating the first month of newborn (28.29 cases/time). About 33.02% (313/948) of symptomatic cases only visited the village doctors or private clinics and had no medical care seeking history before the outbreak. Conclusions: The COVID-19 epidemic in Gaocheng of Shijiazhuang was a typical one in rural area. The rapid and hiding transmission of the outbreak was mainly due to the poor health service seeking of the rural residents and the frequent mass gathering.

Differentiated activities of decorin and biglycan in the progression of post-traumatic osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To delineate the activities of decorin and biglycan in the progression of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA).

DESIGN

Three-month-old inducible biglycan (BgniKO) and decorin/biglycan compound (Dcn/BgniKO) knockout mice were subjected to the destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery to induce PTOA. The OA phenotype was evaluated by assessing joint structure and sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) staining via histology, surface collagen fibril nanostructure and calcium content via scanning electron microscopy, tissue modulus via atomic force microscopy-nanoindentation, as well as subchondral bone structure and meniscus ossification via micro-computed tomography. Outcomes were compared with previous findings in the inducible decorin (DcniKO) knockout mice.

RESULTS

In the DMM model, BgniKO mice developed similar degree of OA as the control (0.44 [-0.18 1.05] difference in modified Mankin score), different from the more severe OA phenotype observed in DcniKO mice (1.38 [0.91 1.85] difference). Dcn/BgniKO mice exhibited similar histological OA phenotype as DcniKO mice (1.51 [0.97 2.04] difference vs control), including aggravated loss of sGAGs, salient surface fibrillation and formation of osteophyte. Meanwhile, Dcn/BgniKO mice showed further cartilage thinning than DcniKO mice, resulting in the exposure of underlying calcified tissues and aberrantly high surface modulus. BgniKO and Dcn/BgniKO mice developed altered subchondral trabecular bone structure in both Sham and DMM groups, while DcniKO and control mice did not.

CONCLUSION

In PTOA, decorin plays a more crucial role than biglycan in regulating cartilage degeneration, while biglycan is more important in regulating subchondral bone structure. The two have distinct activities and modest synergy in the pathogenesis of PTOA.

[Willingness on acceptance of peer-referral strategies for promoting HIV testing in men who have sex with men in Shijiazhuang]

Objective: To understand the willingness to accept peer-referral strategies for promoting HIV testing and related factors in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Shijiazhuang. Methods: A total of 544 MSM were recruited using convenient sampling and sharing two-dimensional code of online questionnaire througth MSM social organizations in Shijiazhuang from August to September in 2018. The anonymous online survey were taken by login through the website "jinshuju.com" (https://im.jinshuju.com/users/sign_in). The information collected included: the demographic and behavioral characteristics, the attitude to HIV testing for partners, and the willingness to accept peer-referral strategies for promoting HIV testing. The socio-demographic characteristics were analyzed by χ² test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the related factors associated with willingness. The SAS 9.4 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 521 MSM completed the survey. Among them 59.50% (310/521) were willing to advise their partners to receive HIV testing, and 90.02% (469/521) were willing to accept the partners' advice of HIV testing. Higher HIV testing frequency for once a year (aOR=2.72,95%CI:1.42-5.20); for once a half year (aOR=5.72, 95%CI:2.97-11.02); for ≥1 time a quarter (aOR=8.76,95%CI:4.56-16.83), enquiring their partners' HIV status (aOR=1.94, 95%CI: 1.15-3.28) and STD history of their partners (aOR=1.83, 95%CI:1.06-3.14) before having sex were the factors positively associated with the willingness to advise partners to receive HIV testing. Discussing HIV testing with partners (aOR=4.43,95%CI:1.87-10.54) was the factor positively associated with the desire to accept the advice of HIV testing from partners, but feeling emotional hurt by the suggestion of HIV testing (aOR=0.35,95%CI:0.15-0.82) was the factor negatively associated with the willingness to accept the advice of HIV testing from partners. Conclusion: To improve the willingess of MSM to advise their partners to receive HIV testing and strengthen self-protection awareness and equal communication skills are essential for the success of peer-referral strategies for promoting HIV testing among MSM.

[Analysis of pregnancy outcome after fertility-preserving treatment among women with atypical endometrial hyperplasia or endometrial carcinoma]

Objective: To analyze the pregnancy outcome, influencing factors and recurrence of fertility-preserving therapy for women with atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) or endometrial carcinoma (EC). Methods: The multi-center retrospective study included 107 women with AEH or EC for fertility-preserving therapy in 10 hospitals from January 1st, 2009 to December 31st, 2018. The clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate and recurrence of 66 patients with urgent child-bearing requirements after fertility-preserving treatment were analyzed. Results: (1) Among the 66 AEH and EC women with urgent child bearing requirements, 24 women chose spontaneous pregnancy, the clinical pregnancy rate was 54.2% (13/24) and the live birth rate was 41.7% (10/24), the median time from fertility-preserving therapy withdrawal to clinical pregnancy was 5.5 months. Forty-two women chose assisted reproductive technology (ART), the clinical pregnancy rate was 59.5% (25/42) and the live birth rate was 35.7% (15/42), the median time from fertility-preserving therapy withdrawal to clinical pregnancy was 19.5 months. The time from fertility-preserving therapy withdrawal to pregnancy in women receiving ART was significantly longer than that in women with spontaneous pregnancy (P=0.048). (2) Age and intrauterine adhesions were independent factors affecting the clinical pregnancy rate (P<0.05). (3) Among 107 patients with AEH or EC, the recurrence rate was 27.1% (29/107). Among the 42 cases who chose ART, 9 of them recurred before ART treatment, who received the fertility-preserving therapy again and then ART treatment, 8 women got clinical pregnancy,5 of them delivered at least a live birth. Conclusions: Women with AEH or EC could achieved satisfactory clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate after fertility-preserving therapy. Age and intrauterine adhesions are independent factors affecting clinical pregnancy rate. The women with recurrent AEH or EC could be treated with fertility-preserving therapy again and get a satisfactory pregnancy outcome.

Ferromagnetic frustration in ternary nitride ZnFe3N

As a new antiperovskite nitride, ZnFe3N was synthesized and characterized by almost completely substituting iron atoms at corner positions of γ'-Fe4N. The magnetic interactions of the system with the space group Pm3[combining macron]m are fully investigated. The critical behavior was investigated based on the measured magnetic data around the ferromagnetic phase transition temperature. In this work, the values of critical exponents (β, γ and δ) were obtained systematically using the Kouvel-Fisher method in the critical region. The Widom scaling law (δ = 1 + γβ-1) and the scaling equation (m = f±(h)) were used to reveal the reliability of these values. The values of the critical exponents (β = 0.325, γ = 1.228, and δ = 4.778) are different from those predicted by the three-dimensional (3D) Heisenberg model and mean-field model, and are very close to those of the 3D-Ising model. Combined with ESR analysis, the spin clusters induced by changes in chemical bonds are considered to be the cause for the existence of an anisotropic short-range ordered state in this ferromagnetic system.

Developing a cadmium resistant rice genotype with OsHIPP29 locus for limiting cadmium accumulation in the paddy crop

Widespread contamination of agricultural soil with toxic metals such as cadmium (Cd) is a major threat to crop production and human health. Metallochaperones are a unique class of proteins that play pivotal roles in detoxifying metallic ions inside cells. In this study, we investigated the biological function of an uncharacterized metallochaperone termed OsHIPP29 in rice plants and showed that OsHIPP29 resides in the plasma membrane and nucleus and detoxifies excess Cd and Zn. OsHIPP29 was primarily expressed in shoots during the vegetative stage and in leaf sheath and spikelet at the flowering stage. It can be differentially induced by excess Cd, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn. To identify the function of OsHIPP29 in mediating rice response to Cd stress, we examined a pair of OsHIPP29 mutants, RNAi lines and transgenic rice overexpressing OsHIPP29 (OX) under Cd stress. Both mutant and RNAi lines are sensitive to Cd in growth as reflected in decreased plant height and dry biomass. In contrast, the OX lines showed better growth under Cd exposure. Consistent with the phenotype, the OX lines accumulated less Cd in both root and shoot tissues, whereas OsHIPP29 knockout led to higher accumulation of Cd. These results point out that expression of OsHIPP29 is able to contribute to Cd detoxification by reducing Cd accumulation in rice plants. Our work highlights the significance of OsHIPP29-mediated reduced Cd in rice plants, with important implications for further developing genotypes that will minimize Cd accumulation in rice and environmental risks to human health.

[Clinical features of patients with Behcet's uveitis]

Objective: To characterize the clinical features of patients with Behcet's uveitis. Methods: Retrospective case series study. Medical records of patients who were diagnosed as Behcet's uveitis in Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 1998 and November 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Information about the clinical manifestation, complication, best corrected visual acuity (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) and medication was collected. The correlation of visual acuity and the disease course, as well as inflammation relapse times before and after biological agents applied was analyzed. Chi square test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were applied for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 132 patients (233 eyes) with Behcet's uveitis were included, among which 104 (78.8%) were male and 28 (21.2%) were female, with statistically significant difference (χ(2)=43.76, P<0.01). The average age at the onset of uveitis was (28.9±8.7) years, with most patients at 21-40 years (102 cases, 77.3%). Oral aphthae (132 cases, 100.0%) were the most frequent extraocular manifestations, followed by dermatologic lesions (103 cases, 78.0%), genital ulcers (90 cases, 68.2%), arthritis (44 cases, 33.3%) and positive pathergy test (39 cases, 29.5%). Ocular involvement was bilateral in 76.5% (101 cases) of the patients, and panuveitis was the most common type (110 cases, 83.3%). Complications were seen in 80.7% (188/233) of the eyes, with cataract (58.8%, 137/233) and macular edema (59.1%, 114/193) being the most common anterior and posterior segment complications, respectively. At the eighth year of uveitis, best corrected visual acuity decreased to less than 0.3 in 20.9% (9/43) of the eyes, and more than 1.0 in 39.5% (17/43) of the eyes. A combination of glucocorticoids and immune modulators remained the first line therapy (97.0%, 128/132) for Behcet's uveitis. For 16 refractory cases, an addition of biological agents significantly reduced the inflammation relapse [0.5 (0.0, 1.5) times per year vs. 4.0 (1.0, 5.5) times per year, Z=-2.81, P=0.005]. Conclusions: Behcet's uveitis mainly affects working-age males and manifests as bilateral panuveitis. Complications are commonly seen in uveitic eyes. Patients' visual acuity is significantly impaired. A combination of glucocorticoids and immune modulators is effective for most patients, but for refractory cases, an addition of biological agents provides better effects. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2020, 56: 217-223).

OsNHAD is a chloroplast membrane-located transporter required for resistance to salt stress in rice (Oryza sativa)

Salt stress is one of the major environmental factors limiting crop productivity. Although physiological and molecular characterization of salt stress response in plants has been the focus for many years, research on transporters for sodium ion (Na⁺) uptake, translocation and accumulation in plants, particularly in food crops like rice is limited. In this study, we functionally identified an uncharacterized sodium ion transporter named OsNHAD which encodes a putative Na⁺ ⁄ H⁺ antiporter in rice. Homology search shows its close relation to the Arabidopsis Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter AtNHD1 with 72.74% identity of amino acids. OsNHAD transcripts mainly express in leaves and are induced by Na⁺ stress. Confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis of OsNHAD::GFP fusion in tobacco leaves shows that OsNHAD resides in the chloroplast envelop. Knock-down of OsNHAD by RNA interference led to increased rice sensitivity to Na⁺, manifested by stunted plant growth, enhanced cellular damage, reduced PSII activity and changed chloroplast morphology. Mutation of OsNHAD also resulted in accumulation of more Na⁺ in chloroplasts and in shoots as well, suggesting that OsNHAD is involved in mediating efflux and detoxification of Na⁺ but does not affect K⁺ accumulation in plant cells. Complementation test reveals that OsNHAD was able to functionally restore the Arabidopsis mutant atnhd1-1 growth phenotype. These results suggest that OsNHAD possibly mediates homeostasis of sodium ions in the subcellular compartments and tissues of the plants when challenged to salt stress.

Identification of epigenetic mechanisms in paddy crop associated with lowering environmentally related cadmium risks to food safety

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal that contributes to human diseases such as pediatric cancer and cardiovascular dysfunction. Epigenetic modification caused by Cd exposure is the major factor in etiology of environmentally-relevant diseases. However, the underlying epigenetic mechanism for Cd uptake and accumulation in food crops, particularly those growing in Cd-contaminated environments, is largely unknown. This study investigated uncharacterized regulatory mechanisms and biological functions of global DNA hypomethylation at CG sites that are associated with gene expression for Cd detoxification and accumulation in the food crop rice. Mutation of the CG maintenance enzyme OsMET1 confers rice tolerance to Cd exposure. Genome-wide analysis of OsMET1 loss of function mutant Osmet1 and its wild type shows numerous loci differentially methylated and upregulated genes for Cd detoxification, transport and accumulation. We functionally identified a new locus for a putative cadmium tolerance factor (here termed as OsCTF) and demonstrated that Cd-induced DNA demethylation is the drive of OsCTF expression. The 3'-UTR of OsCTF is the primary site of DNA and histone (H3K9me2) demethylation, which is associated with higher levels of OsCTF transcripts detected in the Osmet1 and Ossdg714 mutant lines. Mutation of OsCTF in rice led to hypersensitivity to Cd and the Osctf line accumulated more Cd, whereas transfer of OsCTF back to the Osctf mutant completely restored the normal phenotype. Our work unveiled an important epigenetic mechanism and will help develop breeding crops that contribute to food security and better human health.

Identification of novel rice (Oryza sativa) HPP and HIPP genes tolerant to heavy metal toxicity

HPP (heavy metal associated plant protein) and HIPP (heavy metal associated isoprenylated plant protein) are a group of metal-binding metallochaperones playing crucial roles in metal homeostasis and detoxification. Up to now, only few of them have been functionally identified in plants. Here, we identified 54 HPP and HIPP genes in rice genome. Analysis of the transcriptome datasets of the rice genome exposed to cadmium (Cd) revealed 17 HPP/HIPP genes differentially expressed, with 11 being upregulated (>2 fold change, p < 0.05). Comprehensive analysis of transcripts by qRT-PCR showed that both types of genes displayed diverse expression pattern in rice under excess manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and Cd stress. Multiple genomic analyses of HPPs/HIPPs including phylogenesis, conserved domains and motifs, genomic arrangement and genomic and tandem duplication were performed. To identify the role of the genes, OsHIPP16, OsHIPP34 and OsHIPP60 were randomly selected to express in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) mutants pmrl, cup2, ycf1 and zrc1, exhibiting sensitivity to Mn, Cu, Cd and Zn toxicity, respectively. Complementation test showed that the transformed cells accumulated more metals in the cells, but their growth status was improved. To confirm the functional role, two mutant oshipp42 lines defective in OsHIPP42 expression were identified under metal stress. Under normal condition, no difference of growth between the oshipp42 mutant and wild-type plants was observed. Upon excess Cu, Zn, Cd and Mn, the oshipp42 lines grew weaker than the wild-type. Our work provided a novel source of heavy metal-binding genes in rice that can be potentially used to develop engineered plants for phytoremediation in heavy metal-contaminated soils.

OsZIP1 functions as a metal efflux transporter limiting excess zinc, copper and cadmium accumulation in rice

BACKGROUND

Metal homeostasis is critical for plant growth, development and adaptation to environmental stresses and largely governed by a variety of metal transporters. The plant ZIP (Zn-regulated transporter, Iron-regulated transporter-like Protein) family proteins belong to the integral membrane transporters responsible for uptake and allocation of essential and non-essential metals. However, whether the ZIP family members mediate metal efflux and its regulatory mechanism remains unknown.

RESULTS

In this report, we provided evidence that OsZIP1 is a metal-detoxified transporter through preventing excess Zn, Cu and Cd accumulation in rice. OsZIP1 is abundantly expressed in roots throughout the life span and sufficiently induced by excess Zn, Cu and Cd but not by Mn and Fe at transcriptional and translational levels. Expression of OsZIP-GFP fusion in rice protoplasts and tobacco leaves shows that OsZIP1 resides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and plasma membrane (PM). The yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) complementation test shows that expression of OsZIP1 reduced Zn accumulation. Transgenic rice overexpressing OsZIP1 grew better under excess metal stress but accumulated less of the metals in plants. In contrast, both oszip1 mutant and RNA interference (RNAi) lines accumulated more metal in roots and contributed to metal sensitive phenotypes. These results suggest OsZIP1 is able to function as a metal exporter in rice when Zn, Cu and Cd are excess in environment. We further identified the DNA methylation of histone H3K9me2 of OsZIP1 and found that OsZIP1 locus, whose transcribed regions imbed a 242 bp sequence, is demethylated, suggesting that epigenetic modification is likely associated with OsZIP1 function under Cd stress.

CONCLUSION

OsZIP1 is a transporter that is required for detoxification of excess Zn, Cu and Cd in rice.

Strategy of the Causes of Death of Dependents

Abstract

Objective To discuss the methods and strategies to identify the causes of dependents' deaths, as well as provide the experiences that can be used for reference and scientific basis for the forensic identification of the potentially growing deaths of the same kind in the future. Methods The 13 cases concerning death of dependents accepted by Sun Yat-sen University Forensic Center were collected, and the basic information of the dependents were statistically described. The nutritional status, environmental condition and medical care condition were evaluated according to dietary energy, living space, environment and medical treatment condition. Results Among the 13 dependents, there were 11 males and 2 females, with the oldest 74 and the youngest 9 and dwelling time was from 0.4 to 5.6 years. Forensic pathological examination showed that 13 dependents had infectious diseases and 11 were severely dystrophic. There were no fatal mechanical injuries or poisoning in dependents. Molecular pathological screening of 4 cases revealed no pathogenic variants of sudden death susceptible genes. The poor status of the diet, nutrition, living environment and medical care of these dependents were discovered. The direct cause of death of all 13 dependents was identified to be disease. The lack of nutrition, poor living environment and lack of medical care were thought to play a dominant role in causing the deaths of 12 dependants. Conclusion The death identification should follow the judicial procedure. In identification of the causes of death and analysis of the proportion of the affecting factors resulting in death, all factors, including nutrition,environment, medical care, injury and diseases, need to be considered.

High quality nursing of children with pneumonia complicated with heart failure

Children with severe pneumonia often have heart failure. This study explored the clinical effect of high quality nursing intervention on children with pneumonia complicated with heart failure. In the study, 96 children with pneumonia complicated with heart failure were selected and randomly divided into a conventional nursing group (n=48) and a high quality nursing group (n=48). Based on the conventional nursing, the children in one group were given high quality nursing, and comprehensive nursing was carried out in aspects such as respiratory tract, medication, psychology and diet. Then, the heart rate, respiratory rate, heart failure correction time, hospitalization time, cost and nursing satisfaction were compared between the two groups. The results showed that the heart rate of the high quality nursing group was 145.37±8.72 times/min and the respiratory rate was 45.65±6.08 times/min, which were significantly lower than those of the conventional nursing group (P less than 0.05). The correction time of heart failure was about 32 h in the high quality nursing group, and the length and cost of hospitalization were significantly lower than those in the conventional nursing group (P less than 0.05). The nursing satisfaction of the patients' family members in the high quality nursing group was also higher (P less than 0.05). This study shows that high quality nursing can promote the recovery of children with pneumonia complicated with heart failure, and is worth popularizing widely in clinics.

Molecular identification of Kalicephalus isolated from snakes in Hunan province, subtropical China

Parasite classification and identification are central to controlling parasitosis. Traditional methods for identifying parasite species are based on morphological features, but these are time-consuming and inaccurate, especially for cryptic species. The purpose of the present study was to select molecular markers to promote the development of molecular systematic for parasites. The internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) falls in between 18S, 5.8S, and 28S rDNA sequences, including ITS-1 and ITS-2 sequences. Previous studies have demonstrated that rDNA ITS sequences provide useful genetic markers for identifying parasitic nematodes. With the ultimate goal of controlling parasite transmission, we identified Kalicephalus belonging to three species using ITS rDNA genes. The ITS genes (750-797 bp) of 21 Kalicephalus belonging to 3 species were cloned and sequenced. Intra- and interspecific identities were 98.4% and 80%-89%, respectively. The phylogenetic tree reconstructed with the neighbour-joining (NJ) method revealed that congener Kalicephalus form the same branch, which is far apart from other branches of other nematodes. This is consistent with morphological classifications, demonstrating the accuracy of our molecular method. This is the first report stating that ITS genes can be used to classify Kalicephalus, and it lays the foundation for identification, molecular epidemiology, and phylogenetics of Kalicephalus and related parasitic nematodes.

Characteristics and outcomes of in-hospital cardiac arrest in adults hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome in China

AIMS

This retrospective study aims to analyze and explore the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and in-hospital outcomes - including return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival to discharge - of hospitalized patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) suffering cardiac arrest.

METHODS

ACS patients admitted to three tertiary hospitals in Fujian, China, were evaluated retrospectively from January 1, 2012 to December 30, 2016. Data were collected, based on the Utstein Style, for all cases of attempted resuscitation for IHCA. We analyzed patient characteristics, pre-event variables, event variables, and the main outcomes, including ROSC and survival to discharge, and identified the influencing factors on the outcomes.

RESULTS

The total number of ACS admissions across the three hospitals during this study period was 21,337. Among these admissions, 320 ACS patients experienced IHCA (incidence: 1.50%); 134 (41.9%) patients experienced ROSC; and 68 (21.2%) survived to discharge. The findings indicated that four factors were associated with ROSC, including age <70 years-old, shockable rhythm, duration of resuscitation (≤15 min and 16-30 min), and PCI. Five factors were associated with survival to discharge, including age <70 years-old, shockable rhythm, the duration of resuscitation (≤15 min and 16-30 min), Killip ≤ II, and CCI ≤ 2.

CONCLUSION

Younger age, shockable rhythm, and shorter duration of resuscitation were all factors demonstrated to be a predictor of ROSC and survival to hospital discharge.

Unveiling the Superconducting Mechanism of Ba_{0.51}K_{0.49}BiO_{3}

The mechanism of high superconducting transition temperatures (T_{c}) in bismuthates remains under debate despite more than 30 years of extensive research. Our angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy studies on Ba_{0.51}K_{0.49}BiO_{3} reveal an unexpectedly 34% larger bandwidth than in conventional density functional theory calculations. This can be reproduced by calculations that fully account for long-range Coulomb interactions-the first direct demonstration of bandwidth expansion due to the Fock exchange term, a long-accepted and yet uncorroborated fundamental effect in many body physics.Furthermore, we observe an isotropic superconducting gap with 2Δ_{0}/k_{B}T_{c}=3.51±0.05, and strong electron-phonon interactions with a coupling constant λ∼1.3±0.2. These findings solve a long-standing mystery-Ba_{0.51}K_{0.49}BiO_{3} is an extraordinary Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer superconductor, where long-range Coulomb interactions expand the bandwidth, enhance electron-phonon coupling, and generate the high T_{c}. Such effects will also be critical for finding new superconductors.

A Role for Receptor-Interacting Protein Kinase-1 in Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: a Preliminary Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are known to play an important role in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by triggering innate and adaptive immune responses. The molecular mechanisms responsible for their formation in SLE are still unclear. In this study, we aim to characterize the role of the receptor-interacting protein kinase-1 (RIPK1), a homologous serine/threonine kinase previously implicated in the regulation of necroptosis and tissue injury, in decreasing neutrophil death and formation of NETs, and to investigate the clinical implications of RIPK1 in SLE.

METHODS

Patients with SLE (n = 50) and healthy donors (n = 35) were enrolled in in vitro studies. Management of SLE patients was evaluated using the SLE disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) score and laboratory variables. The mRNA level of RIPKs was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Intracellular RIPK1 and RIPK3 production by peripheral blood leukocytes was detected by four-color flow cytometry and confirmed by automatic western blotting. TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-8, IL-18, and RIPK1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cell death was assayed by Sytox green dye from peripheral neutrophils stimulated by RIPK-1-stabilizer necrostatin-1 (nec-1) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy were used to detect NET formation ex vivo. Quantification of NETs was determined by fluorescence spectrometry.

RESULTS

IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-8, and IL-18 levels in serum were increased in SLE patients compared to controls. However, the expression of TNF-α, IL-2, and RIPK1 were decreased. In addition, we observed significant differences in the expression of RIPK1 in peripheral blood leukocytes. Of all the leukocytes, RIPK1 expression was significantly lower in neutrophils. Furthermore, we studied NETs formation in neutrophils of SLE with decreased RIPK1 expression, and these show increased susceptibility to NETosis, when stimulated with PMA and/or nec-1. Importantly, RIPK1 expression in neutrophils negatively correlated with ESR, CRP, 24-hour urine total protein, and the disease activity index in SLE.

CONCLUSION

These data represent the first report of decreased RIPK1 expression in neutrophils of SLE patients and imply that RIPK1 may be involved in neutrophil death and NET formation. We suggest that RIPK1 is a potential biomarker to predict disease activity.

MicroRNA-455 suppresses the oncogenic function of HDAC2 in human colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-induced mortality. Histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) is involved in prognosis and therapy of CRC. This study aimed to explore novel therapeutic targets for CRC. The alteration of HDAC2 expression in CRC tissues was estimated by qRT-PCR. After lentivirus transfection, HDAC2 knockdown was confirmed by western blot analysis. The effect of HDAC2 knockdown on cell proliferation was then assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Screened by TargetScan, microRNA (miR)-455 was predicted to bind to 3′UTR of HDAC2 and the prediction was verified by luciferase assay. Finally, cells were transfected, respectively, with miR-455 mimics or miR-455 negative control (miR-NC) and the expression of HDAC2, cell proliferation and apoptosis of transfected cells were respectively evaluated by western blot analysis, MTT assay and flow cytometry. Results showed that the HDAC2 expression was up-regulated in CRC tissues (P<0.05). HDAC2 knockdown significantly decreased cell viability at day 3 (P<0.05), day 4 (P<0.01), and day 5 (P<0.001) after infection. Then, miR-455 was verified to directly target HDAC2, resulting in a significant difference in luciferase activity (P<0.01). Moreover, miR-455 decreased the expression of HDAC2 (P<0.01). miR-455 remarkably decreased cell viability at day 3 (P<0.05), day 4 (P<0.01), and day 5 (P<0.001) after transfection while inducing cell apoptosis (P<0.001). In conclusion, miR-455 inhibited cell proliferation while inducing cell apoptosis by targeting HDAC2 in CRC cells.

[Clinical features, risk factors and progresses on treatment of recurrent Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease]

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease(VKH) is a bilateral, granulomatous panuveitis associated with central nervous system, auditory, and integumentary manifestations. Clinically, VKH usually responds well to early aggressive glucocorticosteroid treatment and may be cured without any clinically significant sequelae. Some patients, however, may enter the chronic recurrent phase, which may result in marked loss of vision due to complications such as complicated cataract, secondary glaucoma and maculopathy. Recurrent VKH is mainly characterized by anterior uveitis associated with thickening of the choroid. Initial poor visual acuity, severe anterior chamber reaction, choroidal folds,rapid tapering of systemic corticosteroids or inadequate duration of treatment, and development of extraocular manifestations may be risk factors of disease recurrence. Prolonged glucocorticosteroid treatment has been suggested as effective strategy for recurrence of VKH. The positive effects of other immunosuppressive agents and biologic agents on treatment of chronic recurrent and refractory VKH have been gradually recognized by the uveitis community. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53: 317-320).

Placental site trophoblastic tumor in early stage: a case report

Here, the authors present a case of a placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT) in a 28-year-old gravida 1 para 1 living 1 woman three months after vaginal delivery of a female infant at diagnosis in 2014. The patient was FIGO Stage I and finally underwent a total laparoscopic hysterectomy with ovarian conservation. Subsequently, the patient received two cycles of EMA/CO chemotherapy. Patient is on regular follow-up (clinical exam, β-hCG tests, pelvic and abdominal sonography) and has shown no signs of local or systemic recurrence for 24 months.

Postoperative chemotherapy on placental site trophoblastic tumor in early stage: analysis of 60 cases

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION

To review the literature of placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT) and explore the effect of postoperative chemotherapy in patients with Stage I.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors searched literature on Medline, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), and other resources using the keywords "placental site trophoblastic tumor" and "PSTT" from 1981 ito 2014.

RESULTS

A total number of 60 patients with Stage I disease were identified, and the presentation, treatment, tumor response, disease status, and follow-up were retrieved and reviewed. According to the authors' knowledge, 725 cases associated with PSTT have been reported in 29 nations/areas since 1981. In this series, the probability of overall survival at ten years in the group of surgery alone and postoperative chemotherapy were 96.7% and 79.1% (p = 0.199), and recurrence-free survival rates were 91.8% and 63.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The benefit from postoperative chemotherapy is still equivocal. There is a need for scrupulousness before adding postoperative chemotherapy.

Variation of DNA methylation patterns associated with gene expression in rice (Oryza sativa) exposed to cadmium

We report genome-wide single-base resolution maps of methylated cytosines and transcriptome change in Cd-exposed rice. Widespread differences were identified in CG and non-CG methylation marks between Cd-exposed and Cd-free rice genomes. There are 2320 non-redundant differentially methylated regions detected in the genome. RNA sequencing revealed 2092 DNA methylation-modified genes differentially expressed under Cd exposure. More genes were found hypermethylated than those hypomethylated in CG, CHH and CHG (where H is A, C or T) contexts in upstream, gene body and downstream regions. Many of the genes were involved in stress response, metal transport and transcription factors. Most of the DNA methylation-modified genes were transcriptionally altered under Cd stress. A subset of loss of function mutants defective in DNA methylation and histone modification activities was used to identify transcript abundance of selected genes. Compared with wide type, mutation of MET1 and DRM2 resulted in general lower transcript levels of the genes under Cd stress. Transcripts of OsIRO2, OsPR1b and Os09g02214 in drm2 were significantly reduced. A commonly used DNA methylation inhibitor 5-azacytidine was employed to investigate whether DNA demethylation affected physiological consequences. 5-azacytidine provision decreased general DNA methylation levels of selected genes, but promoted growth of rice seedlings and Cd accumulation in rice plant.

[Multicenter epidemiological investigation of hospitalized children with severe burn]

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of hospitalized children with severe burn from several regions in China during 3 years, so as to provide evidence for prevention of burns in children. Methods: Relying on the entry system of epidemiology data and biological sample of severe burn from multicenter in clinic, medical records of children with severe burn, aged 18 and under, hospitalized in 6 burn wards from February 2012 to February 2015 were collected. The children were divided into 5 age brackets: less than or equal to 1 year old, more than 1 year old and less than or equal to 3 years old, more than 3 years old and less than or equal to 6 years old, more than 6 years old and less than or equal to 12 years old, more than 12 years old and less than or equal to 18 years old. Meanwhile the children were divided into rural and urban children according to their residences. Data of gender and residence of children in the 5 age brackets, cause of injury, location of injury, total burn area, wound site, inhalation injury and combined injury, and source of hospitalization expenses of children in the 5 age brackets and two types of residence, and outcome and length of hospital stay of the children were analyzed. The cause of injury of children in different location of injury was analyzed. In addition, they were divided into 2 age brackets: less than or equal to 6 years old and more than 6 years old and less than or equal to 18 years old, and then incidences of hand and foot burn injury were compared. Data were processed with chi-square test, and the correlation between age and total burn area was processed with Spearman correlation analysis. Results: Four hundred and forty out of 1 106 inpatients with severe burn were children, accounting for 39.8% who were included in the system. (1) The majority of children were male (270, 61.4%). The number of children more than 1 year old and less than or equal to 3 years old ranked the first (222, 50.5%) in the 5 age brackets. The ratio of children from rural areas to that from urban areas was 2.9∶1.0. There were no statistically significant differences in both gender and residence of children among the 5 age brackets (with χ² values respectively 7.649 and 9.399, P values above 0.05). (2) Scald was the most common cause of burn. There was statistically significant difference in injury cause of children among the 5 age brackets (χ²=136.307, P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in injury cause of children among the two types of residence (χ²=5.164, P>0.05). (3) Private house was the most common location of injury. There was statistically significant difference in location of injury of children among the 5 age brackets (χ²=124.930, P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in location of injury of children among the two types of residence (χ²=3.364, P>0.05). There was statistically significant difference in injury cause of children in different location of injury (χ²=118.284, P<0.001). (4) Most of children were with total burn areas from 10% to 39% total body surface area. There was statistically significant difference in total burn area of children among the 5 age brackets (χ²=103.568, P<0.001). There was positive correlation between age and total burn area (r=0.177, P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in total burn area of children among the two types of residence (χ²=16.213, P>0.05). (5) Trunk, lower extremity, and upper extremity were the most common wound sites, respectively. There was statistically significant difference in wound site of children among the 5 age brackets (χ²=45.674, P=0.019). There was statistically significant difference in incidence of hand and foot burn between children less than or equal to 6 years old and children more than 6 years old and less than or equal to 18 years old (with χ² values respectively 29.188 and 14.612, P values below 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in wound site of children among the two types of residence (χ²=8.515, P>0.05). (6) Twenty-seven children suffered inhalation injury. The main age bracket was more than 12 years old and less than or equal to 18 years old (8 children). The main residence was rural area (18 children). The main cause of inhalation injury was flame burn (23 children). Nine children suffered combined injury, among which the children more than 12 years old and less than or equal to 18 years old accounted for the highest ratio (5 children), and the urban children accounted for higher ratio (5 children). (7) Among the 437 children, most of their hospitalization expenses were at their own expense. There was statistically significant difference in the source of hospitalization expenses of children among the 5 age brackets (χ²=17.917, P=0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the source of hospitalization expenses of children among the two types of residence (χ²=0.749, P>0.05). (8) Among the 437 children, 34 children abandoned treatment and were discharged from hospital, attributed to lack of funding. Seventy-eight children were discharged with a better health condition and 347 were cured. The condition of 6 children worsened and 6 children died. Mean length of hospital stay was 28.6 days for all the children, and 8.8 days for the deteriorated and dead children. Conclusions: Children were the major group of patients with severe burn in China. Male children less than or equal to 6 years old were common with scald as the major cause of injury, private house as the major location of injury, and trunk, lower and upper extremity as the most common wound sites, their own expenses as the major source of hospitalization expenses. There were statistically significant differences in cause of injury, location of injury, total burn area, wound site, and hospitalization expenses source of children among the 5 age brackets.

Reduced expression of serum miR-204 predicts poor prognosis of gastric cancer

Deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) is implicated in the initiation and progression of gastric cancer (GC). Previous studies have demonstrated that miR-204 was downregulated in GC tissues. However, its expression profile in serum samples and its potential for clinical value remain unknown. Real-time PCR was performed to evaluate the expression level of serum miR-204 in patients with GC. The association between serum miR-204 expression level and the clinical outcome of GC was then investigated. Our results showed that the expression of miR-204 in serum samples from GC patients was significantly lower than that in the healthy controls (P < 0.01). Serum miR-204 expression level of GC patients was significantly upregulated after receiving surgical resection (P < 0.01). In addition, serum miR-204 was associated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.016), tumor differentiation (P = 0.001), and TNM stage (P = 0.005). GC patients with low serum miR-204 expression had shorter overall survival than those with high serum miR-204 expression (P = 0.004). Multivariate analysis revealed that serum miR-204 expression level was an independent risk factor for this malignant disease (HR = 3.629, 95%CI = 2.828-8.146, P = 0.015). In conclusion, our findings indicate that serum miR-204 may be employed as a novel biomarker for monitoring the treatment response and predicting the prognosis of GC.

[Expression and significance of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in oral lichen planus and oral squamous cell cacinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the differences among the expressions of p38 mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK), phospho-p38MAPK and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC).

METHODS

In the study, 53 cases of OLP, 45 of OSCC, and 18 controls were obtained and 4-μm-thick histological sections were prepared from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks.The expressions of p38MAPK,phospho-p38MAPK and NF-κB were detected by immunohistochemistry staining. Furthermore, the expressions of p38MAPK and phospho-p38MAPK were detected using Western blotting analyses in the fresh tissues from 11 cases of OLP, 5 cases of OSCC, and 7 cases of the controls.

RESULTS

p38MAPK was over-expressed in the lamina propria, but lowly expressed in the epithelium in OLP group. Phospho-p38MAPK was lower expressed in OLP group than in OSCC and control groups.NF-κB was found over-expressed in the lamina propria in OLP group.p38MAPK was found expressed in all the samples in the 3 groups. The expression of phospho-p38MAPK was observed in 8 (8/11) OLP samples, 5 (5/5) OSCC samples and 4 (4/7) controls by Western blotting, but no significant differences were found within the 3 groups.

CONCLUSION

p38MAPK can be detected in normal oral mucosa, OLP and OSCC. Phospho-p38MAPK may be related to the onset and progression of OSCC. The role of p38MAPK in OLP is yet to be revealed.

[The changes of nurse uniform style in Pakhoi Po Yan Hospital in recent hundred year]

Nurse uniforms are the nurse's professional clothing, the main features of which are to keep clean and for easy identification. Culture consciousness has been added into nurse uniforms by people's behavior during the course of its application. Through the investigation on the historical materials of Pakhoi Po Yan Hospital (founded by Church Missionary Society in April 1886 in Pakhoi), it can be found that the nurse uniforms of different ages reflect the cultural background of the changes and the development of nursing career. This not only deduces the nurse culture and progress, but also reflects the continuation of nursing care, its responsibility and innovation.

Characterization of long non-coding RNAs involved in cadmium toxic response in Brassica napus

There is increasing evidence of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) involvement in a variety of biological responses to environmental stresses.

Long-term efficacy of a rural community-based integrated intervention for prevention and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a cluster randomized controlled trial in China's rural areas

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a rural community-based integrated intervention for early prevention and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in China. This 18-year cluster-randomized controlled trial encompassing 15 villages included 1008 patients (454 men and 40 women in the intervention group [mean age, 54 ± 10 years]; 482 men and 32 women in the control group [mean age, 53 ± 10 years]) with confirmed COPD or at risk for COPD. Villages were randomly assigned to the intervention or the control group, and study participants residing within the villages received treatment accordingly. Intervention group patients took part in a program that included systematic health education, smoking cessation counseling, and education on management of COPD. Control group patients received usual care. The groups were compared after 18 years regarding the incidence of COPD, decline in lung function, and mortality of COPD. COPD incidence was lower in the intervention group than in the control group (10% vs 16%, <0.05). A decline in lung function was also significantly delayed in the intervention group compared to the control group of COPD and high-risk patients. The intervention group showed significant improvement in smoking cessation compared with the control group, and smokers in the intervention group had lower smoking indices than in the control group (350 vs 450, <0.05). The intervention group also had a significantly lower cumulative COPD-related death rate than the control group (37% vs 47%, <0.05). A rural community-based integrated intervention is effective in reducing the incidence of COPD among those at risk, delaying a decline in lung function in COPD patients and those at risk, and reducing mortality of COPD.

Kaempferol Promotes Transplant Tolerance by Sustaining CD4+FoxP3+ Regulatory T Cells in the Presence of Calcineurin Inhibitor

Calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine is widely used as an immunosuppressant in clinic. However, mounting evidence has shown that cyclosporine hinders tolerance induction by dampening Tregs. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to overcome this pitfall. Kaempferol was reported to inhibit DC function. Here, we found that kaempferol delayed islet allograft rejection. Combination of kaempferol and low-dose, but not high-dose, of cyclosporine induced allograft tolerance in majority of recipient mice. Although kaempferol plus either dose of cyclosporine largely abrogated proliferation of graft-infiltrating T cells and their CTL activity, both proliferation and CTL activity in mice treated with kaempferol plus low-dose, but not high-dose, cyclosporine reemerged rapidly upon treatment withdrawal. Kaempferol increased CD4+FoxP3+ Tregs both in transplanted mice and in vitro, likely by suppressing DC maturation and their IL-6 expression. Reduction in Tregs by low dose of cyclosporine was reversed by kaempferol. Kaempferol-induced Tregs exhibited both allospecific and non-allospecific suppression. Administering IL-6 abrogated allograft tolerance induced by kaempferol and cyclosporine via diminishing CD4+FoxP3+ Tregs. Thus, for the first time, we demonstrated that kaempferol promotes transplant tolerance in the presence of low dose of cyclosporine, which allows for sufficient Treg generation while minimizing side effects, resulting in much-needed synergy between kaempferol and cyclosporine.

In situ investigation of the surface morphology evolution of the bulk ceramic Y2Mo3O12 during crystal water release

The surface morphology evolution of the bulk ceramic Y2Mo3O12 during the release of crystal water is followed in situ for the first time using atomic force microscopy. It is found that both the shape and size of individual grains and the integration morphology of the sample exhibit dynamic changes with increasing temperature. We believe that the surface morphology evolution of the sample with increasing temperature is closely correlated with the forces induced by the contraction and expansion of the lattice during crystal water release in two different stages.

A trabecular plate-like phenotype is overrepresented in Chinese-American versus Caucasian women

This study used extreme phenotype selection to define two trabecular bone phenotypes in a cohort of Chinese-American and Caucasian women. A trabecular plate-predominant phenotype is more common in Chinese-Americans while the rod-predominant phenotype is more typical of Caucasians. The robustness of these phenotypic associations with respect to lifestyle factors suggests that this trait may have a genetic basis and that these phenotypes can be utilized in future genetic studies.

INTRODUCTION

Compared to Caucasians, Chinese-Americans have more plate-like trabecular bone when measured by individual trabecula segmentation (ITS). These findings suggest a phenotypic difference between the races, which may be amenable to genetic analysis. We sought to identify a single ITS plate trait to pursue in genetic studies by conducting an extreme phenotype selection strategy to numerically define two distinct phenotypes-plate-like and rod-like-and determine whether the selected phenotypic associations were independent of lifestyle factors in order to conduct future genetic studies.

METHODS

A previously described cohort of 146 Chinese-American and Caucasian women with high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography imaging and ITS analyses were studied with logistic regression and receiver operator characteristic analyses.

RESULTS

The tibial plate-to-rod (TPR) ratio was the best ITS discriminator of race. Using extreme phenotypic selection, two TPR ratio phenotypes were defined numerically: plate-like as a TPR ratio value in the highest quartile (≥1.336) and rod-like as a TPR ratio value in the lowest quartile (≤0.621). Women with a plate-like phenotype were 25.7 times more likely (95 % CI 7.3-90.1) to be Chinese-American than women with rod-like morphology. After controlling for constitutional and lifestyle covariates, women in the highest vs. lowest TPR ratio quartile were 85.0 times more likely (95 % CI 12.7-568.0) to be Chinese-American.

CONCLUSION

Using extreme phenotype selection, we defined a plate- and rod-like trabecular bone phenotype for the TPR ratio trait. The former phenotype is more common in Chinese-American women, while the latter is more typical of Caucasian women. The robustness of these phenotypic associations after controlling for differences in constitution and lifestyle suggest that the TPR ratio may have a genetic basis and that the extreme phenotypes defined in this analysis can be utilized for future studies.

The role of miR-146a in dorsal root ganglia neurons of experimental diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Sensory neurons mediate diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Using a mouse model of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (BKS.Cg-m+/+Lepr(db)/J (db/db) mice) and cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, the present study showed that hyperglycemia downregulated miR-146a expression and elevated interleukin-1 receptor-activated kinase (IRAK1) and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) levels in DRG neurons. In vitro, elevation of miR-146a by miR-146a mimics in DRG neurons increased neuronal survival under high-glucose conditions. Downregulation and elevation of miR-146a in DRG neurons, respectively, were inversely related to IRAK1 and TRAF6 levels. Treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy with sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, augmented miR-146a expression and decreased levels of IRAK1 and TRAF6 in the DRG neurons. In vitro, blockage of miR-146a in DRG neurons abolished the effect of sildenafil on DRG neuron protection and downregulation of IRAK1 and TRAF6 proteins under hyperglycemia. Our data provide the first evidence showing that miR-146a plays an important role in mediating DRG neuron apoptosis under hyperglycemic conditions.

Dreaming during sevoflurane or propofol short-term sedation: a randomised controlled trial

Prior reports suggest that dreaming during anaesthesia is dependent on recovery time. Dreaming during sedation may impact patient satisfaction. The current study explores the incidence and content of dreaming during short-term sedation with sevoflurane or propofol and investigates whether dreaming is affected by recovery time. A total of 200 women undergoing first trimester abortion (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I) participated in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either sevoflurane or propofol for short-term sedation. Patients were interviewed upon emergence with the modified Brice questionnaire. The results showed the incidence of dreaming was significantly different between anaesthesia groups with 60% (60/100) of the sevoflurane group and 33% (33/100) of the propofol group (P=0.000). However, recovery time did not significantly differ between groups. In the sevoflurane group, a greater number of dreamers could not recall what they had dreamed about (P=0.02) and more patients reported dreams that had no sound (P=0.03) or movement (P=0.001) compared with dreamers in the propofol group. Most participants reported dreams with positive emotional content and this did not significantly differ between groups. Anaesthesia administered had no effect on patient satisfaction. The results suggest that the incidence of dreaming was not affected by recovery time. Patient satisfaction was not influenced by choice of sedative and/or by the occurrence of dreaming during sevoflurane or propofol short-term sedation.

Comparison of carotid atherosclerotic plaque characteristics by high-resolution black-blood MR imaging between patients with first-time and recurrent acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been shown that patients with a first ischemic stroke are at high risk of developing recurrent stroke due to carotid atherosclerotic plaque rupture. However, no one has defined the difference in plaques between initial and recurrent stroke. This study sought to investigate the characteristics of carotid plaque between patients with first-time and recurrent acute ischemic stroke by using MR imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-nine patients with recent acute ischemic stroke were recruited. All subjects underwent carotid high-resolution black-blood MR imaging. The index carotid arteries, defined as the arteries responsible for the ipsilateral stroke, were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Carotid plaque burden and compositional features between patients with first-time and recurrent ischemic stroke were compared.

RESULTS

Of 89 recruited patients, 51 had first-time stroke and 38 had recurrent stroke. The mean WA, WT, and PWV were greater in patients with recurrent stroke than in patients with first-time stroke (all, P < .05). Compared with patients with first-time stroke, those with recurrent stroke showed significantly higher prevalence of calcification (44.7% versus 23.5%, P = .035) as well as a larger volume of LRNC (179.14 ± 254.81 mm(2) versus 71.65 ± 111.15 mm(2), P = .027). IPH or fibrous cap rupture or both were observed in 15.8% of patients with recurrent stroke and 3.9% of patients with first-time stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

Carotid plaques in patients with recurrent ischemic stroke are significantly aggravated compared with those in patients with first-time stroke, and monitoring carotid plaques in patients with initial stroke by MR imaging may be helpful for secondary stroke prevention.

Assessment of trabecular and cortical architecture and mechanical competence of bone by high-resolution peripheral computed tomography: comparison with transiliac bone biopsy

We compared microarchitecture and mechanical competence parameters measured by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) and finite-element analysis of radius and tibia to those measured by histomorphometry, micro-CT, and finite-element analysis of transiliac bone biopsies. Correlations were weak to moderate between parameters measured on biopsies and scans.

INTRODUCTION

HR-pQCT is a new imaging technique that assesses trabecular and cortical bone microarchitecture of the radius and tibia in vivo. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which microarchitectural variables measured by HR-pQCT reflect those measured by the "gold standard," transiliac bone biopsy.

METHODS

HR-pQCT scans (Xtreme CT, Scanco Medical AG) and iliac crest bone biopsies were performed in 54 subjects (aged 39 +/- 10 years). Biopsies were analyzed by 2D quantitative histomorphometry and 3D microcomputed tomography (microCT). Apparent Young's modulus, an estimate of mechanical competence or strength, was determined by micro-finite-element analysis (microFE) of biopsy microCT and HR-pQCT images.

RESULTS

The strongest correlations observed were between trabecular parameters (bone volume fraction, number, separation) measured by microCT of biopsies and HR-pQCT of the radius (R 0.365-0.522; P < 0.01). Cortical width of biopsies correlated with cortical thickness by HR-pQCT, but only at the tibia (R = 0.360, P < 0.01). Apparent Young's modulus calculated by microFE of biopsies correlated with that calculated for both radius (R = 0.442; P < 0.001) and tibia (R = 0.380; P < 0.001) HR-pQCT scans.

CONCLUSIONS

The associations between peripheral (HR-pQCT) and axial (transiliac biopsy) measures of microarchitecture and estimated mechanical competence are significant but modest.

The influence of exon 7 Phe389Leu polymorphism on P120 catenin interactions with E-cadherin and three-dimensional model rebuilt

The significance of endothelial P120 catenin (P120ctn) activity has been recognized for many years, however it was only recently that the complicated regulation of this constitutively expressed enzyme in endothelial cells was identified. A critical component of the P120ctn regulatory cycle in endothelial cells is its intracellular localization to caveolae. The caveolar coordination of P120ctn, more specifically its interaction with E-cadherin plays a major role in normal endothelial P120ctn activity and vascular bioavailability of nitric oxide. We have recently shown that the presence of P120ctn exon 7 Phe389Leu polymorphism caused diminished shear which was dependent catenin activation, was less extensively associated with caveolae, and had a decreased degree of interaction with E-cadherin. Here, we carried out preliminary investigations to identify possible mechanisms of the genotype-dependent endothelial cell responses we observed in our previous investigations. Through this approach we tested the hypothesis that computer simulations could provide insights regarding the contribution of this single nucleotide polymorphism to regulation of the P120ctn isoform. We observed that in the Phe/Leu and Leu/Leu mutant genotypes, the amount of P120ctn associated with E-cadherin was significantly lower. Additionally, we have shown, using a theoretical computational model, that mutation of an amino acid at position 389 might affect the protein-protein interactions and localization of the P120ctn protein. These alterations might also affect the protein function and explain the enhanced disease risk associated with the presence of Phe389Leu polymorphism in the P120ctn protein.

Influence of strain on the conduction band structure of strained silicon nanomembranes

The influence of in-plane biaxial strain on the conduction bands of Si is explored using elastically strained Si(001) nanomembranes and high-resolution x-ray absorption measurements with electron yield detection. The strain-induced splitting of the conduction band minimum and the energy shifts of two higher conduction bands near L1 and L3 are clearly resolved. The linear increase of the splitting of the conduction band minimum with increasing strain and the nonlinear shift of the L1 point toward the conduction band minimum agree quantitatively with current theories.

Influence of homeobox B2 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides on the biological characteristics of in vitro cultured primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells

This study aims to explore the influence of homeobox B2 (HOXB2) antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (asodn) on the biological characteristics of in vitro cultured primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The distribution of HOXB2 asodn in the HUVECs was observed by fluorescent labelling, and the influence of different concentrations of HOXB2 asodn on the DNA synthesis of HUVECs was assessed. Flow cytometry and a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT- PCR) method were employed to observe the influence of HOXB2 asodn on HOXB2 expression and the HUVEC cell cycle. After the induction of liposome, the nuclear fluorescent staining of HOXB2 asodn was weaker 15 min after transfection and the staining reached the strongest level at 4-8 h but then weakened and disappeared by 16 h after transfection. This indicated that endothelial DNA synthesis could be inhibited by HOXB2 asodn in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the HUVECs could be delayed in their passage from G1 to S. Simultaneously, expression of HOXB2 mRNA had decreased significantly by 24-48 h after transfection. Clearly, HOXB2 plays important roles in the proliferation of endothelial cells and also affects the cell cycle.

A new iterative algorithm to reconstruct the refractive index

The latest developments in x-ray imaging are associated with techniques based on the phase contrast. However, the image reconstruction procedures demand significant improvements of the traditional methods, and/or new algorithms have to be introduced to take advantage of the high contrast and sensitivity of the new experimental techniques. In this letter, an improved iterative reconstruction algorithm based on the maximum likelihood expectation maximization technique is presented and discussed in order to reconstruct the distribution of the refractive index from data collected by an analyzer-based imaging setup. The technique considered probes the partial derivative of the refractive index with respect to an axis lying in the meridional plane and perpendicular to the propagation direction. Computer simulations confirm the reliability of the proposed algorithm. In addition, the comparison between an analytical reconstruction algorithm and the iterative method has been also discussed together with the convergent characteristic of this latter algorithm. Finally, we will show how the proposed algorithm may be applied to reconstruct the distribution of the refractive index of an epoxy cylinder containing small air bubbles of about 300 micro of diameter.

Expression of TRAIL and TRAIL receptors in normal and malignant tissues

TRAIL, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, is a member of the TNF family of proteins. Tumour cells were initially found to have increased sensitivity to TRAIL compared with normal cells, raising hopes that TRAIL would prove useful as an anti-tumor agent. The production of reliable monoclonal antibodies against TRAIL and its receptors that can stain fixed specimens will allow a thorough analysis of their expression on normal and malignant tissues. Here we report the generation of monoclonal antibodies against TRAIL and its four membrane-bound receptors (TR1-4), which have been used to stain a range of normal and malignant cells, as routinely fixed specimens. Low levels of TRAIL expression were found to be limited mostly to smooth muscle in lung and spleen as well as glial cells in the cerebellum and follicular cells in the thyroid. Expression of the TRAIL decoy receptors (TR3 and 4) was not as widespread as indicated by Northern blotting, suggesting that they may be less important for the control of TRAIL cytotoxicity than previously thought. TR1 and TR2 expression increases significantly in a number of malignant tissues, but in some common malignancies their expression was low, or patchy, which may limit the therapeutic role of TRAIL. Taken together, we have a panel of monoclonal antibodies that will allow a better assessment of the normal role of TRAIL and allow assessment of biopsy material, possibly allowing the identification of tumors that may be amenable to TRAIL therapy.