New insight into the mechanism of biofouling-resistant thiazole-linked covalent organic frameworks for selective uranium capture from seawater

The extraction of uranium from seawater is crucial for the sustainable production of nuclear fuel. Traditional amidoxime-functionalized adsorbents suffer from competitive adsorption of vanadium ion and biofouling. These challenges motivate the development of novel adsorbents for selective uranium extraction from seawater. Herein, four kinds of thiazole-linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs) were investigated to harvest uranium from seawater. The selectivity and anti-biofouling performance were systematically investigated through the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Driven by the pore size sieving effect and electrostatic interaction, the Ca2UO2(CO3)3 complex and vanadate anions were selectively separated by different COFs in special areas. On one hand, benefits from the small steric partition factor, the Ca2UO2(CO3)3 complex can stick on the surface of COFs. On the other hand, the dispersive negatively and positively charged areas of studied COFs work as potential binding sites for the Ca2UO2(CO3)3 complex and vanadate anions, respectively. Moreover, an analysis of pulling force and desorption time between uranium and vanadium ions further confirmed the selectivity of various thiazole-linked COFs. The anti-biofouling property was comparatively investigated by dynamic trajectory and solvent accessible surface area. Our outcomes illustrate that the hydroxyl and zwitterionic groups in the thiazole-linked COFs endow their strong surface hydrations to resist marine biofouling. In particular, the TpBdsaPa is identified as a promising candidate due to charge dispersed zwitterionic group as well as remarkable anti-biofouling ability. The present study sheds an atomic-level understanding of the thiazole-linked COFs for selective uranium uptaking from seawater, which will provide aid to design novel adsorbent with highly selective uranium extraction capacity and strong anti-biofouling property.

De novo transcriptome assembly database for 100 tissues from each of seven species of domestic herbivore

Domesticated herbivores are an important agricultural resource that play a critical role in global food security, particularly as they can adapt to varied environments, including marginal lands. An understanding of the molecular basis of their biology would contribute to better management and sustainable production. Thus, we conducted transcriptome sequencing of 100 to 105 tissues from two females of each of seven species of herbivore (cattle, sheep, goats, sika deer, horses, donkeys, and rabbits) including two breeds of sheep. The quality of raw and trimmed reads was assessed in terms of base quality, GC content, duplication sequence rate, overrepresented k-mers, and quality score distribution with FastQC. The high-quality filtered RNA-seq raw reads were deposited in a public database which provides approximately 54 billion high-quality paired-end sequencing reads in total, with an average mapping rate of ~93.92%. Transcriptome databases represent valuable resources that can be used to study patterns of gene expression, and pathways that are related to key biological processes, including important economic traits in herbivores.

Recent insights into the functions and mechanisms of antisense RNA: emerging applications in cancer therapy and precision medicine

The antisense RNA molecule is a unique DNA transcript consisting of 19-23 nucleotides, characterized by its complementary nature to mRNA. These antisense RNAs play a crucial role in regulating gene expression at various stages, including replication, transcription, and translation. Additionally, artificial antisense RNAs have demonstrated their ability to effectively modulate gene expression in host cells. Consequently, there has been a substantial increase in research dedicated to investigating the roles of antisense RNAs. These molecules have been found to be influential in various cellular processes, such as X-chromosome inactivation and imprinted silencing in healthy cells. However, it is important to recognize that in cancer cells; aberrantly expressed antisense RNAs can trigger the epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes. Moreover, the presence of deletion-induced aberrant antisense RNAs can lead to the development of diseases through epigenetic silencing. One area of drug development worth mentioning is antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), and a prime example of an oncogenic trans-acting long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is HOTAIR (HOX transcript antisense RNA). NATs (noncoding antisense transcripts) are dysregulated in many cancers, and researchers are just beginning to unravel their roles as crucial regulators of cancer's hallmarks, as well as their potential for cancer therapy. In this review, we summarize the emerging roles and mechanisms of antisense RNA and explore their application in cancer therapy.

Melatonin disturbed rumen microflora structure and metabolic pathways in vitro

IMPORTANCE

In in vitro studies, it has been found that the effects of MLT on rumen microorganisms and metabolites can change the rumen flora structure, significantly inhibit the relative abundance of harmful Acinetobacter, and improve the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria. MLT may regulate the "arginine-glutathione" pathway, "phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis-tryptophan generation" branch, "tryptophan-kynurenine" metabolism, and "tryptophan-tryptamine-serotonin" pathway through microorganisms.

Multi-Omics Reveals the Impact of Exogenous Short-Chain Fatty Acid Infusion on Rumen Homeostasis: Insights into Crosstalk between the Microbiome and the Epithelium in a Goat Model

Emerging data have underscored the significance of exogenous supplementation of butyrate in the regulation of rumen development and homeostasis. However, the effects of other short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as acetate or propionate, has received comparatively less attention, and the consequences of extensive exogenous SCFA infusion remain largely unknown. In our study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation by infusion of three SCFAs to examine their respective roles in regulating the rumen microbiome, metabolism, and epithelium homeostasis. Data demonstrated that the infusion of sodium acetate (SA) increased rumen index while also promoting SCFA production and absorption through the upregulation of SCFA synthetic enzymes and the mRNA expression of SLC9A1 gene. Moreover, both SA and sodium propionate infusion resulted in an enhanced total antioxidant capacity, an increased concentration of occludin, and higher abundances of specific rumen bacteria, such as "Candidatus Saccharimonas," Christensenellaceae R-7, Butyrivibrio, Rikenellaceae RC9 gut, and Alloprevotella. In addition, sodium butyrate (SB) infusion exhibited positive effects by increasing the width of rumen papilla and the thickness of the stratum basale. SB infusion further enhanced antioxidant capacity and barrier function facilitated by cross talk with Monoglobus and Incertae Sedis. Furthermore, metabolome and transcriptome data revealed distinct metabolic patterns in rumen contents and epithelium, with a particular impact on amino acid and fatty acid metabolism processes. In conclusion, our data provided novel insights into the regulator effects of extensive infusion of the three major SCFAs on rumen fermentation patterns, antioxidant capacity, rumen barrier function, and rumen papilla development, all achieved without inducing rumen epithelial inflammation. IMPORTANCE The consequences of massive exogenous supplementation of SCFAs on rumen microbial fermentation and rumen epithelium health remain an area that requires further exploration. In our study, we sought to investigate the specific impact of administering high doses of exogenous acetate, propionate, and butyrate on rumen homeostasis, with a particular focus on understanding the interaction between the rumen microbiome and epithelium. Importantly, our findings indicated that the massive infusion of these SCFAs did not induce rumen inflammation. Instead, we observed enhancements in antioxidant capacity, strengthening of rumen barrier function, and promotion of rumen papilla development, which were facilitated through interactions with specific rumen bacteria. By addressing existing knowledge gaps and offering critical insights into the regulation of rumen health through SCFA supplementation, our study holds significant implications for enhancing the well-being and productivity of ruminant animals.

Homeostatic crosstalk among gut microbiome, hypothalamic and hepatic circadian clock oscillations, immunity and metabolism in response to different light-dark cycles: a multi-omics study

The accelerated pace of life at the present time has resulted in tremendous alterations in living patterns. Changes in diet and eating patterns, in particular, coupled with irregular light-dark cycles (LD) will further induce circadian misalignment and lead to disease. Emerging data has highlighted the regulatory effects of diet and eating patterns on the host microbe interactions with the circadian clock (CC), immunity, and metabolism. Herein, we studied how LD cycles regulate the homeostatic crosstalk among the gut microbiome (GM), hypothalamic and hepatic CC oscillations, and immunity and metabolism using multi-omics approaches. Our data demonstrated that central CC oscillations lost rhythmicity under irregular LD cycles, but LD cycles had minimal effects on diurnal expression of peripheral CC genes in the liver including Bmal1. We further demonstrated that the GM could regulate hepatic circadian rhythms under irregular LD cycles, the candidate bacteria including Limosilactobacillus, Actinomyces, Veillonella, Prevotella, Campylobacter, Faecalibacterium, Kingella, Clostridia vadinBB60, Veillonella. A comparative transcriptomic study of innate immune genes indicated that different LD cycles had varying effects on immune functions, while irregular LD cycles had greater impacts on hepatic innate immune functions than those in the hypothalamus. Extreme LD cycle alterations (LD0/24 and LD24/0) had worse impacts than slight alterations (LD8/16 and LD16/8), and led to gut dysbiosis in mice receiving antibiotics. Metabolome data also demonstrated that hepatic tryptophan metabolism mediated the homeostatic crosstalk among GM-liver-brain axis in response to different LD cycles. These research findings highlighted that GM could regulate immune and metabolic disorders induced by circadian dysregulation. Further, the data provided potential targets for developing probiotics for individuals with circadian disruption such as shift workers. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

[The clinical value of using a distant-image screen for reading and learning]

Objective: To investigate the effect and comfort of using a distant-image screen for reading and learning. Methods: It was a prospective cross-over study. Thirty-nine volunteers, including 13 males and 26 females, aged (26.4±4.5) years (20 to 37 years), were recruited from Beijing Tongren Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University in July 2021. The volunteers read the digital correction table printed on paper and displayed on a distant-image screen in a random order and rest in an interval of 2 hours. Reading speed, efficiency and accuracy of using the two devices were recorded, and the changes of logMAR vision, diopter, flicker fusion frequency and visual fatigue score after reading were calculated. Comparison of the quantitative data was performed using the paired t-test. Results: The speed, accuracy and efficiency were (41.2±11.6) digit groups/min, 80.7%±13.3% and (32.4±7.4) digit groups/min in reading on paper, (41.7±11.1) digit groups/min, 76.4%±12.6% and (31.1±6.4) digit groups/min in reading from screen, respectively. There was no significant difference in reading speed (t=-0.462, P=0.648) and reading efficiency (t=1.954, P=0.058), but there was significant difference in reading accuracy (t= 2.226, P=0.032). The logMAR visual acuity of right eye and left eye decreased by 0.014±0.032 and 0.013±0.050 after reading on paper, but increased by 0.007±0.033 and 0.007±0.036 after reading from screen, respectively. The difference was significant (right eye, t=2.592, P=0.013; left eye, t =2.154, P=0.038). The myopia degree of right eye and left eye increased by (0.07±0.29) D and (0.06±0.24) D after reading on paper, and increased by (0.01±0.29) D and (0.02±0.28) D after reading from screen, respectively. The flicker fusion frequency decreased by (0.1±1.0) Hz after reading on paper, but increased by (0.3±1.2) Hz after reading from screen. There was no significant difference (P>0.05). The subjective scale score of visual fatigue increased in both groups, with no statistically significant difference (t=1.165, P=0.251). Conclusion: The use of a distant-image screen for reading and learning does not affect the reading efficiency or increase the visual fatigue, and can avoid the decline of visual acuity caused by near viewing compared with using the printed matter.

Latent Benefits and Toxicity Risks Transmission Chain of High Dietary Copper along the Livestock-Environment-Plant-Human Health Axis and Microbial Homeostasis: A Review

The extensive use of high-concentration copper (Cu) in feed additives, fertilizers, pesticides, and nanoparticles (NPs) inevitably causes significant pollution in the ecological environment. This type of chain pollution begins with animal husbandry: first, Cu accumulation in animals poisons them; second, high Cu enters the soil and water sources with the feces and urine to cause toxicity, which may further lead to crop and plant pollution; third, this process ultimately endangers human health through consumption of livestock products, aquatic foods, plants, and even drinking water. High Cu potentially alters the antibiotic resistance of soil and water sources and further aggravates human disease risks. Thus, it is necessary to formulate reasonable Cu emission regulations because the benefits of Cu for livestock and plants cannot be ignored. The present review evaluates the potential hazards and benefits of high Cu in livestock, the environment, the plant industry, and human health. We also discuss aspects related to bacterial and fungal resistance and homeostasis and perspectives on the application of Cu-NPs and microbial high-Cu removal technology to reduce the spread of toxicity risks to humans.

The Short-Day Cycle Induces Intestinal Epithelial Purine Metabolism Imbalance and Hepatic Disfunctions in Antibiotic-Mediated Gut Microbiota Perturbation Mice

Intestinal microbiota dysbiosis is related to many metabolic diseases in human health. Meanwhile, as an irregular environmental light–dark (LD) cycle, short day (SD) may induce host circadian rhythm disturbances and worsen the risks of gut dysbiosis. Herein, we investigated how LD cycles regulate intestinal metabolism upon the destruction of gut microbes with antibiotic treatments. The growth indices, serum parameters, concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and relative abundance of intestinal microbes were measured after euthanasia; intestinal contents, epithelial metabolomics, and hepatic transcriptome sequencing were also assessed. Compared with a normal LD cycle (NLD), SD increased the body weight, spleen weight, and serum concentration of aspartate aminotransferase, while it decreased high-density lipoprotein. Meanwhile, SD increased the relative abundance of the Bacteroidetes phylum while it decreased the Firmicutes phylum in the gut of ABX mice, thus leading to a disorder of SCFA metabolism. Metabolomics data revealed that SD exposure altered gut microbial metabolism in ABX mice, which also displayed more serious alterations in the gut epithelium. In addition, most differentially expressed metabolites were decreased, especially the purine metabolism pathway in epithelial tissue. This response was mainly due to the down-regulation of adenine, inosine, deoxyguanosine, adenylsuccinic acid, hypoxanthine, GDP, IMP, GMP, and AMP. Finally, the transcriptome data also indicated that SD has some negative effects on hepatic metabolism and endocrine, digestive, and disease processes. Overall, SD induced an epithelial and hepatic purine metabolism pathway imbalance in ABX mice, as well as the gut microbes and their metabolites, all of which could contribute to host metabolism and digestion, endocrine system disorders, and may even cause diseases in the host.

Yeast culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and its active metabolites affect the cecal microbiome of broilers

Yeast cultures (YCs) are defined as promising feed additives that maintain the health of birds and improve growth performance by modulating gut microbiota. YCs contain effective metabolites such as glycine, fructose, inositol, galactose, and sucrose. This study investigated the effects of YCs and their effective metabolites on carcass traits and cecal microflora in broilers. A total of 280 one-day-old mixed-sex Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allocated to seven groups. The basal diet (control DZ) was supplemented with various proportions of glycine, fructose, inositol, galactose, and sucrose (Groups A, B, and C), 24-hour grown Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultures (Group D) (YC), and a commercial yeast culture product (SZ) at concentrations of 0.1% and 1% (Groups E and F). Bodyweight of broilers was correlated positively with proportions of Proteobacteria in Group C and Lactobacillus and Roseburia in Group B (P <0.05). Broilers fed diets supplemented with YC or its active metabolites had the highest proportions of bacteria involved in nucleotide metabolism, and amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism. These results suggested that the dietary addition of YC could alter the proliferation of beneficial bacteria in broilers.

Normal Light-Dark and Short-Light Cycles Regulate Intestinal Inflammation, Circulating Short-chain Fatty Acids and Gut Microbiota in Period2 Gene Knockout Mice

Regular environmental light–dark (LD) cycle-regulated period circadian clock 2 (Per2) gene expression is essential for circadian oscillation, nutrient metabolism, and intestinal microbiota balance. Herein, we combined environmental LD cycles with Per2 gene knockout to investigate how LD cycles mediate Per2 expression to regulate colonic and cecal inflammatory and barrier functions, microbiome, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the circulation. Mice were divided into knockout (KO) and wild type (CON) under normal light–dark cycle (NLD) and short-light (SL) cycle for 2 weeks after 4 weeks of adaptation. The concentrations of SCFAs in the serum and large intestine, the colonic and cecal epithelial circadian rhythm, SCFAs transporter, inflammatory and barrier-related genes, and Illumina 16S rRNA sequencing were measured after euthanasia during 10:00–12:00. KO decreased the feeding frequency at 0:00–2:00 but increased at 12:00–14:00 both under NLD and SL. KO upregulated the expression of Per1 and Rev-erbα in the colon and cecum, while it downregulated Clock and Bmal1. In terms of inflammatory and barrier functions, KO increased the expression of Tnf-α, Tlr2, and Nf-κb p65 in the colon and cecum, while it decreased Claudin and Occludin-1. KO decreased the concentrations of total SCFAs and acetate in the colon and cecum, but it increased butyrate, while it had no impact on SCFAs in the serum. KO increased the SCFAs transporter because of the upregulation of Nhe1, Nhe3, and Mct4. Sequencing data revealed that KO improved bacteria α-diversity and increased Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae abundance, while it downregulated Erysipelatoclostridium, Prevotellaceae UCG_001, Olsenella, and Christensenellaceae R-7 under NLD in KO mice. Most of the differential bacterial genus were enriched in amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism pathways. Overall, Per2 knockout altered circadian oscillation in the large intestine, KO improved intestinal microbiota diversity, the increase in Clostridiales abundance led to the reduction in SCFAs in the circulation, concentrations of total SCFAs and acetate decreased, while butyrate increased and SCFAs transport was enhanced. These alterations may potentially lead to inflammation of the large intestine. Short-light treatment had minor impact on intestinal microbiome and metabolism.

Biosorption of Copper in Swine Manure Using Aspergillus and Yeast: Characterization and Its Microbial Diversity Study

Dietary copper supplementation in the feed of piglets generally exceeds 250-800 mg/kg, where a higher quantity (>250 mg/kg) can promote growth and improve feed conversion. Despite the reported positive effects, 90% of copper is excreted and can accumulate and pollute the soil. Data indicate that fungi have a biosorptive capacity for copper. Thus, the objectives of the present experiment were to study the effects of adding different strains of fungi on the biosorptive capacity for copper in swine manure and to evaluate potential effects on microbiota profiles. Aspergillus niger (AN), Aspergillus oryzae (AO), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) were selected, and each added 0.4% into swine manure, which contain 250 mg/kg of copper. The incubations lasted for 29 days, and biosorption parameters were analyzed on the 8th (D8), 15th (D15), 22nd (D22), and 29th (D29) day. Results showed that after biosorption, temperature was 18.47-18.77°C; pH was 6.33-6.91; and content of aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A, and deoxynivalenol were low. In addition, residual copper concentration with AN was the lowest on D15, D22, and D29. The copper biosorption rate was also highest with AN, averaging 84.85% on D29. Biosorption values for AO reached 81.12% and for SC were lower than 80%. Illumina sequencing of 16S and ITS rRNA gene revealed that fungal treatments reduced the diversity and richness of fungal abundance, but had no effect on bacterial abundance. Unknown_Marinilabiliaceae, Proteiniphilum, Tissierella, and Curvibacter were the dominant bacteria, while Aspergillus and Trichoderma were the dominant fungi. However, the added strain of S. cerevisiae was observed to be lower than the dominant fungi, which contained less than 0.05%. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment predicted via PICRUSt2 that there were bacterial genes potentially related to various aspects of metabolism and environmental information processing. Overall, data indicated that Aspergillus can provide microbial materials for adsorption of copper.

[The comparison of animal drug illustrations between Ben Cao Tu Jing (illustrated classic of materia medica) and Sman Thang of Tibetan medicine]

Animal drugs and their paintings were recorded in both Ben Cao Tu Jing(Illustrated Classic of Materia Medica) and Sman Thang of Tibetan medicine. By analyzing the species,techniques of expression, and facticity in the book and the paintings, different characteristics of animal drugs and their paintings were manifested, reflecting a colorful scene of diverse cultures.

[A perfect pair for the brilliant masterpiece, History of Chinese Medicine-in commemoration of the 130(th) and 140(th) anniversary of the birthday of distinguished modern medical historians, K. Chimin Wong and Wu Lien-teh respectively]

It happens that 2019 is the commemoration date for the 130(th) and 140(th) birthday of K. Chimin Wong and Wu Lien-teh respectively, both famous modern Chinese medical historians, the authors of the book History of Chinese Medicine. Originally, they were inhabitants separated thousand miles away, the former in Eastern China, and the other in Penang, Malaysia. Both were busying in their own business works, Wong was specialized in establishing Museum of Medical History, then the first of its kind in China and the world, with splendid results. Whereas, Wu was fighting at the frontier of the overwhelming pneumonic plague in Manchuria, having successfully terminated this virulent infectious disease in a short period of about a quarter, achieving a global reputation in medical world and thus presided the International Plague Conference held in Mukden, China, attended by invited experts from 11 countries. The latter was also active in the creation of hospitals and medical schools, plague prevention and quarantine services in China. Incidentally, when one of them read the book History of Medicine written by the famous American medical historian Fielding Hudson Garrison, to find that this 700+ -page work only includes the contents for Chinese medicine next to nothing and even with wrong descriptions, both were very frustrated and wrote a letter to its author for clarification. They were even more irritated to receive a reply, complaining that the mistakes were not his own, but simply due to shortage of sources, and even that bit of content was from western sources! To wipe up these wrong "foreign descriptions" , they made up their mind to write a similar book of its own in English language, so as to fill up the gaps in this field, hence, the completion of History of Chinese Medicine in a long course of almost 16 years, formally published in 1932, and an enlarged and revised 2nd edition in 1936. This work is divided into 2 books. Book One is devoted to traditional Chines medicine written by K. Chimin Wong; the other Book Two, written by Wu Lien-teh, is devoted to modern and contemporary Chinese medical history, dealing with western medicine to China from its introduction and after experiencing tortuous course and eventually constituting an integral system on biomedicine in China. At the end of the work, there are appendices, including chronological table, geographical names, person names and subject indices. Evaluation of History of Chinese Medicine after 1949 experienced a huge difference. During the first decades, people deemed it to contain lots of mistakes and to have been influenced by national nihilism and western missionary medicine. As a result, the whole work has been roughly translated into a Chinese version, marked by "for criticism" on its cover. After the country carries out a reform and opening to outside world policy, improper appraisal for this work has been changed and is crowned with "brilliant masterpiece" which virtually fills the gaps of the lack of Chinese medical history in western language. It is known that a Chinese version for this work is ongoing and will be officially published soon.

Abstract P1-06-09: Withdrawn

This abstract was withdrawn by the authors.

Citation Format: Yu Y, Zhen Y, Zhang Y. Withdrawn [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-06-09.

[A new interpretation on scattered Tibetan manuscripts collected from Xixia site and preserved in Guazhou museum]

Tibetan Manuscripts No.01272 preserved in Guazhou county museum were excavated from a Xixia site. It contains three pieces of medical manuscripts which belonged to two different documents, containing medical prescriptions and external treatments. The medical prescriptions include purgative, cold and wound medicines, which are presented in the form of ingredients, manufacture and instructions. The external treatments include acupuncture and bloodletting. The study of the three pieces will be helpful to the study of the medical history during Xixia dynasty and the history of Tibetan medicine communication.

[Comparison on the function of rose as interpreted by traditional Chinese medicine and medicine of Uighur ethnic group]

As a kind of edible herbal plant, rose is recorded both in the literature of Han medicine and medicine of Uighur ethnic group, yet with different understanding on its function and different clinical application as well. Both Han and Uighur medicine maintain that rose possesses the functions of improving one's look and moisturizing the skin, aromatic deodorant and invigorating spleen to treat inflammation and damage, hematemesis, pain and diarrhea etc. In addition, rose is also used to treat wind bi(impediment or migratory arthralgia), acute mastitis, breast lump and depression in Han medicine, while in Uighur medicine, it is also used to treat constipation, palpitation, flat wart and dry throat.

Genomic signatures reveal selection of characteristics within and between Meishan pig populations

The Chinese Meishan pig breed is well known for its high prolificacy. Moreover, this breed can be divided into three types based on their body size: big Meishan, middle Meishan (MMS) and small Meishan (SMS) pigs. Few studies have reported on the genetic signatures of Meishan pigs, particularly on a genome-wide scale. Exploring for genetic signatures could be quite valuable for revealing the genetic architecture of phenotypic variation. Thus, we performed research in two parts based on the genome reducing and sequencing data of 143 Meishan pigs (74 MMS pigs, 69 SMS pigs). First, we detected the selection signatures among all Meishan pigs studied using the relative extended haplotype homozygosity test. Second, we detected the selection signatures between MMS and SMS pigs using the cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity and F_ST methods. A total of 111 398 SNPs were identified from the sequenced genomes. In the population analysis, the most significant genes were associated with the mental development (RGMA), reproduction (HDAC4, FOXL2) and lipid metabolism (ACACB). From the cross-population analysis, we detected genes related to body weight (SPDEF, PACSIN1) in both methods. We suggest that rs341373351, located within the PACSIN1 gene, might be the causal variant. This study may have achieved consistency between selection signatures and characteristics within and between Meishan pig populations. These findings can provide insight into investigating the molecular background of high prolificacy and body size in pig.

Break-through bleeding in relation to pharmacokinetics of Factor VIII in paediatric patients with severe haemophilia A

INTRODUCTION

As the pharmacokinetics (PK) of factor VIII (FVIII) is individualized in children with haemophilia A (HA), PK parameters may be indicators of patients' bleeding phenotype and instruction for their personalized replacement program.

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between PK/FVIII level and bleeding frequency in Chinese paediatric patients with severe (HA).

METHODS

A total of 24 patients were enrolled in Beijing Children's Hospital from February to October 2015, all of whom were given 50 IU/kg of FVIII concentrates after a 72-hours washout period. Samples' activities (FVIII:C) were tested at 5 time points, using WinNonlin software for PK testing, and then the individual half-life(t_1/2 ) and the time (h) of FVIII concentrations <1 IU/dL within a week during prophylaxis were calculated. Baseline and the annual bleeding rate (ABR), annual joint bleeding rate (AJBR) were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean t_1/2 of FVIII was 10.20 ± 2.72 hours and the mean time of FVIII <1 IU/dL in 1 week was 44.7 hours (-38.56 to 102.33 hours). A significant relationship between t_1/2 of FVIII and ABR₀ /AJBR₀ (baseline bleeding) was found (R²  = 0.75 and 0.62, P < .001). Besides, baseline and the annual bleeding rate during prophylactic treatment of haemophilia had a positive correlation with the time (hours) of FVIII <1 IU/dL in 1 week (R²  = 0.67 and 0.52, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

t_1/2 was an important indicator to prevent bleeding in severe HA; the frequency of bleeding will be reduced with the increased of t_1/2 of FVIII. The data also demonstrates that increasing the time with a FVIII<1 IU/dL is associated with an increased rate of bleeding during prophylaxis.

Bioinformatic analysis of pivotal genes associated with septic shock

We aimed to identify important genes associated with septic shock and then explore the possibly significant mechanisms of this disease. We downloaded GSE26440 expression data of samples from 98 children with septic shock and 32 normal controls from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in samples from patients with septic shock were analyzed in comparison with those in samples from normal controls using a limma package. Functional enrichment analysis for DEGs was performed using DAVID, and a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Upstream transcription factors for DEGs were predicted using the CHIPBase database, and a transcriptional regulation network was constructed. A total of 383 significantly DEGs, including 141 downregulated and 242 upregulated genes, were obtained in the sepsis shock group compared with the normal group. The top five nodes in the PPI network were lysine (K)-specific demethylase 6B (KDM6B), histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2), V-Myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (MYC), heat-shock protein 90 kDa alpha (cytosolic), class B member 1 (HSP90AB1), and poly (A)-binding protein, cytoplasmic 1 (PABPC1). Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFkB) was the transcription factor targeted by most genes, and it regulated the expression of KDM6B, HDAC2, MYC, HSP90AB1, and PABPC1. In conclusion, KDM6B, HDAC2, MYC, HSP90AB1, and PABPC1 may play important roles in the development of septic shock. Furthermore, NFκB may be involved in septic shock by regulating the expression of KDM6B, HDAC2, MYC, HSP90AB1, and PABPC1.

Genetic variation and genetic structure of five Chinese indigenous pig populations in Jiangsu Province revealed by sequencing data

In this study, we investigated the genetic variants, including SNPs and indels (short insertions or deletions, less than 50 bp in length), in the genomes and genetic structures of five pig populations (in the northern Taihu Lake region, Jiangsu Province) using the genotyping by genome reducing and sequencing (GGRS) approach. A total of 581 million good reads with an average depth of 11× and an average coverage of 2.16% were used to call variants. In general, 202 106 SNPs and 34 415 indels were obtained, of which 2690 SNPs and 224 indels were capable of inducing protein‐coding changes. The genes containing these variants were extracted for functional annotation. The results of gene enrichment analysis revealed that the SNPs under investigation may be associated with reproduction, disease resistance, meat quality and adipose tissue traits, whereas the indels were associated mainly with adipose tissue and disease. Analysis of the genetic structure showed that each population displayed comparable, large differentiations from the others, indicating their uniqueness. In conclusion, the results of our study provide the first genomic overview of the genetic variants and population structures of five Chinese indigenous pig populations.

Analyzing the Usage of Standards in Radiation Therapy Clinical Studies

Standards for scoring adverse effects after radiation therapy (RT) is crucial for integrated, consistent, and accurate analysis of toxicity results at large scale and across multiple studies. This project aims to investigate the usage of the three most commonly used standards in published RT clinical studies by developing a text-mining based analysis method. We develop and compare two text-mining methods, one based on regular expressions and one based on Naïve Bayes Classifier, to analyze published full articles in terms of their adoption of standards in RT. The full dataset includes published articles identified in MEDLINE between January 2010 and August 2015. A radiation oncology physician reviewed all the articles in the training/validation subset and produced the usage trending data manually as gold standard for validation. The regular-expression based method reported classifications and overall usage trends that are comparable to those of the domain expert. The CTCAE standard is becoming the overall most commonly used standards over time, but the pace of adoption seems very slow. Further examination of the results indicates that the usage vary by disease type. It suggests that further efforts are needed to improve and harmonize the standards for adverse effects scoring in RT research community.

[Brief history of education of Mongolian medicine 1947-1977]

From 1947 to 1977, the education of Mongolian medicine was developed to a certain degree, in different levels and different forms with attribute of modern education. Through opening training school and class, the traditional Mongolian practitioners and its education are standardized and its levels elevated. In addition, by means of medical colleges and health schools, Mongolian medical talents of different types at different levels were cultivated. All of them were at the forefront of the development of Mongolian medicine later. In 1958, the first undergraduate education, a Department of Sino-Mongolian Medicine was set up in Inner Mongolia Medical College, marking the development of beginning of the higher education of Mongolian medicine. Therefore, Mongolian medicine was the forerunner of higher education of Chinese minority medicine.

[Decipherment and annotation of a manuscript of Tibetan medicine in Dunhuang scroll (Part I)-on pulse-taking]

A manuscript of Tibetan medicine, P. t.1054 is recorded in the Volume 10 of Dunhuang Tibetan Manuscripts Preserved in France, which is written in 4 pattra-leaf-like rectangular papers connected together. The content in the front side is the pulse-taking of Tibetan medicine, and the back, on prescription. For the pulse-taking, it deals with the manifestations, time and position for pulse-taking, paradoxical and death pulse. There is no information about the title, author, editor, translator, copyist or collector.

[Decipherment and annotation of a manuscript of Tibetan medicine in Dunhuang scroll (Part II)-on prescription]

A manuscript of Tibetan medicine, P. t.1054, written on 4 pattra-leaf-like rectangular papers connected together, is collected in the Volume 10 of Dunhuang Tibetan Manuscripts Preserved in France Scroll. The contents on the front pages of the whole set is on pulse-taking of Tibetan medicine, and the back pages, on prescriptions containing 5 recipes of cathartics and medicinal oils, are included in 16 lines on the remained Scroll dealing with its ingredients, processing method, function and indications which can be differentiated into 5 units. There are altogether 30 drugs applied, including plants, animals and mineral. Among them, almost half are transliterated from foreign languages, and some of them are titled with India, Han region, etc. for distinguishing its producing area and breeds. It is preliminarily probative that this whole Scroll is translated-edited from certain part of an Indian formulary.

miR-374a-CCND1-pPI3K/AKT-c-JUN feedback loop modulated by PDCD4 suppresses cell growth, metastasis, and sensitizes nasopharyngeal carcinoma to cisplatin

miR-374a has been reported to function as an oncogene during tumor pathogenesis. In this study, miR-374a is observed to reduce nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell proliferation, migration, invasion, metastasis and cisplatin (DDP) resistance in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic analyses indicate that miR-374a directly targets CCND1 to inactivate pPI3K/pAKT/c-JUN forming a negative feedback loop, as well as suppressing downstream signals related to cell cycle progression and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Interestingly, we also observed that miR-374a direct targeting of CCND1 is modulated by tumor suppressor PDCD4 via suppressing pPI3K/pAKT/c-JUN signaling. In clinical specimens, miR-374a was positively and negatively correlated with expression of PDCD4 and CCND1, respectively. Our studies are the first to demonstrate that the miR-374a-CCND1-pPI3K/AKT-c-JUN feedback loop induced by PDCD4 supresses NPC cell growth, metastasis and chemotherapy resistance.

Knockdown of EGFR inhibits growth and invasion of gastric cancer cells

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an oncogenic trans-membranous receptor, which is overexpressed in multiple human cancers. However, the role of EGFR in gastric cancer (GC) is still elusive. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression and molecular mechanisms of EGFR in GC cells. Forty cases of GC and the corresponding adjacent non-cancerous tissues (ANCT) were collected, and the expression of EGFR was assessed using immunohistochemistry in biopsy samples. Furthermore, EGFR signaling was blocked by constructed recombinant small hairpin RNA lentiviral vector (Lv-shRAGE) used to transfect into human GC SGC-7901 cells. The expression of AKT, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9) was detected by real-time PCR and western blotting assays. Cell proliferative activities and invasive capability were, respectively, determined by MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) and Transwell assays. Cell apoptosis and cycle distribution were analyzed by flow cytometry. EGFR was found highly expressed in cancer tissues compared with the ANCT and correlated with lymph node metastases. Knockdown of EGFR reduced cell proliferation and invasion of GC with decreased expression of AKT, PCNA and MMP-9 and induced cell apoptosis and cycle arrest. Upregulation of EGFR expression is associated with lymph node metastases of GC, and blockade of EGFR signaling suppresses growth and invasion of GC cells through AKT pathway, suggesting that EGFR may represent a potential therapeutic target for this aggressive malignancy.

A robust data treatment approach for fuel cells system analysis

This paper describes the implementation of a practical approach for fuel cells system data analysis. A number of data treatment techniques such as data management and treatment, data synchronization, and data reconciliation are introduced and discussed in order to solve the issues raised in the practical case. These techniques are integrated in a software environment which provides user a fast, efficient, and rational electrochemical investigation. The performance of the approach is illustrated using an industrial fuel cell stack test system.

In vivo assessment of chitosan/β-glycerophosphate as a new liquid embolic agent

We sought to assess the feasibility of using thermosensitive chitosan/β-glycerophosphate forembolotherapy. The renal arteries in nine rabbits were embolized with chitosan/β-glycero-phosphate. The animals were studied angiographically and sacrificed at one week (n = 3), four weeks (n = 3), and eight weeks (n = 3) after embolotherapy. Histology was obtained at these three time points. Delivery of chitosan/β-glycerophosphate was successful in all cases. Complete occlusion was achieved in all cases. No recanalization was observed in the follow-up angiograms. No untoward inflammatory reactions were observed in the target renal arteries and infarcted kidneys during the histological examinations. Our preliminary feasibility evaluation in rabbit renal arteries indicates that C/GP is a satisfactory embolization agent.

C10ORF97 is a novel tumor-suppressor gene of non-small-cell lung cancer and a functional variant of this gene increases the risk of non-small-cell lung cancer

In an earlier study we showed that C10ORF97 (chromosome-10, open reading frame-97) was expressed in almost all of the tissues and cell lines tested, and that it inhibited the growth of seven tumor cell lines, including two lung carcinoma cell lines (A549 and PG). Here, we show that C10ORF97 is downregulated in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissue compared with normal lung tissue. Overexpression of C10ORF97 significantly suppressed human lung carcinoma A549 cell growth (proliferation and anchorage-independent growth in soft agar) and motility (migration and adhesion). This tumor-suppressive function of C10ORF97 was also verified in vivo. We further found that C10ORF97 caused G(1) arrest of A549 cells and modulated the expression level of several cell-cycle regulators (such as CDK2, cyclin-E and p27). These effects of C10ORF97 were mediated by physical association between C10ORF97 and Jun-activating domain-binding protein-1 (JAB1), and blocking of JAB1-mediated translocation of p27 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Together, these results indicated that C10ORF97 functions as a novel tumor suppressor by modulating several key G(1)/S-regulatory proteins by interacting with JAB1. These findings led us to hypothesize that a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the C10ORF97 gene that affects its expression might be associated with susceptibility to NSCLC. SNP216 C>T (rs2297882) in the C10ORF97 Kozak sequence was identified, and allele T of SNP216 suppressed C10ORF97 expression in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the TT genotype of SNP216 was associated with an increased risk of NSCLC (adjusted odds ratio=1.73 (95% confidence interval: 1.33-2.25), P=4.6 × 10(-5)). These data indicated that C10ORF97 is a tumor suppressor of NSCLC progression and C10ORF97-SNP216 may serve as a predictor of NSCLC.

Different scales of Ty1/copia-like retrotransposon proliferation in the genomes of three diploid hybrid sunflower species

Activation of transposable elements in species' genomes represents an important mechanism of new mutation and of potential rapid change in genome size. Thus, it is increasingly recognized that transposable elements likely have played a significant role in shaping species' evolution. In an earlier report, we showed that the genomes of three sunflower species of ancient hybrid origin have experienced large-scale proliferation events of sequences within the Ty3/gypsy-like superfamily of long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons. In this report, we investigate whether another superfamily of LTR retrotransposon (Ty1/copia-like elements) have experienced similar derepression and proliferation events in the genomes of these sunflower hybrid taxa. We show that Ty1/copia-like elements also have undergone copy number increases following or associated with the origins of these species, although the scale of proliferation is less than that for Ty3/gypsy-like elements. Surveys of sequence heterogeneity of Ty1/copia-like elements in the genomes of the three hybrid and two parental species' genomes reveal that a single sub-lineage of these elements exhibits characteristics of recent amplification, and likely served as the proliferative source lineage. These findings indicate that the genomic and/or environmental conditions associated with the origins of these sunflower hybrid taxa were conducive to derepression of at least two major groups of transposable elements.

Genetic diversity of the natural populations of Arabidopsis thaliana in China

Although extensive studies have been conducted on the genetic structure of Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana) populations worldwide, the populations from China have never been studied. In this study, we collected 560 individuals from 19 natural populations of A. thaliana distributed in East China along the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, and two populations from northwest China (Xinjiang Province). We adopted two kinds of molecular marker, inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPDs) to investigate the genetic diversity within and among populations, and the correlation between the genetic and geographic distances. Thirteen ISSR primers produced 165 polymorphic bands (PPB) (96%) and 11 RAPD primers produced 162 polymorphic bands (98%) in about 560 individuals. The two marker systems generated similar patterns of genetic diversity in these natural populations. The AMOVA analysis indicated about 42-45% of the total genetic variation existed within populations, and found possible geographic structure. The Mantel test revealed a significant correlation between the geographic distance and the genetic distance of these populations in general. A close genetic relationship was found among four populations in the Jiangxi Province, and these always appeared clustered together as a monophyletic group in unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages dendrograms based on both ISSR and RAPD data sets. Based on the observation of recolonization and extinction of naturally distributed populations of A. thaliana, and the pattern of their genetic differentiation, the distribution of this species in China might be a result of natural dispersal under the strong influence of human activity.

Indirubin-3'-monoxime inhibits autophosphorylation of FGFR1 and stimulates ERK1/2 activity via p38 MAPK

Indirubin-3'-monoxime is a derivative of the bis-indole alkaloid indirubin, an active ingredient of a traditional Chinese medical preparation that exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-leukemic activities. Indirubin-3'-monoxime is mainly recognized as an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and glycogen synthase kinase-3. It inhibits proliferation of cultured cells, mainly through arresting the cells in the G1/S or G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Here, we report that indirubin-3'-monoxime is able to inhibit proliferation of NIH/3T3 cells by specifically inhibiting autophosphorylation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), blocking in this way the receptor-mediated cell signaling. Indirubin-3'-monoxime inhibits the activity of FGFR1 at a concentration lower than that required for inhibition of phosphorylation of CDK2 and retinoblastoma protein and cell proliferation stimulated by fetal calf serum. The ability of indirubin-3'-monoxime to inhibit FGFR1 signaling was similar to that of the FGFR1 inhibitor SU5402. In addition, we found that indirubin-3'-monoxime activates long-term p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activity, which stimulates extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 in a way unrelated to the activity of FGFR1. Furthermore, we show that indirubin-3'-monoxime can inhibit proliferation of the myeloid leukemia cell line KG-1a through inhibition of the activity of the FGFR1 tyrosine kinase. The data presented here demonstrate previously unknown activities of indirubin-3'-monoxime that may have clinical implications.

Polymorphisms of ACE2 gene are associated with essential hypertension and antihypertensive effects of Captopril in women

ACE2 appears to counterbalance the vasopressor effect of angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) in the reninangiotensin system. We hypothesized that ACE2 polymorphisms could confer a high risk of hypertension and have an impact on the antihypertensive response to ACE inhibitors. The hypothesis was tested in two casecontrol studies and a clinical trial of 3,408 untreated hypertensive patients randomized to Atenolol, Hydrochlorothiazide, Captopril, or Nifedipine treatments for 4 weeks. ACE2 rs2106809 T allele was found to confer a 1.6-fold risk for hypertension in women (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.132.06), whereas when combined with the effect of the ACE DD genotype, the risk was 2.34-fold (95% CI, 1.754.85) in two independent samples. The adjusted diastolic blood pressure response to Captopril was 3.3 mm Hg lower in ACE2 T allele carriers than in CC genotype carriers (P=0.019) in women. We conclude that the ACE2 T allele confers a high risk for hypertension and reduced antihypertensive response to ACE inhibitors.

VEGF gene therapy for the survival of transplanted fat tissue in nude mice

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of adenovirus-mediated vascular endothelial growth factor (Ad-VEGF) on the angiogenesis and survival of free-fat tissue transplantation in nude mice. Thirty 6-week-old CD-1 nude male mice were injected with 1ml fat tissue (harvested by suction-assisted lipectomy from the breast of humans) in the subcutaneous of scalp and were randomised into three groups of 10 animals each. Group 1 was the study group, in which Ad-VEGF was mixed with transplanted fat tissue and injected into mice. In group 2, adenovirus-mediated green fluorescent protein (Ad-GFP) gene was mixed with transplanted fat tissue and injected into the mice. In group 3, normal saline alone was used. Both group 2 and group 3 are control groups. The animals were euthanised 15 weeks after the procedure. The fat survival weight and volume of the study group were significantly greater than those of two control groups (p<0.05). Light microscopical examination of haematoxylin and eosin-stained slides of the dissected fat 15 weeks after injection was performed in group 1 and group 2. Less cyst formation and fibrosis, indicating improved quality of the injected fat, can be obtained by the addition of Ad-VEGF. Vascular density was evaluated at the microvascular level through the use of light microscopic sections of the central part of the fat tissue at 15 weeks after injection by von Willebrand factor staining. Histological evaluation showed that capillary density increased markedly in the study group mice. Mice of the study group disclosed significantly higher VEGF protein levels detected by ELISA assay of plasma samples obtained from the mice after the fat injection (day 1, 4, 7 and 28; p<0.01) at each time point than the mice of the two control groups. The findings reported in this study indicate that the VEGF gene therapy can enhance the survival and the quality of grafted fat tissue, which may be due to induction of angiogenesis.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic studies of a macromolecular antitumour antibiotic, C1027

C1027 is a macromolecular antitumour antibiotic produced by Streptomyces globispourus C1027 and consists of an apoprotein and a non-protein labile chromophore. Little is known about how the thermally unstable chromophore is stabilized by the apoprotein. The purified C1027 was monodisperse according to dynamic light-scattering measurements and crystallized in two different crystal forms from two different starting conditions using the vapour-diffusion method. Condition I yielded hexagonal prism crystals having space group P3(1)/P3(2) and unit-cell parameters a = b = 66.8, c = 55.4 A. Diffraction data were collected to 2.1 A resolution using an in-house Rigaku rotating Cu anode X-ray generator. Another condition produced rod-like crystals with space group P3(1)21/P3(2)21 and unit-cell parameters a = b = 55.15, c = 55.87 A. A data set to 1.8 A resolution was collected from a rod-like crystal using a MAR CCD detector at the SRS synchrotron source.

[The influence of palatoplasty and tympanotomy on middle ear function in cleft palate patients]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to explore the influence of palatoplasty and tympanotomy on middle ear function or hearing condition in cleft palate patients.

METHODS

A total of 22 ears with otitis media with effusion in cleft palate patients were inserted with PE tubes, and Pre- and post-operative hearing level and middle ear function in these patients were tested and compared respectively, in order to demonstrate the action of tympanotomy and PE insertion on hearing and middle ear function. Another 38 patients with cleft palate were operated in their early age with the proper operation method, and pre- and post-operative middle ear function were examined and compared to show the influence of the operation on the middle ear function.

RESULTS

PE Tube insertion and tympanotomy changed the pressure condition of middle ear cavity and raised the hearing level about 17 dB in the middle-ear-diseased cleft palate patients, and patients with palatoplasty did not show obvious changes in middle ear function in the short-term trail.

CONCLUSION

Early and active tympanotomy do help in improving the function of the middle ear, and it is suggested to improve patients' hearing and middle ear function as early as possible. Palatoplasty did not affect the function of middle ear.

Formation of the "peroxy" intermediate in cytochrome c oxidase is associated with internal proton/hydrogen transfer

When dioxygen is reduced to water by cytochrome c oxidase a sequence of oxygen intermediates are formed at the reaction site. One of these intermediates is called the "peroxy" (P) intermediate. It can be formed by reacting the two-electron reduced (mixed-valence) cytochrome c oxidase with dioxygen (called P(m)), but it is also formed transiently during the reaction of the fully reduced enzyme with oxygen (called P(r)). In recent years, evidence has accumulated to suggest that the O-O bond is cleaved in the P intermediate and that the heme a(3) iron is in the oxo-ferryl state. In this study, we have investigated the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters for formation of P(m) and P(r), respectively, in the Rhodobacter sphaeroides enzyme. The rate constants and activation energies for the formation of the P(r) and P(m) intermediates were 1.4 x 10(4) s(-1) ( approximately 20 kJ/mol) and 3 x 10(3) s(-1) ( approximately 24 kJ/mol), respectively. The formation rates of both P intermediates were independent of pH in the range 6.5-9, and there was no proton uptake from solution during P formation. Nevertheless, formation of both P(m) and P(r) were slowed by a factor of 1.4-1.9 in D(2)O, which suggests that transfer of an internal proton or hydrogen atom is involved in the rate-limiting step of P formation. We discuss the origin of the difference in the formation rates of the P(m) and P(r) intermediates, the formation mechanisms of P(m)/P(r), and the involvement of these intermediates in proton pumping.

[On the differences and similarities of pulse - taking between TCM and Tibetan medicine]

There is a basis for the comparison of pulse - taking between TCM and Tibetan Medicine. There are connections and differences as well. The history of TCM pulsology is time - honored. There were contacts between TCM and Tibetan Medicine before the founding of Tubo dynasty. Many TCM classics from inland China were brought into Tibet by Princess Whencheng. Clear influence of Chinese pulsology can be seen in Tibetan pulsology. However, Tibetan pulsology has its own uniqueness. By combining imported knowledge with the experience of Tibetan people themselves, Tibetan pulsology is thus well developed.

Antineoplastic effect of intracellular expression of a single-chain antibody directed against type IV collagenase

It has been shown that the type IV collagenase with its two subtypes, 72 kDa/ MMP-2 and 92 kDa/MMP-9, plays an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis formation that occur through a mechanism of proteolytic degradation of collagen IV in the basement membrane. One possible method to specifically inhibit the function of the targeted protein of a cell is to express intracellular antibody combining site that can block the function or prevent the expression of the targeted molecule. Accordingly, intracellular antibodies against type IV collagenase may have a therapeutic use against tumor invasion and metastasis. As described in our previous reports, an anti-type IV collagenase monoclonal antibody (3D6) was obtained using the hybridoma approach, and its functional single-chain Fv fragment (scFv) named M97 was constructed based on recombinant phage display techniques. In this study, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-retained scFv antibody fragment was used to inhibit the function of type IV collagenase. For expression in mammalian cells, the assembled scFv M97 gene with ER retention signal encoding 6 additional amino acid (SEKDEL) was reamplified by PCR. The amplified fragments were cloned into the pcDNA3.1 vector containing the CMV early-intermediate promoter/enhancer. The resulting plasmid was sequenced and then introduced by the lipofectamine method into PG cells, a highly metastatic human lung cancer cell line and G418-resistant cells were obtained by G418 selection. After transfection, the M97 mRNA expression was observed and the type IV collagenase expression was downregulated significantly as measured by ELISA. The biological behavior of PG cells, such as the ability of in vitro invasion of colony formation on soft agar through Matrigel, were also inhibited by scFv M97 transfection. The results indicate that intracellular antibody technology represents a novel and efficient way to selectively abrogate the activity of type IV collagenase, at least in vitro. We are presently exploring the efficacy of this approach in a xenograft model of human lung cancer.

[Detection of IgG antibody to hepatitis G virus by ELISA]

OBJECTIVE

To study the relation of HGV IgG antibody (anti- HGV IgG) to various viral infections, ALT and HGV RNA.

METHODS

To detect anti-HGV IgG from 315 persons infected with various viruses hepatitis (A - E) and 117 healthy blood donors by ELISA. The detection of ALT of these peoples, and detect HGV RNA of the samples of positive anti-HGV IgG by RT-PCR were also carried out.

RESULTS

The positive rate of anti-HGV IgG of 117 blood donors was 3.42% (4/117), and that of the people infected by non A- E, HAV, HBV, HCV, HEV, HBV and HCV, HBV and HDV, HBV and HEV were 5.95%(5/84), 0(0/3), 3.75% (3/80), 17. 28%(14/81), 0(0/15), 33.33%(5/15), 3.33%(1/30), 16.66%(1/6), respectively. The relativity of anti-HGV IgG and HGV RNA was 30.30% (10/33), and 33.33% of ALT level in the antibody positive samples were elevated.

CONCLUSIONS

HGV may infect people alone, or coinfect with HBV or /and HCV, but is highly relative to HCV, and the coinfection of HGV with HCV may increase the degree of liver damage.

[Advances in research on monoclonal antibody agents for cancer therapy]

Research and development of antitumor monoclonal antibody agents have shown substantial progress. Monoclonal antibodies (McAb) or their immunoconjugates can be used as therapeutic agents for cancer treatment. As reported, McAb agents display specific binding to tumor-related targets, exhibit selective cytotoxicity to target cancer cells, and show highly therapeutic effects in animal experiments. Currently, some of the McAb agents have been applied in clinical therapy. Major trends in the study of McAb agents are searching for new relevant molecular targets, humanizing of the antibody, and downsizing of the immunoconjugate molecule. Because McAb is highly specific to related molecular target, there is a great potential to develop highly effective antitumor agents. McAb agents may play an important role in cancer therapy.

Cinnamamide, an antitumor agent with low cytotoxicity acting on matrix metalloproteinase

The antitumor activity of cinnamamide (CNM), an agent acting on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), was investigated in the present study. CNM displayed low cytotoxicity. By the MTT assay the IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) values of CNM on cell proliferation ranged from 1.29 to 1.94 mM in human oral epidermoid carcinoma KB cells, human hepatoma BEL-7402 cells and human fibrosarcoma HT-1080 cells. Moreover, the IC50 for human fetal lung 2BS cells reached 4.33 mM. The administration of CNM in the range of 50-150 mg/kg (i.p. or p.o.) showed moderate antitumor effects in mice. When administered i.p. or p.o., CNM (150 mg/kg) inhibited the growth of transplanted hepatoma 22 by 48.8 or 40.5%, respectively. At the dose of 100 mg/kg, CNM inhibited the growth of colon 26 carcinoma by 39.0% and that of Lewis lung carcinoma by 53.9%. In the Lewis lung carcinoma model, CNM at the dose of 100 mg/kg (i.p.) also reduced the lung metastasis by 59.1%. Gelatine zymography revealed that CNM was able to decrease the level of MMP-2 in conditioned medium of HT-1080 tumor cells in a concentration-dependent manner. These results indicate that CNM is an antitumor agent with low cytotoxicity acting on MMP and may serve as a lead compound in the development of antitumor drugs.

Definition of the interaction domain for cytochrome c on cytochrome c oxidase. I. Biochemical, spectral, and kinetic characterization of surface mutants in subunit ii of Rhodobacter sphaeroides cytochrome aa(3)

To determine the interaction site for cytochrome c (Cc) on cytochrome c oxidase (CcO), a number of conserved carboxyl residues in subunit II of Rhodobacter sphaeroides CcO were mutated to neutral forms. A highly conserved tryptophan, Trp(143), was also mutated to phenylalanine and alanine. Spectroscopic and metal analyses of the surface carboxyl mutants revealed no overall structural changes. The double mutants D188Q/E189N and D151Q/E152N exhibit similar steady-state kinetic behavior as wild-type oxidase with horse Cc and R. sphaeroides Cc(2), showing that these residues are not involved in Cc binding. The single mutants E148Q, E157Q, D195N, and D214N have decreased activities and increased K(m) values, indicating they contribute to the Cc:CcO interface. However, their reactions with horse and R. sphaeroides Cc are different, as expected from the different distribution of surface lysines on these cytochromes c. Mutations at Trp(143) severely inhibit activity without changing the K(m) for Cc or disturbing the adjacent Cu(A) center. From these data, we identify a Cc binding area on CcO with Trp(143) and Asp(214) close to the site of electron transfer and Glu(148), Glu(157), and Asp(195) providing electrostatic guidance. The results are completely consistent with time-resolved kinetic measurements (Wang, K., Zhen, Y., Sadoski, R., Grinnell, S., Geren, L., Ferguson-Miller, S., Durham, B., and Millett, F. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 38042-38050) and computational docking analysis (Roberts, V. A., and Pique, M. E. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 38051-38060).

Definition of the interaction domain for cytochrome c on cytochrome c oxidase. Ii. Rapid kinetic analysis of electron transfer from cytochrome c to Rhodobacter sphaeroides cytochrome oxidase surface mutants

The reaction between cytochrome c (Cc) and Rhodobacter sphaeroides cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) was studied using a cytochrome c derivative labeled with ruthenium trisbipyridine at lysine 55 (Ru-55-Cc). Flash photolysis of a 1:1 complex between Ru-55-Cc and CcO at low ionic strength results in electron transfer from photoreduced heme c to Cu(A) with an intracomplex rate constant of k(a) = 4 x 10(4) s(-1), followed by electron transfer from Cu(A) to heme a with a rate constant of k(b) = 9 x 10(4) s(-1). The effects of CcO surface mutations on the kinetics follow the order D214N > E157Q > E148Q > D195N > D151N/E152Q approximately D188N/E189Q approximately wild type, indicating that the acidic residues Asp(214), Glu(157), Glu(148), and Asp(195) on subunit II interact electrostatically with the lysines surrounding the heme crevice of Cc. Mutating the highly conserved tryptophan residue, Trp(143), to Phe or Ala decreased the intracomplex electron transfer rate constant k(a) by 450- and 1200-fold, respectively, without affecting the dissociation constant K(D). It therefore appears that the indole ring of Trp(143) mediates electron transfer from the heme group of Cc to Cu(A). These results are consistent with steady-state kinetic results (Zhen, Y., Hoganson, C. W., Babcock, G. T., and Ferguson-Miller, S. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 38032-38041) and a computational docking analysis (Roberts, V. A., and Pique, M. E. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 38051-38060).

[Effects of places and stages on the contents of ganoderic acid B from Ganoderma lucidum]

The paper reports the assay of ganoderic acid B from Ganoderma lucidum in different places and stages by means of HPLC. The results show that contents of ganoderic acid B from different cultured places have differnces, different stages have effect on the amount too.

[Value of thoracoscopy in undiagnosed pleural effusion]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of thoracoscopy in undiagnosed pleural effusion.

METHOD

By thoracoscopy, 114 cases of unknown origin pleural effusion were examined. Abnormal pleurae were biopsied in sight of thoracoscopy and compared with blind needle biopsy for pleurae.

RESULTS

Positive rate was 91.2% (104/114) by thoracoscopy and 28.1% (32/114) by blind needle biopsy for pleurae. Significant difference between the groups was found (P < 0.005). In sight of thoracoscopy the morphology of pleural mesothelioma, metastatic carcinoma and tuberculous pleurisy was different. The rate of malignancy of sanguineous pleural effusion was 77.1% and yellow pleural effusion was 53.0%. PPD test showed that intense positive reaction was 42% in the benign cases, but negative response was 48% in the malignant cases. No serious complication occured in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracoscopy is an safe and effective measure in diagnosing patients with undiagnosed pleural effusion.

Proton uptake controls electron transfer in cytochrome c oxidase

In cytochrome c oxidase, a requirement for proton pumping is a tight coupling between electron and proton transfer, which could be accomplished if internal electron-transfer rates were controlled by uptake of protons. During reaction of the fully reduced enzyme with oxygen, concomitant with the "peroxy" to "oxoferryl" transition, internal transfer of the fourth electron from CuA to heme a has the same rate as proton uptake from the bulk solution (8,000 s-1). The question was therefore raised whether the proton uptake controls electron transfer or vice versa. To resolve this question, we have studied a site-specific mutant of the Rhodobacter sphaeroides enzyme in which methionine 263 (SU II), a CuA ligand, was replaced by leucine, which resulted in an increased redox potential of CuA. During reaction of the reduced mutant enzyme with O2, a proton was taken up at the same rate as in the wild-type enzyme (8,000 s-1), whereas electron transfer from CuA to heme a was impaired. Together with results from studies of the EQ(I-286) mutant enzyme, in which both proton uptake and electron transfer from CuA to heme a were blocked, the results from this study show that the CuA --> heme a electron transfer is controlled by the proton uptake and not vice versa. This mechanism prevents further electron transfer to heme a3-CuB before a proton is taken up, which assures a tight coupling of electron transfer to proton pumping.

[Experimental study of long-term result from reconstruction of vertebral artery]

Occlusive disease of first segment of vertebral artery is the common cause for insufficient supply of vertebro-basilar artery. The good result following reconstruction of vertebral artery was confirmed, but the long-term result was not certain. In order to investigate the long-term result, 23 dogs with established model of VA occlusion were studied. The occlusion was reconstructed by a by-pass operation between the common carotid artery and VA, then the quantitative methods were used to monitor the results for 3 months following operation. The results showed that 1. according to DSA, the anastomosis remained potent and the collateral circulations were established; 2. the hemodynamics of blood flow in VA kept well and the blood supply was stable by color ultrasonic Doppler; 3. the blood supply of cerebellum was increased 15.86% compared with that observed just after operation by hydrogen clearance method; and 4. no infarction focus was founded from MRI. The conclusion was that the result suggested that the long term result demonstrated was satisfactory after VA reconstruction for occlusive disease and the blood supply of the cerebellum was also better than that just following operation.