Measurements of All-Particle Energy Spectrum and Mean Logarithmic Mass of Cosmic Rays from 0.3 to 30 PeV with LHAASO-KM2A

We present the measurements of all-particle energy spectrum and mean logarithmic mass of cosmic rays in the energy range of 0.3-30 PeV using data collected from LHAASO-KM2A between September 2021 and December 2022, which is based on a nearly composition-independent energy reconstruction method, achieving unprecedented accuracy. Our analysis reveals the position of the knee at 3.67±0.05±0.15  PeV. Below the knee, the spectral index is found to be -2.7413±0.0004±0.0050, while above the knee, it is -3.128±0.005±0.027, with the sharpness of the transition measured with a statistical error of 2%. The mean logarithmic mass of cosmic rays is almost heavier than helium in the whole measured energy range. It decreases from 1.7 at 0.3 PeV to 1.3 at 3 PeV, representing a 24% decline following a power law with an index of -0.1200±0.0003±0.0341. This is equivalent to an increase in abundance of light components. Above the knee, the mean logarithmic mass exhibits a power law trend towards heavier components, which is reversal to the behavior observed in the all-particle energy spectrum. Additionally, the knee position and the change in power-law index are approximately the same. These findings suggest that the knee observed in the all-particle spectrum corresponds to the knee of the light component, rather than the medium-heavy components.

Measurement of Ultra-High-Energy Diffuse Gamma-Ray Emission of the Galactic Plane from 10 TeV to 1 PeV with LHAASO-KM2A

The diffuse Galactic γ-ray emission, mainly produced via interactions between cosmic rays and the interstellar medium and/or radiation field, is a very important probe of the distribution, propagation, and interaction of cosmic rays in the Milky Way. In this Letter, we report the measurements of diffuse γ rays from the Galactic plane between 10 TeV and 1 PeV energies, with the square kilometer array of the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). Diffuse emissions from the inner (15°10  TeV). The energy spectrum in the inner Galaxy regions can be described by a power-law function with an index of -2.99±0.04, which is different from the curved spectrum as expected from hadronic interactions between locally measured cosmic rays and the line-of-sight integrated gas content. Furthermore, the measured flux is higher by a factor of ∼3 than the prediction. A similar spectrum with an index of -2.99±0.07 is found in the outer Galaxy region, and the absolute flux for 10≲E≲60  TeV is again higher than the prediction for hadronic cosmic ray interactions. The latitude distributions of the diffuse emission are consistent with the gas distribution, while the longitude distributions show clear deviation from the gas distribution. The LHAASO measurements imply that either additional emission sources exist or cosmic ray intensities have spatial variations.

[Analysis of the characteristics of viral infections in children with diarrhea in Beijing from 2018 to 2022]

Objective: To explore the characteristics of viral infections in children with diarrhea in Beijing from 2018 to 2022. Methods: Real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to detect viral nucleic acid of Norovirus (NoV), Sappovirus (SaV), Astrovirus (AstV), Enteric Adenovirus (AdV) or antigen of Rotavirus (RV) in 748 stool samples collected from Beijing Capital Institute of Pediatrics from January 2018 to December 2021. Subsequently, the reverse transcription PCR or PCR method was used to amplify the target gene of the positive samples after the initial screening, followed by sequencing, genotyping and evolution analysis, so as to obtain the characteristics of these viruses. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using Mega 6.0. Results: From 2018 to 2021, the overall detection rate of the above five common viruses was 37.6%(281/748)in children under 5 years old in Beijing. NoV, Enteric AdV and RV were still the top three diarrhea-related viruses, followed by AstV and SaV, accounting for 41.6%, 29.2%, 27.8%, 8.9% and 7.5%, respectively. The detection rate of co-infections with two or three diarrhea-related viruses was 4.7% (35/748). From the perspective of annual distribution, the detection rate of Enteric AdV was the highest in 2021, while NoV was predominant in the other 4 years. From the perspective of genetic characteristics, NoV was predominant by GII.4, and after the first detection of GII.4[P16] in 2020, it occupied the first two gene groups together with GII.4[P31]. Although the predominant RV was G9P[8], the rare epidemic strain G8P[8] was first detected in 2021. The predominant genotypes of Enteric AdV and AstV were Ad41 and HAstV-1. SaV was sporadic spread with a low detection rate. Conclusion: Among the diarrhea-related viruses infected children under 5 years of age in Beijing, the predominant strains of NoV and RV have changed and new sub-genotypes have been detected for the first time, while the predominant strains of AstV and Enteric AdV are relatively stable.

A tera-electron volt afterglow from a narrow jet in an extremely bright gamma-ray burst

Some gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) have a tera-electron volt (TeV) afterglow, but the early onset of this has not been observed. We report observations with the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory of the bright GRB 221009A, which serendipitously occurred within the instrument field of view. More than 64,000 photons >0.2 TeV were detected within the first 3000 seconds. The TeV flux began several minutes after the GRB trigger, then rose to a peak about 10 seconds later. This was followed by a decay phase, which became more rapid ~650 seconds after the peak. We interpret the emission using a model of a relativistic jet with half-opening angle ~0.8°. This is consistent with the core of a structured jet and could explain the high isotropic energy of this GRB.

Constraints on Heavy Decaying Dark Matter from 570 Days of LHAASO Observations

The kilometer square array (KM2A) of the large high altitude air shower observatory (LHAASO) aims at surveying the northern γ-ray sky at energies above 10 TeV with unprecedented sensitivity. γ-ray observations have long been one of the most powerful tools for dark matter searches, as, e.g., high-energy γ rays could be produced by the decays of heavy dark matter particles. In this Letter, we present the first dark matter analysis with LHAASO-KM2A, using the first 340 days of data from 1/2-KM2A and 230 days of data from 3/4-KM2A. Several regions of interest are used to search for a signal and account for the residual cosmic-ray background after γ/hadron separation. We find no excess of dark matter signals, and thus place some of the strongest γ-ray constraints on the lifetime of heavy dark matter particles with mass between 10^{5} and 10^{9}  GeV. Our results with LHAASO are robust, and have important implications for dark matter interpretations of the diffuse astrophysical high-energy neutrino emission.

[Salivary papillary cystic low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma and cystadenoma: a comparison of clinicopathological and genetic features]

Objective: To study the clinicopathologic and genetic features of papillary cystic low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma (LG-MEC) and cystadenoma. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on salivary gland tumor patients with papillary cystic architecture who presented to department of oral pathology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology between January 2010 and June 2022. Among this cohort, there were 17 males and 17 females with a range age of 23-82 years [(55.6±14.6) years]. Diagnosis was confirmed by histological, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. Finally, 15 papillary cystic LG-MEC and 19 cystadenoma patients were included in the present study. All patients were followed clinically and radiologically, and the duration of follow-up ranged from 1 to 141 months. Results: All neoplasms showed papillary proliferation with multilocular or giant cystic tumors. Papillary cystic LG-MEC was characterized by epidermoid cells, intermediate cell and mucous cells with multiple lining-layers. Papillary cystic LG-MEC had mild cellular atypia and a pushing infiltration. Cystadenoma was characterized by cuboidal, columnar and ciliated pseudostratified columnar lining epithelium. Squamous metaplasia, mucinous metaplasia and acidophilic degeneration could also be observed focally in cystadenoma. For IHC staining, papillary cystic LG-MEC showed diffusely and strongly positive for mucin 4 (MUC4) (15/15) and mucin 5 Subtype AC (MUC5AC) (4/15) in the epidermoid cells, intermediate cell and mucous cells. The epidermoid cells and intermediate cells were diffusely positive for p40 and p63. The Ki-67 index was about 10%-15% in LG-MEC. As a contrast, p40 (17/19) and p63 (14/15) were only detected in the basal cells of cystadenoma. Cystadenoma showed focal MUC5AC (4/19)expression and MUC4 (19/19)diffuse expression. In addition, the Ki-67 index was 5%-10% in cystadenoma. The MAML2 gene translocation was detected in 11 LG-MEC patients, but none in cystadenoma. Conclusions: The differential diagnosis points between papillary cystic LG-MEC and cystadenoma included the specific epidermoid cells, intermediate cells and mucus cells in LG-MEC, cell atypia, the pushing-infiltration pattern, diffuse expression of p40 and p63 in the lining epithelium, and a MAML2 gene rearrangement. The molecular test of MAML2 should be recommended to reduce missed LG-MEC diagnoses.

Chemical constituents from the seeds of Cullen corylifolium and their inhibitory activity on diacylglycerol acyltransferase

A large number of extracts of medicinal plants or natural products shows beneficial to combat obesity. In the present work, a new flavonoid named (2S,1″R,2″R)-4'-hydroxy-7-methoxy-6-(1,2,3-trihydroxy-3-methyl-butyl)-flavanone (1), along with seven known compounds (2-8) were isolated from the seeds of Cullen corylifolium. Their structures, including the absolute configurations, were determined by the analysis of comprehensive spectroscopic data and computational calculation methods. All isolates were evaluated for their diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) inhibitory activity. Compounds 1-4 exhibited different level of DGAT1 inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values ranging from 28.2 ± 1.1 to 127.3 ± 1.9 μM. In addition, 45 flavonoids which be evaluated for DGAT inhibitory activity were summarised and potential structure-activity relationships were discussed.

Exploring Lorentz Invariance Violation from Ultrahigh-Energy γ Rays Observed by LHAASO

Recently, the LHAASO Collaboration published the detection of 12 ultrahigh-energy γ-ray sources above 100 TeV, with the highest energy photon reaching 1.4 PeV. The first detection of PeV γ rays from astrophysical sources may provide a very sensitive probe of the effect of the Lorentz invariance violation (LIV), which results in decay of high-energy γ rays in the superluminal scenario and hence a sharp cutoff of the energy spectrum. Two highest energy sources are studied in this work. No signature of the existence of the LIV is found in their energy spectra, and the lower limits on the LIV energy scale are derived. Our results show that the first-order LIV energy scale should be higher than about 10^{5} times the Planck scale M_{Pl} and that the second-order LIV scale is >10^{-3}M_{Pl}. Both limits improve by at least one order of magnitude the previous results.

[Efficacy of relocation and expansion pharyngoplasty by suspension sutures in the treatment of OSAHS with soft palate oropharyngeal obstruction]

Objective: To explore the efficacy of relocation and expansion pharyngoplasty by suspension sutures in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Methods: Seventy-three patients(including 60 males and 13 females) with OSAHS admitted to the department of otorhinolaryngology of our hospital in recent two years were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients had velopharyngeal obstructionevaluated by electronic endoscopic Müller test and were divided into control group (34 cases) and observation group (39 cases). The patients in the control group were performed modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, while those in the observation group were performed relocation and expansion pharyngoplasty by suspension sutures.The scores of ESS, AHI and LSaO₂ before and after treatment were collected and compared. Results: The total effective rate of the observation group was 94.87%, which was significantly higher than 79.41% of the control group. The AHI was lower and LSaO₂ value was higher (χ²=-1. 896,-1. 968,P<0.05)in the observation group. The sleeping symptoms and quality of life of the two groups were significantly improved. The ESS score of the observation group was decreased more significantly than that of the control group after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (χ²=-1.451,P<0.05). The incidence of foreign body sensation in pharynx of the observation group (89.74%) was higher than that of the control group (55.88%), and the postoperative bleeding and postoperative recurrence rate (0.00%, 2.56%) was lower than that of the control group (8.82%, 14.70%)with statistical significance (χ²=4.738,4.249,4.119,P<0.05).The incidence of transient nasopharyngeal reflux in both groups was low and statistically insignificant (χ²=0.629,P>0.05). Conclusions: Preoperative strict screening of indications plays an important role in the selection of palatopharyngeal surgery methods and curative effect. Relocation and expansion pharyngoplasty by suspension sutures can improve the clinical efficacy of OSAHS with better safety and less recurrence.

Peta-electron volt gamma-ray emission from the Crab Nebula

The Crab Nebula is a bright source of gamma rays powered by the Crab Pulsar's rotational energy through the formation and termination of a relativistic electron-positron wind. We report the detection of gamma rays from this source with energies from 5 × 10^-4 to 1.1 peta-electron volts with a spectrum showing gradual steepening over three energy decades. The ultrahigh-energy photons imply the presence of a peta-electron volt electron accelerator (a pevatron) in the nebula, with an acceleration rate exceeding 15% of the theoretical limit. We constrain the pevatron's size between 0.025 and 0.1 parsecs and the magnetic field to ≈110 microgauss. The production rate of peta-electron volt electrons, 2.5 × 10³⁶ ergs per second, constitutes 0.5% of the pulsar spin-down luminosity, although we cannot exclude a contribution of peta-electron volt protons to the production of the highest-energy gamma rays.

Extended Very-High-Energy Gamma-Ray Emission Surrounding PSR J0622+3749 Observed by LHAASO-KM2A

We report the discovery of an extended very-high-energy (VHE) gamma-ray source around the location of the middle-aged (207.8 kyr) pulsar PSR J0622+3749 with the Large High-Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). The source is detected with a significance of 8.2σ for E>25  TeV assuming a Gaussian template. The best-fit location is (right ascension, declination) =(95.47°±0.11°,37.92°±0.09°), and the extension is 0.40°±0.07°. The energy spectrum can be described by a power-law spectrum with an index of -2.92±0.17_{stat}±0.02_{sys}. No clear extended multiwavelength counterpart of the LHAASO source has been found from the radio to sub-TeV bands. The LHAASO observations are consistent with the scenario that VHE electrons escaped from the pulsar, diffused in the interstellar medium, and scattered the interstellar radiation field. If interpreted as the pulsar halo scenario, the diffusion coefficient, inferred for electrons with median energies of ∼160  TeV, is consistent with those obtained from the extended halos around Geminga and Monogem and much smaller than that derived from cosmic ray secondaries. The LHAASO discovery of this source thus likely enriches the class of so-called pulsar halos and confirms that high-energy particles generally diffuse very slowly in the disturbed medium around pulsars.

Ultrahigh-energy photons up to 1.4 petaelectronvolts from 12 γ-ray Galactic sources

The extension of the cosmic-ray spectrum beyond 1 petaelectronvolt (PeV; 10¹⁵ electronvolts) indicates the existence of the so-called PeVatrons-cosmic-ray factories that accelerate particles to PeV energies. We need to locate and identify such objects to find the origin of Galactic cosmic rays¹. The principal signature of both electron and proton PeVatrons is ultrahigh-energy (exceeding 100 TeV) γ radiation. Evidence of the presence of a proton PeVatron has been found in the Galactic Centre, according to the detection of a hard-spectrum radiation extending to 0.04 PeV (ref. ²). Although γ-rays with energies slightly higher than 0.1 PeV have been reported from a few objects in the Galactic plane^3-6, unbiased identification and in-depth exploration of PeVatrons requires detection of γ-rays with energies well above 0.1 PeV. Here we report the detection of more than 530 photons at energies above 100 teraelectronvolts and up to 1.4 PeV from 12 ultrahigh-energy γ-ray sources with a statistical significance greater than seven standard deviations. Despite having several potential counterparts in their proximity, including pulsar wind nebulae, supernova remnants and star-forming regions, the PeVatrons responsible for the ultrahigh-energy γ-rays have not yet been firmly localized and identified (except for the Crab Nebula), leaving open the origin of these extreme accelerators.

[The association between corneal biomechanical parameters and visual field progression in patients with normal tension glaucoma]

Objective: To evaluate the association between corneal biomechanical parameters and visual field (VF) progression in normal tension glaucoma (NTG) using the Corvis-ST device, and to evaluate the ability of corneal biomechanical parameters to predict the VF progression. Methods: Corneal biomechanical parameters of newly diagnosed NTG patients were obtained using Corvis-ST in the baseline follow-up visit. The VF progression was defined as a 4-point increase in the Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS) score compared to the baseline in three consecutive follow-up visits (per 3-6 months). Corneal biomechanical parameters were compared between progressive and nonprogressive VF loss eyes using the independent-sample t test and Mann-Whitney U test. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between the corneal biomechanical parameters and the VF progression. Receiver operating characteristic curves were studied for the parameters and the sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing between progressive and nonprogressive glaucomatous eyes. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) were also evaluated. Results: Sixty patients with NTG were enrolled in this study. Among them, 12 were lost to follow-up. A total of 48 patients completed all follow-up visits on schedule. Eleven of them were excluded due to one or more uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) during the follow-up (less than 30% IOP reduction from the baseline). Thirty-seven eyes of 37 diagnosed NTG patients were enrolled. Ten eyes reached a progression endpoint. There was no significant difference in age, central corneal thickness, axial length, baseline IOP or baseline VF between the two groups. There was significant difference in Time A1 [(7.10±0.17) ms vs. (7.37±0.28) ms, t=-3.357, P=0.002], Length A1 [1.74(1.61, 1.77) mm vs. 1.78(1.77, 1.79) mm, Z=-3.036, P=0.002], Velocity A1 [0.16(0.14, 0.16) m/s vs. 0.15(0.14, 0.15) m/s, Z=-2.627, P=0.009] and DefAmpl HC [(1.22±0.13) mm vs. (1.12±0.11) mm, t=2.601, P=0.013] between progressive and nonprogressive glaucomatous eyes. Correlation analysis showed that Time A1, Length A1, Velocity A1 and DefAmpl HC were correlated with VF progression (r=-0.521, -0.463, 0.401, 0.349, P<0.05) . Time A1 demonstrated the highest AUC (0.817, P=0.001), followed by Length A1 (0.780, P=0.003), Velocity A1 (0.734, P=0.012) and DefAmpl HC (0.713, P=0.022). The cut-off set of Time A1 was 7.2 ms, the sensitivity was 80.0%, and the specificity was 82.8%. Conclusions: There were differences in corneal biomechanical parameters between eyes with progressive and nonprogressive VF loss in patients with NTG. There were lower Time A1 and Length A1 values and higher Velocity A1 and DefAmpl HC values in progressive glaucomatous eyes. This indicates a quicker response to reach first degree applanation and a larger degree of corneal deformability in progressive eyes. It is predicted that the easier deforming of the cornea, the smaller tolerance of the sclera and lamina cribros on IOP, making the optic disc more vulnerably. This may be one of the causes of glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Time A1 was the best parameter to predict the progression of VF among the corneal biomechanical parameters obtained by Corvis-ST. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 171-176).

New polyacetylenes glycoside from Eclipta prostrate with DGAT inhibitory activity

One new polyacetylene glycoside eprostrata Ⅰ (1), together with seven known compounds (2-8), were isolated from Eclipta prostrata. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic and physico-chemical analyses. All the isolates were evaluated inhibitory activity on DGAT in an in vitro assay. Compounds 1-8 were found to exhibit inhibitory activity of DGAT1 with IC₅₀ values ranging from 74.4 ± 1.3 to 101.1 ± 1.1 μM.

[Effects of CAD/CAM titanium alloy surface treatment and resin luting on shear bond strength and durability of composite resin]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of two surface treatments (sandblasting, SB; microarc-oxidation, MAO) and resin luting on shear bond strength and durability of titanium alloy and composite-resin.

METHODS

Eighty cylindrical titanium alloy specimens with a diameter of 10 mm and a height of 8 mm were fabricated by CAD/CAM technique. It was divided into two groups according to the surface treatment methods: sandblasting with Al2O3 particles on the surface of SB specimens; porous ceramic film structure could be formed on the surface of MAO specimens after surface treatment. Each group was classified into SB-resin luting-N group (not used), SB-resin luting-Y group (used), MAO-resin luting-N group (not used), MAO-resin luting-Y group (used) depending on whether or not resin luting was applied. Each specimen was bonded and cured with the Cemerage resin, and the shear bond strength after 0 and 5 000 thermocycling was tested. The results were statistically analyzed. The surface morphology of titanium alloy specimens before and after the shear bond strength test was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTS

The shear bond strength between titanium alloy and composite-resin was the highest in the SB combined with resin luting group after 0 thermocycling (16.2±1.8) MPa; was the lowest in MAO group after 5 000 thermocycling (8.9±1.5) MPa. The shear bond strength of SB and MAO surface treatment methods combined without resin luting group after 5 000 thermocycling were (10.7±2.2) MPa and (8.9±1.5) MPa, which were statistically lower than those in the thermocycling 0 (P=0.000 and P=0.001). The shear bond strength of SB and MAO surface treatment methods combined with resin luting group after 5 000 thermocycling were (15.5±2.1) MPa and (11.7±1.3) MPa, respectively, which were lower than those in the thermocycling 0 group, but there was no statistical significance (P=0.087 and P=0.234).

CONCLUSION

Both the surface treatment methods of SB and MAO combined with resin luting can improve the shear bond strength and durability of titanium alloy and composite-resin. The SB combined with resin luting is more significant. At present, the effect of SB is better than that of MAO due to the limitation of technical parameters of micro-arc oxidation.

[Prevalence of Candida albicans and its relationship with early childhood caries among children of three ethnic groups (Han, Uygur, Mongolian) in Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region]

Objective: To investigate the distributions of Candida albicans (Ca), which are closely associated to early childhood caries (ECC) of young children, in 3-5-year-old children of Mongolian, Uygur and Han ethnic groups in Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang Urgur Autonomous Region, so as to provide scientific basis for the early prediction and prevention of caries locally. Methods: Totally 1 089 healthy children aged 3 to 5 years old (Mongolian 136, Uygur 403 and Han 550; 568 males and 521 females) were randomly selected by stratified and cluster sampling method. The children in early childhood caries group were 786 and in caries free group were 303. Dental plaque samples were collected from the carious tooth tissues and supragingival sites, respectively. Samples were isolated and cultured by different media. Ca were identified by Gram stain, germ tube test, PCR method and internal transcribed spacer region sequencing methods. Ca isolated were further typed by using PCR-25SrDNA genotype method. Pearson χ(2) test and Spearman rank correlation were used to analyze the differences in genotypes of Ca amongst three ethnic groups and the relationship between decayed missing filled tooth (dmft) classification and detection of Ca. Results: The Ca was significantly higher in the ECC group [14.4% (113/786)] than in the caries free group [7.6% (23/303)] (P=0.002). The identified rate of Ca in Mongolian group was [11.8% (16/136)], which was significantly lower than that of Uygur group [17.9% (72/403)] and higher than that of Han group [8.7% (48/550)] (χ(2)=10.192, P=0.006). Among the male children, the identified rate of Ca in Mongolian group was [10.0% (8/80)], which was significantly lower than that of Uygur group [21.7% (44/203)] and higher than that of Han group [8.4% (24/285)] (χ(2)=18.887, P=0.000). Among the female children, the detection rates of Ca were [14.3% (8/56)] in Mongolian group, [14.0% (28/200)] in Uygur group and [9.1% (24/265)] in Han group. There were no significant differences among the three ethnic groups (χ(2)=3.206, P=0.201). The identification rates of oral Ca in Uygur and Han ECC groups were correlated with the decayed, missing and filled teeth (Uygur r=0.195, P=0.001; Han r=0.145, P=0.004). Totally 136 Ca samples were divided into 3 types by PCR-25SrDNA method, and the predominant type was type A [55.1% (75/136)]. Conclusions: The distribution of oral Ca among children were ethnically different. Uygur male children carrying Ca were more susceptible to dental caries. Ca might be a risk factor for ECC. There was no specific cariogenic genotype in Ca isolated. There were no associations between ethnic factors and the genotypes of Ca isolated.

[Meta analysis of parallel versus perpendicular double plating for distal humerus fracture of type C in adults]

Objective: To evaluate the effects of parallel versus perpendicular double plating for distal humerus fracture of type C. Methods: A standardized comprehensive literature search was performed by PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, CMB, CNKI and Medline datebase.Randomized controlled studies on comparison between parallel versus perpendicular double plating for distal humerus fracture of type C before December 2015 were enrolled in the study.All date were analyzed by the RevMan 5.2 software. Results: Six studies, including 284 patients, met the inclusion criteria.There were 155 patients in perpendicular double plating group, 129 patients in parallel double plating group.The results of Meta-analysis indicated that there were statistically significant difference between the two groups in complications (OR=2.59, 95%CI: 1.03 to 6.53, P=0.04). There was no significant difference between the two groups in surgical duration (MD=-1.84, 95% CI: -9.06 to 5.39, P=0.62), bone union time (MD=0.09, 95%CI: -0.06 to 0.24, P=0.22), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MD=0.09, 95%CI: -0.06 to 0.24, P=0.22), Range of Motions (MD=-0.92, 95%CI: -4.65 to 2.81, P=0.63) and the rate of excellent and good results (OR=0.64, 95%CI: 0.27 to 1.52, P=0.31). Conclusion: Both perpendicular and parallel double plating are effective in distal humerus fracture of type C, parallel double plating has less complications.

[Research Progress on Notch Signal Pathway in Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease -Review]

The Notch signaling pathway is a highly conserved cell signaling system that plays an essential role in many biological processes. Notch signaling regulates multiple aspects of hematopoiesis, especially during T cell develop-ment. Recent data suggest that Notch also regulates mature T cell differentiation and function. The latest data show that Notch also plays an essential role in alloreactive T cells mediating acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), the most severe complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Notch inhibition in donor-derived T cells or blockade of individual Notch ligands and receptors after transplantation can reduce GVHD severity and mortality in mouse models of allo-HSCT, without causing global immunosuppression. These findings indicate Notch in T cells as an attractive therapeutic target to control aGVHD. In this article, the pathophysiology of aGVHD, the Notch signal pathway and aGVHD are reviewed.

Screening and characterization of novel microsatellite loci in Lateolabrax japonicus

Lateolabrax japonicus, an economically important species, is widely consumed in the offshore coasts of China, Korea, and Japan. We identified 10 new L. japonicus microsatellite markers, using a modified protocol of fast isolation by AFLP of sequences containing repeats. Thirty L. japonicus individuals were collected from Xiamen, China, to evaluate the degree of polymorphism. The number of identified alleles ranged from three to five. The polymorphism information content varied from 0.267 to 0.711, whereas the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.249 to 0.706 and 0.294 to 0.751, respectively. One of the 10 loci (L10) deviated from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. These new microsatellite markers will provide a useful tool for the determination of population genetic structure and genetic diversity in L. japonicus.

Association of miR-196a2, miR-27a, and miR-499 polymorphisms with isolated congenital heart disease in a Chinese population

We hypothesized that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in certain microRNAs contribute to congenital heart disease (CHD) phenotypes. Five hundred and seventy-three subjects were enrolled in this study. DNA extracted from peripheral blood cells was used for SNP genotyping of miR-196a2 (rs11614913), miR-27a (rs11671784, rs895819), and miR-499 (rs3746444). Allele and genotype association analyses were performed to evaluate the correlation between certain microRNA SNPs and three phenotypes of isolated CHD: atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). All the participants carried a homozygous CC variant of miR-27a (rs11671784). The homozygous CC variant of miR-196a2 (rs11614913, T>C) was negatively associated with ASD compared with the wild-type TT variant (OR = 0.379, 95%CI = 0.209-0.686, P = 0.001). The miR-196a2 C allele was negatively associated with ASD compared with the T allele (OR = 0.646, 95%CI = 0.491-0.849, P = 0.002). The statistically significant results were further confirmed by dominant and recessive model assays. SNPs of miR-27a (rs895819, T>C) and miR-499 (rs3746444, A>G) showed diverse association with ASD, VSD, or PDA, but the differences were not statistically significant. The rs11614913 (T>C) SNP of miR-196a2 is associated with ASD, and the homozygous CC variant and the C allele are protective factors associated with ASD. The homozygous CC variant and the C allele of the rs11614913 (T>C) SNP of miR-196a2 are associated with a significantly reduced risk of ASD.

Effects of Varroa destructor on temperature and humidity conditions and expression of energy metabolism genes in infested honeybee colonies

Varroa destructor mites pose an increasing global threat to the apicultural industry and agricultural ecology; however, the issue of whether certain environmental factors reflect the level of mite infection is far from resolved. Here, a wireless sensor network (WSN) system was used to examine how V. destructor, which has vital impacts on honeybee (Apis mellifera) health and survival, affects the temperature and humidity of honeybee hives in a field experiment. This approach may facilitate early identification of V. destructor in hives, and thus enable timely remedial action. Using quantitative PCR, we also evaluated the expression of two genes, adipokinetic hormone (AKH) and adipokinetic hormone receptor (AKHR).The results showed that temperature in highly infested broods was higher than that in broods with low infestation. Moreover, mite infection in honeybee colonies was positively correlated with temperature but negatively correlated with humidity (P < 0.05). Similar to previous observations, quantitative analysis suggested that the expression levels of AKH and AKHR from honeybees with low infection were significantly higher than those from bees with high infection (P < 0.01). These results showed that the expression levels of these genes in colonies with high mite infestation were closely associated with changes in hive temperature and humidity. This study demonstrates that Varroa infection not only causes changes in temperature inside honeybee colonies, but also affects the expression of honeybee energy metabolism genes.

Development of novel polymorphic microsatellite markers in Siganus fuscescens

Rabbitfish, Siganus fuscescens, is widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific regions and eastern Mediterranean. Its dwelling place includes reef flats, coral reef regions, and seagrass meadows in tropical area and reef areas or shallow waters in locations at high latitudes. In the present study, 10 new polymorphic microsatellite markers were screened from 30 wild S. fuscescens individuals, using a method of fast isolation protocol and amplified fragment length polymorphism of sequences containing repeats. The number of polymorphic alleles per locus was 3 to 5 with a mean of 4.3, while the value of polymorphic information content ranged from 0.283 to 0.680. The values of the observed and expected heterozygosities were in the range 0.3333-0.8462 and 0.3011-0.7424, respectively. Deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was not observed in this study. These polymorphic loci are expected to be effective in evaluating the genetic diversity, population structure, and gene flow and in determining the paternity in S. fuscescens, as well as for conservation management.

[Clinical analysis of aphakic glaucoma following infantile congenital cataract surgery]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence, occurrence time and types of aphakic glaucoma following infantile congenital cataract surgery.

METHODS

The records of children who underwent surgery for congenital cataract within the first 24 months of life between January 2010 and January 2014 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were retrospectively reviewed.Children with preoperative conditions associated with glaucoma were excluded.The following parameters were ascertained: age received cataract surgery, operation method, the incidence, occurrence time and types of glaucoma.

RESULTS

A total of 205 patients (324 eyes) with an average surgery age of 13.9 months were included, and the mean follow-up time was 47.6 months.The operation method was cataract extraction combined with posterior continuous circular capsulorhexis and anterior vitrectomy.Twenty-nine patients (37 eyes, 11.42%) had subsequent development of aphakic glaucoma, 9 eyes of which (2.78%) developed early onset angle closed glaucoma, and the occurrence time was (4.2±2.6) months after cataract surgery; 28 eyes (8.64%) developed late onset open angle glaucoma, 26 of which was angle open glaucoma, and the rest two was angle closed glaucoma.The occurrence time was (37.5±11.0) months after cataract surgery. Twenty-nine patients (37 eyes) developed aphakic glaucoma had cataract surgery within 2 to 12 months (6.8 months on average). The rest 176 patients (287 eyes) who did not develop glaucoma had cataract surgery at 10 to 24 months (14.1 months on average).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of aphakic glaucoma following infantile congenital cataract surgery is 11.42%.Aphakic glaucoma is divided into two types of early onset angle closed glaucoma and late onset open angle glaucoma.The occurence time of glaucoma was 2 months to 64 months after cataract surgery.Late onset open angle glaucoma is the most common type.

Isolation and characterization of eight novel microsatellite markers in Acanthopagrus schlegelii

Acanthopagrus schlegelii is a warm temperate demersal fish, which inhabits the sediment substrate or rocky reefs in shallow seas. As this fish is a nutritionally endowed species with good palatability, it is a highly valuable commercial species for aquaculture and has a long historical standing in Western Pacific countries. Because the population of this fish is currently declining in China, studies and measures aimed at addressing this decline are needed. In this study, eight microsatellite markers were screened from 30 wild A. schlegelii fishes through the FIASCO method, whereby sequences containing repeats were obtained from amplified fragment length polymorphisms. The allelic number ranged from 3 to 5, with a mean number of 3.625. The average observed heterozygosity was 0.6290, ranging from 0.3214 to 0.8966, while the expected heterozygosity was 0.5435, ranging from 0.3452 to 0.6721. The value for polymorphism information content ranged from 0.313 to 0.666. These results show this population has moderate genetic variation and low genetic diversity. These novel polymorphic loci will be useful for future genetic studies of A. schlegelii.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers in Ruditapes philippinarum

Ruditapes philippinarum is considered a commercially valuable species, which is commonly found in tidal flats along West Pacific coasts. In China, it is mainly distributed in the southeast sea. In this study, 16 novel microsatellite loci from the R. philippinarum genome were developed, using the protocol of fast isolation by amplified fragment length polymorphism of sequence containing repeats. Thirty-two wild-caught individuals were used to evaluate the degree of polymorphism of these markers. Our results show that there were 10 polymorphic loci and 6 monomorphic loci. The number of alleles per locus and the polymorphism information content ranged from 2 to 6 and from 0.199 to 0.751, respectively. The observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.1333 to 0.6207 and 0.1603 to 0.7412, respectively. Of all loci, only one locus was found to deviate significantly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium after Bonferroni correction. The loci identified here will provide useful information for future population genetic studies of R. philippinarum.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers in Atrina vexillum Born

Atrina vexillum Born is an economically valuable species, widely distributed in the coastal waters of temperate and tropical areas of the Asia Pacific region. Twenty one novel microsatellite loci were identified in the genome of A. vexillum Born using the protocol for fast isolation by amplified fragment length polymorphism of sequence containing repeats. Thirty-two wild type individuals were used to evaluate the degree of polymorphism of these markers. We identified 13 polymorphic and 8 monomorphic loci with the number of alleles per locus and the polymorphism information content ranging from 2 to 5 and 0.141 to 0.664, respectively. The observed and expected heterozygosity varied from 0.1250 to 0.7000 and 0.1223 to 0.6216, respectively. Two loci deviated significantly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) after Bonferroni correction, whereas the other loci were in HWE. These loci are expected to provide useful information for population genetic studies of A. vexillum Born.

Isolation and characterization of new microsatellite loci in Fenneropenaeus penicillatus

Fenneropenaeus penicillatus is one of the major economic shrimp species in China. In this study, 14 novel microsatellite loci were developed using the fast isolation protocol with amplified fragment length polymorphism of sequences containing repeats (FIASCO). Polymorphisms were tested in 30 individuals from a single-wild population. The results showed that the number of alleles at each locus ranged from two to four, and the polymorphism information content varied from 0.314 to 0.692. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.3343 to 0.6542 and from 0.3458 to 0.6657, respectively. Three loci deviated significantly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium after a Bonferroni correction was applied, while no deviations were detected in the other 11 loci. The new microsatellite loci identified in this study could be useful in future F. penicillatus population genetic, conservation research, population structure assessment, and linkage map construction studies.

Isolation and characterization of novel microsatellite markers in Mercenaria mercenaria

Mercenaria mercenaria, also known as the hard clam, is widely distributed in the coastal waters of temperate and tropical areas in the Asian Pacific region. This species is widely popular in the international market, especially in the United States, Europe, and other Western countries, because of its high protein value, taste, and simple farming requirements. In this study, 17 novel microsatellite loci from the M. mercenaria genome were developed using the fast isolation by amplified fragment length polymorphism of sequences containing repeats protocol. Thirty-two wild individuals were used to evaluate the degree of polymorphism of these markers. Results indicated that there were 11 polymorphic loci and six monomorphic loci, and the number of alleles per locus and the polymorphism information content ranged from two to six and from 0.059 to 0.498, respectively. The observed and expected heterozygosity varied from 0.0625 to 0.5333 and 0.0615 to 0.4977, respectively. The Y1-4 locus deviated significantly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) after Bonferroni correction was applied, while the other loci were in HWE. These loci will provide useful information for M. mercenaria population genetic studies.

Effects of Morus root bark extract and active constituents on blood lipids in hyperlipidemia rats

OBJECTIVE

Chinese crude drug Mori Cortex Radicis (the root cortex of Morus species) has been used as a folk medicine to treat hypertension, diabetes, as well as in expectorant, diuretic agents. This investigation aims to study the anti-hyperlipidemia effects of Mori Cortex Radicis (MCR) extracts in hyperlipidemic rat models and the potential therapeutic activities of compounds isolated from the extracts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects of MCR on hypolipidemic parameters were investigated using Wistar rats induced by high-lipid emulsion. Sixty healthy Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: normal group, hyperlipidaemia model group, simvastatin, and high-, medium- and low-dose MCR extracts. After four weeks, body weight, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high and low-density lipoproteins (HDL, LDL), as well as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured. To further investigation, four major active compounds were isolated from extracts through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and their diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) inhibitory activity was evaluated.

RESULTS

MCR dose-dependently reduced serum TC, TG, LDL-C, inhibited the activity of ALT, AST, and increased HDL-C. Furthermore, in vitro biochemistry tests revealed that four active isolates showed moderate inhibitory activity against DGAT1 with IC50 values ranging from 62.1 ± 1.2 to 99.3 ± 2.3 µM.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrated that MCR could effectively ameliorate hyperlipidaemia and inhibit DGAT1 that a key enzyme closely related to hyperlipidaemia and type 2 diabetes. It may provide a new pharmacological basis for treating hyperlipidaemia and related diseases using MCR.

Isolation and characterization of new microsatellite markers in red tail prawn, Fenneropenaeus penicillatus, an endangered species in China

Until recently, Fenneropenaeus penicillatus was considered a commercial shrimp species. However, in 2005, it was included on the Red List as an endangered species by the Chinese government. In this study, 19 new microsatellite markers in F. penicillatus were developed and tested in samples of 32 wild individuals from Nanao, China. Twelve loci were polymorphic and 7 were monomorphic. Of the 12 polymorphic loci, the number of alleles per locus ranged from 3 to 6, with an average of 4.42 alleles per locus. The polymorphism information content ranged from 0.302 to 0.670, with a mean of 0.4817. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.2250 to 0.8889 and from 0.1111 to 0.7750, respectively. Significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE, adjusted P < 0.0042) after a Bonferroni correction were observed in 3 loci (NA-9, NA-57, and NA-64), whereas the other 9 loci were in HWE. These new microsatellite markers will be useful in further research on the population genetic structure of F. penicillatus.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in hybrid giant tiger grouper

The hybrid giant tiger grouper is a fish that has considerable commercial value and has become increasingly important for aquaculture in South East Asia since 2008. In order to prevent any reduction in genetic diversity in hybrid grouper as a result of aquaculture, we have identified 21 microsatellite markers that can be used to estimate genetic variation in the fish population. The number of alleles at polymorphic microsatellite loci ranged from 2 to 7, and observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.0323 to 0.9643 and 0.0921 to 0.7174, respectively. Polymorphism information content values ranged from 0.088 to 0.737. Nineteen of the 21 loci were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.005) after application of the Bonferroni correction (k = 10), the exceptions being ZZLD35 (P < 0.005) and ZZLD36 (P < 0.001). No linkage disequilibrium was detected. These 21 microsatellite markers are potentially of great value for analyzing genetic diversity to provide essential information for sustainable management of these fish.

MoO2-CoO coupled with a macroporous carbon hybrid electrocatalyst for highly efficient oxygen evolution

Cost-effective electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reactions are attractive for energy conversion and storage processes. A high-performance oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst composed of 3D ordered microporous carbon and a MoO2 skeleton modified by cobalt oxide nanoparticles (MoO2-CoO-Carbon) is produced through a template method. This unique 3DOM structure finely combines the larger surface area of the 3D carbon skeleton and MoO2 as well as stablizes anchoring sites for CoO nanocrystals on the skeleton. The synergistic effect between the catalytic activity between MoO2 and CoO as well as the enhanced electron transport arising from the carbon skeleton contributed to superior electrocatalytic OER properties of MoO2-CoO-Carbon. The M200-C-Carbon hybrid with an overpotential as low as 0.24 V is among the best reported Mo-based OER catalysts. Moreover, the turnover frequency at an overpotential of 0.35 V is 6 times as high as that of commercial RuO2.

Screening and characterization of novel polymorphic microsatellite markers from sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota

The sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota has high me-dicinal value and rich nutritional edible value, and thus is a commercially important aquatic product in China. Microsatellite loci were developed and screened using a fast isolation protocol and amplified fragment length polymorphism of sequences containing repeats. In this study, 16 novel polymorphic microsatellite markers in H. leucospilota were identified, and the relevant genetic variability index was assessed using 30 individu-als from a wild population. The polymorphic information content ranged from 0.183 to 0.668, and the number of alleles per locus varied from 3 to 5. The observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.0370-0.5000 and 0.0776-0.6250, respectively. With the exception of 3 loci (Y1-15, Y11-1, and Y28), the polymorphic loci were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.003125). These polymorphic microsatellite loci will contribute to studies of genetic diversity, the research of population structure, and the design of conservation strategies for H. leucospilota.

Chronic allograft nephropathy in rats is improved by the intervention of rhein

AIM

In this study, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy and potential mechanisms of rhein to mitigate chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fisher rat donors and Lewis rat recipients were used to establish the CAN model. Thirty rats with transplanted kidneys were randomly divided into two groups: 16 untreated and 14 rhein = treated rats. Five Lewis rat controls underwent removal of their right kidneys. The Intervention group was administered rhein oral solution (100 mg kg(-1) d(-1)) by gavage after transplantation. The untreated and control groups were given 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. Blood and urine samples were collected at 4, 8, and 16 weeks to examine renal function and total urine protein. Half of the rats in each group were sacrifice at 8 or 16 weeks to examine renal pathology. Immunohistochemical examination and real-time polymerase chain reaction of renal tissues were performed to detect expressions of transforming growth-β1(TGF-β1), hepatic growth factor (HGF), bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7), frobronectin, and collgen IV.

RESULTS

Rhein improved renal function and significantly reduced renal fibrosis and interstitial inflammation. The levels of BMP7 and HGF were significantly elevated in the renal tissues of the rhein intervention group. In the meantime, fibronectin and collagen IV were decreased in the extracellular matrix. The expression of TGF-β1 was similar between these two groups.

CONCLUSION

Rhein improved renal function and reduced renal fibrosis and interstitial inflammation by inducing production of HGF and BMP7.

Pharmacological study of an irreversible partial agonist of opiate receptors, A-alpha-CAO

A-alpha-CAO induces weak analgesia with very short duration in mice and is able to antagonize the analgesic effect of morphine (Mor) up to 3-4 days after a single injection. No tendency of dependence has been observed. It acts as a partial agonist on MVD with Ke value of 9 X 10(-9) mol/L. Its antagonist effect remains after several washes and its agonist effect cannot be reversed by naloxone (Nx), provided the incubation time or the concentration of the agent is sufficient. On isolated GPI, A-alpha-CAO is a pure agonist with IC50 of 5.7 X 10(-10) mol/L; this agonist effect cannot be removed by washing but can be reversed by Nx. On RVD and RbVD, it has antagonist effect against beta-endorphine (beta-end) and U50488H, which cannot be washed out easily, and the pA2 are 7.5 and 7.6 respectively. A-alpha-CAO also inhibits the specific binding of 3H-etorphine (3H-Etor) to the P2 fraction of the mouse brain membrane with an IC50 of 3.2 X 10(-9) mol/L. The inhibition on the high affinity binding sites of 3H-Etor remains 95% even after 6 washes.