Effects of returning paddy field to wetland on composition and stability of soil aggregates in the Yellow River Delta

The composition and stability of soil aggregates are important indicators for measuring soil quality, which would be affected by land use changes. Taking wetlands with different returning years (2 and 15 years) in the Yellow River Delta as the research object, paddy fields and natural wetlands as control, we analyzed the changes in soil physicochemical properties and soil aggregate composition. The results showed that soil water content, total organic carbon, dissolved organic carbon and total phosphorus of the returning soil (0-40 cm) showed an overall increasing trend with returning period, while soil pH and bulk density was in adverse. There was no significant change in clay content, electrical conductivity, and total nitrogen content. The contents of macro-aggregates and micro-aggregates showed overall increasing and decreasing trend with returning period, respectively. The stability of aggregates in the topsoil (0-10 cm) increased with returning years. Geometric mean diameter and mean weight diameter increased by 8.9% and 40.4% in the 15th year of returning, respectively, while the mass proportion of >2.5 mm fraction decreased by 10.5%. There was no effect of returning on aggregates in subsoil (10-40 cm). Our results indicated that returning paddy field to wetland in the Yellow River Delta would play a positive role in improving soil structure and aggregate stability.

[Research progress on Rhododendron molle in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis]

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA), as a chronic autoimmune disease, has a high incidence and disability rate, causing significant suffering to patients. Due to its complex pathogenesis, it has not been fully elucidated to date, and its treatment remains a challenging problem in the medical field. Although western medicine treatment options have certain efficacy, they require prolonged use and are expensive. Additionally, they carry risks of multiple infections and adverse reactions like malignancies. The Chinese herbal medicine Rhododendron molle is commonly used in folk medicine for its properties of dispelling wind, removing dampness, calming nerves, and alleviating pain in the treatment of diseases like rheumatic bone diseases. In recent years, modern clinical and pharmacological studies have shown that the diterpenoids in R. molle are effective components, exhibiting immune-regulatory, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. This makes it a promising candidate for treating RA with a broad range of potential applications. However, R. molle has certain toxic properties that hinder its clinical application and lead to the wastage of its resources. This study reviewed recent research progress on the mechanism of R. molle in preventing and treating RA, focusing on its chemical components, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and summarized the adverse reactions associated with R. molle, aiming to offer new ideas for finding natural remedies for RA and methods to reduce toxicity while enhancing the effectiveness of R. molle. The study seeks to clarify the safety and efficacy of R. molle and its extracts, providing a theoretical basis for its application prospects and further promoting the development and utilization of R. molle resources.

A Simulation-Based Approach for Strategic Evaluation of Resource Allocation for Improving Spatial Access to Radiation Oncology

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Access to radiation therapy is essential to oncologic care. Prior studies have examined geographic distribution of radiation oncologists and centers but with methodologies that fail to account for patient movement across artificially constructed boundaries. This analysis utilizes an approach agnostic to geographic boundaries as well as a mathematical metric to assess the equality of access to care and quantify the impact additional resource allocation would have on a geographic area.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Government databases were utilized to collect information on supply of radiation oncologists and population over 65 years old as a surrogate for demand. Addresses were geocoded to create coordinates for spatial analysis. US Census Centers of Population files were used to assign population data to spatial coordinates. Isochrone lines for driving time around population centers were generated using an internet road maps programming interface. Enhanced two-step floating catchment area (E2SFCA) analysis was performed with catchment area defined as a 120-minute drive from the population centers. A distance decay factor was applied. Spatial access ratios (SPARs), defined as the ratio of a given county's access to care against the mean across all counties, were calculated for each of the 3143 US counties, where a value <1 represents underserved and >1 represents overserved areas. A Gini coefficient was calculated to create a value representing spatial access equality (SPAE) for the current geographic distribution of supply and demand across the US. The incremental impact on SPAE was determined by iteratively simulating the addition of a single radiation oncologist in each of the 3143 US counties, and subsequently used to quantifiably rank areas by magnitude and direction of impact.

RESULTS

Olmsted County, MN and the surrounding counties represent 8 of the 10 most overserved in the US (SPAR: 4.03 - 5.84). There are 1713 underserved counties with SPARs <1 and 130 counties with a SPAR of 0. Thomas County, KS would have greatest benefit on SPAE from the addition of a single radiation oncologist as it would introduce access to numerous neighboring underserved counties. Conversely, introduction of a single radiation oncologist negatively impacted SPAE in 173 of the previously underserved counties by shifting SPAR to overserved without significant positive effect on neighboring counties due to having a small population and isolated location.

CONCLUSION

E2SFCA and SPAE provide a method for evaluating spatial access and a mathematical framework for assessing areas with the greatest potential benefit from new resource allocation. In some instances, resource allocation to a previously underserved area paradoxically has a negative impact on equal access to care. Better solutions such as travel/lodging programs and appropriate hypofractionation would do more to improve issues of access inequality for these areas.

Prostate Cancer in New York City: Impact of Neighborhood Level Social Determinants of Care

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Social determinants of health may impact stage and aggressiveness of cancer presentation. As neighborhoods may influence adjacent neighborhoods across often porous and arbitrary borders, an analysis that measures the spatial impact of these social determinants provides a more holistic evaluation than an analysis that treats each neighborhood as independent and unrelated units. In this paper, we study the impact of sociodemographic and environmental characteristics of neighborhoods on cancer presentation in New York City, using both patient-level analysis and spatial autoregression on the New York State Public Access Cancer Epidemiology Data (NYSPACED) and the NYC Open neighborhood-level dataset.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Two outcomes of interest were chosen: Presentation with high grade prostate cancer and presentation with distant disease. We performed logistic regression on individual patient level analysis. We created generalized cross sectional autoregressive spatial regression models to assess direct and indirect (via adjacent neighborhoods) impact of neighborhood level independent variables. We analyzed the following neighborhood level variables: 1) Percent population that was Black, 2) Percent population living in poverty, 3) Percent population obese based on self-reported height and weight, 4) Percent who report being current smokers, 5) Percent who report eating one or more servings of fruits and/or vegetables in the last day, and 6) annual average micrograms of fine particulate matter per cubic meter of air.

RESULTS

We identified 95,749 patients diagnosed with prostate adenocarcinoma in New York City from 2001-2018. With reported Black race as the referent value, White patients were less likely to present with high grade disease (OR 0.92 [95% CI 0.89-0.95]). Similarly, self-identified White patients were also less likely to present with distant disease (vs. Black, OR 0.76 [95% CI 0.72-0.81]). Spatial autoregression models revealed no neighborhood level variables associated with direct or indirect impacts on presentation with high grade disease. However, there were several variables initially associated with distant disease presentation, including race, poverty, obesity, fruit and vegetable consumption, and air pollution. However, only neighborhood poverty and obesity levels continued to have significant direct impact on presentation with distant disease when included in the regression model with percent Black residents.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we discovered a strong association between Race and poverty with the likelihood of presenting with advanced prostate cancer, at both the individual and neighborhood levels. Geographically targeted outreach to improve prostate cancer screening and access to care should be focused on Black men and neighborhoods with high levels of poverty.

The Impact of Travel Time on Trimodal Therapy Compared to Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy (RC) and Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) followed by concurrent chemoradiation therapy (trimodal therapy, TMT) are both evidence-based approaches to the management of muscle-invasive bladder cancer, and no randomized evidence conclusively supports the use of one treatment over another. Literature suggests that increasing distance to radiation therapy (RT) facilities reduces the likelihood that patients will receive RT, though this has not been evaluated in bladder cancer. We hypothesize that greater travel time between a patient's home and their closest RT facility is associated with a lower likelihood of undergoing TMT.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Clinical data and the locations of patient residences and surgical facilities performing RC were obtained from the California Cancer Registry. RT facility locations were compiled from state regulatory databases and dosimetric accrediting bodies. Travel time was identified using the Google Distance Matrix API. California patients diagnosed with T2-4N0 bladder cancer in 2018-2019 who underwent TMT (> = 55Gy) or RC were included in this analysis. Chi-square tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to assess factors associated with an increased likelihood of receipt of TMT, and to compare travel times for patients receiving TMT vs RC.

RESULTS

A total of 536 patients met inclusion criteria, and 27.1% underwent TMT. Patients receiving TMT were more likely to be older, White, male, and live further from their nearest RT facility. After adjusting for age, sex, and race/ethnicity, patients undergoing TMT were more likely than RC patients to live more than 30 minutes away from the nearest RT facility (OR 1.53, p = 0.21, ref<15 minutes). On multivariate analysis, patients receiving TMT were less likely than surgical patients to live 30-60 minutes or >60 minutes from their treatment facility ((OR 0.5, p-value<0.01, and OR 0.23, p-value <.001), ref: <30 minutes). Only 26.2% of patients who received TMT were treated at their nearest RT facility, while 13.3% of patients undergoing RC were treated at their nearest surgical facility.

CONCLUSION

In a modern cohort of bladder cancer patients in California, about a quarter of T2-4N0 patients are undergoing bladder preservation. Patients undergoing TMT lived further from their nearest RT facility than patients undergoing surgery. Surgical patients were more likely to live >30 minutes from their treating facility than TMT patients. A minority of patients underwent treatment at the facility nearest to them, regardless of treatment modality chosen. Taken together, this suggests that proximity to the nearest RT facility may not be associated with a higher likelihood of undergoing TMT. Examination of actual treatment facilities (as opposed to the closest facility) shows that patients are traveling further for surgical care than TMT.

Selected-Lesion SRS as a Novel Strategy in Treatment of Patients with Multiple Brain Metastases

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

With the increasing use of intracranial SRS (SRS) for treatment of patients with >10-15 brain metastases treatment; debate remains in the literature about how these patients should be treated. While many advocate for treatment of all lesions with either SRS or whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT), several groups are considering selected-lesion SRS (SL-SRS) where only a subset of intracranial lesions are treated. However, the current practice patterns of SL-SRS are not known.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A survey of 19 questions was created using open-ended and multiple-choice style questions on SL-SRS practices and indications. The survey was distributed to providers in the US and internationally who perform SRS frequently. Ten out of 50 institutions provided responses reflecting the practices of 16 providers. Descriptive statistics was used to compare answers to each question when applicable including percentages and ranges.

RESULTS

SL-SRS was performed at 8/10 institutions, (5 out of 6 US institutions and 3 out of 4 international institutions). Only 2 institutions had established clinical indications for SL-SRS (one in the US and one internationally) and one additional US institution reported clinical trials that require SL-SRS to study efficacy of CNS penetrating targeted therapies. One program reported research protocols for untreated brain metastases that would take priority over SL-SRS (program outside the US). Size of the lesion was cited as the most important factor (90%) when deciding to treat any single lesion. Next, lesion location and focal signs/symptoms were both considered moderately important. 80% ranked distance from prior SRS as the least important factor. Perilesional edema was also less important at most programs (90%). Lesion location and presence of symptoms were also considered important. There were several factors that would encourage providers to consider SL-SRS in a patient. Prior WBRT; progressing systemic disease and CNS-penetrating drug option available; and progressing systemic disease and immunotherapy option available were the most common responses. Most respondents cited "specific request by medical oncology" as well as "cooperative studies in this topic" as factors that might push them towards SL-SRS. Several institutions specified factors beyond the listed options. One institution reported that for patients with >20 lesions, they treated the largest lesions with SRS then follow with WBRT, termed the "pre-WBRT boost." Progression of untreated lesions was the most common reason why providers would bring back patients for additional treatment.

CONCLUSION

The responses to this survey demonstrate that patients with >15-20 intracranial lesions, prior WBRT, and worsening systemic disease with CNS penetrating systemic therapies available are being considered for SL-SRS.

FORMULA-509: A Multicenter Randomized Trial of Post-Operative Salvage Radiotherapy (SRT) and 6 Months of GnRH Agonist with Either Bicalutamide or Abiraterone Acetate/Prednisone (AAP) and Apalutamide (Apa) Post-Radical Prostatectomy (RP)

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

FORMULA-509 was designed to evaluate whether adding six months of AAP and Apa to a GnRH Agonist could improve outcomes compared to six months of bicalutamide plus GnRH Agonist for patients with unfavorable features receiving SRT for a detectable PSA post-RP.

MATERIALS/METHODS

FORMULA-509 is an investigator-initiated, multi-center, open-label, randomized trial. Patients had PSA ≥0.1 post-RP and one or more unfavorable features (Gleason 8-10, PSA >0.5, pT3/T4, pN1 or radiographic N1, PSA doubling time <10 months, negative margins, persistent PSA, gross local/regional disease, or Decipher High Risk). All patients received SRT plus 6 months of GnRH agonist and randomization was to concurrent bicalutamide 50 mg or AAP 1000 mg/5 mg + Apa 240 mg QD. Radiation to pelvic nodes was required for pN1 and optional for pN0. The primary endpoint was PSA progression-free survival (PFS) and secondary endpoint was metastasis-free survival (MFS) determined by conventional imaging. The study was powered to detect a HR of 0.50 for PFS and a HR of 0.30 for MFS, each with 80% power and one-sided type I error of 0.05. Stratification was by PSA at study entry (>0.5 vs.≤0.5) and pN0 vs pN1. Analyses within these subgroups were pre-planned and utilized two-sided p-values.

RESULTS

Three hundred forty-five participants (332 evaluable) from 9 sites were randomized from 11/24/2017 to 3/25/2020 (172 bicalutamide, 173 AAP/Apa). Median follow-up was 34 (6-53) months; 29% were pN1 and 31% had PSA >0.5 ng/mL. The HR for PFS was 0.71 (90% CI 0.49-1.03), stratified one-sided log-rank p = 0.06 (3-year PFS was 68.5% bicalutamide vs 74.9% AAP/Apa). The HR for MFS was 0.57 (90% CI 0.33-1.01), stratified one-sided log rank p = 0.05 (3-year MFS was 87.2% bicalutamide vs 90.6% AAP/Apa). In a pre-planned analysis by stratification factors, AAP/Apa was significantly superior for patients with PSA >0.5 for PFS [HR 0.50, (95% CI 0.27-0.95), p = 0.03 (2-sided); 3-year PFS 46.8% bicalutamide vs. 67.2% AAP/Apa] and for MFS [HR 0.32 (95% CI 0.13-0.84), p = 0.02 (2-sided); 3-year MFS 66.1% bicalutamide vs. 84.3% AAP/Apa.] No statistically significant benefit was detected in pre-planned analyses of stratification subgroups defined by PSA≤0.5, pN0, or pN1. Adverse events were consistent with the known safety profiles of the agents being studied, with more rash and hypertension in the AAP/Apa arm.

CONCLUSION

Although this primary analysis did not meet the pre-specified threshold for statistical significance, it does strongly suggest that the addition of AAP/Apa instead of bicalutamide to SRT+6 months of GnRH Agonist may improve PFS and MFS, particularly in the subgroup of patients with PSA>0.5 where a pre-planned subgroup analysis by stratification factors observed a statistically significant benefit for both PFS and MFS. (NCT03141671).

MGMT Promoter Methylation Predicts Survival in 1p19q-Codeleted Gliomas after Chemotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

MGMT promoter methylation (mMGMT) is predictive of response to alkylating chemotherapy in glioblastomas and used to guide treatment decisions. However, the role of MGMT promoter status in low-grade and anaplastic gliomas remains unclear due to molecular heterogeneity and the lack of sufficiently large datasets. We recently found that MGMT promoter methylation predicts progression-free survival in 1p19q-codeleted gliomas after alkylating chemotherapy in a meta-analysis of three prospective cohorts. There were not enough deaths to determine the effect on overall survival. Here, we query a large national database to determine the association between MGMT promoter methylation and overall survival in patients with 1p19q-codeleted gliomas.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We identified all patients with newly diagnosed gliomas in the National Cancer Database (NCDB) from 2010-2016 with 1p19q-codeletion and information on MGMT promoter methylation status. The cohort was stratified based on receipt of chemotherapy. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was used to assess the effect of MGMT promoter methylation status on overall survival after adjusting for age, sex, race, co-morbidity, grade, extent of resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

RESULTS

We identified 530 eligible patients, 373 (70.4%) of whom received chemotherapy in their initial course of treatment. The MGMT promoter was methylated in 400 (75.5%) patients. For all patients, unmethylated MGMT (uMGMT) was associated with poorer survival compared to mMGMT (75% survival time [75%ST] 45 months vs. not reached, P = .003, adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.36 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.53-3.62]). uMGMT was associated with poorer survival in patients who received chemotherapy (75%ST 22 vs. 66 months, P<.001, aHR 2.55 [95% CI 1.60-4.06]) but not in patients who did not receive chemotherapy (75%ST 110 months vs. not reached, P = 0.7, HR 1.24 [95% CI 0.40-3.81]).

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate an association between overall survival and MGMT promoter status in 1p19q-codeleted gliomas. MGMT promoter status should be used as a stratification factor in future clinical trials of 1p19q-codeleted gliomas that use overall survival as an endpoint.

[Effects of Water-salt Environment on Freshwater Wetland Soil C, N, and P Ecological Stoichiometric Characteristics in the Yellow River Estuary Wetland]

Carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) are important nutrients, and their ecological stoichiometric characteristics can reflect the quality and fertility capacity of soil, which is critical to understanding the stable mechanisms of estuarine wetland ecosystems. Under global changes, the increase in salinity and flooding caused by sea level rise will lead to changes in biogeochemical processes in estuarine wetlands, which is expected to affect the ecological stoichiometric characteristics of soil C, N, and P and ultimately interfere with the stability of wetland ecosystems. However, it remains unclear how the C, N, and P ecological stoichiometric characteristics respond to the water-salt environment in estuarine wetlands. We differentiated changes in the C, N, and P ecological stoichiometric characteristics through an ex-situ culture experiment for 23 months in the Yellow River Estuary Wetland. The five sites with distinct tidal hydrology were selected to manipulate translocation of soil cores from the freshwater marsh to high-, middle-, and low-tidal flats in June 2019. The results showed that soil water content (SWC); electrical conductivity (EC); and C, N, and P ecological stoichiometric characteristics of freshwater marsh soil significantly changed after translocation for 23 months. SWC decreased on the high- and middle-tidal flats (P<0.05) and increased on the low-tidal flat (P<0.05). EC increased to different degrees on all three tidal flats (P<0.05). Soil total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) were significantly lower on the high-tidal flat (P<0.05), whereas total phosphorus (TP) was significantly lower on the middle- and high-tidal flats (P<0.05). C:N was decreased on the high- and middle-tidal flats (P<0.05); C:P and N:P were lower on the high-tidal flat; and all C, N, and P ecological stoichiometric characteristics showed no change on the low-tidal flat (P>0.05). Pearson's analysis showed that the ecological stoichiometric characteristics of C, N, and P were related to some properties of soil over the culture sites. The PLS-SEM model showed that the water-salt environment had different effects on soil C:N, C:P, and N:P through the main pathways of negative effects on soil TOC and TP. The results suggest that sea level rise may impact the C, N, and P ecological stoichiometric characteristics in freshwater marsh soil, resulting in some possible changes in the nutrient cycles of estuarine wetlands.

[Electromyographic signals and the starting threshold voltage of orbicularis oris muscle in healthy rhesus monkeys]

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of electromyography (EMG) signals and the starting threshold voltages of the orbicularis oris muscles (OOM) in healthy rhesus monkeys under different muscle movement conditions. Methods: The EMG signals and the starting threshold voltages at different time points in 4 healthy rhesus monkeys were acquired and recorded with EMG device and evoked potentiometer. The voltage amplitude variation of EMG signals was analyzed, and the voltage amplitude range of EMG signals at the beginning of OOM contraction was established. The data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Results: The EMG of OOM in healthy monkeys in the quiet, natural and continuous mouth-closed state was linear and relatively stable, and the absolute value fluctuated between 15 and 50 μV. The EMG waveform increased rapidly during the natural lip contraction movement, and its amplitude fluctuated greatly, with the highest absolute value of the peak value reaching hundreds of microvolts. The amplitude of EMG induced by continuous mouth closure was more than thousands of microvolts. There was no significant difference in EMG amplitudes of OOM in the healthy rhesus monkey under quiet and continuous lip closure at different time points (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in threshold voltages in the state of natural lip contraction of bilateral OOM at different time points (average range: 57.17-57.47 μV) in the healthy rhesus monkeys (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in threshold voltages of OOM induced by bilateral OOM at different time points(average range: 55.38-55.99 μV) in the healthy rhesus monkeys(P>0.05). There were significant differences in the absolute values of EMG amplitudes of OOM between the three lip movement modes: (30.67±8.72) μV in quiet and natural continuous lip closure (475.12±54.72) μV in natural lip contraction, and (921.22±312.79) μV in the induced persistent lip closure, with t values of -8.48, -9.35 and -5.01 respectively, all P<0.001. Conclusions: The EMG signals of OOM show different characteristics under different muscle movement conditions, which can be used as a basis for computer to judge and recognize the movement conditions of OOM. The upper limits of the EMG threshold voltage values of OOM under different motion states are 55-60 μV.

The effects of hydrological connectivity blocking on Suaeda salsa development in the Yellow River Delta, China

Blocking of hydrological connectivity could greatly impact the sediment deposition process and change water and salinity conditions, which in turn affect plant germination, growth, and development in delta wetlands. A 2-year experiment, which included the effects of soil burial, water, and salinity on germination, growth, and production, was conducted to examine the function of hydrological connectivity blocking on the development of Suaeda salsa, a halophyte species. The results demonstrated that soil burial, water, and salinity all had significant effects on seed germination, plant growth, and production (p &lt; 0.05). Seed germination decreased as soil buried depth increased (&lt; 4 cm), and seeds did not germinate successfully when the buried depth was &gt; 4 cm. Seed germination was the highest at 0 cm burial. However, moderate burial was beneficial for seedling emergence; therefore, the survival rate was the lowest when seeds were distributed at the surface (0 cm). Water and salinity both significantly affected the germination, growth, and productivity of S. salsa. Moderate salinity (10–20 g/kg) and fluctuating water (0–10 cm water depth) were suitable for seed germination and plant growth. Low salinity (&lt; 10 g/kg), High salinity (&gt;20 g/kg), drought, and high water levels (long-term flooding with water depth &gt; 10 cm) were not conducive to the growth of S. salsa, and biomass and seed yield were also reduced. As a halophyte, salinity that is too low or too high is unsuitable for S. salsa population. Water and salinity also significantly affected S. salsa population (p &lt; 0.05). In particular, water can offset the hazards of high salt concentrations. Blocking of hydrological connectivity can influence seed germination, yield, and vitality. In this case, S. salsa may have died out from the coastal wetland due to the lack of hydrological connectivity restoration.

[Spatial Distribution and Eco-stoichiometric Characteristics of Soil Nutrient Elements Under Different Vegetation Types in the Yellow River Delta Wetland]

To clarify the distribution characteristics and the ecological stoichiometric characteristics of nutrient elements in soils under different vegetation types, four typical natural wetlands, i.e., Phragmites australis wetland, Tamarix chinensis wetland, Suaeda salsa wetland, and Tidal flat wetland, as well as Gossypium spp. fields that were reclaimed from natural wetlands, were selected as study sites in the Yellow River Delta, and comparisons between the agricultural reclamation land and natural wetlands were conducted. The results showed that the soil total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) contents in the natural wetlands were as follows:P. australis wetland and T. chinensis wetland>S. salsa wetland>Tidal flat, and the contents of TOC and TN were significantly negatively related to electrical conductivity (EC) and pH values (P<0.05). The contents of TOC, TN, and total phosphorus (TP) in Gossypium spp. fields were significantly higher than those in natural wetlands (P<0.05), especially the contents of nitrate nitrogen (NO₃^--N) in Gossypium spp. fields, which were 9.4-11.4 times that of natural wetlands. However, no significant correlations between TOC, TN, and TP and EC and pH values (P>0.05) were observed in Gossypium spp. fields. The results of correlation analysis showed that the C/N of natural wetlands were mainly controlled by the contents of TN (P<0.05), and the C/N of the Gossypium spp. fields were significantly lower than those of natural wetlands (P<0.05). The soil C/P and N/P of natural wetlands and Gossypium spp. fields in the Yellow River Delta were low, and the variation trends were consistent with those of soil TOC and TN. Comparative analysis revealed, on the whole, that there were significantly different soil nutrient element contents, C/N, C/P, and N/P in Gossypium spp. fields compared to those of natural wetlands (P<0.05). The process of reclamation could significantly change the spatial distribution of nutrient elements in wetlands. Our results should be of importance in revealing the biogeochemical process of soil nutrient elements in coastal wetland and the influence of agricultural reclamation activities on the differentiation of soil nutrient elements.

[C:N:P stoichiometry in plants and soils of Phragmites australis wetland under different water-salt habitats]

We examined the effects of channel diversion of Yellow River on the content and stoichiometry of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in the organs of reeds (stem, leaf, rhizome and fibrous root) and soils in three typical Phragmites australis communities in the Yellow River Delta, including P. australis community in the former Yellow River course abandoned in 1996, P. australis community on the new Yellow River course and the P. australis communities on the intertidal area (far from the abandoned and current channel but affected by the tides). The results showed that foliar C, N and P contents of P. australis were highest in the communities of abandoned Yellow River course. Leaf N, stem C and rhizome P contents were highest in the communities of new Yellow River course. Leaf N and stem C and P contents were highest in the communities of intertidal area. The average leaf C (409.48 g·kg^-1) and P (1.09 g·kg^-1) contents in the three habitats were lower than national and global average levels, while leaf N content (21.71 g·kg^-1) was higher than that of national and global average levels. The mean leaf N:P (20.22) was higher than 16 and the mean soil N:P (0.87) was lower than 14, indicating that the P. australis growth in the three habitats was limited by P. Correlation analysis showed that EC was one of the main factors affecting C:N:P stoichiometry in P. australis. In general, the C and P reserves in P. australis in the study area were low, and N reserve was high. The soil organic carbon content was low, the soil C reserves were large, while the N and P were relatively scarce.

[Epidemiological characteristics of imported COVID-19 cases in Tianjin]

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of imported COVID-19 cases in Tianjin, and provide references for risk assessment and control of imported COVID-19 cases. Methods: The information of imported COVID-19 cases were obtained from National Notifiable Disease Report System of China CDC. The data of imported COVID-19 cases reported from Tianjin airport and epidemiological surveys by CDCs at all levels from March 15, 2020 to August 31, 2021 were collected and analyzed by using software Excel 2010, SPSS 25.0 and R. Results: From March 15, 2020 to August 31, 2021, a total of 606 imported cases of COVID-19 were reported in Tianjin, in which 552 cases were finally included in the analysis. The male to female ratio of the cases was 1.8∶1, the age of the cases ranged from 3 to 77 years, and the cases were mainly reported in age group 20-39 years (59.8%). The areas where the imported case sojourned within 14 days included Europe (242 cases, 43.8%), Africa (139 cases, 25.2%), Americas (85 cases, 15.4%) and Asia (86 cases, 15.6%). The proportion of confirmed cases in autumn and winter was relatively high. During the study period, the proportion of infected persons found in custom entry quarantine decreased, and the proportion of persons with personal health declaration and under medical isolation observation increased. The interval between entry and diagnosis of infected persons tended to increase. Conclusion: The proportion of imported COVID-19 cases detected on the first day of entry at Tianjin airport decreased, and the interval to detect the infected persons trended to increase, to which close attention must be paid.

[microRNA-16-5p targeted tetraspanin 15 gene to inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cell through phospoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway]

Objective: To study the effects of miR-16-5p on proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells and its mechanism. Methods: Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of miR-16-5p and TSPAN15 in human normal osteoblasts hFOB 1.19 and osteosarcoma cells MG63, Saos2 and HOS. The miR-16-5p or si-TSPAN15 was transfected into MG63 cells to observe its role in cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Cell proliferation was measured with MTT assay, cell migration and invasion were examined by Transwell, and the protein expression of CyclinD1, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, tetraspanin 15 (TSPAN15), phospha-tidylinositol3-kinase(p-PI3K) and phospha-protein kinase B(p-AKT) were determined by using Western blotting. The starbase website prediction combined with dual luciferase gene reporter assay was performed to analyze the targeting relationship between miR-16-5p and TSPAN15. miR-16-5p and pcDNA-TSPAN1 were co-transfected to assess the effect of high expression of TSPAN15 on overexpression of miR-16-5p-induced proliferation, migration and invasion of MG63 cells. Data comparison between the two groups was performed by using t test. Results: Compared with hFOB 1.19 cells (1.00±0.12), the expression of miR-16-5p was significantly decreased in MG63, Saos2 and HOS cells (0.32±0.05, 0.40±0.04, 0.45±0.06, respectively)(F=156.204, P<0.05), and TSPAN15 mRNA and protein levels were greatly increased (F=71.718, 110.350, both P<0.05). Overexpression of miR-16-5p obviously reduced the expression of CyclinD1, MMP-2, MMP-9 protein, cell viability, cell migration and invasion (F=150.136,117.228, 154.971, 89.479, 98.373, 130.880, all P<0.05) in MG63 cells. Knockdown of TSPAN15 greatly reduced CyclinD1, MMP-2, MMP-9 protein levels, cell survival rate, cell migration, and invasion number (F=93.206, 107.030, 109.326, 115.625, 146.113, 139.300, all P<0.05). Overexpression of miR-16-5p markedly decreased the expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT protein in MG63 cells (F=156.755, 181.419, both P<0.05). miR-16-5p targeted to regulate the expression of TSPAN15. High expression of TSPAN15 partially reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-16-5p on TSPAN15, CyclinD1, MMP-2, MMP-9, p-PI3K, p-AKT protein expression, cell viability, cell migration number and invasion number in MG63 cells. Conclusion: miR-16-5p inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells by targeting the TSPAN15 gene and regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

[Study on the method of microelectrodes implantation of artificial facial nerve prosthesis in closed mouth of orbicularis oris muscle in monkeys with facial nerve paralysis]

Objective: To explore the optimal method of microelectrode implantation that can produce efficient mouth closure with microelectrode for orbicularis oris muscle (OOM) in rhesus monkeys with unilateral peripheral facial paralysis (UPFP) in order to provide basis for the research and development of artificial facial nerve prosthesis (AFNP). Methods: Right lateral peripheral facial paralysis model on four healthy rhesus monkeys (two males and two femles, aged 5-6 years, weighed 2.0-3.0 kg) were prepared. AFNP electric stimulation was used to induce closed-mouth reaction of the affected OOM with a one-way rectangular pulse, 50 Hz frequency and 0.2 ms pulse width in vitro. Around the affected lateral OOM, four stimulus electrodes implantation positions were selected at the upper lip (position A), the lower lip (position B), the connection with the corner of the mouth to the ipsilateral tragus (position C), and the horizontal line of the mouth angle (position D). According to the different implantation positions of three stimulation electrodes on the stimulation side of AFNP and the results of our previous study, six groups of microelectrode implantation methods were designed. In Group A, two microelectrodes were implanted at position A and one microelectrode was implanted at position B; in Group B, one microelectrode was implanted at position A, B and C respectively; in Group C, one microelectrode was implanted at position A and two microelectrodes were implanted at position B; in Group D, one microelectrode was implanted at position A, B and D respectively; in Group E, one microelectrode was implanted at position A, C and D respectively; in Group F, one microelectrode was implanted at position B, C and D respectively. The minimum stimulating current (threshold current) required for effective mouth closure were recorded. The threshold and peak current values were compared using one-way ANOVA and LSD-t multiple comparisons. Results: The microelectrodes of the AFNP stimulating side in Group E and F failed to induce a smooth mouth closure. The microelectrodes in A, B, C and D group induced smooth mouth closure. The threshold current value of OOM contraction on affected side in the Group A, B, C, and D were (1.35±0.05), (1.02±0.04), (1.40±0.04) and (1.10±0.02) mA, respectively (F=295.302, P<0.001), with the lowest value in Group B and there was significant difference between the current value in Group B and those in the other groups (all P<0.05). The peak current value of OOM contraction on affected side in the four groups were (3.95±0.02), (2.95±0.03), (3.99±0.05) and (3.51±0.01) mA, respectively (F=1 014.985, P<0.001). Group B showed the best lip-closure morphology observed with naked eyes. Conclusions: When three output microelectrode of the AFNP stimulated side are separately imbedded into the upper lip, the lower lip and the connection with the corner of the mouth to the ipsilateral tragus, AFNP can sufficiently induce closed-mouth reaction. These positions are suitable as priority options microelectrodes implantation positions for the microelectrodes of the AFNP stimulated side.

Racial disparities in prostate cancer outcome among prostate-specific antigen screening eligible populations in the United States

Background

In 2012, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended against prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening, despite evidence that Black men are at a higher risk of prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM). We evaluated whether Black men of potentially screening-eligible age (55-69 years) are at a disproportionally high risk of poor outcomes.

Patients and methods

The SEER database was used to study 390 259 men diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States between 2004 and 2011. Multivariable logistic regression modeled the association between Black race and stage of presentation, while Fine-Gray competing risks regression modeled the association between Black race and PCSM, both as a function of screening eligibility (age 55-69 years versus not).

Results

Black men were more likely to present with metastatic disease (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.65; 1.58-1.72; P < 0.001) and were at a higher risk of PCSM (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 1.36; 1.27-1.46; P < 0.001) compared to non-Black men. There were significant interactions between race and PSA-screening eligibility such that Black patients experienced more disproportionate rates of metastatic disease (AOR 1.76; 1.65-1.87 versus 1.55; 1.47-1.65; Pinteraction < 0.001) and PCSM (AHR 1.53; 1.37-1.70 versus 1.25; 1.14-1.37; Pinteraction = 0.01) in the potentially PSA-screening eligible group than in the group not eligible for screening.

Conclusions

Racial disparities in prostate cancer outcome among Black men are significantly worse in PSA-screening eligible populations. These results raise the possibility that Black men could be disproportionately impacted by recommendations to end PSA screening in the United States and suggest that Black race should be included in the updated USPSTF PSA screening guidelines.

Non-monotonic changes in critical solidification rates for stability of liquid-solid interfaces with static magnetic fields

We report the magnetic field dependence of the critical solidification rate for the stability of liquid-solid interfaces. For a certain temperature gradient, the critical solidification rate first increases, then decreases, and subsequently increases with increasing magnetic field. The effect of the magnetic field on the critical solidification rate is more pronounced at low than at high temperature gradients. The numerical simulations show that the magnetic-field dependent changes of convection velocity and contour at the interface agree with the experimental results. The convection velocity first increases, then decreases, and finally increases again with increasing the magnetic field intensity. The variation of the convection contour at the interface first decreases, then increases slightly, and finally increases remarkably with increasing the magnetic field intensity. Thermoelectromagnetic convection (TEMC) plays the role of micro-stirring the melt and is responsible for the increase of interface stability within the initially increasing range of magnetic field intensity. The weak and significant extents of the magneto-hydrodynamic damping (MHD)-dependent solute build-up at the interface front result, respectively, in the gradual decrease and increase of interfacial stability with increasing the magnetic field intensity. The variation of the liquid-side concentration at the liquid-solid interface with the magnetic field supports the proposed mechanism.

Blue vitiligo following intralesional injection of psoralen combined with ultraviolet B radiation therapy

A 23-year-old Chinese man presented with a 16-month history of white patches on his abdomen and neck. He had previously received an intralesional injection of psoralen along with narrowband psoralen ultraviolet B radiation (PUVB) therapy. Blue macules had appeared in and around the injection sites 1 week later. Dermoscopy revealed blue spots and reticular telangiectasia within the white patches. Histological examination revealed an absence of epidermal melanocytes and pigment in the basal layer, as well as deposition of melanophages between collagen bundles or surrounding blood vessels and appendages in the middle and lower parts of the dermis. A diagnosis of blue vitiligo was made. The blue colour faded gradually over time. Our case provides direct evidence to support the previous surmise that PUVB can contribute to blue vitiligo. To our knowledge, this is only the fourth reported case of blue vitiligo in the English literature.

Genetic diversity of the Chinese traditional herb Blumea balsamifera (Asteraceae) based on AFLP markers

Blumea balsamifera is a commercially important medicinal herb in China and other parts of Asia. It is used to produce borneol. This plant grows in the wild, but resources have diminished greatly in recent years. We examined the genetic diversity of this species to help develop conservation strategies; 35 plants from five provinces were analyzed using AFLPs. Eight AFLP primer combinations generated 1367 fragments, giving a mean of 172 fragments per primer combination. Polymorphism in the germplasm analysis was found for 1360 (99.48%) of the fragments, of which 264 (19.27%) fragments were unique (accession specific) and 423 (25.33%) of the fragments were rare (present in less than 10% of the accessions). The polymorphic fragments were used to group the accessions in a UPGMA phenogram. Most grouping was geographical. In general, accessions coming from Guizhou and Guangxi showed higher diversities as these accessions were scattered in different groups. The genetic distance estimated by Jaccard similarity coefficient index showed low variability among genotypes (coefficient value ranged from 0.60 to 0.95). More attention should be given to the study and conservation of the biodiversity of this economically important genus.

[Net ecosystem CO2 exchange and its environmental regulation mechanisms in a reed wetland in the Yellow River Delta of China during the growth season]

By using eddy covariance technique, this paper measured the net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) in a reed (Phragmites australis) wetland in the Yellow River Delta of China during the growth season of 2011, and investigated the variation patterns of the NEE and related affecting factors. The average diurnal variation of the NEE in different months showed a U-type curve, with the maximum net CO2 uptake rate and release rate being (0.44 +/- 0.03) and (0.16 +/- 0.01) mg CO2 x m(-2) x s(-1), respectively. The NEE, ecosystem respiration (R(eco)), and gross primary productivity (GPP) were all higher in vigorous growth season (from July to September) and lower in early growth season (from May to June) and late growth season (from October to November). Both R(eco) and NEE reached their maximum values in August, while GPP reached its peak value in July. During the growth season, the ecosystem CO2 exchange was mainly dominated by photosynthetic active radiation (PAR), soil temperature (T(s)), and soil water content (SWC). There was a rectangular hyperbolic relationship between the daytime NEE and PAR. The nighttime ecosystem respiration (R(eco,n)) was exponentially correlated with the T(s) at 5 cm depth, and the temperature sensitivity of the ecosystem respiration (Q10) was 2.30. SWC and T(s) were the main factors affecting the R(eco,n). During the entire growth season, the reed wetland ecosystem in the Yellow River delta was an obvious carbon sink, with the total net carbon sequestration being 780.95 g CO2 x m(-2).

[Distribution characteristics of soil organic carbon and its composition in Suaeda salsa wetland in the Yellow River delta]

Applying the method of physical fractionation, distribution characteristics of soil organic carbon and its composition in Suaeda salsa wetland in the Yellow River delta were studied. The results showed that the heavy fraction organic carbon was the dominant component of soil organic carbon in the studied region. There was a significantly positive relationship between the content of heavy fraction organic carbon, particulate organic carbon and total soil organic carbon. The ranges of soil light fraction organic carbon ratio and content were 0.008% - 0.15% and 0.10-0.40 g x kg(-1), respectively, and the range of particulate organic carbon ratio was 8.83% - 30.58%, indicating that the non-protection component of soil organic carbon was low and the carbon pool was relatively stable in Suaeda salsa wetland of the Yellow River delta.

[Effects of water-salt stresses on seedling growth and activities of antioxidative enzyme of Suaeda salsa in coastal wetlands of the Yellow River Delta]

The halophyte Suaeda salsa is the pioneer plant and is used for the degraded coastal wetland in Yellow River Delta. The water-salt stress is the most important factor for ecological restoration to degraded coastal wetland. To understand the adaptive mechanism of Suaeda salsa to water-salt stresses, the induced effects of different groundwater table depths (0, -10, -20, -30 cm) and salt stress (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%) on seedlings of Suaeda salsa plant were characterized by the growth parameters of plant height, branch number and biomass of different organs and biological indices of leaf chlorophyll content, the activities of SOD, CAT, the leaf content of MDA and protein. The results showed the significantly (p < 0.001) decreased height of the seedlings from -30 cm to 0 cm of groundwater table depth, together with the decreased the number of branches, the biomass of leaf, shoot and root. The highest total biomass of single plant was (1.09 +/- 0.15) g under the condition of -30 cm water table depth and 0% salt stress. However, the combination of 0 cm water table depth and 3% NaCl resulted in the biomass of (0.23 +/- 0.01) g, which was ca. 21% compared with the highest biomass. Similarly, the contents of leaf chlorophyll a, b and carotenoid were the highest under the condition of -30 cm water table depth and 0% salt stress and lowest under the condition of 0 cm water table depth combined with 3% NaCl. The activities of SOD, CAT were increased significantly (p < 0.05) depending on the increase of salt stress. At 0 cm water table depth, the activities of SOD were 55.00 U/mg with 0% NaCl and 151.58 U/mg with 3% NaCl, respectively. The activities of SOD were decreased when the water table depth increased. However, the activities of CAT achieved the highest level at -30 cm water table depth. At 0 and -10 cm water table depth, the MDA content increased with the increase of salt stress. The MDA content was 0.26 mmol/g at -30 cm water table depth with 3% NaCl, which was approx. 28%-40% of the MDA contents compared with that caused by other salt stresses. These results demonstrated that Suaeda salsa plant could change its morphological characteristics, biomass allocation, and the activities of antioxidative enzymes to adapt severe environment.

[Evolution process and related driving mechanisms of Yellow River Delta since the diversion of Yellow River]

Based on the 23 sheets of remote sensing images from 1976 to 2009, in combining with the water and sediment data from Lijin station and the annual precipitation data of Yellow River Basin from 1976 to 2008, this paper quantitatively analyzed the features of water and sediment discharge from Yellow River, and the evolution process of Yellow River Delta and related driving mechanisms. In 1976-2008, the annual runoff and the annual sediment discharge into sea changed largely and frequently, but overall, presented a decreasing trend. Since the course of the Yellow River changed its direction to Qingshui channel in 1976, the Delta coastline and area were generally in a silting-up state. The evolution process of the Delta could be approximately divided into three stages, i.e., 1976-1985, 1986-1995, and 1996-2009, and the increasing rate of the Delta decreased with the stages. The coastline and area of the Delta were significantly exponentially correlated to the sediment accumulated at Lijin station, and the inter-annual variation of the precipitation of the Yellow River Basin had a strong correlation with that of the sediment at Lijin station, suggesting that the annual variation of the precipitation in Yellow River Basin was the main factor affecting the runoff and sediment discharge into sea.

[Spatial distribution characteristics of organic carbon in the soil-plant systems in the Yellow River estuary tidal flat wetland]

Well-understand the organic carbon status in the Yellow River delta is the most important for studying the biogeochemical processes of the muddy-sandy coastal wetland and ecological restoration. The spatial distribution characteristics and its impact factors of organic carbon in the plant-soil systems of new-born tidal flat wetland in the Yellow River estuary were studied. The results showed that the difference of plant organic carbon content in different plant communities were not obvious, however significant difference of the plant organic carbon density was observed. Moreover, the M-shaped spatial distribution of the plant organic carbon density, which was similar to the plant biomass, was found in the study. The organic carbon contents in top soils were varied from 0.75 to 8.35 g x kg(-1), which was much lower than that in the typical freshwater marsh wetlands ecosystem. The spatial distribution trend of soil organic carbon density was similar to the soil organic carbon. The correlation analysis showed that soil organic carbon density was negatively correlated with pH, and positively correlated with TN, C/N and salinity. However, the correlations of plant organic carbon density with the soil organic carbon density, TN, C/N, pH and salinity were not significant.

[Seasonal changes of potassium, calcium and magnesium contents and accumulation in Calamagrostis angustifolia in Sanjiang Plain]

From May to October 2004, the seasonal changes of K, Ca, and Mg contents and accumulation in Calamagrostis angustifolia, the dominant species in the typical meadow and marsh meadow communities of Sanjiang Plain, were studied. There was a greater difference in the seasonal changes of K, Ca, and Mg contents in different parts of typical meadow C. angustifolia (TMC) and marsh meadow C. angustifolia (MMC). The K content in aboveground parts of the two communities had an overall decreasing trend, according with linear model K = A + B(t), the Ca content had a smaller change in stem but an overall increasing trend in leaf and vagina, being accorded with parabola model Ca = A +B1t + B2t2 and exponential growth model Ca = Aexp(t/B1) + B2, respectively, while the Mg content had the greatest change in stem but changed relatively smoothly in leaf and vagina. The differences of K, Ca, and Mg contents in different parts of TMC and MMC were obvious. The K content in aboveground parts of TMC was generally higher than that of MMC, while the Ca and Mg contents in the root and vagina of MMC were higher than those of TMC. The K, Ca, and Mg storage and accumulation in different parts of TMC and MMC also differed. Root had the greatest K, Ca, and Mg storage, occupying 63.82 +/- 23.19%, 78.68 +/- 15.44%, and 76.48 +/- 19.06% of the total storage in TMC and 85.23 +/- 9.20%, 93.51 +/- 3.46%, and 92.39 +/- 3.22% in MMC, respectively. The aboveground parts of TMC had a higher storage of K, Ca and Mg than those of MMC, while the root was in adverse. Such a difference was mainly due to ecological characteristics of C. angustifolia and its habitat conditions.

[Nitrogen accumulation and allocation in Calamagrostis angusifolia in different plant communities of Sanjiang Plain]

From May to October in 2004, the characteristics of nitrogen (N) accumulation and allocation in Calamagrostis angustifolia, the dominant species in the typical meadow and marsh meadow communities of Sanjiang Plain, were studied. The results showed that the total nitrogen (TN) content in the aboveground organs and litters of typical meadow C. angustifolia (TMC) and marsh meadow C. angustifolia (MMC) decreased during growth season, which could be described by exponential decay model (TN = Aexp (-t/B1) + B2, R2 > or = 0.94). The TN content in TMC and MMC roots fluctuated greatly, and a significant N accumulation period (15-30 d) was observed before the coming of growth midseason. The N accumulation amount and rate of different organs and litters had obvious seasonal changes, and their values of the aboveground organs were much higher for TMC than for MMC, while the values of the roots were in adverse. The N allocation ratio of different parts of TMC and MMC also had significant differences. Root was the important N storage, and the root N allocation ratio of TMC and MMC was (59.38 +/- 12.86)% and (84.58 +/- 3.38)%, respectively. Among the aboveground parts, leaf had the highest N allocation ratio, being (24.28 +/- 12.09)% for TMC and (8.18 +/- 3.32)% for MMC. The change patterns of the N allocation ratio of aboveground and underground parts were just in adverse, which reflected the osculation contact in N supplement aspect. The annual N absorption amount and maximum standing crop of TMC and MMC were 23.02, 36.30 g x m(-2), and 28.18, 51.43 g x m(-2), respectively. The N absorption coefficient and utilization coefficient of TMC were much higher than those of MMC (0.017 and 0.634 relative to 0.015 and 0.548, respectively), illustrating that TMC had higher capability of N absorption and utilization than MMC.

Treatment of Intracerebral Glioblastomas with G422 Tumour Cell Vaccine in a Mouse Model

The aim of this study was to develop a tumour vaccine with the ability to induce and expand higher affinity cytotoxic T lymphocytes and stimulate an effective antitumour immune response. The hypothesis tested was that G422 glioblastoma cells modified with B7-1 and interferon (IFN)-γ genes could serve as a tumour vaccine. It was found that therapeutic subcutaneous immunizations with this tumour vaccine significantly induced a cytotoxic T-cell response and prolonged the survival of female Kuming mice with intracerebral G422 tumour isografts. The data collectively suggested that G422 glioblastoma cells genetically modified with B7-1 and IFN-γ genes could serve as a tumour vaccine.

Element cycling in the dominant plant community in the Alpine tundra zone of Changbai Mountains, China

Element cycling in the dominant plant communities including Rh. aureum, Rh. redowskianum and Vaccinium uliginosum in the Alpine tundra zone of Changbai Mountains in northeast China was studied. The results indicate that the amount of elements from litter decomposition was less than that of the plant uptake from soil, but that from plant uptake was higher than that in soil with mineralization process released. On the other hand, in the open system including precipitation input and soil leaching output, because of great number of elements from precipitation into the open system, the element cycling(except N, P) in the Alpine tundra ecosystem was in a dynamic balance. In this study, it was also found that different organ of plants had significant difference in accumulating elements. Ca, Mg, P and N were accumulated more obviously in leaves, while Fe was in roots. The degree of concentration of elements in different tissues of the same organ of the plants also was different, a higher concentration of Ca, Mg, P and N in mesophyll than in nerve but Fe was in a reversed order. The phenomenon indicates (1) a variety of biochemical functions of different elements, (2) the elements in mesophyll were with a shorter turnover period than those in nerve or fibre, but higher utilization rate for plant. Therefore, this study implies the significance of keeping element dynamic balance in the alpine tundra ecosystem of Changbai Mountains.

[Immune modulatory and therapeutical effect of shenqi tablet accessory therapy in treating recurrent genital herpes]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the immune modulatory and therapeutical effect of Shenqi tablet (SQT) in treating recurrent genital herpes.

METHODS

Sixty-three patients were randomly divided into two groups, the SQT group (34 cases) and the control group (29 cases). The immunologic function of patients was determined before and after treatment and the recurrence rate of two groups was compared.

RESULTS

In the SQT group after treatment, CD3, CD4 and CD4/CD8 ratio raised, CD8 percent lowered, serum interleukin 2 (SIL-2) and RBC-C3b raised and serum SIL-2 receptor lowered (all P < 0.05), while in the control group, the above-mentioned parameters were not changed significantly. Follow-up conducted 6 months after treatment showed that the recurrence rate in the SQT group was 26.5% (9 cases), which was lower than that in the control group (72.4%, 21 cases) significantly (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

SQT has immune modulatory effect in patients with recurrent genital herpes, it could reduce the recurrence rate.

[An autopsy study of 7 sudden death cases due to acute hemorrhagic enteritis]

7 sudden death cases due to acute hemorrhagic enteritis were analyzed to investigate the age, sex, clinical symptoms, medical diagnosis and anatomic results. The results showed that, because the pathological changes were not typical and clinical symptoms were varid, It was easy to come to erroneous diagnosis and cause medical disputes.