Theoretical Study on Ethylamine Dissociation Reactions Using VRC-VTST and SS-QRRK Methods

Barrierless bond dissociation reactions play an important role in fuel combustion. In this work, the pressure-dependent dissociation rate constants of ethylamine (EA) are accurately determined using variable-reaction-coordinate variational transition-state theory combined with the system-specific quantum Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel method. Before the kinetics calculations, the performances of four density functional theory methods in describing the bond dissociation of EA are evaluated against the benchmark method, FIC-MRCISD(T)+Q/cc-pVTZ, and the MN15-L/cc-pVTZ method is the best choice. By comparison of the Gibbs free energies and the rate constants for the bond dissociation reactions of EA, ethanol, and propane, the influence of functional groups on the reaction kinetics is discussed. The kinetics calculations show that the dissociation rate constants of EA are sensitive to pressure at low pressures and high temperatures, and the dominant channel is the reaction that yields C2H5 and NH2 radicals. A literature combustion model of EA is updated with our calculations, and the satisfactory agreement between the model predictions and reported ignition delay times of EA suggests the reliability of our calculations.

[Research of miR-29a on TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway in pulmonary fibrosis induced by neodymium oxide]

Objective: To exploring the regulatory effect of miR-29a on the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) /Smad homolog 3 (Smad3) pathway during the process of rare earth neodymium oxide (Nd(2)O(3)) induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Methods: In March 2021, 72 SPF grade C57/BL6J male mice were selected and randomly divided into a control group, Nd(2)O(3) group, Nd(2)O(3)+miR-29a agomir group, and Nd(2)O(3)+NC agomir group, with 18 mice in each group. The Nd(2)O(3) group, Nd(2)O(3)+miR-29a agomir group, and Nd(2)O(3)+NC agomir group were treated with non exposed tracheal instillation, with a dust concentration of 250 mg/ml and a dust volume of 0.1 ml. The control group was given the same volume of physiological saline. After exposure to Nd(2)O(3), 0.1 ml (5 nmol) of miR-29a agomir was injected into the tail vein of mice in the Nd(2)O(3)+miR-29a agomir group every 3 days, while 0.1 ml of NC agomir was injected into the tail vein of mice in the Nd(2)O(3)+NC agomir group. On the 7 th, 14 th, and 28 th days after dust exposure, 6 mice were killed in each group, and the lung tissue of the mice was taken out. HE staining was used to observe the pathological status of the mouse lung tissue; ELISA method was used to detect the levels of TGF-β1 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in lung tissue; Use qRT-PCR detection method to detect the expression level of TGF-β1 mRNA; Using immunofluorescence assay to detect the expression level of Smad3 in mouse lung tissue; Use bioinformatics websites such as TargetScan7 and miRDB to predict the target gene of miR-29a. When the metrological date were satisfied with normal distribution, Mean±SD was used for comparison between groups, t test was used for two indepent samples, and LSD method was used when the variance was homogeneity in pairwise comparison. Results: HE staining showed that the Nd(2)O(3) group of mice showed obvious infiltration of inflammatory cells and structural disorder of alveoli in the early stage of lung tissue. At 28 days, the collagen fibers in the mouse lung tissue increased and the lung tissue showed fibrotic honeycomb like changes. The degree of pulmonary fibrosis in the Nd(2)O(3)+miR-29a agomir group of mice was significantly reduced; The content of TGF-β1 and CTGF in the lung tissue of mice in the Nd(2)O(3)+miR-29a agomir group was lower than that in the Nd(2)O(3)+NC agomir group (P<0.05) ; The relative expression level of TGF-β1 in the lung tissue of mice in the Nd(2)O(3)+miR-29a agomir group was lower than that in the Nd(2)O(3)+NC agomir group (P<0.05) ; The expression level of Smad3 in the nucleus of the Nd(2)O(3)+miR-29a agomir group was lower than that of the Nd(2)O(3)+NC agomir group (P<0.05). The prediction results of bioinformatics websites have found 152 downstream target genes related to miR-29a, among which FBN1, MAP2K6, KPNB1, COL1A2, SNIP1, LAMC1, and SP1 genes may be related to the regulatory effect of miR-29a on TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. Conclusion: miR-29a may affect lung fibrosis induced by rare earth Nd(2)O(3) exposure in mice by regulating TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. Overexpression of miR-29a may inhibit TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway and reduce the degree of pulmonary fibrosis in mice.

[In vitro activity of β-lactamase inhibitors avibanvctam and relebactam in combination with β-lactams against multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis and mutations of resistance genes]

Objective: To evaluate the activity of six β-lactams in combination with three β-lactamase inhibitors against mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) in vitro. Methods: A total of 105 multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) strains from different regions of Henan province from January to September 2020 were included in this study. Drug activity of six β-lactams (biapenem, meropenem, imipenem, doripenem, ertapenem and tebipenem) alone or in combination with β-lactamase inhibitors (clavulanic acid, avibactam and relebactam) was examined by minimum inhibitory concentration method (MICs) against 105 clinical isolates. Mutations of blaC, ldtmt1 and ldtmt2 were analyzed by PCR and DNA sequencing. Chi-square test was used to compare the antimicrobial activities of different β-lactam drugs. Results: Out of the β-lactams used herein, tebipenem was the most effective against MDR-TB and had an MIC50 value of 8 mg/L(χ2=123.70,P=0.001). Besides, after the addition of β-lactamase inhibitors, the MICs of most β-lactam drugs were reduced more evidently in the presence of avibactam and relebactam compared to clavulanic acid.Especially, relebactam decreased both the MIC50 and MIC90 of telbipenem by 16-fold, and diluted the MIC of 23 (21.90%) and 41 (39.04%) isolatesby 32-fold and 16-fold.In addition, a total of 13.33% (14/105) of isolates harbored mutations in the blaC gene, with three different nucleotide substitutions: AGT333AGG, AAC638ACC and ATC786ATT. For the strains with Ser111Arg and Asn213Thr substitution in BlaC, the MIC values of the meropenem-clavulanate combination were reduced compared with a synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) group. Conclusions: Both avibactam and relebactam had better synergistic effects on β-lactams than clavulanic acid. The combination of tebipenem and relebactam showed the most potent activity against MDR-TB isolates. In addition, the Ser111Arg and Asn213Thr substitution of BlaC may be associated with an increased susceptibility of MDR-TB isolates to meropenem in the presence of clavulanate.

[Historical review of schistosomiasis prevention and treatment in southern Anhui from 1950 to 1970]

From 1950 to 1970, under the leadership of the central government, workstations for the prevention and control of schistosomiasis were established in the southern Anhui region. In terms of controlling the source of the disease, light and severe epidemic areas were scientifically divided. By opening new ditches to replace old ones, changing paddy fields to dry fields, and using traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine to prevent the intermediate host of schistosomiasis, oncomelania from surviving. By managing the feces from human and animals and controlling the water source, the transmission route of schistosome eggs has been effectively cut off. At the same time, the education of hygiene awareness among susceptible populations were strengthened. In terms of diagnosis, modern physical and biochemical detection were used to improve the accuracy of diagnosis. In terms of treatment, by combining traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, together with the splenectomy, the cure rates were improved. In the process of preventing and controlling schistosomiasis, the governments of Anhui Province and the southern region of Anhui Province achieved good results, providing useful reference for the prevention and control of other diseases.

[The role of Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway in liver injury induced by rare earth neodymium oxide in mice]

Objective: To investigate the role of Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in liver injury induced by neodymium oxide (Nd(2)O(3)) in mice. Methods: In March 2021, forty-eight SPF grade healthy male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group (0.9% NaCl), low dose group (62.5 mg/ml Nd(2)O(3)), medium dose group (125.0 mg/ml Nd(2)O(3)), and high dose group (250.0 mg/ml Nd(2)O(3)), each group consisted of 12 animals. The infected groups were treated with Nd(2)O(3) suspension by non-exposed tracheal drip and were killed 35 days after dust exposure. The liver weight of each group was weighed and the organ coefficient was calculated. The content of Nd(3+) in liver tissue was detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). HE staining and immunofluorescence was used to observe the changes of inflammation and nuclear entry. The mRNA expression levels of Keap1, Nrf2 and HO-1 in mice liver tissue were detected by qRT-PCR. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of Keap1 and HO-1. The contents of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) were detected by colorimetric method. The contents of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were determined by ELISA. The data was expressed in Mean±SD. Two-independent sample t-test was used for inter-group comparison, and one-way analysis of variance was used for multi-group comparison. Results: Compared with the control group, the liver organ coefficient of mice in medium and high dose groups were increased, and the Nd(3+) accumulation in liver of mice in all dose groups were significantly increased (P<0.05). Pathology showed that the structure of liver lobules in the high dose group was slightly disordered, the liver cells showed balloon-like lesions, the arrangement of liver cell cords was disordered, and the inflammatory exudation was obvious. Compared with the control group, the levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in liver tissue of mice in all dose groups were increased, and the levels of TNF-α in liver tissue of mice in high dose group were increased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Keap1 in high dose group were significantly decreased, while the mRNA expression level of Nrf2, the mRNA and protein expression levels of HO-1 were significantly increased (P<0.05), and Nrf2 was successfully activated into the nucleus. Compared with the control group, the activities of CAT, GSH-Px and T-SOD in high dose group were significantly decreased (P<0.05) . Conclusion: A large amount of Nd(2)O(3) accumulates in the liver of male mice, which may lead to oxidative stress and inflammatory response through activation of Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway. It is suggested that Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway may be one of the mechanisms of Nd(2)O(3) expose-induced liver injury in mice.

[Clinical and chest CT features of immune checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis]

Objective: To explore the clinical and chest computed tomography (CT) features and the outcome of immune checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis (CIP). Methods: Clinical and chest CT data of 38 CIP patients with malignant tumors from the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between August 2017 and April 2021 were retrospectively reviewed, and the outcomes of pneumonitis were followed up. Results: The median time from the administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) to the onset of CIP was 72.5 days in 38 patients with CIP, and 22 patients developed CIP within 3 months after the administration of ICIs. The median occurrence time of CIP in 24 lung cancer patients was 54.5 days, earlier than 119.0 days of non-lung cancer patients (P=0.138), with no significant statistical difference. 34 patients (89.5%) were accompanied by symptoms when CIP occurred. The common clinical symptoms were cough (29 cases) and dyspnea (27 cases). The distribution of CIP on chest CT was asymmetric in 31 cases and symmetrical in 7 cases. Among the 24 lung cancer patients, inflammation was mainly distributed ipsilateral to the primary lung cancer site in 16 cases and diffusely distributed throughout the lung in 8 cases. Ground glass opacities (37 cases) and consolidation (30 cases) were the common imaging manifestations, and organizing pneumonia (OP) pattern (15 cases) was the most common pattern. In 30 CIP patients who were followed up for longer than one month, 17 cases had complete absorption (complete absorption group), and 13 cases had partial absorption or kept stable (incomplete absorption group). The median occurrence time of CIP in the complete absorption group was 55 days, shorter than 128 days of the incomplete absorption group (P=0.022). Compared with the incomplete absorption group, there were less consolidation(P=0.010) and CIP were all classified as hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) pattern (P=0.004) in the complete absorption group. Conclusions: CIP often occurs within 3 months after ICIs treatment, and the clinical and CT findings are lack of specificity. Radiologic features may have a profound value in predicting the outcome of CIP.

[Yin Chan Quan Shu, the Obstetrics and Gynecology Monograph by Wang Kentang]

Yin Chan Quan Shu (Obstetrics and gynecology monograph) is a monograph on obstetrics and gynecology compiled by Wang Kentang in the Ming Dynasty. It had four volumes and was published in the thirtieth year of Wanli (1602) in the Ming Dynasty after it was edited by Zhang Shoukong and others. It was found that Yin Chan Quan Shu has four versions remaining. They were the version printed by Shu Lin Qiao Shan Tang in the Ming Dynasty, held in the National Library of China and the Cabinet Library of Japanese Official Documents Library; the version revised according to the version of Shu Lin Qiao Shan Tang, held in the Library of Capital Medical University, Tianjin Medical College, Shanghai Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, the Library of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine and the Cabinet Library of the National Archives of Japan; the version based on the version of Shu Lin Qiao Shan Tang in the Ming Dynasty, transcribed in the fourth year of Wen Hua (1807), collected in the Cabinet Library of the National Archives of Japan; the version transcribed according to the revised version in the Ming Dynasty, collected in the Shanghai Branch of the Chinese Medical Association. It was found that there was no evidence to support the existence of the so-called "version of Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty". This means almost all versions remaining came from the versions published in the Ming Dynasty. The references of Yin Chan Quan Shu came from Pulse Classic (Mai Jing), Chan Bao, Fu Ren Da Quan Liang Fang and other works with the supplement and development by Wang Kentang.Yin Chan Quan Shu was the main sources and foundation of the Criteria of Syndrome Identification and Treatment in Gynecology (Nv Ke Zheng Zhi Zhun Sheng) by Wang Kentang.

[Effects of Nd(2)O(3) exposure of rare earth particles on C57 BL/6J male mice sex hormone secretion and CYP11A1/PLZF/STRA8 protein expression]

Objective: To explore the effects of Nd(2)O(3) exposure to rare earth particles on the secretion of sex hormones, cytochrome P450 family member 11A1 (CYP11A1) , spermatogenesis markers promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF) and retinoic acid stimulating gene 8 (STRA8) protein in C57 BL/6J male mice. Methods: In March 2021, Forty-eight male C57 BL/6J mice aged 6-8 weeks divided into control group and Nd(2)O(3) exposure low, medium and high dose groups (exposing doses of 62.5, 125.0, 250.0 mg/ml Nd(2)O(3)) , 12 per group. The mice in the Nd(2)O(3) groups were perfused with different doses of Nd(2)O(3) suspension by a one-time non-exposing tracheal instillation method, and the control group was perfused with an equal volume of normal saline, with a volume of 0.1 ml, to establish a mouse reproductive function injury model. After 28 days of exposure, the mice's body weight, testes and epididymis were weighed, and the organ coefficients were calculated; the two epididymis were taken to make a sperm suspension to determine the sperm count, survival rate, and deformity rate; inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method was used to detect the content of Nd in mouse testis tissue; HE staining was used to detect testicular tissue pathological changes and quantitative analysis; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to detect serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone (T) content; western blot was used to detect the protein levels of CYP11A1, PLZF and STRA8 in testicular tissues. Results: Compared with the control group, with the increase of the exposure dose, the Nd content in the testis of the mice showed an increasing trend, the sperm survival rate and LH showed a decreasing trend, and the sperm deformity rate showed an increasing trend (P<0.05) ; Pathological showed that the number of sperm in the seminiferous tubules of the testicular tissue in the Nd(2)O(3) medium and high dose groups was significantly reduced, and the germinal epithelial disintegration, intraepithelial vacuolization, and exfoliation of spermatogenic cells and supporting cells occurred; The height of germinal epithelium was significantly reduced, and the percentage of damaged seminiferous tubules showed an increasing trend (P<0.05) ; FSH and T levels in serum in the middle and high dose groups of Nd(2)O(3), and CYP11A1, PLZF and STRA8 proteins in testicular tissues showed a downward trend with increasing dose (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The rare earth particulate Nd(2)O(3) may interfere with the expression of CYP11A1, PLZF and STRA8 protein, thereby causing the disorder of sex hormone secretion in the body, the maintenance of spermatogonia and the obstruction of the process of meiosis, causing reproductive function damage.

[Experience in emergency response to 2019-nCoV positive cases in an international test competition]

Objective: To analyze the performance of emergency response to 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) positive cases in an international test competition in an Winter Olympic Game venue and provide evidences for the COVID-19 prevention and control in similar competitions. Methods: A retrospective analysis on the epidemiological investigation and nucleic acid test results of the cases, the implementation of prevention and control measures, including the communication with sport teams and others, was conducted. Results: The positive cases of 2019-nCoV among entering people were detected before entry, at airport, hotel and venue. Two positive cases were reported before entry, 2 positive cases infected previously and 3 asymptomatic cases were reported after the entry. The venue public health team and local CDC conducted epidemiological investigation and contact assessment jointly in a timely and efficient manner. No local secondary transmission occurred, but the nucleic acid test results of positive persons fluctuated, posing serious challenges to the implementation of prevention and control measures. Conclusion: In large scale international competition, there is high risk of imported COVID-19. It is necessary to fully consider the fluctuation of nucleic acid test results, the criteria for determination and cancellation of positive results and give warm care to positive cases in the emergency response.

[The versions of Shiguzhai Hui Ju Jian Bian Dan Fang by Wu Mianxue]

Shiguzhai Hui Ju Jian Bian Dan Fang, was the only medical book for prescription and formula collected and compiled by Wu Mianxue in the period of the Wanli in the Ming Dynasty (1573-1620). It had seven volumes in total with six of them popular at that time. The volumes contained 1,460 folk formula and clinical prescriptions which were divided into 111 categories based on their corresponding symptoms of diseases. The set was issued in the beginning of the 17^th century, with only three subsets of the volumes left in China today. The three remained versions were the subset of volumes 4-5 left in the Ming Dynasty in the Medical College of Tianjin, the subset of volumes 1-2 and 6-7, with preface, left in the seventeenth of the Shun Zhi Period in the Qing Dynasty (1660) in the Shanghai University of Chinese Medicine and the subset of volumes 4 and 6-7 from time unknown. Additionally, three unabridged versions were found in the Cabinet Library of the National Archives of Japan. They were the Ming version with preface of the seventeenth of the Shun Zhi Period in the Qing Dynasty and a hand-copied version left in the Edo period. It was found that the preface in the seventeenth of the Shun Zhi Period in the Qing Dynasty in both of these versions in China as well as the version in Japan, were counterfeit. The main texts in these versions were edited according to the Ming version. The hand-copied version in Japan was transcribed by Kasahara Eisan and edited by Tanba Motoken according to the Ming version in the late Edo Period.

[Research progress on the regulatory mechanism of non-coding RNA in arsenic toxicity]

Arsenic is a non-metallic element, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer has identified arsenic and its compounds as carcinogens. Arsenic and its compounds can be absorbed through the respiratory tract, skin and digestive tract, distributed in the liver, kidney, lung and skin, and cause damage. Non-coding RNAs are closely related to arsenic-induced nervous system disorders, cell necrosis, reproductive toxicity, and carcinogenesis. In recent years, the network regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) , long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) , and circular RNAs (circRNAs) among non-coding RNAs in various diseases induced by arsenic has become a new research field. This paper summarizes the existing scientific research results, and expounds the mechanism of miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs in arsenic toxicity, and provides basic data and theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of arsenic poisoning.

[Safety and efficacy of left atrial appendage closure combined with patent foramen ovale closure for atrial fibrillation patients with patent foramen ovale]

Objective: To analyze the safety and efficacy of combined left atrial appendage (LAA) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure in adult atrial fibrillation (AF) patients complicating with PFO. Methods: This study is a retrospective and cross-sectional study. Seven patients with AF complicated with PFO diagnosed by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in Zhoupu Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences from June 2017 to October 2020 were selected. Basic data such as age, gender and medical history were collected. The atrial septal defect or PFO occluder and LAA occluder were selected according to the size of PFO, the ostia width and depth of LAA. Four patients underwent left atrial appendage closure(LAAC) and PFO closure at the same time. PFO closure was performed during a one-stop procedure of cryoablation combined with LAAC in 2 patients. One patient underwent PFO closure at 10 weeks after one-stop procedure because of recurrent transient ischemic attack (TIA). All patients continued to take oral anticoagulants. TEE was repeated 8-12 weeks after intervention. In case of device related thrombus(DRT), TEE shall be rechecked 6 months after adjusting anticoagulant and antiplatelet drug treatment. Patients were follow-up at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 months by telephone call, and the occurrence of cardio-cerebrovascular events was recorded. Results: Among the 7 patients with AF, 2 were male, aged (68.0±9.4) years, and 3 had a history of recurrent cerebral infarction and TIA. Average PFO diameter was (3.5±0.8)mm. Three patients were implanted with Watchman LAA occluder (30, 30, 33 mm) and atrial septal defect occluder (8, 9, 16 mm). 2 patients were implanted with LAmbre LAA occluder (34/38, 18/32 mm) and PFO occluder (PF1825, PF2525). 2 patients were implanted with LACbes LAA occluder (24, 28 mm) and PFO occluder (PF2525, PF1825) respectively. The patients were followed up for 12 (11, 24) months after operation. TEE reexamination showed that the position of LAA occluder and atrial septal defect occluder or PFO occluder was normal in all patients. DRT was detected in 1 patient, and anticoagulant therapy was adjusted in this patient. 6 months later, TEE showed that DRT disappeared. No cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events occurred in all patients with AF during follow-up. Conclusions: In AF patients complicated with PFO, LAAC combined with PFO closure may have good safety and effectiveness.

Sire pedigree error estimation and sire verification of the Taiwan dairy cattle population by using SNP markers

Information regarding the correct pedigree of and relationship between animals is useful for managing dairy breeding, reducing inbreeding, estimating breeding value, and establishing correct breeding programs. Additionally, the successful implementation of progeny testing is crucial for improving the genetics of dairy cattle, which depends on the availability of correct pedigree information. Incorrect pedigree information leads to bias in bull evaluation. In this study, Neogen GeneSeek Genomic Profiler (GGP) 50K SNP chips were used to identify and verify the sire of Taiwanese Holstein dairy cattle and analyze the reasons that lead to incorrect sire records. Samples were collected from 2,059 cows of 36 dairy farms, and the pedigree information was provided by breeders. The results of sire verification can be divided into three categories: submitted unconfirmed sire, submitted confirmed sire, and incorrectly submitted verified sire. Data on the sires of 1,323 (64.25%) and 572 (27.78%) dairy cows were verified and discovered, respectively. Sires of 1,895 (92.03%) dairy cattle were identified, which showed that the paternal pedigree of dairy cattle could be discovered and verified through genetic testing. An error-like analysis revealed that the data of 37 sires were incorrectly recorded because the bull's NAAB code number was incorrectly entered into the insemination records: for 19 sires, the wrong bull was recorded because the frozen semen of a bull placed in the wrong storage tank was used, 6 had no sire records, and for 12 sires, the NAAB code of the correct bull was recorded but with a wrong stud code, marketing code, or unique number for the stud or breed. To reduce recorded sire error rates by at least 27.78%, automated identification of the mated bull must be adopted to reduce human error and improve dairy breeding management on dairy farms.

[Review of San Xiao Lun]

San Xiao Lun is a posthumous manuscript by Liu Wansu. It discussed the etiology, pathogenesis and therapeutic principles of diabetes with special prescriptions for it. Most references in this book came from the works of Liu Wansu himself and some of them came from the works of other sources, such as The Internal Cannon of Medicine. It can be seen that it was a book with Liu Wansu's rethinking and summerising about diabetes after he completed his other works. San Xiao Lun was first published in Ru Men Shi Qin in the Jin Dynasty. It was also cited by Yi Fang Lei Ju in Korea in 1445. It was fully recorded and published in Ru Men Shi Qin in the Wanli Period in the Ming Dynasty and therefore, became the basic version of the current one. After that, it envolved into Si Ku Quan Shu. In the end of the Qing Dynasty, this book was published independently with the comments by Zhou Xuehai, being one of the books in the Zhous' Series Medical Books(Zhou Shi Yi Xue Cong Shu).

[Progress on clinical trials of cancer drugs in China, 2020]

Objective: To explore the latest progress of oncology drug clinical trials in China under COVID-19, as well as to provide decision-making evidence for related stakeholders. Research progress of oncology drug trials and approved cancer drugs in China in 2020 were systematically summarized and compared with 2019. Methods: Information Disclosure Platform for Drug Clinical Studies and China Food and Drug Administration Query System for Domestic and Imported Drug were searched for registered clinical trials and approved oncology drugs, respectively. The trial scope, stage, drug type, effect and mechanism of domestic and global pharmaceutical enterprises were compared between 2019 and 2020. Results: A total of 722 cancer drug trials registered in China in 2020, with an annual growth rate of 52.3%, accounting for 28.3% of all registered trials. Among them, 603 (83.5%) trials were initiated by domestic pharmaceutical enterprises, and 105 (14.5%) were international multicenter trials, phase I trials accounted for 44.5%. For all those trials, there were 458 cancer drug varieties, with an annual growth rate of 36.7%, and 361 (85.8%) were developed by domestic enterprises. Most of the investigational products were therapeutic innovative drugs (77.1%), major in tumor treatment (92.8%). In terms of mechanism, targeted drugs were the most popular, accounting for 76.6%, and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) were the most common targets. In addition, there were 19 anticancer drugs from 17 companies approved in China in 2019, with 10 drugs from domestic companies. Lung cancer and breast cancer are the most common indications for both registered trials and marketed drugs. No statistically significant differences were found between 2020 and 2019 in terms of the distribution of trial sponsor, scope and stage, as well as the distribution of drug type, effect and mechanism (P>0.05). Conclusions: During the Covid-19 epidemic period, clinical trials of oncology drugs in China progress smoothly and maintain a high growth rate. Series of innovative products obtained by domestic enterprises in 2020 is the main driving force of development of oncology drug clinical trials in China.

Unusual Near-Horizon Cosmic-Ray-like Events Observed by ANITA-IV

ANITA's fourth long-duration balloon flight in 2016 detected 29 cosmic-ray (CR)-like events on a background of 0.37_{-0.17}^{+0.27} anthropogenic events. CRs are mainly seen in reflection off the Antarctic ice sheets, creating a phase-inverted waveform polarity. However, four of the below-horizon CR-like events show anomalous noninverted polarity, a p=5.3×10^{-4} chance if due to background. All anomalous events are from locations near the horizon; ANITA-IV observed no steeply upcoming anomalous events similar to the two such events seen in prior flights.

[Comparison of clinical efficacy of robotic, laparoscopic and open surgery in the treatment of severe rectal prolapse]

Objective: To analyze and compare the efficacy of robotic, laparoscopic and open dorsal mesh rectopexy in the treatment of severe rectal prolapse. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed. Patients who had a full-thickness rectum pulled out of the anus before surgery and the length was greater than 8 cm, and underwent transabdominal dorsal mesh rectopexy were enrolled in the study. Those who had urinary or sexual dysfunction before surgery, could not perform sexual function scores due to lack of a fixed sexual partner or sexual activity after surgery, underwent laparotomy again during the perioperative period, were transferred to laparotomy during robotic or laparoscopic surgery, or had no complete information, were excluded. A total of 61 patients with severe rectal prolapse in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from 2014 to 2018 were enrolled and divided into robotic group (20 cases), laparoscopic group (20 cases) and open group (21 cases) according to the operative procedure based on patients' will. Perioperative parameters were compared among the 3 groups. The International Prostatic Symptoms Score Scale (IPSS, higher score indicates more severe urinary dysfunction), the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF-15, lower score indicates more severe male sexual dysfunction) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-19, lower score indicates more severe female sexual dysfunction) were used to evaluate and compare the urinary and sexual function before and after operation. Results: There were no significant differences in baseline data among the 3 groups (all P>0.05). In the robotic, laparoscopic and open groups respectively, the operative time was (176.3±13.8) minutes, (160.2±12.1) minutes and (134.2±12.1) minutes; intraoperative blood loss was (58.5±18.9) ml, (67.9±15.7) ml and (114.2±8.4) ml; the first time to ambulation was (19.9±6.8) hours, (24.0±8.9) hours and (37.7±11.4) hours; the first time to gas passage was (31.8±6.8) hours, (35.7±8.9) hours and (49.2±11.2) hours; the hospitalization time was (11.0±1.4) days, (11.4±1.4) days and (13.3±2.1) days; whose differences among 3 groups were all significant (all P<0.001). While no significant differences in morbidity of complication and recurrence among 3 groups were observed (all P>0.05). In the robotic, laparoscopic and open groups respectively, the preoperative IPSS score was (4.2±1.7), (4.4±1.3), and (4.7±1.8); the IPSS score at postoperative 3-month was (8.5±2.5), (9.9±1.7), and (12.2±3.1); IPSS score at postoperative 12-month was (4.3±1.6), (5.8±1.3), and (6.3±1.5), respectively. Compared to preoperative score, postoperative IPSS score increased obviously, then decreased gradually (P<0.001). Preoperative male IIEE score was (22.8±1.8), (22.1±2.1), and (22.6±1.5). In the robotic, laparoscopic and open groups respectively, male IIEE score at postoperative 6-month was (19.6±2.1), (17.1±2.1), and (15.0±2.1); male IIEE score at postoperative 12-month was (22.4±1.6), (19.9±1.5), (17.9±1.8), respectively. Preoperative female FSFI score was (26.4±3.4), (26.6±3.2), and (26.6±3.0); female FSFI score at postoperative 6-month was (21.5±3.3), (18.9±2.9), (17.0±2.6); female FSFI score at postoperative 12-month was (26.1±2.7), (22.7±3.2), and (21.2±2.3), respectively. Postoperative male IIEE score and female FSFI score decreased significantly and then increased gradually with time, whose differences were all significant (all P<0.05). Postoperative IPSS, IIEE, and FSFI scores in the robotic group were superior to those in the laparoscopic and open groups (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Robotic surgery is safe and effective in the treatment of severe rectal prolapse, and is more advantageous in preserving urinary function and sexual function.

[Pathological diagnosis of lung cancer based on deep transfer learning]

Objective: To establish an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted diagnostic system for lung cancer via deep transfer learning. Methods: The researchers collected 519 lung pathologic slides from 2016 to 2019, covering various lung tissues, including normal tissues, adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and small cell carcinoma, from the Beijing Chest Hospital, the Capital Medical University. The slides were digitized by scanner, and 316 slides were used as training set and 203 as the internal test set. The researchers labeled all the training slides by pathologists and establish a semantic segmentation model based on DeepLab v3 with ResNet-50 to detect lung cancers at the pixel level. To perform transfer learning, the researchers utilized the gastric cancer detection model to initialize the deep neural network parameters. The lung cancer detection convolutional neural network was further trained by fine-tuning of the labeled data. The deep learning model was tested by 203 slides in the internal test set and 1 081 slides obtained from TCIA database, named as the external test set. Results: The model trained with transfer learning showed substantial accuracy advantage against the one trained from scratch for the internal test set [area under curve (AUC) 0.988 vs. 0.971, Kappa 0.852 vs. 0.832]. For the external test set, the transferred model achieved an AUC of 0.968 and Kappa of 0.828, indicating superior generalization ability. By studying the predictions made by the model, the researchers obtained deeper understandings of the deep learning model. Conclusions: The lung cancer histopathological diagnostic system achieves higher accuracy and superior generalization ability. With the development of histopathological AI, the transfer learning can effectively train diagnosis models and shorten the learning period, and improve the model performance.

[Investigation on two family clusters of COVID-19 in a county of Baotou city in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region]

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and transmission chain of COVID-19 in two families, and to provide scientific evidence for effective prevention and control measures. Methods: Field epidemiological investigation was conducted for the COVID-19 cases occurred in two families and the close contacts in a county of Baotou city in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Descriptive statistical analysis on epidemiological data was conducted. Results: The infection source of the COVID-19 cases in the two families was a man who had living history in Wuhan. After his return, his parents were infected by him. A few days later, the members of a neighbor family were found to be infected, and relatives of this family were also infected after dining together repeatedly. Finally, ten confirmed cases and three suspected cases of COVID-19 were detected in the two families. Conclusions: Human-to-human transmission of COVID-19 can occur not only in a family but also in neighborhoods. The cases in two families had close relationship, indicating the necessity to strengthen the health education about COVID-19 prevention and control and the management of groups at high risk to reduce the incidence of COVID-19 in families and neighborhoods.

[A review of immune-related adverse events associated with immunotherapy]

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have been approved for clinical application in China. However, the increased immune-related adverse event (irAE) needs more attention. This review summarized the incidence, characteristic clinical manifestation and treatment of irAEs associated with programmed cell death protein-1(PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand-1(PD-L1) inhibitors. To have a deep insight into irAE, the potential mechanisms, the different incidences of cancer types, influencing factors and the direction of future research were also discussed here to provide guidance for clinical oncologist to identify and monitor irAE.

[Abnormal functional connectivity between sublaterodorsal nucleus and the motor cortex in Parkinson's disease with rapid-eye-movement sleep behavior disorder]

Objective: To investigate the abnormal functional connectivity between sublaterodorsal nucleus (SLD) and the brain motor areas in Parkinson's disease with or without rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder by resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rfMRI). Methods: A total of 64 subjects recruited in the Department of Neurology, the People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University were enrolled in this study from August 2014 to December 2017 according to international diagnosis criteria, 20 cases with PD-RBD (PD-RBD group), 23 cases without PD-nRBD (PD-nRBD group) and 21 age, gender-matched healthy controls (HC group). All subjects were examined by Hoehn-Yahr, UPDRS-Ⅲ and rfMRI. Resluts: UPDRS-Ⅲ scores and Hoehn-Yahr staging were showed significantly different from that in the HC group(KW=-27.35, P<0.001) but showed no significantly difference from that in the PD-nRBD group(KW=6.01, P=0.807). Compared with the control group, the FC analysis showed reduced correlations from the left SLD to the right orbital middle frontal gyrus(T=-4.567 8, P<0.001), the left cingulate gyrus(T=-3.196 0,P<0.001), the left cerebellum(T=-4.267 0,P<0.001) and the right midbrain(T=-4.773 7, P<0.001), from the right SLD to the bilateral cerebellum (T(left)=-5.040 1, T(right)=-4.210 5, P<0.001), the left precuneus(T=-4.468 2,P<0.001) and the left precentral gyrus (T=-4.473 9,P<0.001) in the PD-RBD. The correlations between the left SLD and left cerebellum, right midbrain and between the right SLD and left precuneus, left precentral gyrus were negative correlated with the motor functional tests. Conclusions: There are abnormal functional connectivity from the SLD to the motor areas in PD-RBD patients, leading to clinical PD-RBD motor symptoms and movement disorders.

[Clinical outcomes of peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for aggressive peripheral T-cell lymphoma]

目的

研究外周血造血干细胞移植治疗外周T细胞淋巴瘤（PTCL）的疗效。

方法

回顾性分析解放军总医院血液科2007年6月至2017年6月接受外周血造血干细胞移植PTCL患者的临床资料。

结果

共有41例PTCL患者纳入研究，男30例，女11例，中位年龄38（13~57）岁。17例行自体外周血造血干细胞移植（auto-PBSCT），24例行异基因外周血造血干细胞移植（allo-PBSCT）。auto-PBSCT组ALK阳性间变大细胞淋巴瘤占47.1%（8/17），allo-PBSCT组NK/T细胞淋巴瘤和外周T细胞淋巴瘤-非特指型占66.7%（16/24）。auto-PBSCT组患者移植前疾病处于完全缓解（CR）状态者占58.8%（10/17），疾病进展（PD）状态者占11.8%（2/17）；allo-PBSCT组移植前疾病状态为CR者8.3%（2/24），PD者45.8%（11/24）。auto-PBSCT组和allo-PBSCT组移植后2年总生存率、无病生存率差异均无统计学意义[（64.0±10.8）%对（53.5±9.7）%，P=0.543；（57.1±12.4）%对（53.5±10.6）%，P=0.701]。auto-PBSCT组6例死亡，5例死于复发；allo-PBSCT组12例死亡，其中5例死于复发，7例为移植相关死亡。

结论

auto-PBSCT和allo-PBSCT均是PTCL的有效治疗方法。

[Primary tracheal malignant glomus tumor with lung metastasis diagnosed by pathological analysis: a case report and literature review]

Objective: To study the clinical manifestations, pathological features, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of primary tracheobronchial or pulmonary malignant glomus tumor (MGT). Methods: A case of primary tracheal MGT with lung metastasis diagnosed by pathological analysis admitted to Affiliated Shantou Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in May. 2015 was analyzed, and the related literatures were reviewed. We searched databases including PubMed, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane, Wanfang and Chinese National Knowledge infrastructure (CNKI), using the keyword "tracheal or bronchial or pulmonary malignant glomus tumor" from Jan. 1975 to Dec. 2016. Results: A 47 year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital because of cough, chest tightness and shortness of breath for 3 days. The chest CT showed a soft tissue mass with a diameter of 2.5 cm in the lower tracheal segment, and the lumen was narrowed. Meanwhile, multiple nodular opacities were shown in both lungs. The admission diagnosis was thyroid cancer with multiple metastases of lung. Electronic bronchoscopic airway tumor ablation and cryotherapy were performed, and then the biopsy of the tumor was conducted and the pathological study confirmed the diagnosis of primary tracheal MGT. After 1 month, the tracheal tumor recurred. Then, electronic bronchoscopic airway tumor ablation and cryotherapy were performed again. The patient declined further therapy such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy and died one month later. A total of 14 literatures including 15 cases were retrieved from databases. In addition of this case, a total of 16 cases were analyzed, including 9 males, 7 females. Age of onset ranged from 9 to 74 years, and the average age was 49 years. These patients' chest CT showed airway mass or lung space occupying lesions, and the clinical manifestations were nonspecific. Conclusions: Primary MGT in trachea, bronchus or lung is a rare disease, which is easy to be misdiagnosed or to miss diagnosis. The final diagnosis depends on pathological morphology, and the main treatment is lobectomy or tracheal segment resection surgery. Due to its high invasiveness, local recurrence and metastasis may occur easily. The primary MGT in trachea, bronchus or lung is of poor prognosis.

Therapeutic effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on mastitis experimentally induced by lipopolysaccharide in lactating goats

Escherichia coli is a cause of subclinical and clinical mastitis in dairy cattle and goats, and sometimes causes severe clinical disease that may result in death of the animal. Previous investigation showed that ginsenoside Rg1 extracted from Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Araliaceae) has an anti-inflammatory effect on the sepsis induced by E. coli lipopolysaccharide via competitive binding to toll-like receptor 4. We hypothesized that intravenous injection of Rg1 had therapeutic effect on mastitis experimentally induced by intramammary infusion of lipopolysaccharide in lactating goats. In this study, 9 lactating goats were randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 groups: (1) lipopolysaccharide intramammary infusion + saline intravenous injection, (2) lipopolysaccharide intramammary infusion + Rg1 intravenous injection, and (3) saline intramammary administration + saline intravenous injection. Because no adverse clinical signs were observed after intramammary infusion of saline and intravenous injection of Rg1 in a preliminary experiment, and available qualified goats were limited in this study, this treatment was not included in this study. One udder half of each goat received intramammary infusion of lipopolysaccharide (50 μg/kg of body weight; groups 1 and 2) or saline solution (group 3), and the other half was infused with 2 mL of saline solution at h 0. Afterward, intravenous injections of saline solution (groups 1 and 3) or Rg1 (2.5 mg/kg of body weight; group 2) were administered at h 2 and 4 post-lipopolysaccharide challenge. Blood and milk samples were collected 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 48, and 72 h post-lipopolysaccharide challenge, and clinical signs were monitored hourly after lipopolysaccharide challenge within the first 10 h and at the same time points as blood samples. The results showed that Rg1 treatment downregulated rectal temperature, udder skin temperature, udder girth, milk somatic cell count, and N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase and upregulated milk production, lactose, and recovered blood components, such as white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, total proteins, albumin, and globulin. Considering the positive therapeutic effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced mastitis in goats presented in this study as well as the anti-inflammatory activity found previously, the botanical Rg1 deserves further study as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of E. coli mastitis in dairy animals.

Observation of an Unusual Upward-Going Cosmic-Ray-like Event in the Third Flight of ANITA

We report on an upward traveling, radio-detected cosmic-ray-like impulsive event with characteristics closely matching an extensive air shower. This event, observed in the third flight of the Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA), a NASA-sponsored long-duration balloon payload, is consistent with a similar event reported in a previous flight. These events could be produced by the atmospheric decay of an upward-propagating τ lepton produced by a ν_{τ} interaction, although their relatively steep arrival angles create tension with the standard model neutrino cross section. Each of the two events have a posteriori background estimates of ≲10^{-2} events. If these are generated by τ-lepton decay, then either the charged-current ν_{τ} cross section is suppressed at EeV energies, or the events arise at moments when the peak flux of a transient neutrino source was much larger than the typical expected cosmogenic background neutrinos.

[Comparison of the efficacies of cross priming amplification and RealAmp with XpertMTB/RIF for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis at peripheral microscopic center]

Objective: To compare the efficacies of cross priming amplification (CPA) and RealAmp with XpertMTB/RIF for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis(TB) at peripheral microscopic centers. Methods: From December of 2014 to December of 2015, 3 193 patients suspected with TB were enrolled consecutively at 3 county level TB clinical clinics in Zhongmu, Xinmi and Dengzhou of Henan province. Totally 3 193 collected sputum samples were detected by smear microscopy, L-J media culture, CPA, RealAmp and Xpert MTB/RIF. The culture positive samples were tested by MPB64 for strain identification. The sensitivity and specificity of CPA, RealAmp and Xpert MTB/RIF were calculated according to L-J solid culture results and clinical diagnosis results. Results: The sensitivity of CPA, RealAmp and Xpert MTB/RIF were 85.5%(413/483), 85.5%(413/483) and 87.9%(422/480), respectively, compared with L-J solid culture, the difference among the 3 methods being not significant(χ(2)=1.6, P>0.05). The specificity of CPA, RealAmp and Xpert MTB/RIF were 96.8%(2 624/2 170), 93.2%(2 527/2 170) and 95.3%(2 567/2 170) compared with culture; and there was a significantly statistic difference among the 3 methods(χ(2)=37.8, P<0.001). The sensitivity of smear microscopy, culture, CPA, RealAmp and Xpert MTB/RIF was 21.7%(300/1 383), 34.9%(483/1 383), 34.6%(478/1 383), 39.2%(542/1 383) and 38.1%(526/1 381) compared with clinical diagnosis. The sensitivity of CPA, RealAmp and Xpert MTB/RIF was higher than that of smear (χ(2) =31.9, P<0.01), but there was no significantly statistic difference between the 3 molecular methods(χ(2)=2.9, P>0.05). The specificity of smear microscopy, L-J solid culture, CPA, RealAmp and Xpert MTB/RIF was 100%(1 810/1 810), 100%(1 810/1 810), 98.8%(1 789/1 810), 98.8%(1 756/1 810) and 97.0%(1 788/1 810), and there was no significantly statistic difference among the 3 molecular methods(χ(2)=0.16, P>0.05). Conclusion: The capability of CPA and RealAmp for diagnosing pulmonary TB was similar to Xpert MTB/RIF.The former 2 methods were more suitable to apply to the diagnoses of pulmonary TB in peripheral laboratories.

Describing the quality of life of boys with haemophilia in China: Results of a multicentre study using the CHO-KLAT

INTRODUCTION

The treatment of haemophilia varies across countries and across regions within some countries. Similar variation has been observed in health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). Relatively little is known about the HR-QoL of boys with haemophilia in China.

AIM

The aim of this study was to describe the HR-QoL of boys with haemophilia in China using the Canadian Haemophilia Outcomes-Kids Life Assessment Tool (CHO-KLAT).

METHODS

Boys (4-18 years of age) with haemophilia and their parents were enroled in a cross-sectional study. All parents/guardians of study subjects were requested to complete a CHO-KLAT questionnaire during a clinic visit, and report on several other clinical and socioeconomic factors in the past year. Boys who were > 7 years also completed the CHO-KLAT.

RESULTS

A total of 269 parents of boys with haemophilia, from 13 hospitals in 12 provinces, were enroled during 2014. The boys ranged from 4.0 to 17.9 years of age; 91% had haemophilia A, most had moderate (52%) or severe (36%) disease, and most were receiving sub-optimal on-demand therapy or low-dose prophylactic therapy. Child self-report CHO-KLAT scores were available for 171 boys ≥7 years of age and ranged from 24.2 to 85.3 with a mean of 57.6 (n = 171). Parent proxy-reported CHO-KLAT scores ranged from 25.0 to 88.7 with a mean of 55.1 (n = 269).

CONCLUSION

HR-QoL scores in boys with haemophilia in China were substantially lower than reported from Canadian and European boys with haemophilia. Longer term prospective studies are required to examine the factors impacting the HR-QoL for boys with haemophilia in China.

Promoter analysis and tissue expression of the chicken ASB15 gene

1. This study was conducted to explore the promoter region of the chicken ASB15 gene by detecting the activities of the dual luciferase reporter gene and to assess expression profiles of the ASB15 gene in 10 different tissues from Gushi chickens. 2. Five dual luciferase reporter gene vectors were constructed and transfected into DF1 cells. The activities of recombined plasmids were measured and the core promoter was confirmed by bioinformatic analysis. Total RNA was extracted and the relative expression of the ASB15 gene was examined. 3. Data analysis indicated that the promoter was located from -955 to -212 bp. Results showed that the chicken ASB15 gene was expressed in heart, breast muscle and leg muscle. 4. This study has confirmed the promoter region and the expression profile of the chicken ASB15 gene, which provides a foundation for further exploring its transcriptional regulation and function.

[Association and interaction of heat shock proteins B1 gene and tumor-suppressor protein p53 gene with chromosome damage levels among coke oven workers]

Objective: To investigate the association and interaction of heat shock proteins B1(HSPB1)gene rs2868371 and tumor-suppressor protein p53(TP53)gene rs1042522 polymorphisms with chromosome damage levels among coke oven workers. Methods: We recruited 1 333 male workers from a state-run coke oven plant in Wuhan in September-October 2010. Among them, 949 who had worked in coke oven workplaces, including auxiliary facilities and bottom, side, and top ovens, were nominated as coke oven workers(i.e., exposed), and 384 administrative or medical staff whose workplaces were offices were used as controls. General characteristics and 5 ml of venous blood were collected from each participant. The plasma concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene-diolepoxide(BPDE)-albumin adducts and the lymphocytic micronucleus(MN)frequencies for each individual were detected by ELISA and cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay, respectively. Gene polymorphisms were genotyped using TaqMan assays via quantitative PCR(ABI Prism 7900HT), and the corresponding frequency ratios(FR)with 95% confidence intervals(CI)were computed for all assays. Results: In the exposed group, the MN frequencies were higher in HSPB1 rs2868371 GC, CC, and GC+ CC genotype carriers((3.88 ± 2.88)‰,(4.00 ± 2.66)‰, and(3.91 ± 2.83)‰, respectively)than in rs2868371 GG genotype carriers((3.52±2.67)‰; FR=1.10, 1.13, and 1.11; 95% CI: 1.02-1.19, 1.02-1.25, and 1.03-1.19, respectively), and the HSPB1 rs2868371C allele was associated with increased MN frequency(P_trend=0.006). Further, in the exposed group, the MN frequencies were lower in TP53 rs1042522 CG and CG+GG genotype carriers((3.63±2.61)‰ and(3.66±2.61)‰, respectively)than in TP53 rs1042522 CC genotype carriers(3.95±3.06)‰(FR=0.87 and 0.90; 95% CI: 0.83-0.96 and 0.84-0.97, respectively). The effect of gene-gene interaction between HSPB1, rs2868371, and TP53 rs1042522 on MN frequency was significant among coke oven workers(P=0.001). Further stratified analyses showed that the effects of the HSPB1 rs2868371C allele in increasing MN frequencies were robust in subjects aged >40 years(FR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.01-1.12), those working >20 years(FR=1.08, 95% CI: 1.02-1.14), those with BMI ≤24 kg/m²(FR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.01-1.13), drinkers(FR=1.09, 95% CI: 1.02-1.16), and workers with higher BPDE-albumin adduct levels(FR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.01-1.13)(P_trend=0.023, 0.013, 0.029, and 0.020, respectively). The decreasing effect of the TP53 rs1042522 G allele on MN frequencies was robust in subjects aged >40 years(FR=0.94, 95% CI: 0.89-0.99), those with BMI ≤24 kg/m²(FR=0.94, 95% CI: 0.88-0.99), and drinkers(FR=0.94, 95% CI: 0.88-1.00)(P_trend=0.031, 0.023, and 0.038, respectively). In addition, there were interactions between HSPB1 rs2868371 and age and between HSPB1 rs2868371 and working years in terms of MN frequency(P=0.030 and 0.013, respectively). Conclusion: In coke oven workers, the HSPB1 rs2868371 C and TP53 rs1042522 G alleles were associated with increased and decreased chromosome damage levels, respectively, and their interaction effect on chromosome damage levels was significant.

Comparison of the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel benzene sulfonate and clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate in stable coronary heart disease

Clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate (CHS) is a thienopyridine, which can be used to prevent cardiovascular complications alone or in combination with acetyl salicylic acid as an important antiplatelet agent. Clopidogrel benzene sulfonate (CB) is a special clopidogrel salt that can be used as a conventional drug for antiplatelet effects, but the mechanism is still unknown. This study aimed to compare the antiplatelet effects of CHS and CB in stable coronary artery disease patients. Stable coronary artery disease patients (N = 119) were randomly divided into two groups receiving CHS (N = 67) or CB (N = 52). The patients were administered the drugs (600 mg dosage) and monitored for 12 to 14 h to detect antiplatelet effects. Antiplatelet response was evaluated by the P2Y12 response unit (PRU) and P2Y12 suppression percentage. In addition, all patients' CYP2C19*2, CYP2C19*3, and CYP3A5 polymorphisms were studied. Similar clinical manifestations were observed in the two groups. No obvious difference was detected in the platelet levels of patients given CHS or CB. The antiplatelet response (PRU and P2Y12 evaluation) of the patients using CHS and CB was not significantly different. In the two groups, the CYP2C19*2 polymorphic heterozygote number and antiplatelet response were similar. CB and CHS presented similar antiplatelet effects in stable coronary artery disease patients, and there was no difference in the CYP2C19*2 heterozygous polymorphism.

Polarization pulling in Raman assisted fiber optical parametric amplifiers

We proposed a theoretical model to investigate the polarization pulling effect in bi-directionally pumped degenerate Raman assisted fiber optical parameter amplifiers (RA-FOPAs) using randomly birefringent fibers. The contributions of chromatic dispersion, polarization mode dispersion (PMD), Raman gain, and nonlinear effects to the phase matching in RA-FOPAs are investigated. We characterize four different states of polarization pulling in RA-FOPAs. We found that broadband polarization attraction can be obtained in the optimum phase-matching state of the bi-directionally pumped RA-FOPAs when the parametric pump power is chosen to avoid deep saturation of the Raman gain.

Polarized fiber optical parametric amplification in randomly birefringent fibers

A comprehensive theoretical model to investigate phase matching in degenerate polarized fiber optical parametric amplifiers (FOPAs) in randomly birefringent fibers is developed. We show that in the small signal region, simulation results from the proposed model agree well with the experimental results. It was also shown that four waves mixing (FWM) effect could compensate polarization mode dispersion (PMD) induced phase mismatch. Similar to counter-propagating fiber Raman amplifiers (FRAs), the degree of polarization of FOPAs approaches unity exponentially with the gain but at a larger rate 1/Γ. Thus larger polarization-pulling can be achieved in FOPAs than the counter-propagating FRAs for the same gain.

Mutation of SPOTTED LEAF3 (SPL3) impairs abscisic acid-responsive signalling and delays leaf senescence in rice

Lesion mimic mutants commonly display spontaneous cell death in pre-senescent green leaves under normal conditions, without pathogen attack. Despite molecular and phenotypic characterization of several lesion mimic mutants, the mechanisms of the spontaneous formation of cell death lesions remain largely unknown. Here, the rice lesion mimic mutant spotted leaf3 (spl3) was examined. When grown under a light/dark cycle, the spl3 mutant appeared similar to wild-type at early developmental stages, but lesions gradually appeared in the mature leaves close to heading stage. By contrast, in spl3 mutants grown under continuous light, severe cell death lesions formed in developing leaves, even at the seedling stage. Histochemical analysis showed that hydrogen peroxide accumulated in the mutant, likely causing the cell death phenotype. By map-based cloning and complementation, it was shown that a 1-bp deletion in the first exon of Oryza sativa Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase Kinase1 (OsMAPKKK1)/OsEDR1/OsACDR1 causes the spl3 mutant phenotype. The spl3 mutant was found to be insensitive to abscisic acid (ABA), showing normal root growth in ABA-containing media and delayed leaf yellowing during dark-induced and natural senescence. Expression of ABA signalling-associated genes was also less responsive to ABA treatment in the mutant. Furthermore, the spl3 mutant had lower transcript levels and activities of catalases, which scavenge hydrogen peroxide, probably due to impairment of ABA-responsive signalling. Finally, a possible molecular mechanism of lesion formation in the mature leaves of spl3 mutant is discussed.

Nodular pulmonary light chain deposition disease: an entity associated with Sjögren syndrome or marginal zone lymphoma

Background

Light chain deposition disease (LCDD) is usually a systemic disorder characterised by non-amyloid monoclonal immunoglobulin light chain deposition in tissues. Localised nodular pulmonary (NP) LCDD is a rare and poorly characterised entity and, owing to the difficulties in diagnosis, limited data are available.

Methods

We investigated the clinical, radiological and pathological characteristics of a series of six confidently diagnosed cases of NPLCDD.

Results

There were three men and three women with ages ranging from 33 to 74 years. In all cases there were single or multiple pulmonary nodules, in one case associated with cysts. Two patients had no previous history of a lymphoproliferative or autoimmune disorder, two had Sjögren syndrome (SS) and two had extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma). Lung biopsies led to diagnoses of MALT lymphoma in four patients, including both of those with a previous history of lymphoma and one with SS. In five cases the diagnosis was confirmed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and in one by electron microscopy. There was no evidence of systemic LCDD in any of the cases. Five patients had an indolent course in spite of limited therapeutic intervention while, in the patient who died, the cause of death was related to the spread of the lymphoma and was not due to the pulmonary lesions.

Conclusions

NPLCDD is an indolent disease, in most cases associated with MALT lymphoma or autoimmune disease.

Assessment of correlation between pre-miRNA-1757 polymorphism and chicken performance traits

Single nucleotide polymorphism in microRNAs (miRNA) may influence their target gene selection and regulation efficiency, leading to animal phenotypic variation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the miRNA-1757 gene precursor region (pre-mir-1757) on economic-related traits in chicken. Genotyping was performed using Sequenom MassArray® iPLEX GOLD System. Association analysis was performed using SPSS19.0. The data showed that the G/C polymorphism was significantly correlated with semi-evisceration weight, evisceration weight, carcass weight, body weight at 10 weeks of age, shank length at 4 weeks of age, pectoral angle at 8 weeks of age, and body slanting length and pelvis breadth at 12 weeks of age (P < 0.05), and led to the alteration of the RNA secondary structure of pre-mir-1757. Our results provide useful information for further annotation studies of miRNA function.

A retrospective clinical study of bevacizumab combined with gemcibabine or paclitaxel in the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Bevacizumab, a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks angiogenesis by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor A, was described to be effective in the treatment of recurrent or platinum-resistance ovarian cancer. The present retrospective study was performed to further evaluate the clinical efficacy and toxicity of bevacizumab in the treatment of Chinese recurrent ovarian cancer patients who had been previously treated by platinum-based chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed the hospital database and finally included 26 recurrent ovarian cancer patients who were treated with bevacizumab combined with gemcibabine or paclitaxel or single agent. All included patients received >3 cycle of bevacizumab treatment. The tumor response, overall survival, and toxicities were documented.

RESULTS

Under the treatment of bevacizumab combined with gemcibabine or paclitaxel, 2 complete response (7.7%), 8 partial response (30.8%), 7 stable disease (26.9%) and 9 progression disease (34.6%) was documented with the objective response rate of 38.5% and disease control rate of 65.4%. The median overall survival from the first application of bevacizumab was 15.3 months [Figure 1] for all of the 26 patients. The median overall survival time was 16.2 and 14.0 months for bevacizumab + gemcitabine and bevacizumab + paclitaxel treatment schedule respectively. The overall survival was not different between bevacizumab + gemcitabine and bevacizumab + paclitaxel treatment regimen hazard ratio = 0.80 (95% confidence interval: 0.32-2, P = 0.64). The hypertension and proteinuria were the major bevacizumab related toxicities.

CONCLUSIONS

Bevacizumab combined with gemcibabine or paclitaxel was a promising treatment schedule for platinum-resistance recurrent ovarian cancer.

Association of older paternal age with earlier onset among co-affected schizophrenia sib-pairs

BACKGROUND

Advanced paternal age is associated with increased risk of schizophrenia. This study aimed to explore whether older paternal age is associated with earlier onset among co-affected schizophrenia sib-pairs with the same familial predisposition.

METHOD

A total of 1297 patients with schizophrenia from 630 families, which were ascertained to have at least two siblings affected, throughout Taiwan were interviewed using the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies. Both inter-family comparisons, a hierarchical regression model allowing for familial dependence and adjusting for confounders, and within-family comparisons, examining the consistency between onset order and birth order, were performed.

RESULTS

An inverted U shape was observed between paternal age and onset of schizophrenia. Affected offspring with paternal age of 20-24 years had the oldest onset. As paternal age increased over 25 years, older paternal age exhibited a linear decrease in the onset of schizophrenia. On average, the onset was lowered by 1.5 years for paternal age of 25-29 years and by 5.5 years for paternal age ⩾50 years (p = 0.04; trend test). The proportion of younger siblings with earlier onset (58%) was larger than that of older siblings with earlier onset (42%) (p = 0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that paternal age older than 25 years and younger than 20 years were both associated with earlier onset among familial schizophrenia cases. The associations of advanced paternal age with both increased susceptibility to schizophrenia and earlier onset of schizophrenia are consistent with the rate of increases in spontaneous mutations in sperm as men age.

Identification of an SCAR marker related to female phenotype in Idesia polycarpa Maxim

Idesia polycarpa Maxim. is a dioecious species. Because of the lack of morphological and cytological methods available for identifying its sex during the long juvenile stage, the application of molecular markers in sex identification may facilitate sex determination in the seedling stage. The objective of this study was to use sequence-related amplified polymorphism to identify sex-linked markers in I. polycarpa and convert these markers into sequence-characterized amplified region markers, which are much easier to identify. A total of 342 primer combinations were screened and 2770 bands were examined. Only me14/em8 could amplify a specific fragment (210 base pairs) in all female but none in male plants. We analyzed this fragment using GenBank and found that the sequence similarity was 80% to the Populus trichocarpa clone POP006-H09 (sequence ID: gb|AC212923.1|) and that of the deduced amino acid sequence was 73% to the integrase of Mendicago truncatula (sequence ID: gb|ABD28291.1|) and 71% to the predicted retrotransposon integrase-like protein 1-like in Cicer arietinum (sequence ID: ref|XP 004515460.1|) (NCBI database through December 17, 2013). This fragment was converted into a stable and simple sequence-characterized amplified region marker approximately 200 base pairs in length. This marker can be utilized for early sexual identification in I. polycarpa, which will facilitate future breeding programs.

293FT is a highly suitable mammalian cell line for the in vitro enzymatic activity analysis of typical P450 proteins

Mammalian cells have been widely used for the in vitro evaluation of the functional effect of allelic variants of cytochrome P450 (CYP). The aim of this study was to determine the most suitable mammalian cell line for the in vitro drug metabolism analysis of CYP variants. Three reported cell lines (COS-7, HepG2, 293T) and one fast-growing variant of the 293 cell line 293FT were transfected with vectors expressing green fluorescent protein or typical variants of CYP2C9, CYP2C19 or CYP2D6 to investigate the protein expression levels and the catalytic activity of expressed CYP allelic variants. The transfected 293FT cells had the highest protein expression level and exhibited the highest enzymatic activity, while HepG2 cells showed the lowest activity among the four tested cell lines. Simultaneously, 293FT cells still maintained the similar relative enzymatic ratio among three typical CYP2C9 variants to that of the commonly used COS-7 cells. In addition, 293FT cells could also be used for the in vitro functional evaluation of two other typical P450 proteins, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6. Therefore, the 293FT cell line is more suitable for the in vitro enzymatic activity analysis of typical P450 proteins than any other reported mammalian cell lines.

Genetic diversity and relationships among Chinese Eucommia ulmoides cultivars revealed by sequence-related amplified polymorphism, amplified fragment length polymorphism, and inter-simple sequence repeat markers

Sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP), amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to estimate the genetic diversity and relationships among Eucommia ulmoides cultivars in China. A total of 240, 192, and 150 DNA fragments were detected by 10 SRAP primer combinations, 10 AFLP primer combinations, and 10 ISSR primers, among which 89.2, 65.1, and 88.0% of the fragments were polymorphic, respectively. Cluster analysis revealed that Qinzhong No. 3, Xiaoyeci, Qinzhong No. 1, and Qinzhong No. 2 formed independent clusters. The other 15 cultivars exhibited two clusters. The results of this study will help in the selection of parents for both genome mapping and crossbreeding purposes.

Arabidopsis STAY-GREEN2 is a negative regulator of chlorophyll degradation during leaf senescence

Chlorophyll (Chl) degradation causes leaf yellowing during senescence or under stress conditions. For Chl breakdown, STAY-GREEN1 (SGR1) interacts with Chl catabolic enzymes (CCEs) and light-harvesting complex II (LHCII) at the thylakoid membrane, possibly to allow metabolic channeling of potentially phototoxic Chl breakdown intermediates. Among these Chl catabolic components, SGR1 acts as a key regulator of leaf yellowing. In addition to SGR1 (At4g22920), the Arabidopsis thaliana genome contains an additional homolog, SGR2 (At4g11910), whose biological function remains elusive. Under senescence-inducing conditions, SGR2 expression is highly up-regulated, similarly to SGR1 expression. Here we show that SGR2 function counteracts SGR1 activity in leaf Chl degradation; SGR2-overexpressing plants stayed green and the sgr2-1 knockout mutant exhibited early leaf yellowing under age-, dark-, and stress-induced senescence conditions. Like SGR1, SGR2 interacted with LHCII but, in contrast to SGR1, SGR2 interactions with CCEs were very limited. Furthermore, SGR1 and SGR2 formed homo- or heterodimers, strongly suggesting a role for SGR2 in negatively regulating Chl degradation by possibly interfering with the proposed CCE-recruiting function of SGR1. Our data indicate an antagonistic evolution of the functions of SGR1 and SGR2 in Arabidopsis to balance Chl catabolism in chloroplasts with the dismantling and remobilizing of other cellular components in senescing leaf cells.

Relationship between progeny growth performance and molecular marker-based genetic distances in Eucommia ulmoides parental genotypes

Progeny performances, variations and combining abilities for growth traits were evaluated in a factorial mating design of Eucommia ulmoides. Three marker systems, sequence-related amplified polymorphism, amplified fragment length polymorphism, and inter-simple sequence repeat, were used to determine genetic distances between parents. Correlations of genetic distances with progeny performances, within-family coefficients of variation and specific-combining abilities were established for height and basal diameter traits. Significant positive correlations were found between progeny performances of growth traits and genetic distances of parents based on sequence-related amplified polymorphism markers or a combination of all 3 marker systems. This revealed that crosses between genetically distant parents produced progenies with excellent growth performances. The lack of correlations between parental genetic distances and within-family coefficients of variation or specific-combining abilities suggested that these characteristics were unpredictable. The results of this study represent a potential criterion to predict progeny performances and choose parents in the breeding program.