[Retrospective analysis of 350 cases with dissection of lymph nodes posterior to right recurrent laryngeal nerve in endoscopic thyroidectomy through gasless axillary posterior approach]

Objective: To evaluated the safety and feasibility of dissection of lymph nodes posterior to right recurrent laryngeal nerve (ⅥB compartment) in endoscopic thyroidectomy through gasless axillary posterior approach. Methods: A total of 350 cases with right lobe papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) who underwent endoscopic lobectomy, isthmusectomy and central compartment neck dissection via gasless axillary posterior approach based at the Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University from June 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Summarize the clinical, pathological characteristics, and postoperative complications of the patients. SPSS 25.0 was used for statistical analysis of the data. Results: All 350 patients underwent endoscopic surgery successfully, with no conversion to open surgery. There were 303 females and 47 males, with an average age of (36.3±9.2) years. Of those, 287 patients were in pT1a stage, 62 in pT1b stage, and one patient in pT2 stage. There was no T3 or T4 stage patient. The mean numbers of yielded lymph nodes in right central compartment and ⅥB compartment were 8.11±4.65 (range, 1-31) and 2.62±1.86 (range, 1-12), respectively. ⅥB compartment metastasis was detected in 52 (14.86%) of 350 patients. The incidence of transient recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was 0.86%(3/350). Postoperative hematoma occurred in three patients (0.86%). Conclusion: The dissection of ⅥB compartment in endoscopic thyroidectomy through gasless axillary posterior approach is safe and feasible in selected PTC patients.

Deep Underground Laboratory Measurement of ^{13}C(α,n)^{16}O in the Gamow Windows of the s and i Processes

The ^{13}C(α,n)^{16}O reaction is the main neutron source for the slow-neutron-capture process in asymptotic giant branch stars and for the intermediate process. Direct measurements at astrophysical energies in above-ground laboratories are hindered by the extremely small cross sections and vast cosmic-ray-induced background. We performed the first consistent direct measurement in the range of E_{c.m.}=0.24 to 1.9 MeV using the accelerators at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory and Sichuan University. Our measurement covers almost the entire intermediate process Gamow window in which the large uncertainty of the previous experiments has been reduced from 60% down to 15%, eliminates the large systematic uncertainty in the extrapolation arising from the inconsistency of existing datasets, and provides a more reliable reaction rate for the studies of the slow-neutron-capture and intermediate processes along with the first direct determination of the alpha strength for the near-threshold state.

[Epidemic status of imported malaria before and after malaria elimination in Jiaozuo City of Henan Province]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze and compare the epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria in Jiaozuo City before and after malaria elimination, so as to provide insights into the malaria surveillance during the post-elimination stage and prevention of re-establishment of imported malaria.

METHODS

Data pertaining to the epidemic situation and individual investigation of malaria in Jiaozuo City before (from 2010 to 2016) and after malaria elimination (from 2017 to November, 2020) were captured from the National Notifiable Disease Reporting System and the Information System for Parasitic Diseases Control and Prevention of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and were analyzed statistically.

RESULTS

A total of 74 imported malaria cases were reported in Jiaozuo City from 2010 to 2021. Imported cases were predominantly Plasmodium falciparum malaria cases in Jiaozuo City before and after malaria elimination, and there was no significant difference in the proportion of malaria parasite species (χ² = 0.234, P > 0.05). The imported malaria cases was predominantly reported in Wuzhi County, and was identified in overseas male farmers and businessmen at ages of 20 to 59 years, while the greatest number of imported malaria cases was reported in June and December before and after malaria elimination. The imported malaria cases predominantly acquired malaria parasite infections in sub-Saharan African countries; however, the proportion of imported malaria cases returning from Southeast Asian counties increased after malaria elimination than before malaria elimination (χ² = 5.989, P < 0.05). The longest duration from onset to definitive diagnosis of malaria reduced from 27 days before malaria elimination to 18 days after malaria elimination, and the median duration reduced from 3 days to 2 days, while the proportion of definitive diagnosis of malaria increased from 60.47% before malaria elimination to 83.87% after malaria elimination (χ² = 4.724, P < 0.05). In addition, the proportion of malaria cases definitively diagnosed and reported by medical institutions increased after malaria elimination than before malaria elimination (χ² = 5.406, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The imported malaria patients were predominantly P. falciparum malaria cases in Jiaozuo City during 2010 to 2021, and the patient's medical care-seeking awareness and medical staff's diagnosis and treatment ability have improved after malaria elimination. It is necessary to strengthen and improve malaria surveillance and response system and prevent the re-establishment of overseas imported malaria.

Effects of tai chi and qigong on rehabilitation after COVID-19: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

COVID-19 is a public health emergency of international concern, which is characterised by rapid and widespread transmission, high mortality and complications. Several studies have shown the benefits of tai chi and qigong for recovery after COVID-19; however, no meta-analysis has been reported. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tai chi and/or qigong on rehabilitation after COVID-19 through a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide a reference and basis for clinical application.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study will use the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China Knowledge Network, China Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database and Wanfang Database. The time period is from the inception of the database to November 2021, with no language restrictions. Searches will be conducted using the subject terms "Taichi","Qigong" and "COVID-19" plus free-text words. Articles will be screened and collected by two reviewers independently. Included studies will be assessed for quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. Statistical analyses will be performed using the Revman V.5.3 software. The primary outcomes include 1-second forced expiratory volume and 1-second forced vital capacity, oxygen saturation, total white cell count and quality of life score. Secondary outcomes include time to remission of major symptoms, incidence of adverse events, clinical cure rate and mortality. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses will also be used to explore and interpret the heterogeneity. This protocol is written based on the guideline of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Protocol.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval and consent are unnecessary because no primary data will be collected. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021288962.

Direct Measurement of the Astrophysical ^{19}F(p,αγ)^{16}O Reaction in the Deepest Operational Underground Laboratory

Fluorine is one of the most interesting elements in nuclear astrophysics, where the ^{19}F(p,α)^{16}O reaction is of crucial importance for Galactic ^{19}F abundances and CNO cycle loss in first generation Population III stars. As a day-one campaign at the Jinping Underground Nuclear Astrophysics experimental facility, we report direct measurements of the essential ^{19}F(p,αγ)^{16}O reaction channel. The γ-ray yields were measured over E_{c.m.}=72.4-344  keV, covering the Gamow window; our energy of 72.4 keV is unprecedentedly low, reported here for the first time. The experiment was performed under the extremely low cosmic-ray-induced background environment of the China JinPing Underground Laboratory, one of the deepest underground laboratories in the world. The present low-energy S factors deviate significantly from previous theoretical predictions, and the uncertainties are significantly reduced. The thermonuclear ^{19}F(p,αγ)^{16}O reaction rate has been determined directly at the relevant astrophysical energies.

[Investigation and analysis of a mass ammonia gas poisoning accident]

Objective: To investigation and analysis of ammonia gas leakage in a meat factory. Methods: In April 2013, Enterprise managers and workers were investigated, and clinical data of 24 patients were analyzed. Results: The company caused a leak in the ammonia pipeline maintenance operation, Among the patients, 20 had stimulus response and 4 had mild poisoning. Conclusion: To prevent group occupational ammonia poisoning, it is necessary to strengthen the awareness of occupational disease prevention of enterprise owners and the awareness of self-protection of workers.

The phytotoxin COR induces transcriptional reprogramming of photosynthetic, hormonal and defence networks in tomato

Coronatine (COR) is a non-host specific phytotoxin secreted by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato that can induce leaf chlorosis and increase the virulence of pathogens during plant-pathogen interactions. Studies have shown that COR can regulate multiple physiological processes in plants, but its involvement in bacterial pathogenesis and plant growth regulation is not well understood. In this study, transcriptome sequencing was carried out on 4-week-old tomato leaves that were either mock-treated or treated with COR. Transcriptome sequencing led to the identification of 6144 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 4361 genes were downregulated and 1783 genes were upregulated upon COR treatment. To obtain functional information on the DEGs, we annotated these genes using GO and KEGG databases. Functional classification analysis showed that the DEGs were primarily involved in photosynthesis, chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis, jasmonic acid (JA) synthesis and phenylpropane metabolism. A total of 23 genes related to chlorophyll biosynthesis had significant changes, of which 22 genes were downregulated and one gene was upregulated, indicating that chlorophyll biosynthesis was inhibited upon COR treatment. A total of 17 photosystem I related genes and 22 photosystem II related genes involving 20 protein subunits were also downregulated. In the JA synthesis pathway, 25 genes were up regulated, and six genes were downregulated in COR treated samples. COR was also involved in the regulation of multiple secondary metabolites. The identified DEGs will help us better understand the virulence effects and physiological functions of COR and provide a theoretical basis for breeding resistance into economically important crops.

[Application of immunohistochemical staining of bcl-2, Ber-EP4, CD10, CK20, and Ki-67 in differential diagnosis between trichoblastoma and basal cell carcinoma]

Objective: To study the utility of immunohistochemistry (IHC) in differential diagnosis between trichoblastoma (TB) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Methods: Fifty-eight cases of TB and 40 cases of BCC were collected at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from January 2009 to December 2019 and retrospectively analyzed by IHC for bcl-2, Ber-EP4, CD10, CK20 and Ki-67. Fisher exact test was performed for statistical analysis. Results: Twenty-five (43.1%) TBs and 5 (12.5%) BCCs showed bcl-2 staining in the outermost layer of the epithelial nests, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). The proportion of cases with bcl-2 staining>75% of epithelial cells in BCC group was much higher than that in TB group (40% vs. 12.1%; P<0.01). BCC group showed larger proportions with Ber-EP4 staining>75%, 51%-75% of epithelial cells than TB group (12.5% vs. 1.7%, 37.5% vs. 8.6%;P<0.05). Fifty-five (94.8%) TBs demonstrated CD10 expression in the follicular stroma, while only 16 (40.0%) BCCs showed focal or scattered CD10 expression in reactive fibrous stroma (P<0.01). CK20 expression was present in 37 (63.8%) TBs with scattered pattern, but BCCs exhibited no CK20 staining except for only one case (2.5%) showing focal staining (P<0.01). Compared with TB group, the BCC group included more cases with Ki-67 labeling index ≥15% on average and ≥25% in hotspot areas (P<0.05). Conclusion: IHC is helpful in differential diagnosis between TB and BCC. Scattered CK20 staining pattern and stromal CD10 expression support the diagnosis of TB. Bcl-2 staining limited to the outermost layer of the proliferation is more likely to be found in TB. In contrast, Ber-EP4 positivity and higher Ki-67 labeling index tend to be present in BCC.

[Progress of researches on animal models of Blastocystis hominis infections]

Blastocystis hominis is a common parasitic protozoa in human and animal intestines; however, its pathogenicity remains controversial. Construction of animal models is of great significance to investigate the pathogenicity, pathogenic mechanisms and drug screening of B. hominis. Experimental animals, mode of infections, parasite strains and host immune status are important factors affecting the successful modeling of B. hominis infections in animals. Hereby, we review the progress of researches on animal models of B. hominis infections, and summarize the influencing factors and application of animal models of B. hominis infections, in order to provides insights into the selection of animals models of B. hominis infections.

[Progress of researches on global prevalence of Blastocystis hominis human infections and its subtypes]

Blastocystis hominis is a parasite that parasitizes in the intestines of humans and animals, and is closely related to a variety of gastrointestinal diseases such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. B. hominis is distributed worldwide, and the prevalence of B. hominis infections and dominant subgenotypes vary in countries and in regions from the same country. This paper reviews the global prevalence of B. hominis human infections, its subtypes and geographical distribution, so as to provide insights into the understanding of the global epidemiology of B. hominis and the management of B. hominis infections.

Development of a tunable multi-channel Doppler reflectometer on J-TEXT tokamak

Doppler reflectometer is a powerful diagnostic tool to study the turbulence for tokamak plasmas. It can provide information on the density fluctuation, the poloidal rotation, the radial electric field, its shear, etc. A tunable multi-channel V-band (50-75 GHz) Doppler reflectometer system has been developed on the J-TEXT tokamak for the measurement under various toroidal magnetic fields. A universal serial bus controlled synthesizer is used as a source that can adjust the probing frequency remotely. This Doppler reflectometer can measure the plasma in 0.3 < ρ < 1 . Its radial resolution is <2 cm, and k_⊥ is ∼ 4-12 cm^-1. Based on the Doppler reflectometer, the perpendicular turbulence propagation velocity, the profile of the radial electric field, the geodesic acoustic mode, and some other phenomena have been observed on J-TEXT.

[Treatment outcome of 100 patients with hepatoblastoma based on a new risk stratification]

Objective: To provide the risk stratification method of hepatoblastoma (HB) suitable for implementation in China and explore the new treatment method for high-risk HB patients. Methods: A total of 100 cases of children and adolescents under 18 years old with newly diagnosed HB in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center and Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital from September 2014 to September 2018 were included. According to the clinical stage, AFP level, pathological subtype and other factors, patients were stratified into four groups: extremely low-, low-, intermediate- and high-risk. The patients at very low risk were treated with surgery only and followed-up. The patients at very low risk were treated with C5V(Cisplatin+ 5-Fluroracil+ Vincristine) regimen for 4 courses. The patients at intermediate risk were treated with C5VD(Cisplatin+ 5-Fluroracil+ Vincristine+ Doxorubicin)regimen before and after surgery for 6-8 courses. The patients at high risk were treated with C5VD and IIV (ifoshamide+ irinotecan+ vincristine) alternately before and after surgery for 8 courses. Results: One hundred patients were stratified into extremely low-risk, low-risk, medium-risk and high-risk groups for 2, 10, 51 and 37 cases, respectively. Eighty three cases had evaluable lesions before chemotherapy. Among them, 65 patients achieved partial remission, stable disease and progressive disease were observed in 10, and 8 cases, respectively, with a response rate of 78.3%. During a median follow-up of 20 months, 30 patients experienced tumor relapse or progression, and 27 of them died. The 2-years progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 69.2% and 72.0%, respectively. The 2-years PFS rates of patients with extremely low risk, low risk, medium risk and high risk were 100%, 88.9%, 75.3% and 43.2%, respectively. The 2-years OS rates were 100%, 100%, 81.0% and 44.8%, respectively. Conclusions: The novel HB risk classification is simple and feasible. With active comprehensive treatment, patients at extremely low-, low- and medium-risk have excellent outcomes. The survival rate of high-risk HB patients remains to be improved, and new treatment strategies need to be explored.

Engineering MXene surface with POSS for reducing fire hazards of polystyrene with enhanced thermal stability

High-performance MXene-based polymer nanocomposites are highly desirable for diverse industry applications due to their exceptional mechanical, thermal and other properties. Nevertheless, it remains an intractable challenge to create flame retardant polymer/MXene nanocomposites due to the difficulty to achieve uniform dispersion of MXenes. Here, we reported a facile strategy for the surface manipulation of two-dimensional titanium carbide nanosheets (Ti₃C₂T_x) with 3-aminopropylheptaisobutyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (AP-POSS) (POSS-Ti₃C₂T_x) through electrostatic interactions. The POSS-Ti₃C₂T_x is steadily dispersed in many polar solvents. Upon incorporated into polystyrene (PS), the combined effect of AP-POSS and MXene makes the resultant PS nanocomposites exhibit significantly improved thermal and thermoxidative stability, e.g. 22 °C and 39 °C increases in the temperature at 5 wt% mass loss under nitrogen and air, respectively. Meanwhile, a 39.1 % reduction in the peak heat release rate, a respective 54.4 % and 35.6 % reduction in the peak CO production rate and the peak CO₂ production rate was achieved, which are superior to those of its own and previous counterparts. This outstanding fire safety is attributed to the combination of adsorption, catalytic and barrier effects of POSS-Ti₃C₂T_x. Hence, as-designed functionalized MXenes can be effectively applied in PS to formulate multifunctional polymer nanocomposites attractive for wide potential applications.

Notch signaling is involved in regulation of LPS-induced macrophage apoptosis through JNK/NF-kB signaling pathway

Notch signaling plays a critical role in the development and function of macrophages. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between Notch signaling pathway and macrophage apoptosis after LPS stimulation. In RAW 264.7 cells, the mRNA expression of Jagged1, Hes1, Hes 5 and GM-CSF, and protein expression of NICD1 and GM-CSF were increased after LPS stimulation. Inhibition of Notch signaling by γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT and the suppression of Notch1 expression using siRNA both significantly prevented LPS induced activation of JNK and NF-kB, and simultaneously the expression of GM-CSF was also down regulated significantly. JNK inhibitor SP600125 was used to block the phosphorylation of JNK signaling, Western blot results showed that the activation of NF-kB was blocked and expression of GM-CSF was down-regulated. Finally, flow cytometry analyses showed that the Notch signaling was involved in the regulation of macrophage apoptosis after LPS stimulation. Our study showed that the Notch signaling pathway was activated and involved in the regulation of macrophage apoptosis after LPS stimulation through JNK/ NF-kB signaling regulated GM-CSF expression.

[Relationship of BMI and wrist joint index with carpal tunnel syndrome in manual laborers]

Objective: To evaluate the severity of median nerve damage in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) , and to analyze its relationship with body mass index (BMI) and wrist joint index. Methods: From May 2016 to January 2017, 23 patients with mild CTS (mild group) and 35 patients with moderate to severe CTS (moderate to severe group) were enrolled in this study. And 22 healthy volunteers matched for sex and age were selected as control group. The neuroelectrophysiological monitor was used to measure the median nerve movement and sensory nerve conduction in the subjects. The BMI and wrist joint index were calculated. The relationship of neuroelectrophysiological parameters with BMI and wrist joint index was analyzed in the CTS patients. Results: Compared with the control group, the mild group and the moderate to severe group had significantly higher wrist joint index, significantly longer distal motor latency (DML) of the median nerve, and significantly lower sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) and sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude of the finger 1-wrist and finger 3-wrist (P<0.01) ; the moderate to severe group had significantly higher BMI and significantly lower composite muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude (P<0.01) . The wrist joint index and BMI were positively correlated with DML of the median nerve and negatively correlated with SCV and SNAP amplitude of the finger 1-wrist and finger 3-wrist (all P<0.05) . The patients with a wrist joint index of >0.73 had a significantly higher risk of CTS than those with a wrist joint index of <0.73 (odd ratio=30.67, 95% confidence interval: 3.79-248.36) . Conclusion: A wrist joint index of >0.73 is an independent risk factor for CTS in manual laborers. CTS should be prevented in the manual laborers with high wrist joint index and BMI.

Interface decoration of exfoliated MXene ultra-thin nanosheets for fire and smoke suppressions of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) has broad applications as lightweight materials due to its multiple advantages and unique properties. Nevertheless, toxicity emission under fire conditions remains a major concern, particularly in building fire scenarios. To circumvent the problem, it is imperative that an effective flame retardant is sought to suppress the flame and release of combustion/smoke products whilst maintaining the favorable material properties of TPU. In the current work, a simple method is proposed for the preparation and utilization of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and tetrabutyl phosphine chloride (TBPC) modified Ti₃C₂ (MXene) ultra-thin nanosheets. During the cone calorimeter tests, significant reduction in peak heat release rate (51.2% and 52.2%), peak smoke production rate (57.1% and 57.4%), peak CO production (39.4% and 41.6%) and peak CO₂ production (49.7% and 51.7%) were recorded by the mere introduction of 2 wt.% CTAB-Ti₃C₂ and TBPC-Ti₃C₂ to TPU. These superior fire safety properties resulting from the significant reduction of the fire, smoke and toxicity hazards are attributed to the excellent dispersion, catalytic and barrier effect of Ti₃C₂ ultra-thin nanosheets in TPU. Future applications of exfoliated MXene nanosheets as flame retardant appear to be very promising.

[The experimental study of diquat on the half-Lethal dose and pothological injuny of related organs in wistor rats]

Objective: To explore the acute toxicity of Diquat in mice and to calculate the median lethal dose (LD(50)) of Diquat to rats and observe the pathological changes of tissues and organs in rats with different concentrations of Diquat. Methods: Diquat solution of 50 mg/kg was prepared freshly with 1 000 mg of Diquat and dilute the solution with water to a total of 20 ml. A total of 99 healthy adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into part one, part two and control groups. In the first part, 36 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: 100 mg/kg group, 200 mg/kg group, 300 mg/kg group and 400 mg/kg group, which were treated with 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of Diquat solution by gavage, respectively. The death and symptoms of poisoning after intragastric administration were recorded, and the maximum tolerated dose and absolute lethal dose were measured. In the second part, 54 rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: 200 mg/kg group, 220 mg/kg group, 240 mg/kg group, 260 mg/kg、280 mg/kg group and 300 mg/kg group, whichwere treated with 200 mg/kg, 220 mg/kg, 240 mg/kg, 260 mg/kg, 280 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg of Diquat solution by gavage, respectively. The survival of rats in different concentration of Diquat was observed and the LD(50) was calculated by Excel processing the formula of Koch's method. The control group were given equal volume water under the same experimental conditions. And moreover, the lungs, kidneys, hearts, livers, and brain tissues were collected and fixed by formaldehyde, embedded by paraffin, and sectioned for histopathological light microscopy. Results: The maximum tolerated dose was 240 mg/kg and the absolute lethal dose was 300 mg/kg. The LD(50) of Diquat for Rats was 280.58 mg/kg. The high-dose group had significantly more organ damage than the low-dose group after diquat poisoning. Conclusion: The determination of the half-lethal dose of diquat, at the same time observed multiple organs damaged in rats after the diquat quickly poisoned. Kidneys, lungs and heart might be the main organ which was heavily damaged. With the extension of observation time, the organ damage of rats exposed to small doses gradually stabilized.

[Correlation analysis of eosinophils in peripheral blood and polyp tissues of patients with chronicrhinosinusitis with nasal polyps]

Objective:To explore the correlation between peripheral blood eosinophils and tissue eosinophils in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps(CRSwNP) in different periods.Method:This trial was a prospective study involved 342 patients with CRSwNP who were treated by endoscopic sinus surgery in the Huai'an First People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University in 2008, 2012 and 2016. Nasal polyp resection specimens were stained by HE.Tissue eosinophils were counted per high-power field, and peripheral blood eosinophils were collected from blood routine examination before operation.The relationship between peripheral blood eosinophils and tissue eosinophils were evaluated.Result:The correlation between peripheral blood eosinophils and tissue eosinophils was positive in nasal polyps in 2008,2012 and 2016(r= 0.275,0.435,0.505, respectively). AUC values were all greater than 0.7. Conclusion:There is a positive correlation between peripheral blood eosinophils and tissue eosinophils infiltration in patients with CRSwNP. Although the cutoff value is changing, peripheral blood eosinophils can be used as an indicator for predicting eosinophilic CRSwNP.

[The study of using cordyceps-astragalus-salvia miltiorrhiza to treat acute lung injury induced by paraquat poisoning in rats]

Objective: To study the therapy of cordyceps-astragalus-salvia miltiorrhiza in treating acute lung injury and pulmonary interstitial fibrosis induced by paraquat poisoning. Methods: All 120 adult Wister male rats were randomly assigned to three groups, the paraquat poisoning group (rats were intragastric administration paraquat 50 mg/kg body weight once at the beginning) , the cordyceps-astragalus-salvia miltiorrhiza therapy group (rats were given cordyceps-astragalus-salvia miltiorrhiza 90 mg/kg body weight intragastric administration half an hour after paraquat was given, then the same dose was given once a day) ; control group (rats were intragastric administration with physiological saline) . At 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th day rats were sacrificed postanesthetic respectively after paraquat exposure, sample of lung tissue, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) , and venous blood were collected. GSH, SOD, TNF-α, TGF-β1, and HYP in plasma, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) , and the lung homogenates were determined. Optical microscope was performed to examine pathological changes in lung. Results: Each experimental time point paraquat group and the treatment group rats serum SOD content significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05) . Each experimental time point the treatment group rats serum SOD levels increased significantly than that of paraquat group (P<0.05) . Each experimental time point paraquat group rats serum GSH content significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05) . Treatment group rats 7 days time GSH content significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05) . Treatment group 21 days, 28 days GSH content was increased significantly than that of the paraquat group (P<0.05) . Each experimental time point paraquat group rats alveolar lavage SOD content was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05) . Treatment group 7 days, 14 days time SOD content was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05) , Treatment group 21 days, 28 days SOD content was increased significantly than that of the paraquat group (P<0.05) . Each experimental time point paraquat group and the treatment group rats alveolar lavage GSH content significantly were lower than that of the control group (P<0.05) . Treatment group days 14 and 21 days, 28 days GSH content was increased significantly than that of the paraquat group (P<0.05) . Each experimental time point paraquat group rats alveolar lavage TNF α levels was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05) . Treatment group 7 days, 14 days the rat alveolar lavage TNF α levels was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05) . Treatment group 21 days, 28 days TNF α content significantly was decreased than that of paraquat group (P<0.05) . Paraquat group days 14 and 21 days, 28 days HYP content was significantly higher than that of control group (P<0.05) . Treatment group 21 days HYP content was significantly higher than that of control group (P<0.05) . Treatment group 28 days time HYP content in lung tissue of rats was significantly decreased than that of the paraquat group (P<0.05) . Each experimental time point paraquat group rat lung tissue (tissue homogenate) TGF-β1 content was higher than that of the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . Under optical microscope, the tissue damage of lung was aggravated, and reduced after cordyceps-astragalus-salvia miltiorrhiza was administrated. Conclusion: Cordyceps-astragalus-salvia miltiorrhiza can reduce inflammation factor releasing, and relieve lung injury. It has therapeutic effect on lung injury induced by paraquat poisoning.

[An investigation of an accident of occupational acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning]

Objective: To investigate an accident of occupational acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning, and to analyze related clinical data. Methods: An investigation was performed for an accident of occupational acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning in a place in Shandong, China, in July 2016, and related clinical data were summarized. Results: This was a typical accident of occupational acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning, and a lack of occupational protection and illegal operation were the major causes of this accident. Of all five patients, four experienced coma, toxic encephalopathy, and respiratory failure and were cured at last, and one had cortical syndrome after long-term treatment and died of pulmonary infection seven months later. Conclusions: In case of occupational acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning, rescuers should help the persons who are poisoned reasonably and meanwhile ensure their own safety.

[A bibliometric analysis of literature on hand-transmitted vibration in China, 1990-2016]

Objective: To investigate the features of literature on hand-transmitted vibration in China, 1990-2016. Methods: In September 2017, the studies on hand-transmitted vibration in China, which were published in Chinese or English during 1990-2016, with "China" and "Taiwan" as the places where author affiliations were located, were retrieved. A bibliometric analysis was performed to investigate the type of articles, publication time, the journals in which articles were published, author affiliations, author regions, and funding. Results: A total of 205 articles on hand-transmitted vibration were retrieved. There were 7.59 articles on average published annually from 1990 to 2016. In the 205 articles, 114 (55.61%) were published in the journals indexed in one or two core journal databases. In the 64 journals, 22 (34.38%) were indexed in one or two core journal databases. The first authors were from 22 provincial regions (provinces, autonomous regions, or centrally administered municipalities) in China, with 152 articles (74.15%) by the authors in the top five regions. There were a total of 876 authors, and the co-authorship degree was 4.27 (876/205). Most of the first authors (136 articles, 66.34%) were affiliated with universities or institutes for prevention and control of occupational diseases. Among the 205 articles, 103 (50.24%) were original articles or investigations, and 72 (35.12%) were funded. Conclusion: The studies on hand-transmitted vibration fluctuated and increased from 1990 to 2016, with a relatively concentrated distribution in terms of sources, regions, and institutions. Interregional and international academic exchange should be strengthened.

[Clinical analysis of lower limb thrombosis caused by paraquat poisoning]

Objective: To investigate the causes of peripheral vascular thrombosis in patients with paraquat poisoning. Methods: The patients with paraquat poisoning who were admitted to our department in recent two years were observed to screen out the patients with large vessel thrombosis. The data on toxic exposure history, clinical features, and treatment were collected to analyze the causes of thrombosis in the patients with paraquat poisoning. Results: Three patients had typical lower limb thrombosis. There was one case of right common femoral vein thrombosis, one case of bilateral calf muscle vein thrombosis, and one case of right calf superficial vein thrombosis and right calf muscle vein thrombosis. Conclusions: After paraquat poisoning, the blood is in a hypercoagulable state and prolonged bed rest may increase the risk of thrombosis.

[Association of Ureaplasma urealyticum with the types of antisperm antibody in infertile men]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) infection in infertile men, its influence on routine semen parameters and the distribution of antisperm antibody (AsAb) and its types in infertile patients with UU infection.

METHODS

We detected the positive rate of UU infection, semen parameters, and the distribution of AsAb and its types in 662 infertile men and 25 normal fertile male controls followed by comparison of the obtained data between the two groups of subjects.

RESULTS

The positive rate of UU infection was significantly higher in the infertile men than in the normal controls (52.87% ［350/662］ vs 16.00% ［4/25］, χ2 = 11.68, P <0.05). The semen volume, sperm count, sperm concentration and percentage of progressively motile sperm were remarkably lower in the UU-positive infertile males than in the control group (P <0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed between the UU-positive and UU-negative groups in the positive rates of total AsAb (43.4% vs 36.5%, χ2 = 3.25, P >0.05) and AsAb IgA, IgM and IgG in the seminal plasma, or in the percentages of serum AsAb IgM (16.9% vs 20.5%, χ2 = 1.22, P >0.05) and IgG (32.7% vs 28.9%, χ2 = 0.99, P >0.05) except in that of serum AsAb IgA (23.6% vs 17.0%, χ2 = 4.03, P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The UU infection rate is high in infertile males, which decreases the semen volume, total sperm count, motile sperm concentration and percentage of progressively motile sperm and increases the positive rate of serum AsAb IgA.

miR-367 promotes uveal melanoma cell proliferation and migration by regulating PTEN

We aimed to investigate the biological role of miR-367 in uveal melanoma cell growth and migration, and the underlying mechanism responsible. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate miR-367 expression in uveal melanoma tissue samples and cell lines. A miR-367 mimic, miR-367 inhibitor, and negative control oligonucleotide were transfected into these cells to investigate the function of this microRNA. In addition, the role of PTEN in miR-367-mediated uveal melanoma cell growth and migration was evaluated. miR-367 was significantly upregulated in uveal melanoma cells and tissue samples (both P < 0.01). Its inhibition suppressed the proliferation, cell cycle transition, and migration of such cells, and increased levels had the opposite effect. PTEN was confirmed to be a target gene of miR-367. More importantly, co-transfection with a PTEN construct lacking the 3'-untranslated region mitigated miR-367 mimic-induced promotion of uveal melanoma cell proliferation and migration. In summary, miR-367 was found to be upregulated in this malignancy, and may promote uveal melanoma cell proliferation and migration, at least in part by regulating PTEN.

[Analysis of the application and funding projects of National Natural Science Foundation of China in the field of burns and plastic surgery from 2010 to 2016]

We analyzed the data of application and funding projects of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) during 2010-2016 in the field of burns and plastic surgery and summarized the NSFC funding pattern, the research hotspots, and weaknesses in this field. The NSFC has funded 460 projects in the field of burns and plastic surgery, with total funding of RMB 227.96 million. The scientific issues involved in the funding projects include orthotherapy against malformations, wound repair, basic research of burns, skin grafting, scars prevention, and regeneration of hair follicle and sweat glands. The research techniques involved in the funding projects are diversified. NSFC plays an important role in the scientific research and talents training in the field of burns and plastic surgery.

[The study of using salvianolate treat acute lung injury in rats induced by paraquat]

Objective: To establish to paraquat poisoning acute lung injury animal model to study the therapeutic effect of Salvia polyphenols acid salt of paraquat-induced acute lung injury. Methods: Adult male Wister rats 120, were randomly divided into three groups: the paraquat exposure group, the start of the experiment to give a one-time 20% paraquat dope orally 50 mg/kg body weight of rats; salvianolate treatment group, the start of the experiment paraquat to give a one-time 20% the stock solution orally 50 mg/kg body weight of rats, and then given daily intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg/kg body weight of rats salvianolate; blank control group was given the same amount normal saline. The exposure group, the treatment group and control group rats were sacrificed after anesthesia in the 3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st day from the beginning of the experiment respectively, and taken out and preserved venous blood specimens and lung tissue to be tested. Venous detection heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) , the lung tissue detection heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) , hydroxyproline (HYP) . And do biopsy specimens from some of the lung tissue, HE and Masson staining observed by optical microscope. Results: Compared with control group, model group 7, 14, 21 days had elevated levels of serum and lung tissue HO-1 (all P<0.05) ; Treatment group 3, 7, 14, 21 days increased (all P<0.05) , and 3, 7, 14 days is higher than the model group (compared with model group, P<0.05) . Compared with control group, treatment group 3 days and model group, 14, 21 days HYP content in lung tissue increased significantly (all P<0.05) ; 21 days, compared with model group, HYP content of treatment group reduce obviously, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . Optical microscope observation, lung tissue damage and aggravated with the experimental increase in the number of days, inflammatory cell infiltration, alveolar septal fibrosis gradually formed. The treatment group experimental animal lung tissue to reduce inflammation, lung fibrosis relief. Conclusion: Paraquat (50 mg/kg body weight) to fill the stomach can be induced model of acute lung injury in the rats. The serum HO-1 expression and HO-1, HYP content in lung tissue increased obviously in model rats. Salvia miltiorrhiza polyphenols acid salt to a certain degree and stage influenced the expression of HO-1 and HYP, relieve acute lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis, has certain curative effect in the treatment of paraquat poisoning.

[A group of occupational acute methyl bromide poisoning incident]

Objective: To investigate a mass of occupational acute methyl bromide poisoning incident and analyzed their clinical data. Methods: To investigate an incident a mass of occupational acute methyl bromide poisoning in occurred in Shandong province in November 2016, and the clinical datas of 3 cases of severe patients with methyl bromide poisoning were analysed. Results: This event was a sudden occupational poisoning incident. Lack of vocational training and irregularities is the main reason for the accident 3 patients with nervous system, respiratory system, circulatory system, urinary system damage is given priority to, after comprehensive rescue treatment, 2 cases died and 1 case survived. Conclusions: Methyl bromide can cause severe poisoning, has high mortality in patients with acute severe poisoning.

Characterizing and marker-assisting a novel chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) yellow bud mutant with cytoplasmic male sterility

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in pepper is a better way to produce hybrid seeds compared to manual production. We used the two sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers (CRF-SCAR and CMS-SCAR₁₃₀) in CMS pepper, to identify the genotype. We assembled two CMS yellow bud mutants (YBM; YBM12-A and YBM12-B). This mutation in leaf color is controlled by a single dominant nuclear gene. The aim was to create a new hybrid seed production method that reduces the costs and increases F₁ hybrid seed purity. The results suggest that the CRF-SCAR and CMS-SCAR₁₃₀ markers can be used together in multiple generations to screen for restorer or maintainer genes. We found the marker linked to the restorer gene (Rf) in the C-line and F₁ hybrids, as well as partially in the F₂ generation, whereas it was not found in the sterile YBM12-A or the maintainer line YBM12-B. In the F₂ population, sterility and fertility segregated at a 3:1 ratio based on the CRF-SCAR marker. A 130 bp fragment was produced in the YBM12-A, F₁, and F₂ populations, suggesting that these lines contained sterile cytoplasm. A 140 bp fragment present in the YBM12-B and C-line indicated that these lines contained normal cytoplasm. In addition, we identified some morphological characters distinguishing sterile and fertile buds and flowers that may be linked to the sterility gene. If more restorer lines are identified, CMS expressing the YBM trait can be used in hybrid seed production.

[Clinical analysis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigowith multiple canal involvement]

Objective:To compare the clinical features and outcomes between patients with multi-canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo(BPPV) and single-canal BPPV.Method:Five-hundred and seventy-eight patients with BPPV were retrospectively analyzed and divided into three groups: single-canal BPPV(526 cases),multi-canal BPPV in unilateral ear(11 cases) and multi-canal BPPV in both ears(41 cases).All patients were diagnosed by using the Dix-Hallpike test or roll test and treated with the canalith repositioning procedure.The following factors,including aetiology,age,sex,response to treatment and recurrence,were compared among the three groups.Results:①Greater percentage of idiopathic cases were identified in single-canal(66.2%:48.2%,P<0.01).Traumatic origin and prior history of BPPV were more common in bilateral multi-canal(41.6%:9.2%,P<0.05)and unilateral multi-canal (36.2%:0,P<0.01)respectively.②The recurrence rate was higher in multi-canal BPPV(40.4%:14.3%,P<0.01).Conclusion:Idiopathic BPPV is more common in single-canal BPPV.Potential causes may be identified in multi-canal BPPV.However,over 90% of the patients with single-canal and multi-canal BPPV are cured.

Evaluation of the function status of the ulnar nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome

Many carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients have symptoms in both the median and ulnar digits more frequently than in the median digits alone. This is possibly because of close anatomical contiguity of the carpal tunnel and Guyon's canal, and the high pressure may also affect the latter, causing indirect compression of ulnar nerve fibers. Thus, we evaluated the functional status of the ulnar nerve in patients with CTS in order to investigate the relationship between ulnar nerve impairment and sensory symptoms of the ulnar territory. Electrophysiological studies were conducted in CTS patients and healthy controls. CTS patients were divided into the mild/moderate group and severe group; they were further divided into the symptomatic and asymptomatic subgroups according to the sensory symptom of the fifth digit region. The findings suggest that CTS patients could have coexisting ulnar nerve wrist entrapments that might exacerbate the severity of CTS. Sensory impairment in the ulnar territory was observed more frequently in the mild/moderate stage of CTS, which is associated with ulnar nerve involvement. These findings also suggest that damage to the ulnar nerve fibers caused by compression forces in Guyon's canal may underlie the ulnar spread of symptoms in CTS.

Pathological analysis of extracapsular extension of metastatic lymph node and its potential impact on nodal clinical target volume in the radiotherapy of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

There is no consensus regarding the clinical target volume (CTV) margins which surround the gross tumor volume of metastatic lymph nodes (LN) in radiotherapy of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study retrospectively assessed the distance of extracapsular extension (ECE) of metastatic LN in thoracic ESCC and defined nodal CTV margins. Histological sections of metastatic LNs from 217 patients with thoracic ESCC were re-examined. The incidence and maximal distance of ECE of metastatic LNs were assessed. The relationships between ECE and clinicopathologic features were also investigated. The ECE was found in 37.3% of patients (81/217) and 23.1% of metastatic LN (159/689), and the incidences had a significant relationship with N stage and LN size. The median distance of ECE was 1.0 mm (range, 0.2-9.7 mm). The distance of ECE showed a positive correlation with LN size (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0.419; p<0.001). The ECE distances of LN with <10 mm diameter were significantly smaller than LN with 10-30 mm diameter (p<0.001). The 95th percentiles of ECE distances for these two groups were 3 mm and 5 mm, respectively. For pathologic LN <10 mm in diameter, a 3-mm CTV margin appears to be adequate to encompass 95% of the microscopic ECE, and for LN 10-30 mm, a 5-mm CTV margin is recommended.

Effect of hybridization on carcass traits and meat quality of erlang mountainous chickens

Native chickens hold a significant share of the market in China. In response to the huge demand from the market, the productivity of Chinese native chickens needs to be improved. Cross breeding is an effective method to increase productivity, although it might affect meat quality. In this study, two pure lines (SD02 and SD03) of Erlang mountainous chickens were hybridized with a yellow feather and faster growing line (SD01). The effect of hybridization on carcass and meat quality (physiochemical and textural traits) was measured in the F1 population at d 91 of age. The hybrids exhibited higher body weight and dressed weight, and amount of semi-eviscerated, eviscerated, breast muscle and abdominal fat (p<0.05). Abdominal fat yield also increased (p<0.05) compared to the offspring of the two pure-lines. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference in meat quality traits except for the myofiber diameter and density and the shear force of the breast muscle. Overall, the offspring of cross-lines were similar to pure lines in meat color, pH value, inosinic acid, crude protein, crude fat, dry matter, moisture content and amino acid composition in the breast muscle. These results suggest that productivity can be improved via cross-breeding while maintaining meat quality of the Erlang mountainous chicken.

Antileukemic activity of nuclear export inhibitors that spare normal hematopoietic cells

Drugs that target the chief mediator of nuclear export, chromosome region maintenance 1 protein (CRM1) have potential as therapeutics for leukemia, but existing CRM1 inhibitors show variable potencies and a broad range of cytotoxic effects. Here, we report the structural analysis and antileukemic activity of a new generation of small-molecule inhibitors of CRM1. Designated selective inhibitors of nuclear export (SINE), these compounds were developed using molecular modeling to screen a small virtual library of compounds against the nuclear export signal (NES) groove of CRM1. The 2.2-Å crystal structure of the CRM1-Ran-RanBP1 complex bound to KPT-251, a representative molecule of this class of inhibitors, shows that the drug occupies part of the groove in CRM1 that is usually occupied by the NES, but penetrates much deeper into the groove and blocks CRM1-directed protein export. SINE inhibitors exhibit potent antileukemic activity, inducing apoptosis at nanomolar concentrations in a panel of 14 human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines representing different molecular subtypes of the disease. When administered orally to immunodeficient mice engrafted with human AML cells, KPT-251 had potent antileukemic activity with negligible toxicity to normal hematopoietic cells. Thus, KPT-SINE CRM1 antagonists represent a novel class of drugs that warrant further testing in AML patients.

Ultrashort electron pulses as a four-dimensional diagnosis of plasma dynamics

We report an ultrafast electron imaging system for real-time examination of ultrafast plasma dynamics in four dimensions. It consists of a femtosecond pulsed electron gun and a two-dimensional single electron detector. The device has an unprecedented capability of acquiring a high-quality shadowgraph image with a single ultrashort electron pulse, thus permitting the measurement of irreversible processes using a single-shot scheme. In a prototype experiment of laser-induced plasma of a metal target under moderate pump intensity, we demonstrated its unique capability of acquiring high-quality shadowgraph images on a micron scale with a-few-picosecond time resolution.

Compare activities on regulating lipid-metabolism and reducing oxidative stress of diabetic rats of Tremella aurantialba broth's extract (TBE) with its mycelia polysaccharides (TMP)

Abnormal lipid-metabolism and elevated oxidative stress are the familiar complications of diabetic mellitus. Regulated lipid-metabolism and decreased oxidative stress have become the key indices to cure diabetic complications. The activities of broth extract (TBE) and mycelia polysaccharides (TMP) of Tremella aurantialba, which is one of the best-known multipurpose medicinal fungi in China, were studied using alloxan-induced diabetic rats. TBE contains saponins, while TMP contains polysaccharides. Both TBE and TMP could reduce the blood glucose levels of diabetic rats; TBE had stronger abilities to reduce the levels of total cholesterol and total triglyceride in serum, those of malondialdehyde, and enhance the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase in different tissues of diabetic rats (P < 0.01). TBE had slightly stronger abilities to enhance the total antioxidant capability, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in different tissues of diabetic rats, but no significant difference was found between TBE and TMP groups. All these results indicated that TBE was more capable of regulating lipid-metabolism and decreasing oxidative stress.

Properties of an alginate-degrading Flavobacterium sp. strain LXA isolated from rotting algae from coastal China

A novel bacterium exhibiting alginolytic activity was isolated from rotten algae. The alginate-degrading activity was detected in the culture supernatant by measuring the decrease in alginate viscosity or the increase in reducing sugars. Basic characterization showed that it was gram negative, rod shaped, yellow pigmented, and positive for oxidase and catalase, with a DNA G+C content of 35.6 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that this strain is related to members of the genus Flavobacterium. Sequence similarity values with their nearest phylogenetic neighbours ranged from 95.9% to 96.7%. Genotypic results, together with phenotypic characteristics, differentiated this species from related Flavobacterium organisms with validly published names, which suggests that the organism should be a new species of the genus Flavobacterium tentatively named as Flavobacterium sp. strain LXA.

Stereo and enantioselective degradation of beta-Cypermethrin and beta-Cyfluthrin in soil

beta-Cypermethrin (beta-CP) and beta-Cyfluthrin (beta-CF) are two important pyrethroid insecticides and both consist of two enantiomeric pairs (diastereomers), i.e. four enantiomers. In this study, the stereo and enantioselective degradation of beta-CP and beta-CF in a Tianjin alkaline soil was studied in details by a combination of achiral and chiral HPLC. The results showed that for the two pyrethroids, the transdiastereomer was degraded faster than the corresponding cis-diastereomer. beta-CP and beta-CF were found to be configurationally unstable in this soil, since isomerization between diastereomers was observed during the degradation process. Further enantioselective analysis showed that significant enantioselectivity occurred during the 30 days incubation time. The enantiomeric ratio (ER) values of cis- and transdiastereomers changed from initial approximately 1.00 to final 0.79 and 0.55 for beta-CP, and to 0.64 and 0.48 for beta-CF, respectively. At last, it was found that beta-CF was degraded at relatively faster degradation rate and higher enantioselectivity than beta-CP. Findings from this study may be used to better understand the chiral profiles of beta-CP and beta-CF as well as relevant pyrethroid analogues in environment.

Secretory Expression of Different C-terminal Truncated HCV E1 Proteins in Mammalian Cells and Characterization of the Expressed Products

Three fragments of the HCV envelope 1 (E1) with different C-terminal truncation at aa310, aa325, aa340 were cloned into the mammalian expression vector pSecTagB. An epitope in the hepatitis B surface antigen, preS1(21--47), were genetically engineered onto the N-terminus of the recombinant protein and used as an affinity tag for detection and purification. The resulting pSec-preS1-E1t310, pSec-preS1-E1t325 and pSec-preS1-E1t340 were transiently expressed in the HeLa cells and the antigenicity, secretory efficiency and glycosylation type of the recombinant E1 proteins were compared. All of the three recombinant proteins could be detected by both preS1 monoclonal antibody and E1 polyclonal antiserum. The expression products were secreted and highly mannose-type glycosylated, with S1E1t325 being secreted, indicating the influence of the hydrophobic regions on the secretion of the E1 protein. Three CHO cell lines expressing the proteins, S1E1t310, S1E1t325 and S1E1t340, were established and the CHO/pSecS1E1t325 was chosen for further study. The secreted S1E1t325 could be enriched from cell culture medium by the preS1 antibody-coupled Sepharose. The glycosylation analysis indicated the lack of complex glycogen even after the E1 was secreted via Golgi complexes. The established stable cell lines and anti-preS1 affinity method could be utilized to enrich and purify the HCV E1 expressed in mammalian cells, and may be used for further characterization of this protein.

[Study on in vitro culture and cryopreservation by vitrification of blastocysts derived from single mouse 2-cell embryos' blastomeres]

The present experiments were designed to study the effects of glucose, EDTA, glutamine on the in vitro development of single blastomeres from 2-cell embryos in mouse, and the efficiency of cryopreservation of blastocysts from single blastomers with different vitrification. Single blastomeres derived from female ICR x male BDF1 2-cell embryos were cultured in mKRB with or without glucose, EDTA and glutamine, respectively. The expanded blastocyst rates were significantly different between in mKRB with glucose and without glucose (34% vs 65%); The blastomeres were cultured in mKRB with EDTA and glutamine but glucose, the expanded blastocyst rate (90%) was significantly higher than other groups. The blastocysts derived from single blastomeres were vitrified in liquid nitrogen after equilibration in GFS40 for 0.5-2 min, the survival rate 24%-51%. The blastocysts were pretreated in mPBS with 10% glycerol for 5 min, followed by exposure to GFS40 at 25 degrees C for 0.5 min, then vitrified in liquid nitrogen(two-step method), the survival rate was 61%. However, the survival rates increased to 64% and 70% when the blastocysts were vitrified(one-step method) ater equilibration in EFS40 at 25 degrees C for 0.5-1 min.

Vitrification of in vivo and in vitro produced ovine blastocysts

Although cryopreservation of bovine embryo has made great progress in recent years, little achievement was obtained in ovine embryo freezing, especially in vitro produced embryos. However, a simple and efficient method for cryopreservation of sheep embryos will be important for application of ovine embryonic techniques such as in vitro fertilization, transgenic, cloning and etc. In this study ovine blastocysts, produced in vivo or in vitro, were cryopreserved by vitrification in EFS40 (40% ethylene glycol (EG), 18% ficoll and 0.5 M sucrose) or GFS40 (40% glycerol (GL), 18% ficoll and 0.5 Mol sucrose). In vitro produced, early blastocysts were directly plunged into liquid nitrogen (LN2) after preparation by one of the following procedures at 25 degrees C: (A) equilibration in EFS40 for 1 min; (B) equilibration in EFS40 for 2 min; (C) equilibration in EFS40 for 30 s following pretreatment in 10% EG for 5 min; (D) equilibration in EFS40 for 30 s following pretreatment in EFS20 for 2 min (E) equilibration in GFS30 for 30 s following pretreatment in 10% GL for 5 min. The survival rates observed after thawing and in vitro culture for 12 h were A 78.0% (39/50), B 50.0% (26/52), C 93.3% (70/75), D 92.0% (46/50) and E 68.0% (34/50). Survival rates were not significantly different for treatments C and D (p>0.05), but those for groups C and D were significantly higher than for A, B and E (p<0.05). After 24 h in vitro culture, hatched blastocyst rates were A 28.0% (14/50), B 21.1% (11/52), C 49.3% (37/75), D 48.0% (24/50), E 32.0% (16/50) and control 54.0% (27/50). The hatching rates for groups A, B and E were significantly lower than the control (p<0.05) in which early IVF blastocysts were cultured in fresh SOFaaBSA medium following treatment in PBS containing 0.3% BSA for 30 min, but for groups C and D it was similar to the control (p>0.05). The freezing procedures A, B and C were used to vitrify in vivo produced, early blastocysts recovered from superovulated ewes. The survival rates of frozen-thawed in vivo embryos were A 94.7% (72/76), B 75.0% (45/60) and C 96.4% (54/56) and for group B was significantly lower than for the other two treatment groups (p<0.05). Hatched blastocyst rates were A 46.0% (35/76), B 26.6% (16/60), C 51.8% (29/56) and the control 56.7% (34/60) in which early blastocysts from superovulation were cultured in fresh SOFaaBSA medium following treatment in PBS containing 0.3% BSA for 30 min. The hatching rate for treatment B was significantly lower than for the control (p<0.05) but did not differ between groups A, C and the control (p>0.05). Frozen-thawed embryos vitrified by procedure C were transferred into synchronous recipient ewes. Pregnancy and lambing rates were similar for embryos transferred fresh or frozen/thawed for both in vivo and in vitro produced embryos. These rates did not differ between in vivo and in vitro embryos transferred fresh (p>0.05). However, for frozen-thawed embryos, both rates were significantly lower for in vitro than for in vivo produced embryos (p<0.05).

Expression of porcine growth hormone gene in transgenic rabbits as reported by green fluorescent protein

Sperm-mediated gene transfer was used to produce transgenic rabbits that expressed the porcine growth hormone gene under the control of a metallothionein promoter. The gene that encodes the selectable marker green fluorescent protein (GFP) was inserted downstream of the transgene. After lipofectin-mediated gene transfer into sperm cells and after subsequent in vitro fertilization using the transfected sperm cells, 32% of the cultured blastocysts exhibited bright green fluorescence when stimulated with blue light. Of the 74 adult rabbits and five fetal rabbits (age, gestational day 15), 2 fetuses and 29 rabbits were GFP-positive as indicated by PCR analysis. Southern blot analysis of their genomic DNA showed that 13 of 21 GFP-positive rabbits were transgenic. GFP expression was observed in different tissues of transgenic rabbits and the growth rate of four GFP-positive rabbits was greater than that of controls. PCR analysis showed that one of six F1 offspring was transgenic. These results suggest that lipofectin-mediated gene transfer into sperm cells can be used to efficiently produce transgenic rabbits.

[Enantiomeric separations of 1-1,2,4-triazole compounds by micro-high performance liquid chromatography]

The enantiomeric separations of sixteen novel 1-1,2,4-triazole chiral compounds were investigated by micro-HPLC with a 200 mm x 100 microns i.d. capillary chiral OD column. The detection was performed at 223 nm. The mobile phase was a mixture of iso-propyl alcohol and n-hexane(20:80, V/V) at a flow rate of 30 microL/min and column head pressure of 6.9 MPa. Some of the enantiomers could be separated on baseline. In comparing with the separation results by the conventional HPLC method, the micro-HPLC method had the advantages of high-speed, economy, environmental friendliness etc. The effect of solute structure on enantio-selectivity was investigated and the chiral recognition mechanism was also discussed. It was found that the main separation mechanisms involve the pi-pi association and inclusion between the substituent R and the spiral pocket of OD-CSP.

[Effects of hypotonic stress on the survival of hatched mouse blastocysts pericryopreservation]

The objective of this study to evaluate the effect of hypotonic stress on developmental potential of hatched blastocysts perivitrification. Hatched mouse blastocysts were vitrified in liquid nitrogen after equilibration in 10% or 20% GL for 5 min and in GFS40 for 30 sec respectively, the survival rates were 93%-97% after the frozen-thawed embryos were cultured in vitro for 24 h. There were no statistical difference between the frozen and the fresh group (P > 0.05). In order to evaluate effects of hypotonic stress on developmental abilities, fresh hatched mouse blastocysts were respectively exposed to 1.00 x, 0.50 x, 0.30 x, 0.25 x and 0.20 x PBS for 30 min, then cultured in mKRB for 24 h, the survival rates were 98%, 99%, 92%, 92% and 50% respectively. The rate in 0.20 X PBS group was significantly lower than in other groups (P < 0.01). When frozen-thawed embryos were directly treated with different osmotic solutions, the survival rates were 88%, 72%, 58%, 11% and 0 respectively in 1.00 x, 0.50 x, 0.30 x, 0.25 x and 0.20 x PBS group. The rate in 1.00 x PBS group was significantly higher than in other groups (P < 0.05). However, when frozen-thawed embryos were first cultured in vitro for 12 h, then exposed to 1.00 x, 0.50 x, 0.30 x, 0.25 x and 0.2 x PBS, the survival rates were 98%, 94%, 82%, 58% and 26% respectively. There was no statistical difference between 1.00 x and 0.50 x PBS group (P > 0.05). Although the rate in 0.30 x, 0.25 x and 0.20 x PBS group was significantly lower than in 1.00 x group(P < 0.01), it was significantly higher than in the same treatment group without in vitro culture(P < 0.05).