Prenatal diagnosis of interrupted aortic arch using high-definition flow render mode and spatiotemporal image correlation.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical utility of two dimensional (2D) ultrasound combined with spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) in diagnosing interrupted aortic arch (IAA) in fetal life. METHODS: A total of 53 cases of fetal IAA were diagnosed using 2D ultrasound combined with STIC, and 53 normal fetuses of the same gestational week were selected. These cases were retrospectively analyzed to assess the utility of employing 2D ultrasound combined with STIC in the diagnosis of IAA. RESULTS: 2D ultrasound combined with STIC detected 22 cases of type A IAA, 24 cases of type B IAA, and seven cases of type C IAA. Furthermore, combining 2D ultrasound with STIC enabled dynamic visualization of the IAA, aiding in prenatal diagnosis. The diagnostic coincidence rate of IAA was found to be higher in the HD-flow combined with STIC than that in the 2D combined with HD-flow. CONCLUSION: HD-flow combined with STIC can assist in diagnosing fetal IAA, and this technique has important clinical value.

Mechanical Training Enabled Reinforcement of Polyrotaxane-Containing Hydrogel.

Many strategies have been developed for constructing anisotropic hydrogels, however, it remains a challenge to fabricate hydrogels with anisotropic nanocrystalline domains from intrinsically soft networks. Here, we report a naphthotube-based polyrotaxane-containing hydrogel that can be reinforced via mechanical training. During the training process, the hydrogel can adopt reorientation of polymer chains to form anisotropic structures driven by external uniaxial force. Due to the multiple hydrogen bonding sites and movable feature of naphthotube, the sliding of naphthotube on PEG chains simultaneously inducing the zipping of adjacent polymer chains to form densely anisotropic nanocrystalline domains through hydrogen bonded networks. Thus, the trained hydrogel exhibits an enhanced tension stress of ≈110 kPa, which realize a remarkable enhancement of ≈10 times compare to initial state. This study provides a new tactic for improving the mechanical performance of soft materials.

Precise Recognition in Water by an Endo-Functionalized Cavity: Tuning the Complementarity of Binding Sites.

Precise binding towards structurally similar substrates is a common feature of biomolecular recognition. However, achieving such selectivity-especially in distinguishing subtle differences in substrates-with synthetic hosts can be quite challenging. Herein, we report a novel design strategy involving the combination of different rigid skeletons to adjust the distance between recognition sites within the cavity, which allows for the highly selective recognition of hydrogen-bonding complementary substrates, such as 4-chromanone. X-ray single-crystal structures and density functional theory calculations confirmed that the distance of endo-functionalized groups within the rigid cavity is crucial for achieving high binding selectivity through hydrogen bonding. The thermodynamic data and molecular dynamics simulations revealed a significant influence of the hydrophobic cavity on the binding affinity. The new receptor possesses both high selectivity and high affinity, which provide valuable insights for the design of customized receptors.

Improved volume variable cluster model method for crystal-lattice optimization: effect on isotope fractionation factor.

The isotopic fractionation factor and element partition coefficient can be calculated only after the geometric optimization of the molecular clusters is completed. Optimization directly affects the accuracy of some parameters, such as the average bond length, molecular volume, harmonic vibrational frequency, and other thermodynamic parameters. Here, we used the improved volume variable cluster model (VVCM) method to optimize the molecular clusters of a typical oxide, quartz. We documented the average bond length and relative volume change. Finally, we extracted the harmonic vibrational frequencies and calculated the equilibrium fractionation factor of the silicon and oxygen isotopes. Given its performance in geometrical optimization and isotope fractionation factor calculation, we further applied the improved VVCM method to calculate isotope equilibrium fractionation factors of Cd and Zn between the hydroxide (Zn-Al layered double hydroxide), carbonate (cadmium-containing calcite) and their aqueous solutions under superficial conditions. We summarized a detailed procedure and used it to re-evaluate published theoretical results for cadmium-containing hydroxyapatite, emphasizing the relative volume change for all clusters and confirming the optimal point charge arrangement (PCA). The results showed that the average bond length and isotope fractionation factor are consistent with those published in previous studies, and the relative volume changes are considerably lower than the results calculated using the periodic boundary method. Specifically, the average Si-O bond length of quartz was 1.63 Å, and the relative volume change of quartz centered on silicon atoms was  - 0.39%. The average Zn-O bond length in the Zn-Al-layered double hydroxide was 2.10 Å, with a relative volume change of 1.96%. Cadmium-containing calcite had an average Cd-O bond length of 2.28 Å, with a relative volume change of 0.45%. At 298 K, the equilibrium fractionation factors between quartz, Zn-Al-layered double hydroxide, cadmium-containing calcite, and their corresponding aqueous solutions were [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] respectively. These results strongly support the reliability of the improved VVCM method for geometric optimization of molecular clusters.

Synthesis, Configurational Analysis, Molecular Recognition and Chirality Sensing of Methylene-Bridged Naphthotubes.

Macrocyclic hosts with a well-defined cavity are particularly appealing for supramolecular chemistry, but they are still rare. In this research, we reported a new class of macrocyclic hosts, namely methylene-bridged naphthotubes, with well-defined cavities. They were synthesized through TFA-catalyzed Friedel-Crafts reactions between alkoxy-substituted bisnaphthalenes and paraformaldehyde. A configurational selection was observed. Three-membered macrocycles possess a single cavity, while four-membered macrocycles adopt a double-cavity conformation or a self-filling conformation depending on the alkoxy length. The small homologue shows quite strong binding affinities (up to 108  M-1 ) to organic cations, which is better than structurally similar but flexible macrocycles. This demonstrates the advantage of a well-defined cavity in molecular recognition. Moreover, these naphthotubes can be used as chirality sensors for chiral organic cations through different chirality transfer mechanisms.

Expression and role of MIG/CXCR3 axis in mantle cell lymphoma.

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a unique subtype of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma with a generally aggressive and heterogeneous clinical course. Chemokines are one of the complex components in the tumor microenvironment (TME), and they play a vital role in tumor progression and metastasis. There is no information about the monokine induced by gamma interferon (MIG)/CXC chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) axis in patients with MCL. In the present study, we discovered that CXCR3 was highly expressed in MCL tissues and some cell lines including Maver, Z138, and Jeko-1, and significantly associated with clinical factors reflecting high tumor burden in MCL patients. Moreover, elevated serum MIG at diagnosis showed a close relationship with advanced disease and poor prognosis in MCL patients. Additionally, the role of CXCR3 in promoting the proliferation and inhibiting the apoptosis of primary MCL cells and Jeko-1 cells was validated by in vitro experiments. Further research indicated that the MIG/CXCR3 axis mediated MCL cell migration to the TME through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, the MIG/CXCR3 axis might be a potential target with fewer off-target side effects than other targets in MCL.

Development and validation of the Chinese version of the evidence-based practice profile questionnaire (EBP2Q).

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based practice (EBP) education or training are considered fundamental to building and strengthening an EBP culture, as well as to encouraging evidence-based academic and clinical practice in the nursing community. However, few valid and reliable instruments are available for the assessment of EBP teaching and learning in clinical nurses in China. Translation, reliability, and validity testing of the English Evidence-Based Practice Profile Questionnaire (EBP2Q), which has strong psychometric properties, may encourage evaluation and promote the implementation of EBP in Mainland China. METHODS: Based on established guidelines for the development of questionnaires, the English EBP2Q was translated and cross-culturally adapted. The Chinese version of the EBP2Q (EBP2Q-C) was validated using a sample of 543 nurses. Structural validity was evaluated through exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, and the questionnaire was tested for convergent and criterion validity. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability were also evaluated. RESULTS: The content validity index demonstrated good content validity (≥0.98). An eight-factor structure was obtained in the exploratory factor analysis, and verified by a three-order factor model from the confirmatory factor analysis (χ2/df = 2.001; RMSEA = 0.065; SRMR = 0.077; and CFI = 0.884). The Spearman's rank correlation analysis of the EBP2Q-C with the Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire showed moderate correlations for Practice (0.58) and Confidence (0.68) and a low correlation for Sympathy (0.32). Criterion validity was demonstrated by significant differences in terms of nurses' highest education, present position, EBP training, involvement in research programs, and level of understanding of English. Both the overall Cronbach's α and the Cronbach's α for the domains exceeded 0.70. The intraclass correlation coefficients for the domains ranged between 0.75 and 0.96, indicating satisfactory repeatability. CONCLUSIONS: Except for the convergent validity of the Sympathy domain, the EBP2Q-C provided evidence of validity and reliability. Therefore, it can be applied in EBP education or training assessment in Mainland China.

[Cloning of AhWRKY33 from Asarum heterotropoides and its genetic transformation in Arabidopsis].

The WRKY family genes, which play an important role in plant morphogenesis and stress response, were selected based on the data of the full-length transcriptome of Asarum heterotropoides. Using AtWRKY33, which regulates the synthesis of the camalexin in the model plant Arabidopsis to compare homologous genes in A. heterotropoides, primers were designed to amplify the open reading frame(ORF) fragment of AhWRKY33 gene by RT-PCR using total RNA of A. heterotropoides leaves as template. Real-time PCR results showed that there was a significant difference between the aerial part and the underground part of A. heterotropoides, the toxic aristolochic acid content is highly expressed in the leaves higher than the root. After verification, the WRKY33 gene of A. heterotropoides is ORF long 1 686 bp, encoding 561 amino acids.AhWRKY33 had two conserved WRKYGQK domains. According to the classical classification, it belongs to group Ⅰ WRKY transcription factor. A. heterotropoides WRKY33 had some homology with amino acids of other species. The study successfully constructed the plant eukaryotic expression vector PHG-AhWRKY33 and transformed Arabidopsis thaliana, the transgenic Arabidopsis was obtained by PCR detection and hygromycin resistant plate screening. It found that the germination of transgenic Arabidopsis seeds was accelerated and the stress resistance was increased. It laid a foundation for further analysis of WRKY transcription factor in the growth and development of A. heterotropoides and the synthesis of secondary metabolites.

MicroRNA-506 inhibits the proliferation and invasion of mantle cell lymphoma cells by targeting B7H3.

BACKGROUND: Aberrant expression of B7 homologue 3 (B7H3) has been observed in various malignancies. Our previous study demonstrated that knocking down of B7H3 inhibited cell proliferation, invasion and enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). However, the mechanism regulating of B7H3 expression remains unknown. Here, we present a new regulatory microRNA of B7H3, miR-506, that directly targets B7H3 and may play an inhibitory role in MCL progression. METHODS: The expression of miR-506 and B7H3 was investigated by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). B7H3 was confirmed to be a novel direct target gene of miR-506 by a dual-luciferase assay and western blot analysis. MiR-506 overexpression in the Maver and Z138 MCL cell lines was established using lentiviral transduction. Cell counting kit-8, flow cytometry and Transwell assays were used to detect changes in cell proliferation, cycle distribution, migration and invasion, respectively. RESULTS: The RT-qPCR results showed that miR-506 was expressed at a low level, while B7H3 was overexpressed in MCL patients and cell lines. By using a bioinformatics analysis combined with a dual-luciferase assay, we determined that miR-506 could target the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of B7H3 mRNA. Moreover, miR-506 had a negative regulatory effect on B7H3 expression according to the western blotting and RT-qPCR results. In terms of function, increased expression of miR-506 led to reduced MCL cell proliferation, invasion and migration, caused cell cycle arrested at G0/G1 phase, similar to the effects of B7H3 knockdown. Furthermore, we measured the expression of invasion-related proteins by western blotting and found that miR-506 could reduce MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in MCL cells. Rescue experiments suggested that the restoration of B7H3 expression in MCL cells reversed the inhibition of proliferation and invasion induced by miRNA-506 overexpression. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that miR-506 functions as a tumor suppressor miRNA and plays a significant role in inhibiting human MCL cell proliferation and metastasis by suppressing B7H3 expression.

Evaluation of right ventricular function in fetuses with isolated single umbilical artery using spatiotemporal image correlation M-mode.

BACKGROUND: Postnatal outcome of fetuses with isolated single umbilical artery (SUA) is determined mainly by right ventricular function. Our study examined whether there are differences in right ventricular function during the gestation period of fetuses with isolated SUA compared to healthy fetuses. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 77 fetuses with isolated SUA and 77 gestational age-matched controls from 22 to 39 weeks. For gestational age grouping, the isolated SUA fetuses and the control fetuses were divided into the second trimester group (22-27 weeks; 43 fetuses) and third trimester group (28-39 weeks; 34 fetuses). The fetal tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (f-TAPSE) M-mode was applied to the tricuspid annulus, parallel to the ventricular septum, and the amplitude of the resulting wave was assessed using spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) M-mode. We investigated the possible changes to the STIC M-mode indices during the course of pregnancy in both the isolated SUA and control groups. The relationship between f-TAPSE and gestational age was analyzed. Additionally, the correlations between f-TAPSE and birth weight was analyzed, and the birth weight differences between the isolated SUA and control groups in the third trimester were analyzed according to postpartum results. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in f-TAPSE between isolated SUA and control group in the third trimester (P < 0.05). There were significant correlations between gestational age (GA) and f-TAPSE among control fetuses (R2 = 0.9049; P < 0.01). A significant, positive correlation between GA and f-TAPSE was also found with isolated SUA fetuses (R2 = 0.8108; P < 0.01). The prevalence of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses and of discordant birth weight fetuses was significantly higher in the isolated SUA group than in the control group. In univariate analysis, the presence of an isolated SUA was associated with lower birth weight (2940 g compared with 3260 g) and with higher prevalence of SGA (13.0% compared with 3.9%; P < 0.01). The correlations between the birth weight and f-TAPSE in the two groups were analyzed in the third trimester, and the correlation in the isolated SUA group was better than that of the control group (R2 was 0.623 and 0.463 in the isolated SUA group and the control group, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Right ventricular function in isolated SUA is altered as early as in fetal third trimester. STIC M-mode can measure the right heart function of the fetus and may predict isolated SUA with SGA.

Bone protection for early menopausal women in China: standard or half-dose estrogen with progestin? A one-year prospective randomized trail.

The aim of the study is to compare the bone sparing effect of half-dose with standard-dose conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) combined with progestin. A total of 123 participants were administrated with 0.625 mg of CEE and 100 mg of micronized progesterone (MP) in group A, 0.3 mg of CEE and 100 mg of MP in group B, 0.625 mg of CEE and 10 mg of dydrogesterone (DDG) in group C for one year. Percent changes from baseline in BMD at lumbar spine and fracture rate were primary outcomes. Secondary endpoints included changes of BMD at femoral neck, total hip and arm, bone markers (alkaline phosphatase, calcium and phosphorus), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and endometrial thickness. No fractures occurred during the treatment. Standard dose of CEE leads to significant changes in lumbar spine and arm. The 3.78% growth of BMD at femoral neck in group C marked a statistically difference. There was no statistically remarkable bone loss at hip in all three groups. Bone turnover markers and ALT significantly decreased from basic values. Endometrium thickened more with traditional dose of CEE. Both the half and standard dose CEE are effective in BMD preservation among early menopausal women with subtle side effects. Low-dose estrogen is less efficacious than traditional one.

Comparison Of Cimicifuga foetida extract and different hormone therapies regarding in causing breast pain in early postmenopausal women.

This study aimed to compare the influence between Cimicifuga foetida extract and different hormone therapies on breast pain in early postmenopausal women. A prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted among 96 early postmenopausal women. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: group A received 1 mg/day estradiol valerate plus 4 mg/day medroxyprogesterone acetate on days 19-30; group B received 1 mg/day estradiol valerate plus 100 mg/day micronized progesterone on days 19-30; group C received C. foetida extract, 1talet (contains 33.3 mg extract), t.i.d. Breast pain diary and numerical rating scale was used to access the breast pain. For 6 months' treatment, the total incidence of breast pain in group A and B was significantly higher than that in group C (p < .05). The duration (day) of breast pain in each month decreased over time in group A and B while it was continuously low and without significant change in group C (p > .05). The intensity of breast pain was mild in most participants and did not differ among three groups (p > .05). During treatment of early postmenopausal women with C. foetida extract for 6 months, the incidence and duration of breast pain were lower than upon treatment with E2 plus cyclic MPA or m-P and did not change over time.

A Chinese version of the Patient Perceptions of Patient-Empowering Nurse Behaviours Scale: Reliability and validity assessment in chronically ill patients.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To translate the Patient Perceptions of Patient-Empowering Nurse Behaviours Scale (PPPNBS) into Chinese and to psychometrically test the Chinese version of PPPNBS (PPPNBS-C) in chronically ill patients. BACKGROUND: The growing prevalence and burden of chronic illnesses became the driving force for the need of empowerment as an approach to engage patients in self-management. The PPPNBS was developed to assess patient perceptions of the process of empowerment during hospitalisation. Extending its application to different clinical context and ethnicities is worth pursuing. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey. METHODS: The PPPNBS was translated according to Brislin's translation guidelines and was culturally adapted. A questionnaire survey was carried out to determine the reliability and validity of the PPPNBS-C among a total of 517 hospitalised patients with chronic illnesses. RESULTS: The content validity was found to be good with a content validity index of 0.94. Exploratory factor analysis identified six factors explaining 68.56% of the total variance and confirmatory factor analysis confirmed this six-factor structure. The hypothesised differences were demonstrated through contrasted group comparisons by time since diagnosis and length of hospital stay. The score of the PPPNBS-C was significantly and positively associated with that of the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire, as was the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease 6-Item Scale score, providing evidence of convergent validity. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.960 and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.86 for the total scale, explaining good internal consistency and time stability. CONCLUSIONS: The PPPNBS-C has preliminary verification of the validity and reliability and could be useful in measuring patient perceptions of patient-empowering nurse behaviours. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The PPPNBS-C can be applied to chronically ill patients as a metric of the implementation status of patient-empowering nurse behaviours and can be used as a guide to encourage nurse's intentional utilisation of empowering behaviours.

[Expression of saponin biosynthesis related genes in different tissues of Panax quinquefolius].

The relationship between saponin content of Panax quinquefolius in different parts of the organization and expression of ginsenoside biosynthesis related gene was obtained by the correlation analysis between saponin content and gene expression. The 14 tissue parts of P. quinquefolius were studied, six saponins in P. quinquefolius. Samples (ginsenoside Rg1, Re, Rb1, Rc, Rb2 and Rd), group saponins and total saponins were determined by high performance liquid chromatography and vanillin-sulfuric acid colorimetric method. Simultaneously, the expression levels of 7 ginsenoside biosynthesis related genes (SQS, OSC, DS, ß-AS, SQE, P450 and FPS) in different tissues of P. quinquefolius were determined by Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Although 7 kinds of ginsenoside biosynthesis related enzyme gene in the P. quinquefolius involved in ginsenoside synthesis, the expression of ß-AS and P450 genes had no significant effect on the content of monosodium saponins, grouping saponins and total saponins, FPS, SQS, OSC, DS and SQE had significant or extremely significant on the contents of single saponins Re, Rg1, Rb1, Rd, group saponin PPD and PPT, total saponin TMS and total saponin TS (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The biosynthesis of partial saponins, grouping saponins and total saponins in P. quinquefolius was affected by the interaction of multiple enzyme genes in the saponin synthesis pathway, the content of saponins in different tissues of P. quinquefolius was determined by the differences in the expression of key enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway. Therefore, this study further clarified that FPS, SQS, OSC, DS and SQE was the key enzyme to control the synthesis of saponins in P. quinquefolius by correlation analysis, the biosynthesis of ginsenosides in P. quinquefolius was regulated by these five kind of enzymes in cluster co-expression of interaction mode.

A short synthetic chimeric sequence harboring matrix attachment region/PSAR2 increases transgene expression in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

A chimeric DNA fragment containing an interferon-beta matrix attachment region (MAR) and an immunoglobulin MAR (PSAR2) was synthesized. PSAR2 was cloned into the upstream or downstream region of an enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) expression cassette in a eukaryotic vector, which was then transfected into CHO cells. The results showed that PSAR2 did not effectively increase transgene expression when it was cloned into the upstream region of the eGFP expression cassette. However, when inserted downstream of the eGFP expression cassette, PSAR2-enhanced transient transgene expression and significantly increased the numbers of stably transfected cells compared with the control vector. Additionally, PSAR2 significantly increased eGFP copy numbers as compared with the control vector. PSAR2 could significantly enhance transgene expression in CHO cells according to the position in the vector and increased transgene copy numbers. We found a short chimeric sequence harboring two MARs effectively increased transgene expression in CHO cells.

[Construction, Expression of hERα-LBD Prokaryotic Vector and the Activity of Expressed Protein].

OBJECTIVES: To construct the prokaryotic expression system of estrogen receptor α ligand bingding domain (hERα-LBD) and to evaluate the estrogen receptor ligand binding activity of the expressed protein. METHODS: hERα -LBD was amplicated from the plasmid of hERα -LBD by PCR, the identified PCR product was ligated with pGEM-T-easy vector to generate pGM-T-hERα -LBD. After the confirmation, the hERα -LBD fragments were obtained by enzyme digestion and inserted into pET-28a. The expression vectors were expressed in E.Coli to produce hERα-LBD protein. We mixed the hERα-LBD protein and estradiol and bovine serum albumin conjugated antigens (E2-BSA), then evaluated the binding activity of hERα-LBD by electrophoresis. RESULTS: The amplified fragment was about 1.9 kb, which was in agreement with the expected target fragment. Recombinant plasmid of pGM-T-hERα -LBD was confirmed by enzyme digestion and sequencing, then pET-28a(+)-hERα -LBD was constructed successfully. The expressed hERα-LBD protein in E.Coli was observed and the expression amount was 250 mg/L after affinity chromatography purification. hERα-LBD was confirmed to had estrogen binding activity by electrophoresis. CONCLUSIONS: The prokaryotic expression system of pET-28a(+)-hERα -LBD was successfully constructed, and hERα-LBD had the activity of binding.

[Study on effect elements of anthers opening-closing movement and its cell morphology regulatory mechanism of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis].

In order to study the effect elements of anthers opening-closing movement of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis, and its cell morphology regulatory mechanism. Anthers daily opening in the morning and closing in the evening and its corresponding ecological elements changes were recorded. Different light, temperature, humidity experiment and artificial rainfall experiment were designed to observe the effect on anthers opening-closing movement, paraffin sections were made to observe the cell morphology change when the anthers daily opening and closing. The result showed that the movement of anthers daily opening and closing was regulated by ecological elements. The overall trend was high temperature and strong light, low humidity was favorable for anther opening, and low temperature, weak light, high humidity was favorable for anther closing. In this experiment, the effect of these ecological elements on the movement of anthers opening from strong to weak was humidity, temperature, light. The effect of these ecological elements on the movement of anthers closing from strong to weak was light, humidity, temperature. The direct contact of the raindrops causes the rapid closing of the anthers in the rain. Observing the cell morphology change when anthers opening and closing, it was a pollen sac dehydration and water-absorption process, different light, temperature and humidity conditions induce different physiological activities in the cell, which caused the cell osmotic pressure change, eventually resulting in anther opening and closing movement. But anthers closing caused by the rain was a simple physical adjustment process, the raindrops fell on the anthers directly, which caused anthers soaked water and change of the cell osmotic pressure, then resulting in anther closing.

Surgical Therapy of 17α-hydroxylase Deficiency in 30 Patients.

Objective To analyze the clinical features of 17α-hydroxylase deficiency and explore the appropriate timing and methods of surgical treatment. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with complete 17α-hydroxylase deficiency,containing Y chromosome material in their karyotype,adimitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2004 to December 2014. Results Thirty patients with complete 17α-hydroxylase deficiency were included. Their social gender were all female and the mean age at diagnosis was (16.1±2.7) years. Twenty-six patients (86.7%) presented with primary amenorrhea and hypertension. The development of secondary sexual characteristics was poor and their uterus was absent. The levels of gonadotropin,progesterone,and adrenocorticotropic hormone were elevated in all patients and the levels of estradiol,testosterone,and cortisol were decreased. All patients had undergone laparoscopic gonadectomy. Most (86.7%) of the gonads were located in abdomen,while 13.3% were in inguinal canal. Histopathology confirmed that gonadal malignancy was obsetved in two patients (6.7%): one with leydig cell tumor and the other with sertoli cell tumor. Conclusions Patients with complete 17α-hydroxylase deficiency have specific clinical features. Early diagnosis and timely laparoscopic gonadectomy are critical to prevent gonadal malignancy.

[Effect of Interaction between PLIN Gene Polymorphisms and Open Lifestyle Intervention on Weight-loss in Chinese Han Adults].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of the interaction between PLIN gene polymorphisms and open lifestyle intervention on weight-loss in Chinese Han adults. METHODS: Totally 109 overweight or obese subjects were assigned by random number table to the intervention group (n=56) or control group (n=53),and subjects in the intervention group received 22-week open lifestyle intervention. Anthropometric and metabolic indicators were measured for all subjects before and after intervention,and the PLIN1,PLIN4,and PLIN6 genotypes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced through the first-generation sequencing technologies. RESULTS: Among all these subjects,the rare allele C was dominant at PLIN1 (0.619),the common allele G was dominant at PLIN4 (0.606),and the common allele A was dominant at PLIN6 (0.564),in which PLIN1 and PLIN4 as well as PLIN4 and PLIN6 were in strong linkage disequilibrium (D'>0.9). After intervention,the body mass index,waist circumference,and body fat percent of female subjects were significantly decreased in intervention group and were lower than in control group;in male subjects,however,only the waist circumference showed significant difference with the control group (P<0.05). Subjects carrying rare allele homozygote of PLIN6 got less weight/fat loss than those carrying common alleles in intervention group,while subjects carrying rare allele of PLIN1 had more weight/fat increase than those with common allele homozygote in control group (P<0.05). Females in intervention group carrying any one of rare allele homozygotes of PLIN1,PLIN4 and PLIN6 got less weight/fat loss than those with common alleles,and female subjects carrying the rare allele homozygote haplotype of PLIN1/PLIN4 or PLIN4/PLIN6 got less weight/fat loss than those with other haplotypes (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The interaction between open lifestyle intervention and PLIN gene polymorphisms can directly influence weight-loss in Chinese Han overweight and obese adults.

[Phenotypic Trait Variation, Correlation and Path Analysis of Clerodendranthus spicatus].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the phenotypic trait variation range of Clerodendranthus spicatus, and to look for phenotypic traits closely related with its yield and quality, in order to provide reference for its breeding. METHODS: Randomly labelled plants of Clerodendranthus spicatus, observed its phenotypic traits and analyzed by variation, principal component, correlation and path analysis. RESULTS: 13 phenotypic traits in the 15 germplasms of Clerodendranthus spicatus had great variations, the variations mainly distributed in yield, growth and genetic characteristics. Correlation and path analysis showed that, the plant dry weight had an extremely significantly positive correlation with fresh weight, and a positive correlation with stem height, stem diameter and root diameter. Plant fresh weight had a majorly direct contribution to the plant dry weight, stem height, stem diameter and root diameter also had a direct contribution to the plant dry weight. The other characters, including root length, branches, the number of leaf nodes, leaf number, leaf length, leaf width, fresh weight/dry weight ratio, rosmarinic acid content and ursolic acid content all had a negatively direct contribution to the plant dry weight. Rosmarinic acid content had a positive correlation with fresh weight, and a significantly positive correlation with fresh weight/dry weight ratio. Fresh weight had a majorly direct contribution to the rosmarinic acid content, stem height and stem diameter also had a direct contribution to the plant rosmarinic acid content. The other characters, including root length, root diameter, branches, the number of leaf nodes, leaf length, leaf width, dry weight, fresh weight/dry weight ratio, and ursolic acid content all had a negatively direct contribution to the rosmarinic acid content. CONCLUSION: The phenotypic traits of Clerodendranthus spicatus had rich variations on yield, growth and genetic characteristics. When choosing good germplasm, plant fresh weight, stem height, stem diameter and plant fresh weight/dry weight ratio having promoting effects on the plant dry weight and rosmarinic acid content should be considered comprehensively, and plant with vigorous growth, tall stem and more leaves can be choosed firstly.