Genome Assembly of Cordia subcordata, a Coastal Protection Species in Tropical Coral Islands.

Cordia subcordata trees or shrubs, belonging to the Boraginaceae family, have strong resistance and have adapted to their habitat on a tropical coral island in China, but the lack of genome information regarding its genetic background is unclear. In this study, the genome was assembled using both short/long whole genome sequencing reads and Hi-C reads. The assembled genome was 475.3 Mb, with 468.7 Mb (99.22%) of the sequences assembled into 16 chromosomes. Repeat sequences accounted for 54.41% of the assembled genome. A total of 26,615 genes were predicted, and 25,730 genes were functionally annotated using different annotation databases. Based on its genome and the other 17 species, phylogenetic analysis using 336 single-copy genes obtained from ortholog analysis showed that C. subcordata was a sister to Coffea eugenioides, and the divergence time was estimated to be 77 MYA between the two species. Gene family evolution analysis indicated that the significantly expanded gene families were functionally related to chemical defenses against diseases. These results can provide a reference to a deeper understanding of the genetic background of C. subcordata and can be helpful in exploring its adaptation mechanism on tropical coral islands in the future.

Microrna-139-5p inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and fibrosis in post-menopausal women with interstitial cystitis by targeting LPAR4 via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

The study explores whether miR-139-5p targeting LPAR4 affects epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibrosis in post-menopausal women with interstitial cystitis (IC) via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Bladder tissues of IC and normal bladder tissues were collected. The pathology of bladder tissues was observed by HE, Masson and Picrosirius red staining. LPAR4 positive expression rate were determined by IHC. ELISA was performed to detect the levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α. Rat IC models were randomized into seven different groups. miR-139-5p, LPAR1, LPAR2, LPAR3, LPAR4, LPAR5, P13K, Akt, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, TGF-ß1, and CTGF expression were determined by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay verified that LPAR4 is a target gene of miR-139-5p. Fibrosis was a pathological manifestation of IC. The IC group showed higher LPAR4, PI3K, Akt, p-PI3K, p-Akt, N-cadherin, Vimentin, TGF-ß1, and CTGF expression but lower miR-139-5p and E-cadherin expression than the normal group. The levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α expression decreased while HB-EGF increased in the IC group in comparison of the normal group. Compared with the blank and NC groups, E-cadherin expression was increased in the miR-139-5p mimic and siRNA-LPAR4 groups, while LPAR4, PI3K, Akt, p-P13K, p-Akt, N-cadherin, Vimentin, TGF-ß1, and CTGF expression were decreased. An opposite trend was found in the miR-139-5p inhibitor group. The miR-139-5p decreased in the miR-139-5p inhibitor + siRNA-LPAR4 and miR-139-5p inhibitor + wortmannin groups. Conclusively, miR-139-5p targeting LPAR4 inhibits EMT and fibrosis in post-menopausal IC women through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Pincushion of Tubule Discovery and Tubular Morphology Landscape Establishment of Block Copolymer Self-Assemblies.

Block copolymer (BCP) self-assembly is a versatile technique in the preparation of polymeric aggregates with varieties of morphologies. However, its morphology library is limited. Here, the discovery of pincushion of tubules is reported for the first time, via BCP self-assembly of poly(4-vinylpyridine)-b-polystyrene (P4VP-b-PS) with very high molecular weight (500 kDa) and asymmetry (2 mol% P4VP). The investigation confirms the importance of core-forming block length on morphology control of BCP self-assemblies, especially with respect to tubular structures. The morphology landscape of tubular structures is successfully established, where dumbbell of tubule, tubule, loose clew of tubules, tight clew of tubules, and pincushion of tubules can be prepared by adjusting the core-forming block length. This work therefore expands the structure library of BCP self-assemblies and opens up a new avenue for the further applications of these tubular materials.

RAFT-Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly and Reorganizations: Ultrahigh-Molecular-Weight Polymer and Morphology-Tunable Micro-/Nanoparticles in One Pot.

A one-pot method is introduced for the successful synthesis of narrow-distributed (D = 1.22) vinyl polymer with both ultrahigh molecular weight (UHMW) (M w = 1.31 × 106 g mol-1 ) and micro-/nanomorphology under mild conditions. The method involves the following four stages: homogeneous polymerization, polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA), PISA and reorganization, and PISA and multiple reorganizations. The key points to the production of UHMW polystyrene are to minimize radical termination by segregating radicals in different nanoreactors and to ensure sufficient chain propagation by promoting further reorganizations of these reactors in situ. This method therefore endows polymeric materials with the outstanding properties of both UHMW and tunable micro-/nanoparticles under mild conditions in one pot.

Renal AML with inferior vena cava thrombus treated by workbench surgery and autotransplantation.

Renal angiomyolipoma may sometimes require surgical intervention. In this paper, we present a case of renal angiomyolipoma which infiltrated the sinus and extended into the inferior vena cava. He was successfully treated with a combined approach of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, extracorporeal workbench tumor resection, and autotransplantation. Three months postoperatively, no evidence of tumor recurrence or presence of thrombus in the inferior vena cava was noted. Our experience represents the successful application of a combined nephron-sparing approach in the management of angiomyolipoma with extension into a major blood vessel.

Identification of the relationship between Chinese Adiantum reniforme var. sinense and Canary Adiantum reniforme.

BACKGROUND: There are different opinions about the relationship of two disjunctively distributed varieties Adiantum reniforme L. var. sinense Y.X.Lin and Adiantum reniforme L. Adiantum reniforme var. sinense is an endangered fern only distributed in a narrowed region of Chongqing city in China, while Adiantum reniforme var. reniforme just distributed in Canary Islands and Madeira off the north-western African coast. To verify the relationship of these two taxa, relative phylogenetic analyses, karyotype analyses, microscopic spore observations and morphological studies were performed in this study. Besides, divergence time between A. reniforme var. sinense and A. reniforme var. reniforme was estimated using GTR model according to a phylogeny tree constructed with the three cpDNA markers atpA, atpB, and rbcL. RESULTS: Phylogenetic results and divergence time analyses--all individuals of A. reniforme var. sinense from 4 different populations (representing all biogeographic distributions) were clustered into one clade and all individuals of A. reniforme var. reniforme from 7 different populations (all biogeographic distributions are included) were clustered into another clade. The divergence between A. reniforme var. reniforme and A. reniforme var. sinense was estimated to be 4.94 (2.26-8.66) Myr. Based on karyotype analyses, A. reniforme var. reniforme was deduced to be hexaploidy with 2n = 180, X = 30, while A. reniforme var. sinense was known as tetraploidy. Microscopic spore observations suggested that surface ornamentation of A. reniforme var. reniforme is psilate, but that of A. reniforme var. sinense is rugate. Leaf blades of A. reniforme var. sinense are membranous and reniform and with several obvious concentric rings, and leaves of A. reniforme var. reniforme are pachyphyllous and coriaceous and are much rounder and similar to palm. CONCLUSION: Adiantum reniforme var. sinense is an independent species rather than the variety of Adiantum reniforme var. reniforme. As a result, we approve Adiantum nelumboides X. C. Zhang, nom. & stat. nov. as a legal name instead of the former Adiantum reniforme var. sinense. China was determined to be the most probable evolution centre based on the results of phylogenetic analyses, divergence estimation, relative palaeogeography and palaeoclimate materials.

Treatment of renal cell carcinoma with a level III or level IV inferior vena cava thrombus using cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the minimally invasive cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) approach in the management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with level III or IV inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombus and evaluate the survival outcomes. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis on 32 RCC patients with IVC thrombus that underwent nephrectomy and thrombectomy via the minimally invasive CPB/DHCA approach between January 2007 and December 2013. Perioperative variables (for example, operative time, CPB duration, and circulatory arrest duration), estimated blood loss, hospital stay, perioperative complications, and survival data were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (median age: 56 years) were treated surgically using the CPB and DHCA approach for RCC with a level III (n=25) or level IV (n=7) tumor thrombus. The median operation time was 360 min (interquartile range (IQR): 300 to 435 min) with median CPB and DHCA durations of 149 min and 23 min, respectively. The median estimated blood loss was 2,500 ml. Four complications were observed but no deaths occurred perioperatively. The median follow-up was 25 months (range: 4 to 64 months). The mean overall survival (OS) was 28.2±4.6 months while the disease-free survival (DFS) was 19.5±11.6 months. In patients with M0 disease, ten patients developed metastases and were treated with sorafenib as an adjuvant therapy. The mean OS and DFS of this subgroup were 25.4±12.8 months and 16.0±14.2 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy using CPB and DHCA to treat RCC is a relatively safe approach associated with low morbidity and mortality. This minimally invasive procedure may help minimize surgical trauma and improve perioperative outcomes.

[Influence of the Composition of the Initial Mixtures on the Physicochemical and Biological Properties and Spectral Characteristics of Composts].

In this work, biogas residues, the remnant of the anaerobic digestion, was used for composting with livestock manure as the co-substrate. It is important for improving the soil quality in China, because the negative influence of biogas residues being utilized directly as organic fertilizer (a mainstream way of disposing biogas residues in China) on the soil could be eliminated or mitigated via composting. The composition of composting substrate has a great influence on the composting process. To explore the influence of the composition of the initial mixtures on the physicochemical properties and spectroscopic characteristics of composts, fifteen co-composting of biogas residue, pig manure and chicken manure, with different material ratios, were carried out. Physicochemical and biological indicators were determined. Meanwhile, spectroscopic methods, such as UV-Vis, synchronous fluorescence and 3D-EEM spectra were used for identifying characteristic spectral parameters companied with FRI and PARAFAC. Therefore, spectroscopic characteristics of composts were characterized. The relationship between physicochemical properties of composts and the composition of the initial mixtures was established using CCA. Similarly, that between spectroscopic characteristics of composts and the composition of the initial mixtures was also established. The results showed that: physicochemical properties of composts exhibits a significant correlation with the composition of the initial mixtures. A significant correlation between spectroscopic characteristics of composts and the composition of the initial mixtures was also observed. In the two CCA, the former four axes account for 83.9% and 97.5% of the total sample variation. The influence of enviro nmental factors on physicochemical properties of composts was in the order of pig manure amount>chicken manure amount>biogas residue amount and that on spectroscopic characteristics of composts was in the order of biogas residue amount>pig manure amount>chicken manure amount. Carbon-rich raw materials favor the maturation of compost. A high proportion of nitrogen-rich raw materials does not lead to the accumulation of ammonia in compost. A low proportion of biogas residue favors the formation of humic substances during the co-composting of biogas residue and livestock manure. In summary, the evaluation of compost fermentation effect should synthetically consider physic-chemical, biological indicators and spectral parameters instead of a single index.

TNF/TNFR1 pathway and endoplasmic reticulum stress are involved in ofloxacin-induced apoptosis of juvenile canine chondrocytes.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Quinolones cause obvious cartilaginous lesions in juvenile animals by chondrocyte apoptosis, which results in the restriction of their use in pediatric and adolescent patients. Studies showed that chondrocytes can be induced to produce TNFα, and the cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum in quinolone-treated chondrocytes become dilated. We investigated whether TNF/TNFR1 pathway and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERs) are involved in ofloxacin (a typical quinolone)-induced apoptosis of juvenile canine chondrocytes. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Canine juvenile chondrocytes were treated with ofloxacin. Cell survival and apoptosis rates were determined with MTT method and flow cytometry, respectively. The gene expression levels of the related signaling molecules (TNFα, TNFR1, TRADD, FADD and caspase-8) in death receptor pathways and main apoptosis-related molecules (calpain, caspase-12, GADD153 and GRP78) in ERs were measured by qRT-PCR. The gene expression of TNFR1 was suppressed with its siRNA. The protein levels of TNFα, TNFR1 and caspase-12 were assayed using Western blotting. KEY RESULTS: The survival rates decreased while apoptosis rates increased after the chondrocytes were treated with ofloxacin. The mRNA levels of the measured apoptosis-related molecules in death receptor pathways and ERs, and the protein levels of TNFα, TNFR1 and caspase-12 increased after the chondrocytes were exposed to ofloxacin. The downregulated mRNA expressions of TNFR1, Caspase-8 and TRADD, and the decreased apoptosis rates of the ofloxacin-treated chondrocytes occurred after TNFR1-siRNA interference. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Ofloxacin-induced chondrocyte apoptosis in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion. TNF/TNFR1 pathway and ERs are involved in ofloxacin-induced apoptosis of juvenile canine chondrocytes in the early stage.

Absolutely nondestructive discrimination of Huoshan Dendrobium nobile species with miniature near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer engine.

As one very precious traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Huoshan Dendrobium has not only high price, but also significant pharmaceutical efficacy. However, different species of Huoshan Dendrobium exhibit considerable difference in pharmaceutical efficacy, so rapid and absolutely non-destructive discrimination of Huoshan Dendrobium nobile according to different species is crucial to quality control and pharmaceutical effect. In this study, as one type of miniature near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer, MicroNIR 1700 was used for absolutely nondestructive determination of NIR spectra of 90 batches of Dendrobium from five species of differ- ent commodity grades. The samples were intact and not smashed. Soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) pattern recognition based on principal component analysis (PCA) was used to classify and recognize different species of Dendrobium samples. The results indicated that the SIMCA qualitative models established with pretreatment method of standard normal variate transformation (SNV) in the spectra range selected by Qs method had 100% recognition rates and 100% rejection rates. This study demonstrated that a rapid and absolutely non-destructive analytical technique based on MicroNIR 1700 spectrometer was developed for successful discrimination of five different species of Huoshan Dendrobium with acceptable accuracy.

[Discrepancy between radiological and pathological sizes of renal masses].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the differences between tumor sizes measured by preoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging and pathologic examination of surgical specimens in Chinese patients who received extirpative surgery for renal tumors. METHODS: From September 2008 to September 2010, 204 patients with renal tumors treated in the Renji Hospital were enrolled in this study, and their clinicopathological data were collected and analyzed. The paired Student's t-test was used to compare the mean radiological tumor maximum diameter and the mean pathological tumor maximum diameter. All cases in which post-operative down-staging or up-staging occurred due to the discrepancy between radiological and pathological tumor maximum diameters were identified. In addition, the relationship between radiological and pathological tumor maximum diameters and histological subtypes was analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, the radiological mean maximum diameter of tumors on CT was 48.3 mm and the pathological mean maximum diameter was 47.0 mm. On average, CT overestimated pathological size by 1.3 mm (P = 0.018). CT overestimated pathological tumor size in 111 (54.4%) patients, underestimated in 71 (34.8%) patients and equal pathological size in 22 (10.8%) patients. Among the 190 patients with pT1 or pT2 tumors, there was a discrepancy between clinical and pathological staging in 35 (18.4%) patients. Of these, 29 (15.3%) patients were down-staged post-operatively and 6 (3.2%) were up-staged. When subjects were categorized according to radiographic tumor size associated with clinical stage, statistically significant difference (average of 1.76 mm) was observed between radiographic and pathologic maximum diameters ranging 41-70 mm (P = 0.035). For clear cell carcinoma, mean radiographic tumor maximum diameter was significantly larger than the pathologic maximum diameter by 1.69 mm (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: There is a statistically significant but small difference (1.3 mm) between mean radiological and mean pathological tumor maximum diameters. For some patients, this difference leads to a discrepancy between clinical and pathological staging, which may have implications on pre-operative clinical decision and prognosis prediction.

Increased expression of HMGB1 is associated with poor prognosis in human bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a versatile protein with intranuclear and extracellular functions that is involved in numerous biological and pathological processes, such as transcription, DNA repair, and response to infection and inflammation. HMGB1 overexpression has been reported in a variety of human cancers. However, the clinical significance of HMGB1 expression in bladder cancer (BC) remains unclear. This study is aimed to investigate the correlations between HMGB1 expression and prognosis in patients with BC. METHODS: HMGB1 protein expression in 164 primary BC tissue specimens was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, and its association with clinicopathologic factors and prognosis was also analyzed. RESULTS: HMGB1 protein had high expression in 87 of 164 cases of BC (53%). HMGB1 overexpression was significantly associated with tumor grade (P < 0.001), and stage (P = 0.001). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that HMGB1 expression was significantly associated with shorter disease-free survival and overall survival (both P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis further demonstrated that HMGB1 was an independent prognostic factor for patients with BC. CONCLUSIONS: HMGB1 might be a new molecular marker to predict the prognosis of patients with BC.

[Analysis of clinicopathological features and prognosis in 68 patients with chromophobe renal cell carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinicopathological features and prognosis of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (ChRCC). METHODS: The clinical data of 68 ChRCC cases treated in our department between January 2003 and September 2010 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. The prognostic factors were evaluated by Log-rank test. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to estimate the survival rate. RESULTS: Fifty cases were treated with radical nephrectomy and 18 with partial nephrectomy. The mean tumor size was 5.7 cm (1.5 - 16.0 cm). The TNM stages were as follows: pT1aN0M0 in 25, pT1bN0M0 in 22, pT2aN0M0 in 9, pT2bN0M0 in 5, and pT3aN0M0 in 7. According to the Fuhrman grading system, 8 patients were classified as grade I, 42 cases were grade II, 14 cases were grade III, and 4 cases were grade IV. The 3-year and 5-year survival rates were 93.0% and 90.0%, respectively. The log-rank test showed that tumor size (> 7 cm vs. ≤ 7 cm) (P = 0.004), TNM stage (T1-2 vs. T3-4) (P = 0.008) and urinary collecting system invasion (P = 0.024) were associated with survival time. The multivariable Cox regression model revealed that tumor size (> 7 cm vs. ≤ 7 cm) was an independent predictor of aggressive ChRCC (P = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: ChRCC is a distinct type of renal cell carcinoma exhibiting a low degree of malignancy. Most tumors are larger, but predominantly with a favorable prognosis. Fuhrman nuclear grading is not suitable for ChRCC. Tumor size (> 7 cm vs. ≤ 7 cm) is an independent predictor of prognosis of ChRCC.

miR-1249-5p regulates the osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs by targeting PDX1.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis (OP) is an age-related systemic bone disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the regulation of osteogenic differentiation. The purpose of this study was to explore the role and mechanism of miR-1249-5p for promoting osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). METHODS: GSE74209 dataset was retrieved from NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and performed bioinformatic analyses. OP tissue and healthy control tissues were obtained and used for RT-PCR analyses. ADSCs were incubated with miR-1249-5p mimic, inhibitor and corresponding negative control (NC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, and Alizarin Red Staining (ARS) were then performed to assess the role of miR-1249-5p for osteogenesis of ADSCs. Targetscan online website and dual-luciferase reporter assay were performed to verify that the 3'-UTR of PDX1 mRNA is a direct target of miR-1249-5p. RT-PCR and western blot were also performed to identify the mechanism of miR-1249-5p for osteogenesis of ADSCs. RESULTS: A total of 170 differentially expressed miRNAs were selected, among which, 75 miRNAs were downregulated and 95 miRNAs were upregulated. Moreover, miR-1249-5p was decreased in OP patients, while showed a gradual increase with the extension of induction time. miR-1249-5p mimic significantly increased osteogenic differentiation capacity and p-PI3K and p-Akt protein levels. Luciferase activity in ADSCs co-transfected of miR-1249-5p mimic with PDX1-WT reporter plasmids was remarkably decreased, but there was no obvious change in miR-1249-5p mimic with PDX1-MUT reporter plasmids co-transfection group. Overexpression PDX1 could partially reverse the promotion effects of miR-1249-5p on osteogenesis of ADSCs. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, miR-1249-5p promotes osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs by targeting PDX1 through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

[Identification and characteristics of multiple agrometeorological disaster of maize in Liaoning Province, China]. / 辽宁省玉米复合农业气象灾害判识及特征.

Multiple agrometeorological disaster (MAD) occurs simultaneously in maize production. In order to ascertain the occurrence regularity and characteristics of MAD of maize in Liaoning Pro-vince, we defined and classified MAD, identified MAD of 50 meteorological stations in the maize growing season of Liaoning Province from 1961 to 2017, and examined the effects of MAD on maize yield in typical years. The results showed that the occurrence range of MAD was higher in most years from 1961 to 2017 than that of single agrometeorological disaster (SAD), and that the occurrence frequency of MAD was higher in most areas than that of SAD. The major MAD in Liaoning Province was drought in multiple periods (M1-D), followed by the combination of drought and delayed cold damage (M2-DC). The occurrence range of M1-D showed an upward trend from 1961 to 2017, whereas other MAD types showed a downward trend. After analyzing the occurrence of MAD in the typical years of maize yield reduction, we found that the occurrence frequency of M1-D and M2-DC was higher.

mRNA expression of chemokine receptors on peripheral blood mononuclear cells and correlation with clinical features in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expressions of chemokine receptors and interleukin (IL) receptors on the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and their correlations with clinical features as well as SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). METHODS: The mRNA expressions of chemokine receptors and IL receptors on PBMCs of 93 SLE patients and 30 healthy controls were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, including CCR2, CCR3, CCR4, CCR5, CCR6, CCR8, CXCR3, CXCRS, CX3CR1, XCR1, IL-4R, and IL-10R. The clinical features of SLE patients were recorded. The correlations of chemokine receptors and IL receptors mRNA expressions with clinical features as well as SLEDAI were assayed using linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The level of CCR5 mRNA in SLE patients (including active and inactive SLE) was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference between active and inactive patients in this respect (P > 0.05). CX3CR1 mRNA expression significantly increased from healthy control to inactive SLE to active SLE in sequence. The others (except for CCR8, CXCR3, and IL-10R) in active SLE patients were significantly higher than those in both inactive SLE patients and healthy controls (all P < 0.05). There were positive correlations between SLEDAI and CCR2 (r = 0.424, t = 4.313, P < 0.001), CCR3 (r = 0.518, t = 5.410, P < 0.001), CCR4 (r = 0.376, t = 3.851, P < 0.001), CCR6 (r = 0.457, t = 4.513, P < 0.001), CXCR5 (r = 0.455, t = 4.629, P < 0.001), CX3CR1 (r = 0.445, t = 4.523, P < 0.001), as well as XCR1 (r = 0.540, t = 5.445, P < 0.001). And CCR5 mRNA expression level was positively correlated with IL-4R mRNA (r = 0.313, t = 2.353, P < 0.05). The patients with myositis and cutaneous vasculitis simultaneously showed lower levels of CCR5 and CX3CR1, and CCR5 expression was negatively correlated with the scores of SLEDAI in SLE cases accompanied by photosensitivity (r = 0.426, t = -2.155, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Increased expressions of CCR5 and CX3CR1 on PBMCs may be indicators in clinical survey for SLE.

[Combination of tamsulosin and tolterodine alleviates refractory lower urinary tract symptoms in male patients].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy and safety of the highly selective alpha receptor antagonist tamsulosin and its combination with the M receptor antagonist tolterodine in the treatment of refractory lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: We included in this study 184 BPH patients with refractory LUTS with the disease course of 4 weeks to 2 years, whose LUTS were not alleviated after a week's treatment with tamsulosin. The patients were randomly divided into Groups A and B, the former (n=89) treated with tamsulosin at 0.2 mg qd and the latter (n=95) given tolterodine at 2 mg bid in addition to tamsulosin medication, both for 4 weeks. Scores on IPSS, QOL and Qmax were obtained before and after the treatment, and the improvement of LUTS evaluated after the medication. RESULTS: The tamsulosin group showed no significant differences before and after the treatment in the scores on IPSS (13.23 +/- 4.39 vs. 12.21 +/- 4.07), QOL (4.23 +/- 1.27 vs 3.53 +/- 0.95) and Qmax ([12.3 +/- 8.39] ml/s vs. [14.1 +/- 8.62] mls) (P > 0.05), while the combination group exhibited significantly higher scores on IPSS and QOL and lower score on Qmax after the medication than before it (IPSS: 14.45 +/- 5.31 vs. 6.56 +/- 2.03, P < 0.05; QOL: 4.45 +/- 0.79 vs. 2.34 +/- 0.73, P < 0.05; Qmax: [11.4 +/- 9.21] ml/s vs. [15.5 +/- 8.35] ml/s, P < 0.01). No severe complications were found in any of the cases. CONCLUSION: Combination of tamsulosin and tolterodine can significantly alleviate refractory LUTS and improve QOL without causing serious adverse events in BPH patients.

[Application of evaporative demand drought index (EDDI) in drought identification of Liaoning Province, China]. / 蒸发需求干旱指数(EDDI)在辽宁省干旱识别中的应用.

The evaporative demand drought index (EDDI) is a multi-scale drought index developed from the atmospheric evaporation demand (E0). EDDI is independent of precipitation and suitable to different underlying surfaces, which can well capture water stress signals at different time scales. Based on the meteorological observation data at 52 stations in Liaoning Province from 1961 to 2018, we estimated daily E0, calculated EDDI at six time scales (annual, growing season, spring, summer, autumn and winter), and further identified the interannual variability of drought occurrence in Liaoning Province for the past 58 years. The results showed that EDDI had obvious interannual variation, with two high concentration periods in multiple time scales. In the 1960s, when there were many years and serious drought in Liaoning Province, high EDDI values were concentrated at the five time scales (annual, growing season, spring, autumn and winter). 2014-2018 was another relatively concentrated period of EDDI high value at all time scales except winter. In 1981-1982, the values of EDDI were high at the time scales of the annual, growth season, summer and autumn. The periods of 1963-1965 (except summer), 1972-1973 (growth season, summer), 1989-1990 (annual, growth season, spring and winter), 1997-1998 (annual, growth season and summer), 2004-2005 (spring and winter) and 2013-2014 (annual, growth season and autumn) occurred abrupt alternation from dry to wet or from wet to dry. In 1985-1987, 1993-1995 and 2005-2013, Liaoning Province had obvious dry gaps.

Physiologic effects of electroacupuncture combined with intramuscular administration of xylazine to provide analgesia in goats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate physiologic effects of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with xylazine administration in goats. ANIMALS: 48 healthy crossbred goats. PROCEDURES: Goats were randomly allotted to 8 groups of 3 (nonpregnant and nonlactating) female goats and 3 male goats each. The 8 treatment groups were as follows: 1 EA group, 3 xylazine (0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/kg, IM) groups, 3 EA plus xylazine (0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/kg, IM) groups, and 1 control group. Electroacupuncture was performed for 90 minutes. Xylazine was administered 20 minutes after EA was performed. Pain threshold, heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), respiration rate, and rectal temperature were observed at 0, 5, 25, 45, 65, and 85 minutes after xylazine administration. RESULTS: Xylazine administered at 0.4 mg/kg increased the pain threshold and reduced MAP. Xylazine administered at 0.1, 0.2, or 0.4 mg/kg reduced heart rate, respiration rate, and temperature. Electroacupuncture increased the pain threshold but had no effect on heart rate, MAP, respiratory rate, or rectal temperature. Pain threshold in goats that underwent EA plus xylazine administration was higher than in goats that received EA or xylazine alone. Electroacupuncture combined with xylazine at 0.1 mg/kg did not affect heart rate, MAP, respiratory rate, or rectal temperature. Pain threshold in goats that underwent EA plus xylazine administration at 0.1 mg/kg was higher than in goats given xylazine at 0.4 mg/kg alone. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Electroacupuncture combined with xylazine, even at 0.1 mg/kg, provided analgesia without significantly affecting cardiorespiratory parameters or rectal temperature in goats.

2-Phenyl-1H-1,3,7,8-tetra-azacyclo-penta-[l]phenanthrene.

There are two mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(19)H(12)N(4), with dihedral angles of 2.41 (10) and 10.53 (12)° between the fused ring system and the pendant phenyl ring. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked into chains by N-H⋯N hydrogen bonds and aromatic π-π stacking inter-actions [shortest centroid-centroid distance = 3.6176 (16) Å] complete the structure.