[Impact of changes in malignant tumor death spectrum on life expectancy in Tianjin residents from 1999-2019].

Objective: To analyze the effects of changes in the spectrum of deaths from malignant tumors on the life expectancies of residents of different ages, sexes, and regions (urban or rural) in Tianjin from 1999 to 2019. Methods: The Abridged Life Table method and the Arriaga's decomposition method were used to calculate the effects of changes in spectrum of deaths from malignant tumors on the life expectancies of Tianjin residents of different ages, sexes, and regions. Results: During 1999-2019, the life expectancies increased by 4.96 years and 5.69 years for males and females, respectively, in Tianjin. The decreases in the mortalities from malignant neoplasms contributed 0.12 year (3.30%) and 0.03 year (0.77%) for males and females, respectively, to the increase during 1999-2007, and 0.05 year (3.13%) and 0.12 year (6.08%) for males and females, respectively, during 2007-2019. The decreases in the mortality rates of malignant tumors contributed the most to the increase among residents in the 60-69 years group, and the decreases in mortality rates of lung, gastric, esophageal, and liver cancers had relatively larger contribution. Lung cancer had a negative effect on the life expectancies of men and rural residents, but a positive effect on those of women and urban residents. The significant increases in the mortality rates of lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers in the ≥85 years group had a large negative effect on the overall life expectancy. Breast and ovarian cancers contributed negatively to the life expectancy of female residents. Conclusion: The overall increase in the life expectancy in Tianjin from 1999 to 2019 was mainly attributed to the elderly and the decreases in the mortality rates of gastric, esophageal, and liver cancers, among other malignancies, while the increases in the mortality rates of lung, colorectal, gallbladder, pancreatic, and breast cancers were the most significant factors hindering the increase of the life expectancy in Tianjin.

[Cancer survival analysis in Tianjin, 2010 to 2016].

Objective: Survival analysis of cancers' incidence data in Tianjin from 2010 to 2016 was conducted to provide the basis for formulating and evaluating regional health policies on cancer prevention and treatment. Methods: Registration data in Tianjin were used between January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2016 and patients were followed-up till 31 December, 2021. Life-table method was used to calculate the observed survival rate and Edered Ⅱ was used to calculate the relative survival rate. The data were stratified by year, gender, age group and cancer sites. Difference in survival curves between group was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and Log rank test. Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the trend change. Results: The 5-year relative survival rates of cancer were 41.92% to 53.65% from 2010 to 2016 for residents in Tianjin, with an increasing trend (t=4.81, P=0.005), and the average was 48.56%. The survival rate of females was higher than that of males (57.71%vs. 39.20%), and the survival rate of urban residents was higher than that of rural residents (49.38% vs. 47.24%). The 5-year relative survival rates were 63.14%, 78.39%, 58.25% and 32.67% in 0-14, 15-44, 45-64 and 65 and above age groups, respectively. The median relative survival times of all cancer were 2.34 to 6.00 years from 2010 to 2016 in Tianjin, with an increasing trend (t=3.86, P=0.012). The average of median relative survival times was 4.11 years. The median survival time of females was longer than that of males (11.99 years vs. 2.03 years), and the time of urban residents were longer than that of rural residents (4.60 years vs. 3.43 years). The median relative survival time were 12.07, 11.92 and 1.34 years in 15-44, 45-64 and 65 and above age groups, respectively. Conclusions: The cumulative survival rate of cancer increased significantly from 2010 to 2016 in Tianjin, indicating that the prevention and treatment effect of cancer is obvious. The focus should be on male, rural areas, higher age group, and targeted prevention and treatment measures should be taken to lung, esophagus, liver, gallbladder and pancreatic cancer.

[Analysis of the long-term trend of mortality and years of life lost of gastric cancer in Tianjin from 1999 to 2015].

Objective: To analyze the long-term trend of mortality and years of life lost (YLL) of gastric cancer in Tianjin from 1999 to 2015. Methods: From January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2015, the data of gastric cancer deaths was collected from the Tianjin death surveillance system. The inclusion criteria of death due to gastric cancer were coded by using 151 in the 9(th) edition of the international classification of diseases (ICD) (1999-2002) and C16 in the 10(th) edition of ICD (2003-2015). The crude and age-standardized mortality rate (ASR) of gastric cancer was calculated according to Segi's world standard population. YLL was calculated according to the standard method of the disease burden of WHO. The Joinpoint regression was used to calculate the average annual percentage change (AAPC) to indicate the trend of mortality and YLL of gastric cancer. Results: From 1999 to 2015, there were 20 000 deaths of gastric cancer in Tianjin. The proportion of gastric cancer death in the population aged 0-44 years old, 45-64 years old, and 65 years old and above was 4.9%, 30.4%, and 64.8%, respectively. The proportion of males and urban was 67.1% and 67.5%, respectively. From 1999 to 2015, the crude mortality rate was from 12.10/100 000 to 12.58/100 000. The ASR was from 11.04/100 000 to 7.24/100 000. The average annual YLL number was 29 625.83 person-years and the rate was 3.09 person-years per thousand people. From 1999 to 2015, the crude mortality rate and the PYLL of gastric cancer in Tianjin were stable (the AAPC was 0.34% and -0.24%, all P values >0.05). The ASR showed a downward trend (AAPC=-2.58%, P<0.001). Conclusion: From 1999 to 2015, the ASR of gastric cancer in Tianjin showed a downward trend, and the YLL of gastric cancer was stable.

[Epidemiological characteristics of pre-hospital mortality due to acute myocardial infarction from 1999 to 2016 in Tianjin city].

To explore the epidemiological characteristics, trends and relevant factors of pre-hospital mortality due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) from 1999 to 2016 in Tianjin city, based on mortality surveillance information and household registration population information. Standardized mortality rates were calculated using the year 2000 world standard population. From 1999 to 2016, the research result showed that the pre-hospital crude mortality rates of AMI were 39.47/100 000 to 90.64/100 000 and the standardized mortality rates were 30.92/100 000 to 53.90/100 000. The proportion of pre-hospital AMI deaths was 73.96%-81.92% (t=1.09, P>0.05) within the same period. Aged, female, rural residents, unmarried, divorced, widowed, low education level, and outdoor workers have a relative higher proportion of pre-hospital AMI mortality.

[The role of SMARCE1 in the diagnosis of clear cell meningioma].

Objective: To analyze the expression of SMARCE1 in clear cell meningioma (CCM), and evaluate the role of SMARCE1 in the differential diagnosis in morphologically similar diseases. Methods: Thirteen samples/11 cases of CCMs were collected from the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University and Thaihe Hospital of Hubei Province from January 2000 to December 2018, as well as 17 cases of meningiomas with clear-cell-like morphology, 782 cases of other types of meningiomas and other intracranial tumors with clear-like morphology. A tissue microarray was made using these cases, on which immunohistochemical/histochemical staining of SMARCE1, SSTR2, EMA, Ki-67, p53, PAS and D-PAS were performed. Result: The tumor cells of CCM had sheet-like architecture, without typical whorl formation.The CCM had round to polygonal cells, with clear, glycogen-rich cytoplasm and prominent blocky perivascular and interstitial collagen. The immunohistochemistry staining showed that none of the CCMs expressed SMARCE1(0/13).However, all of the other types of lesions, including meningioma(782/782), meningiomas with clear-like morphology(17/17), intracranial metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma(10/10), haemangioblastoma(10/10), central neurocytoma(10/10), oligodendroglioma(10/10), ependymoma(13/13), lioblastoma(42/42), and solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma(35/35) showed positive nuclear staining of SMARCE1. Ki-67 index were 1%-5%, and p53 positive-rate were 0-40% in CCMs. PAS stain showed cytoplasmic granular positive and D-PAS were negative in all CCMs and meningiomas with clear-like morphology. Conclusion: SMARCE1 is a useful marker for the diagnosis of CCM and its mimickers.

[Analysis on trend of leukemia mortality from 1999 to 2015 in Tianjin, China].

From 1999 to 2015, there were 6 186 cases of leukemia deaths in tianjin residents, the males accounted for 58.28% (3 605) and 52.31% (3 236) deaths lived in urban areas; the crude mortality rate of Leukemia increased from 3.47/100 000 to 4.28/100 000 [t=7.09, P<0.001, annual percent change (APC)=1.30%] and the standardized mortality rate decreased from 3.15/100 000 to 3.01/100 000 (t=-2.95, P=0.006, APC=-0.65%). Special attention should be focused on children, the elderly, males and rural residents.

[The trend of intracerebral hemorrhage mortality of the residents with different characteristics in Tianjin, China, 1999-2015].

Objective: To explore the trends and distribution of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) mortality of the residents with different characteristics from 1999 to 2015 in Tianjin. Methods: ICH mortality data in 1999-2015 were from Tianjin population based mortality surveillance system. The mortality rate of ICH, difference in the rate by gender, age, and geographic distribution, and trends over the years were analyzed. Standardized mortality rates of ICH were calculated using the year 2000 world standard population. Joinpoint regression and Cochran-Armitage trend were used to examine the trends in mortality. Results: A total of 102 279 ICH death cases were observed in Tianjin from year 1999 to 2015. The crude ICH mortality rate in Tianjin decreased from 76.35/100 000 in 1999 to 51.46/100 000 in 2015 (annual percent change (APC)=-1.96%, Z=-31.08, P<0.001) , and the standardized mortality rate decreased from 72.41/100 000 to 29.00/100 000 (APC=-5.20%, Z=-70.91, P<0.001). The crude mortality rate of ICH mortality in males decreased from 87.26/100 000 to 59.89/100 000 (APC=-1.79%, Z=-21.71, P<0.001) and the standardized mortality rate decreased from 85.65/100 000 to 35.75/100 000 (APC=-4.93%, Z=-52.32, P<0.001). The crude mortality rate of ICH mortality in females decreased from 65.21/100 000 to 42.98/100 000 (APC=-2.18%, Z=-22.28, P<0.001) and the standardized mortality rate decreased from 59.17/100 000 to 22.26/100 000 (APC=-5.63%, Z=-48.15, P<0.001). The ICH mortality rate under 35 years old increased from 0.78/100 000 to 0.92/100 000 (APC=4.41%, Z=5.07, P<0.001), especially in males increasing from 0.90/100 000 to 1.54/100 000 (APC=6.59%, Z=6.52, P<0.001). The crude mortality rate of ICH in urban areas decreased from 69.74/100 000 to 41.79/100 000 (APC=-3.18%, Z=-31.43, P<0.001) and the standardized mortality rate decreased from 57.56/100 000 to 20.42/100 000 (APC=-6.59%, Z=-53.43, P<0.001). The crude mortality rate of ICH in rural areas decreased from 82.99/100 000 to 61.49/100 000 (APC=-1.10%, Z=-14.06, P<0.001) and the standardized mortality rate decreased from 91.55/100 000 to 43.14/100 000 (APC=-3.78%, Z=-43.21, P<0.001). The ICH mortality rate in rural areas was higher than that in urban areas (P<0.05). Conclusion: ICH mortality rate in Tianjin decreased from 1999 to 2015. Further efforts to reduce ICH mortality in Tianjin is needed, in particular males, under 35 years old, and people in rural areas.

[The trend of chronic lower respiratory disease mortality of the residents in Tianjin, China, 2000-2016].

Objective: To explore the trends and distribution of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mortality of the residents with different characteristics from 2000 to 2016 in Tianjin. Methods: COPD mortality data in 2000-2016 were from Tianjin population based mortality surveillance system. The mortality rate of COPD, difference in the rate by gender, age, and geographic distribution, and the trend over years were analyzed. Age-sex-standardized mortality rates of COPD were calculated using the year 2000 world standard population. Joinpoint regression and Cochran-Armitage trend analysis were used to examine the trend of mortality. Results: The crude COPD mortality rate in Tianjin decreased from 57.57/100 000 in 2000 to 28.23/100 000 in 2016 (annual percent change (APC)=-5.01%, Z=-64.76, P<0.001), and the standardized mortality rate decreased from 56.53/100 000 in 2000 to13.88/100 000 in 2016 (APC=-9.17%, Z=-100.83, P<0.001). The crude COPD mortality rate of males decreased from 54.57/100 000 to 27.77/100 000 (APC=-4.89%, Z=-43.63, P<0.001) and the standardized mortality rate decreased from 57.52/100 000 to 14.63/100 000 (APC=-9.07%, Z=-71.48, P<0.001). The crude COPD mortality rate of females decreased from 60.63/100 000 to 28.68/100 000 (APC=-5.12%, Z=-47.92, P<0.001) and the standardized mortality rate decreased from 55.53/100 000 to 13 13/100 000 (APC=-9.27%, Z=-71.13, P<0.001). The crude mortality rate of COPD in urban areas decreased from 45.07/100 000 to 19.54/100 000 (APC=-5.35%, Z=-42.38, P<0.001) and the standardized mortality rate decreased from 39.24/100 000 to 7.45/100 000 (Z=-63.97, P<0.001, APC=-10.22%). The crude mortality rate of COPD in rural areas decreased from 70.20/100 000 to 37.24/100 000 (APC=-4.77%, Z=-48.77, P<0.001) and the standardized mortality rate decreased from 78.88/100 000 to 25.70/100 000 (APC=-7.59%, Z=-72.43, P<0.001). The COPD mortality rate in rural areas was higher than that in urban areas (P<0.001). The COPD mortality rate in 35 years old and over decreased from 2000 to 2016 (P<0.001). Conclusion: The COPD mortality in Tianjin decreased from 2000 to 2016. More efforts are need to reduce COPD mortality in Tianjin, in particular people in rural areas.

[Research on the relationship between atmospheric inhalable particulate matter and cardiovascular diseases burden in Tianjin].

Objective: To evaluate the association between atmospheric inhalable particulate matter (PM(10)) concentration and cardiovascular diseases burden in Tianjin. Methods: The data on daily mean concentrations of main pollutants (PM(10), nitrogen dioxide(NO(2)) and sulfur dioxide(SO(2))), meteorological factors (temperature and relative humidity) and population death monitoring data in Tianjin, from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2010, were collected and analyzed in this study. The death counts and years of life lost were simultaneously used as the indicators of disease burden. The generalized additive model was used to assess the associations between PM(10) and daily death counts and years of life lost due to cardiovascular system diseases in Tianjin by adjusting the confounding factors such as long-term trend, seasons, meteorological factors and other factors related to the long-term variability. Results: The daily average concentration of PM(10) was 117.6 µg/m³ in Tianjin during 2001 to 2011. The daily average number of deaths of cardiovascular system diseases, cerebrovascular diseases and ischemic heart diseases in Tianjin were 38.4, 14.8 and 17.2 people respectively, and the daily average years of life lost were 776.8, 306.5 and 326.1 person years respectively. The effects of PM(10) on the daily death counts of the three diseases categories were statistically significant (all P<0.01) in Tianjin and the maximum effect occurs at the moment when PM(1)0 was at moving average concentration of today and lagged 1-day (Lag01). The effects of decreasing order were ischemic heart diseases, cardiovascular system diseases and cerebrovascular diseases, excess risks were 0.53% (95% CI 0.35%-0.71%), 0.40% (95%CI 0.28%-0.53%) and 0.38% (95%CI 0.19%-0.56%). The effects of atmospheric PM(10) on the years of life lost of the three diseases were also statistically significant on the different lag days (all P<0.01) in Tianjin and the maximum effect of PM(10) appeared in Lag01. The effects from the largest to the lowest were 2.86 (95%CI 1.79-3.93) person years for cardiovascular system diseases, 1.59 (95%CI 0.95-2.23) person years for ischemic heart diseases and 1.07 (95%CI 0.43-1.71) person years for cerebrovascular diseases, respectively. In multi-pollutant models, after controlling SO(2), the effect of PM(10) on the daily life loss of above 3 kinds of diseases was higher than that of single pollutant model. In contrast, after controlling SO(2) or SO(2) with NO(2), the effect was lower. After controlling NO(2), the effect of PM(10) on the daily life loss of cerebrovascular disease was no longer statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusions: Exposure to atmospheric PM(10) can significantly increase the cardiovascular diseases burden in Tianjin, especially for ischemic heart diseases. These results suggested that particular attention should be paid to reduce the exposure to atmospheric inhalable particulate matter for patients with ischemic heart diseases.

[Analysis on trend of cerebral infarction mortality from 1999 to 2015 in Tianjin of China].

Objective: To explore the trends and distribution of cerebral infarction between sexes, ages and urban-rural areas from 1999 to 2015 in Tianjin, China, and provide data for targeted prevention and control strategies of cerebral infarction in Tianjin. Methods: Cerebral infarction mortality data from January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2015 were obtained from Tianjin population based mortality surveillance system established by the Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and population data of permanent residents were obtained from Tianjin Municipal Public Security Bureau. The trends change and affecting factors including gender, age, and geographic distribution on mortality following cerebral infarction were analyzed. Results: (1) Cerebral infarction mortality rate in Tianjin increased from 1999 to 2015 with the crude mortality rate of 57.06/100 000 to 105.22/100 000 (Z=59.65, P<0.01, annual percent change(APC)=3.39%) and decreased with the standardized mortality rate from 55.59/100 000 to 56.12/100 000 (Z=-5.47, P<0.01, APC=-0.35%). (2) The crude mortality rate (64.23/100 000 to 118.72/100 000) and standardized mortality rate (65.44/100 000 to 67.23/100 000) of male cerebral infarction was higher than that of female (crude: 49.73/100 000 to 91.64/1/100 000, standardized: 45.73/100 000 to 45.01/100 000) from 1999 to 2015. (3) With the increase of age, the mortality of cerebral infarction increased gradually from 1999 to 2015 (all Z>0.00,all P<0.01). (4) The mortality rate of cerebral infarction in urban areas increased with the crude mortality rate from 71.43/100 000 to 103.20/100 000 (Z=17.34, P<0.01, APC=1.30%) and decreased with the standardized mortality rate from 61.04/100 000 to 43.77/100 000 (Z=-32.49, P<0.01, APC=-3.06%) from 1999 to 2015. The mortality rate of cerebral infarction in rural areas increased with the crude mortality rate from 42.63/100 000 to 107.32/100 000 (Z=69.14, P<0.01, APC=5.95%) and with the standardized mortality rate from 48.34/100 000 to 77.09/100 000 (Z=36.88, P<0.01, APC=5.95%) from 1999 to 2015. Conclusions: Cerebral infarction crude mortality increased and standardized mortality decreased from 1999 to 2015 in Tianjin. Further efforts to reduce cerebral infarction mortality in Tianjin are needed, special attention should be focused on the elderly, male and rural residents.

[Fifteen-year trend in incidence of acute myocardial infarction in Tianjin of China].

Objective: To observe the incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) between 1999 and 2013 in Tianjin residents and analyze the incidence differences on residents with various age, gender and living in urban or rural areas. The data might help for targeted prevention strategies among Tianjin residents. Methods: AMI incidence data between 1999 and 2013 were obtained based on Tianjin cardiovascular disease incidence surveillance registry established by the Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Related information such as permanent residents' population data were obtained from Tianjin Municipal Public Security Bureau. The Chinese population data in 2000 were used for age-sex-standardized rates estimation. Difference between two (or more) independent groups was compared by the Chi Square statistics. The Chi-square test for trend was used for computing the incidence trend in years and ages. Results: AMI incidence rate in Tianjin declined from the year 1999 to 2013 with the rude incidence rate of 80.46/100 000 to 81.29/100 000, and with the standardized incidence rate of 64.85/100 000 to 44.57/100 000 (Z=-35.767, P<0.001). AMI incidence decreased gradually in residents aged over 45 years old (P<0.01), but increased in residents younger than 45 years old (P<0.001) from 1999 to 2013. The AMI incidence rate is consistently higher in male residents (rude incidence 99.89/100 000-102.98/100 000, standardized incidence rate 78.53/100 000-56.61/100 000) than in female residents (rude incidence 61.18/100 000-59.44/100 000, standardized incidence rate 50.31/100 000-31.76/100 000, both P<0.001) and higher in urban residents (rude incidence rate 133.98/100 000-98.02/100 000, standardized incidence rate 99.89/100 000-50.12/100 000) than in rural residents (rude incidence rate 35.57/100 000-66.19/100 000, standardized incidence rate 32.68/100 000-43.51/100 000, Z=6.217, P<0.001). AMI incidence decreased significantly in the urban residents (rude incidence rate 133.98/100 000-98.02/100 000, standardized incidence rate 99.89/100 000-50.12/100 000, Z=-46.968, P<0.001), while significantly increased in rural residents (rude incidence rate 35.57/100 000-66.19/100 000, standardized incidence rate 32.68/100 000-43.51/100 000, Z=6.217, P<0.001) during the study period. Conclusions: The general incidence of AMI decreased during the study period in Tianjin residents. However, AMI incidence significantly increased in young male residents and rural residents. It is necessary to develop corresponding strategies for AMI control for Tianjin residents with different age/gender and living in different areas.

[Analysis on the trends in mortality following acute myocardial infarction from 1999 to 2015 in Tianjin of China].

Objective: To explore the trends change in mortality following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) from 1999 to 2015 in Tianjin, China. Methods: AMI mortality data from 1999 to 2015 were obtained from Tianjin population based mortality surveillance system operated by the Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and population data of permanent residents were obtained from Tianjin Municipal Public Security Bureau. The trends change and affecting factors including gender, age, and geographic distribution on mortality following AMI were analyzed. Results: (1)The standardized mortality rate of AMI in Tianjin from 1999 to 2015 was 52.32/100 000 to 48.62/100 000. Adjusted AMI mortality rate from 1999 to 2013 was 52.32/100 000 to 73.72/100 000, indicating an increased trend(Z=32.15, P<0.001)with an annual percent change (APC) of 2.53%. Adjusted AMI mortality rate was decreased from 2013 to 2015: 73.72/100 000 to 48.62/100 000 (Z=-22.80, P<0.001), and APC was -19.07%. Above trends change was similar for male and female residents (all P<0.001). (2)The AMI standardized mortality rate of male was significantly higher than that of female during the 17 years. The AMI standardized mortality of male was significantly higher than that of female in<35, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64 and ≥65 years old group, respectively. AMI mortality rate increased with age. (3)Except in the year of 2002 and 2003, the AMI mortality rate were significantly higher in rural residents than in urban residents during this study period (P<0.001). Adjusted AMI mortality in urban residents increased from 1999 to 2009(Z=8.05, P<0.001, APC=1.43%), and decreased in the year from 2009 to 2015 (Z=-18.71, P<0.001, APC=-6.32%). Adjusted AMI mortality in rural residents increased in the year of 1999 to 2013(Z=56.05, P<0.001, APC=5.84%), and decreased in the year of 2013 to 2015 (Z=-24.40, P<0.001, APC=-21.35%). Conclusions: Our results suggest that AMI mortality in Tianjin increased from 1999 to 2013, and decreased from 2013 to 2015, and male and rural residents have higher AMI mortality. Related prevention and intervention measures should be taken to decrease AMI mortality, especially for male and rural residents.

Mitochondrial genome of the shorthead catfish (Pelteobagrus eupogon): structure, phylogeny, and intraspecific variation.

The complete 16,532-nucleotide sequence of the mitochondrial genome of the shorthead catfish (Pelteobagrus eupogon) was determined using the long and accurate polymerase chain reaction method, and compared with the mitochondrial genome sequences of 49 other catfish species belonging to the order Siluriformes. The locations of protein-coding genes and ribosomal ribonucleic acids (RNAs) were identified by comparison with known sequences of other catfishes, including P. fulvidraco and P. nitidus. The P. eupogon mitochondrial genome was composed of 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNA genes, and a non-coding control region. The gene order was identical to that of other Siluriformes. Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA, 16S ribosomal RNA, and 13 protein-coding gene sequence data sets were carried out to further clarify the relative phylogenetic position of P. eupogon, and identify phylogenetic relationships among 24 families of Siluriformes. Phylogenetic analyses Randomized Axelerated Maximum Likelihood (RAxML) 8.0.X were congruent with a basal split of the order into Clupeiformes, Characiformes, Cypriniformes, and Siluriformes, and supported a closer relationship of P. eupogon with Amblycipitidae than Siluridae. We therefore concluded that this species appears to be closely related to the Amblycipitidae. In the phylogenetic tree, the Amblycipitidae appeared as the most basal extant lineage within the Siluriformes, while the Bagridae appeared as the sister group of Cranoglanididae and Pangasiidae. The mitochondrial genome sequence of P. eupogon has been deposited in GenBank (accession No. KJ001784).

Expression of recombinant human anti-TNF-α scFv-Fc in Arabidopsis thaliana seeds.

Recombinant human anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α scFv-Fc was expressed in TKO mutant Arabidopsis thaliana seeds using plant-specific codons. Immunoblotting using a human IgG1 antibody detected the expression of anti-TNF-α proteins in plants. Results from qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that the time of harvest significantly affected the protein yield and quality. Our results indicate that the Phaseolus vulgaris ß-phaseolin promoter directed anti-TNF-α scFv-Fc expression in A. thaliana seeds, with a maximum yield obtained at 20-days of development. Although the yield of anti-TNF-α scFv-Fc protein was not very high, accumulation of recombinant proteins in seeds is an attractive and simple method that can be used to purify biologically active anti-TNF-α scFv-Fc.