Comprehensive performance domain tolerance analysis methodology for freeform imaging spectrometers.

In recent years, attention has been directed towards cost-effective and compact freeform Schwarzschild imaging spectrometers with plane gratings. The utilization of tolerance analysis serves as a potent approach to facilitate the development of prototypes. Conventional tolerance analysis methods often rely solely on the modulation transfer function (MTF) criterion. However, for a spectrometer system, factors such as the keystone/smile distortion and spectral resolution performance also require consideration. In this study, a tailored comprehensive performance domain tolerance analysis methodology for freeform imaging spectrometers was developed, considering vital aspects such as the MTF, keystone/smile distortion, and spectral resolution. Through this approach, meticulous tolerance analysis was conducted for a freeform Schwarzschild imaging spectrometer, providing valuable insights for the prototype machining and assembly processes. Emphasis was placed on the necessity of precise control over the tilt and decenter between the first and third mirrors, whereas the other fabrication and assembly tolerances adhered to the standard requirements. Finally, an alignment computer-generated hologram (CGH) was employed for the preassembly of the first and third mirrors, enabling successful prototype development. The congruence observed between the measured results and tolerance analysis outcomes demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Role of L-Arginine on the Expression of Coagulation Factor VIII Gene.

Objective: To explore the key sites in which L-arginine affects the expression of human coagulation factor VIII gene, and to create new drug targets for the treatment of hemophilia. Methods: A total of 5 human FVIII genes (A1, A2, A3, C1 and C2) with B domain deletion were transfected into human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) as promoters. Run-on assay and ELISA analysis were performed to observe the driving effect of each domain gene on chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) gene transcription and expression, and the effect of L-arginine on each promoter. Results: In co-culture with L-arginine, transcriptional expression of the CAT gene was not detected in the PCAT3-Basic group (negative control without promoters), PA3-CAT3-Enhancer group or PC1-CAT3-Enhancer group. The transcriptional expression of CAT gene in the PCAT3-Control group (positive control with promoters) and PA1-CAT3-Enhancer group was unchanged compared with the non-L-arginine intervention, while the transcriptional expression of CAT gene in the PA2-CAT3-Enhancer group was significantly enhanced. Conclusions: A1 and A2 domain genes had promoter function and could initiate the transcription and expression of CAT gene, but A3, C1 and C2 domain genes could not. Moreover, L-arginine can significantly enhance transcription and expression of human coagulation factor VIII via A2 domain.

Tanshinone IIA Inhibits Tissue Factor Expression Induced by Thrombin in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells via PAR-1 and p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway.

BACKGROUND: The potential signaling pathway of TSA suppressing TF expression induced by thrombin was unknown. Thus, the transcription of TF in HUVECs and the expressions of DCF, phospho-p38 MAPK, NADPH oxidase 4, PAR-1, and NF-κB were detected in our study. METHODS: HUVECs were randomly divided into control group, thrombin-treated group (with 5 U/mL of thrombin), and 4 TSA-treated groups (with 5 U/mL of thrombin plus TSA with 4 different concentrations of 1 µg/mL, 10 µg/mL, 100 µg/mL, and 1 mg/mL, respectively). RESULTS: After incubation with thrombin for 6 h at 37°C, the results showed increased TF mRNA, TF procoagulant activity, and antigen of TF in HUVECs of thrombin-treated group (p < 0.01); however, they were restored by TSA in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.01). In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS), phospho-p38 MAPK, NADPH oxidase 4, NF-κB, and PAR-1 expressed more intensively, and phosphorylated Akt decreased obviously in HUVECs after thrombin stimulation (p < 0.01); however, they were reversed to different extents by TSA in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Study suggests that TSA inhibits TF expression induced by thrombin in cultured HUVECs, and the potential signaling pathway of which is TSA interrupts the activation of PAR-1 and NADPH oxidase as well as derivative ROS generation, thereafter suppresses the activation of NF-κB, the upstream signal molecule of TF, via hampering phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and dephosphorylation of Akt, and finally inhibits thrombin-induced TF overexpression.

Preliminary Study on Apoptotic Proteins in Platelet from Adult Patients with Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura.

BACKGROUND: Adult chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a chronic and usually lifelong hemorrhagic disorder in which enhanced platelet destruction and -weakened platelet production lead to thrombocytopenia. In this study, the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38-MAPK), early growth response 1 (EGR-1), p53, Bcl-xL, Bak, Bax, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in platelets from adult patients with chronic ITP were investigated. METHODS: Platelets were isolated from blood samples collected from 20 adult patients with chronic ITP and 20 healthy volunteers. p38-MAPK, EGR-1, p53, Bcl-xL, Bak, Bax, and ROS were determined by flow cytometry, and the results were analyzed by EXPO32 ADC. RESULTS: Flow cytometry showed the expression levels of p38-MAPK (61.66 ± 19.38% vs. 27.52 ± 14.34%), EGR-1 (62.22 ± 20.48% vs. 9.05 ± 5.79%), p53 (56.82 ± 20.07% vs. 4.35 ± 2.04%), Bak (39.86 ± 11.45% vs. 20.82 ± 11.85%), Bax (36.85 ± 15.99% vs. 6.69 ± 5.01%), and ROS (19.98 ± 1.47% vs. 1.29 ± 0.10%) were all elevated (p < 0.05 compared with healthy volunteers). In addition, pro-survival Bcl-xL (5.38 ± 1.52% vs. 21.20 ± 6.04%) was decreased markedly in platelets from adult patients with chronic ITP (p < 0.05 compared with healthy volunteers). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal that platelets in adults with chronic ITP display a proapoptotic gene expression phenotype, based on the enhanced expression of p38-MAPK, EGR-1, p53, Bak, Bax, and ROS, and attenuated expression of Bcl-xL, suggesting increased sensitivity toward apoptosis.

Cardiorenal Protective Effect of Costunolide against Doxorubicin-Induced Toxicity in Rats by Modulating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Apoptosis.

Doxorubicin (DXB) is one of the most commonly used anticancer agents for treating solid and hematological malignancies; however, DXB-induced cardiorenal toxicity presents a limiting factor to its clinical usefulness in cancer patients. Costunolide (COST) is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene lactone with excellent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties. This study evaluated the effect of COST on DXB-induced cardiorenal toxicity in rats. Rats were orally treated with COST for 4 weeks and received weekly 5 mg/kg doses of DXB for three weeks. Cardiorenal biochemical biomarkers, lipid profile, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, histological and immunohistochemical analyses were evaluated. DXB-treated rats displayed significantly increased levels of lipid profiles, markers of cardiorenal dysfunction (aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, troponin T, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid and creatinine). In addition, DXB markedly upregulated cardiorenal malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6 levels and decreased glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. COST treatment significantly attenuated the aforementioned alterations induced by DXB. Furthermore, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that COST ameliorated the histopathological features and reduced p53 and myeloperoxidase expression in the treated rats. These results suggest that COST exhibits cardiorenal protective effects against DXB-induced injury presumably via suppression of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.

Preliminary Investigation about the Expression of G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Platelets from Patients with Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the expression of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in platelets from adult patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 40 patients with chronic ITP in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, and 40 peripheral blood samples from healthy volunteers were collected; expressions of the adenosine diphosphate receptors (P2Y1 and P2Y12), alpha-2A adrenergic receptor (α2A-AR), and thromboxane A2 receptor (TP) in platelets were detected by flow cytometry. Gα protein, protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1), and protease-activated receptor 4 (PAR4) were analyzed by Western blot and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Flow cytometry measurements of mean fluorescence intensities showed platelets from patients with chronic ITP, compared to healthy individuals, had significantly higher levels of P2Y1 (31.4 ± 2.2 vs. 7.8 ± 0.8), P2Y12 (29.6 ± 2.1 vs. 7.2 ± 1.3), α2A-AR (25.8 ± 2.9 vs. 9.8 ± 0.9), and TP (39.8 ± 3.1 vs. 4.7 ± 0.6) (all p < 0.01). Similarly, integrated optical density analysis of Western blots showed that platelets from patients with chronic ITP had significantly higher levels of Gα (1046.3 ± 159.96 vs. 254.49 ± 39.51), PAR1 (832.98 ± 98.81 vs. 203.92 ± 27.47), and PAR4 (1518.80 ± 272.45 vs. 431.27 ± 41.86) (all p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Expression of GPCRs is increased in platelets from patients with chronic ITP, suggesting that platelets of chronic ITP may participate in the complicated biological process by means of GPCR-mediated signaling pathways.

High Sensitive Night-time Light Imaging Camera Design and In-orbit Test of Luojia1-01 Satellite.

Luojia1-01 satellite is the first scientific experimental satellite applied for night-time light remote sensing data acquisition, and the payload is an optical camera with high sensitivity, high radiation measurement accuracy and stable elements of interior orientation. At the same time, a special shaped hood is designed, which significantly improved the ability of the camera to suppress stray light. Camera electronics adopts the integrated design of focal plane and imaging processing, which greatly reduces the volume and weight of the system. In this paper, the design of the optical camera is summarized, and the results of in-orbit imaging performance tests are analyzed. The results show that the dynamic modulation transfer function (MTF) of the camera is better than 0.17, and the SNR is better than 35 dB under the condition of 10 lx illuminance and 0.3 reflectivity and all indicators meet the design requirements. The data obtained have been widely applied in many fields such as the process of urbanization, light pollution analysis, marine fisheries detection and military.

Nesting Biology of Xylocopa xinjiangensis (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Xylocopinae).

Xylocopa, an important genus in Hymenoptera: Apidae, is of great significance in research on the early stages of insect social evolution. Most species in this genus burrow into wooden structures. Only the Proxylocopa subgenus nests in the soil. Here, we report the nesting behavior of Xylocopa xinjiangensis (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Xylocopinae), which is distributed only in Western China. During July 2013 and August 2016, we observed the nest architecture and nest building process of X. xinjiangensis. X. xinjiangensis is solitary and nests in the soil walls of gullies, mounds, and cliffs in the Manas area, Xinjiang, multiplying at the rate of one generation a year. Newly emerged females eclose in the fall and build wintering nests first. The next spring, outbound wintering females build breeding nests, although a few wintering females may use the breeding nests built by their mothers. The location and structure of X. xinjiangensis wintering nests are different from those of the breeding nests. The wintering nest is simple in structure, consisting of a tunnel leading perpendicularly from the surface to the interior. The structure of the breeding nest may be either a branching tunnel or a straight-chain tunnel. The first cell that X. xinjiangensis builds in the breeding nest is closest to the entrance, which is a significant difference from the behavior of carpenter bees that construct nests in wood structures. The results of this study lay the foundation for the utilization and protection of X. xinjiangensis resources and facilitate a better understanding of the evolution of the Xylocopa population.

Efficacy of two different dosages of prednisone for treatment of subacute thyroiditis: a single-centre, prospective, randomized, open-label, non-inferiority trial.

INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of low-dose (LD) and regular-dose (RD) prednisone (PDN) for the treatment of subacute thyroiditis (SAT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients were randomly allocated using the block randomization method to the 2 groups. The primary outcome was the time required for PDN treatment. Secondary outcomes included percentages of relapse, mean score for the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8© (MMAS-8), time required for symptoms to resolve, cumulative PDN dose (mg), and mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) at 2 weeks and at baseline. RESULTS: The study cohort included 77 patients, randomized 74 participants, and 68 completed the study. There was no significant difference in the treatment duration between the LD and RD groups (55.31 ± 14.05 vs. 61.25 ± 19.95 days, p = 0.053). The mean difference in the time required for PDN treatment between the LD and RD groups was -1.86 [95% confidence interval (CI) = -10.64 to 6.92] days, which was within the non-inferiority margin of 7 days. There was a significant difference in the mean score for MMAS-8 between the LD and RD groups (5.84 ± 0.88 vs. 5.33 ± 1.12, p = 0.031). Also, there was a significant difference in the cumulative PDN dose between the LD and RD groups (504.22 ± 236.86 vs. 1002.28 ± 309.86, p = 0.046). The ESR at 2 weeks was statistically significant compared to baseline values in both groups, with pre-treatment and post-treatment ESRs of 49.91 ± 24.95 and 17.91 ± 12.60/mm/h, (p < 0.0001) in the LD group and 65.08 ± 21.77 and 17.23 ± 13.61/mm/h (p < 0.0001) in the RD group. CONCLUSION: Low-dose PDN therapy may be sufficient to achieve complete recovery and better outcomes for SAT. This study is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (02/10/2021 ChiCTR2100051762).

[Effect of Baicalin on Pyroptosis of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Cell Lines DB and Its Mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Baicalin on the proliferation and pyroptosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cell line DB and its mechanism. METHODS: DB cells were treated with baicalin at different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, 40 µmol/L). Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay and half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated. The morphology of pyroptosis was observed under an inverted microscope, the integrity of the cell membrane was verified by LDH content release assay, and the expressions of pyroptosis-related mRNA and protein (NLRP3, GSDMD, GSDME, N-GSDMD, N-GSDME) were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot. In order to further clarify the relationship between baicalin-induced pyroptosis and ROS production in DB cells, DB cells were divided into control group, baicalin group, NAC group and NAC combined with baicalin group. DB cells in the NAC group were pretreated with ROS inhibitor N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 2 mmol/L for 2 h. Baicalin was added to the combined treatment group after pretreatment, and the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells was detected by DCFH-DA method after 48 hours of culture. RESULTS: Baicalin inhibited the proliferation of DB cells in a dose-dependent manner (r=-0.99), and the IC50 was 20.56 µmol/L at 48 h. The morphological changes of pyroptosis in DB cells were observed under inverted microscope. Compared with the control group, the release of LDH in the baicalin group was significantly increased (P<0.01), indicating the loss of cell membrane integrity. Baicalin dose-dependently increased the expression levels of NLRP3, N-GSDMD, and N-GSDME mRNA and protein in the pyroptosis pathway (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the level of ROS in the baicalin group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the content of ROS in the NAC group was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the NAC group, the content of ROS in the NAC + baicalin group was increased. Baicalin significantly attenuated the inhibitory effect of NAC on ROS production (P<0.05). Similarly, Western blot results showed that compared with the control group, the expression levels of pyroptosis-related proteins was increased in the baicalin group (P<0.05). NAC inhibited the expression of NLRP3 and reduced the cleavage of N-GSDMD and N-GSDME (P<0.05). Compared with the NAC group, the NAC + baicalin group had significantly increased expression of pyroptosis-related proteins. These results indicate that baicalin can effectively induce pyroptosis in DB cells and reverse the inhibitory effect of NAC on ROS production. CONCLUSION: Baicalin can inhibit the proliferation of DLBCL cell line DB, and its mechanism may be through regulating ROS production to affect the pyroptosis pathway.

Electrocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B on the Sb-Doped SnO2/Ti Electrode in Alkaline Medium.

To realize efficient electrocatalytic degradation of organic compounds in alkaline wastewater, an Sb-doped SnO2/Ti electrode was fabricated and employed for the removal of Rhodamine B (RhB), and the electrocatalytic oxidation performance of this electrode was assessed in an alkaline medium. In an alkaline solution (pH 11), the complete fading of 50 mg·L-1 RhB could be achieved after 150 min of degradation, the removal efficiency of the chemical oxygen demand reached 56.1% at 300 min, and the degradation process of RhB followed the pseudo-first-order kinetic model very well. Under the attack of hydroxyl radicals, partial RhB was degraded to low-molecular-weight organic acids through N-demethylation and the destruction of the conjugated chromophore. Various techniques including scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and cycle voltammetry were used to examine the changes in the morphology and structure, as well as the activity of the Sb-doped SnO2/Ti electrode before and after use. The Sb-doped SnO2/Ti electrode could be reproduced in batches, and each electrode was reused up to eight times without a significant decrease in degradation ability; the leaching amount of antimony was significantly lower than the national emission standard. The electrocatalytic oxidation of the dye wastewater sample was also performed with the desired results, indicating that electrochemical oxidation is a very promising technology for the treatment of alkaline dye wastewater using a Sb-doped SnO2/Ti electrode.

Supplementary honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) pollination enhances fruit growth rate and fruit yield in Paeonia ostii (family: Paeoniaceae).

Insufficient pollination leads to low and unstable production of oil tree peony. Supplementary managed honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) in agricultural ecosystems is a common practice for addressing the problem. At this study site (N 34°38'30″ and E 112°39'43″, with an altitude of 125.5 m), we set up four pollination areas (low-density bee pollination group (LDBP), high-density bee pollination group (HDBP), blank control group (CK1) and field control group (CK2)) to examine the pollination effectiveness of different densities of honeybee supplementation on oil tree peony (Paeonia ostii). Our work demonstrated that bee-pollination increased fruit size and growth rate. On average, bee-pollinated (LDBP) plants produced 63.16% more number of seeds per plant, showed also 53.47% more weight of seeds per plant than those in CK2. Also, seeds of LDBP contained, on average, 26.15% more oil content than CK2. Kernel percent and seed oil fatty acid content, however, were unaffected (F = 1.759, p = 0.074). Compared with LDBP, weight of seeds per plant and oil content with HDBP decreased by 21.89% and 2.63%, respectively. Following the same trend, compared with LDBP, HDBP slowed fruit growth and reduced fruit size. Our results showed that insufficient pollination limits fruit set in oil tree peony, while supplementary reasonable bee density in the field for pollination is an important strategy to maximize fruit yield.

Epigallocatechin Gallate Induces the Demethylation of Actinin Alpha 4 to Inhibit Diabetic Nephropathy Renal Fibrosis via the NF-KB Signaling Pathway In Vitro.

Actinin alpha 4 (ACTN4) is expressed in the kidney podocytes. ACTN4 gene methylation in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN) remains high. Underlying mechanism of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) inducing ACTN4 demethylation, and its inhibitory effect on DN renal fibrosis remains unclear. Methods: Human podocyte cell line, HPC, was treated with high glucose to establish model of DN. The levels of cytokines, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin (IL)-8, and fibrosis markers, alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibronectin (FN), were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. HPC cells were treated with EGCG, and cell viability was determined by MTT assay, ACTN4 gene methylation was analyzed by MSP. mRNA and protein expression levels were measured using RT-qPCR and Western blotting, respectively. Results: Actinin alpha 4 gene promoter was hypermethylated in the high glucose-treated groups. EGCG reversed the hypermethylated status of ACTN4, along with the upregulation of ACTN4 levels and downregulation of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), NF-κB p65, p-NF-κB p65, IκB-α, VEGF, IL-8, α-SMA, and FN levels (P<.05). Conclusion: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate reduced hypermethylation of ACTN4 in HPC cells by downregulating DNMT1 expression and restoring ACTN4 expression, contributing to the upregulation of the NF-KB p65, p-NF-KB p65, IKB-α, VEGF, IL-8, α-SMA, and FN levels (P<.05).

PLAGL1 Gene Demethylation Induced by Epigallocatechin Gallate Promotes Pheochromocytoma Cell Apoptosis Via Wnt/ß-catenin Signaling Pathway.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and the promoter methylation level of PLAGL1 gene and the mechanism of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that induces PLAGL1 gene demethylation and promotes the apoptosis of pheochromocytoma (PCC) in PC12 cell line. METHODS: The PC12 cells were treated with 25, 50, 75, 100, and 150 µg/mL EGCG for 48 hours. MSP was used to examine PLAGL1 gene methylation and an MTT assay was performed to detect the cell proliferation. The cell apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expressions of DNMT1, PLAGL1, Wnt, and ß-catenin were detected using RT-quantitative PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: EGCG dose-dependently reduced the cell viability and reversed PLAGL1 gene hypermethylation in PC12 cells (P<0.05). The cell apoptosis was significantly increased in PC12 cells treated with EGCG. The EGCG treatment restored the expressions of PLAGL1 and downregulated the expression of DNMT1, Wnt, and ß-catenin in PC12 cells (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The EGCG induces the demethylation process of PLAGL1 gene through down-regulating DNMT1 and restores the PLAGL1 mRNA and protein expression. The Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of PCC cell apoptosis promoted by EGCG inducing PLAGL1 gene demethylation.

Role of Ca2+, Calnexin and Calreticulin in Platelet from Adult Patients with Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura.

BACKGROUND: Adult chronic immune thrombocytopenia (chronic ITP) is a common autoimmune hemorrhagic disease characterized by decreased platelet production and increased platelet destruction, leading to thrombocytopenia. In this study, Ca2+, calnexin (CNX) and calreticulin (CRT) within platelets from adult patients with chronic ITP were investigated. METHODS: Platelets were isolated from blood specimen collected from 20 adult patients with chronic ITP and 20 healthy volunteers. Ca2+, CNX and CRT were determined by flow cytometry, and the results were analyzed with EXPO32 ADC software. RESULTS: Flow cytometry showed the expressions of Ca2+ (74.19±19.40% vs 22.79±10.47%) was elevated (P<0.05). However, CNX (15.10±7.32% vs 41.79±14.45%) and CRT (25.11±12.66% vs 38.58±12.02%) were decreased markedly in platelets from adult patients with chronic ITP (P<0.05 compared with healthy volunteers). CONCLUSION: Based on enhanced expression of Ca2+ and attenuated expression of CNX and CRT in patients with chronic ITP, Ca2+ concentration and its associated down-regulated proteins may be important regulatory signals in the pathogenesis of chronic ITP.

Apoptosis in platelets from adult patients with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Adult chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (cITP) is a chronic and usually life-long haemorrhagic disorder in which enhanced platelet destruction and weakened platelet production lead to thrombocytopenia. Platelets were isolated from blood samples collected from 40 adult patients with cITP and 40 healthy volunteers. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and plasma membrane phosphatidylserine externalization were determined by flow cytometry, and activation of caspase-3 and expressions of Bax, Bak and Bcl-xL were analysed by western blotting. Flow cytometry showed increased mitochondrial depolarization and lower ΔΨm in platelets from adult patients with cITP. In addition, plasma membrane phosphatidylserine externalization was observed on platelets from adult patients with cITP, but rarely from healthy volunteers. Western blot analysis of platelet proteins revealed that, in adult cITP patients, caspase-3 was activated, which cleaved gelsolin and to release a 47-kDa fragment. Moreover, the expressions of Bax and Bak were elevated, and Bcl-xL was decreased markedly in platelets from adult patients with cITP. Our findings reveal, based on loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), phosphatidylserine exposure, caspase-3 activation, enhanced expression of Bax and Bak, and attenuated expression of Bcl-xL, that platelet death in the pathogenesis of thrombocytopenia in chronic ITP in adults is apoptotic.

Investigation of Lymphocyte Subsets in Peripheral Blood of Patients with Dyslipidemia.

OBJECTIVE: In order to evaluate the effect of dyslipidemia on cellular or humoral immunity in patients, changes in the absolute number of lymphocyte subsets were detected. METHODS: Flow cytometry was applied to determine the absolute value of lymphocyte subsets: B cell, NK cell, CD4+ T cell including the functional subset (CD4+CD28+), native subset (CD4+CD45RA+CD62L+), memory T cell subset (CD4+CD45RA-), CD8+ T cell including the functional subset (CD8+CD28+) and activated subsets (CD8+CD38+ and CD8+DR+). The relationship between lymphocyte subsets and hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia was analyzed. RESULTS: The absolute values of CD19+ B cell, CD3+ T cell, CD4+ Th cell, CD4+CD28+ cell, naive CD4+ T cell and memory CD4+ T cell in patients with dyslipidemia were markedly higher than those in healthy controls (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between healthy controls and dyslipidemia patients in other lymphocyte subsets (P>0.05). The absolute values of CD3+ T cell and naive CD4+ T cell were significantly positively correlated with hypercholesterolemia in peripheral blood (r=0.291 and 0.306, respectively, all P<0.05). There was no significant correlation between hypertriglyceridemia and lymphocyte subsets (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Dyslipidemia has potential effects on immune profiles in lymphocytes subsets, and changes in lymphocyte subsets in dyslipidemia patients may lead to immune dysfunction.

The diagnostic profile of rare acute myelomegakaryoblastic leukemia.

Acute myelomagakaryocytic leukemia is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge owing to its heterogeneity and overlapping features with other types of acute leukemia. In order to build a diagnostic profile, we analyzed the biological, clinical and hematologic characteristics of acute myelomagakaryocytic leukemia. We found that, in three patients diagnosed with acute myelomagakaryocytic leukemia, there were two types of leukemia cells. One type was myeloblastic with positive peroxidase (POX) stainig and the expression of antigens CD13 and CD33. The other type was megakaryoblastic with negative POX staining and the expression of antigens CD36, CD41, CD42a and CD61. Three patients displayed the same cytogenetic abnormality, a (9: 22) translocation. Among the three patients with RT-PCR, two patients displayed BCR-ABL fusion gene amplification and one patient showed a previously undescribed OTT-MAL fusion gene amplification.

JH biosynthesis by reproductive tissues and corpora allata in adult longhorned beetles, Apriona germari.

We report on juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis from long-chain intermediates by specific reproductive tissues and the corpora allata (CA) prepared from adult longhorned beetles, Apriona germari. The testes, male accessory glands (MAGs), ovaries, and CA contained the long-chain intermediates in the JH biosynthetic pathway, farnesoic acid (FA), methyl farnesoate (MF), and JH III. The testes and ovaries, but not CA, produced radioactive JH III after the addition of (3)H-methionine and, separately, unlabeled methionine, to the incubation medium. We inferred that endogenous FA is methylated to MF in the testes and ovaries. Addition of farnesol led to increased amounts of FA in the testes, MAGs, ovaries, and CA, indicating oxidation of farnesol to FA. Addition of FA to incubation medium yielded increased JH III, again indicating methylation of FA to MF in the testes, MAGs, ovaries, but not CA. Addition of MF to incubation medium also led to JH III, from which we inferred the epoxidation of MF to JH III. JH biosynthesis from farnesol in the testes, MAGs, and ovaries of A. germari proceeds via oxidation to FA, methylation to MF, and epoxidation to JH III. This is a well-known pathway to JH III, described here for the first time in reproductive tissues of longhorned beetles. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Nesting and foraging behavior of Xylocopa valga in the Ejina Oasis, China.

Xylocopa valga is extinct in Latvia and Lithuania and is critically endangered in Poland, and its distribution in the Ejina Oasis, China, is currently unknown. Studies on the biology of X. valga are scarce, and thus, conservation efforts for this species are currently limited. Here, we investigated the morphological characteristics, nest architecture, nest structure and food type of offspring in the nest cells of X. valga. This research was conducted in the Populus euphratica forest reserve in the Ejina Oasis, China, between July 2014 and June 2019. The primary investigation methods included visual inspection, photography, observation and measurements of nest anatomy, and examination of pollen stores by microscopy. We found that in the Ejina Oasis, China, X. valga builds its nests in the dead wood of P. euphratica. X. valga is univoltine. Its lifestyle varies from solitude to symbiosis. When many females nest near each other, several females may share a single nest entrance, based on which they build their own cells. The nests are branched. According to our results, there is a significant difference between the thickness of the inner cell partition and that of the outermost cell partition in the branched tunnel. In the P. euphratica forest area, the food for the progeny of X. valga is mainly composed of the pollen and nectar of Sophora alopecuroide and Populus euphratica. Therefore, X. valga and S. alopecuroides exhibit close ecological interactions in the P. euphratica forest ecosystem.