[Analysis of pollen sensitization characteristics of artemisia allergic rhinitis in three urban and rural areas of Inner Mongolia].

Objective: To investigate the distribution rules of artemisia pollen and the clinical sensitization characteristics of allergic rhinitis (AR) induced by artemisia pollen in three urban and rural areas of Inner Mongolia. Methods: From March to October 2019, in 3 central cities (Chifeng, Hohhot, Ordos) and rural areas of Inner Mongolia, an epidemiological investigation method combining multi-stage stratified random sampling and face-to-face questionnaire survey was adopted to screen suspected AR patients, and skin prick test (SPT) was applied for diagnosis. At the same time, pollen monitoring was carried out in 3 areas to analyze the distribution and clinical sensitization characteristics of artemisia pollen.SPSS26.0 statistical software was used to process all the data. Chi-square test was used to compare rates among different age, sex, region and nationality, Spearman test was used to describe correlation analysis, and pairwise comparison of positive rates among multiple samples was used Bonferroni method. Results: Among the 6 393 subjects, 1 093 cases were diagnosed with AR, and the prevalence of AR was 17.10% (1 093/6 393). Among them, pollen-induced allergic rhinitis, the prevalence of PiAR was 10.97% (701/6 393), accounting for 64.14%(701/1 093).The highest incidence was in the youth group (20-39 years old), accounting for 46.94% (329/701).The diagnosed prevalence was higher in females than in males (11.35% vs. 10.64%, χ2 value 12.304, P<0.001).The prevalence rate of ethnic minority was higher than that of Han nationality (13.01% vs. 10.65%, χ2 value 6.296, P=0.008).The prevalence in urban areas was also significantly higher than that in rural areas (18.40% vs. 5.50%, χ2 value 10.497, P<0.001).There was significant difference in prevalence rate among the three regions in Inner Mongolia (6.06% in Chifeng, 13.46% in Hohhot, 16.39% in Ordos, χ2 value 70.054, P<0.001).The main clinical symptoms of artemisia PiAR were sneezing (95.58%), nasal congestion (91.73%) and nasal itching (89.30%).Allergic conjunctivitis accounted for 79.60% (558/701), chronic sinusitis for 55.63% (390/701), asthma for 23.25% (163/701).The pattern of artemisia pollen sensitization was mainly multiple sensitization, and the frequency of clinical symptoms and clinical diseases induced by hypersensitization with other allergens accounted for more than that caused by single artemisia pollen. The spread period of Artemisia pollen in the three regions was from June to October, and the peak state was in August in summer. The peak time of clinical symptoms in artemisia PiAR patients was about 2 weeks earlier than the peak time of pollen concentration, and the two were significantly positively correlated (R=0.7671, P<0.001). Conclusion: Artemisia pollens are the dominant pollens in late summer and early autumn in Inner Mongolia, and the prevalence of artemisia PiAR is high. Controlling the spread of Artemisia pollens is of great significance for the prevention and treatment of AR.

[Robotic-assisted laparoscopic modified ventral onlay lingual mucosal graft in complex ureteral stricture construction: experience of eight cases].

Objective: To examine the efficacy of robot-assisted laparoscopic modified ventral onlay lingual mucosal graft for complex ureteral stricture. Methods: The clinical data of 8 patients with ureteral stricture admitted to the Department of Urology, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command from May to October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 6 males and 2 females, aged (45.1±10.2) years (range: 34 to 64 years), body mass index (24.6±2.0) kg/m2 (range: 20.7 to 26.6 kg/m2). Five cases on the left side, 3 cases on the right side, the length of the ureteral structure was (3.1±0.7) cm (range: 2.2 to 4.5 cm). The value of preoperative serum creatinine was (113.8±22.3) µmol/L (range: 96 to 15 µmol/L). Before excising the structure segment, the titched anastomosed part of the dorsal wall of the ureter, and then the posteriorly augmented anastomotic, the remaining ventral side was augmented with a onlay lingual mucosa graft, then the omentum flap was used to wrap the reconstructed ureteral segment. The lingual mucosa graft with a length of 2.5 to 5.0 cm and a width of 1.0 to 1.5 cm was cut according to the actual structure. The surgery information of the patient, complications, and recent follow-up were recorded. Results: The operation under robot-assisted laparoscopy was performed successfully in the 8 patients without conversion to open surgery. The duration of the operation was (226.9±22.8) minutes (range: 210 to 255 minutes), estimated blood loss was (93.8±25.9) ml (range: 75 to 150 ml), the retention time of the postoperative drainage tube was (4.8±1.3) days (range: 3 to 7 days), and the duration of postoperative hospitalization was (11.1±3.6) days (range: 9 to 14 days). One week after the operation, the patient could pronounce correctly, enunciate clearly, and eat normally. Double J tubes were removed 4 to 8 weeks after the operation. The follow-up time in this group was 3 to 9 months, the follow-up patients underwent imaging and other examinations, which showed a significant improvement in hydronephrosis on the affected side, and the value of renal pelvic separation on the affected side was (1.4±0.8) cm (range: 0 to 2.3 cm). The serum creatinine value was (100.1±24.9) µmol/L (range: 76 to 155 µmol/L). Three months after the operation, the ureteroscopy showed that the ureter was smooth and the mucosa was normal. Conclusions: Robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteroplasty with a lingual mucosal graft is a safe and feasible operation for complex ureteral stricture without serious complications, which provides a surgical option for repairing ureteral stricture.

[The development of malnutrition assessment criteria and the analysis of current problems].

It is well known that parenteral and enteral nutrition support is helpful to improve clinical outcomes in patients with malnutrition or nutritional risk, and surgical nutrition has been used in China for 40 years. However, there is still insufficient awareness of malnutrition among clinical workers. There were different opinions from many experts after the publications of the European Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ESPEN) consensus of malnutrition assessment 2015 and ESPEN guidelines on definitions and terminology of clinical nutrition 2017. Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria for the diagnosis of malnutrition has also been published in 2018. Though it is lack of clinical validation, it is a big step forward. In order to achieve better prevention and treatment of malnutrition in clinical work, this present paper analyzes and compares the core contents of malnutrition assessment (diagnosis) in recent years, proposes current practical strategy for Chinese clinical workers, emphasizes that GLIM criteria cannot replace the three steps named "screening-assessment-intervention" .

[Correlation between multi-slice spiral CT determined epicardial adipose tissue volume and atrial fibrillation].

Objective: To determine the relationship between volume of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and atrial fibrillation (AF) . Methods: A total of 207 patients who hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology, Nantong University Affiliated Hospital from January 2016 to June 2018 were included in this study. They were divided into two groups, including AF group (n=125) and sinus rhythm group (n=82). The AF group included 80 paroxysmal AF (PAF) and 45 persistent AF (PeAF) patients. Total EAT and left atrial EAT (LA-EAT) volume were measured using 256 rows of multi-slice spiral CT in all patients. Echocardiographic derived left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left atrial diameter (LAD) were analyzed. Hospholipase A2 and blood lipids were examined in all patients. The baseline data and EAT volume of all groups were compared. The multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors related to the occurrence of AF. The correlation between total EAT volume and LA-EAT volume and LAD were analyzed by Pearson correlation. Result: The volume of total EAT in patients with sinus rhythm, AF, PAF and PeAF were (92.2±32.1), (136.0±46.0), (134.2±46.3) and (140.1±52.6)cm(3), respectively. The volume of LA-EAT in patients with sinus rhythm, AF, PeAF and PAF were (27.1±7.5), (39.2±19.2), (35.9± 17.0) and (45.1±21.5)cm(3), respectively. Total EAT and LA-EAT volume were significantly larger in PAF and PeAF groups than in sinus rhythm group (all P<0.01). The LA-EAT volume was larger in PeAF group than in PAF group (P<0.01), but total EAT volume was similar between two groups (P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that total EAT volume (OR=1.202, 95%CI 1.083-1.334, P=0.001), LA-EAT volume (OR=1.051, 95%CI 1.003-1.101, P=0.037) and LAD (OR=1.019, 95%CI 1.005-1.032, P=0.006) were the independent related factors of AF. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the total EAT volume was positively correlated with LAD (r=0.466, P<0.01) and LA-EAT volume was positively correlated with LAD (r=0.290, P<0.01). Conclusion: The volume of total EAT and LA-EAT measured by 256-row multi-slice spiral CT is significantly correlated with the incidence of AF.

[Characteristics analysis and control countermeasures of acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning in fishing boats in a city from 2009 to 2018].

Objective: To conduct a characteristic analysis of the case of acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning in fishing boats for nearly ten years in a city, and to research on prevention and control measures, so as to provide scientific basis for formulating prevention strategies. Methods: In July 2018, collecting the data of acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning in fishing boats recorded by the Oceanic and Fishery Department & Health Sector from January 1, 2009 to June 30, 2018, the accident characteristics of acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning in fishing boats was analyzed, and compared the differences of hydrogen sulfide poisoning under different classification statistics. Results: In the past ten years, there were 14 acute poisonings in the city, 34 people were poisoned and 12 deaths (the case fatality rate was 35.3%) . According to the types of fishing vessels, the majority number of acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning incidents, poisoned persons and deaths occurred on fishing boats, accounted for 71.4% (10/14) , 76.5% (26/34) and 75.0% (9/12) respectively. From the location of the accident, 85.7% (12/14) of the acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning incidents occurred outside the fishing port. Fisher's exact test showed that the case fatality rate in within the fishing port was higher than that outside the fishing port (P=0.008) . From the cause of direct poisoning, the first three reasons were enter the fish room to rescue, enter the fish room to move fresh catch, to clean the fish room. The poisoning showed seasonal changes, Fisher's exact test showed that the fatality rate in summer was significantly higher than that in spring (P=0.044) , but there was no statistical significance in other seasons (P>0.05) . Conclusion: The acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning of fishing boats in this city has a high case fatality rate, frequent collective poisoning, and showed seasonal changes. Blind rescue, incomplete facilities, and inadequate system are important factors leading to poisoning, so daily measures and rescue measures should be strengthened to reduce the occurrence of poisoning and casualties.

Targeting RAD50 increases sensitivity to radiotherapy in colorectal cancer cells.

Radiotherapy resistance remains the major factor limiting the radiotherapy efficacy in colorectal cancer. The Mre11-RAD50-Nbs1 (MRN) complex is known to play a critical role in the DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) repair pathways and thus facilitates radioresistance. Targeting MRN function can sensitize cancer cells to irradiation in some malignancies. In this study, we stably knocked down RAD50 protein in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines, HCT116 and DLD1, and evaluated their response to irradiation as well as the DSB repair dynamics. We observed that downregulation of RAD50 sensitized CRC cells to irradiation with reduction in DSB repair efficiency after exposure to irradiation. In addition, RAD50 was found to be upregulated in CRC cancerous tissue samples compared to non-cancerous adjacent tissues (NATs) and in patients who were resistant to RT. Elevated RAD50 expression was associated with poor patient survival in CRC. In conclusion, targeting RAD50 can serve as an efficient strategy to sensitize CRC cells to irradiation. RAD50 protein may be used as a biomarker for patient survival in CRC.

Effects of smoking and alcohol consumption on lipid profile in male adults in northwest rural China.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the individual and combined influences of smoking and alcohol consumption on lipid profile in male adults in northwest rural China. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: In total, 4614 subjects were enrolled in the cross-sectional study, performed between 2008 and 2012. The present study examined males aged ≥18 years from northwest rural China (n = 707). Data on current smoking and drinking status were collected. Logistic regression was used to estimate the individual and combined influences of smoking and alcohol consumption on lipid profile. Age, ethnic group, educational background, smoking (or alcohol consumption), waist circumference, body mass index, blood pressure and fasting blood glucose were adjusted as confounders. RESULTS: Total cholesterol (TC)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio, triglycerides (TG)/HDL-C ratio, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/HDL-C ratio and visceral adiposity index (VAI) were significantly higher in smokers than in non-smokers, whereas HDL-C was lower in smokers. TG/HDL-C ratio, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, TG, lipid accumulation product and VAI were significantly higher in drinkers than non-drinkers. After adjustment for confounders, significant relationships were observed between smoking status and any dyslipidemia, low HDL-C and high VAI (odds ratios [ORs]: 2.53 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.25-5.15], 6.13 [95% CI: 2.84-13.25] and 4.39 [95% CI: 2.02-9.54], respectively). The OR for any dyslipidaemia was 1.94 (95% CI: 1.09-3.48) for subjects who smoke and drank alcohol compared with subjects who did not smoke or drink alcohol. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormalities in lipid profile are correlated with smoking and alcohol consumption, which calls for intervention strategies to prevent dyslipidaemia and control risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Correction: Systematic investigation of the SERS efficiency and SERS hotspots in gas-phase deposited Ag nanoparticle assemblies.

Correction for 'Systematic investigation of the SERS efficiency and SERS hotspots in gas-phase deposited Ag nanoparticle assemblies' by L. B. He et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017, 19, 5091-5101.

Systematic investigation of the SERS efficiency and SERS hotspots in gas-phase deposited Ag nanoparticle assemblies.

Gas-phase deposited Ag nanoparticle assemblies are one of the most commonly used plasmonic substrates benefiting from their remarkable advantages such as clean particle surface, tunable particle density, available inter-particle gaps, low-cost and scalable fabrication, and excellent industry compatibility. However, their performance efficiencies are difficult to optimize due to the lack of knowledge of the hotspots inside their structures. We here report a design of delicate rainbow-like Ag nanoparticle assemblies, based on which the hotspots can be revealed through a combinatorial approach. The findings show that the hotspots in gas-phase deposited Ag nanoparticle assemblies are uniquely entangled by the excitation energy and specific inter-particle gaps, differing from the matching conditions in periodic arrays. For Ag nanoparticle assemblies deposited on Formvar-filmed substrates, the mean particle size is maintained around 10 nm, while the particle density can be widely tuned. The one possessing the highest SERS efficiency (under 473 nm excitation) have a particle number density of around 7100 µm-2. Gaps with an inter-particle spacing of around 3 nm are found to serve as SERS hotspots, and these hotspots contribute to 68% of the overall SERS intensity. For Ag nanoparticle assemblies fabricated on carbon-filmed substrates, the mean particle size can be feasibly tuned. The one possessing the highest SERS efficiency under 473 nm excitation has a particle number density of around 460 µm-2 and a mean particle size of around 42.1 nm. The construction of Ag-analyte-Ag sandwich-like nanoparticle assemblies by a two-step-deposition method slightly improves the SERS efficiency when the particle number density is low, but suppresses the SERS efficiency when the particle number density is high.

Infiltrating immune cells and gene mutations in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the immune profile within the microenvironment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and to investigate the prognostic value of intratumoral infiltrating immune/inflammatory cells (IICs) in patients after surgery. METHODS: Eighteen phenotypic markers representing 11 types of IIC and the protein products of genes TP53, CDKN2A/p16 and SMAD4/DPC4 were assessed by immunohistochemistry of specimens from patients with pancreatic cancer. The expression of IICs and the mutational status of the genes were correlated with tumour recurrence and survival, and results were validated in an independent cohort. RESULTS: CD15+ neutrophils, CD20+ B cells and CD206+ tumour-associated macrophages were seen frequently in tumours, and their presence was associated with reduced survival in a cohort of 79 patients. Expression of CD4+ T helper cells, CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes and CD117+ mast cells was associated with a favourable prognosis. A weighted Cox regression recurrence-predictive model was constructed that showed good correlation of IICs and gene mutations. A combination of CD15, CD206, CD117 and Smad4 expression was independently associated with overall (hazard ratio (HR) 3·63, 95 per cent c.i. 2·18 to 6·04; P < 0·001) and recurrence-free (HR 2·93, 1·81 to 4·75; P < 0·001) survival. These findings were validated in an independent cohort (151 patients) and in 54 tissue samples obtained by preoperative endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration. CONCLUSION: PDAC has a unique immunosuppressive phenotype that is associated with characteristic gene mutations, disease recurrence and survival after pancreatectomy. Surgical relevance The immune microenvironment plays a critical role in the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). PDAC is associated with mutations in major driver genes, including KRAS, TP53, CDKN2A/p16 and SMAD4/DPC4. This study shows that the microenvironment of PDAC has a unique immunosuppressive phenotype, which may be driven by oncogene mutations. Patients with PDAC with a highly immunosuppressive profile tended to have poor postoperative survival. A model including three intratumoral infiltrating immune markers (CD15+, CD206+ and CD117+) and a SMAD4 mutation can be used to predict recurrence and survival in patients after surgery for PDAC.

Phytoremediation of soils contaminated with phenanthrene and cadmium by growing willow (Salix × aureo-pendula CL 'j1011').

To assess the phytoremediation potential of an autochthonous willow (Salix × aureo-pendula CL 'J1011') for phenanthrene (PHE)-contaminated soils and PHE-cadmium (PHE-Cd) co-contaminated soils, we conducted field experiments in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and ethyl lactate were tested for individual and combined effects on the phytoremediation efficiency. For PHE-contaminated soils, willow plus ethyl lactate resulted in significant removal of PHE from soils after 45 days, and the PHE concentration in the shoots was significantly higher with than without ethyl lactate. For PHE-Cd co-contaminated soils, both willow plus EDTA and willow plus EDTA and ethyl lactate led to a significant decrease in the concentrations of PHE and Cd in the soils after 45 days, whereas willow alone did not. The PHE and Cd concentrations in the willow shoots were significantly enhanced in the presence of EDTA alone and with ethyl lactate, except for the PHE concentration in stems with EDTA alone. Under the same treatment, the presence of Cd had no significant influence on the PHE removal from soils. The results indicate the feasibility of using this willow together with both EDTA and ethyl lactate for the simultaneous removal of PHE and Cd from soils.

[Association between single nucleotide polymorphism of adenylyl cyclase 3 and essential hypertension].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between the tag single nucleotide polymorphism (tag SNP) of the adenylyl cyclase 3 (ADCY3) and the essential hypertension (EH). METHODS: From April to July 2013, a total of 1 061 subjects diagnosed with EH and 1 218 control subjects were recruited from Ningbo, Zhejiang Province. Information was collected by face-to-face interview. Twelve tag SNPs were detected by ligase detection reaction technique. RESULTS: After adjusted for age, gender, body mass index and other related factors, logistic regression analysis showed that 3 loci (rs11689546, rs7593130, rs2241759)were associated with EH. AG genotype of rs11689546 was associated with 0.494 times lower risk of EH (OR=0.494, 95%CI 0.246-0.993; compared with AA genotype). CT genotype of rs7593130 was associated with 1.596 times higher risk of EH (OR=1.596, 95%CI 1.009-2.524; compared with TT genotype), and CT/CC genotype of rs7593130 was associated with 1.627 times higher risk of EH (OR=1.627, 95%CI 1.034-2.559; compared with TT genotype). AG genotype of rs2241759 was associated with 0.669 times lower risk of EH (OR=0.669, 95%CI 0.503-0.891; compared with AA genotype), and CT/CC genotype of rs2241759 was associated with 0.687 times lower risk of EH (OR=0.687, 95%CI 0.518-0.911; compared with TT genotype). CONCLUSION: The polymorphisms of ADCY3 are associated with lower (G allele of the rs11689546 locus and G allele of the rs2241759 locus) or higher (C allele of the rs7593130 locus) risk of essential hypertension.

Ultrasound Findings of Intraductal Papillary Neoplasm in Bile Duct and the Added Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound.

PURPOSE: To investigate the imaging features of intraductal papillary neoplasm in bile duct (IPNB) on baseline ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The imaging features on baseline ultrasound and CEUS in 16 pathologically proven IPNB lesions in 15 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Real-time contrast specific modes and contrast agent of SonoVue were used for CEUS. RESULTS: Bile duct dilation was present in all patients. The mean lengths for the intraductal papillary adenomas and adenocarcinomas were 2.5 ± 1.1 (range, 1.2 - 4.2 cm) and 5.6 ±â€Š2.0 cm (range, 3.3 - 9.8 cm) (P = 0.004). Three imaging types of IPNB on ultrasound were depicted: bile duct dilation with intraductal mass (n = 8), bile duct dilation without intraductal mass (n = 3), and cystic-solid mixed type (n = 5). On CEUS, solid components of 13 lesions appeared hyper- (n = 12) or iso-enhancement (n = 1) in the arterial phase whereas all showed hypo-enhancement in the portal and late phases. For 3 lesions of bile duct dilation without intraductal mass, CEUS showed non-enhancement during all phases. Pre-surgical CEUS and conventional ultrasound made correct diagnoses in 12 (75.0 %) and 5(31.3 %) of 16 IPNBs respectively (P = 0.04). For CECT, correct diagnosis was also achieved in 12 (75.0 %) of 16 lesions (P = 1.00, in comparison with CEUS). CONCLUSIONS: IPNB should be taken into consideration when intraductal mass or cystic-solid mass with bile duct dilation, or remarkable bile duct dilation without intraductal mass, are found on US. Intraductal mass length > 3.0 cm is more commonly found in malignant IPNB. CEUS might facilitate the diagnosis of IPNB by easily excluding the possibility of commonly found sludge, nonshadowing stones, or blood clots.

Dynamic expression profile of DNA methyltransferases in rat testis development.

DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts) are unique and perform specific functions during male germ cell development. To further characterize the significance of Dnmts in the events leading to production of spermatozoa, we investigated whether the expression patterns in Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b and Dnmt3l were apparent in rat testes at different time points during development. The qRT-PCR results showed that expression levels of Dnmt3a and Dnmt3l were abundant before birth and were present at the highest levels in testes tissue at 18.5 days postcoitus (dpc), and gradually decreased from day 0 postpartum (dpp) to 90 dpp. Expression of Dnmt1 and Dnmt3b reached a peak after birth (P <0.01), and then gradually reduced until adulthood. Western blotting and immunolocalization analysis of Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b further confirmed the differential expression and localization of the two proteins during rat testis development. The dynamic expression profile of Dnmts implies specific and potentially nonredundant roles for each of these enzymes in the developing rat testis.

Rapid identification of red-flesh loquat cultivars using EST-SSR markers based on manual cultivar identification diagram strategy.

Manual cultivar identification diagram is a new strategy for plant cultivar identification based on DNA markers, providing information to efficiently separate cultivars. We tested 25 pairs of apple EST-SSR primers for amplification of PCR products from loquat cultivars. These EST-SSR primers provided clear amplification products from the loquat cultivars, with a relatively high transferability rate of 84% to loquat; 11 pairs of primers amplified polymorphic products. After analysis of 24 red-fleshed loquat accessions, we found that only 7 pairs of primers could clearly separate all of them. A cultivar identification diagram of the 24 cultivars was constructed using polymorphic bands from the DNA fingerprints and EST-SSR primers. Any two of the 24 cultivars could be rapidly separated from each other, according to the polymorphic bands from the cultivars; the corresponding primers were marked in the correct position on the cultivar identification diagram. This red-flesh loquat cultivar identification diagram can separate the 24 red-flesh loquat cultivars, which is of benefit for loquat cultivar identification for germplasm management and breeding programs.

Screening of highly informative and representative microsatellite markers for genotyping of major cultivated cotton varieties.

We screened and assessed published cotton simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers to establish a set of core SSR markers suitable for cotton major cultivars in China and analyzed genetic diversity based on the core marker set. Using a stepwise screening strategy, 12 leading cultivars for preliminary screening and 96 cultivars for rescreening were evaluated. A total of 184 polymorphic SSR markers were initially screened from 3299 candidates, and a core set of 52 SSR markers with wide genome coverage (2 markers per chromosome) was obtained. Among 96 major cultivars, 273 amplification genotypes were generated using the core marker set. Polymorphism information content values ranged from 0.28-0.83, with an average value of 0.56. The core SSR marker set detected on denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated that the band genotype was either a single or double band on conventional cultivars, while most were double bands (65.4%). Among 56 hybrids, the average heterozygosis rate was 35.8%, ranging from 7.1-55.4%. Eighteen of 96 cultivars had distinct band genotypes. The genetic diversity analyzed using the of NTSYS-pc V2.10 software indicated that the Yangtze River valley cotton region had the highest polymorphic level, followed by Xinjiang and then the Yellow River valley. The genetic basis of conventional cultivars was narrower than that of hybrids. The core marker set can be used for fingerprint construction, variety identification, and purity tests of major cotton cultivars in China.

Significant association between lower pulse pressure and increasing levels of a novel type of phospholipid.

The aim of this study was to analyze the association between pulse pressure and a novel type of phospholipid with solubility similar to that of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), designated as AP, which was reported to be elevated during ischemia. In this cross-sectional study, 416 hypertensive patients and 252 controls aged between 35 and 70 years were enrolled consecutively. Fasting blood samples were extracted for assays of phospholipids and other biomarkers. Compared to controls, the hypertensive patients had higher levels of both LPA [odds ratio (OR) = 3.83] and AP (OR = 4.30). Changes in blood pressure did not affect the levels of LPA or AP. However AP, but not LPA, levels were significantly higher in patients with lower or higher pulse pressure (Pearson χ(2) = 11.239, P = 0.001). For patients whose pulse pressure was ≤60 mmHg, plasma levels of AP were significantly negatively correlated with pulse pressure. However, this was not observed for LPA and nine other biomarkers, including lipoproteins. Plasma levels of AP increased in hypertensive patients with higher or lower pulse pressure. Thus, attention should be paid to the possibility of cerebral ischemia in hypertensive patients when they have abnormal pulse pressure, especially for those with relatively low pulse pressure.

Construction of a primary DNA fingerprint database for cotton cultivars.

Forty core primers were used to construct a DNA fingerprint database of 132 cotton species based on multiplex fluorescence detection technology. A high first successful ratio of 99.04% was demonstrated with tetraplex polymerase chain reaction. Forty primer pairs amplified a total of 262 genotypes among 132 species, with an average of 6.55 per primer and values of polymorphism information content varying from 0.340 to 0.882. Conflicting DNA homozygous ratios were found in various species. The highest DNA homozygous ratio was found in landrace standard cultivars, which had an 81.46% DNA homozygous ratio. The lowest occurred in a group of 2010 leading cultivars with a homozygous ratio of 63.04%. Genetic diversity of the 132 species was briefly analyzed using unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic means.

Guidelines and good clinical practice recommendations for contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the liver--update 2012: a WFUMB-EFSUMB initiative in cooperation with representatives of AFSUMB, AIUM, ASUM, FLAUS and ICUS.

Initially, a set of guidelines for the use of ultrasound contrast agents was published in 2004 dealing only with liver applications. A second edition of the guidelines in 2008 reflected changes in the available contrast agents and updated the guidelines for the liver, as well as implementing some non-liver applications. Time has moved on, and the need for international guidelines on the use of CEUS in the liver has become apparent. The present document describes the third iteration of recommendations for the hepatic use of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) using contrast specific imaging techniques. This joint WFUMB-EFSUMB initiative has implicated experts from major leading ultrasound societies worldwide. These liver CEUS guidelines are simultaneously published in the official journals of both organizing federations (i.e., Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology for WFUMB and Ultraschall in der Medizin/European Journal of Ultrasound for EFSUMB). These guidelines and recommendations provide general advice on the use of all currently clinically available ultrasound contrast agents (UCA). They are intended to create standard protocols for the use and administration of UCA in liver applications on an international basis and improve the management of patients worldwide.

Magnetic navigation in ultrasound-guided interventional radiology procedures.

AIM: To evaluate the usefulness of magnetic navigation in ultrasound (US)-guided interventional procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven patients who were scheduled for US-guided interventional procedures (20 liver cancer ablation procedures and 17 other procedures) were included. Magnetic navigation with three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 3D US, and position-marking magnetic navigation were used for guidance. The influence on clinical outcome was also evaluated. RESULTS: Magnetic navigation facilitated applicator placement in 15 of 20 ablation procedures for liver cancer in which multiple ablations were performed; enhanced guidance in two small liver cancers invisible on conventional US but visible at CT or MRI; and depicted the residual viable tumour after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for liver cancer in one procedure. In four of 17 other interventional procedures, position-marking magnetic navigation increased the visualization of the needle tip. Magnetic navigation was beneficial in 11 (55%) of 20 ablation procedures; increased confidence but did not change management in five (25%); added some information but did not change management in two (10%); and made no change in two (10%). In the other 17 interventional procedures, the corresponding numbers were 1 (5.9%), 2 (11.7%), 7 (41.2%), and 7 (41.2%), respectively (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Magnetic navigation in US-guided interventional procedure provides solutions in some difficult cases in which conventional US guidance is not suitable. It is especially useful in complicated interventional procedures such as ablation for liver cancer.