Ultrasonography for confirmation of emergency department endotracheal tube placement: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis aimed to summarize the evidence on the use of ultrasonography for confirming endotracheal tube placement in emergency departments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted electronic searches on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. All databases were searched from their inception until February 2023. We selected studies published in English that used ultrasonography to confirm endotracheal tube placement. Case reports, case series, retrospective studies, cadaveric studies, pediatric studies, animal studies, and conference abstracts were excluded. Two reviewers independently extracted and verified data. Forest plots, hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) curves, and bivariate random-effects models were used to summarize the test performance characteristics. The Stata statistical software package and Meta-DiSc version 1.4 software were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1,772 intubations were analyzed. For the detection of endotracheal tube placement, the estimated pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.98 (95% CI: 0.97-0.99) and 0.92 (95% CI 0.85-0.95), respectively. The pooled positive and negative likelihood ratios were 11.70 (95% CI: 6.49-21.07) and 0.02 (95% CI: 0.01-0.03), respectively. The diagnostic odds ratio of ultrasonography was 221.13, and the area under the HSROC curve revealed an appropriate accuracy of 0.99. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence supports the use of ultrasonography as a worthwhile alternative for endotracheal tube identification for intubations performed in emergency departments. This method can be used in conjunction with capnography as a preliminary test before final confirmation with capnography.

The progress and controversies regarding steroid use in acute spinal cord injury.

Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating disease that causes immense physical and mental harm to the patient and the family, and society and requires a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. The study of acute SCI has a long history but is still emerging. As the mechanism and pathophysiology of acute SCI are continuously being studied and explored, the treatment of SCI has developed significantly. Steroids are thought to provide neuroprotection in patients with acute SCI by improving perfusion, reducing edema, modulating inflammatory cells, and inhibiting lipid peroxidation, leading to their widespread application in clinical medicine. The use of steroids for SCI is controversial because of limited clinical evidence. With the accumulation of evidence on the effectiveness of steroid treatment in improving neurological function and the evidence of severe side effects, a gradual change in the treatment of SCI with steroids has become inevitable. Most scholars have focused on the routine use of steroids because of the indefinite improvement in neurological function and the occurrence of severe adverse events. Therefore, this review aims to provide an overview of the mechanism, progress, and related controversies to comprehensively understand the value and future direction of steroid application in acute SCI.

The effect of Nrf2 activators tBHQ and 4-octyl itaconate on the nucleus pulposus cell degeneration.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the impact of two Nrf2 agonists, tBHQ and 4-Octyl Itaconate, on nucleus pulposus (NP) degeneration and explore the underlying mechanism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We isolated the NP cells from the disc tissue of disc herniation patients. NP cells were pretreated with an adequate dose of tBHQ, Itaconate, or the mixture of them, and then subjected to the Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulation to induce degeneration. Besides, the Nrf2 gene silenced NP cells were also used as a comparison. Moreover, the LPS-treated NP cells were also cultured in the mix of tBHQ and Itaconate to determine whether the agonists affected reverse degeneration. RESULTS: LPS treatment suppressed Nrf2 expression and induced the NP cell degeneration with a decrease of cell viability and collagen II expression, an increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, inflammatory cytokine accumulation (IL-1ß, TNF-α), and apoptosis (Caspase3, Caspase8). However, tBHQ or Itaconate pretreated NP cells contained a higher level of Nrf2 protein and alleviated the negative effect caused by LPS, which was abolished with the silencing of Nrf2. Additionally, tBHQ showed a better ability to suppress ROS than Itaconate. Meanwhile, Itaconate inhibited a higher amount of IL-1ß and TNF-α than tBHQ. Interestingly, when NP cells were pretreated with both tBHQ and Itaconate, the result indicated an excellent anti-ROS and anti-inflammatory peculiarity. Furthermore, when NP cells suffered from LPS first and then treated with the agonist, the anti-ROS and anti-inflammatory effects remained. However, the cell viability, collagen II, and apoptotic degree were not improved. CONCLUSIONS: Both tBHQ and Itaconate effectively prevent NP cells from degeneration through anti-ROS and anti-inflammation, and the combined use of them may have better effects. But in comparison, their impact on reversing NP cell degeneration has yet to be proven.

[Preliminary efficacy and safety analysis of carrelizumab combined with apatinib in patients with middle-advanced liver cancer progressed after drug-eluting beads-transcatheter arterial chemoembolization].

Objective: To explore the preliminary clinical efficacy and safety of calerizumab combined with apatinib in the treatment of patients with middle-advanced liver cancer whose disease has progressed after drug-eluting beads-transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (D-TACE). Methods: A retrospective analysis of 23 patients with advanced liver cancer after D-TACE who were treated with carrelizumab combined with apatinib from April 2019 to July 2020 at Lianyungang First People's Hospital was carried out. There were 15 males and 8 females with a mean age of (62±9) years. The clinical efficacy was evaluated according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECRST), and treatment-related adverse events were analyzed after treatment. Results: All the patients received D-TACE therapy with an average of (2.6±1.0) times, TACE-refractory tumor was observed in 7 patients, and distant metastasis was seen in 6 patients. The objective response rates after combined treatment of 1 month and 3 months were 47.8% and 60.9%, respectively. Disease control rate (DCR) was 73.9% and 78.3%, respectively; median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 126 days. Among 18 patients with alpha fatoprotein (AFP)>200 µg/L, the values before and after treatment of 2 months was (497±117) µg/L and (80±19) µg/L, respectively (P<0.05). Among 9 patients of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)>142.2 ng/L, the values before and after treatment of 2 months was (154±51) ng/L and (57±19) ng/L, respectively (P<0.05). The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 87.0% (20/23). All adverse reactions did not exceed grade 3 and could be controlled by symptomatic supportive treatment or reducing the dose of apatinib,and the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level after treatment of 3 months[(77±33) U/L] was higher than that before treatment [(45±26) U/L] (P<0.05). Conclusion: For patients with advanced liver cancer after D-TACE, the treatment of carrelizumab combined with apatinib is effective and the adverse reactions are controllable.

The persistent impacts of polyester microfibers on soil bio-physical properties following thermal treatment.

Soilborne microplastics can persist for decades and their consequences are of growing concern. Therefore, it is important to explore the feasible approaches for eliminating microplastic effects on soil properties. Through an incubation experiment, we evaluate the effects of thermal treatment on physical properties, enzymatic activities and microbial communities in polyester-microfibers contaminated soils. The effects of polyester-microfiber levels (0%, 0.1%, 0.3% and 1.0% of soil dry weight) on soil properties were detected under not heated (PMF), heated (mPMF) and added with natural-organic-matters (OM) following heated (mPMF+OM) conditions. Our results showed that 1.0% mPMF soil had lower bulk density and higher mean weight diameter than 0% mPMF soil, akin to PMF soils. Meanwhile, great volumes of < 30 µm pores in 0.3% and 1.0% mPMF soils were observed than that in 0% mPMF soil. Additionally, the dose-effects of melted polyester-microfiber on soil enzymatic activities and bacterial communities were still observed following thermal treatment, even under the OM added condition. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that polyester microfibers influenced soil microbial communities and functioning via altering specific soil physical properties, regardless of thermal treatment or not. Results of this study should be useful to guide further develop viable methods for remediating soils contaminated with microplastics.

[Transcriptome sequencing-based classification and quantification of IKZF1 transcript isoforms in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia].

Objective: To classify and quantify IKZF1 mutant transcripts in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and bioinformatics analysis. Methods: A cohort of 263 B-ALL cases was enrolled at Hebei Yanda Ludaopei Hospital from September 2018 to September 2020. An integrated bioinformatics pipeline was developed to adapt the classification and quantification of IKZF1 transcripts from RNA-seq and was applied to sequencing data of these cases. The IKZF1 mutant transcripts classified by RNA-seq analysis were compared with the qualitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). Results: IKZF1 mutant transcripts were identified in 53 B-ALL patients by RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing, among which IK6 and IK10 transcripts accounted for 67.9% (36/53) and 28.3% (15/53) respectively. Additionally, 2 patients were double positive for IK6 and IK10. RNA-seq analysis identified 51 patients with IKZF1 mutant transcripts. Compared with the RT-PCR result, the detection sensitivity and specificity of RNA-seq analysis reached 94.3% (50/53) and 99.5% (209/210), respectively. Among the 50 patients with IKZF1 mutant transcripts both in RNA-seq and RT-PCR analysis, the ratio of mutant transcripts to total IKZF1 transcripts in 6 patients was 0.14 (0.11, 0.35), which was significantly lower than that of the other 44 patients [0.88 (0.35, 0.97), Z=-3.945,P<0.001]. IKZF1 mutations mostly occurred in Ph+and Ph-like B-ALL, characterized by abnormal JAK-STAT pathway, and B-ALL with PAX5 translocation. Conclusions: Through the optimized bioinformatics analysis process, RNA-seq data can be used to classify and quantitatively analyze IKZF1 transcripts in B-ALL. Furthermore, the relative expression of mutant IKZF1 transcripts was found to cluster into two groups, and IKZF1 mutation was found often accompanied with PAX5 translocations.

Polyester microfiber and natural organic matter impact microbial communities, carbon-degraded enzymes, and carbon accumulation in a clayey soil.

Microplastics can alter microbial communities and enzymatic activities in soils. However, the influences of microplastics on soil carbon cycling which driven by microbial communities remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of polyester microfiber (PMF) and natural organic matter（OM）on soil microbial communities, carbon-degraded enzymes, and carbon accumulation through an incubation experiment. Our results showed that the addition of PMF increased the activities of soil cellulase and laccase but did not impact soil bacterial and fungal communities too much. However, the addition of OM largely altered soil microbial communities and the activities of carbon-degraded enzymes, then mitigated the PMF effects on the activities of soil cellulase and laccase. On the other hand, greater alpha diversity of bacterial community attached on PMF was observed than those in the surrounding soils. The interaction of PMF and OM increased the richness of bacterial community in soils and on PMF. More importantly, we observed that the accumulation of natural organic carbon in soils reduced with increasing PMF. Thus, our results provide valuable insights into the effects of microplastics on soil organic carbon dynamics and microbial communities, and further work is required to clarify the biochemical processes at the surface of microplastics.

Variations in aggregate-associated organic carbon and polyester microfibers resulting from polyester microfibers addition in a clayey soil.

Organic carbon is an essential element for sustainable soil management. While the effects of microplastics on soil physical and biological properties are presenting, it remains unclear whether the organic carbon dynamics of soil are altered by increased microplastic accumulation. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the influences of different polyester microfiber (PMF 0, 0.1% and 0.3% of soil dry weight) and organic material (OM 0, 1%, 2% and 3% of soil dry weight) addition levels on soil organic carbon and to determine the PMF distribution in aggregates from a pot experiment. After 75 days of incubation under 6 wet-dry cycles, the concentrations of soil total organic carbon did not differ significantly between the PMF (9.7 ± 6.6 g kg-1) and control (9.7 ± 6.9 g kg-1) treatments. However, PMF addition significantly reduced the organic carbon concentration in the large (>2 mm) macro-aggregates compared to the control treatment (10.6 ± 4.8 g kg-1 vs. 11.7 ± 4.4 g kg-1), but the results were opposite in the small (2-0.25 mm)macro-aggregates (10.2 ± 4.9 g kg-1 vs. 8.4 ± 3.8 g kg-1). In this study, less than 30% of added PMFs were incorporated into soil aggregates. In addition, the abundance and average length of aggregate-associated PMF in the large (2210 ± 180 particles per g aggregate and 2.08 ± 0.17 mm) and small (1820 ± 150 particles per g aggregate and 1.68 ± 0.11 mm) macro-aggregates were significantly greater than those in the micro-aggregates (1010 ± 70 particles per g aggregate and 0.72 ± 0.05 mm). Our results demonstrate that the distribution of organic carbon in soil macro-aggregates is affected by PMFs addition. Thus, we propose that the behavior of microplastics inside soil aggregates should be further explored to clarify their effects on the physical protection of soil organic carbon.

Effects of polyester microfibers on soil physical properties: Perception from a field and a pot experiment.

Understanding soil physical properties is essential for soil quality management and sustainable land use. With the growing accumulation of microplastics in soils, a better understanding of the impact of microplastics on soil physical properties is crucial to conserve and manage soil quality. This study explored the effects of polyester microfiber (PMF) concentrations (0, 0.1% and 0.3%) on bulk density, porosity, aggregation and hydraulic conductivity of a clayey soil from a field experiment (1 year) and a pot experiment (6 wet-dry cycles). Polyester microfibers significantly increased the volume of >30 µm pores and reduced the volume of <30 µm pores compared to the control treatment. However, there were no detectable changes in the soil bulk density and saturated hydraulic conductivity between the PMF treatments and the control treatment. Interestingly, we observed that polyester microfibers significantly increased the contents of water stable large macroaggregates (>2 mm) in the 0.3% PMF (44%) and 0.1% PMF (39%) treatments compared to the control treatment (31%) in the pot experiment, but this was not true in the field experiment. The efficient interaction between polyester microfibers and fine soil particles and the frequent wet-dry cycles enhanced the formation and stability of macro-aggregates induced by polyester microfibers in the pot experiment. Overall, our results provide valuable evidence for microplastic influences on soil physical properties. Because microplastics are long-term anthropogenic contaminants, it is necessary to further study the impacts of microplastics on soil quality for terrestrial ecosystem sustainability.

The distribution of microplastics in soil aggregate fractions in southwestern China.

Plastic particle accumulation in arable soils is a growing contaminant of concern with unknown consequences for soil productivity and quality. This study aimed to investigate abundance and distribution of plastic particles among soil aggregate fractions in four cropped areas and an established riparian forest buffer zone at Dian Lake, southwestern China. Plastic particles (10-0.05 mm) from fifty soil samples were extracted and then sorted by size, counted, and categorized. Plastic particles were found in all soil samples. The concentration of plastic particles ranges from 7100 to 42,960 particles kg-1 (mean 18,760 particles kg-1). 95% of the sampled plastic particles are in the microplastic size (1-0.05 mm) range. The predominant form is plastic fibers, making up on average 92% of each sample followed by fragments and films that contributed with to 8%. Results of this study also show that 72% of plastic particles are associated with soil aggregates, and 28% of plastic particles are dispersed. The abundance of aggregate-associated plastic fibers is significantly greater in the micro-aggregate than that in the macro-aggregate, whereas the less concentrations of plastic films and fragments are found in the micro-aggregate. Compared to the adjacent vegetable soil, the less concentration of plastic particles in the buffer soil implicates that application of soil amendments and irrigation with wastewater must be controlled to reduce accumulation of microplastics in agricultural soils. While the implications of microplastic on ecological and human health are poorly understood, the staggering number of microplastic in agricultural soils should be continually concerned in the future.

Polyketides with different post-modifications from desert endophytic fungus Paraphoma sp.

Three new polyketides 4,6,8-trihydroxy-5-methyl-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one (1), 5,7-dihydroxy-3-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3,4-dimethylisobenzofuran-1(3H)-one (2) and 1-(4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-1,7-dimethyl-3-oxo-1,3-dihydroisobenzofuran-1-yl) ethyl acetate (3) together with seven known analogues (4-10) were isolated from desert endophytic fungus Paraphoma sp. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by analysis of NMR data. The absolute configuration of (1-3) was established on the basis of CD experiments. The possible biosynthetic pathway of compounds (1-10) was suggested, which implied that these secondary metabolites might be originated from polyketide biosynthesis with different post-modification reactions. Compounds 2, and 5-8 were evaluated for bioactivities against plant pathogen A. solani, whereas none of them displayed any biological effects. In addition, compounds 1, 2 and 5-10 were also tested for cytotoxic activities against three human cancer cell lines (HepG2 cells, MCF-7 cells and Hela cells) without biological effects.

[Trend analysis of the burden of ischemic heart disease in China, 1990 to 2015].

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the trend of burden of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in China between 1990 and 2015. Methods: Data were collected from the results of 2015 Global Burden of Disease Study. We arranged and analyzed the mortality and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) for IHD by sexes, ages and provinces (excluding Taiwan, China) in China between 1990 and 2015. The age-standardized rates were determined using the average world population age structure in the period of 2010-2035 as a reference, and the changes of the related indicators were calculated. Results: In 2015, IHD caused 1 461 thousand deaths, and its age-standardized death rate was 114.8 per 100 000. Number of DALYs from IHD were 25 765 thousand in 2015, with the age-standardized DALY rate at 1 760.2 per 100 000. From 1990 to 2015, the age-standardized death rate for IHD in China increased by 13.3% but age-standardized DALY rate decreased by 3.9%. Number of IHD DALYs among male (16 664 thousand) was higher than it among female (9 101 thousand) in China in 2015, and 83.5% of total DALYs from IHD occurred among people aged over 50 years old. Province with highest age-standardized death rate was Heilongjiang, with rate at 187.4 per 100 000 in 2015. Qinghai (54.0%) increased most and Macao (-52.3%) decreased most from 1990 to 2015. Province with highest age-standardized DALY rate was Xinjiang, with rate at 3 040.8 per 100 000 in 2015. Qinghai (33.2%) increased most while Macao (-59.0%) decreased most between 1990 and 2015. Conclusion: Burden of IHD in China increased remarkably from 1990 to 2015, especially among males and people aged over 50 years old. The differences among provinces were obvious.

A gain-of-function mutation in TNFRSF13B is a candidate for predisposition to familial or sporadic immune thrombocytopenia.

Essentials Positive family histories suggest the existence of hereditary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). The predisposing gene for familial ITP was screened in two familial ITP patients. The G76S mutation on TNFRSF13B led to immune dysfunction and induced megakaryocyte apoptosis. The G76S mutation on TNFRSF13B is a gain-of-function mutation and a predisposing variant for ITP. SUMMARY: Background Most immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is sporadic but a positive family history of ITP in some patients suggests that hereditary forms exist. Because of the rarity of familial ITP families available for study and the heterogeneity of sporadic ITP, family linkage analysis or genome-wide association studies are limited. Objectives Based on one ITP pedigree, we try to identify the predisposing gene in familial or sporadic ITP and reveal the way in which it causes thrombocytopenia. Methods Gene expression profiling analysis and whole-exome sequencing were performed on samples from family members with ITP, sporadic ITP cases and healthy individuals. We also evaluated the influence of potential pathogenic mutation on immune function and megakaryocyte apoptosis. Results Whole-exome sequencing identified a potential pathologic p.G76S heterozygous mutation on the TNFRSF13B gene in familial ITP patients. ITP patients harboring the G76S mutation displayed an upregulated 'cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction' signal, increased serum TNFα, IL-17α, IFNγ and BAFF levels, and enhanced binding capacity of APRIL ligand to B cells. Additionally, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed B cells with the G76S mutation could induce human megakaryocyte line (Meg-01) apoptosis significantly. Conclusion p.G76S mutation on the TNFRSF13B gene is responsible for ITP, and is a genetic predisposing factor for familial or sporadic ITP.

Reactivity of patients with maintenance hemodialysis to erythropoietin in the treatment of renal anemia.

To explore the reactivity of patients with renal anemia (MHD) to erythropoietin (EPO) in maintenance hemodialysis (HD), 31 patients were enrolled in this study. According to the level of serum ferritin (SF), they were divided into two groups; one group received treatment using recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) and the other group was given iron sucrose. Taking terminal EPO dosage, terminal erythropoietin resistance index (ERI) and rate of change of ERI (ΔERII) as target indexes, the influence of SF level on dosage of EPO was evaluated after usage conditions of relevant substances in a 3-month period. The results revealed that differences of dialysis age, albumin (ALB), blood calcium, initial and terminal SF, variable quantity of hemoglobin (Hb), terminal EPO and ERI between two groups had statistical significance. Furthermore, SF level and terminal EPO (r = -0.37, P < 0. 05) as well as SF level and terminal ERI (r = - 0.39, P <0.05) were negatively correlated. Difference of terminal ERI between the two groups had statistical significance. It can therefore be summarized that supplementing an iron agent intravenously to maintain SF level between 500 ng/ml and 1200 ng/ml may improve reactivity of patients with MHD to EPO. In addition, rHuEPO therapy in treating anemia of patients with MHD has the same effect with intravenous drug delivery, less side effects and is easy to administer.

Effects of sodium ferrous chlorophyll treatment on anemia of hemodialysis patients and relevant biochemical parameters.

This study explores the effects of sodium ferrous chlorophyll treatment on the anemia of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, as well as the relevant biochemical parameters. We selected 72 patients who had received regular MHD treatment two or three times a week for more than 3 months in the Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Zhengzhou City of Henan Province from March 2014 to March 2016. They were equally divided into a treatment group and a control group. Haemoglobin (HB) and hematocrit (HCT) of the treatment group increased significantly after treatment (p < 0.01), but less in the control group (p < 0.05); Also serum ferritin (SF) and transferrin saturation (TAST) of the treatment group increased significantly after treatment (p < 0.01); SF of the control group also increased significantly (p < 0.01) and TAST of the control group increased (p < 0.05) but less than in the treatment group. No obvious changes of serum creatinine (SCR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), C-reactive protein (CRP) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were found in either groups after treatment (p>0.05). Albumin (ALB) dosage of the treatment group increased after treatment (p < 0.05) while hemopoietin (EPO) decreased significantly (p < 0.01). ALB and EPO of the control group had no obvious changes after treatment (p>0.05). ALB level of the treatment group increased more significantly than in the control group (p < 0.05), while EPO dosage decreased more significantly than in the control group (p <0.05). Therefore, the combination of conventional western medicine and sodium ferrous chlorophyll can effectively improve anemia conditions of MHD patients and their quality of life.

Efficacy of a quadruple therapy regimen for Helicobacter pylori eradication after partial gastrectomy.

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of bismuth-containing quadruple therapy plus postural change after dosing for Helicobacter pylori eradication in gastrectomized patients. We compared 76 gastric stump patients with H. pylori infection (GS group) with 50 non-gastrectomized H. pylori-positive patients who met the treatment indication (controls). The GS group was divided into GS group 1 and GS group 2. All groups were administered bismuth potassium citrate (220 mg), esomeprazole (20 mg), amoxicillin (1.0 g), and furazolidone (100 mg) twice daily for 14 days. GS group 1 maintained a left lateral horizontal position for 30 min after dosing. H. pylori was detected using rapid urease testing and histologic examination of gastric mucosa before and 3 months after therapy. Mucosal histologic manifestations were evaluated using visual analog scales of the updated Sydney System. GS group 1 had a higher prevalence of eradication than the GS group 2 (intention-to-treat [ITT]: P=0.025; per-protocol [PP]: P=0.030), and the control group had a similar prevalence. GS group 2 had a lower prevalence of eradication than controls (ITT: P=0.006; PP: P=0.626). Scores for chronic inflammation and activity declined significantly (P<0.001) 3 months after treatment, whereas those for atrophy and intestinal metaplasia showed no significant change. Prevalence of adverse reactions was similar among groups during therapy (P=0.939). A bismuth-containing quadruple therapy regimen plus postural change after dosing appears to be a relatively safe, effective, economical, and practical method for H. pylori eradication in gastrectomized patients.

Efficacy of a quadruple therapy regimen for Helicobacter pylori eradication after partial gastrectomy

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of bismuth-containing quadruple therapy plus postural change after dosing for Helicobacter pylori eradication in gastrectomized patients. We compared 76 gastric stump patients with H. pylori infection (GS group) with 50 non-gastrectomized H. pylori-positive patients who met the treatment indication (controls). The GS group was divided into GS group 1 and GS group 2. All groups were administered bismuth potassium citrate (220 mg), esomeprazole (20 mg), amoxicillin (1.0 g), and furazolidone (100 mg) twice daily for 14 days. GS group 1 maintained a left lateral horizontal position for 30 min after dosing. H. pylori was detected using rapid urease testing and histologic examination of gastric mucosa before and 3 months after therapy. Mucosal histologic manifestations were evaluated using visual analog scales of the updated Sydney System. GS group 1 had a higher prevalence of eradication than the GS group 2 (intention-to-treat [ITT]: P=0.025; per-protocol [PP]: P=0.030), and the control group had a similar prevalence. GS group 2 had a lower prevalence of eradication than controls (ITT: P=0.006; PP: P=0.626). Scores for chronic inflammation and activity declined significantly (P<0.001) 3 months after treatment, whereas those for atrophy and intestinal metaplasia showed no significant change. Prevalence of adverse reactions was similar among groups during therapy (P=0.939). A bismuth-containing quadruple therapy regimen plus postural change after dosing appears to be a relatively safe, effective, economical, and practical method for H. pylori eradication in gastrectomized patients.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a proliferating cell nuclear antigen gene by chemically induced male sterility in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Although a number of studies have shown that chemical hybridizing agents (CHAs) affect anther growth and regulate cell-cycle progression, little is known about the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is an essential factor in DNA replication, and in many other processes in eukaryotic cells. In this study, the open reading frame of TaPCNA, the PCNA in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), was cloned by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Sequence analysis revealed that this gene was 792-bp long and encoded a protein with 234 amino acids. Alignment of the TaPCNA-predicted sequence revealed a high degree of identity with PCNAs from other plant species. A subcellular localization assay indicated that TaPCNA was localized in the nucleus. The TaPCNA was cloned into the prokaryotic expression plasmid pET32a, and the recombinant plasmid was transformed into BL21 (DE3). TaPCNA expression was induced by 0.5 mM isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside and verified using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and western blot assays, which indicated that the fusion protein was successfully expressed. The gene involved in the G1-to-S transition, Histone H4, was downregulated by 1376- CIMS, which is a chemically induced male sterility line. However, a semi-quantitative RT-PCR revealed that TaPCNA expression was upregulated in 1376-CIMS. Our results suggest that CHAs (SQ-1) induce DNA damage in wheat anthers. DNA damage results in either the delay or arrest of cell-cycle progression, which affects anther development. This study will help to elucidate the mechanisms of SQ-1-induced male sterility.

Molecular cloning, characterization, and expression of vacuolar-type-H⁺-ATPase B1 (VHAB1) gene in the gill of Anguilla marmorata.

We explored the molecular mechanism of the regulation of vacuolar-type-H+-ATPase B1 (VHAB1) in elvers in the response to salinity. The full-length cDNA of VHAB1 in Anguilla marmorata (designated as AmVHAB1), which was 1741 base pairs (bp) in length, was found to encompass a 1512-bp open reading frame encoding a polypeptide with 503 amino acids (55.9 kDa), an 83-bp 5'-untranslated region, and a 146-bp 3'-untranslated region. The mRNA and protein expression levels of AmVHAB1 in the gill were evaluated at different time points (0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, and 15 days) during the exposure to various salinity levels (0, 10, and 25‰). The results indicated that the expression levels of AmVHAB1 mRNA in the gill significantly increased and reached the highest level at 1 h exposure in the brackish water (BW, 10‰) group and at 6 h exposure in the seawater (SW, 25‰) group. The salinity level affected the relative expression level of AmVHAB1 mRNA in the gill, which was increased by approximately 44-fold in the SW group when compared with that in fresh water. Immunoblotting analysis showed that VHA expression was significantly higher in the BW and SW groups, with the highest expression level was detected at 96 h exposure. We found that the AmVHAB1 gene in elvers from A. marmorata plays an important role in the adaptation to seawater.