Four New Species and a New Combination of Boletaceae (Boletales) from Subtropical and Tropical China.

Previous studies have shown that boletes are abundant and diverse in China, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. In the present study, morphological, ecological, host relationship, and a four-locus (28S, tef1, rpb1, and rpb2) molecular phylogenetic analyses were used to study the family Boletaceae in subtropical and tropical China. Four new bluing species are described from three genera, viz. Boletellus verruculosus (Chinese name), Xerocomellus tenuis (Chinese name), Xer. brunneus (Chinese name), and Xerocomus zhangii (Chinese name). Moreover, the genus Nigroboletus is treated as a synonym of Xerocomellus, and a new combination, namely Xer. roseonigrescens (Chinese name), is proposed.

The discriminatory diagnostic value of multimodal ultrasound combined with blood cell analysis for granulomatous lobular mastitis and invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the discriminatory diagnostic value of multimodal ultrasound(US) combined with blood cell analysis(BCA) for Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis (GLM) and Invasive Ductal Carcinoma(IDC) of the breast. METHODS: A total of 157 breast disease patients were collected and divided into two groups based on postoperative pathological results: the GLM group(57 cases with 57 lesions) and the IDC group(100 cases with 100 lesions). Differences in multimodal ultrasound features and the presence of BCA were compared between the two groups. The receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was used to calculate the optimal cutoff values, sensitivity, specificity, 95% confidence interval(CI), and the area under the curve(AUC) for patient age, lesion size, lesion resistive index(RI), and white blood cell(WBC) count in BCA. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, diagnostic accuracy, and AUC were calculated for different diagnostic methods. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences(P <  0.05) observed between GLM and IDC patients in terms of age, breast pain, the factors in Conventional US(lesion size, RI, nipple delineation, solitary/multiple lesions, margin, liquefaction area, growth direction, microcalcifications, posterior echogenicity and abnormal axillary lymph nodes), the factors in CEUS(contrast agent enhancement intensity, enhancement pattern, enhancement range, and crab-like enhancement) and the factors in BCA(white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes). ROC curve analysis results showed that the optimal cutoff values for distinguishing GLM from IDC were 40.5 years for age, 7.15 cm for lesion size, 0.655 for lesion RI, and 10.525*109/L for white blood cells. The diagnostic accuracy of conventional US combined with CEUS(US-CEUS) was the highest(97.45%). The diagnostic performance AUCs for US-CEUS, CEUS, and US were 0.965, 0.921 and 0.832, respectively. CONCLUSION: Multifactorial analysis of multimodal ultrasound features and BCA had high clinical application value in the differential diagnosis of GLM and IDC.

Didymodonchangbaiensis (Pottiaceae, Musci), a new species from Changbai Mountain, China and its phylogenetic position based on molecular data.

Changbai Mountain, located in northeast China, is one of the areas with the most complete natural ecosystem preservation in China. A new species, Didymodonchangbaiensis C.Feng, J.Kou, H.-X. Xiao & T.-T.Wu from north slope of Changbai Mountain in Jilin Province of China is described and illustrated. It is characterised by ovate or ovate-lanceolate leaves that are appressed when dry, acute leaf apex, lamina red or reddish-orange with KOH, unistratose lamina throughout, plane and unistratose leaf margins, percurrent costa with one layer of guide cells and without ventral stereids, upper and middle laminal cells with elliptical papillae over the transverse walls between two immediately adjacent cells and basal laminal cells not differentiated from the median cells. Our morphological analyses and molecular results, based on DNA sequences of ITS, rps4 and trnM-trnV, confirm that D.changbaiensis is revealed to be sister to D.daqingii J. Kou, R.H. Zander & C. Feng. This new species is compared with similar species and its phylogenetic position and ecology are discussed.

The prevalence and characteristics of alexithymia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Alexithymia is common in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Although the estimated prevalence of alexithymia in patients with T2DM is widely reported, these results have not been synthesized. AIM: To systematically assess the prevalence and characteristics of alexithymia in patients with T2DM. METHODS: We searched for relevant publications in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Database, and Weipu Database. The prevalence of alexithymia, the mean scores, and standard deviations of the total scale of the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) were pooled using random effects meta-analysis in Stata 13.0, with studies stratified by study location in this meta-analysis. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included thirteen articles. Pooled prevalence of alexithymia (TAS-20 total scores ≥61) were 43.0% (95%CI 35.0-51.0%), and the prevalence of alexithymia was higher in China (45.0%, 95%CI 36.0-54.0%) compared with non-China (41.0%, 95%CI 29.0-54.0%). The pooled mean score for the TAS-20 total scale was 57.70 (95% CI 55.25-60.15). Leave-one-out analysis showed that none of the studies significantly impacted the overall pooled results. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis indicated a high prevalence of alexithymia in patients with T2DM. Thus, clinicians need to be aware of and assess appropriately for alexithymia in patients with T2DM.

Reinstatement of species rank for Grimmialimprichtii (Bryophyta, Grimmiaceae) based on molecular and morphological data.

The genus Grimmia Hedw. has been considered taxonomically difficult because of its great morphological variability, and its treatments by different specialists have led to incongruent results. One of the debates in the genus is the species status of Grimmialimprichtii Kern, an Asian-European disjunct moss species that has been considered identical to Grimmiaanodon Bruch & Schimp. or Grimmiatergestina Tomm ex Bruch & Schimp. It has also been regarded as the muticous-leaved male plants of G.tergestina. Based on a detailed analysis of the type and many non-type specimens combining the molecular and morphological data, the reinstatement of species rank for G.limprichtii is proposed. The diagnostic characteristics of G.limprichtii and its distinction from some closely related species, with which it may be confused, are discussed. Grimmiaobtusifolia C. Gao & T. Cao is considered a synonym of G.limprichtii based on molecular and morphological data.

Didymodonmanhanensis (Pottiaceae, Bryophyta), a new species from Inner Mongolia steppe, China and its phylogenetic position, based on molecular data.

Inner Mongolia steppe is one of the suitable habitats for Didymodon species and a new species, Didymodonmanhanensis C. Feng & J. Kou from Manhan Mountain in semi-arid region in Inner Mongolia, China is described and illustrated. It is characterised by leaves incurved and slightly twisted when dry, spreading when moist, narrowly lanceolate from an ovate base; subulate and fragile leaf apices; distally bistratose leaf margins that are recurved in proximal 2/3-3/4; excurrent costa with guide cells in 2-3 layers and without ventral stereids; smooth laminal cells and red KOH laminal colour reaction. Our morphological analyses and molecular results, based on DNA sequences of ITS, rps4 and trnM-trnV, confirm that D.manhanensis belongs to a group that includes D.obtusus J. Kou, X.-M. Shao & C. Feng and D.daqingii J. Kou, R.H. Zander & C. Feng. This new species is compared with similar species and its phylogenetic position and ecology are discussed.

Influence of Life Meaning on Subjective Well-Being of Older People: Serial Multiple Mediation of Exercise Identification and Amount of Exercise.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the relationship between life meaning and subjective well-being among older people and the mediating role of subjective exercise identification and objective amount of exercise. Methods: A total of 352 older respondents completed four questionnaires: the Chinese life meaning scale, the University of Newfoundland Happiness Scale, the physical activity habits questionnaire, and the exercise identification questionnaire designed for this study. Results: Gender differences existed in the respondents' perception of life meaning, and men had a better perception of life meaning (t = 2.28, SE = 0.63, p < 0.05). There were age differences in the subjective well-being of older people (F = 5.69, partial η2 = 0.03, p < 0.01); the subjective well-being of older individuals steadily declines with rising age. Life meaning not only directly affected the subjective well-being of the respondents but also indirectly influenced their subjective well-being through the following three pathways: life meaning → exercise identification → subjective well-being (mediating effect of 22%); life meaning → amount of exercise → subjective well-being (mediating effect of 22%); and life meaning → exercise identification → amount of exercise → subjective well-being (serial multiple mediation effect of 27%). Conclusion: The more positive the life meaning perception of older people is, the higher their experience of subjective well-being. For older people to sense the meaning of life, we recommend that they realize the importance of physical activities and take the initiative to engage in physical activities to obtain higher subjective well-being.

[Effects of biological agent dripping on cotton Verticillium wilt and rhizosphere soil microorganism]. / ç”Ÿç‰©è¯å‰‚æ»´æ–½å¯¹æ£‰èŠ±é»„èŽç— åŠæ ¹é™ åœŸå£¤å¾®ç”Ÿç‰©æ•°é‡å’Œå¤šæ ·æ€§çš„å½±å“.

Biological agent is an important green pathway to control Verticillium wilt. A field experiment was performed to examine the effects of Bacillus subtilis agent (15, 30 and 45 kg·hm-2), Trichoderma humatum agent (15, 18 and 24 kg·hm-2), 'Yufeng 99' agent (15, 22.5 and 30 kg·hm-2) and Zhongnonglyukang agent (30, 45 and 60 kg·hm-2) on cotton Verticillium wilt and soil microbial community. The results showed that all of the four biological agents could reduce the incidence and index of cotton Verticillium wilt, with control effects of 50.0%-77.4% in the whole growth period of cotton. The control effects of B. subtilis, 'Yufeng 99' and Zhongnonglyukang agent were positively correlated with the application doses, while that of T. humatum agent of 18 kg·hm-2 was significantly higher than 15 and 24 kg·hm-2. The relative abundance of V. dahliae was significantly reduced, which was negatively correlated with the control effect. The quantity and species richness of soil bacteria were significantly increased with the increases of application doses. The quantity and species abundance of actinomycete were significantly increased, while the quantity of actinomycete varied greatly among different application doses. The quantity and species richness of fungi increased with the increased application doses of T. humatum agent, but was decreased with the increased application doses of other three biological agents, respectively. The control effect was positively correlated with the quantity of bacteria and actinomycetes, but was negatively correlated with that of fungi. Meanwhile, the control effect was significantly and positively correlated with the abundance of Actinomycetes, Nitrospirae, Ascomycota, Chytridiomycota, but was significantly and negatively correlated with that of Deuteromycota. The application doses of 'Yufeng 99', zhongnonglyukang, B. subtilis and T. humatum agents were suggested to be 30, 60, 45 and 18 kg·hm-2, respectively.

Corrigendum to "Pharmacological Basis for Use of Selaginella moellendorffii in Gouty Arthritis: Antihyperuricemic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibition".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2017/2103254.].

Pharmacological Basis for Use of Selaginella moellendorffii in Gouty Arthritis: Antihyperuricemic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibition.

This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of Selaginella moellendorffii Hieron. (SM) on gouty arthritis and getting an insight of the possible mechanisms. HPLC method was developed for chemical analysis. The paw oedema, the neutrophil accumulation, inflammatory mediators, lipid peroxidation, and histopathological changes of the joints were analyzed in gouty arthritis rat model, and the kidney injury and serum urate were detected in hyperuricemic mice. Pharmacokinetic result demonstrated that the main apigenin glycosides might be quantitatively transformed into apigenin in the mammalian body. Among these compounds, the apigenin exhibited the strongest effect on xanthine oxidase (XOD). SM aqueous extract has proved to be active in reducing hyperuricemia in dose-dependent manner, and the levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) in high dose group were decreased significantly as compared with hyperuricemic control group (P < 0.01). The high dose of SM extract could significantly prevent the paw swelling, reduce gouty joint inflammatory features, reduce the release of IL-1ß and TNF-α, lower malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels, and increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) level (P < 0.01). For the first time, this study provides a rational basis for the traditional use of SM aqueous extract against gout in folk medicine.

Value of ¹8F-FDG PET-CT in surveillance of postoperative colorectal cancer patients with various carcinoembryonic antigen concentrations.

AIM: To evaluate the value of positron emission tomography (PET)/computerized tomography (CT) in surveillance of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with different carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) concentrations. METHODS: One hundred and six postoperative CRC patients who had suspected recurrence or metastasis and received fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT within one week were included in this study. The final diagnosis was confirmed by histological examination or clinical follow-up over at least six months. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of FDG PET/CT were 95.2%, 82.6%, and 92.5%, and 94.8%, 81.4% and 92.8%, respectively, in the case- and lesion-based analyses. The sensitivity and accuracy of FDG PET/CT significantly differed from CT in both analyses (χ(2) = 8.186, P = 0.004; χ(2) =6.201, P = 0.013; χ(2) =13.445, P = 0.000; χ(2) =11.194, P = 0.001). In the lesion-based analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of FDG PET/CT in the abnormal CEA group were 97.8%, 82.6%, and 95.6%, compared with 81.3%, 80%, and 80.6% for patients with normal CEA levels. In case-based analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of FDG PET/CT were 97.2%, 77.8%, and 95% in abnormal CEA group. Only in lesion-based analysis, the sensitivity and accuracy of FDG PET/CT in the abnormal CEA group were significantly superior to those in the normal CEA group (χ(2) =6.432, P = 0.011; χ(2) =7.837, P = 0.005). FDG PET/CT changed the management in 45.8% of patients with positive scans. CONCLUSION: FDG PET/CT showed superior diagnostic value and is an advisable option in surveillance of postoperative CRC patients with a vague diagnosis.

Clinical applications of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in carcinoma of unknown primary.

BACKGROUND: Carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) encompasses a heterogeneous group of tumors with varying clinical features. The management of patients of CUP remains a clinical challenge. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical applications of integrated (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) information in patients with CUP, including detecting the occult primary tumor and effecting on disease therapy. METHODS: One hundred and forty-nine patients with histologically-proven metastases of CUP were included. For all patients, the conventional diagnostic work-up was unsuccessful in localizing the primary site. Whole-body PET/CT images were obtained approximately 60 minutes after intravenous injection of 350 - 425 MBq of (18)F-FDG. RESULTS: In 24.8% of patients, FDG PET/CT detected primary tumors that were not apparent after conventional workup. In this group of patients, the overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rates of FDG PET/CT in detecting unknown primary tumors were 86.0%, 87.7%, and 87.2%, respectively. FDG PET/CT imaging also led to the detection of previously unrecognized metastases in 29.5% of patients. Forty-seven (31.5%, 47 of 149) patients underwent a change in therapeutic management. CONCLUSIONS: FDG PET/CT is a valuable tool in patients with CUP, because it assisted in detecting unknown primary tumors and previously unrecognized distant metastases, and optimized the management of these patients.

[Analysis of clinical characteristics of gastrointestinal cancer in Heilongjiang province, China 1998 to 2007].

OBJECTIVE: To provide basic information for epidemiological research of gastrointestinal (GI) malignant tumors. METHODS: Data of GI cancer diagnosed in 15 hospitals of Heilongjiang province between January 1998 and December 2007 were analyzed retrospectively. The data mainly involved the age of onset, initial symptoms, pathological types, clinical staging and types of surgical procedure. RESULTS: Gastric cancer was the most common type (45.8%) among the 33,540 GI cancer cases, then were rectal cancer (27.3%) and colon cancer (26.8%). Right colon cancer cases were more common than the left ones (1.3:1.0), particularly in people over 80 (2.1:1.0). Only 1.3% of colorectal cancer could be found in age under 30 years old. In patients aged 50 to 70, advanced gastric cancer accounted for 70.6%, advanced colon cancer 73.4% and advanced rectal cancer 72.4%. Well-moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma in early gastric cancer was 49.7%, early colon cancer 77.3% and rectal cancer 83.2%. Patients undergone radical excision in early gastric cancer accounted for 69.1%, advanced gastric cancer 79.9%, left colon cancer 91.9%, right colon cancer 83.9% and in rectal cancer for 88.3%. CONCLUSIONS: People aged 50 to 70 tend to get GI cancer in Heilongjiang province. Gastric cancer is the most common GI cancer. Radical excision is the main choice of therapy.

Respiratory viruses in hospitalized children with acute lower respiratory tract infections in harbin, China.

This study investigated the prevalence of respiratory viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza virus types A and B (Flu A/B), parainfluenza virus (Para) 1-3, and adenovirus (Ad), in hospitalized children with acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRIs). Immunofluorescence assays identified viral etiology in 412 patients younger than 16 years old. The overall viral isolation rate was 63.1% (260/412). The RSV was detected in 25.0%, Flu A/B in 19.4%, Para 1-3 in 14.6%, and Ad in 4.1% of the total sample. Multiple viruses were detected in 6.6% of the study population. Most viral infections occurred in the first 5 years of life, and the incidence of viral infection peaked during early spring and winter. Infection with Ad often resulted in the development of severe pneumonia in older children, and during the summer. The sequences of the isolated Ad hexons belonged to species B, and were closely related to the Gomen strain isolated in the United States in the 1950s. The study results will help determine the etiologic agents of ALRI in children and establish prevention and treatment programs.

Effect of LHRH-PE40 on target cells via LHRH receptors.

OBJECTIVE: To detect the effect and cytotoxicity of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone-Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin 40 (LHRH-PE40) on target cells using LHRH receptors (LHRHR). METHODS: The affinity of LHRH-PE40 and LHRH binding to LHRHR on the membrane surface of target cells were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Morphological observations with light microscope were used to analyze its receptor pathway, with Spiegelmer, and cytotoxicity. IC(50) values of LHRH-PE40, which caused 50% inhibition of tumor cell growth were evaluated by MTT assay. The target cells were exposed to LHRH-PE40 and its cytotoxicity was analyzed by scanning and transmission electron microscopies, agarose gel electrophoresis, and flow cytometry. RESULTS: LHRH-PE40 killed target cells by LHRHR pathway. The morphological changes in these cells showed decreased cell size, cytoplasmic membrane blebbing, and chromatin condensation and margination. At a certain concentration and time point, HeLa cells were also induced to undergo programmed cell death. CONCLUSION: LHRH-PE40 induced target cells apoptosis via LHRHR.

[Randomized clinical study of surgery versus radiotherapy alone in the treatment of resectable esophageal cancer in the chest].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the treatment results between radical surgery and late course accelerated hyperfractionated radiotherapy (LCAHFR) for patients with resectable esophageal cancer in the chest. METHODS: From June 1998 to September 2002, 269 patients with resectable esophageal cancer in the chest were randomized into two groups: 135 in surgery group and 134 in radiotherapy. The surgery group received esophagectomy including resection of the lesion and 5 cm margin at both ends from the lesion as well as surrounding lymph nodes > or = 5 mm and fatty tissue. In the radiotherapy group: irradiation field for the lesion in the upper esophageal cancer included the gross lesion, bilateral supraclavicular nodes and 4 cm of normal esophagus from lower margin of the gross disease; for the esophageal cancer at the middle segment, it included the gross disease with 4 cm normal esophagus from both ends of the lesion; for the lesion in the lower esophageal cancer, it included 4 cm of normal esophagus and the gross lesion as well as the draining gastric lymph nodes. The width of the irradiation field was 5-6 cm. The 90% isodose volume was covered by the entire CTV with 3-5 beams, in a conventionally fractionated RT at 1.8-2.0 Gy/d for the first two thirds of treatment course to a dose of about 50-50.4 Gy followed by LCAHFR using reduced fields (2 cm extended margin at both ends of the lesion) , twice daily at 1.5 Gy per fraction ( with aminimal interval of 6 h between fractions) to a dose of 18-21 Gy. The total dose whole radiotherapy was 68.4-71.0 Gy. RESULTS: The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rate was 93.3%, 61.5% and 36.9% in the surgery group versus 88.6%, 56.2% and 34.7% in the radiotherapy group without statistical difference between the two groups. The 1-, 3- and 5-year progression free survival rate was 75.9%, 43.7% and 23.1% in the surgery group and 73.3%, 39.7% and 20.6%, respectively, in the radiotherapy group without statistical difference between the two groups either. CONCLUSION: The results treated by late course accelerated hyperfractionated conformal radiotherapy alone may be comparable to that by radical surgery for patient with resectable esophageal cancer in the chest.