[Auxiliary diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of KIF4A, RAD51AP1 and CDKN3 in esophageal cancer].

To investigate the expression of mRNA in esophageal cancer (ESCA) tissues and its potential and diagnostic and prognostic value by high-throughput sequencing data. Using the Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA) database in USA by integrative bioinformatics analysis methods, the gene expression profiles and clinical data of 173 patients with ECSA were collected. The mRNA expression levels in ESCA tissue and para-cancerous tissue samples were analyzed using DESeq2, edgeR and limma to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). DEGs-related protein network diagrams were drawn. GO and KEGG function enrichment analysis were performed and the hub genes were screened and the survival analysis of hub genes was analyzed. Genes related to the prognosis of ESCA were selected and their prognostic value in ESCA was analyzed. Finally, the receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to evaluate its diagnostic value. The results showed that using TCGA cancer data, a total of 620 up-regulated DEGs and 668 down-regulated DEGs with significant differential expression between ESCA and para-cancerous tissues were screened. DEGs were mainly involved in receptor complexes, ubiquitin ligase complexes, etc., playing GTPase activity, phospholipid binding, and other molecular functions, and participating in the regulation of intracellular substance transport, small molecule metabolism, and other biological processes. Protein functional enrichment analysis showed that these proteins were mainly enriched in the IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, Epstein-Barr virus infection, neutrophil extracellular trap formation, and other pathways involved in the formation and development process of ESCA. Survival analysis showed that the overall survival rate of ESCA patients with high expression of KIF4A, RAD51AP1, and CDKN3 was significantly shortened, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Furthermore, the areas under the curve (AUC) of KIF4A, RAD51AP1, and CDKN3 for diagnosing esophageal cancer were 0.956, 0.951 and 0.979, respectively, with sensitivities and specificities both exceeding 80%. Additionally, ROC results of the combined diagnostic model of these three genes showed an AUC of 0.979, with sensitivities and specificities of 0.914 and 1, respectively. This indicates that KIF4A, RAD51AP1 and CDKN3 have individual or combined auxiliary diagnostic value for ESCA. In conclusion, KIF4A, RAD51AP1 and CDKN3 have high diagnostic efficiency for ESCA, and their increased expression is closely related to the prognosis, suggesting that these three genes could be used as auxiliary diagnostic and prognostic factors for ESCA.

[Evaluation of drug-drug interactions between yimitasvir phosphate capsules with sofosbuvir tablets, omeprazole magnesium enteric-coated tablets, and rosuvastatin calcium tablets].

Objective: To evaluate the drug-drug interactions and the tolerability of combined medication between yimitasvir phosphate capsules with sofosbuvir tablets, omeprazole magnesium enteric-coated tablets, and rosuvastatin calcium tablets in healthy volunteers. Methods: A randomized, open, and continuous administration design was used in trial 1 (yimitasvir phosphate capsules with sofosbuvir tablets). 28 subjects were randomly divided into two groups. A non-randomized, open design was used in trial 2 (yimitasvir phosphate capsules with omeprazole magnesium enteric-coated tablets), and included 42 subjects divided into three groups. The open design method was used in trial 3 (yimitasvir phosphate capsules with rosuvastatin calcium tablets), and included 14 subjects. The plasma concentrations of yimitasvir phosphate, sofosbuvir and their main metabolites GS-331007, omeprazole and rosuvastatin were validated by a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by Phoenix winNonlin software. Results: (1) in trial 1, after single and co-administration, the 90% CI of sofosbuvir C(max) and AUC(0-tau) geometric mean ratio (GMR) were 152.0% (118.0% ~ 197.0%) and 230.0% (184.0% ~ 287.0%), with an increase of 52.0% and 130.0% compared to single dose of sofosbuvir, respectively. The 90% CI of GS-331007 C(max) GMR was 74.0% (67.5% ~ 81.2%) and reduced by 26% compared to single dose of sofosbuvir. (2) in trial 2, the 90% CI of C(max) GMR after yimitasvir single or co-administration at the same time, with a 4-hours interval, or with a 12- hours interval were 68.9% (44.5% ~ 106.7%) , 64.0% (43.8% ~ 93.6%) and 56.4%(38.9% ~ 81.9%), and the 90% CI of AUC(0-t) GMR were 68.6% (46.5% ~ 101.2%), 68.3% (47.6% ~ 98.0%) and 60.5% (41.8% ~ 87.5%), respectively. Compared with single dose of yimitasvir, the C(max) and AUC(0-t) were decreased by 31.1% and 31.4%, 36.0% and 31.7%, 43.6% and 39.5%, respectively. (3) In trial 3, after single and co-administration, the 90% CI of rosuvastatin C(max) and AUC(0-72) GMR were 172.4% (153.6% ~ 193.5%) and 158.0% (144.3% ~ 172.9%), respectively, with an increase of 74.9% and 60.5% compared to single dose of rosuvastatin. There were no serious adverse events and adverse events leading to withdrawal from the trial. Conclusion: Yimitasvir phosphate capsules have drug-drug interactions with sofosbuvir tablets, omeprazole magnesium enteric-coated tablets, and rosuvastatin calcium tablets.

Enhanced Electron-Phonon Coupling for Charge-Density-Wave Formation in La_{1.8-x}Eu_{0.2}Sr_{x}CuO_{4+δ}.

Charge density wave (CDW) correlations are prevalent in all copper-oxide superconductors. While CDWs in conventional metals are driven by coupling between lattice vibrations and electrons, the role of the electron-phonon coupling (EPC) in cuprate CDWs is strongly debated. Using Cu L_{3} edge resonant inelastic x-ray scattering, we study the CDW and Cu-O bond-stretching phonons in the stripe-ordered cuprate La_{1.8-x}Eu_{0.2}Sr_{x}CuO_{4+δ}. We investigate the interplay between charge order and EPC as a function of doping and temperature and find that the EPC is enhanced in a narrow momentum region around the CDW ordering vector. By detuning the incident photon energy from the absorption resonance, we extract an EPC matrix element at the CDW ordering vector of M≃0.36 eV, which decreases to M≃0.30 eV at high temperature in the absence of the CDW. Our results suggest a feedback mechanism in which the CDW enhances the EPC which, in turn, further stabilizes the CDW.

Dynamical charge density fluctuations pervading the phase diagram of a Cu-based high-T c superconductor.

Charge density modulations have been observed in all families of high-critical temperature (T c) superconducting cuprates. Although they are consistently found in the underdoped region of the phase diagram and at relatively low temperatures, it is still unclear to what extent they influence the unusual properties of these systems. Using resonant x-ray scattering, we carefully determined the temperature dependence of charge density modulations in YBa2Cu3O7-δ and Nd1+ x Ba2- x Cu3O7-δ for several doping levels. We isolated short-range dynamical charge density fluctuations in addition to the previously known quasi-critical charge density waves. They persist up to well above the pseudogap temperature T*, are characterized by energies of a few milli-electron volts, and pervade a large area of the phase diagram.

Three-dimensional collective charge excitations in electron-doped copper oxide superconductors.

High-temperature copper oxide superconductors consist of stacked CuO2 planes, with electronic band structures and magnetic excitations that are primarily two-dimensional1,2, but with superconducting coherence that is three-dimensional. This dichotomy highlights the importance of out-of-plane charge dynamics, which has been found to be incoherent in the normal state3,4 within the limited range of momenta accessible by optics. Here we use resonant inelastic X-ray scattering to explore the charge dynamics across all three dimensions of the Brillouin zone. Polarization analysis of recently discovered collective excitations (modes) in electron-doped copper oxides5-7 reveals their charge origin, that is, without mixing with magnetic components5-7. The excitations disperse along both the in-plane and out-of-plane directions, revealing its three-dimensional nature. The periodicity of the out-of-plane dispersion corresponds to the distance between neighbouring CuO2 planes rather than to the crystallographic c-axis lattice constant, suggesting that the interplane Coulomb interaction is responsible for the coherent out-of-plane charge dynamics. The observed properties are hallmarks of the long-sought 'acoustic plasmon', which is a branch of distinct charge collective modes predicted for layered systems8-12 and argued to play a substantial part in mediating high-temperature superconductivity10-12.

Modelling of focused ion beam induced increases in sample temperature: a case study of heat damage in biological samples.

Ion beam induced heat damage in soft materials and biological samples is not yet well understood in Focused Ion Beam systems (FIBs). The work presented here discusses the physics behind the ion beam - sample interactions and the effects which lead to increases in sample temperature and potential heat damage. A model by which heat damage can be estimated and which allows parameters to be determined that reduce/prevent heat damage was derived from Fourier's law of heat transfer and compared to finite element simulations, numerical modelling results and experiments. The results suggests that ion beam induced heat damage can be prevented/minimised by reducing the ion beam current (local dose rate), decreasing the beam overlap (reduced local ion dose) and by introducing a blur (increased surface cross-section area, reduced local dose) while sputtering, patterning or imaging soft material and nonresin-embedded biological samples using FIBs. LAY DESCRIPTION: FIB/SEMs, which combine a scanning electron microscope with a focused ion beam in a single device, have found increasing interest biological research. The device allows to cut samples at precisely selected areas and reveal sub surface information as well as preparing transmission electron microscope samples from bulk materials. Preparing biological samples has proven to be challenging due to the induced heat damage. This work explores the physics behind the sample cutting and proposes a model and a method, based on physical principles which allows the user to estimate the induced heat during the cutting process and to select cutting parameters which avoid heat damage in the sample.

Re-entrant charge order in overdoped (Bi,Pb)2.12Sr1.88CuO6+δ outside the pseudogap regime.

In the underdoped regime, the cuprate high-temperature superconductors exhibit a host of unusual collective phenomena, including unconventional spin and charge density modulations, Fermi surface reconstructions, and a pseudogap in various physical observables. Conversely, overdoped cuprates are generally regarded as conventional Fermi liquids possessing no collective electronic order. In partial contradiction to this widely held picture, we report resonant X-ray scattering measurements revealing incommensurate charge order reflections for overdoped (Bi,Pb)2.12Sr1.88CuO6+δ (Bi2201), with correlation lengths of 40-60 lattice units, that persist up to temperatures of at least 250 K. The value of the charge order wavevector decreases with doping, in line with the extrapolation of the trend previously observed in underdoped Bi2201. In overdoped materials, however, charge order coexists with a single, unreconstructed Fermi surface without nesting or pseudogap features. The discovery of re-entrant charge order in Bi2201 thus calls for investigations in other cuprate families and for a reconsideration of theories that posit an essential relationship between these phenomena.

[Study on weight gain in different stages of pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes].

Objective: By investigating the relationship of pregestational body mass index(BMI), trimester-specific gestational weight gain (rate) during the first, second, third and total trimesters of pregnancy with adverse pregnant outcomes, to evaluate the effects of different pregestational BMI, trimester-specific gestational weight gain on pregnant outcomes, and to provide evidences for gestational weight control. Methods: From April 2015 to January 2016, 964 pregnant women in Zhejiang Taizhou First People's Hospital and Taizhou Huangyan Maternal & Child Care Service Center were enrolled in random for prospective study and were divided into groups according to the Institute of Medicine 2009 guidelines[IOM2009]. (1)They were divided into four groups according to pregestational BMI: low body mass, normal body mass, over body mass and obese group.(2)They were divided into three groups according to trimester-specific gestational weight gain (rate): normal gestational weight gain, insufficient gestational weight gain and excessive gestational weight gain.(3)The gestational weight gain and pregnant outcomes were recorded by using self-made information table, including the incidence rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), neonatal birth weight (BW), hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy (HDCP), cesarean section, pliers delivery, shoulder dystocia, fetal macrosomia, small for gestational age (SGA), premature rupture of membranes, neonatal asphyxia, and neonatal hypoglycemia. Results: (1)In this study, 964 pregnant women were enrolled, no significant differences were found in terms of age, culture level, pregnancy times and delivery times of the different pregestational BMI groups (P>0.05). (2)The incidences of GDM, HDCP, premature rupture of membranes, cesarean section, pliers delivery, shoulder dystocia, fetal macrosomia, SGA, neonatal asphyxia and neonatal hypoglycemia were as dependent variables and trimester-specific gestational weight gain (rate) was as independent variable.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the pregnancy obesity was associated with increased risks of GDM and HDCP, the OR values were 6.63 and 2.60 (P<0.05). The excessive gestational weight gain (rate) of the total trimester of pregnancy was associated with increased risks of GDM, fetal macrosomia and cesarean section, the OR values were 2.05, 1.36 and 1.60, (P<0.05). There was no statistical significance in other groups (P>0.05). (3)Compared to the normal groups, the pregnancy obesity and excessive gestational weight gain of the first, second, third and total trimesters of pregnancy were all associated with an increased risk of GDM, the OR values were 7.36, 1.61, 1.81, 2.20 and 2.4 (P<0.05), respectively.The incidences of HDCP, cesarean section and neonatal hypoglycemia in pregnant women with GDM were higher than those in normal pregnant women (P<0.05). Conclusion: There is a significant correlation among pregestational BMI, gestational weight gain (rate) during the first, second, third and total trimesters of pregnancy with adverse pregnant outcomes, and it suggested that we could reduce the incidence of adverse pregnant outcomes by pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight control, and the focus should be placed on pre-pregnancy BMI control.

[Study of bioequiavailability of paclitaxel for Injection (Albumin Bound) and abraxane and the efficacy of extension treatments in patients with metastatic breast cancer].

Objective: To compare the bioequiavailability of paclitaxel for injection (albumin bound) (PAB) and reference listed drug abraxane in the patients with metastatic breast cancer, and to investigate the safety and efficacy in the extension treatments of PAB. Methods: This study was random, two cycles, self-crossover control study in the bioequiavailability stage. PAB was the investigational drug T and Abraxane was the reference drug R. Patients were randomly assigned to two cycles therapy of either R→T or T→R(260 mg/m(2)/21d). Non-PD patients entered in the extension treatments of the investigational drug PAB(260 mg/m(2)/21d) until the disease progression or the intolerance toxicity. Results: From Mar 1, 2016 to May 24, 2016, we enrolled 40 patients. The blood concentration-time curve and the parameters of pharmacokinetics indicated the two drugs were the bioequivalent drug products in the initial two cycles crossover-therapy.The incidence of adverse drug reactions were 89.7% vs 97.4% in investigational drug vs reference drug and grade 3/4 toxicities were 20.5% vs 21.1%(P=1.000). Patients received a median of 7 treatment cycles(range 1-23) and a median of 260mg/m(2) actual drug dose (range 220-260 mg/m(2)). Seven patients (17.5%) had dose reductions because of toxicities (260 mg/m(2) reduce to 220 mg/m(2)). Twenty-two patients (55%) discontinued treatment prematurely because of toxicity.Overall response rates (ORR) were 40% (95% CI, 24.8%-55.2%). For patients who received PAB as first-line vs non-first-line therapy, the ORR were 43.8% vs 25%. For patients who taxane-naïve vs taxane-pretreated, the ORR were 45.5% vs 37.9%. Median PFS was 49 weeks(95% CI, 30weeks-NA). Conclusion: The paclitaxel for injection (albumin bound) (PAB) and reference listed drug abraxane are the bioequivalent drug products.The toxicity and efficacy of the PAB are similar with abraxane.The more therapy chances for Chinese patients will come by the research and development of domestic drugs.

High-temperature charge density wave correlations in La1.875Ba0.125CuO4 without spin-charge locking.

Although all superconducting cuprates display charge-ordering tendencies, their low-temperature properties are distinct, impeding efforts to understand the phenomena within a single conceptual framework. While some systems exhibit stripes of charge and spin, with a locked periodicity, others host charge density waves (CDWs) without any obviously related spin order. Here we use resonant inelastic X-ray scattering to follow the evolution of charge correlations in the canonical stripe-ordered cuprate La1.875Ba0.125CuO4 across its ordering transition. We find that high-temperature charge correlations are unlocked from the wavevector of the spin correlations, signaling analogies to CDW phases in various other cuprates. This indicates that stripe order at low temperatures is stabilized by the coupling of otherwise independent charge and spin density waves, with important implications for the relation between charge and spin correlations in the cuprates.

[The prevalence and related factors of HBV infection among adults in Mianyang].

Objective: To analyze the prevalence and related factors of HBV infection among people aged 18 years old and above in Mianyang city. Methods: A total of 260 950 residents, living in Mianyang city more than 6 months, aging 18 years old and above were employed by multi-stage random sampling method from November 2014 to September 2015. Questionnaire survey was conducted on participants using a self-designed questionnaire, including general demographic characteristics, family history of Hepatitis B, history of Hepatitis B vaccination and history of present illness, etc. 5ml blood was collected from all participants, and the blood samples were detected for HBsAg by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The multivariate unconditional logistic regression was performed to identify the related factors of positive HBsAg. Results: Among the 260 950 subjects, 113 184 were males (43.37%), 147 766 were females (56.63%), and the average age was (47.68±17.36) years old. The positive rate of HBsAg was 6.10%(15 822 cases). Subjects who were 25-34 years old (OR=1.23), 35-44 years old (OR=1.26), 45-54 years old (OR=1.23), and 55-64 years old (OR=1.34) were more likely to be HBsAg positive,65 years and older (OR=0.88) were less likely to be, compared with subjects aging 18-24 years old; males were more likely to be HBsAg positive compared with females (OR=1.35); people living in Fucheng district were more likely to be HBsAg positive compared with who living in Jiangyou district(OR=1.91); married people were more likely to be HBsAg positive compared with unmarried ones (OR=1.36); medical staff were less likely to be HBsAg positive compared with non-medical staff (OR=0.61); subjects with a surgery history were more likely to HBsAg positive compared with who without (OR=1.13); subjects with trauma history were more likely to HBsAg positive compared with who without (OR=1.13); people with history of Hepatitis B were more likely to HBsAg positive compared with who without (OR=4.21); people with Hepatitis B vaccination history were less likely to be HBsAg positive compared with who without (OR=0.48); all the P values above were less than 0.05. Conclusion: The positive rate of HBsAg among adults in Mianyang city was very high, and we should pay more attention to people aging between 25 and 64 years old, male, medical staff, with surgery history, trauma history, and a family history of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis B vaccination history.

Crossover from Collective to Incoherent Spin Excitations in Superconducting Cuprates Probed by Detuned Resonant Inelastic X-Ray Scattering.

Spin excitations in the overdoped high temperature superconductors Tl_{2}Ba_{2}CuO_{6+δ} and (Bi,Pb)_{2}(Sr,La)_{2}CuO_{6+δ} were investigated by resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) as functions of doping and detuning of the incoming photon energy above the Cu-L_{3} absorption peak. The RIXS spectra at optimal doping are dominated by a paramagnon feature with peak energy independent of photon energy, similar to prior results on underdoped cuprates. Beyond optimal doping, the RIXS data indicate a sharp crossover to a regime with a strong contribution from incoherent particle-hole excitations whose maximum shows a fluorescencelike shift upon detuning. The spectra of both compound families are closely similar, and their salient features are reproduced by exact-diagonalization calculations of the single-band Hubbard model on a finite cluster. The results are discussed in the light of recent transport experiments indicating a quantum phase transition near optimal doping.

Non-animal collagens as new options for cosmetic formulation.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the potential of non-animal collagens as a new option for cosmetic applications. METHODS: Non-animal collagens from three species, Streptococcus pyogenes, Solibacter usitatus and Methylobacterium sp 4-46, have been expressed as recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli using a cold-shock, pCold, expression system. The proteins were purified using either metal affinity chromatography or a simple process based on precipitation and proteolytic digestion of impurities, which is suitable for large-scale production. Samples were examined using a range of analytical procedures. RESULTS: Analyses by gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry were used to examine the purity and integrity of the products. Circular dichroism spectroscopy showed stabilities around 38°C, and calculated pI values were from 5.4 to 8.6. UV-visible light spectroscopy showed the clarity of collagen solutions. The collagens were soluble at low ionic strength between pH 5 and pH 8, but were less soluble under more acidic conditions. At lower pH, the insoluble material was well dispersed and did not form the fibrous associations and aggregates found with animal collagens. The materials were shown to be non-cytotoxic to cells in culture. CONCLUSIONS: These novel, non-animal collagens may be potential alternatives to animal collagens for inclusion in cosmetic formulations.

Collective nature of spin excitations in superconducting cuprates probed by resonant inelastic X-ray scattering.

We used resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) with and without analysis of the scattered photon polarization, to study dispersive spin excitations in the high temperature superconductor YBa_{2}Cu_{3}O_{6+x} over a wide range of doping levels (0.1≤x≤1). The excitation profiles were carefully monitored as the incident photon energy was detuned from the resonant condition, and the spin excitation energy was found to be independent of detuning for all x. These findings demonstrate that the largest fraction of the spin-flip RIXS profiles in doped cuprates arises from magnetic collective modes, rather than from incoherent particle-hole excitations as recently suggested theoretically [Benjamin et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 112, 247002 (2014)]. Implications for the theoretical description of the electron system in the cuprates are discussed.

The effects of recombinant human epithelialgrowth factor and protein-free calf blood extract for recovery of corneal mechanical epithelial defects healing and neovascularization.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) and protein-free calf blood extract on corneal wound healing and neovascularization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An rabbit central corneal wound and neovascularization model was established in rabbits. One eye of each group was chosen randomly for topical administration of protein-free calf blood extract, rhEGF, or NS (physiological saline), and variability in the area of corneal epithelial wound healing and neovascularization was observed. RESULTS: On days 1 and 2, the healing rate of corneal epithelium was various among the protein-free calf blood extract group, rhEGF group and NS group (F=6.475, p=0.012). The healing rate of corneal epithelium in the rhEGF group was better than the protein-free calf blood extract group (p=0.004) and NS group (p=0.041) on day 1. The corneal neovascularization area in the protein-free calf blood extract group was less than that of rhEGF group (p=0.04) and NS group (p=0.008) on day 18. CONCLUSIONS: rhEGF had better promotive effect on corneal epithelial wound healing than the protein-free calf blood extract in the advanced phase (within 2 days). Both rhEGF and protein-free calf blood extract were not found to promote.

New thrombopoietin receptor agonists for platelet disorders.

Since thrombopoietin (TPO) was cloned in 1994, TPO receptor (TPO-R) agonists have been developed which have shown significant clinical activity in various conditions characterized by thrombocytopenia. First-generation TPO-R agonists were recombinant forms of human TPO. The clinical development of these molecules was discontinued after one of them, pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor, was associated with the development of neutralizing autoantibodies cross-reacting with endogenous TPO. Second-generation TPO-R agonists are now available, which present no sequence homology to endogenous TPO. Two of these new agents, romiplostim and eltrombopag, have been granted marketing authorization for use in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia unresponsive to conventional treatments. Clinical trials with TPO-R agonists are also ongoing in other thrombocytopenias, such as hepatitis C virus-related thrombocytopenia and the myelodysplastic syndromes.

Characterization of ω-secalin genes from rye, triticale, and a wheat 1BL/1RS translocation line.

Sixty-two DNA sequences for the coding regions of omega-secalin (ω-secalin) genes have been characterized from rye (Secale cereale L.), hexaploid and octoploid triticale (× Triticosecale Wittmack), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) 1BL/1RS translocation line. Only 19 out of the 62 ω-secalin gene sequences were full-length open reading frames (ORFs), which can be expressed into functional proteins. The other 43 DNA sequences were pseudogenes, as their ORFs were interrupted by one or a few stop codons or frameshift mutations. The 19 ω-secalin genes have a typical primary structure, which is different from wheat gliadins. There was no cysteine residue in ω-secalin proteins, and the potential celiac disease (CD) toxic epitope (PQQP) was identified to appear frequently in the repetitive domains. The ω-secalin genes from various cereal species shared high homology in their gene sequences. The ω-secalin gene family has involved fewer variations after the integration of the rye R chromosome or whole genome into the wheat or triticale genome. The higher Ka/Ks ratio (i.e. non-synonymous to synonymous substitutions per site) in ω-secalin pseudogenes than in ω-secalin ORFs indicate that the pseudogenes may be subject to a reduced selection pressure. Based on the conserved sequences of ω-secalin genes, it will be possible to manipulate the expression of this gene family in rye, triticale, or wheat 1BL/1RS translocation lines, to reduce its negative effects on grain quality.

Recent developments in the use of adenoviruses and immunotoxins in cancer gene therapy.

Despite setbacks in the past and apparent hurdles ahead, gene therapy is advancing toward reality. The past several years have witnessed this new field of biomedicine developing rapidly both in breadth and depth, especially for the treatment of cancer, thanks largely to the better understanding of molecular and genetic basis of oncogenesis and the development of new and improved vectors and technologies for gene delivery and targeting. This article is intended to provide a brief review of recent advances in cancer gene therapy using adenoviruses, both as vectors and as oncolytic agents, and some of the recent progress in the development of immunotoxins for use in cancer gene therapy.

Determination of isoflavones in red clover by capillary electrophoresis with electrochemical detection.

Capillary electrophoresis with electrochemical detection (CE-ED) was employed to analyze isoflavones in red clover (Trifolium pratense). The effects of potential of working electrode, pH and concentration of running buffer, separation voltage and injection time on CE-ED were investigated. Operated in a wall-jet configuration, a 300 microm diameter carbon-disk electrode was used as the working electrode, which exhibits a good response at +0.85 V (versus saturated calomel electrode) for the analytes. The analytes could be separated in a 50 mmol/l borate buffer (pH 9.5) within 25 min. The response was linear over three orders of magnitude with detection limit (S/N=3) ranging from 2x10(-5) mg/ml to 5x10(-5) mg/ml for the analytes. This method has been used for the determination of daidzein, genistein and biochanin A in red clover with satisfactory results.