[Intraoperative neuromonitoring in surgery of cervical neurogenic tumors].

Objective: To investigate the application value of intraoperative motor nerve monitoring in cervical neurogenic tumor surgery. Methods: The efficacy of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) was analyzed retrospectively in 18 patients, including 6 males and 12 females, aged from 15 to 74 years, treated in Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University from June 2019 to September 2022 who underwent total cystectomy of cervical neurogenic tumors under intraoperative nerve monitoring. Results: All 18 patients had complete tumor removal, including 8 patients with tumors from the vagus nerve and 10 patients with tumors from the brachial plexus nerve. Postoperative nerve functions were normal in patients with tumors from brachial plexus nerve, and incomplete vocal cord paralysis occurred in 2 patients with tumors from vagus vagus nerve. The total incidence of motor nerve injury was 11.1% (2/18). All patients were followed up for 6 to 45 months, with no tumor recurrence. Conclusion: Intraoperative neuromonitoring has significant values in surgery of cervical neurogenic tumors, which is helpful to remove completely the tumors on the basis of protecting the nerve functions to the maximum extent.

[Studies on resistance of Schistosoma to praziquantel XVIII Sensitivity to praziquantel in filial generations of praziquantel-resistant and -sensitive Schistosoma japonicum mixed infections].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the sensitivity of adult worms of filial generations from praziquantel-resistant and -sensitive Schistosoma japonicum mixed infections to praziquantel. METHODS: Mice were infected with the cercariae of an experimentally generated praziquantel-resistant S. japonicum isolate [median effective dose (ED50) = 277.4 mg/kg] and a laboratory-maintained praziquantel-sensitive S. japonicum isolate (ED50 = 99.6 mg/kg) at a mixture ratio of 1:1 and 2:1, which was maintained in the laboratory via the mouse-snail cycle for 8 generations. Then, mice were infected with the cercariae of the 8th filial-generation parasite, and grouped 35 days post-infection. Mice in the 5 treatment groups were given praziquantel treatment by gavage at a single oral dose of 37.5, 75, 150, 300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg, while animals in the control group was administered orally with 2.5% cremophor EL. All mice were sacrificed 14 days post-treatment and adult worms were collected by perfusion of the portal vein. The worm burden reductions and praziquantel ED50 values were calculated. The praziquantel-resistant S. japonicum isolate generated from experimental induction with 12 rounds of praziquantel treatment with sub-curative doses was maintained in the laboratory via the mouse-snail cycle, and mice were infected with the cercariae of the 8th filial-generation parasite. The praziquantel ED50 value against the 8th filial-generation adults was measured. RESULTS: After mice were infected with the mixture of cercariae of PZQ-resistant and -sensitive S. japonicum isolates at a ratio of 1:1, the praziquantel ED50 was 135.2 mg/kg against the adults of the 8th filial-generation parasite. After mice were infected with the mixture of cercariae of PZQ-resistant and -sensitive S. japonicum isolates at a ratio of 2:1, the praziquantel ED50 was 129.2 mg/kg against the adults of the 8th filial-generation parasite. In addition, the praziquantel ED50 was 208.4 mg/kg against the adults of the 8th filial-generation S. japonicum without the selection pressure of praziquantel. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the experimentally induced praziquantel-resistant S. japonicum isolate, the adult worms of the filial-generation S. japonicum show a reduced sensitivity to praziquantel in the same host following infection with the mixture of cercariae of praziquantel-resistant and -sensitive S. japonicum isolates. The adult worms of the filial generation of the praziquantel-resistant S. japonicum isolate without the selection pressure of praziquantel may still maintain the resistance to praziquantel.

[The diagnostic value of version 2.1 prostate imaging reporting and data system for prostate transitional zone lesions].

Objective: To compare and analyze the diagnostic value of prostate imaging reporting and data system (PI-RADS) version 2.1 and version 2 for prostate transitional zone lesions. Methods: The imaging data of 159 patients with major prostate lesions located in the transitional zone collected by the Department of Radiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University from January to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Two radiologists used PI-RADS V2.1 and V2 scoring system respectively to perform diagnostic scores on the enrolled cases. The weighted Kappa test was used to evaluate the consistency of PI-RADS V2.1 and V2 scores between the two radiologists. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate and compare the diagnostic efficiency of two radiologists using two scoring systems for transitional zone prostate cancer (PCa) and clinically significant PCa (csPCa). Results: The weighted Kappa values between the scores of all lesions, benign lesions, PCa lesions, and csPCa lesions by the two radiologists using PI-RADS V2.1 and V2 scoring systems were 0.754, 0.643, 0.734, 0.782 and 0.808, 0.738, 0.775, 0.826, respectively. The PI-RADS V2.1 scoring system had a better consistency. There were no statistically significant differences in sensitivity, specificity, area under the ROC curve (AUC) between the PI-RADS V2.1 and V2 scoring system for PCa and csPCa (all P>0.05). However, in this set of data, the sensitivity and AUC value of PI-RADS V2.1 scoring system in diagnosing PCa and csPCa were higher than those of P-RADS V2. The diagnostic sensitivity of PI-RADS V2.1 and V2 for PCa were 86.7% and 80.0%, the diagnostic sensitivity for csPCa were 94.4% and 88.9%, the diagnostic AUC for PCa were 0.857 and 0.816, and the diagnostic AUC of csPCa were 0.917 and 0.886, respectively. Conclusion: The consistency of PI-RADS V2.1 in scoring prostate transitional zone lesions was better than PI-RADS V2. The diagnostic efficiency of PI-RADS V2.1 for transitional carcinoma was not lower than or slightly higher than PI-RADS V2.

[Investigation on Schistosoma japonicum infection in goats in Dantu District, Zhenjiang City from 2004 to 2019].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and changing patterns of Schistosoma japonicum infections in goats in Dantu District of Zhenjiang City, so as to provide the scientific data for the management of in livestock. METHODS: The S. japonicum infections were detected using a miracidial hatching test (one test for one stool specimen) in goats grazed in settings with snail habitats in Dantu District of Zhenjiang City at spring and autumn of each year from 2004 to 2019, and the prevalence and intensity of S. japonicum infections were estimated. RESULTS: A total of 21 836 goat stool samples were detected from 2004 to 2019, and 86 were positive for S. japonicum (0.39% prevalence). The highest prevalence of S. japonicum infections in goats was seen in 2004 (1.25%) and no infections were detected in goats since 2013. S. japonicum-infected goats were identified in marshland-type endemic areas and plain regions with waterway networks, and there was a significant difference in the prevalence of S. japonicum infections in goats between these two types of endemic areas (0.50% vs. 0.15%; χ2 = 11.566, P < 0.05). The prevalence of S. japonicum infections was significantly greater in goats at ages of more than 10 months (0.51%) and over 10 months (0.44%) than in other goats (χ2 = 13.088, P < 0.05), and higher prevalence was found in autumn than in spring (0.54% vs. 0.27%; χ2 = 9.597, P < 0.05). In addition, there were 76.74% of S. japonicum-infected goats with intensity of"+++"and"++++". CONCLUSIONS: Although the high prevalence of S. japonicum infections has been effectively controlled in goats in Dantu District, goat remains to be an important source of S. japonicum infections that should be given a high priority for control to consolidate the schistosomiasis control achievements.

[CT imaging analysis of 33 cases with the 2019 novel coronavirus infection].

Objective: To explore the CT imaging features of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection in order to summarize the imaging characteristics of the disease and improve the ability of imaging diagnosis and early diagnosis of the disease. Methods: From January 13, 2020 to January 31, 2020, a total of 33 patients with 2019-nCoV infection diagnosed and treated by Suzhou Fifth People's Hospital were analyzed retrospectively, including 20 males and 13 females, with an average age of (50±12) years, ranging from 20 to 70 years old. There were 3 cases of mild type, 27 cases of common type and 3 cases of severe type.There were 2 cases with hypertension, 1 case with postoperative lung,1 case with diabetes, 1 case with chronic bronchitis, and 1 case with bronchiectasis.SPSS25.0 Chi-square test was used to analyze the distribution of lesions in each lung lobe; SPSS25.0 Spearman correlation coefficient was used to analyze the image score and clinical classification. Results: There were 3 cases (9.1%) with normal lung and 30 cases (90.9%) with Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia(COVID-19) of the 2019-nCoV infected patients. In the distribution of COVID-19, 29 cases (87.9%) were involved in bilateral lung and 1 case (3.0%) in unilateral lung. There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of lesions in each lobe. The correlation coefficient between the degree of lesion distribution and clinical classification was 0.819, and the two were highly correlated.There were 30 cases (90.9%) with subpleural lesions, 17 cases (51.5%) with central lesions. There were many kinds of lesions, 25 cases (75.8%) had ground glass density shadow, 16 cases (48.5%) had consolidation, 12 cases (36.4%) had interstitial change, and 18 cases (54.5%) had interlobular septal thickening. Among the 22 cases, 10 cases had more lesions, 6 cases had no changes and 6 cases had less lesions. Conclusion: Most of the patients with 2019-nCoV infection have pulmonary inflammation.CT manifestations include multiple parts, subpleural area or middle and lateral field of lung, ground glass shadow and consolidation, or coexistence. Some cases have pleural thickening or interlobular septal thickening. CT images can indicate the diagnosis of COVID-19 and provide important basis for early detection and disease monitoring.

A novel biomarker of serum Histidine-Rich Glycoprotein (HRG) for diagnosing and predicting prognosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP): a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Histidine-Rich Glycoprotein (HRG) has been reported to be associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cancer, and sepsis as a novel biomarker. However, there is limited evidence regarding its value in diagnosing or prognosis evaluating of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 186 patients intubated in ICU and 65 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into VAP group (n = 116), non-VAP group (n = 70) and control group (n = 65). The HRG, C reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) levels were measured 72 hours after intubation, while blood sample was acquired from healthy controls for the test. RESULTS: HRG of VAP group was significantly lower than non-VAP group and control group (p < 0.001), while CRP and PCT were significantly higher (p < 0.001). The ROC analysis showed that the AUC of HRG was 0.777 95% CI (0.708-0.847) with a cut-off value of 38.55 µg/mL, which was lower than CRP [AUC = 0.912, 95% CI (0.847-0.950)] and PCT [AUC = 0.818, 95% CI (0.759-0.876)]. No linear correlation was found between HRG and CRP, as well as PCT (p > 0.05). However, the survival analysis showed that patients with higher level of HRG had a significantly higher survival rate (p < 0.001). The multivariate Cox regression analysis also demonstrated that the higher level of HRG was associated with better survival [HR 0.290, 95% CI (0.131-0.641), p = 0.002]. CONCLUSIONS: Serum HRG decreases when the patient develops VAP, which might be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of VAP, with relatively less accuracy than PCT and CRP. However, HRG is valuable in predicting the clinical outcomes of mechanical ventilation patients.

Development of an empirical model to predict malaria outbreaks based on monthly case reports and climate variables in Hefei, China, 1990-2011.

Malaria remains a significant public health concern in developing countries. Drivers of malaria transmission vary across different geographical regions. Climatic variables are major risk factor in seasonal and secular patterns of P. vivax malaria transmission along Anhui province. The study aims to forecast malaria outbreaks using empirical model developed in Hefei, China. Data on the monthly numbers of notified malaria cases and climatic factors were obtained for the period of January 1st 1990 to December 31st 2011 from the Hefei CDC and Anhui Institute of Meteorological Sciences, respectively. Two logistic regression models with time series seasonal decomposition were used to explore the impact of climatic and seasonal factors on malaria outbreaks. Sensitivity and specificity statistics were used for evaluating the predictive power. The results showed that relative humidity (OR = 1.171, 95% CI = 1.090-1.257), sunshine (OR = 1.076, 95% CI = 1.043-1.110) and barometric pressure (OR = 1.051, 95% CI = 1.003-1.100) were significantly associated with malaria outbreaks after adjustment for seasonality in Hefei area. The validation analyses indicated the overall agreement of 70.42% (sensitivity: 70.52%; specificity: 70.30%). The research suggested that the empirical model developed based on disease surveillance and climatic conditions may have applications in malaria control and prevention activities.

Carbon nanomaterials enhance survival of Agapanthus praecox callus after cryopreservation by vitrification.

BACKGROUND: Adding exogenous compounds is an effective way to improve cell survival after cryopreservation. Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) are novel exogenous substances with small particle size and good biocompatibility. OBJECTIVE: In this work, four types of CNMs were used for the cryopreservation of Agapanthus praecox callus and their possible effects and mechanism of action were analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The thermal properties of the vitrification solutions tested were detected by differential scanning calorimetry. Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses were used to study the distribution of CNMs inside cells. The MDA/H2O2 contents were measured to evaluate the toxicity of CNMs to cells. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Supplementation of PVS2 with various CNMs at different concentrations could enhance survival. The most effective concentration was 0.3 g/L C60, which increased survival by 159% compared to untreated controls and decreased the MDA and H2O2 contents. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and C60 entered callus cells. C60 was found only in mitochondria, whereas SWCNTs were located only around the cell walls.

[Role of cytokine-matrix metalloproteinase axis on promoting vascular neointima hyperplasia in mice].

Objective: To observe the effects of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) on vascular neointimal hyperplasia on matrix metalloproteinase 9/2 gene knockout (MMP9/2-/-) mice and explore related mechanisms. Methods: Mice of control group, MMP9-/- group, MMP2-/- group and MMP9/2-/- group were studied. Femoral artery was injured by transluminal wire, the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α and PDGF on femoral artery were detected by RT-PCR; the protein expression of MMP9 and MMP2 were assessed by Western blot on day 0, 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 post injury. Mice in control group received TNF-α(5 ng/ml, 0.10 ml), TNF-α(0.05 ml)+ MMP inhibitor SB-3CT(0.50 ng/ml, 0.05 ml) injection, or PDGF-bb (10 ng/ml, 0.10 ml)and PDGF-bb(0.05 ml)+ SB-3CT(0.05 ml)injection around injured artery, intimal hyperplasia at 2 and 4 weeks after injury was observed. Intimal hyperplasia at 2 and 4 weeks after injury was also observed in MMP9/2-/- mice. TNF-α(5 ng/ml, 0.10 ml)was injected to MMP2-/- mice, PDGF-bb (0.1 ml) was injected to MMP9-/- mice around injured artery, intimal hyperplasia at 2 and 4 weeks after injury was observed. The degree of neointimal hyperplasia were observed by the Elastica-van Gieson staining and the area of neointima and media of the arteries were measured by SigmaPlot and intima ratio was calculated. Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) mediums of MMP9-/- and MMP2-/- mice were stimulated by TNF-α and PDGF-bb, respectively, and migration assay, and proliferation assay were performed, relative migration and proliferation cells numbers were counted. Results: (1) mRNA expression of TNF-α (235.33±23.68) and PDGF-bb (3.30±0.56) in femoral arteries peaked at 1 day after injury, while MMP9 or MMP2 protein expression peaked at 7 or 28 days after injury. (2)In control mice, TNF-α intervention significantly enhanced intimal hyperplasia at 2 weeks after injury (2.21±0.05 vs. 1.55±0.03 in blank control group, P<0.05), while PDGF-bb intervention significantly enhanced intimal hyperplasia at 4 weeks after injury (2.60±0.07 vs. 1.89±0.04, P=0.03). (3) Intima hyperplasia was significantly higher in control group than in MMP9/2-/- group at 2 weeks (1.63±0.05 vs. 0.46±0.01, P=0.008) and 4 weeks (2.24±0.06 vs. 0.51±0.01) after injury(P=0.005). (4) TNF-α intervention stimulated intimal hyperplasia in MMP2-/-mice (intimal ratio at 2 weeks after injury: 1.73±0.05 vs.1.23±0.03, P=0.02)and PDGF-bb intervention stimulated intimal hyperplasia in MMP9-/-mice(intimal ratio at 4 weeks after injury: 2.32±0.06 vs.1.35±0.03, P=0.03). (5) Reduced VSMC migration was evidenced in MMP9-/- mice post TNF-α stimulation (1.45±0.03 vs. 2.16±0.04 in control group, P=0.03), while reduced VSMC proliferation post PDGF was seen in MMP2-/- group (1.15±0.02 vs.1.82±0.04 in control group, P=0.03). Conclusions: TNF-α induced MMP9 activation plays a major role on promoting VSMC migration at the first 2 weeks after vascular injury, while PDGF induced MMP2 activation plays a crucial role on VSMC proliferation on the following 2 weeks after vascular injury in this mice model. Thus, the axis of TNF-α-MMP9-VSMC migration axis and PDGF-MMP2-VSMC proliferation axis are the two major working mechanisms responsible for intimal hyperplasia post vascular injury.

Quantitative trait loci mapping of the stigma exertion rate and spikelet number per panicle in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

The stigma exertion rate is a polygenic inherited trait that is important for increased seed yield in hybrid rice breeding. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with high stigma exertion rate, we conducted QTL mapping using 134 recombinant inbred lines derived from XieqingzaoB and Zhonghui9308, which have high and low stigma exertion rates, respectively. A total of eight QTLs (qSES6, qSSE11, qDSE1a, qDSE1b, qDSE10, qDSE11, qTSE1, and qTSE11) for single stigma exertion, double stigma exertion, and total stigma exertion were detected. The locations of qSSE11 and qTSE11 have not been previously reported, and the qDSE11 allele from parent XQZB exhibited a positive additive effect. In addition, three QTLs (qSNP1, qSNP3a, and qSNP3b), for spikelet number per panicle were identified. Of note, one QTL (qSNP1) was detected in two different environments (Hainan and Zhejiang). To evaluate the advantage of exerted stigma for cross-pollination, single, dual, and total stigma exertion should be considered separately for future genetic improvement in the production of rice hybrid seeds. In addition, this study provides information for fine mapping, gene cloning, and marker assisted selection, with emphasis on the latter.

[Expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, ß-catenin and their clinical significance in laryngeal carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of E-cadherin(E-cad), N-cadherin(N-cad), ß-catenin(ß-cat), which are the markers of Epithelial-mesenchymal transition and analyze their relationships with the clinicopathological features and the prognosis of the laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: The expression levels of E-cad, N-cad, ß-cat in 76 tumor tissues and their corresponding adjacent normal laryngeal tissues were determined by immunohistochemistry method. Relationships between the proteins' expression and clinicopathological features were analyzed. Survival curves were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Differences in the survival rates were analyzed by the log-rank test among different expression groups. Cox's regression model was used to examine the independent predictor of the prognosis of the laryngeal cancer. RESULTS: The expression levels of E-cad, N-cad, ß-cat in tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues were statistically significant(P<0.001). The expression level of E-cad and ß-cat in the laryngeal carcinoma was related to lymph node metastasis, clinical pathological stage and differentiation degree (P<0.05), while N-cad expression level was associated with clinical stage and differentiation degree (P<0.05). The expression of E-cad was correlated with the expression of ß-cat (P=0.001), and the expression of N-cad was correlated with ß-cat (P=0.02), but the expression of E-cad was not correlated with N-cad. There were four subgroups of patterns of E-cad and N-cad expression: E-cad (+ )/N-cad (-), E-cad (+ ) /N-cad (+ ), E-cad (-) /N-cad (-), E-cad (-) /N-cad (+ ). The expression level of each group was related to the clinical pathological stage and differentiation degree (P<0.05). The expression level of E-cad/ß-cat was associated with lymph node metastasis, clinical pathological stage and differentiation degree (P<0.01). Log-rank analysis showed that the prognosis of negative and positive groups was statistically different (P<0.05), and the combined analysis showed that the prognosis of E-cad/N-cad or E-cad/ß-cat group was significantly different (P<0.01). Cox's regression model analysis showed that the clinical stage and ß-cat were independent predictors of the prognosis of laryngeal carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: The low expression of E-cad, high abnormal expression of N-cad and ß-cat played an important role in the occurrence and development of laryngeal carcinoma. It can provide a reference for evaluating clinical prognosis. The clinical pathological stage and ß-cat can be used as independent predictors for the prognosis of laryngeal carcinoma.

[Conservative treatment and surgical treatment of cervical cellulitis combineing mediastinal pleural abscess].

Objective:To explore the diagnosis, treatment and curative effect of cervical cellulitis combineing mediastinal pleural abscess. Method:Clinical data of 37 patients with the cervical cellulitis and mediastinal pleural abscess were analyzed, all patients were confirmed using ultrasond, X-ray, CT, puncture and microbiology examination. The result will analysis the diagnosis, treatment and curative effect through the comparison of conservative treatment and surgical treatment. Result:Twenty-three cases of patients were underwent tracheotomy because of difficulty in breathing and successfully extubated after treatment. Nine cases of patients were given anti-infection treatment and recovered after conservative treatment. Twenty-one cases of neck multiple pus cavity were underwent cavity incision, full removal of necrotic tissue and pipe flushing; 7 cases of patients with neck and mediastinal abscess and within which 2 cases were with toxic shock were underwent adequate drainage of lavage and abscess incision through jugular joint path; the companion of pyothorax in 2 cases were underwent the chest closed drainage. All patients were giving sensitive antibiotic after drug sensitive test, anti-shock treatment and supportive treatment. All the patients were recovered and discharged. The average hospitalization days with conservative treatment of these patients were 15.7 days, and the average hospitalization days with surgical treatment of patients were 25.3 days. Conclusion:The condition of cervical cellulitis is complex, a few case can be cured with conservative treatment. The others progress rapidly when merging mediastinal pleural abscess can cause serious complications, surgical treatment is risky, fully abscess incision, lavage drainage and combine with sensitive antibiotics and supportive treatment are the keys to therapy.

Prognostic significance of Versican expression in gastric adenocarcinoma.

Gastric cancer (GC) is the leading malignancy in the digestive system. Versican is a ubiquitous component of the extracellular matrix and has a role in tumor progression. We aim to examine the expression of Versican in GC and the relationship between Versican levels and patient survival. We detected the mRNA expression of Versican in tumorous pairs and adjacent normal tissues (ANTs) of 78 GC patients by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The protein expression of Versican in 101 cases of matched GC and ANT, as well as in 27 intraepithelial neoplastic (IN) samples, was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. We analyzed the correlation between Versican levels and clinical outcomes. Finally, we performed CCK-8 cell counting assay and transwell assay in GC cell lines. Versican mRNA expression was significantly greater in tumor tissues (P<0.001) than in ANT. Versican was majorly expressed in the stroma surrounding tumor epithelium and minorly some areas of tumor epithelium. The Versican expression level was higher in GC than in ANT (P=0.004), but no significant difference was observed between ANT and IN (P=0.517). The Versican mRNA and protein levels were consistent in GC. High Versican mRNA and protein expression correlated with greater tumor invasion depth (P=0.030, P=0.027). Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that patients with high Versican mRNA expression exhibited poor disease-specific survival (P<0.001). In vitro experiments showed that Versican overexpression promoted cell proliferation and invasion. Our data indicate that Versican may be a novel prognostic indicator in GC and may be a potential target for clinical diagnosis.

Mapping quantitative trait loci for nitrogen uptake and utilization efficiency in rice (Oryza sativa L.) at different nitrogen fertilizer levels.

Genetic improvement is the fundamental basis for improving nitrogen-use efficiency. A better understanding of genetic factors controlling nitrogen uptake and utilization is required for crop genetic improvement. In this study, we identified the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with traits of nitrogen uptake and utilization by using the single-sequence repeat marker method and a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a super hybrid Xieyou9308. All the traits investigated were inherited quantitatively by continuous variation and showed normal distribution in phenotype with transgressive segregation in the RIL population. Most of the traits were significantly correlated with each other except for nitrogen absorption ability (NAA) with nitrogen harvest index (NHI) and NHI with agricultural nitrogen-absorption efficiency (ANAE). At logarithmic odds value of 2.3, total 13 candidate QTLs, including 4 for NAA, 2 for NHI, 2 for physiological nitrogen-use efficiency, 1 for agricultural nitrogen-use efficiency (ANUE), and 4 for ANAE, were detected and mapped on chromosomes 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, and 12. Significant pleiotropic effect or neighboring expression of QTLs was observed among traits. At position 64.8 cM on chromosome 4 near the marker RM5757, there was a QTL cluster of NAA, ANUE, and ANAE, and at chromosome 5 near the marker RM5968, there was a QTL cluster of NAA and ANUE. The QTL clusters might provide partial explanation and genetic mechanism for the observed correlations between nitrogen uptake and utilization efficiency traits and might form a basis for future breeding programs.

Glucocorticoids inhibit degranulation of mast cells in allergic asthma via nongenomic mechanism.

BACKGROUND: Glucocorticoids (GCs) are the most potent anti-inflammatory agents available for allergic diseases including asthma, which are routinely believed to need several hours to take effect through regulating gene expression. Our previous report had shown that GCs could inhibit allergic asthma within 10 min, which the classical mechanism could not explain. OBJECTIVE: To confirm the existence and verify the sites of GCs' rapid action, we investigated nongenomic effects of GCs on degranulation of mast cells in allergic asthma. METHODS: The GCs' rapid action on airway mast cells deregulations was evaluated in the allergic asthma model of guinea pigs by the computer-assisted morphometry. Using whole-cell patch clamp and fluorometric assay, we examined GCs' nongenomic effect on IgE-mediated exocytosis and histamine release of rat basophilic leukaemia-2H3 mast cells. Employing the flash photolysis technique, we studied the role of Ca(2+) signal in the GCs' nongenomic effect. RESULTS: Inhaled GCs significantly inhibited airway mast cells degranulation in the allergic asthma model of guinea pigs within 10 min. In vitro, GCs could rapidly inhibit IgE-mediated exocytosis and histamine release of mast cells, and neither GC nuclear receptor antagonist nor protein synthesis inhibitor could block the rapid action. We further demonstrated that GCs' nongenomic effect was not through direct action on secretory machinery, but was mediated by a reduction in the [Ca(2+)](i) elevation. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggested for the first time that nongenomic pathway was involved in GCs' rapid inhibition on allergic asthma, and raised the possibility of new therapeutic strategies for allergic diseases including asthma.

Different role of functional domains of hTR in DNA binding to telomere and telomerase reconstruction.

Even if template sequence of hTR played an essential role in telomere binding, a 326 nucleotide fragment of hTR containing template, pseudoknot, and CR4-5 domains is critical for both binding with telomeric DNA and reconstitution of telomerase activity. A functional study with antisense oligonucleotides suggested that targeted disruption of the template region efficiently abrogated both telomeric DNA binding and telomerase activity, whereas disruption of the CR4-5 region induced only loss of telomerase activity. hTR interacts with telomeric DNA via structural region composed of the template, pseudoknot, and CR4-5 domains, however, each structural domain plays a distinct role in telomere binding and telomerase activity reconstitution.

[Clinical observation on effect of baisuifang oral liquid in treating vascular dementia].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Baisuifang Oral Liquid (BSF) in treating vascular dementia. METHODS: Patients selected according to the diagnostic standard of American Association of Psychiatry were randomly divided into two groups, the 37 patients in the BSF treated group and the 28 patients in the control group treated by Naofukang with therapeutic course of 3 months. Changes of clinical symptoms, TCM Syndrome, mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and activity of daily living (ADL) score, hemorrheologic characters, platelet aggregation and blood lipid were observed. RESULTS: BSF could ameliorate the symptoms and TCM Syndrome, decrease blood lipid, improve the hemorrheologic character, elevate the MMSE and ADL score of patients. The total effective rate in the treated group was 75.68% and the markedly effective rate 24.32%, which were obviously superior to those in the control group respectively. CONCLUSION: BSF is an effective Chinese herbal preparation in treating vascular dementia, which could promote the restoration of learning memory, and improve the clinical symptoms.