The residue of tetracycline antibiotics in soil and Brassica juncea var. gemmifera, and the diversity of soil bacterial community under different livestock manure treatments.

Tetracycline antibiotics (TCs) are a broad-spectrum antibiotic, widely used in livestock and poultry breeding. Residue of tetracycline antibiotics in animal manure may cause changes in vegetable TCs content and soil microbial community. On the basis of the investigation and analysis of TCs pollution in the soil of main vegetable bases and the livestock manure of major large-scale farms in Chongqing, China, field experiment was conducted to study the residues of tetracycline antibiotics in Brassica juncea var. gemmifera and soil under different kinds and different dosages of livestock manures. Effects of tetracycline antibiotics on the structure and diversity of soil microbial community were also investigated by high-throughput sequencing. TCs content in soil was increased by applying livestock manure. The contents of tetracycline, oxytetracycline (OTC) and chlortetracycline (CTC) in the soil under pig manure treatment were 171.07-660.20 µg kg-1, 25.38-345.78 µg kg-1 and 170.77-707.47 µg kg-1, respectively. The contents of TC, OTC and CTC in the soil under the treatment of chicken manure were 166.62-353.61 µg kg-1, 122.25-251.23 µg kg-1 and 15.12-80.91 µg kg-1, respectively. TCs in edible parts of Brassica juncea var. gemmifera was increased after livestock manure treatment Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chioroflexi and Bacteroidetes under livestock manure treatment were the dominant phyla, accounting for 85.2-92.4% of the total abundance of soil bacteria. The soil OTUs under the treatment of pig manure was higher than that under the treatment of chicken manure. Biogas residue (Livestock manure after fermentation treatment) can effectively reduce the environmental and ecological risks caused by antibiotic residues.

[Willis covered stent for paraclinoid aneurysms:efficacy and mid-long-term follow-up results].

The clinical data and follow-up results of 27 paraspinoid aneurysms treated by Willis covered stent (WCS) in Department of Neurosurgery, Army Medical University from May 2014 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 17 cases (63.0%) were treated with WCS alone, and 10 cases (37.0%) were assisted with coiling embolization. During the follow-up, postoperative internal leakage occurred in 2 patients(7%), of which 1(type Ⅰ) wasself-healing and the other 1 (type Ⅲ) was cured by WCS implantation again. The remaining patients had no aneurysm recurrence, unobstructed parent artery, stent displacement and internal stenosis. 92.6% (25/27) of the improved mRS scores were good. WCS is a safe and effective method for the treatment of parabedinal aneurysms.

Efficacy and safety of iodine-125 particle implantation for treatment of bone metastatic tumor pain: a retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with advanced tumors often suffer from spinal metastatic tumor pain. The current drugs are less effective and have side effects. The objective was to explore the efficacy of iodine-125 particle implantation in the treatment of bone metastatic tumor pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, a total of 27 patients with bone metastatic tumors who could not receive surgery or radiotherapy and chemotherapy were analyzed. All patients received conventional treatment, with the visual analog scale (VAS) of >3 points, and the daily onset pain of >3 times. All patients received CT-guided iodine-125 particle implantation to treat local painful lesions. VAS scores were recorded before treatment (T0) and 1 day (T1), 7 days (T2), 30 days (T3), 90 days (T4), and 180 days (T5) after treatment. Kaplan-Meier analytical method was used to calculate the local control rate (LCR) and survival rate (SR). RESULTS: All patients successfully completed the CT-guided iodine-125 particle implantation. There was no significant difference in VAS scores before and 1 day after surgery. However, compared with pre-operation, the VAS scores decreased at 7, 30, 90, and 180 days after surgery. The postoperative follow-up was 6-38 months, with a median of 16 months; the LCR at 1, 2, and 3 years after the follow-up were 87%, 51%, and 21%, respectively, and the SR was 84%, 43%, and 16%, respectively. Moreover, no serious adverse reactions were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Iodine-125 particle implantation was effective in the treatment of bone metastatic tumor pain without serious complications, and hence, can be used clinically.

The gene regulatory network in different brain regions of neuropathic pain mouse models.

OBJECTIVE: Neuropathic pain is directly developed from lesions or somatosensory nervous system diseases that are associated with emotion regulation. In general population, the incidence of neuropathic pain ranges from 7% to 10%, but the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Neuropathic pain is often associated with structural and functional abnormalities in multiple brain regions, and its regulation has been shown to correspond with the forebrain, including nucleus accumbens (NAc), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and periaqueductal gray (PAG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: To investigate the molecular mechanism of neuropathic pain across different brain regions, we identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the spared nerve injury model (SNI) mice suffering neuropathic pain and the control Sham mice in NAc, mPFC and PAG three brain regions, and mapped these genes onto a comprehensively functional association network. Thereafter, novel neuropathic pain genes in these three regions were identified using With Random Walk with Restart (RWR) analysis, such as Asic3, Cd200r1 and MT2, besides well-known Capn11 and CYP2E1. RESULTS: Interactions or cross talks among DEGs in NAc, mPFC and PAG three brain regions were discovered. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide novel insights into neuropathic pain and help to explore therapeutic targets in the treatment.

[T cell immune profiling of systemic light chain amyloidosis patients].

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of T cell immunophenotype and its relationship with clinical manifestation in patients with systemic light chain amyloidosis (AL) . Methods: The peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 36 patients with AL were collected and analyzed by multicolor flow cytometry, and the expression of surface antigen CD3, CD56, CD4, CD8, CD25, CD45RA, CD28, CD57 and nuclear antigen FOXP3 were examined. Samples from 28 age-matched healthy donors (HD) were also examined. Patients were divided by Mayo 2012 staging system and the difference between immunophenotype of Ⅰ-Ⅱ and Ⅲ-Ⅳ stage patients were analyzed. The correlations between the proportion of T-cell subpopulation and clinical manifestations in λ light chain type AL patients were analyzed. Results: The differences in the peripheral total T cells and T cell subsets, including CD4(+), CD8(+), regulatory T cells, and natural killer T cells were not significantly between AL and HD. The ratio of CD57(+) cells in CD8(+) T cells was lower in AL than in HD, and there was no significantly difference in the rate of CD45RA(+) and CD28(+)cells between these two groups. No differences were found in the ratio of total T cells or T cell subsets between stages Ⅰ-Ⅱ and Ⅲ-Ⅳaccording to the standard of Mayo 2012. Within λ light chain type AL patients, peripheral CD8(+) T cell ratio was positively correlated with 24-hour urine protein and creatinine level and negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) . Conclusion: The overall T cell distribution in the periphery is not significantly different between AL patients and age-matched healthy donors. However, the percentages of CD8(+) T cells are positively correlated with renal injury, indicating the importance of CD8(+) T cell subset in the prognostic evaluation of renal involvement.

[Treatment of postprandial discomfort syndrome in the elderly: a multi-centered prospective randomized controlled clinical study].

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Oryz-Aspergillus enzyme and pancreatin tablets (Combizym(®)) in the treatment of postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) in the elderly, compared with gastrointestinal motility drugs. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial was designed and registered in the China Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR-IPR-16008185). The elderly patients with PDS were randomly divided into three groups, including Mosapride group with Mosapride citrate tablets 5 mg 3 times per day for 2 weeks; Combizym(®) group with Combizym tablets 244 mg 3 times per day for 2 weeks; combined treatment group with both drugs and same doses for 2 weeks. The modified Nepean dyspepsia index (NDSI) score, discomfort intensity score and PDS score were calculated on patients before treatment, at the end of first and second week of treatment, as well as 4 weeks after treatment finished, respectively. Adverse effects were evaluated. Results: A total of 323 patients from 16 tertiary hospitals in China were enrolled in this study. Among them, 105 patients were in Mosapride group, 109 in Combizym(®) group and 109 in combined treatment group. There were 148 males (45.8%) and 175 females (54.2%) with median age 71.4±9.0 years (60-100 years). Baseline characteristics of three groups were comparable. After treatment, the NDSI scores in three groups all decreased significantly (P<0.001), while they were similar between groups (P>0.05). The discomfort intensity score and PDS score in three groups showed a significant reduction after treatment (P<0.001), especially in the combined treatment group. Compared with Mosapride group, the scores in Combizym(®) group decreased significantly after one or two weeks [discomfort intensity score: after one week, 4.0(2.5, 8.0) vs. 6.0(3.0, 10.0); after two weeks, 3.0(0.0, 5.0) vs. 4.0(2.0, 6.0); all P<0.05. PDS score: after one week, 6.0(3.0, 9.0) vs. 7.0(3.5, 10.5); after two weeks, 3.0(0.0, 5.0) vs. 4.0(2.0, 7.0); all P<0.05]. The efficacy rate in all patients after first week of treatment was over 15.0%. The efficacy rates after two weeks were 55.2%, 68.8% and 73.4% in Mosapride group, Combizym(®) group and combined treatment group, respectively. After two week treatment, the efficacy rates in Combizym(®) group (P=0.041) and combined group (P=0.006) were higher than that of Mosapride group. The recurrence rate of Mosapride group was 9.5%, which was significantly higher than that of Combizym(®) group (1.8%, P<0.05) and combined treatment group (1.8%, P<0.05). There were no serious adverse effects in the three groups. Conclusions: The efficacy of Oryz-Aspergillus enzyme and pancreatin tablets is comparable with that of Mosapride in elderly PDS patients, with fewer adverse effects and low recurrence rate. Combination regimen indicates better efficacy than that of Oryz-Aspergillus enzyme and pancreatin tablets or Mosapride alone.

[Correlation between chest CT features and clinical characteristics of patients with bronchiectasis].

Objective: To analyze the features of chest CT imaging in adult patients with bronchiectasis and explore its correlation with clinical characteristics. Methods: From January 2010 to December 2017, patients with bronchiectasis diagnosed by chest high-resolution CT (HRCT) and aged at or above 18 years old in 5 general hospitals of Shandong province were included in the study. The correlations between the HRCT imaging features and etiology, clinical manifestations, lung function, sputum culture, prognosis and other characteristics were analyzed. Results: There were 410 bronchiectasis patients included in the study. The chest HRCT imaging of bronchiectasis were divided into three types, including columnar 46.8%, cystic 45.9% and varicose 7.3%, respectively. The HRCT imaging score was [6.0 (4.0, 7.0)]. In addition, the most common etiology of bronchiectasis was idiopathic (262, 69.3%). The proportion of idiopathic bronchiectasis in cystic bronchiectasis patients was significantly higher than that in columnar and varicose bronchiectasis (71.8% vs 58.3%, 50.0%; both P<0.017). Compared with columnar bronchiectasis, patients with cystic bronchiectasis were more likely to suffer from clinical manifestations such as cough, dyspnea, fever and wet rales (P<0.017). Compared with patients with HRCT scores of 1 to 4, patients with scores ≥8 were more likely to suffer from cough, dyspnea, fever, wet rales and clubbing (P<0.017). The proportions of pulmonary ventilatory dysfunction were significantly greater in patients with cystic bronchiectasis and varicose bronchiectasis than columnar bronchiectasis (86.7%, 86.7% vs 51.0%; both P<0.017). The HRCT scores were significantly negatively correlated with pulmonary function (P<0.001). The number of acute exacerbations, hospitalizations, and bronchiectasis severe index scores in patients with cystic bronchiectasis were significantly higher than those with columnar bronchiectasis (P<0.017). There was a significantly positive correlation between HRCT scores and the number of acute exacerbations, hospitalizations and the bronchiectasis severity index scores (P<0.001). The mortality of patients with cystic and varicose bronchiectasis was significantly higher than that of patients with columnar bronchiectasis (9.0%, 10.0% vs 2.1%; both P<0.017). Compared with patients with HRCT scores of 1 to 4, patients with scores ≥8 had a higher mortality rate (15.9% vs 0.9%; P<0.017). Conclusions: There is a correlation between HRCT findings and clinical manifestations in patients with bronchiectasis. The clinical manifestations, lung function and prognosis of patients with cystic bronchiectasis are worse than those of the columnar bronchiectasis; the higher the HRCT scores are, the worse the clinical manifestations, lung function and prognosis of the patients are.

[Effect of skin soft tissue expansion on repair of large area of scars on extremities].

Objective: To investigate the effect of skin soft tissue expansion on repair of large area of scars on extremities. Methods: Twenty-five patients with large area of scars on extremities were admitted to our department from June 2007 to October 2014. There were 14 males and 11 females, aged 4 to 36 years. Operations were performed under local infiltration anesthesia or general anesthesia. In the first stage, 1 to 5 cylindrical expanders with capacities of 250 to 600 mL were placed at left or right sides or at upper or lower parts of the scars. In the second stage, scars of 21 patients were repaired with expanded transverse propulsive and lateral flaps, and scars of 4 patients were repaired with expanded perforator flaps whose pedicles were perforators of brachial artery, superior ulnar collateral artery, or posterior interosseous artery according to areas and shapes of the scars. The secondary wound areas ranged from 13 cm×7 cm to 34 cm×18 cm after dissolution or excision of scars. The areas of flaps ranged from 13 cm×7 cm to 20 cm×12 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly. The flaps after operation and follow-up of patients were observed and recorded. Results: All expanded flaps survived after operation. And the superficial distal part of flap whose pedicle was perforator of posterior interosseous artery in one patient was with necrosis, and other flaps survived well. During follow-up of 3 to 15 months after operation of the second stage, color and texture of flaps were similar to surrounding skin, while extremities of donor sites were thinner and auxiliary incisional scars formed after expansion. Conclusions: Expanded flap is a good way to repair large area of scar on extremities. Bilateral skin of scar is the first choice of donor site of expanded flap. If there isn't enough skin for expanding on bilateral sides, expanded perforator flap designed at upper or lower part of the scar is another choice to repair the scar.

[Study on analgesic effect and mechanism of cinobufagin on rats with bone cancer pain].

Objective: To evaluate the analgesic effects of cinobufagin (CBG) on cancer-induced bone pain in rat and study the role of the muscarinic receptor M4 subtype (M4 mAChR) in its involvement. Methods: A total of 100 Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=20): Sham group (group S), Cancer group (group A), Normal saline + CBG vehicle solution group (group ANS), Normal saline + 1 mg/kg CBG group (group ANC) and Tropicamide + 1 mg/kg CBG group (group ATC). Rats in group S were injected 10 µl Hank's solution into the left tibia medullar cavity, while rats in group A, ANS, ANC, and ATC were injected Walker 256 mammary cancer cells (10 µl, 2×10(7) cells/ml) into the same place. On day 9 post-inoculation rats in group ANS, ANC, and ATC were respectively received Saline (0.9%, 15 µl, i.t.), Saline (0.9%, 15 µl, i.t.)and 10 nmol of M4 mAChR blocker Tropicamide. After 10 min, ANS group, ANC group and ATC group were intraperitoneally injected with CBG vehicle solution, 1 mg/kg CBG and 1 mg/kg CBG. Model rats in each group were tested three times average as its basis pain threshold before injection cancer cells (T(0)). Mechanical withdrawal thresholds were measured on left hind paws, before 20 min (T(1)) and after 10 min (T(2)), 30 min (T(3)), 60 min (T(4)), 90 min (T(5)) and 120 min (T(6)) intrathecal injection. Left L4-L6 spinal dorsal horn and DRG were removed for determination of the expression of CaM-dependent kinaseⅡa (CaMKⅡa) and pCaMKⅡa by Western Blot after 60 min drug delivery. Results: At each time point from T(1) to T(6), the mechanical pain thresholds of group S were (8.69±0.45), (8.63±0.44), (8.65±0.39), (8.84±0.23), (8.80±0.14), (8.75±0.14) g, respectively, and the mechanical pain thresholds of group A were (6.37±0.30), (6.42±0.13), (6.29±0.17), (6.25±0.22), (6.34±0.33), (6.36±0.34) g, the difference was statistically significant (t=-16.41, -23.47, -30.25, -17.35, -19.52, -22.56, all P<0.01). At each time point from T(3) to T(5), the mechanical pain thresholds of the ANS group were (6.42±0.32), (6.39±0.34), (6.26±0.32) g, respectively, and the mechanical pain thresholds of the ANC group were (7.29±0.34), (7.81±0.15), (7.54±0.19) g, the difference was statistically significant (t=13.52, 14.22, 17.33, all P<0.01). At each time point from T(3) to T(5), compared with the ANC group, the mechanical pain threshold of the ATC group decreased (6.55±0.23), (6.84±0.46), (6.80±0.43) g, and the difference was statistically significant (t=-12.69, -11.26, -10.33, all P<0.01). At the time of T(4), the expressions of pCaMKⅡa in the spinal dorsal horn of each group were (0.67±0.05), (1.64±0.12), (1.57±0.14), (0.78±0.09), (1.39±0.11), respectively, and the expressions of pCaMKⅡa in DRG of each group were (1.65±0.39), (3.59±0.17), (3.43±0.32), (2.17±0.34), (2.95±0.23). The differences were statistically significant (F=179.89, 198.76, both P<0.01). Compared with the S group, the expression of pCaMⅡa was up-regulated in group A. Compared with ANS group, the expression of pCaMKⅡ a was down-regulated in ANC group. Compared with ANC group, the expression of pCaMK Ⅱ a was up-regulated in ATC group. The expression of CaMKⅡa in spinal dorsal horn and DRG was not statistically significant (F=1.25, 2.79, both P>0.05). Conclusions: These results demonstrated that M4mAChR participated in mediating the alleviation of hyperalgesia by cinobufagin in rats with bone cancer pain, and its mechanism may be related to pCaMKⅡa/CaMKⅡa signaling pathway.

[Expression and distribution of programmed death receptor 1 and T cell immunoglobulin mucin 3 in breast cancer microenvironment and its relationship with clinicopathological features].

Objective: To explore the expression and distribution of programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) and T-cell immunoglobulin mucin 3 (TIM-3) in breast cancer microenvironment and analyze the their correlation with the clinicopathological features. Methods: The specimens of tumor tissue and adjacent tissues from 30 patients with infiltrative breast cancer who were diagnosed as breast cancer from June 2016 to May 2017 in The First Hospital of Jiaxing were collected, and the specimen were divided into two parts along the center. After embedding and cryosectioning, the expression and distribution of PD-1 and TIM-3 protein in tumor tissues were observed by immunofluorescence staining. Another part of the specimen was cut and digested, and non-continuous density gradient centrifugation was used to extract tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of PD-1 and TIM-3 in TILs. Meanwhile, the protein expression was determined by Western blotting. The relationship between the expression of PD-1 and TIM-3 and pathological parameters of breast cancer was analyzed with correlation analysis. Results: Immunofluorescence results showed that more PD-1 and TIM-3 positive cells were observed in the tumor tissues compared with the tumor-adjacent tissues. The qRT-PCR showed that the expression of PD-1 and TIM-3 mRNA in TILs were both significantly higher than those in paracancerous tissues (3.09±0.38 vs 1.26±0.23, 3.42±0.31 vs 1.57±0.29, t=4.16, 4.37, both P<0.05). At the protein level, the expression of PD-1 and TIM-3 in tumor tissue lymphocytes(0.66±0.08, 0.80±0.11) was significantly higher than those in cancerous tissues(0.10±0.01, 0.26±0.02) (t=6.79, 4.57, both P<0.05). There were significant differences in the expression of PD-1, TIM-3 mRNA in the TILs between the different tumor histological grades, tumor sizes, lymph node metastasis (t=2.22-2.99, all P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that there was a significant positive correlation between the expression of PD-1 and TIM-3 in tumor tissues (r=0.616, P<0.01). Conclusions: In the breast cancer microenvironment, PD-1, TIM-3-mediated signaling pathway plays an important role in the occurrence and development of breast cancer, it provides a new basis for the combination therapy of breast cancer.

[Relationship between C-C chemokine receptor type 2 and P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway in the spinal cord of rats with bone cancer pain].

Objective: To investigate the relationship between C-C chemokine receptor type 2(CCR2) and P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (P38MAPK) signaling pathway in the spinal cord of rats and further clarify the mechanism of bone cancer pain (BCP). Methods: A total of 92 healthy female SD rats, of which 60 were subjected to behavioral tests using a ciliary mechanical stimulation needle. SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: sham operation group (group S), bone cancer pain group (group B), sham operation + DMSO solvent group (group SD), bone cancer pain + DMSO solvent group (group BD), sham operation + RS102895 CCR2 inhibitor group (group SR), bone cancer pain + RS102895 CCR2 inhibitor group (group BR), and Von Frey was used in the behavioral test. Another 32 SD rats were randomly divided into the following 8 groups (n=4): sham operation group (group S), bone cancer pain 5 d group (group B5), bone cancer pain 9 d group (group B9), bone cancer pain 14 d group (group B14), bone cancer pain + DMSO solvent group (group BD), bone cancer pain + RS102895 CCR2 inhibitor 0.5 h group (group BR0.5 h), bone cancer pain + RS102895 CCR2 inhibitor 4 h group (group BR4 h), bone cancer pain + RS102895 CCR2 inhibitor 12 h group (group BR12 h). Western blot was used to detect the expression of P38, p-P38 and CCR2 in spinal cord of rats. Results: At day 5, 7, 9, 14, 21 post-injection, mechanical withdrawal thresholds of group S were(30.9±1.5), (31.9±1.2), (32.0±1.1), (31.6±1.5), (32.2±1.4)g respectively, the mechanical withdrawal thresholds of group B were( 26.4±0.7), (24.4±0.8), (21.4±0.8), (13.5±0.4), (9.9±0.2)g respectively, the mechanical withdrawal thresholds in group B decreased obviously versus group S, and the differences were statistically significant(t=-13.177, -16.660, -23.778, -35.574, -48.401, all P<0.01). At day 9 post-injection, the mechanical withdrawal thresholds in SD, BD, SR and BR groups were (32.4±1.7), (19.4±1.1), (32.1±1.3), (26.3±1.0) g respectively, the difference was statistically significant (F=224.681, P<0.01), and the mechanical withdrawal thresholds in group BD decreased obviously versus group SD, while the mechanical withdrawal thresholds in group BR increased obviously versus group BD. The expression levels of p-P38 in spinal cord of group S, group B5, group B9 and group B14 were(0.08±0.03), (0.20±0.05), (0.40±0.17), (0.65±0.14)respectively, the expression levels of CCR2 were(0.08±0.04), (0.18±0.05), (0.30±0.09), (0.58±0.07)respectively, the difference was statistically significant(F=19.123, 40.746, all P<0.01), and the expression of p-P38 and CCR2 in group B9 were showed a significant up-regulation versus group S. The expression levels of p-P38 in spinal cord of group BD, group BR0.5 h, group BR4 h and group BR12 h were (0.57±0.06), (0.17±0.11), (0.03±0.01), (0.25±0.11)respectively, and the difference was statistically significant(F=29.582, P<0.01). The expression of p-P38 in group BR0.5 h, BR4 h, BR12 h showed a significant down-regulation versus group BD. Conclusion: CCR2 in the spinal cord may be involved in the development of bone cancer pain by activating P38MAPK signaling pathway in rats.

Molecular mapping of genes Yr64 and Yr65 for stripe rust resistance in hexaploid derivatives of durum wheat accessions PI 331260 and PI 480016.

KEY MESSAGE: This manuscript reports two new genes ( Yr64 and Yr65 ) for effective resistance to stripe rust and usefulness of their flanking SSR markers for marker-assisted selection. Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the most important diseases of wheat worldwide and resistance is the best control strategy. Durum wheat accessions PI 331260 and PI 480016 were resistant to all tested Pst races. To transfer the resistance genes to common wheat and map them to wheat chromosomes, both accessions were crossed with the stripe rust-susceptible spring wheat 'Avocet S'. Resistant F3 plants with 42 chromosomes were selected cytologically and by rust phenotype. A single dominant gene for resistance was identified in segregating F4 lines from each cross. F6 populations for each cross were developed from single F5 plants and used for genetic mapping. Different genes from PI 331260 and PI 480016 were mapped to different loci in chromosome 1BS using simple sequence repeat markers. The gene from PI 331260 was flanked by Xgwm413 and Xgdm33 in bin 1BS9-0.84-1.06 at genetic distances of 3.5 and 2.0 cM; and the gene from PI 480016 was flanked by Xgwm18 and Xgwm11 in chromosome bin C-1BS10-0.50 at 1.2 and 2.1 cM, respectively. Chromosomal locations and race and allelism tests indicated that the two genes are different from previously reported stripe rust resistance genes, and therefore are named as Yr64 from PI 331260 and Yr65 from PI 480016. These genes and their flanking markers, and selected common wheat lines with the genes should be valuable for diversifying resistance genes used in breeding wheat cultivars with stripe rust resistance.

Molecular mapping of Yr53, a new gene for stripe rust resistance in durum wheat accession PI 480148 and its transfer to common wheat.

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the most damaging diseases of wheat worldwide. It is essential to identify new genes for effective resistance against the disease. Durum wheat PI 480148, originally from Ethiopia, was resistant in all seedling tests with several predominant Pst races in the US under controlled greenhouse conditions and at multiple locations subject to natural infection for several years. To map the resistance gene(s) and to transfer it to common wheat, a cross was made between PI 480148 and susceptible common wheat genotype Avocet S (AvS). Resistant F(3) plants with 42 chromosomes were selected cytologically and by testing with Pst race PST-100. A total of 157 F(4) plants from a single F(3) plant with 2n = 42 tested with PST-100 segregated in a 3 resistant: 1 susceptible ratio, indicating that a single dominant gene from PI 480148 conferred resistance. Using the F(3:4) population and the resistance gene-analog polymorphism (RGAP) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, the gene was mapped to the long arm of chromosome 2B. SSR marker Xwmc441 and RGAP marker XLRRrev/NLRRrev ( 350 ) flanked the resistance gene by 5.6 and 2.7 cM, respectively. The effective resistance of the gene to an Australian Pst isolate virulent to Yr5, which is also located on 2BL and confers resistance to all US Pst races, together with an allelism test of the two genes, indicated that the gene from PI 480148 is different from Yr5 and should be a new and useful gene for resistance to stripe rust. Resistant common wheat lines with plant types similar to AvS were selected for use in breeding programs.

Permanent genetic resources added to Molecular Ecology Resources Database 1 February 2012 - 31 March 2012.

This article documents the addition of 171 microsatellite marker loci and 27 pairs of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sequencing primers to the Molecular Ecology Resources Database. Loci were developed for the following species: Bombus pauloensis, Cephalorhynchus heavisidii, Cercospora sojina, Harpyhaliaetus coronatus, Hordeum vulgare, Lachnolaimus maximus, Oceanodroma monteiroi, Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, Rhea americana, Salmo salar, Salmo trutta, Schistocephalus solidus, Sousa plumbea and Tursiops aduncus. These loci were cross-tested on the following species: Aquila heliaca, Bulweria bulwerii, Buteo buteo, Buteo swainsoni, Falco rusticolus, Haliaeetus albicilla, Halobaena caerulea, Hieraaetus fasciatus, Oceanodroma castro, Puccinia graminis f. sp. Tritici, Puccinia triticina, Rhea pennata and Schistocephalus pungitii. This article also documents the addition of 27 sequencing primer pairs for Puffinus baroli and Bulweria bulwerii and cross-testing of these loci in Oceanodroma castro, Pelagodroma marina, Pelecanoides georgicus, Pelecanoides urinatrix, Thalassarche chrysostoma and Thalassarche melanophrys.

Effects of dielectric values of human body on specific absorption rate following 430, 800, and 1200 MHz RF exposure to ingestible wireless device.

In order to assess the compliance of ingestible wireless device (IWD) within safety guidelines, the SAR, and near fields of IWD in two realistic human body models, whose dielectric values are increased from the original by +/-10% and +/- 20% are studied using the finite-difference time-domain method. The radiation characteristics of the IWD in the human body models with changed and unchanged dielectric values are compared. Simulations are carried out at 13 scenarios where the IWD is placed at center positions of abdomens in the two models at the operation frequency of 430, 800, and 1200 MHz, respectively. Results show that variation of radiation intensity near the surface of abdomen is around 2.5, 2.6, and 3.5 dB within 20% variation of dielectric values corresponding to the frequency of 430, 800, and 1200 MHz, respectively. Electric fields in the anterior of the human body models are higher than those in the posterior for all scenarios. SAR values increase with the increase of conductivities of human body tissues, and usually decrease with the increase of relative permittivities of human body tissues. The effect of the dielectric values of human body on SAR is orientation-, human-body-, and frequency-dependent. A variation up to 20% in conductivities and relative permittivities alone or simultaneously always causes a SAR variation less than 10%, 20%, and 30% at the frequency of 430, 800, and 1200 MHz, respectively. As far as the compliance of safety was concerned, the IWD was safe to be used at the input power less than 12.6, 9.3, and 8.4 mW, according to the IEEE safety standards at the frequency of 430, 800, and 1200 MHz, respectively.

Effects of dielectric values of human body on Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) following 800 MHz radio frequency exposure to ingestible wireless device.

In order to assess the compliance of Ingested Wireless Device (IWD) within safety guidelines, the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and near fields of IWD in two realistic human body models whose dielectric values are increased from the original by +/-10 and +/-20% are studied using the Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method. The radiation characteristics of the IWD in the human body models with original and changed dielectric values are compared. Simulations are carried out at 13 scenarios where the IWD is placed at center positions of abdomens in the two models at the operation frequency of 800 MHz. Results show that variation of radiation intensity near the surface of abdomen is around 1.6 dB within 20% variation of dielectric values at the frequency of 800 MHz. Electric fields in the anterior of the human body models are higher than those in the posterior for all scenarios. SAR values increase as the conductivities of human body tissues increase and usually decrease as the increase of relative permittivities of human body tissues increase. The effect of the dielectric values of human body on SAR is orientation, human body and frequency dependent. An increment up to 20% in conductivities and relative permittivities alone or simultaneously always causes a SAR variation less than 20%. As far as the compliance of safety was concerned, the IWD was safe to be used at the input power less than 9.3 mW according to IEEE safety standards.

Polyphyllin D exerts potent anti-tumour effects on Lewis cancer cells under hypoxic conditions.

Paris polyphylla has been used to treat cancer in China for many years and components of the plant, such as polyphyllin D, may have potent antiproliferative effects in vitro. To investigate the potential antitumour effects of polyphyllin D on cancer cells under hypoxia, Lewis lung cancer cells and mouse tracheal epithelial cells were cultured with or without polyphyllin D under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Proliferation and apoptosis of cells were assayed. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1alpha) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA. Polyphyllin D decreased cell proliferation, increased apoptosis and inhibited expression of HIF-1alpha and VEGF mRNAs in Lewis cells. These effects were greater under hypoxic than normoxic conditions. Polyphyllin D did not show a cytotoxic effect in non-tumour cells (mouse skin fibroblasts and tracheal epithelial cells). These results suggest that polyphyllin D potentially has anticancer effects in vitro under hypoxia.

Pulse image recognition using fuzzy neural network.

The automatic recognition of pulse images is the key in the research of computerized pulse diagnosis. In order to automatically differentiate the pulse patterns by using small samples, a fuzzy neural network to classify pulse images based on the knowledge of experts in traditional Chinese pulse diagnosis was designed. The designed classifier can make hard decision and soft decision for identifying 18 patterns of pulse images at the accuracy of 91%, which is better than the results that achieved by back-propagation neural network.

Pulse waveforms classification based on wavelet network.

This paper proposes a new algorithm to classify pulse waveforms based on discrete wavelet network. This paper selects 4-order discrete Daubechies wavelet as the wavelet node of this wavelet network to classify six pulse patterns distinctive in shape. 600 pulse records are used to train this wavelet network and 300 pulse records are used to test the classifier's performance. The test results show that this approach has 83% agreement rate with the experienced experts. Compared with traditional classification methods, it needs not the experience in feature extraction.

Lempel-ziv decomposition based arrhythmic pulses recognition.

The computerization of traditional Chinese pulse diagnosis (TCPD) is relatively new in the field of automatic physiological signal analysis and diagnosis. The classification of pulse patterns according to their positions and shapes have been intensively investigated, but until now no research in identifying pulses by their rhythms has been found. This paper introduces a method to distinguish rhythmic and arrhythmic pulse patterns and further, applies the Lempel-Ziv decomposition to classify arrhythmic pulses. In the experiment on 140 clinic pulses, our approach was able to classify pulses by their rhythms with an accuracy of 90.7%.