[Component-resolved diagnosis of tree pollen allergen: identify key allergens to develop treatment plans].

With the increasing global prevalence of tree pollen allergies, there has been a significant impact on the quality of life for populations. In North and Central China, birch pollen, cypress pollen, and plane tree pollen are the most common allergens for springtime pollen allergy sufferers. The distribution of plants and patterns of pollen transmission in different geographical areas result in varying pollen exposure outcomes, further complicating the challenges in diagnosis and individualized treatment. This article delves into the research progress and clinical application of tree pollen allergies based on the "Molecular Allergology User's Guide 2.0 (MAUG 2.0) " published by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI). It discusses major allergen families and component proteins of tree pollen such as PR-10 proteins, profilins, polcalcins, as well as cross-reactive components that may cause pollen-food allergy syndrome. Allergen component diagnostics can distinguish true allergy sufferers from those with multiple allergen reactions, enabling more targeted selection of allergens for specific immunotherapy, thus enhancing treatment effectiveness. Bet v 1 and Cup a 1, for instance, are specific indicators for immunotherapy in birch and cypress allergy patients. Overall, this article provides cutting-edge information for professionals in the field of tree pollen allergies, offering in-depth exploration of tree pollen allergen component proteins, clinical manifestations, and treatment-related research, aiding in better understanding and addressing the challenges of tree pollen allergies.

[From exposure to control: the application of allergen component-resolved diagnosis in the clinical management of cockroach allergies].

Cockroaches are one of the most common indoor allergens worldwide, and exposure to cockroach allergens (such as the insect body, debris, and secretions) can trigger severe allergic rhinitis and(or) asthma. Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO)/International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) has identified 32 allergenic components in cockroaches, but none of these allergens have shown a clear immunodominance. The sensitization rate to cockroach allergens shows significant variability across different regions and populations and exhibits cross-reactivity with various invertebrates, increasing the complexity of clinical diagnosis and treatment. This article delves into the "Molecular Allergology User's Guide 2.0"(MAUG 2.0) published by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) and the research progress on cockroach allergies both domestically and internationally. It elucidates the crucial role of allergen component diagnostic technology in enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of cockroach-induced allergic diseases, efficiently assisting clinicians in identifying common sensitizations and cross-reactivities, thereby offering patients more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.

[A study on the distribution characteristics of peripheral retinal defocus in children and adolescents].

Objective: To explore the distribution characteristics of peripheral retinal defocus in children and adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 500 individuals aged 3 to 18 years, who visited the People's Hospital of Lincang, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dali University and Dali Ophthalmology Hospital between January and December 2021. Data of the right eye of each participant was analyzed. There were 226 males (45.20%) and 274 females (54.80%), with an average age of (10.79±3.79) years. All participants underwent post-cycloplegic refraction, optical biometry, and intraocular pressure measurement to obtain spherical equivalent, average corneal curvature, axial length, and intraocular pressure. Multispectral refraction topography was performed to obtain topographic maps and values at various field angles and orientations of peripheral retinal defocus. Based on multispectral refraction topography, peripheral retinal defocus values were categorized as crater type, hemilateral upturn type, saddle type, and relatively flat type. The distribution of different refractive states was analyzed. Results: The spherical equivalent of the 500 participants was(-1.51±2.61) D, axial length was (24.10±1.28) mm, and average corneal curvature was (43.20±1.22) D. Among the 500 eyes, 382 exhibited hyperopic peripheral retinal defocus values, with 316 eyes (82.72%) being myopic. Myopic peripheral retinal defocus values were observed in 118 eyes, with 15 eyes (12.72%) being myopic. Among different types of peripheral retinal defocus values, 112 eyes (22.4%) exhibited a crater type, 153 eyes (30.6%) exhibited a hemilateral upturn type, 107 eyes (21.4%) exhibited a saddle type, and 128 eyes (25.6%) exhibited a flat type. The proportion of myopia was 82.14% (92 eyes), 69.28% (106 eyes), 60.75% (65 eyes), and 3.90% (5 eyes), respectively. The peripheral retinal defocus values at 15°, 30°, and 45° were (0.01±0.08) D, (0.06±0.21) D, and (0.20±0.37) D, respectively. The peripheral retinal defocus values at temporal, inferior, nasal, and superior locations were (0.58±0.69) D, (0.52±0.63) D, (0.21±0.64) D, and (-0.26±0.67) D, respectively. Notably, the superior primarily manifested as myopic, while the others were predominantly hyperopic. Conclusions: Approximately three-fourths of children and adolescents exhibit hyperopic peripheral retinal defocus values, with a higher prevalence of myopia in this subgroup. The hyperopia peripheral retinal defocus value increases with the distance from the retina to the macula. The peripheral retinal defocus values between superior and inferior, nasal and temporal locations are asymmetrical, with the temporal hyperopic peripheral retinal defocus value being most prominent and the superior myopic peripheral retinal defocus value being most evident.

On the use of Monkhorst-Pack scheme to evaluate superconductivity and the issue of umklapp electron-phonon interactions.

The Monkhorst-Pack scheme is a method to save time in the days of slow computers. It excludes umklapp phonons with significant consequences. Its widespread application to evaluate superconductivity arises from the desire to reduce phonon contributions to solve a historical difficulty of the BCS theory. An alternative method turns out to be more accurate in Pb and Pd.

Comment on "High-temperature superconductivity in transition metallic hydrides MH11 (M = Mo, W, Nb, and Ta) under high pressure" by M. Du, Z. Zhang, H. Song, H. Yu, T. Cui, V. Z. Kresinc and D. Duan, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021, 23, 6717.

The Monkhorst-Pack scheme is applied in Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021, 23, 6717 to study superconductivity in transition metallic hydrides, implying that umklapp phonons have been excluded. But in a superconductor scattered electrons should be able to cover the entire Fermi surface so that umklapp phonons must be included. The authors should take care to explain if and how measures were taken to include umklapp phonons for electron-phonon scattering.

[Current status of hyperkalemia in dialysis patients in China].

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and associated factors of hyperkalemia in dialysis patients. Methods: Patients underwent hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) from multi-center databases were recruited from January 2017 to December 2019, and those aged ≥18 years and with dialysis duration ≥3 months were included to analyze the prevalence and related factors of hyperkalemia. Results: A total of 12 364 patients were enrolled in the study, and 6 836 cases were men. The average age of the patients was (51±15) years. Among these patients, 4 230 cases underwent HD while 8 134 received PD. Hyperkalemia was detected in 20.7% (2 554/12 364) of the patients while hypokalemia was found in 17.0%(2 102/12 364) of the patients. Multivariate logistic regression showed that HD (OR=2.25, 95%CI: 1.54-3.30), diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR=1.65, 95%CI: 1.17-2.32), high body mass index (BMI) (OR=1.06, 95%CI: 1.03-1.09), high levels of serum albumin (OR=1.04, 95%CI: 1.01-1.07) and phosphorus (OR=3.12, 95%CI: 2.44-4.00), low levels of serum bicarbonate (OR=0.89, 95%CI: 0.87-0.92), triglycerides (OR=0.76, 95%CI: 0.68-0.85) and creatinine (OR=0.95, 95%CI: 0.90-0.99), usage of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor/Angiotensin Ⅱ receptor antagonist (ACEI/ARB, OR=1.38, 95%CI: 1.11-1.72) and beta-blocker (OR=1.32, 95%CI: 1.07-1.64) were associated with hyperkalemia. Conclusions: Hyperkalemia occurred in 20.7% of the dialysis patients. HD, DM, high BMI, high levels of serum albumin and phosphorus, low levels of serum bicarbonate, triglycerides and creatinine, use of ACEI/ARB were associated with hyperkalemia.

[Role of CXCL12-CXCR4/CXCR7 signal axis in liver regeneration and liver fibrosis].

Chemokine CXC ligand 12 (CXCL12)-chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) signal axis is involved in the regulation of liver injury repair and the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis. In case of acute and chronic liver injury, the expression of CXCL12 is up-regulated to collect CXCR4-positive immune cells to migrate to the liver. The CXCL12-CXCR4 pathway participates in the occurrence of liver fibrosis by promoting the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells. The emergence of small molecule inhibitors of CXCR4 makes this receptor an attractive target for anti-fibrosis therapy. At present, CXCR4 has been tried as an anti-fibrosis treatment targets for fibrosis of various organs, including pulmonary fibrosis and chronic pancreatitis. However, some studies have shown that simply blocking the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis cannot improve liver fibrosis and even aggravate liver injury. In recent years, with the discovery and understanding of CXCR7, another receptor of CXCR12, the counteracting role of CXCR4-promoting fibrosis pathway and CXCR7-promoting regeneration pathway in liver regeneration and liver fibrosis has been interpreted. Therefore, a full understanding of the regulatory mechanism of CXCL12-CXCR4/CXCR7 pathway, the development of corresponding targeted therapy research for liver disease, and the rebalancing of CXCR4 and CXCR7 are expected to become a new strategy for the liver fibrosis therapy.

Screening for syphilis with dual algorithms: analysis of discordant and concordant serology results in a population with a low prevalence of syphilis.

BACKGROUND: Currently, many laboratories have switched the traditional screening algorithm (TSA) to reverse screening algorithm (RSA) for the efficiencies in high-volume syphilis screening. However, confusions have been arisen regarding this paradigm shift. OBJECTIVE: To compare the performance of two algorithms with head-to-head mode. METHODS: Sera screening for syphilis were tested in parallel with chemiluminescence immunoassay (CIA) and toluidine red unheated serum test (TRUST). CIA-reactive sera from the RSA were reflexively tested with TRUST and confirmed with Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (TPPA), while the TRUST-reactive serology from the TSA were afterwards tested with TPPA. RESULTS: A total of 110 663 serum samples were screened. The RSA identified 2259 (2.0%) CIA-reactive results, of which 377 (16.7%) showed TPPA nonreactive results, while the TSA identified 934 (0.8%) TRUST-reactive results, of which 67 (7.2%) showed TPPA-nonreactive results. Among the 2259 CIA-reactive results, 1392 (61.6%) were TRUST-nonreactive, of which 350 (25.1%) were TPPA-nonreactive. A total of 182 sera from the 350 TPPA-nonreactive sera were further tested by a second CIA (VITROS Syphilis TPA, VITROS TPA), of which 155 (85.2%) were nonreactive and 27 (14.8%) were reactive. The 27 VITROS TPA-reactive sera were further tested with a treponemal Western blot assay (Euroimmun IgG Western Blot, EuroWB), of which 11 (41%) were indeterminate, 6 (22%) were nonreactive and 10 (37%) were reactive. Among the 10 EuroWB-reactive sera, two seroconverted to TPPA 1:80+/- after 1-year follow-up. Of 867 CIA-reactive/TRUST-reactive results, 27 (3.1%) were TPPA-nonreactive. CONCLUSIONS: The RSA identified more patients with reactive treponemal serology. However, it also yielded an increased likely false-reactive rate compared with the TSA, especially those results with low index values and TRUST-nonreactive serology, were necessary to retest with a second treponemal test. Further testing results with TPPA, VITROS TPA and EuroWB suggested the false-reactive CIA screening results and the likely false-nonreactive TPPA results when the reactive treponemal results screened with RSA were to be identified.

[Analysis of the effects of different nutritional support methods on postoperative recovery in patients with gastric cancer].

Objective: To assess the effects of different nutritional support methods on postoperative recovery in patients with gastric cancer. Methods: 98 patients who received radical gastrectomy were divided into three groups: parenteral nutrition group (PN group) (n=36), early enteral nutrition group (EEN group) (n=33) and early oral feeding group (EON group) (n=29). Tolerance of enteral nutrition, postoperative recovery and economic indicators were compared. Results: The number of laparoscopic-assisted surgeries was 18, 17 and 25 in PN group, EEN group and EON group, respectively. There was no significant difference in sex, age and body mass index(BMI) among the three groups. Gastrointestinal function recovered slowly in 3 cases, including 2 cases in EEN group and 1 case in EON group. 1 case in EON group had abdominal hemorrhage. Median postoperative hospital stay in PN, EEN and EON group was 11.0, 11.0 and 8.0 days respectively, and significant reduction can be found in EON group(P<0.001). The complication rates were 30.5% (11 cases), 12.1% (4 cases), and 13.8% (4 cases), respectively, with no statistically significant difference(P=0.102). The median nutritional support costs for PN group, EEN group, and EON group were 4 543.3, 974.2, and 265.0 yuan, respectively. The median albumin consumption was 90.0, 40.0, and 0 g, respectively. The EON groups were significantly lower (P<0.001). The results of the laparoscopic assisted subgroup and the ones of whole group were consistent. Conclusion: Compared with parenteral nutrition and early enteral nutrition, early oral feeding can reduce the amount of albumin consumption, decrease the cost of nutrition support and shorten the average hospital stay after surgey without increasing the incidence of complications.

[The application of indocyanine green fluorescent navigation in laparotomy of cholecystectomy].

Objective: To explore the application of indocyanine green fluorescence navigation in open cholecystectomy. Methods: Forty-eight patients with extrahepatic cholangiography who underwent open cholecystectomy in our hospital from March 2016 to February 2018 were enrolled. They were divided into the control group (24 cases) and the experimental group (24 cases) by using the random number table method. The control group was treated with conventional X-ray cholangiopancreatography, and the experimental group was treated with indocyanine green near-infrared fluorescence imaging for extrahepatic cholangiography. The cholangiography success rate, cholangiography time, cholangiography economic costs, imaging accuracy and security were compared between two groups. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion amount, length of hospital stays, and hospital expenses were also compared between two groups. Results: The success rate of cholangiography (98.62% vs 97.22%) and the incidence of adverse reactions (25.00 vs 29.17) were not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05). The cholangiography time (25.69±3.47 min vs 31.42±4.66 min), operation time (90.18±10.27 min vs 81.44±9.35 min), intraoperative blood loss (82.35±8.24 ml vs 78.14±7.82 ml), blood transfusion volume (35.19±4.77 ml vs 29.58±4.03 ml), hospitalization time (7.59±1.52 d vs 6.24±1.25 d), and hospitalization cost (12.7±3.1 thousands vs 10.4±2.5 thousands) of the experimental group were significant lower than those of the control group. The accuracy rate (92.22% vs 87.50%), sensitivity (85.71% vs 50.00%) and specificity (88.24% vs 68.75%) of cholangiography in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Conclusion: Indocyanine green fluorescent navigation is more timely and accurate than traditional X-ray cholangiography during temporary angiography in open cholecystectomy, which can effectively shorten the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion, hospitalization time and hospitalization expenses. It does not increase the incidence of adverse reactions, has high safety, and is worthy of clinical promotion.

[Research progress on abnormal liver function in pregnancy].

Abnormal liver function in pregnancy is a common clinical problem in the department of obstetrics and liver disease, but its severity can cause danger to the life of the mother and fetus. Therefore, the different cause of abnormal liver function in pregnancy should be assessed accurately in order to take early intervention measures. Moreover, it is necessary to comprehensively evaluate the situation of both mother and fetus to obtain the optimal treatment effect for abnormal liver function caused by different types of pregnancy-related liver diseases.

Reducing 3,4-dihydroxyphenylpyruvic acid to d-3,4-dihydroxyphenyllactic acid via a coenzyme nonspecific d-lactate dehydrogenase from Lactobacillus reuteri.

AIMS: The purpose of this work was to find an efficient enzyme to synthesize d-3,4-dihydroxyphenyllactic acid (d-DSS). METHODS AND RESULTS: Nineteen lactic acid bacteria strains were screened for production of d-DSS using 3,4-dihydroxyphenylpyruvic acid (DPA) as a substrate. Lactobacillus reuteri JN516 exhibited the highest d-DSS yield. A nonspecific coenzyme, d-lactate dehydrogenase (d-LDH82319), from L. reuteri JN516 with high DPA reducing activity was identified. This enzyme reduced DPA to form d-DSS with excellent optical purity (enantioselectivity >99%). Its molecular weight was 35 kDa based on SDS-PAGE migration. The Michaelis-Menten constant (Km ), turnover number (kcat ), and catalytic efficiency (kcat /Km ) of d-LDH82319 for DPA were 0·09 mmol l-1 , 2·17 s-1 and 24·07 (mmol l-1 )-1  s-1 , respectively, with NADH as the coenzyme. The (Km ), (kcat ) and (kcat /Km ) of d-LDH82319 for DPA were 0·10 mmol l-1 , 0·13 s-1 and 1·30 (mmol l-1 )-1  s-1 , respectively, with NADPH as the coenzyme. The optimum temperature and pH of d-LDH82319 were 25°C and pH 8 respectively. Additionally, d-LDH82319 had a broad substrate range for alpha-keto acids, among which the activity of reducing pyruvate was the strongest; therefore, it belongs to the group of d-lactate dehydrogenases. d-LDH82319 and glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) were coexpressed to produce d-DSS from DPA. CONCLUSIONS: d-LDH82319 from L. reuteri JN516 with high DPA reducing activity has the characteristics of a nonspecific coenzyme. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: d-LDH82319 is the first reported coenzyme nonspecific d-lactate dehydrogenase with DPA-reducing activity. The coexpression system provided an effective method to produce d-DSS.

[Protective effect and related mechanism of tanshinol borneol ester on homocysteine induced rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells damage].

Objective: To investigate the protective effect and potential mechanism of tanshinol borneol ester (TBE) on homocysteine(Hcy) induced rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) damage. Methods: BMSCs were isolated and cultured in vitro by density gradient centrifugation and adherent culture method. BMSCs were divided into the control (normal isolation and culture), TBE-1(10 µmol/L TBE-1 solution with 100 µl), TBE-2 (10 µmol/L TBE-2 solution with 100 µl), Hcy (0.5 mmol/L Hcy solution with 100 µl), Hcy + TBE-1(0.5 mmol/L Hcy solution with 100 µl, and 10 µmol/L TBE-1 solution with 100 µl), Hcy + TBE-2 (0.5 mmol/L Hcy solution with 100 µl, and 10 µmol/L TBE-2 solution with 100 µl), Hcy+ TBE-1+ inhibitor group(0.5 mmol/L Hcy solution with 100 µl, 10 µmol/L TBE-1 solution with 100 µl, and 25 µmol/L LY294002(specific blocker of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase) solution with 100 µl), Hcy+ TBE-2+ inhibitor group(0.5 mmol/L Hcy solution with 100 µl, 10 µmol/L TBE-2 solution with 100 µl, and 25 µmol/L LY294002 solution with 100 µl). Cell proliferation activity was detected by MTT assay. The T-SOD activity and malonaldehyde level of cells were measured by anthineoxidase method and TBA method, respectively, to evaluate cell oxidative and antioxidative activities. The ultrastructure of cells was observed under transmission electron microscope. The expression level of PKB and NF-κB of cells in various groups were detected with the immunocytochemical method. Results: (1)Cell proliferation activity in TBE-1 group and TBE-2 group was significantly increased compared with the control group (both P<0.01), and was similar between TBE-1 group and TBE-2 groups after 1, 12, 24 and 48 hours treatment.(2)The T-SOD activity in TBE-1 group and TBE-2 group was significantly higher than in control group (both P<0.01), while it was significantly lower in Hcy group, Hcy+ TBE-1 group, and Hcy+ TBE-2 group than in control group(all P<0.01), and was similar between control group, Hcy+ TBE-1+ inhibitor group, and Hcy+ TBE-2+ inhibitor group(all P>0.05). The T-SOD activity was higher in Hcy+ TBE-1 group and Hcy+ TBE-2 group than in Hcy group(both P<0.01), and was higher in Hcy+ TBE-1+ inhibitor group than in Hcy+ TBE-1 group(P<0.05) and was higher in Hcy+ TBE-2+ inhibitor group than in Hcy+ TBE-2 group(P<0.05). The malonaldehyde level was lower in TBE-1 group and TBE-2 group than in control group(both P<0.01), was higher in Hcy group, Hcy+ TBE-1 group, Hcy+ TBE-2 group, Hcy+ TBE-1+ inhibitor group, and Hcy+ TBE-2+ inhibitor group than in control group(all P<0.01), was lower in Hcy+ TBE-1 group and Hcy+ TBE-2 group than in Hcy group(both P<0.01), was higher in Hcy+ TBE-1+ inhibitor group than in Hcy+ TBE-1 group(P<0.05), was higher in Hcy+ TBE-2+ inhibitor group than in Hcy+ TBE-2 group(P<0.05). (3)Under electron microscope, BMSCs showed profound swelling, senescence and apoptosis of cells increased significantly in Hcy group, Hcy+ TBE-1+ inhibitor group, and Hcy+ TBE-2+ inhibitor group when compared with control group. BMSCs in the TBE-1 and TBE-2 groups presented with abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum, and very active cell metabolism signs. Compared with Hcy group, BMSCs edema, the number of aging and apoptotic cells, and cell injury severity were significantly less in TBE-1+ Hcy group and TBE-2+ Hcy. (4)The PKB level was higher in TBE-1 group and TBE-2 group than in control group(both P<0.01), was lower in Hcy group, Hcy+ TBE-2 group, Hcy+ TBE-1+ inhibitor group, and Hcy+ TBE-2+ inhibitor group than in control group(all P<0.01), was similar between control group and Hcy+ TBE-1 group(P>0.05), was higher in Hcy+ TBE-1 group and Hcy+ TBE-2 group than in Hcy group(both P<0.05), was lower in Hcy+ TBE-1+ inhibitor group than in Hcy+ TBE-1 group(P<0.05), and was lower in Hcy+ TBE-2+ inhibitor group than in Hcy+ TBE-2 group(P<0.05). The NF-κB level was higher in TBE-1 group and TBE-2 group than in control group(both P<0.01), was lower in Hcy group, Hcy+ TBE-1 group, Hcy+ TBE-2 group, Hcy+ TBE-1+ inhibitor group, and Hcy+ TBE-2+ inhibitor group than in control group(P<0.01 or 0.05), was higher in Hcy+ TBE-1 group and Hcy+ TBE-2 group than in Hcy group(both P<0.05), was lower in Hcy+ TBE-1+ inhibitor group than in Hcy+ TBE-1 group(P<0.05) and was lower in Hcy+ TBE-2+ inhibitor group than in Hcy+ TBE-2 group(P<0.05). Conclusion: Tanshinol borneol ester can promote the proliferation of BMSC, and attenuate the homocysteine induced rat BMSCs damage possibly through activation of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/PKB signal transduction and its downstream signal pathway protein NF-κB.

[Morphological alterations in gray matter related to primary dysmenorrhea].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the structural changes of gray matter in women with primary dysmenorrhea (PDM) and discuss the potential relationships between the changes and etiology of the disease. METHODS: We used an optimized voxel-based morphometry (VBM) approach to compare total and regional volumetric changes of gray matter in 20 primary dysmenorrhea patients with 20 healthy age and menstrual cycle matched controls.All subjects were patients from the outpatient department of Tongji Hospital in 2015. RESULTS: Abnormal volumetric decreases of gray matter were found in the left and right parahippocampus, the left and right middle temporal gyrus, the left and right superior parietal lobule, the left postcentral cortex, the left and right inferior parietal lobule, which involved in pain transmission, pain modulation and somatic sensation. CONCLUSION: Abnormal gray matter volume changes are present in some encephalic regions of PDM patients.The functions of these regions are associated with pain modulation and somatic sensation, which suggests the changes are related with PDM.

Seroprevalence of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus in southeastern China and analysis of risk factors.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) has been prevalent for some time in China and it was first identified in 2010. However, the seroprevalence of SFTSV in the general population in southeastern China and risk factors associated with the infection are currently unclear. Blood samples were collected from seven counties across Zhejiang province and tested for the presence of SFTSV-specific IgG antibodies by ELISA. A total of 1380 blood samples were collected of which 5·51% were seropositive for SFTSV with seroprevalence varying significantly between sites. Seroprevalence of SFTSV in people who were family members of the patient, lived in the same village as the patient, or lived in a different village than the patient varied significantly. There was significant difference in seroprevalence between participants who bred domestic animals and participants who did not. Domestic animals are probably potential reservoir hosts and contact with domestic animals may be a transmission route of SFTSV.

[Activation of transcription factor NF-κB in a rat model of cardiac fibrosis induced by ß-adrenoceptor stimulation].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a model of cardiac fibrosis induced by isoproterenol (ISO), the non-selective ß adrenoceptor agonist, injected subcutaneously for 7 days in rats, and to observe changes of transcription factor NF-κB in the model. METHODS: Male SD rats weighing 280-320 g were injected with ISO (0.25 mg/kg/d) subcutaneously for 7 days to induce cardiac fibrosis. The collagen volume fraction was determined by quantitative morphometry of picrosirius red stained left ventricular sections. Collagen types I/III and IL-6 mRNA expressions were analyzed by real time PCR. The pathological changes of the heart were investigated by Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. NF-κB was localized by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and phosphorylated NF-κB levels were assessed by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Compared with the controls, ISO significantly elevated the sirius red stained area and collagen volume fraction (12.01±1.644 vs. 0.95±0.067, P<0.001). Similarly, ISO increased the mRNA expressions of collagen Iand collagen III of the heart compared with the controls (10.51±0.47 vs. 0.98±0.02,P<0.001 for collagen I; 9.58±1.33 vs. 1.02±0.02, P<0.001 for collagen III). The number of nuclei was increased and nuclear accumulation was presented in myocardial tissue induced by ISO. The mRNA expression of IL-6 increased in ISO group (1.64±0.18 vs. 1.04±0.07, P<0.01). ISO induced NF-κB nuclear translocation, accompanied by an increase in phosphorylation of NF-κB (10.83±2.05 vs. 1.05±0.27, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: We conclude that the model of cardiac fibrosis can be successfully induced by ISO injected subcutaneously for 7 days in rats and the activation of nuclear factor NF-κB increased by ß-adrenoceptor stimulation.

First Report of Powdery Mildew of Snow Lotus (Saussurea involucrata) Caused by Leveillula taurica in China.

Snow lotus (Saussurea involucrata Kar. et Kir.) is a rare and beneficial traditional Chinese medicinal herb, growing in the mountains at heights of 4,000 to 4,300 m in the Tianshan and A'er Tai areas in China (2). Because of its very slow growth and exhaustive plant collection, the wild population has been listed as a protected plant by the Chinese government. In recent years, it has succeeded in artificial cultivation. Since 2010, severe powdery mildew infections were repeatedly observed on leaves of the plant of artificial cultivation in Urumqi, Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China. White superficial mycelia were present epiphyllously on both sides of the leaves as well as on young stems, forming a thin, irregular covering. Infections often cause leaf yellowing, reduced growth, and premature defoliation. On the basis of microscopic examination, the morphology of the fungus can be described as follows: Conidiophores emerged through leaf stomata, singly or branched, and form dimorphic conidia. Primary conidia are lanceolate with distinct apical points and 44 to 63 × 12 to 22 µm. Secondary conidia are ellipsoid to cylindrical and 41 to 59 × 12 to 20 µm. The germ tube has indistinct appressoria, is longer than conidia length, and arises from the subterminal region of conidia. These morphological features are typical of the anamorphic stage description of Leveillula taurica (Lév.) Arnaud (1). No ascomata were observed. Representative voucher specimens were deposited in the fungal herbarium of Xinjiang Agriculture University (HMACC 40731). To verify the identity of the fungus, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA was amplified and sequenced, and the sequences were deposited as GenBank Accession No. KC292212. Comparison with sequences in the GenBank database revealed that the ITS sequence showed 99% homology with the sequence of L. taurica on Helianthus sp. (AB044378) and Gundelia tournefortii (AB667874). Thus, the pathogen was identified as L. taurica on the basis of the morphological characters and the ITS sequence. Pathogenicity was confirmed through inoculation by gently pressing diseased leaves onto leaves of healthy potted plants. Three inoculated plants were kept under a plastic humid chamber, whereas the same number of non-inoculated plants served as the control. The plants were placed under natural conditions (25 to 28°C) with 80 to 90% humidity. At 5 days after inoculation, typical symptoms of powdery mildew developed on the inoculated plants. No symptoms were seen on the control plants. To our knowledge, this is the first record of L. taurica on S. involucrata in the world. Because the plant is becoming widely cultivated in the Urumqi for use as a Chinese medicinal herb, the occurrence of powdery mildew poses a potential threat to the health of snow lotus. References: (1) U. Braun. A Monograph of the Erysiphales (Powdery Mildews). Nova Hedwigia Beiheft 89:1, 1987. (2) L. G. Fu. China Plant Red Data Book - Rare and Endangered Plants, vol 1. Chinese Science Press, Beijing, 1992.

Tuning the transport properties of a (C60)2 bridge with electron and hole dopings.

The tuning effects of substitutional B and N dopings on the electron transport properties of a C(60) dimer bridge [(C(60))(2)] are investigated by nonequilibrium Green's functions in combination with density functional theory. It is found that, unlike C(60), the equilibrium conductance of (C(60))(2) is very small. However, it can be controlled by electron (N) doping or hole (B) doping, which shifts the molecular energy levels so that the LUMOs or HOMOs align well with the Fermi level and results in LUMO-mediated transport or HOMO-mediated transport. The conductance increases accordingly with a certain number of N or B atoms doped in the C(60)s. Interestingly, when one C(60) is doped with N atoms and the other is doped with B atoms, new transport behaviors arise and rectification is achieved due to the special alignment of the energy levels of the individual C(60)s with the Fermi level. It suggests that cluster or molecule assembling can often realize specific functions which are not available by single molecules and should be taken into consideration in the design of molecular devices.