[Factors influencing the chronic post-surgical pain after laparoscopic surgery for elderly patients with urinary tract tumors].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence and potential influence factors that contribute to chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) in elderly patients with urinary tract tumors who underwent laparoscopic procedures. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to collect the clinical data of 182 elderly patients with urinary tract tumors who were ≥65 years and underwent laparoscopic surgery from October 2021 to March 2022 in Peking University Third Hospital. The patients'demographic information, medical history and the severity of postoperative pain were collected. Telephone follow-ups were made 6 months after surgery, and the patients' CPSP conditions were recorded. The diagnostic criteria of CPSP were referred to the definition made by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP): (1) Pain that developed or increased in intensity after surgical procedure and persisted for at least 3 months after surgery; (2) Pain that localized to the surgical field or projected to the innervation territory of a nerve situated around the surgical area; (3) Pain due to pre-existing pain conditions or infections and malignancy was excluded. The patients were divided into two groups based on CPSP diagnosis. Risk factors that predisposed the patients to CPSP were identified using univariate analysis. A multivariate Logistic regression model using back-forward method was designed, including both variables that significantly associated with CPSP in the univariate analysis (P < 0.1), and the variables that were considered to have significant clinical impact on the outcome. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixteen patients with urinary tract tumors who had undergone laparoscopic surgery were included, of whom, 34 (15.7%) were excluded from the study. For the remaining 182 patients, the average age was (72.6±5.2) years, with 146 males and 36 females. The incidence of CPSP at the end of 6 months was 31.9% (58/182). Multiva-riate regression analysis revealed that age ≥75 years (OR=0.29, 95% CI: 0.12-0.73, P=0.008) was the protecting factors for postoperative chronic pain in the elderly patients with urinary tract tumors undergoing surgical treatment, while renal cancer (compared with other types of urinary tract tumors) (OR=3.68, 95% CI: 1.58-8.58, P=0.003), and the 24 h postoperative moderate to severe pain (OR=2.57, 95% CI: 1.14-5.83, P=0.024) were the independent risk factors affecting CPSP. CONCLUSION: Age < 75 years, renal cancer and the 24 h postoperative moderate to severe pain are influence factors of the occurrence of CPSP after laparoscopic surgery in elderly patients with urinary tract tumors. Optimum postoperative multimodal analgesia strategies are suggested to prevent the occurrence of CPSP.

Restoration of miR-1305 relieves the inhibitory effect of nicotine on periodontal ligament-derived stem cell proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation.

BACKGROUND: Nicotine hinders the regenerative potentials of human periodontal ligament-derived stem cells (PDLSCs) and delays the healing process of periodontal diseases, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. miR-1305 upregulation and its potential target RUNX2 downregulation exist in the PDLSCs exposed to nicotine. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether nicotine inhibits PDLSC proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation by increasing miR-1305 level and decreasing RUNX2 level. METHODS: Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot assays were performed to detect the expression levels of miR-1305 and RUNX2 in the PDLSCs exposed to nicotine, respectively. PDLSCs with miR-1305 overexpression, low expression, or RUNX2 overexpression were constructed by lipofectin transfection. MTT, migration, and Western blot assays were applied to assess the effect of miR-1305 on PDLSC proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation, respectively. Target prediction and luciferase reporter assays were performed to investigate the targets of miR-1305. RESULTS: Nicotine promoted miR-1305 expression and inhibited RUNX2 expression in PDLSCs. Cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation detection showed that nicotine suppressed proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs, and restoration of miR-1305 relieved the inhibitory effect of nicotine on PDLSCs. Moreover, we identified and validated that RUNX2 was a direct target of miR-1305, and upregulation of RUNX2 had similar effects with the downregulation of miR-1305 on relieving the inhibitory effect of nicotine on PDLSCs. CONCLUSION: Nicotine suppresses proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs, and restoration of miR-1305 relieves the inhibitory effect of nicotine on PDLSCs depending on its target RUNX2.

Organocatalytic Enantioselective Allylic Etherification of Morita-Baylis-Hillman Carbonates and Silanols.

The organocatalytic asymmetric allylic etherification reaction of Morita-Baylis-Hillman carbonates and silanols was reported for the first time. With modified cinchona alkaloid (DHQD)2PYR as the catalyst, a series of aromatic, heterocyclic, or aliphatic Morita-Baylis-Hillman carbonates (25 examples) worked well with triphenylsilanol, affording the corresponding products in moderate to good yields (up to 98%), high regioselectivities (>20:1), and good enantioselectivities (up to 92%). When dimethylphenylsilanol was used as the nucleophile, the product was obtained in 60% yield and 87% ee.

[Sesquiterpenes from stems of Schisandra henryi var. henryi].

The dried stems of Schisandra henryi var. henryi were extracted with 95% ethanol and the extracts were further subjected to partition, affording the ethyl acetate extracts(EtOAc Extrs.).The EtOAc Extrs.were separated and purified with silica gel and octadecyl-silylated silica gel column chromatography, preparative HPLC and preparative TLC. Thirteen known compounds were obtained and identified by spectral methods including MS and NMR, all of which were elucidated as t-cadinol(1), cadinane-4ß,5α,10ß-triol(2), cadinane-5α, 10α-diol-2-ene(3), oxyphyllenodiols A(4), 1ß, 4ß-dihydroxyeudesman-11-ene(5), cyperusol C(6), (7R)-opposit-4(15)-ene-1ß,7-diol(7), dysodensiol E(8), epi-guaidiol A(9), aromadendrane-4ß,10ß-diol(10), tricyclohumuladiol(11), caryolane-1,9ß-diol(12), and guaidiol A(13). Compounds 3, 5-10, and 13 were separated from the genus for the first time, while compounds 1-13 were separated from this species for the first time.

High-Performance Monovalent Selective Cation Exchange Membranes with Ionically Cross-Linkable Side Chains: Effect of the Acidic Groups.

Inspired by the charge-governed protein channels located in the cell membrane, a series of polyether ether ketone-based polymers with side chains containing ionically cross-linkable quaternary ammonium groups and acidic groups have been designed and synthesized to prepare monovalent cation-selective membranes (MCEMs). Three acidic groups (sulfonic acid, carboxylic acid, and phenolic hydroxyl) with different acid dissociation constant (pKa) were selected to form the ionic cross-linking structure with quaternary ammonium groups in the membranes. The ionic cross-linking induced the nanophase separation and constructed ionic channels, which resulted in excellent mechanical performance and high cation fluxes. Interesting, the cation flux of membranes increased as the ionization of acidic groups increase, but the selectivity of MCEMs did not follow the same trend, which was mainly dependent on the affinity between the functional groups and the cations. Carboxyl group-containing MCEMs exhibited the best selectivity (9.01 for Li+/Mg2+), which was higher than that of the commercial monovalent cation-selective CIMS membrane. Therefore, it is possible to prepare stable MCEMs through a simple process using ionically cross-linkable polymers, and tuning acidic groups in the membranes provided an attractive approach to improving the cation flux and selectivity of MCEMs.

Normal Weight Central Obesity is a Poor Prognostic Factor for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of normal weight central obesity (NWCO) in the prognosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 807 cases of SSNHL from January of 2008 to August of 2019 from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital in southern Taiwan. We analyzed the association between overweight and obesity, NWCO, and the prognosis of SSNHL. The demographic and clinical characteristics, audiometry results, and outcomes were also reviewed. RESULTS: The nonobese (body mass index [BMI] < 24 kg/m2) and overweight and obese groups (BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2) comprised 343 (42.50%) and 464 (57.50%) patients, respectively. The favorable prognosis rates in the nonobese and the overweight and obese groups were 45.48% and 45.91%, respectively, without a significant difference (P = .9048). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that BMI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.948-1.062, P = .9165) was not significantly associated with SSNHL recovery. The normal weight noncentral obesity (NWNCO) and NWCO groups comprised 266 (77.55%) and 77 (22.45%) patients, respectively, and had favorable prognosis rates of 48.50% and 35.06%, respectively. The difference between the groups was significant (P = .0371). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that NWCO (aOR = 2.51, 95% CI = 1.292-5.019, P = .0075) was significantly associated with SSNHL recovery. CONCLUSIONS: NWCO may significantly affect the prognosis of SSNHL.

[Combined efficacy of parecoxib and incisional ropivacaine infiltration on pain management after diagnostic hysteroscopy and laparoscopy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the combined effect of premedication of parecoxib sodium and local infiltration of ropivocaine on postoperative shoulder pain and incisional pain in patients undergoing diagnostic hysteroscopy and laparoscopy. METHODS: In the study, 60 patients undergoing elective diagnostic hysteroscopy and laparoscopy were randomly allocated to two groups (each with 30 patients). The patients in group 1 were premedicated with 40 mg parecoxib sodium (diluted with 2 mL normal saline), and 0.5% ropivacaine (20 mL) were infiltrated around the incision site before establishment of CO2 pneumoperitoneum. The patients in group 2 received 2 mL normal saline intraveniously before anesthesia induction, and infiltration of 0.5% ropivacaine 20 mL were also applied as group 1. After anesthetic withdrawal, the patients' postoperative anesthesia recovery time and the time point of opening eyes on verbal command were noted. The intensities of postoperative shoulder pain and incisional pain were evaluated at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h after surgery. The postoperative analgesic requirement was met by administration of tramadol. RESULTS: Compared with group 2, the incidence of postoperative shoulder pain was less in group 1 (37% vs. 67%, P=0.020), and the occurence of severe pain was lower (4 vs. 11, P=0.037). The numerical rating scales (NRS) of right shoulder pain of group 1 were significantly reduced than those of group 2 at 12 h postoperatively [0 (0, 2) vs. 0 (0, 8), P=0.012]. Left shoulder pain did not appear at 0 h and 2 h in both groups, while at 12 h and 24 h postoperatively, the NRS scores of group 1 were lower than those of group 2 [0 (0, 1) vs. 0 (0, 8), P=0.026; 0 (0, 4) vs. 2 (0, 9), P=0.014]. The dynamic and static abdominal pain scores of group 1 were significantly decreased than those of group 2 in post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) after surgery (P=0.001, P=0.005). The NRS scores of static abdominal pain of group 1 were significantly reduced than those of group 2 at 12 h and 24 h postoperatively (P=0.042, P=0.029). More patients in group 2 needed tramadol within 24 h postoperatively (8 vs. 0, P=0.002). CONCLUSION: Premedication of parecoxib sodium combined with local infiltration of ropinvocaine before incision could significantly reduce the postoperative shoulder pain and incisional pain as well as reduce opioid consumption in patients undergoing diagnostic hysteroscopy and laparoscopy.

Analysis of Pathogenic Bacteria and Drug Resistance Among Girls with Bacterial Vaginitis.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of vaginal flora and drug resistance in bacterial vaginitis among girls. Methods: A total of 3099 girls (0-10 years old) with vaginitis who visited the Beijing Children's Hospital from January 2020 to December 2021 were included in the present study. The clinical data, results of bacterial culture of vaginal secretions, and drug sensitivity reports of the subjects were collected and analyzed. Results: Of the 3099 girls with vaginitis, 399 girls had a positive bacterial culture of vaginal secretions. Nineteen types of bacteria were cultured from the vaginal secretions of these 399 girls, with a total of 419 strains. The top three infective bacteria were Haemophilus influenzae (127 strains, 30.31%), Staphylococcus aureus (66 strains, 15.75%), and Streptococcus agalactiae (32 strains, 7.64%). Additionally, 20 girls were simultaneously infected with two types of bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus, Group G Streptococcus, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa more frequently occurred in mixed infections. The number and bacterial detection rate among school-age girls were higher than those of preschool-age girls. We found seasonal variation in infection rates, and vaginitis among girls was higher in summer. Recurrence of vaginitis in girls was not related to the type of pathogenic bacteria in the infection. Drug sensitivity analyses showed that the resistance rates of clindamycin and erythromycin were generally high, 70-100%. After the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak, the resistance rates of some antibiotics had decreased to varying degrees. Conclusion: Improving the understanding of vaginal flora and drug resistance in girls with vaginitis will facilitate the selection of highly effective and sensitive antibacterial drugs and reduce the production of drug-resistant strains.

[Application of regionalized critical neonatal emergency transport system].

OBJECTIVE: To study the application of the regional critical neonatal emergency transport system (NETS) to provide evidence for the optimization of NETS in Beijing. METHODS: All the transported neonates in four hospitals in Haidian District, Beijing, between January 2009 and September 2010 were enrolled. The relevant clinical information of two referral hospitals was analyzed. RESULTS: The top three conditions requiring transport were pre-term delivery, diseases requiring surgical treatment, and respiratory diseases, which accounted for 33.1%, 18.3%, and 14.8%, respectively. Active transport was performed in 95 cases (66.9%) and passive transport in 47 cases (33.1%). The age distribution of the neonates requiring transport was as follows: <6 hrs after birth (24.1%); 6-12 hrs (9.3%); 12-24 hrs (25.9%); and >24 hrs (40.8%). The mean time for transport from the hospital to a referral ward by ambulance was 28.0±11.1 minutes. Diseases requiring emergency surgical treatment were the leading cause of death, accounting for 53.8% of total deaths. The mortality rate was not significantly different between the neonates aged <6 hrs and ≥6 hrs groups. CONCLUSIONS: Active transport remains the main transport pattern among these four hospitals. Neonates requiring surgical treatment have a high mortality rate, and thus special attention should be paid to their transport.

Prenatal exposure to phthalates with preterm birth and gestational age: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Phthalates are non-persistent chemicals used in products of daily necessities. The evidence on the relationship of prenatal phthalates exposure and preterm birth remain uncertain and dimed. We Searched Cochrane, EMBASE, PubMed and Qvid Medline and selected studies according to a priori defined inclusion criteria. A total of 20 relevant studies published before March 31, 2020, were included. The main methods to detect heterogeneity and publication bias of included studies were the Q-statistic and Begg's test. Overall summary estimates indicated positive association of prenatal exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate [number of studies (n) = 11, odds ratio (OR) = 1.1; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89, 1.4], diethyl phthalate [n = 11, OR = 1.1; 95% CI: 0.92, 1.3], dibutyl phthalate [n = 10, OR = 1.1; 95% CI: 0.77, 1.4], butyl benzyl phthalate [n = 10, OR = 1.0; 95% CI: 0.91, 1.2], diisobutyl phthalate [n = 9, OR = 1.1; 95% CI: 0.92, 1.3], diisononyl phthalate [n = 4, OR = 1.1; 95% CI: 0.85, 1.3], and phthalates were negatively associated with gestational age except di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and diisononyl phthalate. Most of them were not statistically significant. Subgroup analysis indicated that the heterogeneity was mainly found in the studies conducted in China and matrix collected at first trimester of pregnancy. Substantial heterogeneity and inconsistency of research methods may lead to inconsistent results of maternal phthalates exposure with preterm birth. We recommend a multicenter cohort study with a consistent approach to unravel the complex associations of prenatal phthalates exposure with birth outcomes.

Unexpected Insertion of Nitrogen into a C-C Bond: Access to 2,3-Disubstituted Quinazolinone Scaffolds.

A novel, practical, highly efficient, and transition metal free nitrogen insertion reaction for the synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted quinazolinone derivatives was developed. Diverse functionalized 3-indolinone-2-carboxylates and nitrosoarenes with a wide range of substituted nitrosobenzenes, nitrosopyridines, dibenzofuranyl, or dibenzothienyl nitroso compounds worked smoothly to give 2,3-disubstituted quinazolinone derivatives in good to excellent yields (69-98%). A gram-scale reaction was achieved, and an afloqualone analogue was synthesized under the mild reaction conditions.

Hierarchical hollow Co9S8 microspheres: solvothermal synthesis, magnetic, electrochemical, and electrocatalytic properties.

A simple solvothermal route in a binary solution of triethylenetetramine (TETA) and deionized water (DIW) has been used to synthesize hierarchical hollow Co(9)S(8) microspheres with high surface area (80.38 m(2) g(-1)). An appropriate volume ratio of TETA:DIW has been found to be essential for the formation of hollow Co(9)S(8) microspheres. The magnetic study indicated that the Co(9)S(8) hollow microspheres are paramagnetic at high temperature and antiferromagnetic at low temperature. The oxygen reduction reaction experiments demonstrated that the onset potential of the Co(9)S(8) sample is 0.88 V, which is comparable to the value predicted for Co(9)S(8) (0.74 V) from the theoretical simulation. The discharge capability of Co(9)S(8) hollow microspheres as cathode materials for lithium ion batteries and their electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) have been studied.

[Effect of Met Knockdown on Biological Behavior of Multiple Myeloma RPMI 8226 Cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of down-regulating of c-Met expression to the proliferation, invasiveness and apoptosis of human multiple myeloma RPMI 8226 cells. METHODS: According to transfection the RPMI8226 cells were dividide into RPMI 8226 (untreated RPMI 8226), RPMI 8226 /shRNA-Met and RPMI8226/shRNA-control group, respectively. Protein expression level of c-Met was detected by Western blot so as to evaluate transfection condition; the proliferation of the cells was detected by MTT; apoptosis and cycle of the cells were detected by flow cytometry; effect of c-Met/shRNA on RPMI 8226 cell adhesion was detected by RPMI 8226 cell adherence to ECM (Fn and Matrigel) and ECV304 cells. Invasiveness of RPMI 8226 cell was detected by Transwell assay. RESULTS: The c-Met short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was successfully transfected into RPMI 8226 cells, and could inhibit the expression of c-Met significantly. The down-regulation of c-Met could inhibit the proliferation of RPMI 8226 cells significantly. The percentage of cells in the G0/G1 phase and apoptotic rate (sub-G1) in the RPMI 8226/shRNA-Met group were higher than those in the control group, the adhesion rate and the number of migrated RPMI 8226/shRNA-Met cells were decreased significantly as compared with control group. There were no significant differences in each indexes between RPMI 8226/shRNA-control and control group. CONCLUSION: Knockdown of c-Met can affect the proliferation, adherence, invasiveness and apoptosis of human multiple myeloma RPMI 8226 cells.

Isolation and genetic characterization of avian-like H1N1 and novel ressortant H1N2 influenza viruses from pigs in China.

As pigs are susceptible to both human and avian influenza viruses, they have been proposed to be intermediate hosts or mixing vessels for the generation of pandemic influenza viruses through reassortment or adaptation to the mammalian host. In this study, we reported avian-like H1N1 and novel ressortant H1N2 influenza viruses from pigs in China. Homology and phylogenetic analyses showed that the H1N1 virus (A/swine/Zhejiang/1/07) was closely to avian-like H1N1 viruses and seemed to be derived from the European swine H1N1 viruses, which was for the first time reported in China; and the two H1N2 viruses (A/swine/Shanghai/1/07 and A/swine/Guangxi/13/06) were novel ressortant H1N2 influenza viruses containing genes from the classical swine (HA, NP, M and NS), human (NA and PB1) and avian (PB2 and PA) lineages, which indicted that the reassortment among human, avian, and swine influenza viruses had taken place in pigs in China and resulted in the generation of new viruses. The isolation of avian-like H1N1 influenza virus originated from the European swine H1N1 viruses, especially the emergence of two novel ressortant H1N2 influenza viruses provides further evidence that pigs serve as intermediate hosts or "mixing vessels", and swine influenza virus surveillance in China should be given a high priority.

Further evidence for infection of pigs with human-like H1N1 influenza viruses in China.

Classical swine and avian-like H1N1 influenza viruses were reported widely in swine population worldwide, but human-like H1N1 swine viruses were reported occasionally. In 2006, a human-like H1N1 swine virus (A/swine/Guangdong/96/06) was isolated from pigs in Guangdong province, which was reported in China for the first time. To get further evidence for infection of pigs with human-like H1N1 influenza viruses, we analyzed eight gene segments of three human-like swine H1N1 viruses (A/swine/Guangdong/96/06, A/swine/Tianjin/01/04 and A/swine/Henan/01/06) isolated in China. All the eight genes of the three viruses are highly homologous to recent (about 2000) and early (1980s) human H1N1 influenza viruses, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that A/Swine/Guangdong/96/06 was directly derived from about 2000 human H1N1 influenza viruses, while A/swine/Tianjin/01/04 and A/swine/Henan/01/06 seemed to be descendants of human H1N1 viruses circulating in 1980s. Seroprevalence of our isolate (A/swine/Guangdong/96/06) confirmed the presence of human-like H1N1 virus in pigs in China. Existence of these influenza viruses, especially older viruses (A/swine/Tianjin/01/04 and A/swine/Henan/01/06), indicates that human-like H1N1 influenza viruses may remain invariant for long periods in pigs and provides the evidence that pigs serve as reservoirs of older influenza viruses for human pandemics.

Epidemiologic characteristics and trends of fatal suicides among the elderly in Taiwan.

Taiwan has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, especially among its elderly. The epidemiologic characteristics and trends of the surging elderly suicide rates from 1993 to 2003 are described, with a special emphasis on the risk groups, the methods used in suicide, and their geographical variations. Data on annual mortality for persons over 65 years of age with external cause-of-death codes E950-E959 were obtained from the Death Certification data file provided by the Department of Health and used in the analysis. The suicide rate for each 5-year age group over 65 years old increased during the 11-year period. Elderly males had the highest suicide rate and experienced an increased rate of 49% during the decade. The average suicide ratio between elderly males and females was about 2:1. Never-married males had the highest age-adjusted as well as sex- and marital status-specific suicide rates, and showed an increased rate of 66% over the 11-year period. Geographical variations in suicide rates were significant, with the lest urbanized eastern Taiwan having a higher rate than other regions. Hanging, strangulation, and suffocation were the most used methods for committing suicide by the elderly, but their use had decreased from 63% to 54% during the decade; but jumping off a building and drowning increased significantly. Variation in suicide rate among months was not significant. With the increase in the elderly suicide rate, more governmental and societal interventions are needed to alleviate this social and human problem.

Solubility and stability of lead arsenates at 25 degrees C.

Lead arsenates were the most extensively used arsenical insecticides in the past. Their residues, especially the water-soluble fractions in environment may pose a potential human health risk. The solubility products (K(sp)) and free energies of formation (Delta G(f) degrees) of PbHAsO(4).2H(2)O(c), Pb(5)(AsO(4))(3)OH.H(2)O(c), Pb(3)(AsO(4))(2)(c) and Pb(8)As(2)O(13)(8PbO.As(2)O(5))(c) at 25 degrees C were determined by precipitation and dissolution experiments. The composition of precipitates depended on the Pb/As molar ratios and pH values. The solid precipitates were lamellar PbHAsO(4).2H(2)O(c) at pH = 3-5 and Pb/As = 1.0, columnar Pb(5)(AsO(4))(3)OH.H(2)O(c) at pH = 12-13 and Pb/As = 1.5, Pb(5)(AsO(4))(3)OH.H(2)O(c) with little amounts of Pb(8)As(2)O(13)(c) at pH = 12-13, Pb/As = 1.67 and 2.0. The mixture of PbHAsO(4).2H(2)O(c) and Pb(3)(AsO(4))(2)(c) formed at pH = 6.51 and Pb/As = 1.5. Based on the analytical results, the solubility products (K(sp)) of PbHAsO(4).2H(2)O(c), Pb(5)(AsO(4))(3)OH.H(2)O(c), Pb(3)(AsO(4))(2)(c) and Pb(8)As(2)O(13)(c) were calculated by the computer program PHREEQC as 10(-10.70)(10(-7.81)-10(-14.32)), 10(-81.75)(10(-74.37)-10(-84.83)), 10(-33.83)(10(-32.05)-10(-34.49)) and 10(-174.24)(10(-156.64)-10(-178.35)), respectively. Correspondingly, the free energies of formation (Delta G(f) degrees) of these lead arsenates were calculated to be -1274.36 kJ/mol, -2928.33 kJ/mol, -1563.12 kJ/mol and -3909.69 kJ/mol.

Genetic evolution of swine influenza A (H3N2) viruses in China from 1970 to 2006.

Pigs are susceptible to both human and avian influenza viruses and have been proposed to be intermediate hosts, or mixing vessels, for the generation of pandemic influenza viruses through reassortment or adaptation to the mammalian host. In this study, we summarize and report for the first time the coexistence of wholly human-like H3N2 viruses, double-reassortant H3N2 viruses, and triple-reassortant H3N2 viruses in pigs in China by analyzing the eight genes of swine influenza A (H3N2) viruses found in China from 1970 to 2006. In 1970, the first wholly human-like H3N2 (Hong Kong/68-like) viruses were isolated from pigs in Taiwan, and then in the next years Victoria/75-like, Sydney/97-like, New York/99-like, and Moscow/99-like swine H3N2 viruses were regularly isolated in China. In the 1980s, two triple-reassortant viruses were isolated from pigs. Recently, the double-reassortant viruses containing genes from the human (HA and NA) and avian (PB2, PB1, PA, NP, M, and NS) lineages and the triple-reassortant viruses containing genes from the human (HA and NA), classical swine (NP), and avian (PB2, PB1, PA, M, and NS) lineages emerged in pigs in China. The coexistence of wholly human-like and reassortant viruses provides further evidence that pigs serve as intermediate hosts, or mixing vessels, and emphasizes the importance of reinforcing swine influenza virus surveillance in China.

[Influence of Zea mays L. saponin (ZMLS) on ultrastructure of kidney and pancreas in diabetes rats induced by streptozocin].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the effect of Zea mays L. saponin (ZMLS) on ultrastructure of kidney and pancreas in the diabetes rats induced by streptozocin. METHOD: The diabetic rat model was established by injections of STZ, blood glucose, the ultrastructure of the kidney and pancreas were observed. RESULT: Compared with the model group, the large, middle-dose ZMLS groups and melbinum group could remarkably decrease the blood glucose (P < 0.01), the large, middle, small-dose ZMLS groups could remarkably prevent the pancreatic islet beta-cell from the injury induced by Streptozotocin. Melbinum and the large, middle-dose ZMLS groups could remarkably increase mitochondrial Vv, deltam and euchromatin Vv (P < 0.01), and significantly decrease the delta, Nucleus delta and heterochromatin Vv (P < 0.01). The small dose of ZMLS obviously increases mitochondrial Vv (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: ZMLS showed good effect on decreasing blood glucose and protection action on the kidney and pancreas injury of induced by STZ.

Over-expression of OsUGE-1 altered raffinose level and tolerance to abiotic stress but not morphology in Arabidopsis.

OsUGE-1 is known to be induced by various abiotic stresses, but its exact function in plants is unclear. In the present study, OsUGE-1 was over-expressed in Arabidopsis, transgenic plants conferred tolerance to salt, drought and freezing stress without altering plant morphology. In addition, transgenic plants showed a higher level of the soluble sugar raffinose than did wild-type plants. Our results suggest that elevated level of raffinose with over-expressed OsUGE-1 resulted in enhanced tolerance to abiotic stress. Thus, the gene may be applied to improve tolerance to abiotic stress in crops.