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Objective: To explore the cutting scheme and clinical application effects of ultrathin thoracodorsal artery perforator flap assisted by color Doppler ultrasound. Methods: This study was a retrospective historical control study. From February 2017 to October 2019, 20 patients who were admitted to the Third Department of Orthopedics of Xingtai General Hospital of North China Medical and Health Group (hereinafter referred to as our department), met the inclusion criteria, and underwent repair of skin and soft tissue defects of extremities with ultrathin thoracodorsal artery perforator flap designed and harvested based on the surgeon's clinical experience were selected as control group, including 16 males and 4 females, aged (37±5) years. From November 2019 to December 2022, 21 patients who were admitted to our department, met the inclusion criteria, and underwent repair of skin and soft tissue defects of extremities with ultrathin thoracodorsal artery perforator flap designed and harvested under the assistance of color Doppler ultrasound were selected as ultrasound-assisted group, including 15 males and 6 females, aged (38±6) years. After debridement, the area of skin and soft tissue defects of extremities ranged 5.0 cm×4.0 cm to 19.0 cm×8.0 cm, and the area of thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps ranged 6.0 cm×5.0 cm to 20.0 cm×9.0 cm. The wounds in flap donor sites were closed directly. For patients in ultrasound-assisted group, the time and cost required for color Doppler ultrasound examination were recorded, and the number, type, and location of thoracodorsal artery perforator vessels detected by preoperative color Doppler ultrasound were compared with those of intraoperative actual detection. The time required for complete flap harvest of patients in 2 groups was recorded. On postoperative day (POD) 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14, the blood perfusion of flaps in the 2 groups of patients was assessed using a flap perfusion assessment scale. On POD 14, flap survival of patients in 2 groups was observed, and the percentage of flap survival area was calculated. In postoperative 6 months, satisfaction of patients with the treatment outcome in the 2 groups was assessed using 5-grade Likert scale, and the satisfaction rate was calculated. Results: For patients in ultrasound-assisted group, the time required for preoperative color Doppler ultrasound examination was (10.5±2.3) min, and the cost was 120 yuan; 21 thoracodorsal artery perforator vessels were detected and marked using preoperative color Doppler ultrasound, including 8 (38.10%) type 1 perforator vessels, 10 (47.62%) type 2 perforator vessels, and 3 (14.29%) type 3 perforator vessels; the number, type, and location of thoracodorsal artery perforator vessels detected preoperatively were consistent with those detected intraoperatively. The time required for complete flap harvest of patients in ultrasound-assisted group was (41±10) min, which was significantly shorter than (63±12) min in control group ( t =6.32, P <0.05). On POD 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14, the blood perfusion scores of flaps of patients in ultrasound-assisted group were significantly better than those in control group (with t values of 6.67, 7.48, 8.03, 8.75, and 7.99, respectively P <0.05). On POD 14, only one patient in ultrasound-assisted group had partial flap necrosis and 6 patients in control group had complete or partial necrosis of the flap; the percentage of flap survival area of patients in ultrasound-assisted group was (99±8)%, which was significantly higher than (87±8)% in control group ( t =4.57, P <0.05). In postoperative 6 months, there was no significant difference in the satisfaction rate of patients with the treatment outcome between the two groups ( P >0.05). Conclusions: Preoperative color Doppler ultrasound is highly accurate in detecting the number, type, and location of perforator vessels. The cutting scheme of ultrathin thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps can be designed according to the different types of perforator vessels, with shorted flap cutting time and improved flap survival rate.

Correction to: Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2023; 27 (9): 4098-4102. DOI: 10.26355/eurrev&#95;202305&#95;32317-PMID: 37203835-published online on May 15, 2023. After publication, the authors applied a correction in the Funding section. The section has been amended as follows: This study was supported by the research program of Jilin Provincial Science and Technology Department (No. 20190201011J). There are amendments to this paper. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/32317.

Objective: Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is as a common form of venous thrombosis and a potentially fatal cardiovascular disorder, which has become a severe clinical problem with high incidence and mortality. The PTE has a strong genetic basis, which contributes up to half of the variance in PTE incidence and susceptibility single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) is associated with PTE. Betaine homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT) is an essential enzyme that catalyzes the remethylating reaction from homocysteine to methionine and participates in conserving methionine and detoxifying homocysteine. In this work, we aimed to explore BHMT polymorphism and susceptibility to PTE in Chinese patients., Patients and Methods: Variant loci of the BHMT gene were screened in serum samples of PTE patients, followed by verification using Sanger sequencing. These polymorphic loci were validated in 16 PTE patients and 16 matched normal patients. The frequency differences between the allele and genotypes were compared using the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test and Chi-square test., Results: A SNP was identified in PTE patients and a heterozygous transition of G>A (Arg239Gln) in rs3733890 was found. The variance difference at rs3733890 between normal patients (2/16, 0.125) and PTE patients (9/16, 0.5625) was significant (p<0.01)., Conclusions: Therefore, we concluded that the BHMT polymorphism, rs3733890 may be a susceptibility SNP for PTE.

Objective: This study aims to summarize the role of PIWIs/piRNAs in cell apoptosis through multiple signaling pathways. The PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are among the small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) and are mainly expressed in germline cells. PIWI protein is the key to the biogenesis of piRNA. With the deepening of research in recent years, the PIWIs/piRNAs are expressed in a tissue-specific way in somatic cells outside the germline. In addition, researchers have found that the PIWIs/piRNAs play a regulatory role in cell apoptosis, proliferation, and necrosis by regulating key signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, STAT signaling pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway, and Fas signaling pathway at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional level. However, the PIWIs/piRNAs' role in cell apoptosis and its underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. This study reviews the regulatory functions of PIWIs/piRNAs in apoptosis from the perspective of the signal pathway., Materials and Methods: This study is a narrative review. PubMed and MEDLINE were used as the primary sources to search the following keywords: PIWI/piRNAs, signal pathway, pro-apoptotic, anti-apoptotic, and signaling pathway., Results: PIWIs/piRNAs modulated pro-apoptotic or anti-apoptotic effects in a variety of cells: PIWIs/piRNAs through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, STAT signaling pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway, and Fas signaling pathway for pro-apoptotic or anti-apoptotic effects in cells., Conclusions: Apoptosis is a basic biological phenomenon of cell death, and it also has a great significance and complex molecular biological mechanisms. PIWI/piRNAs are closely related to various types of diseases and play a pro-apoptotic or anti-apoptotic role through the following pathways: PI3K/Akt signaling, STAT signaling, TGF-β signaling, and Fas signaling pathways.

Objective: To investigate the clinical effects of retrograde anterolateral thigh perforator flaps assisted with computed tomography angiography (CTA) in repairing skin and soft tissue defects around the knee or in proximal lower leg. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. From May 2015 to October 2019, 17 patients with skin and soft tissue defects around the knee or in proximal lower leg were admitted to the Department of Orthopedics of Jizhong Energy Xingtai Mig General Hospital, including 12 males and 5 females, aged 16-65 years, with an average age of 35 years. The areas of skin and soft tissue defects after debridement ranged from 6.0 cm×3.0 cm to 15.0 cm×9.0 cm. The retrograde anterolateral thigh perforator flaps were designed according to the origin and distribution of the perforating branches in flaps and the length of the vascular pedicle examined with CTA and the condition of the wound to repair the wounds. The areas of resected flaps ranged from 6.5 cm×3.5 cm to 15.5 cm×9.5 cm. The wounds in donor sites of flaps were sutured directly or covered with medium-thickness skin grafts from healthy upper leg. The sources of the perforating branches in flaps were recorded. The lateral circumflex femoral artery, its branches, and the relative length of the vascular pedicle were compared between preoperative CTA detection and intraoperative observation. The survivals of the flaps were observed. At the last follow-up, the effects of flaps in repairing wounds were evaluated according to evaluation standard of efficacy satisfaction; the motion ranges of flexion and extension of the knee joint were measured, and the knee joint function was evaluated according to the Hohl knee joint function evaluation standard; the sensory function in the flap area was evaluated according to the sensory function evaluation standard formulated by the British Medical Research Council; the wound healing and the occurrence of complication affecting motor function of limb of flap donor sites was observed. Data were statistically analyzed with paired sample t test. Results: The perforating branches in flaps originated from descending branches, oblique branches, and rectus femoris branches of lateral circumflex femoral artery in 7, 6, and 4 patients, respectively. The flaps with blood supply from descending branches, oblique branches, and rectus femoris branches of lateral circumflex femoral artery were type 1, 2, and 3 retrograde anterolateral thigh perforator flaps, respectively. The preoperative CTA examination of lateral circumflex femoral artery and its branches were consistent with those observed during operation. The relative lengths of vascular pedicles of type 1, 2, and 3 retrograde anterolateral thigh perforator flaps calculated after CTA examination were 0.32±0.13, 0.56±0.07, and 0.56±0.15, which were close to 0.35±0.12, 0.52±0.10, and 0.53±0.12 measured and calculated during operation, respectively ( t =0.45, 0.80, 0.31, P >0.05). All flaps survived in 17 cases without vascular crisis. At the last follow-up, 16 patients were satisfied with effects of flaps in wound repair, with 1 patient feeling average about the effect; the flexion range of knee joint was 100-120°, and the extension range of knee joint was -2-0°; knee joint function was evaluated as excellent in 9 cases, good in 7 cases, and poor in 1 case; the sensory function of the flap area reached S 4 level in 2 cases, S 3 level in 8 cases, and S 2 level in 7 cases; the wounds in flap donor sites healed well; there was no adverse effect in motor function of limbs. Conclusions: Retrograde anterolateral thigh perforator flap is an effective method for repairing skin and soft tissue defects around the knee or in proximal lower leg. Preoperative CTA examination can fully show the anatomical characteristics of the branches of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and the perforating vessels of each branch, which can guide preoperative flap design and operation, thus shortening operation time and improving flap survival rate, with good clinical effects.

Objective: To develop a software based on "UniDental" system which is a virtual reality dental simulation system and applied to undergraduate majoring in stomatology to improve the ability of identifying caries., Methods: A software was developed applying to identify virtual dental caries based on UniDental system. In the software, a virtual dental caries model was designed and carious tissue was separated to 3 layers by the depth. The stiffness was the same within each layer which was increasing gradually layer by layer. The roughness was also the same within each layer which was decreasing gradually layer by layer. Sixty-four participants in pre-clinical stage of the class of 2014 majoring in stomatology from Peking University School of Stomatology were trained with the software. During the training, the students should probe on the virtual dental carious tissue layer by layer and feel the difference of vertical stiffness and horizontal roughness of each layer by using a handpiece with realistic force feedback. After training, a questionnaire survey was conducted to evaluate the software including a score of 1-5 for haptic fidelity of stiffness and roughness and their relevant gradient and benefit of improving the ability of identifying caries, choosing the preferred training method. The data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test., Results: The median of subjective evaluation scores of the proposed metrics were all "4", demonstrating that the software operated above medium fidelity. The stiffness scores of all 3 layers were statistically significant ( P < 0.05) on the stiffness gradient score. The roughness scores of the 1st and 2nd layers were statistically significant ( P < 0.05) on the roughness gradient score. The training was helpful to improve the ability of identifying caries (median was 4). The scores of all 3 layers stiffness and relevant gradient were statistically significant ( P < 0.05) on the score of benefit of improving the ability of identifying caries. 90.4% of the participants preferred the traditional extracted teeth training method., Conclusion: The virtual reality dental simulation system was helpful to improve students' ability of identifying caries. It couldn't replace the traditional extracted teeth training method by now, it should be used as a supplement to the traditional training method.

Objective: To evaluate the performance of 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging examination (MRI) for the local detecting of muscle invasive bladder cancer following transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT)., Methods: Retrospective study identified 55 patients with pathology-proven bladder cancer who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor followed by 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging between September 2012 and April 2019 in our hospital. Two radiologists reviewed pelvic magnetic resonance imaging together and judged muscle invasive bladder cancer. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were calculated for the presence of muscle invasion by T2 weighted imaging (T2WI) only, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) only and T2WI+DWI compared with the findings at radical cystectomy as the reference standard., Results: Of the 55 patients with pathological results from radical cystectomy, 3.64% (2/55) had no residual disease; 29.09% (16/55) were non-muscle invasive bladder cancer on pathology, including 13 cases in T1 and 3 cases in Ta; 34.55% (19/55) were in stage T2 depending on pathology, 25.45% (14/55) in T3, and 7.27% (4/55) in T4. The average age was 60.76 years, ranging from 42 to 82 years. There were 48 males and 7 females in our study. Before pelvic MRI examination, all the patients received transurethral resection of bladder tumor, including 16 cases taking the operation in our hospital and 39 cases in other hospitals. The interval between the pelvic MRI examination and transurethral resection of bladder tumor was more than 2 weeks in all the patients. They all underwent radical cystectomy within 1 month after the pelvic MRI examination, and no patient underwent radiotherapy or chemotherapy in our study during the interval between the MRI examination and radical cystectomy. T2WI only, DWI only, and T2WI+DWI of 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging for readers were with sensitivity: 94.59%, 83.78%, 91.89%; with specificity: 66.67%, 77.78%, 72.22% and with accuracy: 85.45%, 81.82%, 85.45%, respectively., Conclusion: 3.0T MRI may have a role in diagnosing muscle invasive bladder cancer following TURBT. T2WI has the advantage of detecting the location of bladder tumor, and DWI has the advantage of differentiating between the benign and malignant lesion. 3.0T MRI T2WI+DWI has a good utility in the detection of muscle invasive bladder cancer following TURBT with satisfied accuracy.

Abstract: Objective To derive the general equation of the probability distribution of identity by state （IBS） score among biological full sibling pairs by calculating STR allele frequency. Methods Based on the Mendelian genetics law and the hypothesis that parents of biological full siblings （FS） were unrelated individuals, the IBS score and corresponding probability of different genotype combinations in the offspring when unrelated individuals of different genotype combinations give birth to two offsprings were derived. Results Given f i （ i =1, 2, …, m ） as the frequency of the ith allele of a STR locus, the probability of sharing 2 alleles （ p2FS ）, 1 allele （ p1FS ） or 0 allele （ p0FS ） with biological full sibling pairs on the locus can be respectively expressed as follows： (see the text). The sum of p2FS , p1FS and p0FS must be 1. As for the multiple genotyping system that contained n STR loci, IBS scores between biological full sibling pairs conform to binomial distribution： IBS ~B（2 n , π 1）. The population rate π 1, can be given by the formula： (see the text). Conclusion The alternative hypothesis in biological full sibling testing is that two appraised individuals are biological full siblings. The probability of the corresponding alternative hypothesis of any STR locus combination or IBS score can be directly calculated by the equations presented in this study, and the calculation results are the basis for explanations of the evidence., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Editorial Department of Journal of Forensic Medicine.)

Objective: To elucidate the function of miRNA-337 in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and its underlying mechanism., Materials and Methods: Type 2 diabetes db/db mice were assigned into db/db group, vehicle group, and si-miR group, and age-matched db/m mice were in the db/m group. Differences in mouse serum glucose, body weight, serum creatinine, and albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) among the four groups were compared at 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks, 18 weeks, and 22 weeks of age. The expression level of miRNA-337 in mouse kidney tissues was determined by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Correlation between miRNA-337 expression with ACR was analyzed. Through Western blot analysis, protein levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-18, podocin, nephrin, and desmin in mouse kidney tissues were detected., Results: With the increasing age, serum glucose, body weight, serum creatinine, and ACR in db/db mice gradually increased, which were remarkably higher than age-matched db/m mice. After treatment with miRNA-337 inhibitor in db/db mice, no remarkable changes in serum glucose and body weight were found, while serum creatinine and ACR decreased. Compared with db/m mice, miRNA-337 expression in kidney tissues of db/db mice upregulated, which was positively correlated with ACR. Expression levels of IL-6 and IL-18 in kidney tissues of db/db mice increased relative to db/m mice, but they were downregulated by miRNA-337 inhibitor treatment. Moreover, podocin and nephrin downregulated, while desmin upregulated in kidney tissues of db/db mice than db/m mice. By miRNA-337 inhibitor treatment in db/db mice, levels of podocin and nephrin increased, whereas desmin level decreased. We obtained similar results at their cellular level., Conclusions: We showed that miRNA-337 expression increases in db/db mice with diabetic nephropathy, which leads to podocyte injury by upregulating levels of IL-6 and IL-18.

Objective: This paper aims to investigate the correlation of lipid peroxide in erythrocytes and ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) enzyme activity of erythrocyte membrane with fetal distress in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP)., Patients and Methods: Forty-three patients with ICP treated at Jining No. 1 People's Hospital were enrolled as a study group, and another forty healthy parturient women in the same period were enrolled as a control group, to extract their elbow venous blood and fetal umbilical cord blood. Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) was used to detect superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of erythrocytes, malondialdehyde (MDA) activity in plasma, Na+-K+-ATP enzyme activity and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATP enzyme activity of erythrocytes, which were compared between the study and control groups. The correlation of MDA, Na+-K+-ATP enzyme and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATP enzyme activities with fetal distress in the study group was analyzed, and the correlation of MDA with Na+-K+-ATP enzyme activity was investigated., Results: SOD and MDA activities of erythrocytes in maternal blood of the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.05, p<0.001, respectively), but MDA activity in umbilical cord blood of the study group was markedly higher than that in the control group (p<0.001). Na+-K+-ATP enzyme and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATP enzyme activities of maternal and fetal erythrocytes of the study group were remarkably lower than those of the control group (p<0.001). MDA in the fetal distress group was significantly higher than that in the no fetal distress group in the study group (p<0.001). Na+-K+-ATP enzyme activity was negatively correlated with MDA concentration in maternal and fetal erythrocytes of patients with ICP (both p<0.001)., Conclusions: Lipid peroxidation in patients with ICP will affect ATP enzyme activity of erythrocyte membrane, and the down-regulation of ATP enzyme activity in umbilical cord blood of patients with ICP may cause fetal distress in the uterus.

Background: Quality of life (QoL) is an important indicator for evaluating therapeutic outcomes and mortality in renal transplant recipients, but there is scarce information regarding QoL, adherence behavior, social support and their relationships. This study assessed these factors among renal transplant recipients., Methods: Using a descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional design, this study included a convenience sample of 253 kidney transplant recipients. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data., Results: The scores on QoL domains (except the social functioning domain [P = .909]) were lower in our recipients than in the general Chinese population norm (P = .0000001). Time since transplantation (P = .041) and education (P = .013) were factors affecting QoL scores. The mean total adherence behavior score was 60.64 ± 7.71. Occupation and time since transplantation affected the total adherence behavior score. There was an alarming percentage of nonadherence in our transplant recipients (27.5%-72.3%). The mean total social support score was 40.76 ± 9.51. The total social support score (P = .0000087) was lower than the general Chinese population norm. Occupation (P = .0000087) education (P = .010), marital status (P = .013), payment method (P = .028) and monthly income (P = .007) affected the total social support score; there were significant relationships between physical health, psychological health, adherence behavior (r = .145, P = .022; r = .153, P = .016), and social support (r = .211, P = .001; r = .301, P = .000)., Conclusions: The findings demonstrate somewhat deficient QoL among renal transplant recipients compared with the general population. Social support, adherence behavior, time since transplantation and education significantly influenced QoL for our recipients, and social support had the most significant influence on adherence behavior and QoL., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To derive the probability equation given by STR allele frequencies of identity by state （IBS） score shared by unrelated individual pairs., Methods: By comparing the STR genotypes of two unrelated individuals, three mutually exclusive combinations could be obtained： （1） sharing 2 identical alleles, a ₂=1, otherwise a ₂=0; （2） sharing 1 identical allele, a ₁=1, otherwise a ₁=0; （3） sharing 0 identical allele, a ₀=1, otherwise a ₀=0. And the IBS score of the one STR locus in this unrelated individual pair could be given by the formula： ibs =2 a ₂+ a ₁. The probability of a ₂=1 （ p ₂）, a ₁=1 （ p ₁） and a ₀=1 （ p ₀） were derived and expressed in powers of the allele frequencies. Subsequently, for a genotyping system including n independent STR loci, the characteristics of binomial distribution of IBS score shared by a pair of unrelated individuals could be given by p ₂ l and p ₁ l （ l =1, 2, …, n ）., Results: All the general equations of p ₂, p ₁ and p ₀ were derived from the basic conceptions of a ₂, a ₁ and a ₀, respectively. Given f i （ i =1, 2, …, m ） as the ith allele frequency of a STR locus, the general equations of p ₂, p ₁ and p ₀ could be respectively expressed in powers of f i ： [Formula: see text],[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The sum of p ₂, p ₁ and p ₀ must be equal to 1. Then, the binomial distribution of IBS score shared by unrelated individual pairs genotyped with n independently STR loci could be written by： IBS ~B（2 n , π ）, and the general probability, π, could be given by the formula： [Formula: see text]., Conclusions: In the biological full sibling identification, the probability of null hypothesis corresponding to any specific IBS score can be directly calculated by the general equations presented in this study, which is the basement of the evidence explanation., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Editorial Department of Journal of Forensic Medicine.)

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (OBV/PTV/r) 25/150/100 mg once daily and dasabuvir (DSV) 250 mg twice daily combined with ribavirin in adult patients of Mainland China with chronic HCV genotype 1b infection and compensated cirrhosis. Methods: An open-label, multicenter, phase 3 clinical trial study was conducted in mainland China, Taiwan, and South Korea. Adult patients with compensated cirrhosis (Metavir score =F4) who were newly diagnosed and treated for hepatitis C virus genotype 1b infection with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir combined with ribavirin for 12 weeks were included. Assessed SVR rate of patients obtained at 12 and 24 weeks after drug withdrawal. Efficacy and safety were evaluated in patients who received at least one time study drugs. Results: A total of 63 patients from mainland China were enrolled, 62 of whom (98.4%) had a baseline Child-Pugh score of 5 points. The overall rate of SVR12 and SVR24 in patients was 100% (95% CI: 94.3% to 100.0%). Most of the adverse events that occurred were mild. The incidence of common (≥10%) adverse events and laboratory abnormalities included elevated total bilirubin (36.5%), weakness (19.0%), elevated unconjugated bilirubin (19.0%) and conjugated bilirubin (17.5%), and anemia (14.3%). Three cases (4.8%) of patients experienced Grade ≥ 3 adverse events that were considered by the investigators to be unrelated to the study drug. None patients had adverse events leading to premature drug withdrawal. Conclusion: Mainland Chinese patients with chronic HCV genotype 1b infection and compensated cirrhosis who were treated with OBV/PTV/r plus DSV combined with RBV for 12 weeks achieved 100 % SVR at 12 and 24 weeks after drug withdrawal. Tolerability and safety were good, and majority of adverse events were mild.

Objective: To investigate the discharge outcome of external ventricular drainage(EVD) and conservative treatment in patients with severe intraventricular hemorrhage (SeIVH). Methods: From January 2011 to December 2016, patients with SeIVH admitted to the General Hospital of the PLA Rocket Force and the Army General Hospital received EVD treatment and were classified as the treatment group. According to intraventricular hemorrhage volume and age, patients received conservative treatment were pair matched and classified as control group. Then we compared the clinical outcome of moderate disability or less degree of discharge (mRS ≤3) and death incidence (mRS 6) between two groups. Results: A total of 361 patients with IVH were treated during these six years. Among them, 75 cases were chosen as treatment group. Another 75 cases were pair matched as control group from 286 cases. At the time of admission, the ventricular hemorrhage volume of two groups were (55.8±22.7) ml and (53.7±23.3) ml ( P =0.569) respectively. Cerebral hemorrhage volume were (23.6±5.3) ml and (24.0±5.4) ml ( P =0.631). And the median Glasgow coma score (GCS) were 4[IQR(3, 7)] and 5[IQR(4, 7)]( P =0.131). At the discharge time, there were 16% (12/75) patients scored mRS≤3 in treatment group, while 2.7% (2/75) in control group ( P <0.005). The absolute risk reduction (ARR) was 13.3%, and the number needed to treat (NNT) was 7.5. The mortality rate of treatment group was 13.3% (10/75), much lower than that of the control group 41.1% (31/75, P <0.001). ARR was 27.8% and NNT was 3.6. Conclusion: Although the prognosis of SeIVH was poor, compared with conservative treatment, EVD treatment significantly improved the outcome of these patients. Randomized controlled trials are needed to validate the efficacy of EVD.

Objectives: To establish a query table of IBS critical value and identification power for the detection systems with different numbers of STR loci under different false judgment standards., Methods: Samples of 267 pairs of full siblings and 360 pairs of unrelated individuals were collected and 19 autosomal STR loci were genotyped by Golden e ye™ 20A system. The full siblings were determined using IBS scoring method according to the 'Regulation for biological full sibling testing'. The critical values and identification power for the detection systems with different numbers of STR loci under different false judgment standards were calculated by theoretical methods., Results: According to the formal IBS scoring criteria, the identification power of full siblings and unrelated individuals was 0.764 0 and the rate of false judgment was 0. The results of theoretical calculation were consistent with that of sample observation. The query table of IBS critical value for identification of full sibling detection systems with different numbers of STR loci was successfully established., Conclusions: The IBS scoring method defined by the regulation has high detection efficiency and low false judgment rate, which provides a relatively conservative result. The query table of IBS critical value for identification of full sibling detection systems with different numbers of STR loci provides an important reference data for the result judgment of full sibling testing and owns a considerable practical value., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Editorial Department of Journal of Forensic Medicine)

In this work we explore the quantum correlation quantified by trace distance discord as a measure to analyze the quantum critical behaviors in the Ising-XXZ diamond structure at finite temperatures. It is found that the first-order derivative of the trace distance discord exhibits a maximum around the critical point at finite temperatures. By analyzing the finite-temperature scaling behavior, we show that such a quantum correlation can detect exactly the quantum phase transitions from the entan-gled state in ferrimagnetic phase to an unentangled state in ferrimagnetic phase or to an unentangled state in ferromagnetic phase. The results also indicate that the above two kinds of transitions can be distinguished by the different finite-temperature scaling behaviors. Moreover, we find that the trace distance discord, in contrast to other typical quantum correlations (e.g., concurrence, quantum discord and Hellinger distance), may be more reliable to exactly spotlight the critical points of this model at finite temperatures under certain situations.

The objective of this study was to investigate the regulatory mechanism underlying the increased muscle protein accumulation in pigs while were fed a high protein diet. The eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs) have been reported to involve in muscle protein synthesis. We investigated the mRNA and protein expression levels of eIF2B1, 4A1, 4B and 4E in Wujin pigs fed either a high protein (HP: 18%) or a low protein (LP: 14%) diet at 30, 60 or 100 kg body weight, based on real-time PCR and western blotting analyses. Our results indicated that the expression levels of eIF2B1 mRNA and protein were increased by HP diet at all body weight. The HP diet showed higher mRNA and protein levels of eIF4B gene at 60 and 100 kg. The protein expression of eIF4E phosphorylation was increased by HP diet only at 30 kg. These data suggested that the HP diet promoted porcine muscle protein accumulation mainly by up-regulating eIF2B1, 4B and 4E rather than 4A1 expression along the growth stages., (Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition © 2013 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content plays an important role in meat quality. Triglyceride (TG) metabolism in intramuscular adipocytes is strongly associated with the intramuscular fat deposition. To better understand the mechanisms leading to IMF deposition we compared the expression levels of genes related to preadipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis in the intramuscular preadipocytes isolated from the longissimus muscle of Wujin and Landrace pigs. The results showed that the intramuscular preadipocytes could differentiate into mature adipocytes in vitro. Triglyceride content in adipocytes isolated from Wujin pigs was higher than Landrace pigs during the middle and later phases of preadipocyte differentiation. The expression levels of genes related to preadipocyte differentiation such as PPARG and CEBPA showed differential expression between Wujin and Landrace porcine adipocytes during the early stage of differentiation. The expression levels of lipogenic genes such as FASN and SREBF1 were significantly higher in Wujin porcine intramuscular preadipocytes than in Landrace intramuscular preadipocytes at the middle and the later stages of differentiation. This suggests that preadipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis exhibited breed-related scheduling., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and human leucocyte antigen (HLA) play crucial role in maintaining immune homoeostasis and controlling immune responses. To investigate the influence of KIR and HLA-C ligands on the risk of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), we studied 200 patients who were confirmed to have PTB and 200 healthy controls on the different frequencies of KIR and HLA-C ligands. Genotyping of these genes was conducted by sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR) method. Gene frequencies were compared between PTB group and the control group by χ(2) test, and P < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. As a result, the frequency of KIR genotype A/B was increased in PTB than controls but A/A was decreased. Moreover, striking differences were observed in the frequencies of HLA-Cw*08 between the two groups. Besides, the frequencies of '2DL2/3 with C1' in PTB were increased compared with control group. In addition, individuals with no KIR2DS3 and no Cw*08 were higher in controls than in PTB. KIR2DS1 was increased in PTB when HLA-C group 2 alleles were missing. In conclusion, KIR and HLA-C gene polymorphisms were related to susceptibility to PTB., (© 2012 The Authors. Scandinavian Journal of Immunology © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.)

Individual identification of urinary samples is necessary when sample switching or handling are suspected during a judicial process. To improve the rate of successful genotyping of urinary samples, we examined the stability of DNA in urinary samples stored for up to 30 days. Urinary samples from 20 healthy individuals (10 males and 10 females) were stored at -80°C with different concentrations of EDTA (0, 10 and 40 mM). Urinary DNA was extracted at days 0, 3, 9, and 30 after collection. The Quantifiler Human DNA Quantification Kit was used for measuring DNA concentration. Twenty STR loci were co-amplified using amelogenin-specific PCR with the Goldeneye 20A Kit. Significant differences in DNA concentration were observed between samples from females and males. In the case of female urinary DNA preservation with 10 and 40 mM EDTA the mean detection rate reached 0.95 after up to 30 days; for the male urinary samples, the mean detection rate of urinary DNA preserved with 40 mM EDTA was significantly higher than with 10 mM. We concluded that 40 mM EDTA is the best concentration for preservation of the DNA in urinary samples.

Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases. However, whether KIR polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis was unknown. We examined a possible association of KIR polymorphism with susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis in Chinese Han. We analyzed 15 KIR genes in 109 pulmonary tuberculosis patients and 110 healthy controls using sequence-specific primer PCR analysis of genomic DNA. We found that the frequencies of KIR2DS1, 2DS3 and 3DS1 were significantly higher in patients than in the control group. In addition, the number of subjects carrying more than two activating KIR genes in the patient group was significantly higher than in the control group. The gene cluster containing KIR3DS1-2DL5-2DS1-2DS5 was also significantly more frequent in the patient group. In conclusion, KIR genes 2DS1, 2DS3 and 3DS1 appear to be associated with resistance to pulmonary tuberculosis in the Chinese Han population. KIR genes apparently have a role in resistance to pulmonary tuberculosis.

Three novel ovine genes were obtained from muscle full-length cDNA library of black-boned sheep. Sequence analysis revealed that nucleotide sequences of these genes were not homologous to any of the known sheep or goat genes, but these genes have high similarity to ATP synthase subunit O (ATP5O), NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) 1 alpha subcomplex, 12 (NDUFA12) and ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase hinge protein (UQCRH) genes of other mammal animals (accession number: FJ546085, FJ546078 and FJ546083). The alignment analysis showed that the ovine ATP5O, NDUFA12 and UQCRH genes and proteins have closer genetic relationships with the ATP5O, NDUFA12 and UQCRH genes and proteins from cattle. Conserved domain prediction showed that these three genes included OSCP, NDUFA12 superfamily and UCR-hinge superfamily domains respectively. The deduced sequence of ATP5O, NDUFA12 and UQCRH protein had 213, 145 and 91 amino acid residues, with a molecular weight of approximately 23419.66, 17089.50 and 10657.75 Da and a theoretical isoelectric point of 9.90, 9.68 and 4.45. The secondary structure prediction revealed that 60% helix structure in ATP5O, 60% coils in NDUFA12 and no strand in UQCRH. One potential signal peptide structure in ATP5O protein were found. NDUFA12 and UQCRH have the extremely low possibility of signal peptides. Meanwhile, RasMol was used for visualizing the PDB files generated by Swiss-Model in cartoon or three-dimensional format. ATP5O and UQCRH protein were modeled by Swiss-Model. Tissue expression profile indicated that the ovine ATP5O, NDUFA12 and UQCRH genes could be expressed in all detected tissues including muscles, heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney and adipose tissues, but the expression abundance of these genes were various in the different tissues. Our experiment supplied the primary foundation for further researches on these three ovine genes.

The effect of atmosphere turbulence on light's spatial structure compromises the information capacity of photons carrying the Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) in free-space optical (FSO) communications. In this paper, we study two aberration correction methods to mitigate this effect. The first one is the Shack-Hartmann wavefront correction method, which is based on the Zernike polynomials, and the second is a phase correction method specific to OAM states. Our numerical results show that the phase correction method for OAM states outperforms the Shark-Hartmann wavefront correction method, although both methods improve significantly purity of a single OAM state and the channel capacities of FSO communication link. At the same time, our experimental results show that the values of participation functions go down at the phase correction method for OAM states, i.e., the correction method ameliorates effectively the bad effect of atmosphere turbulence.

Allele frequencies of 30 insertion/deletion polymorphism (InDel) markers previously selected and validated for forensic purposes were assessed in 419 unrelated individuals originating from five different populations of P.R. China, including Chinese Han, Chinese Hui, Uighur, Mongolians, and Tibetans. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium tests and linkage disequilibrium analysis were performed; the allele frequency distributions of the 30 InDel markers met the conditions for genetic equilibrium in all five populations and the InDel markers on the same chromosome did not generate any linkage blocking. Analysis of molecular variance indicated that genetic variation among the five populations represents only 4% of the total genetic diversity. We determined the cumulative power of discrimination for each population: 0.99999999999841 in Chinese Han, 0.99999999999690 in Chinese Hui, 0.99999999999709 in Uighur, 0.99999999999772 in Mongolians, and 0.99999999999854 in Tibetans.

This study investigated major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) antigen expression on peripheral blood T-cells after transplantation to assess its potential as an early marker of acute graft rejection (AGR). Using a mouse model with or without immunosuppressive treatment, the expression of MHC-I antigens on CD3(+)CD8(+) T-lymphocytes was assessed by flow cytometry following syngeneic graft (n = 138) or allograft (n = 138) skin transplantation. The occurrence of AGR was assessed by examining the degree of lymphocyte and monocyte infiltration in transplant biopsies. During AGR, expression of MHC-I antigens increased significantly compared with pre-transplant levels in the allograft group, even with immunosuppressive treatment. The highest expression of MHC-I antigens occurred 5 - 6 days before macroscopic rejection. These results suggest that expression of MHC-I antigens on peripheral blood CD3(+)CD8(+) T-lymphocytes could be used as an early marker for predicting AGR.

Microwave radiation and conductive heating were used to completely kill adult Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in wheat flour to protect the flour during storage without significantly effecting its quality. The microstructure of T. castaneum was analyzed to reveal the mechanisms leading to death under microwave and heat treatments. Microwave radiation and conductive heating had different effects on the microstructure of the cuticle of adult T. castaneum and on the ultrastructure of the cells of the epidermis, fat body, and midgut. Both treatments caused a large cavity to appear in the nucleus and the disappearance of mitochondria and the Golgi apparatus. After microwave treatment, there was little change in the surface microstructure but the epidermis was of uneven thickness and the four outer layers of the cuticle were thinner. Nuclear size was essentially unchanged, but fat body cells were fewer and coalesced together. In contrast, conductive heating led to a disordered arrangement of cells on the surface of T. castaneum and indistinct boundaries between layers of the cuticle. The nuclei were enlarged and the fat body cells noticeably fewer and indistinct with a scattered distribution. Thus, microwave treatment produced less severe effects on the surface microstructure and cellular ultrastructure of T. castaneum than did conductive heating. It is concluded that these cellular and surface changes were responsible for the death of T. castaneum., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Anti-adipocyte monoclonal antibody has been shown to reduce body fat mass in animals. Here, we investigated the effects of an anti-adipocyte antibody (single-chain variable fragment and crystallizable fragment, scFv-Fc) on pig subcutaneous adipose tissue development and lipid metabolism. The scFv-Fc antibody did not alter feed intake or body weight of treated pigs. It suppressed subcutaneous adipose tissue development by reducing the percentage of larger adipocytes, which led to a reduction in body fat mass and subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness. Body fat mass was reduced by reducing triglyceride biosynthesis and promoting triglyceride lipolysis in adipose tissue. There was an increase in lipoprotein lipase mRNA expression in adipose tissue and activity in blood and an enhanced transportation of circulating high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and free fatty acids. Blood concentrations of triglyceride, total cholesterol, glucose, insulin, and adiponectin and mRNA expression of adiponectin in adipose tissue remained unaffected. These findings suggest that anti-adipocyte scFv-Fc antibody may have an application for reducing body fat mass in obese subjects.

This study compared the expression of the genes encoding human leucocyte antigens (HLA)-A, -B, -DP, -DR and -G in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in gastric cancer patients and healthy controls. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, levels of classical HLA-A, -B, -DP and -DR and non-classical HLA-G mRNA were studied in 43 gastric cancer patients and 22 controls. In addition, the levels of HLA-A,B,C and -G antigens on the surface of PBMCs were measured in 30 gastric cancer patients and 15 controls using flow cytometry. The mean fluorescence intensity of HLA-A,B,C antigen in the gastric cancer group was significantly lower than in controls. The HLA-G antigen was mainly present on CD4(+)CD8(-) T-lymphocytes. The percentage of CD4(+)CD8(-) T-lymphocytes positive for HLA-G antigen was significantly lower in the gastric cancer group compared with the healthy controls. Levels of HLA-A, -B and -G mRNA in the gastric cancer group were significantly lower than in controls. The HLA-G mRNA levels were significantly lower in gastric cancer of histological grades III and IV than in grades I and II. These data may provide a novel diagnostic and research tool for gastric cancer.

In order to study the mechanism of monoclonal antibody (McAb) against a porcine 40-kDa adipocyte-specific plasma membrane protein in reducing fat deposition, porcine primary adipocytes were treated with the McAb during the process of adipocyte differentiation; its effect on expression of lipid metabolism related genes was investigated. Adipocytes were treated with 1-methyl-3-isobutylmethylxanthine (IDX) plus 10 microg/mL of the McAb or without McAb. The mRNA levels of adipocyte differentiation related genes (PPARgamma and C/EBPalpha), lipid metabolism related genes (FAS, HSL, CPT-1B, DGAT and A-FABP) and adiponectin gene (AdipoQ) were determined using real-time quantitative PCR. The results showed that the differentiated adipocyte number and triglyceride (TG) content in adipocytes treated with the McAb were lower than that in cells without McAb during the whole process of adipocyte differentiation. The McAb significantly reduced mRNA expression of PPARgamma, C/EBPalpha, FAS, DGAT, A-FABP and adiponectin genes, but increased mRNA expression of HSL and CPT-1B genes during the medium and latter stage of adipocyte differentiation. This suggested that the McAb decreased triglycerol accumulation in adipocyte by both inhibiting adipocyte differentiation and regulating lipid metabolism, especially at the medium and latter stage of porcine adipocyte differentiation.

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content affects meat quality and varies in different pig breeds. However, the underlying mechanisms of different IMF depositions in different genetic backgrounds of pigs have not been fully elucidated as yet. Lipid metabolism theoretically contributes to the variation of IMF content. The expression levels of genes and proteins as well as enzyme activities implicated in muscle lipid metabolism were investigated, which included lipogenetic genes (SREBP-1c and FAS), fatty acid transporting genes (H-FABP and A-FABP), fatty acid oxidative gene (CPT-1B) and lipolytic genes (ATGL and HSL) as well as the desaturated fatty acid gene (SCD). Longissimus muscle samples were collected from fatty Wujin pigs and lean Landrace pigs. Results showed that the average daily gain of Wujin pigs was lower than that of Landrace pigs. Wujin pigs had greater adipocyte diameter, IMF content and PUFA percentage than that of Landrace pigs. Compared with Landrace pigs, Wujin pigs exhibited higher expression levels, both in mRNA and protein, of FAS, SREBP-1c, SCD, A-FABP and H-FABP genes and lower expression levels of CPT-1B, HSL and ATGL genes. Overall, Wujin pigs possessed higher mRNA abundance, protein expression or enzyme activities of anabolism, fatty acid transportation and desaturation, and lower catabolism. Therefore, the mechanism of higher IMF content in fatty pigs may be due to the higher capacity of lipogenesis and fatty acid transportation and the lower capacity of lipolysis.

This study investigated the nucleotide sequences and tissue expression levels of genes relating to the ovulation rate in Yunling black goats, a famous Yunnan province, China, local breed with low fecundity. Five genes, FSHB, FSHR, BMP15, BMPR1B, and ESR2, were investigated; the complete cDNA sequences of these genes were 390, 2088, 1185, 1509, and 1585 bp, respectively, and compared with Boer goats (a more fecund breed), the sequence identities were 99%, 99%, 99%, 100%, and 99%, respectively. There were two base differences in FSHB and BMP15, four in FSHR, and three in ESR2. There were fewer follicles and oocytes in Yunling black goats than in Boer goats. Expression levels of FSHB, FSHR, and BMP15 genes in Yunling black goats were lower, and expression levels of BMPR1B and ESR2 genes were higher. Serum FSH content was lower in Yunling black goats, but serum estrogen content was higher. Protein expression levels of FSHR, BMP15, BMPR1B, and ESR2 in ovary and pituitary correlated positively with gene mRNA expression levels. In Yunling black goats, the mRNA expression levels of FSHB, FSHR, and BMP15 positively correlated with litter size, but those of BMPR1B and ESR2 correlated negatively. Together, base changes and variations in mRNA and protein expression levels of genes relating to the ovulation rate result in low fecundity in the Yunling black goat. Reduced BMP15 and FSHR levels may be related to the observed fewer oocytes and, consequently, fewer follicles.

The muscle paste of fish, pork, and their mixtures were prepared to study the gelling characteristics by dynamic rheological measurement. The gelation mechanisms of muscle paste were also investigated by circular dichroism. Gel formation of fish paste occurred in 2 steps of 5 to 35 and 51 to 90 degrees C respectively, while pork paste mainly in 1 step of 49 to 72 degrees C. Gel formation was relative to the alpha-helix unfolding of myosin, which responded the melting temperatures of 40 and 50 degrees C for fish myosin and 50 and 60 degrees C for pork myosin, respectively. Alpha-helix unfolding of myosin was beneficial for gel formation. During gel formation, G' of muscle paste was linearly related to alpha-helical content of myosin. The interactions of fish and pork proteins at high temperature (>35 degrees C) could change the gel forming characteristics of muscle paste. Mixed paste exhibited a similar gelation pattern to individual fish paste with 2 visible increases in G'. Addition of pork could suppress the breakdown of fish gel structure at approximately 50 degrees C. Mixing pork and silver carp in a certain ratio could improve the gel properties of silver carp products.

Background: Early diagnosis of acute graft rejection is important in the clinic. To explore a reliable diagnostic marker, we selected skin-grafted rabbits as an animal model to study peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) major histocompatibility complex 1 (MHC I) and MHC II gene mRNA in acute graft rejection (AGR)., Methods: Fifteen New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups to observe skin graft rejection: three rabbits were in the autograft control group; six rabbits in a cyclosporine (CsA) treated allografted group; and the other six rabbits in untreated allografted group. The CsA-treated allografted group was given CsA (5 mg/kg) daily intramuscularly. PBMC samples were obtained every 2 days to detect by real-time polymerase chain reaction, PBMC MHC I and MHC II gene mRNA., Results: MHC I and MHC II gene mRNA levels did not show any obvious change in the autografted controls. MHC I gene mRNA levels showed a slow increase in the CsA-treated allografted group, but no obvious change in the untreated allografted group. MHC II gene mRNA reached the highest level at 2 to 3 days before graft rejection appeared macroscopically in the CsA-treated allografted group and untreated allografted group, then decreasing to a low level., Conclusion: Compared with MHC I gene mRNA expression, PBMC MHC II gene mRNA expression may be considered to be an earlier marker for AGR.

Recently a strong positive association between schizophrenia and Notch4 has been reported. Both individual markers and haplotypes showed association with the disease, with five markers (three microsatellites and two SNPs) being tested. In order to test this finding we genotyped these markers in the Han Chinese population using a sample of 544 cases and 621 controls as well as >300 trios. Analysis of allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies in both samples showed no association between the markers and the disease. Our results would indicate that a significant role for the Notch4 gene in schizophrenia can be ruled out in the Han Chinese. However, similar studies are necessary in the Caucasian population as linkage disequilibrium arrangements and founder effects may differ between these two populations.

The factors influencing the rice transformation frequency have been investigated by using 8 indica and japonica rice cultivars during the transformation procedures, such as induction of calli, selection, and regeneration. The following is the results: The immature embryos were pretreated in 4 degrees C for 4 or 7 days before inoculation, and the regeneration frequency of calli would be increased. High osmotic treatment may increase the possibility of transformation, especially for calli of 6 months or older. The transformation frequency was improved when selection pressure was removed during differentiation period. The V-type selection may be better than the normal selection. There is a difference of differentiation ability among the calli of three periods and it is found that the calli of two or three months are the best for transformation. Proline and DMSO can decrease browning rate of calli.

To study the effectiveness of Gossypium interspecific hybrid breeding on molecular level, the six germplasm lines from interspecific hybrids between G. hirsutum and G. bickii were analysed by the techniques of RAPD and isozyme electrophoresis. The main results were summarized as follows: (1) The basic zymograms of peroxidase isozyme of the six germplasm lines were similar to their G. hirsutum parent, but two out of the germplasm lines showed one specific band of the wild parent of G. bickii (pI 4.85); (2) The RAPD fingerprint showed distinct difference of genomic DNA among the germplasm lines; (3) The four specific DNA fragments of G. bickii were observed in RAPD patters of four out of the six germplasm lines.

To study the genetic character of trispecific hybrid cultivar Shiyuan 321, we analyzed this cultivar and its parents by isozyme and RAPD techniques. The main results are as follows: (1) Esterase isozyme analysis showed that there was one specific band among cultivar Suiyuan 321 and its parents, G. thurberi and G. barbadense; (2) Six specific DNA fragments amplified by 4 primers were found among cultivar Shiyuan 321 and its parents G. barbadense, G. thurberi; (3) By comparing RAPD differences among Shiyuan 321 and its parents, it is indicated that the genetic heterogeneity of cultivar Shiyuan 321 is very high at its genomic DNA level. The above results proved that Shiyuan 321 is a trispecific cultivar from G. barbadense x G. thurberi x G. hirsutum as well as a new germplasm.

Rabbit defensin NP-1 possesses a broad resistant spectrum to pathogens. In this work, we have transferred the NP-1 gene into poplar plants by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. PCR amplification and Southern analysis showed that rabbit defensin NP-1 gene was integrated into the poplar genome. The transformation efficiency is about 15.6%. Antimicrobial activity test showed that the extract of transgenic plants inhibited the growth of the tested microbes.

In this article, endosperm starch grains of eleven lines in multiplasmic maize were studied by scanning electron microscope. The results show that different cytoplasm has different effects on the characters of starch grain. The starch grains of three sweet corn cytoplasmic lines (su1, sh2, btl) are mainly spherical and packed tightly, which means they have some degree of similarity. While the grains of four cytolasmic male sterility lines (T, S, C, 21A) are mostly irregular and packed loosely except (T) Mo17, in which grains are tightly packed. The average diameter of these eleven varieties is ranged from 9.78 microns to 14.69 microns. Through the study of endosperm starch grain shape and size, we tried to explore the relationship between the property of starches and the quality of seeds. And this will significantly prompt the development of maize genetics and breeding.

A multicentre retrospective study of ulcer-carcinoma was carried out in 16 hospitals in China, with the aim of examining the correlation between pre-cancerous lesions and malignant change associated with benign gastric ulcer. Malignant change occurred at 2% over a variable period of 6 months to 15 years. About two-thirds of the ulcer cancers were found to be tubular adenocarcinoma.

The hemidesmosome is the major attachment structure of the epidermal basal cell visible ultrastructurally in skin. The importance of its components to cultured cell attachment to substratum is not understood, however. A component of the hemidesmosome, the 230-kDa bullous pemphigoid antigen (p230), has been shown to be present in an insoluble or particulate fraction of cultured cells. In order to more fully characterize its potential importance for cell-matrix adhesion in cultured keratinocytes, specific antibodies were raised to the C-terminal region of p230 expressed as a bacterial fusion protein. Such antibodies recognize the hemidesmosome of epidermis, binding on the cytoplasmic region of its plaque. In addition, keratinocytes cultured in a 0.15 mM Ca(2+)-defined medium contain a detergent-resistant pool of p230 which appears to lie in the same focal plane as the culture substrate and has a patchy or irregular distribution by indirect immunofluorescence. Treatment of cultured cells at 4 degrees C with trypsin or pronase sufficient to release keratinocytes from the culture dish does not affect the electrophoretic migration of p230 on SDS-gels, suggesting that p230 is not exposed to the extracellular space. In cells cultured in 0.15 mM Ca2+, 230-kDa BP antigen is localized to discrete clusters resting near the basal plasma membrane of the cell by immunogold staining following brief detergent treatment and fixation. These clusters are approximately 0.1 micron in diameter, which is similar in size to the in vivo hemidesmosome. Fully formed electron dense hemidesmosomal plaques are not observed under the same culture conditions, however. It appears that these clusters are early precursors of the hemidesmosome.

An analysis of 4628 cases in the genetic counseling clinic of PUMC Hospital is reported. Althogether 966 cases (20.87%) were diagnosed as having genetic diseases, among whom were 436 cases (45.13%) with chromosome aberrations, 161 (16.67%) with inherited metabolic diseases, 111 (11.49%) with constitutional bone diseases, 103 (10.66%) with various kinds of genetic neuromuscular diseases, 109 (11.28%) with different dysmorphic syndromes, and 46 (4.76%) with different kinds of genetic dermatoses and oculopathies. 973 cases (21.02%) were suspected to suffer from some form of genetic disease, but this could not be proved due to a lack of specific diagnostic methods. 2689 cases (58.10%) were found to be unaffected by inherited diseases. Some of the experiences gained and the key role of genetic counselling in family planning are briefly discussed.

The perinatal mortality rates and causes of deaths in our hospital within the three 5-year periods (1955-1959, 1976-1980, 1981-1985) were reported as well as the total number of births (16,846), deaths (457), and autopsies (393, autopsy rate 85.9%). The perinatal mortality for the three 5-year periods was 44.5%, 23.8%, and 17.2% respectively; it declined more significantly in 1981-1985 than in 1976-1980. Anoxia was the first cause of death for the three 5-year periods. Other causes in sequence in 1955-1959 were traumatic intracranial hemorrhage and pulmonary diseases, in 1976-1980 malformation and pulmonary diseases, and in 1981-1985 anoxia, pulmonary diseases and hyaline membrane disease. Results suggest that accurate analysis of causes of deaths depends on meticulous systematic fetal and neonatal autopsy, including macerated fetuses, extensive discussion by pathologists, obstetricians and neonatalogists, and indispensable placental examination.