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Objective: To explore the correlation of bone marrow polychonal plasma cell proportion (pPC% ) and clinical features in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 317 patients with NDMM admitted to Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2018 to January 2023 was performed. The results of the pPC% in all patients were clear. The relationship between the pPC% and clinical characteristics was analyzed. Results: A total of 317 patients were included, comprising 180 males and 137 females. The median age at diagnosis was 61 (26-91) years, and 55.8% were 60 years or older. The pPC% in the bone marrow of patients with NDMM was different in the DS, International Staging System (ISS), and revised ISS (R-ISS) stages ( P =0.002, 0.010, and 0.049, respectively), whereas no statistical difference in pPC% was observed among patients with different FISH risk stratigrams ( P =0.971). The correlation coefficient between pPC% and hemoglobin (HGB) at the first diagnosis in patients was 0.211 ( P <0.01). The correlation coefficients with serum calcium, serum creatinine, M protein level, and β(2)-microglobulin were -0.141, -0.120, -0.181, and -0.207, respectively, and the results of the significance test were P =0.012, 0.033, 0.004, and 0.002, respectively, indicating a negative correlation. Compared with the patients with a pPC% of ≥2.5%, the group of patients with a pPC% of <2.5% had significantly higher levels of light chain, serum calcium, serum creatinine, M protein, and β(2)-microglobulin at the initial diagnosis ( P <0.05) ; lower HGB level ( P <0.001) ; and a higher proportion of patients in ISS stage Ⅲ ( P =0.034) . Conclusion: In this study, the pPC% in patients with NDMM was associated with clinical features of good prognosis, including higher HGB, lower serum calcium, serum creatinine, M protein quantity, β(2)-microglobulin, light chain involvement, lower proportion of advanced disease (DS stage and ISS stage Ⅲ), and clinical features showing lower tumor burden.

Objective: To analyze the clinical phenotype and genetic basis of a child with Alazami syndrome (AS)., Methods: A child who presented at Tianjin Children's Hospital on June 13, 2021 was selected as the study subject. The child was subjected to whole exome sequencing (WES), and candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing., Results: WES revealed that the child has harbored two frameshifting variants of the LARP7 gene, namely c.429&#95;430delAG (p.Arg143Serfs*17) and c.1056&#95;1057delCT (p.Leu353Glufs*7), which were verified by Sanger sequencing to be respectively inherited from his father and mother., Conclusion: The compound heterozygous variants of the LARP7 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis in this child.

Objective: Non-contact continuous blood pressure monitoring is significant in vital sign monitoring. Frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar is suitable for non-contact wave signal extraction. A heartbeat-guided blood pressure monitoring algorithm using FMCW radar is proposed., Methods: The target heart rate is detected and pulse wave signal is extracted based on FMCW reflected signals. The variational mode decomposition (VMD) is introduced to alleviate the interferences of human breath and slight body movements. The pulse wave signal is extracted based on target heart rate. Blood pressure related features of pure pulse waveform are extracted to obtain blood pressure based on its estimation model., Results: Experiments are conducted indoor among 15 participants sitting in a nature state. The average accuracy of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is 94.3% and that of systolic blood pressure is 94.4%., Conclusions: The experimental results demonstrate the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, which makes it possible to further achieve long-term real-time non-contact blood pressure monitoring.

Objective: To analyze the prognostic risk factors of patients with sepsis and the clinical characteristics of patients with septic myocardial injury., Methods: A retrospective study was conducted. The clinical data of 300 patients with sepsis admitted to emergency department of Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University from September 2017 to June 2020 were enrolled, including basic information, blood test indicators and auxiliary inspection indicators. The patients were grouped according to myocardial injury and the clinical characteristics of patients with septic myocardial injury were analyzed. According to 28-day prognosis, they were divided into survival group and non-survival group. The differences in various indicators between the two groups were compared, and binary Logistic regression was used to explore independent risk factors for death in patients with sepsis., Results: In 300 patients, 47 patients were excluded for previous heart disease or lack of the main inspections, and 253 patients were enrolled finally. (1) Myocardial injury occurred in 136 out of 253 patients (53.8%), and 117 without myocardial injury. Compared with the non-myocardial injury group, the myocardial injury group had higher blood white blood cell count [WBC (×10 9 /L): 9.7 (6.7, 13.4) vs. 8.3 (5.4, 12.2)] and procalcitonin [PCT (μg/L): 0.61 (0.18, 4.63) vs. 0.23 (0.09, 0.99)] at admission, and more Staphylococcal infections (17.6% vs. 2.6%), more arrhythmia (sinus tachycardia: 30.9% vs. 23.1%), more ST-T changes (26.5% vs. 23.1%), lower left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF: 0.60 (0.54, 0.65) vs. 0.62 (0.60, 0.66)], higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure [PASP (mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa): 38.0 (32.2, 46.0) vs. 33.0 (30.0, 40.2)], and worse prognosis (28-day mortality: 44.1% vs. 6.0%, all P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that PCT increased [odds ratio (OR) = 1.039, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.018-1.060, P < 0.01], LVEF decreased (OR = 0.828, 95%CI was 0.729-0.941, P < 0.01) and sinus tachycardia (OR = 3.512, 95%CI was 1.417-8.702, P < 0.01) were clinical characteristics of septic patients with myocardial injury. (2) A total of 186 of the 253 patients survived, and 67 died with 28-day mortality of 26.5%. Compared with the survival group, non-survival group had higher myocardial markers and inflammation markers at admission [cardiac troponin T (cTnT, μg/L): 0.06 (0.02, 0.17) vs. 0.02 (0.01, 0.05), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP, ng/L): 3 037.0 (1 308.7, 12 033.7) vs. 893.9 (272.8, 2 825.5), creatine kinase (CK, U/L): 144.5 (57.5, 660.8) vs. 89.5 (47.8, 201.0), WBC (×10 9 /L): 10.5 (6.7, 14.6) vs. 8.6 (6.0, 12.0), C-reactive protein (CRP, mg/L): 89.2 (54.8, 128.5) vs. 63.8 (19.3, 105.6), PCT (μg/L): 2.13 (0.31, 11.79) vs. 0.28 (0.10, 1.25), all P < 0.05], and more sinus tachycardia and atrial arrhythmia (41.8% vs. 22.0%, 29.9% vs. 17.7%, both P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that cTnT increased (OR = 2.115, 95%CI was 1.189-5.459, P < 0.05), sinus tachycardia (OR = 2.557, 95%CI was 1.103-5.929, P < 0.05) and atrial arrhythmia (OR = 2.474, 95%CI was 1.025-5.969, P < 0.05) were independent risk factors for 28-day death in patients with sepsis., Conclusions: Myocardial injury is an independent risk factor for death in patients with sepsis. PCT elevation, LVEF decreased and sinus tachycardia are main characteristics of patients with septic myocardial injury, which should attract clinical attention.

Objective: To screen for mutations of fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene during early and middle pregnancy and provide prenatal diagnosis for those carrying high-risk CGG trinucleotide expansions., Methods: Peripheral blood samples of 2316 pregnant women at 12 to 21(+6) gestational weeks were collected for the extraction of genomic DNA. CGG repeats of the FMR1 gene were detected by fluorescence PCR and capillary electrophoresis. Genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis were provided for 3 women carrying the premutations., Results: The carrier rate of CGG repeats of the FMR1 gene was 1 in 178 for the intermediate type and 1 in 772 for the premutation types. The highest frequency allele of CGG was 29 repeats, which accounted for 49.29%, followed by 30 repeats (28.56%) and 36 repeats (8.83%). In case 1, the fetus had a karyotype of 45,X, in addition with premutation type of CGG expansion of the FMR1 gene. Following genetic counseling, the couple chose to terminate the pregnancy through induced labor. The numbers of CGG repeats were respectively 70/- and 29/30 for the husband and wife. In case 2, amniocentesis was performed at 20 weeks of gestation. The number of CGG repeats of the FMR1 gene was 29/-. No abnormality was found in the fetal karyotype and chromosomal copy number variations. The couple chose to continue with the pregnancy. Case 3 refused prenatal diagnosis after genetic counseling and gave birth to a girl at full term, who had a birth weight of 2440 g and no obvious abnormality found during follow-up., Conclusion: Pregnant women should be screened for FMR1 gene mutations during early and middle pregnancy, and those with high-risk CGG expansions should undergo prenatal diagnosis, genetic counseling and family study.

As a type of prebiotics and dietary fiber, inulin performs plenty of significant physiological functions and is applied in food and pharmaceutical fields. Inulosucrase from microorganisms can use sucrose as the substrate to synthesize inulin possessing higher molecular weight than that from plants. In this work, a hypothetical gene coding inulosucrase was selected from the GenBank database. The catalytic domain was remained by N- and C- truncation strategies, constructing the recombinant plasmid. The recombinant plasmid was expressed in E. coli expression system, and after purifying the crude enzyme by Ni²⁺ affinity chromatography, a recombinant enzyme with a molecular weight of approximately 65 kDa was obtained. The optimal pH and temperature of the recombinant enzyme were 5.5 and 45 °C, respectively, when sucrose was used as the sole substrate. The activity of this enzyme was inhibited by various metal ions at different degrees. After purifying the produced polysaccharide, nuclear magnetic resonance analysis was used to determine that the polysaccharide was inulin connected by β-(2,1) linkages. Finally, the conditions for the production of inulin were optimized. The results showed that the inulin production reached the maximum, approximately 287 g/L after 7 h, when sucrose concentration and enzyme dosage were 700 g/L and 4 U/mL, respectively. The conversion rate from sucrose to inulin was approximately 41%.

A method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 18 pesticide residues in environmental water by solid phase extraction-ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-UPLC-MS/MS). The samples were purified and enriched by a large-volume SPE apparatus through a Cleanrt ® -PEP SPE column at a rate of 2 mL/min. After being concentrated 50-fold, the samples were detected by UPLC-MS/MS and quantified by the external standard method. The target compounds showed good linearity in the range of 0.5-50 μg/L, with linear correlation coefficients ( R 2 ) ≥0.995. At spiked levels of 10, 100 and 1000 ng/L, the average recoveries of the 18 pesticides in the three different environmental water samples were 71.3%-105.9%, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs, n =5) were 1.3%-9.9%. LOQs of the 18 pesticides were 10 ng/L. The method was applied to the detection of the water environment around Tai'an City, and no pesticide residues were detected at any of the collection sites. The method has the advantages of good purification effect, high versatility, sensitivity, and accuracy, and operational simplicity. The method is suitable for the determination of the 18 pesticides in environmental water.

Objective: To explore the genetic basis for a Chinese pedigree affected with congenital cataracts., Methods: Clinical data and peripheral blood samples were collected for the pedigree. Following extraction of genomic DNA, whole exome sequencing was carried out to detect genetic variants. Candidate variants were verified by familial co-segregation analysis and Sanger sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis was carried out to predict the function of mutant genes., Results: By comparing variants identified among affected and unaffected individuals, a heterozygous variant, c.110 G>C (p.R37P), was identified in exon 2 of the CRYGC gene among all patients, which also matched the criteria for potential disease-causing mutations. The result was confirmed by Sanger sequencing., Conclusion: The c.110G>C variant of the CRYGC gene probably underlay the congenital cataracts in this pedigree.

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect of one-stage revision combined with intra-articular injection of antifungal agents in the treatment of chronic periprosthetic fungal infection. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 11 patients(4 hips, 7 knees) admitted with chronic periprosthetic fungal infection at Department of Orthopaedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2004 to April 2016.There were males and females with an age of 67 years (range:47-77 years). Each patient underwent single-stage revision including aggressive soft-tissue debridement. Liquid samples and tissue samples were immediately sent to the microbiology laboratory for drug sensitivity testing and histological analysis. Removed the infected components and cement thoroughly, pouring powdered vancomycin into the medullary cavity and direct intra-articular injection of fungussensitive antibiotics. The patients with infected hips received an uncemented prosthesis and 0.5 g of gentamicin loaded commercial cement was received by the patients with infected knee.After that, a new prosthesis was implanted.Long-term combination therapy of antibacterial agents and antifungal agents were given after operation. Recurrence of infection and clinical outcomes were evaluated. The follow-up period was 5 years (range: 2-12 years). Results: One patient died of acute heart failure on the eighth postoperative day.Three infection cases were recurred.Eight cases had satisfactory outcomes and required no additional surgical or medical treatment for recurrence of infection. The Harris hip score assessed preoperatively and at latest follow-up was increased from 39.25±5.12 to 79.50±4.79, the difference was statistically significant ( t= -11.356, P= 0.001).The Hospital for Special Surgery knee score was improved from preoperative 46.25±5.61 to final follow-up 80.50±5.06, and the difference was statistically significant ( t= -9.930, P= 0.002). Conclusion: Treatment of chronic fungal periprosthetic joint infection with single-stage revision can be fairly effective for achieving acceptable functional outcomes.

Objective: To observe the outcomes of total hip arthroplasty in patients with stiff hip and moderate or severe leg length discrepancy and to explore the strategy for balance recovery. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on the clinical data of 30 patients who had stiff hip and moderate or severe leg length discrepancy treated with unilateral primary total hip arthroplasty at Department of Joint Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2014 to January 2017.There were 18 male and 12 female patients aging of (43.5±9.7)years (range, 30-68 years). All patients had different degrees of pelvic tilt and scoliosis. In operation, contractured soft tissues were released, periarticular osteophytes were removed thoroughly and the center of ratation was restablished without femoral shortening osteotomy.Patient satisfaction, Harris hip score, perceived leg length discrepancy (LLD), true LLD and functional LLD were collected.Data were analyzed by paired-samples t -test. Results: The mean follow-up duration was (17.6±7.6)months (range, 12-30 months). The Harris hip score was improved from 37.6±5.7 preoperatively to 84.3±5.2 at last follow-up ( t =-57.54, P =0.000). The preoperative and last follow-up data of true LLD((3.19±0.82)cm vs .(0.70±0.71)cm), functional LLD((4.36±1.72)cm vs .(0.46±0.53)cm) and perceived LLD((7.74±2.01)cm vs .(0.98±0.79)cm) was significantly difference( t =26.47, t =15.05, t =26.9, P <0.01). Twenty-seven patients were restored to normal level (LLD≤10 mm ) and there was no sciatic nerve injury observed after surgery. 90.0% (27/30) patients were satisfied by the outcome. Conclusions: Total hip arthroplasty have satisfactory effect in correcting leg-length discrepancy of stiff hip patients. Preoperative assessment, individualized surgical methods and soft tissue releasing are important for balance recovery of affected limbs.

Objective: To analyze mutations of SLC26A4 gene and explore their origins for a patient with enlarge vestibuar aqueduct syndrome., Methods: Clinical data and peripheral venous blood samples were collected from the patient and her parents. Genome DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood. All of the 21 exons of the SLC26A4 gene were amplified with PCR and subjected to directly sequencing., Results: The patient was found to have carried two mutant alleles of the SLC26A4 gene, namely c.1522A to G and c.1229C to T, which were inherited from her father and mother, respectively., Conclusion: SLC26A4 c.1522A to G is likely to be a pathogenic mutation. Above results may facilitate genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for this family.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of patellofemoral joint degeneration and pre-operative pain location on the outcome of medial Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Methods: A total of 58 patients (58 knees) with medial Oxford UKA had been performed for medial osteoarthritis from March 2013 to July 2014 in Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at First Teaching Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University were retrospective reviewed. There were 24 males and 34 females, the age from 43 to 87 years with the mean age was 68.5 years. The mean body mass index was 25.2 kg/m(2) ranging from 19.7 to 31.5 kg/m(2). Patients were divided into anterior-medial pain group (35 knees), anterior knee pain group (17 knees) and general knee pain group (6 knees) according to pre-operative pain location. Pre-operative radiological statuses of the patellefemoral joint were defined by Ahlback system and divided into patellofemoral joint degeneration group (16 knees) and normal group (42 knees). Patients were also divided into medial patellofemoral degeneration group (20 knees), lateral patellofemoral degeneration group (12 knees) and normal group (26 knees) according to Altman scoring system. Outerbridge system was used intraoperatively and the patients were divided into patellofemoral joint degeneration group (21 knees) and normal group (37 knees). Pre- and post-operative outcomes were evaluated with Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Western Ontario and MacMaster (WOMAC) and patellofemoral score system of Lonner. T test and ANOVA were used to analyze the data. Results: The average duration of follow-up was 33 months (from 26 to 42 months). There were no patients had complications of infection, deep vein thrombosis, dislocation or loosing at the last follow-up. Compared to pre-operation, OKS (18.9±3.5 vs . 38.9±4.7, 19.3±4.2 vs . 39.6±4.6, 18.1±3.2 vs . 38.1±3.7)( t =5.64 to 7.08, all P <0.01) and WOMAC (10.9±2.3 vs .53.2±4.5, 10.4±2.1 vs .54.6±3.4, 11.7±1.8 vs .52.8±3.7)( t =14.50 to 19.16, all P <0.01) decreased, and the Lonner score (88.9±3.4 vs .38.6±2.8, 87.5±4.1 vs .38.2±2.3, 88.2±3.2 vs . 37.6±3.5)( t =-19.78 to -18.16, all P <0.01) increased significantly in anterior-medial pain group, anterior knee pain group and general knee pain group. According to Ahlback scoring system, compared to pre-operation, OKS (18.3±2.4 vs . 38.7±4.4, 19.6±1.8 vs . 38.4±3.1)( t =7.05, 9.08, both P <0.01) and WOMAC (10.6 ±2.6 vs .53.2±4.5, 12.1±1.4 vs .52.4±3.3)( t =14.21, 19.52, both P <0.01) decreased, the Lonner score (88.1±3.1 vs .38.3±3.3, 86.9±2.6 vs .39.1±2.4)( t =-18.90, -23.40, both P <0.01) increased significantly in patellofemoral joint degeneration group and normal group, the outcomes were the same according to Altman and Outerbridge scoring system. There was no significant difference between patellofemoral joint degeneration group and normal group based on Ahlback grading system. According to Altman classification, compared to normal group, there was no statistically differences in OKS, WOMAC and Lonner scoring system between patients with degeneration in the medial patellofemoral joint group, OKS and WOMAC increased (20.2±1.4 vs .18.2±2.7, 12.5±1.7 vs .10.5±2.5) ( t =-4.30, P =0.03; t =-4.80, P =0.02), the Lonner score decreased (84.3±2.8 vs .87.4±3.2) ( t =-6.20, P =0.01) in lateral patellofemoral degeneration group. According to Outerbridge scoring system, there were no statistically differences in patients in patellofemoral joint degeneration group and normal group. Conclusions: There is a good evidence that neither mild to moderate degree of patellofemoral joint degeneration nor pre-operative pain location will compromise the short-term outcome of medial Oxford UKA, and should not be considered as contraindications. The situation is less clear for lateral patellofemoral degeneration, and more cautious option is advised.

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are tissue specific stem cells that replenish all mature blood lineages during the lifetime of an individual. Hematopoietic cell clusters in the aorta of vertebrate embryos play a pivotal role in the formation of the adult blood system. Recently, people have learned a lot about the embryonic HSCs on their development and homing. During their differentiation, HSCs are regulated by the transcription factors, such as Runx1 and Notch signaling pathway, etc. MicroRNAs also regulate the self-renewal and differentiation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells on the post-transcriptional levels. Since the onset of circulation, the formation of HSCs and their differentiation into blood cells, especially red blood cells, are regulated by the hemodynamic forces. It would be of great significance if we could treat hematologic diseases with induced HSCs in vitro on the basis of fully understanding of hemotopoietic stem cell development. This review is focused on the advances in the research of HSCs' development and regulation.

Recently, avian viral diseases have become one of the main models to study mechanisms of viral infections and pathogenesis. The study of regulatory relationships and mechanisms between viruses and microRNAs has also become the focus. In this review, we briefly summarize the general situations of microRNAs encoded by avian herpesviruses. Also, we analyze the regulatory relationships between tumorigenicity of avian herpesviruses and microRNAs. Additionally, the possible applications for prevention and treatment of viral diseases (such as infectious bursal disease, avian influenza and avian leucosis) using the regulatory mechanisms of microRNAs are also discussed.

Objective: To prepare Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) and cell penetrating peptide TAT co-modified paclitaxel loaded liposome (RGD/TAT-LP-PTX) for MCF-7 cell inhibition., Methods: The co-modified liposome was prepared by film-ultrasonic method. The appearance, particle size and zeta potential were evaluated. The cellular uptake by MCF-7 cells in vitro was used to evaluate the targeting efficiency. The anti-proliferation efficiency of RGD/TAT-LP-PTX was evaluated by MTT assay. Tumor spheroids were used to evaluate anti-tumor ability of RGD/TAT-LP-PTX in vitro., Results: The particle diameter of the co-modified liposome was (138.8 ± 12.4) nm with the Zeta potential of (25.85 ± 2.75) mV. The entrapment efficiency of PTX was 88.3%. The RGD/TAT-LP uptaken by MCF-7 cells at 4 h was 1.79 times higher than that at 2 h. The co-modified liposome uptaken by MCF-7 cells was 2.25 and 2.72 times higher than that of TAT-LP and RGD-LP, respectively. The anti-proliferation rate of RGD/TAT-LP-PTX increased with time. The inhibition rate of RGD/TAT-LP-PTX for MCF-7 cells at 48 h was 1.78 times higher than that at 24 h. The MTT assay demonstrated the cell viability of RGD/TAT-LP-PTX was 1.65, 1.82 and 2.55 times higher than that of TAT-LP-PTX, RGD-LP-PTX and LP-PTX, respectively., Conclusion: Co-modified liposome may serve as a promising breast cancer delivery system for antitumor drugs.

To overcome the problems caused by the over-expression of exogenous genes under the control of constitutive promoters, the promoter (ABA3s) sequence of maize (Zea mays) mo-molybdopterin cofactor sulfurase gene (ABA3) was cloned homologously, analyzed for its abiotic stress-responsive elements by the PlantCARE software, and detected for differential expression of the ABA3 gene under the abiotic stresses by real-time quantitative PCR. Then, this promoter was used to construct expression vector to start GUS (β-glucuronidase) gene, and transform maize calli by biolistics. After identification by histochemical staining, the ratio of the GUS activity relative to the luciferase activity (internal control) (GUS/LUC) was measured under the stresses of hypertonic, high salt, low temperature, and the induction of ABA, and used to evaluate the activity of the ABA3s promoter in response to abiotic stresses. The results showed that the ABA3 gene was differentially expressed under the stress of simulative drought, low temperature, high temperature, high salt, and the induction of ABA and ethylene, indicating that the promoter (ABA3s) of this gene is induced by abtiotic stress. The sequence analysis showed that the ABA3s promoter is 777 bp long, and contains abiotic stress-responsive elements ARE, HSE, MBS, TGA and circadian. The transformed calli by the expression vector of the GUS gene under the control of the ABA3s promoter showed positive in GUS detection in response to the abiotic stresses of drought, low temperature, high temperature, high salt, and the induction of ABA and ethylene. The GUS/LUC ratio was six folds higher than the blank control under the hypertonic stress of 8% mannitol. It is concluded that the promoter ABA3s is inducible in response to abiotic stresses, and might be applied to transgenic research of maize for abiotic tolerance after further functional evaluation.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a type of non-coding RNAs which are short (17-25nt) and highly conservative in evolution. They can regulate gene expression by preventing target mRNA translation or inducing degradation via oligonucleotides complementary to target mRNA. Here, we briefly summarize the functions and regulatory mechanisms of microRNA-181 (miR-181) in cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation, and discuss the miR-181-mediated regulation of immune response in lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation, autoimmunity, inflammation and virus infection. Also, we analyze the functions of miR-181 in tumorigenesis, tumor development, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Finally, we discuss the application prospects of miR-181. The functional studies of miR-181 family members have important significance in understanding the mechanisms of biological events, pathogenesis of diseases, and finding new ways to diagnose and treat related diseases.

To investigate the effect of vitamin D in pathogenesis and clinical treatment of patients with immune thrombocytopenic (ITP), ELISA was used to detect the level of 25-hydroxylate vitamin D3[25(OH)D3] and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3[1,25(OH)2D3] in peripheral blood from 45 ITP patients and 30 normal controls. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) mRNA expression was detected by RT-PCR. The results showed that the levels of 25(OH)D3 (10.6 ± 7.7 ng/ml) and 1,25(OH)2D3 (69.9 ± 29.0 pg/ml) in peripheral blood of the initial ITP patients were lower than those in peripheral blood of normal controls (13.7 ± 9.1 ng/ml, 87.3 ± 19.9 pg/ml) (P < 0.05). The expression of VDR gene obviously increased in peripheral blood of initial ITP patients (1.588 ± 0.127), as compared with that in peripheral blood of normal controls (1.055 ± 0.734) (P < 0.05). It is concluded that vitamin D level and its receptor expression may play an important role in ITP, and vitamin D and its similarities may be a new agent to treat patients with ITP.

Objective: In order to investigate the composition and diversity of endolithic bacteria at special habitats in Xinjiang., Methods: Five rock samples were collected, including Wusu's granite (sample 1), Glacier No. 1, and Mulei's metamorphic rock (sample 2, sample 3), Yumin and Tokesun's Rock varnish (sample 4, sample 5). Endolithic bacterial community composition and diversity were analyzed by the method of Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism., Results: Differences in diversity indexes among samples were not apparent. Clustering analysis suggested that similarity coefficient was higher in same rock type, sample 2 and sample 3 were grouped together, then sample 1 clustered with them, and sample 4 and sample 5 were classified together. All samples harbored these phyla such as Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. Acidobacteria and Planctomycetes existed in sample 1 and sample 2, respectively; Sample 5 was dominated by Actinobacteria, while other samples were dominated by Proteobacteria., Conclusion: The endolithic bacterial composition of same rock type collected at various habitats was different. Meanwhile, a diversity of novel species and lineages maybe existed in rocks.

The study with impregnating method showed that after overwintering, the susceptibility of Carposina niponensis larvae on triazophos, phoxim, chlorpyrifos, malathion, lambda-cyhalothrin and abamectin was 34.50, 16.71, 3.89, 3.28, 5.90 and 2.73 times as much as that before overwintering, the total protein, glycogen and fat contents and carboxylesterase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase activities in C. niponensis larvae were decreased by 17.10%, 41.76% and 30.08%, 62.36%, 53.47%, 76.19%, 80.60%, 18.77%, 14.16% and 64.02%, respectively, and the activity of acetylcholinesterase, the target enzyme of many insecticides, was 1.41 times as much as that before overwintering. It was suggested that the difference of the susceptibility was resulted from the changes in the contents of biochemical substances and the activities of metabolic enzymes, protective enzymes and target enzyme.

A study concerning the relationship of dynamic accumulation of triterpenoid saponins and anatomical characteristics of Achyranthes bidentata Bl roots was undertaken by anatomical, histochemical and phytochemical method respectively. Results revealed that the primary and secondary structures of the root resembled those of usual dicots. The continual thickening growth of root principally resulted from the differentiation and development of the tertiary structure. The first ring of supernumerary cambium originated from the parenchyma and vascular ray cells of secondary phloem and each of the followed rings initiated in the outmost foundamental parenchyma cells which were derived from the immediate preceding ring. In the supernumerary cambiums, there had not distinction between the fusiform initial and the ray initial. Its cells present stratifide arranged from a longitudinal section through root. Regular and concentric rings of tertiary vascular bundles who differentiate centrifugally were enclosed by the connective parenchyma. The number of the rings continually increase with the development of the root itself. Triterpenoid saponins accumulated mainly in pericycle, primary phloem and parenchyma between primary phloem and xylem in the primary structure of root but came into existence in cells of secondary phloem and phelloderm with secondary structure development of root, and as well as in supernumerary cambium and phloem of tertiary vascular bundle after the tertiary structure maturated gradually in the roots. The investigation provides indications that the tertiary structure were not only main parts in the roots of Achyranthes bidentata Bl, but also important storage region of triterpenoid saponins in its growth and development. In addition, the analysis of using the HPLC showed that dynamic increasing trend oleanolic acid was as "S" curve during the roots growth and development and up to the highest content of triterpenoid saponins after plants grew 120 days. Meanwhile, the number of the rings of tertiary vascular bundles, length and diameter of the roots were the same as the triterpenoid saponins increasing trend. It should be optimal season for harvest.

The study showed that with the prolongation of illumination, the development duration of Carposina niponensis was shortened. Illumination had most obvious influence on the larval diapause rate, which was the minimum under 15 h of illumination and increased when illumination was prolonged and shortened. Other important parameters such as fecundity, larval weight, hatching rate, leaving rate and emergence rate reached their peak when the illumination duration was 13 to approximately 17 h. Therefore, the optimal illumination duration for the development and reproduction of C. niponensis was about 15 h. The duration of cold storage had no significant influence on the duration of pupa, longevity of adult, and duration of egg. But, the emergence rate, fecundity, and hatching rate were reduced when the cold storage duration exceeded 7 days. Therefore, pupae and eggs should not be stored at low temperature for a long period.

Objective: To establish a new operative method to repair defects of palm and proximal fingers with double vascular pedicle flaps., Methods: From August 1992 to June 2000, 20 cases of soft tissue defects of palm and fingers were repaired with double vascular pedicle flaps. Twenty patients included 9 males and 11 females, aged 17-35 years. The causes were crush, avulsion, and so on. The interval between injury and operation was 3-11 hours. The wound area ranged from 8 cm x 12 cm to 10 cm x 20 cm. We devised the two side flaps on pectoral-umbilical place with well-known blood vessel to cover flexion and extension regions of palm and the multi-lobes skin flap to cover defect of fingers simultaneously., Results: Out of 20 patients, 19 were followed up 8-12 months with an average of 9.8 months. All the flaps survived completely. The skin colour and the contour of the palm and digits were good., Conclusion: The double vascular pedicle flap is one of the best choices to repair soft tissue defect of the palm and proximal fingers; the procedure is simple and the operation is extended easily.

Objective: To compare the toxicity between sodium selenite and selenomethionine (SeM) and to investigate the indicators of selenium toxicity., Methods: Weanling Wistar rats of both sexes were randomly divided into seven groups, 14 rats each group. One group was fed basal diet and the others were fed basal diets containing 3, 6, 10 mg greater than that of SeM and female rats were more sensitive to excessive selenium than male rats. Se/kg added as sodium selenite or SeM for 12 weeks., Results: Histopathological changes of the liver were observed in rats on Se 3 mg/kg diets while the decreasing of body weight occurred in rats on 6 Se mg/kg diet. Among the rats fed Se 6, 10 mg/kg diet, the body weight of rats in selenite-treated groups was lower than that of rats in SeM-treated groups. At the 3 or 6 mg/kg Se level, the rats fed SeM suffered slighter hepatic damage than those fed sodium selenite and in male rats slighter than female rats. The abnormal change of ratio of liver weight to body weight was found to be more obvious both in female rats and in selenite-treated rats. GPX activity in liver of female rats reduced with the increase of Se level in diets. However, GPX activity in RBC, plasma, kidneys and liver showed an ascending tendency with the increasing level of dietary Se., Conclusion: The minimum dose of intoxication of Se in diet may be around 3 mg/kg. The toxicity of selenite is greater than that of SeM and female rats were more sensitive to excessive selenium than male rats.

A method for the detection of the (genetically modified organism GMOs) in genetically modified soybean (Round-up Ready soybean, RR soybean) and maize(Bt-176 maize) is described. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method is discussed with the genetically modified soybean and maize whose contents are known. The detection limit can be 0.1%, that is to say, we can detect the GMO in the food whose content is only 0.1%, the detection method is just a screening method. The procedure includes: (1) extraction of genomic DNA of maize and soybean, (2) amplification of the inserted genes, CaMV35S promoter and the NOS terminator inserted by means of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, (3) amplification of the specific genes of maize and soybean in order to determine that the samples are maize and soybean, (4) characterization and confirmation of the PCR products by restriction enzyme analysis and the electrophoresis on agarose gel. The RR soybean contains CaMV35S promoter and NOS terminator, and the Bt-176 maize contains only CaMV35S promoter. Due to the high content of the starch in maize, the effect of the electrophororesis is not so good as of the soybean's.

The charge transfer reaction between clotrimazolum and alizarin red was studied spectrophotometrically. The reaction was achieved with good results in water-acetone solution. The apparent molar absorptivity is 8.7 x 10(3) L.mol-1.cm-1 at 525 nm. The Beer's law was obeyed in the range of 0-100 micrograms.mL-1 of clotrimazolum. The composition of the complex is 1:1. The proposed method has been applied successfully to the determination of clotrimazolum tablets.

Objective: To analyse and measure the welding depths and strengths of three kinds of welding materials under different laser welding conditions as well as the structural changes of the heat affected zone., Methods: Under different voltages and pulse duration three kinds of measuring sticks, including Co-Cr alloy, Ni-Cr alloy and pure titanium were welded and their strengths were compared with that of control group. At the same time, the structure of the heat-affected zone was analysed by means of the gold-phase method., Results: The welding depth and strength of Co-Cr alloy were in direct proportion to the setting voltage, with averages of 335MPa (250V) to 573MPa(330V). At the heat-affected zone, the crystal particle was small and the end point of welding by laser bean presented the shape of the mountain peak and the interval of finger shape. The center of measuring sticks had a black zone with the circle shape. The setting voltage was in direct proportion to the welding depth of pure titanium and in inverse proportion to the welding strength with averages of 221MPa(250V) to 154MPa (330V). The crystal particle in the heat affected zone grew large and the solid phase expanded, the interval of the crystal oxidised, and the structure showed honeycomb changes., Conclusion: The laser welding is favourable to the welding properties of Co-Cr and Ni-Cr alloys, but its effect on the welding properties of pure titanium needs further discussion.

Weaning male Wistar rats were fed with a Torula-yeast based semisynthetic diet supplemented with Na2SeO3 to provide selenium (Se) 0.2 or 0.5 mg/kg (adequate Se or high Sediet) respectively for 20 weeks. By the end of experiment, rats were sacrificed and various tissue of rats were collected to determine the activities of Se-containing enzymes and the mRNAs level of selenoprotein P and selenoprotein W and Se concentration. Livers were examined for pathological changes. It was found that the gain of body weight of the high Se group was significantly lower than that of adequate Se group. Much more Se was accumulated in the tissue of high Se group. The activities of eGPX in plasma, cGPX in kidney, heart and testis, ID I in liver, kidney and thyroid and PHGPX in heart and testis in the high Se group were significantly lower than those in the adequate Se group. However, no specific pathological changes have been found in the liver of both groups. The results suggested that these enzymatic changes could be used as early biochemical parameters for chronic selenium intoxication.

Male Wistar rats fed with diets containing eight different levels of selenium(Se). Six rats in each group were killed after 20 weeks to obtain brains. The other 105 rats in the Se depleted group were then divided into four groups randomly and fed with diets containing four different levels of Se. The rats in these four groups were then killed at different time points to observe the kinetic change of selenoproteins. The lowest dietary Se required for reaching the plateau of the activities of cellular glutathione peroxidase (cGPX), phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPX) and type II deiodinase (ID II) were 0.05, 0.03 and 0.01 mg/kg respectively. The lowest dietary Se required for reaching normal expression of selenoprotein P and selenoprotein W were 0.01 and 0.05 mg/kg respectively. While the rats were restored Se from diets supplemented with Se, the expression of selenoprotein P and type II deiodinase were in preference to PHGPX and cGPX, and the later two parameters were in preference to selenoprotein W. The results suggested that the function of selenoprotein P and ID II in brain were more important than the other three selenoproteins.

The quantitative analysis of the ingredients in 26% B-O-S (butachlor, oxadiazon and simetryn) emulsion by gas chromatographic method was carried out with a 5% SE-30 on Chromosorb AW DMCS, 2 m x 3 mm i.d., glass column at column temperature of 210 degrees C and detector temperature of 230 degrees C. The internal standard is di-n-butyl sebacate. The retentions of simetryn, internal standard, butachlor and oxadiazon were 6.5, 8.3, 9.9 and 11.9 min respectively. This method has a recovery of 98.62%-100.77% and the coefficients of variation of this analysis of butachlor, oxadiazon and simetryn were 0.46%, 0.32% and 0.57% respectively. All coefficients of linear correlation were higher than 0.999.

The sample was extracted with a mixture of V(acetonitrile): V(methanol) = 1:1. After filtration, the extract was defatted with petroleum ether and then it was passed through a short C18 column for pretreatment and analysed by Nova-Pak C18 column, 150 mm x 3.9 mm i.d., with V(MeOH): V(H2O) = 55:45 as mobile phase. The recoveries were 82.4%-99.8% for cyanazine, 85.6%-102.3% for atrazine and 89.1%-108.4% for simetryne.

The oscillopolarographic method (proposed by Ding Jianwen)for the simulltaneous determination of copper, iron and zinc in hair was further studied and applied to the investigation of copper, iron, zinc content in hair samples from 46 mentally retarded children and 49 healthy children. For copper, iron, zinc, the detection limits were 0.03, 0.03, 0.01 microgram/ml, dynamic range 0.05-15, 0.05-2.5, 0.2-10 micrograms/ml, the RSD of sample analysis 3.2%, 3.3%, 2.4%, the recoveries 96: 0%-105.2%, 2%, 97.3%-109.0%, 94.7%-107.7%, respectively. The difference between the results for the same sample by this method and the atomic absorption spectroscopic method was no statistical significance. The results showed that the copper content and iron content of hair samples from mentally retarded children were significantly lower than those of healthy children.

A method for determination of trace lead in blood with complex catlysis polarography was develop. The peak potential of lead is -0.54 V in the system of hydrochloric acidpotassium iodide-vanadium (IV)-ethanol-ascorbic acid. There is good linelar relationship between peak current and lead concentration in the range of 0-1.0 microgram/3 ml. The recoveries of spiked samples ranged from 76.0% to 105.0% and the average recovery was 91.0% with RSD of 3.6% to 7.0%. The detection limit was 45 micrograms/L. The blood samples of 24 normal people and 6 workers with occupational exposure to lead were measured and the results were concordant with the clinical diagnoses. The proposed method is simple, rapid, sensitive and reliable. It is suitable for determination of trace lead in blood.

We have developed a method for determining molinate residue in rice by gas chromatography. In our study, the rice sample was extracted with acetonewater (1 + 1). After filtering, the filtrate was acidified to pH 3.0-3.5 and re-extracted with petroleum. The extract was cleaned up on a florisil column and followed by analysis with GC/FPD. The linear range of the method was 0-5 micrograms/ml. the detection limit was 0.013 mg/kg for a rice sample of 20 g. The average recoveries of spiked samples ranged from 87.0%-96.7%. The relative deviation standard was less than 5.7%. The experimental verification of this method by extramural departments and its application to determination of rice samples demonstrate that this method is sensitive, reliable and suitable for analysis of molinate residue in rice.

An analytical method for the determination of nicotine in indoor air was developed. Air sample was collected in absorption solution of 1% NaHSO4. After alkalization and heptance extraction, the content of nicotine in the sample was determined by gas chromatography with FID. The average sampling efficiency was 93.6%. The recovery rate was 89.3%-105.5% (mean = 98.4%). The coefficient of variation was 1.7-4.1%. Under the sampling condition the detection limit was 0.01 microgram/m3. After discussing the stability and extraction efficiency of the sample, we found the air sample collected in the absorption solution was stable for at least 7 days in refrigerator. The field experimental results show that the method is simple, reliable and suitable for collecting and determining trace nicotine in indoor air.