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Phase constitution and phase transition temperature are important factors to influence deformation parameters, recrystallization behavior and density of precipitates of wrought Mg-Zn-Ce alloys. In this work the microstructures and phase constitution of as-cast Mg-6Zn-xCe (x = 0.6, 1, 2) alloys were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM and DTA. The results show that the major compounds in Mg-6Zn-0.6Ce are blocky Mg4Zn7 phase, laminar Mg7Zn3 phase and cellular T phase. All compounds are almost blocky and cellular T phase in Mg-6Zn-1Ce alloy, and all T phase transformed to block in Mg-6Zn-2Ce alloy. The onset temperatures of phase transformation of T phase are increased with increasing Ce contents due to the decrease of solid solubility of Zn in T phase. The corresponding endothermic peaks of T phase in Mg-6Zn-0.6Ce, Mg-6Zn-1Ce and Mg-6Zn-2Ce are 358 °C, 494 °C and 514 °C, respectively. The increase of content of Ce result in the decrease of the concentrations of Zn in matrix, which leads to the decrease of β1′ precipitate density and the increase of onset temperatures of melting of matrix.

The microstructure, texture, and tensile properties of hot extruded Mg-6Zn-1Y-1Ce alloy obtained at a temperature range of 300 °C to 400 °C were studied. Electron back-scatter diffraction (EBSD) results revealed that strong basal plane texture was found along extrusion direction in the sample extruded below 340 °C due to discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DRX) mechanism. In the sample extruded at 340 °C the average value of Schmid factor (SF) of {0001}〈11-20〉 slip system was 0.09. However, the sample extruded above 370 °C had weak basal texture under the control of continuous DRX mechanism, and the SF was well-distributed with an average value of about 0.32. The strengths of as-extruded samples decreased with increase of extrusion temperatures. In addition to fine grain strengthening, texture strengthening had a significant contribution to the high strength for the sample extruded at low temperature.

Lin-Li Xiang,1,* Qian-Qian Wan,2,* Yi-Min Wang,1 Shao-Jun He,3 Wen-Juan Xu,3 Mei Ding,1,4 Jin-Jin Zhang,1,4 Yuan-Li Sun,1,4 Xiang Dong,1,4 Ying Zhou,5 Yu-Bao Cui,6 Ya-Dong Gao1,4 1Department of Allergology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Rheumatology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China; 4Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Pediatrics Laboratory, The Affiliated Wuxi Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, People’s Republic of China; 6Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Wuxi People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Ya-Dong Gao, Department of Allergology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Donoghue Road 169, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China, Email gaoyadong@whu.edu.cnBackground: Increased proliferation and hypertrophy of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) contribute substantially to airway remodeling in asthma. Interleukin (IL)-13 regulates ASMC proliferation by increasing Orai1 expression, the pore-forming subunit of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). The underlying mechanisms of this effect are not fully understood.Methods: Bioinformatic analysis identified an interaction between microRNA 93– 5p (miR-93-5p) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19, and between miR-93-5p and Orai1. RNA interference was used to investigate H19 knockdown on IL-13-induced proliferation and migration of in vitro cultured human bronchial smooth muscle cells (hBSMCs). Functional relevance of H19 in airway inflammation and airway remodeling was investigated in murine models of acute and chronic asthma.Results: IL-13 concentration-dependently increased the expression of H19 and Orai1 and decreased the expression of miR-93-5p in hBSMCs. H19 knockdown partly reversed the effects of IL-13 on the expression of miR-93-5p and Orai1 and attenuated the proliferation and migration of hBSMCs promoted by IL-13. IL-13-promoted expression of Orai1 was attenuated by miR-93-5p mimic and increased by miR-93-5p inhibitor. IL-13-promoted proliferation of hBSMCs was increased by miR-93-5p inhibitor but not affected by miR-93-5p mimic, whereas IL-13-promoted migration of hBSMCs was increased by miR-93-5p inhibitor and attenuated by miR-93-5p mimic. The inhibiting effect of H19 knockdown on IL-13-induced Orai1 expression and the proliferation and migration of hBSMCs was counteracted by miR-93-5p inhibitor but only marginally or not impacted by miR-93-5p mimic. The expression of H19 and Orai1 was higher in the lungs of asthmatic mice than in control mice. In asthmatic mice, H19 siRNA reduced Orai1 expression, inflammatory cell infiltration, goblet cell hyperplasia, collagen deposition and smooth muscle mass in the lungs.Conclusion: H19 may mediate the effects of IL-13 on Orai1 expression by inhibition of miR-93-5p in hBSMCs. H19 may be a therapeutic target for airway inflammation and airway remodeling.Keywords: IL-13, Orai1, lncRNA H19, microRNA-93-5p, bronchial smooth muscle cells, asthma model

Peripheral CB1R blockers without crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB) have demonstrated therapeutic benefits in metabolic syndromes, including obesity. Among them is Alisol G, a tetracyclic triterpene from Alismatis rhizoma (zexie), which can effectively reduce the weight of obese mice. Results from CP55940-induced [35S] GTPγS cannabinoid-type 1 receptor (CB1R) binding assay show an IC50 of 34.8 μmol/L for Alisol G, implicating its role as a CB1R antagonist. The purpose of our study is to assess whether Alisol G could serve as a peripheral CB1R antagonist for obesity treatment. In this study, we build a simple, reliable, and sensitive method to detect the concentration of Alisol G in rat tissue by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The results showed that Alisol G was mainly distributed in intestinal midgut, mucosa and small intestine, with little brain exposure. We suggested that intestine may be the main acting sites of Alisol G. Through comparison of brain and blood concentrations of Alisol G, our data showed that Alisol G cannot penetrate the BBB easily. In conclusion, Alisol G may represent a peripheral CB1R antagonist for the further treatment of obesity.

Increasing evidence supports the efficacy and safety of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, PAE relies on ionizing radiation, which has not been studied systematically so far. Therefore, the potential associated risks remain largely unknown and are subject to intense debate. We performed a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the clinical benefits of different radiation doses in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia undergoing PAE.A comprehensive search of several databases from 1966 to October 2022 was conducted. The databases include Ovid Medline In-ProcessOther Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid PsycINFO, Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and PubMed. Risk of bias of the included studies was assessed by the "Risk of Bias Assessment Tool" of the Cochrane Handbook for randomized controlled trials. All data were analyzed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software package (Biostat, Engelwood, NJ).The results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal once completed.This review will provide reliable evidence for extensive application of PAE for benign prostatic hyperplasia and determine the most rational radiation dose for these patients.

Objective Abnormal changes in immune-mediated inflammation contribute to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE). We aim to investigate the value of systemic immune inflammation indices—neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR)—to identify and evaluate the prognosis of patients with PE. Methods This study reviewed clinical records of 367 PE patients (162 with mild PE and 205 with severe PE), in addition to a control group of 172 normal pregnancies. Blood cell counts were performed at the first diagnosis of PE, and NLR and MLR were calculated by absolute cell count. Results Absolute neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts and NLR and MLR values in PE were significantly different from controls, although monocyte counts did not significantly differ between mild and severe PE. Receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) analysis showed NLR and MLR had better diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing PE from controls [NLR area under the curve (AUC) = 0.70; MLR AUC = 0.78]. Further, NLR was the best predictor of disease severity (AUC = 0.71). Cutoff values of NLR > 4.198 or MLR > 0.325 for control and PE groups or a cutoff value of NLR > 4.182 for PE groups indicated that patients were more likely to encounter preterm delivery, have shorter admission-to-delivery interval, and develop maternal and neonatal complications. Conclusion Secondary analyses of white blood cell differential count parameters effectively evaluate the systemic inflammatory/immune state. Compared with absolute cell counts, NLR and MLR offer more effective indicators of clinical assessment, disease severity evaluation, and prognosis evaluation of PE.

A lismatis Rhizoma (zexie), an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine, exhibits hypolipemic, anti-inflammation and anti-atherosclerotic activities. Alisol A is one of the main active ingredients in Alismatis Rhizoma extract. In this study, we investigate the role of alisol A in anti-atherosclerosis (AS). Our study demonstrated that alisol A can effectively inhibit the formation of arterial plaques and blocked the progression of AS in ApoE−/− mice fed with high-fat diet and significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokins in aorta, including ICAM-1, IL-6, and MMP-9. In addition, we found that alisol A increased the expression of PPARα and PPARδ proteins in HepG2 cells and in liver tissue from ApoE−/− mice. Alisol A activated the AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway and NF-κB inhibitor IκBα in HepG2 cells. Our results suggested that alisol A is a multi-targeted agent that exerts anti-atherosclerotic action by regulating lipid metabolism and inhibiting inflammatory cytokine production. Therefore, alisol could be a promising lead compound to develop drugs for the treatment of AS.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common male genitourinary cancers worldwide. The incidence of prostate cancer varies widely around the world, with the highest region at 150/100,000 and the lowest region at 1/100,000 [1–7]. Of the most common cancers occurred in men, the prostate cancer accounted for almost 1 in 5 new diagnoses [2]. Epidemiologic studies show that prostate cancer is multifactorial and may be related to age, race, genetic background, geographical location, and dietary constituents. Of those, age and family history are the main risk factors, 13% to 26% of prostate cancer patients with positive family history (Table 10.1). Histological study of autopsy showed that approximately 33% of 40–60 years males have prostate cancer [8]. The incidence increases with age and reaches up to 75% in males >85 years [9]. In addition, the incidence in Europe-American males is higher than Asian males, especially, the African American with the highest incident rate. The risk of prostate cancer in Asian males increases when they migrate to Western regions [1, 4].

OBJECTIVE: To probe the clinical characteristics of diagnosis and therapy of vascular pulsatile tinnitus(PT) associated with sigmoid sinus-mastoid. METHODS: Retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of the hospitalized 45 PT patients of an ear surgeon in one hospital between January 2013 to January 2020, and observed the effectiveness with surgery and non-surgery therapy. Surgical procedures include reconstruction the bone wall of sigmoid sinus by transmastoid approach and ligation of mastoid emissary vein. Non-surgery therapy includes anti-anemia therapy and observation. All patients have been followed-up in ENT outpatient. RESULTS: Of 45 cases, female : male was 43: 2, the mean age was 42.7 years old. The other PT patients were the subjective tinnitus except two females were the objective tinnitus. Of 40 cases, 38 patients underwent transmastoid approach to reconstructed sigmoid sinus bone wall, including 6 patients with the ligated mastoid emissary vein at the same period.The other 2 cases with the ligated mastoid emissary vein only.Five cases were treated by non-surgery therapies, including 2 cases anti-anemia therapy and 3 cases observation. The longest follow-up period was seven and a half years, the shortest was six months. One case was lost to follow up. The total cure rate was 80.0%(36/45), the surgery cure rate was 82.5%(33/40), the non-surgery cure rate was 60.0% (3/5). CONCLUSION: The pathophysiologic mechanism of the PT is still complex and unclear until now. However, the following conditions probably play an important role in the etiology: female, common features of anatomy anomalies, hemodynamic variations. It is a key point to confirm the responsible site or the main cause of the PT. Although the surgery is relatively simple, the effect is remarkable and no major postoperative complications, surgery could not be a only choice.

Objective: Abnormal pro-inflammatory regulation of the immune system might contribute to the pathogenesis of hyperglycemia during pregnancy. We examined the correlations of neutrophil–lymphocyte ra...

Background and aims Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging (DCE-MRI) provides a noninvasive approach to the functional status of carotid adventitial vasa vasorum . Contrast extravasation rate, or K trans , derived from kinetic modeling of adventitial enhancement, has been correlated with plaque neovascularization and inflammation. This study sought to clarify the clinical implications of K trans by evaluating its relationship with documented cardiovascular events (CVE). Methods Seventy patients with carotid plaque at clinical ultrasound examination were recruited and imaged with a previously-described bright-blood DCE-MRI protocol (spatial resolution: 0.55 × 0.58 mm 2 ; time resolution: 18 s). Patients were classified by the presence of documented coronary and/or cerebrovascular events. Adventitial K trans was estimated via kinetic modeling of outer wall enhancement as captured by DCE-MRI. Results After excluding six patients with insufficient image quality, 64 patients (66 ± 12 years, 51 male) had DCE-MRI measurements. Patients with documented CVE showed significantly higher adventitial K trans than those without (0.056 ± 0.024 versus 0.034 ± 0.008 min −1 , p p > 0.05): 0.054 ± 0.027 min −1 in patients with coronary events alone, 0.056 ± 0.018 min −1 in patients with cerebrovascular events alone, and 0.069 ± 0.022 min −1 in patients with both. Carotid adventitial K trans was negatively correlated with time since clinical event (Spearman's rho = −0.40, p = 0.003). Conclusions Patients with documented CVE demonstrated increased rate of contrast extravasation from carotid adventitial vasa vasorum on DCE-MRI irrespective of the territory of events. Systemic factors implicated in the pathophysiology of acute atherothrombotic events may influence the functional status of adventitial vasa vasorum .

Background Statin therapy can improve plaque stability. However, the time course of effects of statin on adventitial angiogenesis and plaque neovascularization has not been studied. Objective The objective of the study was to investigate whether statin therapy reduces plaque neovascularization, associated with adventitial angiogenesis, over 24 months as assessed by using carotid dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). Methods Forty-three lipid treatment–naive subjects with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis received rosuvastatin (5–20 mg/d) to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to Results Adventitia Vp and adventitia Ktrans were significantly correlated with plaque Vp and plaque Ktrans at baseline. Rosuvastatin significantly reduced both adventitial and plaque Vp significantly at 3 months from 0.121 ± 0.064 to 0.085 ± 0.049 (P = .008) and from 0.096 ± 0.052 to 0.067 ± 0.043 (P = .013). Adventitial and plaque Vp continued to decrease by 43% and 34% at 12 months and by 49% and 45% at 24 months. However, the continued reductions from 3 to 12 months and from 12 to 24 months were not statistically significant. Adventitial and plaque Ktrans showed similar trends, but nonstatistically significant decreases during the 24 months of treatment. Conclusions Rosuvastatin therapy rapidly and significantly decreased adventitial and plaque neovascularization at 3 months followed by continued, but nonstatistically significant, decreases at 12 and 24 months.

This study aimed to investigate the association between age and progression of carotid atherosclerotic plaques using serial high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Symptomatic patients who had carotid atherosclerosis with 30–70% stenosis were enrolled in this study. Carotid MRI was performed at baseline and follow-up time point (≥ 6 months after baseline), respectively. The characteristics of carotid plaque progression among different age groups (> 75 years old, 60–75 years old and 75 years old: 91.3%, 60–75 years old: 65.7% and 75 years old: 39.0 (4.3–104.6) mm3, 60–75 years old: 28.7 (− 28.0 to 73.7) mm3 and 75 years old: 6.1 (− 3.5 to 17.2) mm2, 60–75 years old: 2.4 (− 4.7 to 15.1) mm2 and

Nowadays robots have been commonly adopted in various manufacturing industries to improve product quality and productivity. The selection of the best robot to suit a specific production setting is a difficult decision making task for manufacturers because of the increase in complexity and number of robot systems. In this paper, we explore two key issues of robot evaluation and selection: the representation of decision makers’ diversified assessments and the determination of the ranking of available robots. Specifically, a decision support model which utilizes cloud model and TODIM (an acronym in Portuguese of interactive and multiple criteria decision making) method is developed for the purpose of handling robot selection problems with hesitant linguistic information. Besides, we use an entropy-based combination weighting technique to estimate the weights of evaluation criteria. Finally, we illustrate the proposed cloud TODIM approach with a robot selection example for an automobile manufacturer, and further validate its effectiveness and benefits via a comparative analysis. The results show that the proposed robot selection model has some unique advantages, which is more realistic and flexible for robot selection under a complex and uncertain environment.

Objective To investigate the relationship between angiotensin converting enzyme(ACE) gene polymorphism and carotid plaque composition,vessel wall morphology,and clinical symptoms based on vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging. Methods Totally 75 hypertensive patients(75 internal carotid artery plaques) with maximum plaque thickness≥1.5 mm,according to the ACE insertion(I) or deletion(D) gene polymorphism,were divided into ACE 2 genotype group(n=37) and ACE ID/DD genotype group(n=38). The influences of plaque composition,vessel wall morphology,clinical symptoms,and use of ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker(ACEI/ARB) on vessel wall morphology were analyzed. Results Compared with ACE 2 genotype group,the ACE ID/DD genotype group had significantly higher incidence of ischemic stroke(Χ

Background Dermatophagoides farinae (Hughes) (Acari: Pyroglyphidae) and other domestic mites produce allergens that affect people worldwide. Here, the complementary DNA (cDNA) coding for group 22 allergen of D. farinae (Der f 22) from China was cloned, sequenced, and expressed successfully. Methods The cDNA encoding Der f 22 was synthesized by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), then ligated to the pCold-TF for expression in Escherichia coli BL21 cells. The purified recombinant fusion protein was identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Western-blotting, and tandem matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF/TOF). Results The full-length cDNA comprised 468 nucleotides and was 99.57% (466/468) identical with the reference sequence (GenBank: DQ643992). After the plasmid pCold-TF-Der f 22 was transformed into E. coli BL21 and expressed with the induction of IPTG, SDS-PAGE showed a specific band for the recombinant fusion protein. The recombinant fusion protein, which was purified by chromatography, bound with a His-tagged antibody by Western blotting. MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry revealed that the structure of the recombinant protein was identical to the predicted Der f 22 structure. The hydrophilic protein contains a signal peptide of 20 amino acids, and the mature Der f 22 consists of 135 amino acid residues with a molecular weight of 14.7 kDa and theoretical isoelectric points (pI) of 6.38. Its secondary structure comprises an alpha helix (38.5%), beta-sheet (45.9%), random coils (11.85%), and beta-turns (11.1%). Conclusion This work represents the first reported full-length sequence and successful cloning of Der f 22 from D. farinae in China; bioinformatics analysis can be used to further study the allergenicity and clinical utility of the recombinant Der f 22.

We observed the effect of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) on the brain tissue in rat cerebral ischemiareperfusion (I/R) and explored its mechanism. After observing the effect of 2-DG on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), rats were randomly divided into shamoperation group, I/R group and I/R+2-DG group (each group with 60 rats). I/R models were prepared by middle cerebral artery occlusion. In I/R+2-DG group, each rat was given intraperitoneal 2-DG of 100 mg/kg once a day for 7 days before brain ischemia. According to different time points (3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h) after I/R, each group was divided into 5 subgroups (each subgroup with 12 rats). Nerve cell apoptosis, and the expressions of mRNA and protein of glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78), cleaved-caspase-9 and cleaved-caspase-3 were determined with TUNEL, Western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively, in rat cerebral hippocampal CA1 area at each time point. TUNEL-positive cells were significantly less in I/R+2-DG group than in I/R group at each time point (all P

The high reliability and the short times carried of quantitative risk assessment of Filling system in launching site, the failure data is small sample data. In this paper, we will focus on these small sample data and take processing analysis. A method based on Bayesian method of failure data processing analysis of Filling system has been proposed, which firstly analyzes the characteristic of failure data of Filling system. Secondly, we classify the failure data into running failure data and demanding data according to the data types, and further analyze various uncertainty distributions under this two kinds of data type. What’s more, we use Bayesian method to solve the problems of various failure data. Lastly, we combine the real circumstance of Filling system and take the Filling system as example, and choose the filling pump, shut-off valve and pneumatic ball valve these three different failure types to use Bayesian method to analyze, and obtain various prior distributions and posterior distributions of different failure equipment, and give the simulation results.

Aerospace launch mission security evaluation relates to multiple index factors and there is a certain correlation between each factor, which results in many issues such as index information overlap, structure of the index system complex and evaluation inaccurate. In this paper, use the human factor of aerospace launch mission security index system as the example, apply the SPSS software to analyze the indexes of human factor, reduce the lots of original indexes into several principal factors that can express the information of original indexes. In this way, simplify the original index system structure, realize the optimization of index system and provide a reference for the establishment of a scientific index system.

A cDNA fragment encoding the S-layer protein SllB cloned from Bacillus sphaericus ATCC 14577 was expressed on the surface of E. coli BL21 (DE3) cells and confirmed by the square lattice structure at the nanoscale level. The amplified gene fragment designed with PCR primers from a specified reference sequence (GenBank accession no. {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"AJ849550","term_id":"57863403","term_text":"AJ849550"}}AJ849550) showed a high degree of sequence identity with the known sequences for S-layer protein. The best alignment scores were seen in B. sphaericus strains JG-A12 and NCTC9602, which code for a pre-form protein with a predicted cleavage site located between the two alanine residues 31 and 32. After this signal peptide sequence was removed, the mature protein had a molecular mass of 116.2613 kDa and a theoretical pI of 5.40. Further bioinformatic analysis revealed three S-layer homology (SLH) domains in the N-terminus of the mature protein, positioned at the 1–61, 63–128 and 137–197 residues. The mature S-layer protein was composed of alpha helices (24.86%), extended strands (27.01%), and rich random coils (48.13%). Bioinformatics-driven characterization of SllB may provide scientific evidence for further application of this gene in the fields of nanobiotechnology and biomimetics in the future.

The microstructures of FeCoNiCrCu high entropy alloy were investigated under directional solidification. The results showed that only diffraction peak corresponding to a FCC crystal structure was observed in the directionally solidified FeCoNiCrCu alloy. With increasing solidification rate, the interface morphology would grows in planar, cellular and dendrite. Comparing the potentiodynamic polarization of as-cast and directionally solidified FeCoNiCrCu high entropy alloy in a 3.5%NaCl solution, it is clearly reveals that the corrosion resistance of directionally solidified FeCoNiCrCu alloy is superior to that of the as-cast FeCoNiCrCu alloy.

In the present work, the effect of heat treatment parameters on microstructure and strength of the 30MnSi PC steel bars was investigated and analyzed systematically. The results show that the fine tempered martensite, thinning tempered troostite and tiny tempered sorbite can be obtained when quenching temperature reach 920°C and the temper temperature is 240°C, 430°C, 600°C, respectively. The relationship between heat treatment parameters and tensile strength was also obtained. Optimum strength can be obtained by quenching at 920-950 °C and tempering at 430 °C with constant heating time.

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of macrophages in the arterial intima. The activated macrophages secreted more pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, which promote the development of the disease. Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), the major component of high density lipoprotein, is involved in reverse cholesterol transport of lipid metabolism. Recently, it has been found that apoA-I suppresses inflammation via repression of inflammatory cytokine expression; the mechanisms of the apoA-I-suppressive action, however, are not yet well characterized. In this study, we have for the first time found that apoA-I suppresses the expression of some inflammatory cytokines induced by lipopolysaccharide via a specific post-transcriptional regulation process, namely mRNA destabilization, in macrophages. Our further studies have also shown that AU-rich elements in the 3′-untranslated region of TNF-α mRNA are responsive to the apoA-I-mediated mRNA destabilization. The apoA-I-induced inflammatory cytokine mRNA destabilization was associated with increased expression of mRNA-destabilizing protein tristetraprolin through a JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway-dependent manner. When blocking interaction of apoA-I with ATP-binding membrane cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), a major receptor for apoA-I in macrophages, it would almost totally abolish the effect of apoA-I on tristetraprolin expression. These results present not only a novel mechanism for the apoA-I-mediated inflammation suppression in macrophages but also provide new insights for developing strategies for modulating vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis.

Directional solidification (DS) of FeCoNiCrAl high entropy alloy is carried out to investigate the microstructures and microsegregation under controlled solidification conditions. With an increasing solidification rate, the interface morphology grows in a planar, cellular and dendritic manner. The microstructures of the dendritic and interdendritic segregation areas are found to be spherical precipitates and basket-weave structures, respectively. With the help of an electron microprobe, microsegregation is determined in directionally solidified FeCoNiCrAl high entropy alloys. In contrast to the as-cast condition, directional solidification can refine microstructures of FeCoNiCrAl high entropy alloy dramatically and reduce microsegregation effectively.

The thermodynamic analysis in Mg-SiO2 system was conducted for the determination of the priority reaction at experimental temperature. Then, Mg2Si reinforced Mg alloy was synthesized through reaction in Mg-SiO2 system at 730°C, whose Si mass fraction is up to approximately 10%. The thermodynamic analysis and microstructure investigation results show, that generation of reinforcing phase of Mg2Si in Mg alloy from the reaction in Mg-SiO2 system is feasible with lower free energy than that in Mg-Si at the same temperature; and under the experimental temperature and solidification condition, the microstructure of Mg-10Si alloy is composed of coarse primary Mg2Si dendrite crystal, Chinese script type eutectic Mg2Si, and α–Mg phase, the formation of α–Mg holes is resulted from the relatively high cooling rate leading to a deviation from the equilibrium diagram during solidification.

To determine the effects and potential mechanisms of ibrolipim on ATP-binding membrane cassette transporter A-1 (ABCA1) and ATP-binding membrane cassette transporter G-1 (ABCG1) expression from human macrophage foam cells, which may play a critical role in atherogenesis. Human THP-1 cells pre-incubated with ox-LDL served as foam cell models. Specific mRNA was quantified using real-time RT-PCR and protein expression using Western blotting. Cellular cholesterol handling was studied using cholesterol efflux experiments and high performance liquid chromatography assays. Ibrolipim 5 and 50 μmol/L significantly increased cholesterol efflux from THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells to apoA-I or HDL. Moreover, it upregulated the expression of ABCA1 and ABCG1. In addition, LXRα was also upregulated by the ibrolipim treatment. In addition, LXRα small interfering RNA completely abolished the promotion effect that was induced by ibrolipim. Ibrolipim increased ABCA1 and ABCG1 expression and promoted cholesterol efflux, which was mediated by the LXRα signaling pathway.

A full-length cDNA encoding house dust mite allergen Der f 7 from Dermatophagoides farina (Acari: Pyroglyphidae) from China was cloned, sequenced, and successfully expressed. A reference sequence (GenBank accession AY283292) was used to design polymerase chain reaction primers. Analysis revealed eight mismatched nucleotides in five Der f 7 cDNA clones, and the projected amino acid sequence contained six incompatible residues. These results suggest that the sequence of Der f 7 may be polymorphic. Further bioinformatic analysis revealed that the mature Der f 7 allergen had a molecular mass of approximately 21.88 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 4.90. Der f 7 protein secondary structure was composed of a helix (56.63%), extended strand (5.10%), and random coil (38.27%). Group 7 allergens are present in Pyroglyphidae, Acaridae, and Glycyphagidae families, and homology analysis revealed a 86% similarity between Der f 7 and Der p 7. Furthermore, a phylogenetic tree constructed of group 7 allergens from different mite species revealed that Der f 7 and Der p 7 clustered with 100% bootstrap support. Bioinformatics-driven characterization of Der f 7 allergen as conducted in this study may contribute to diagnostic and therapeutic applications for dust mite allergies.

Eighteen hundred samples of Traditional Chinese medicinal materials from a traditional medical storehouse in Huainan City, Anhui Province, China were collected and examined for mites. The results indicated 87% (1566/1800) of samples were infested with 47 species of mites belonging to 25 genera and 7 families. It is concluded that Traditional Chinese medicinal materials are severely contaminated and much more importance should be given to the protection of stored products and to the prevention of human acariasis.

The effects of Cr content on the microstructure, hardness, and wear resistance of Cu–Pb hypomonotectic alloys were investigated. Optical microscope and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis reveal that when the Cr content exceeds the solubility limit, primary Cr precipitates from the melt as dendrites that grow anisotropically with the crystallographic orientation of 〈1 0 0〉 as the fastest growing directions. The hardness of the alloys is found to increase with increasing Cr content. The wear resistance of the alloys was measured under dry conditions over a load range of 20–80 N using a pin-on-disc type wear testing machine. The worn surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and the wear mechanism of the alloys was studied. The results show that the wear resistance increases with increasing Cr content, due to a combined effect of strengthening of the matrix and better self-lubrication ability of the lead film.

Changes in plaque tissue components such as lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) and fibrous tissue with long-term statin treatment or discontinuation have not been studied.LRNC and fibrous tissue by magnetic resonance imaging were evaluated in subjects who continued and discontinued statin therapy for 2 years after a prospective study.The Rosuvastatin Evaluation of Atherosclerotic Chinese Patients study in 32 lipid treatment naïve subjects showed a significant reduction in LRNC during 24 months of rosuvastatin therapy. After Rosuvastatin Evaluation of Atherosclerotic Chinese Patients was completed, 15 subjects continued taking statins and 17 discontinued despite receiving an instruction to continue statin therapy. LRNC and fibrous tissue were compared between 24 and 48 months within each group and between the 2 groups.At 48 months, LRNC volume and composition decreased significantly compared with that at 24 months in the statin-continued group (101 ± 76 vs 76 ± 65 mm(3); P = .001 and 17.3 ± 11.9% vs 12.6 ± 7.6%; P = .04), whereas fibrous tissue increased significantly in both volume (337 ± 160 vs 357 ± 169 mm(3); P .001) and composition (76.3 ± 10.5% vs 83.1 ± 10.1%, P = .002). Such changes were not seen in subjects who discontinued statin. Furthermore, the changes in LRNC volume and composition and fibrous tissue composition from 24 to 48 months were significantly different between the statin-continued and -discontinued groups (-25 ± 18 vs 9 ± 14 mm(3); P .001) and (-4.6 ± 8.2% vs 1.3 ± 2.8%; P = .009) and (6.9 ± 6.8% vs 1.3 ± 5.4%, P = .018).Continued statin therapy leads to continued decrease in LRNC and increase in fibrous tissue, which indicates improved plaque stability and supports long-term statin therapy.

To compare the outcomes of complicated and uncomplicated acute type B aortic dissection (C-ATBD, U-ATBD) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TEVAR in patients with U-ATBD.Between February 2011 and December 2013, sixty patients with type B aortic dissection were treated with TEVAR and were divided into C-ATBD group (n = 42) and U-ATBD group (n = 18). Postoperative complications and aortic remodeling were analyzed based on the clinical outcomes and computed tomography scans performed before and after operation.The median follow up time was 21.7 (14.0-31.6) months. The 3 years cumulative all-cause survival rate was 85.4% in the C-ATBD group and 100% in the U-ATBD group without significant difference (χ² = 2.52, P = 0.11). The incidence of postoperative complications including type I a endoleak, stent graft-induced distal redissection and retrograde type A aortic dissection were equivalent in the two groups. The aortic enlargement rates at each level and false lumen regression rates on each aortic segment were similar between the two groups. At the level just distal to the celiac artery, there were significant interaction effects on the maximum total aortic diameter and false lumen diameter changes between time and group (P = 0.01, P = 0.02). C-ATBD group showed a tendency of expansion of maximum total aortic diameter and false lumen diameter compared to the U-ATBD group.The acceptable early and midterm outcomes are similar between the two groups after TEVAR. U-ATBD group has a more favorable aortic remodeling than C-ATBD group. TEVAR is feasible and safe for the treatment of U-ATBD.

Objective: Changes in carotid plaque lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were investigated in subjects who continued and discontinued statin therapy for 2 years after a prospective study. Methods: The Rosuvastatin Evaluation of Atherosclerotic Chinese Patients (REACH) study in 32 lipid treatment naïve subjects with LRNC showed a significant reduction in LRNC during 24 months (M) of rosuvastatin therapy. All subjects received a clinical follow-up (F/U) visit and a repeat carotid MRI scan at 48 M as planned REACH-F/U. Despite receiving a strong recommendation to continue the statin therapy at 24 M when REACH was completed, only 15 subjects continued taking statins (rosuva.=9, simva.=4 and atorva.=2) in REACH-F/U and 17 discontinued. Lipids and LRNC, both in volume (V) and % (LRNC-V/Wall Vх100%), were compared between the statin-continued and -discontinued groups at 48 M. Results: There were no significant differences in demographic, clinical characteristics, lipids and plaque changes during 24 M in REACH between the statin-continued and -discontinued groups in REACH-F/U. Not surprisingly, at 48 M, total-Cholesterol (C), LDL-C and triglycerides were significantly lower in subjects who continued statin than those discontinued (163±43 vs. 207±30 mg/dl, p=0.002), (93±36 vs. 131±22 mg/dl, p=0.001) and (85±27 vs. 143±65 mg/dl, p=0.003), while HDL-C levels were similar. LRNC-V and %LRNC decreased significantly from 24 M in the statin-continued group (101±76 mm 3 at 24 M vs. 76±65 mm 3 at 48 M, p=0.001) and (17.3±11.9% at 24 M vs. 12.6±7.6% at 48 M, p=0.04). By contrast, subjects who discontinued statin showed non-statistically significant increase in LRNC-V and %LRNC (103±93 mm 3 at 24 M vs. 112±106 mm 3 at 48 M, p=0.4) and (15.4±11.3% at 24 M vs. 16.7±11.4% at 48 M, p=0.07). Furthermore, the changes in LRNC-V and %LRNC from 24 to 48 M were significantly different between the statin-continued and -discontinued groups in REACH-F/U (-25±18 vs. 9±14 mm 3 , p Conclusion: Continued statin therapy in REACH-F/U resulted in continued decrease in LRNC, which indicates improved plaque stability. These findings provided vascular biological evidence supporting long-term statin therapy.

Dermatophagoides farinae (Hughes) (Acari: Pyroglyphidae) and other domestic mites produce allergens that affect people worldwide. Here, the complementary DNA (cDNA) coding for group 22 allergen of D. farinae (Der f 22) from China was cloned, sequenced, and expressed successfully.The cDNA encoding Der f 22 was synthesized by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), then ligated to the pCold-TF for expression in Escherichia coli BL21 cells. The purified recombinant fusion protein was identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Western-blotting, and tandem matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF/TOF).The full-length cDNA comprised 468 nucleotides and was 99.57% (466/468) identical with the reference sequence (GenBank: DQ643992). After the plasmid pCold-TF-Der f 22 was transformed into E. coli BL21 and expressed with the induction of IPTG, SDS-PAGE showed a specific band for the recombinant fusion protein. The recombinant fusion protein, which was purified by chromatography, bound with a His-tagged antibody by Western blotting. MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry revealed that the structure of the recombinant protein was identical to the predicted Der f 22 structure. The hydrophilic protein contains a signal peptide of 20 amino acids, and the mature Der f 22 consists of 135 amino acid residues with a molecular weight of 14.7 kDa and theoretical isoelectric points (pI) of 6.38. Its secondary structure comprises an alpha helix (38.5%), beta-sheet (45.9%), random coils (11.85%), and beta-turns (11.1%).This work represents the first reported full-length sequence and successful cloning of Der f 22 from D. farinae in China; bioinformatics analysis can be used to further study the allergenicity and clinical utility of the recombinant Der f 22.

The necessity of vector characterized is given by comparison of common test methods for mixer. Based on the model proposed by Agilent company, establish a simplified model of the parameter C and investigate the mixing product and jamming signal processing method. Through the analysis of phase for two-port model, pull the conclusion that the phase of test signal has nothing to do with local oscillator signal, that illustrates the feasibility of absolute phase measurement. Finally, the feasibility and validity of the model and analysis are demonstrated by constructing the measurement system.

Planar, cellular and dendrite morphologies were observed at different concentrations in the directional solidification of Cu-Pb monotectic alloys. In Cu-Pb hypomonotectic alloys, the directional solidification microstructure changes from columnar dendrite to the irregular rod composite structure with increasing lead content and growth rate. In Cu-Pb hypermonotectic alloys, the structure changes from the band structure and elongated droplets to irregular rod composite structure with increasing growth rate. The range of composition of forming the rod composite structure around the monotectic points increases with the increasing growth rate. The transient morphology of Cu-Pb alloys in the directional solidification was obtained. The solid/liquid interface of Cu-Pb alloys presents planar and the second liquid droplets are pushed by growing front under the high temperature gradient With increasing growth rate or decreasing temperature gradient the planar interface becomes unstable and the cellular structures with L 2 phase at the cell boundaries are developed.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a well-known toxic gas with the characteristic smell of rotten eggs. It is synthesized endogenously in mammals from the sulfur-containing amino acid l-cysteine by the action of several distinct enzymes: cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), cystathionine-s-synthase (CBS), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST) along with cysteine aminotransferase (CAT). In particular, CSE is considered to be the major H2S-producing enzyme in the cardiovascular system. As the third gasotransmitter next to nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO), H2S plays an important role in the regulation of vasodilation, angiogenesis, inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Growing evidence has demonstrated that this gas exerts a significant protective effect against the progression of cardiovascular diseases by a number of mechanisms such as vasorelaxation, inhibition of cardiovascular remodeling and resistance to form foam cells. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the physiological functions of H2S and its protection against several major cardiovascular diseases, and to explore its potential health and therapeutic benefits. A better understanding will help develop novel H2S-based therapeutic interventions for these diseases.

The present study aimed to determine the toxic effects of chromium (Cr) on cabbage (Brassica oleracea), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), wheat (Triticum aestivum), and corn (Zea mays), and identify the sensitive plant species and appropriate bioassays for potential use in phytotoxicity assessment of Cr in soil. Results showed that seed germination might not be a sensitive assay for assessing Cr toxicity because at most of the Cr levels there were no toxic effects. Root elongation was more sensitive to Cr than seed germination. The lowest concentration of adverse effect (LOAEC) of lettuce was 20 mg Cr/kg(-1) soil, and that of the other 4 species was 50 mg Cr/kg(-1) soil. The mitotic index fluctuated with increasing Cr concentration, thus it was insufficient to assess toxicity of Cr in soil. However, micronucleus assay showed that 5 mg Cr/kg(-1) soil caused a significant increase in micronucleus frequency in cabbage, cucumber, and lettuce. For wheat and corn, however, the LOAEC was 20 and 50 mg/Cr/kg(-1) soil, respectively. Furthermore, the analysis of Cr accumulation showed that lettuce significantly accumulated Cr for all the tested concentrations. However, corn and wheat significantly accumulated Cr only with the highest tested dose. This may explain the higher inhibitory effects of Cr on root growth. It can be concluded that root elongation and micronucleus assay are good indicators to assess the phytotoxicity of Cr in soil. Lettuce is the most sensitive species for indicating the toxicity of Cr in soil.

To identify potential mutations of ED1 gene in six pedigrees with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED), and to provide genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.Eight coding exons of ED1 gene of patients with clinically diagnosed HED and their relatives were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The products were further analyzed by direct sequencing.Various mutations of ED1 gene were detected, which included R153C, A349T, G299S, A349T and X392Q. Heterozygous double peaks at the same position were found in female carriers. Deletion of exon 9 was detected in one pedigree. R153C, X392Q and deletion of exon 9 were first identified in ethnic Han Chinese.The identified mutations of ED1 gene may be responsible for the disease. Genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis and carrier screening are now available for these families.

Digital TV set-top box has become the best “bridge” of the transition from analog television to digital television. This article discusses the design and realization of EPG (Electronic Program Guide) system and GUI (Graphics User Interface), which is based on Linux embedded operation system and ST7109 platform supporting high-definition digital TV decoding. Firstly, this article briefly introduces the business information standard of digital TV. Secondly, the paper mainly discusses the overall system structure of digital TV set-top box. Most important is that the design of EPG system management module has been discussed, especially management of program subscription and management of Timer. Finally, the paper introduces the design of GUI, including the plan of OSD layer and realization of OSD multi-language.

Objective The simulated CSF and brain were set up. The aim of this project is to use them to study characteristic of real human brain in laboratory condition.Method Edible gelatine was used to simulate the brain. A concentration of 6g/100ml gelatine had physical characteristics similar to real brain. A series of different salt jelly concentrations were tested. Results The frequency and temperature characteristic of simulated CSF conductivity were measured at room temperature, body temperature and above the body temperature. Conclusion Kinds of direct comparisons of the results of mathematical calculations with experimental results is done using tangential and radial dipoles insert into the simulated SCF and simulated brain, to check on the validity of the parameters of simulated brain.

A full-length cDNA encoding house dust mite allergen Der f 7 from Dermatophagoides farina (Acari: Pyroglyphidae) from China was cloned, sequenced, and successfully expressed. A reference sequence (GenBank accession AY283292) was used to design polymerase chain reaction primers. Analysis revealed eight mismatched nucleotides in five Der f 7 cDNA clones, and the projected amino acid sequence contained six incompatible residues. These results suggest that the sequence of Der f 7 may be polymorphic. Further bioinformatic analysis revealed that the mature Der f 7 allergen had a molecular mass of approximately 21.88 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 4.90. Der f 7 protein secondary structure was composed of a helix (56.63%), extended strand (5.10%), and random coil (38.27%). Group 7 allergens are present in Pyroglyphidae, Acaridae, and Glycyphagidae families, and homology analysis revealed a 86% similarity between Der f 7 and Der p 7. Furthermore, a phylogenetic tree constructed of group 7 allergens from different mite species revealed that Der f 7 and Der p 7 clustered with 100% bootstrap support. Bioinformatics-driven characterization of Der f 7 allergen as conducted in this study may contribute to diagnostic and therapeutic applications for dust mite allergies.

By analyzing the problem of the current monitoring system, the design solutions of the integrated remote monitoring system based on Internet / GPRS is proposed. The system is integrated multiple monitoring ways and it can monitor multiple locations simultaneously. By phone software, short message and Web browser, users can view video, temperature and humidity, smoke, infrared intrusion and other information of monitoring spots,and also can remote control through these three ways.

Adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) plays a crucial role in apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) binding activity and promotes cellular cholesterol efflux. ApoA-I mimetic peptide D4-F has reported to have the similar ability as apoA-I. However, the detailed mechanisms of ABCA1 regulation by D4-F are not understood. In the present study, we investigated the effects of D4-F on ABCA1 expression and ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux and examined the role of Cdc42/cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway on the regulation of ABCA1 by D4-F in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells. Results showed that D4-F stabilized ABCA1 protein and enhanced ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux but had no effect on ABCA1 messenger RNA expression. We also revealed that D4-F enhanced cAMP level and PKA activity and ABCA1 serine phosphorylation. Short interfering RNA of PKA led to reduction of ABCA1 serine phosphorylation and ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux compensated by D4-F. PKA-specific activation by PKA agonist enhanced the upregulation of ABCA1 serine phosphorylation and ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux by D4-F. However, ABCA1 expression did not change by treatment with PKA agonist or PKA-short interfering RNA. We found that secramine B of Cdc42 inhibitor reduced the cAMP level compensated by D4-F. These results provide evidence that D4-F enhances ABCA1 serine phosphorylation and ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux through Cdc42/cAMP/PKA pathway in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells.

Active learning provides a powerful mechanism to enhance depth of learning and get learners involved with learning process instead of passively participate in it. And e-learning get popular with the advances of the Internet. The objective of this paper is to design a kind of active e -learning system. In this paper, the design basis including students' requirements, related experiences and system design engineering are analyzed firstly. And then, we proposed the workflow of the system and designed the function modules of the active e-learning system. The designs focus on students' activeness and include most active learning function or tools. To test the system effect, we conducted a beginning application in e-commerce course. Related data proved this kind of active e-learning system is welcomed.

DiffServ model is a main model that guarantees QoS in modern-Large-scale network., On the basis of RIO-C, the paper introduces an Active Queue Management algorithm -- PFRIO that is suitable for DiffServ model. The algorithm increases the fair for bandwidth allocation and the network’s capacity to hand of sudden data flow, and improves the overall performance of DiffServ model effectively.

The dust mites, which are mostly represented by Dermatophagoides spp. (Acari: Pyroglyphidae), are the major sources of indoor allergens. Identification and characterization of these mite allergen molecules are an important step in the development of new effective diagnostic procedures and possible therapeutic strategies for allergic disorders associated with dust mites.Total RNA was extracted from Dermatophagoides farinae. The gene coding for Der f 3 was amplified by RT-PCR with the primers designed based on previous sequence published in GenBank. The target gene was cloned intermediately into pMD19-T plasmid and finally into plasmid pET28a (+), expressed in E. coli BL21 at the aid of the inducer isopropyl-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). The physicochemical properties, spatial structure of the allergen were analyzed with bioinformatics software.The cDNA coding for group 3 allergen of Dermatophagoides farinae from China was cloned and expressed successfully. Sequencing analysis showed that there were nineteen mismatched nucleotides in five Der f 3 cDNA clones in comparison with the reference (GenBank Accession No. AY283291), which resulted in deduced amino acid sequence incompatibility in eleven residues. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the Der f 3 pro-protein was an extracellular hydrophobic protein, consisting of 259 amino acids with a 16 amino acid signal peptide. The protein was deduced to have three chymotrypsin active sites (53-68 AA, 108-122 AA and 205-217 AA), one N-glycosylation site, one cAMP- and cGMP-dependent protein kinase phosphorylation site, four protein kinase C phosphorylation sites, two casein kinase II phosphorylation sites, and five N-myristoylation sites.Der f 3 is an extracellular hydrophobic protein which possesses multiple activation and phosphorylation sites. Polymorphism may exist in the Der f 3 gene but this needs to be further confirmed in the future.

Dermatophagoides farinae, D. pteronyssinus and Euroglyphus maynei were used for the investigation. The cDNA fragment coding for Der f1 and Der f2 were amplified by PCR, cloned and sequenced. By bioinformatics softwares, the amino acid sequences for Der f1 and Der f2 were deduced and compared with those for the groups 1 and 2 allergens of D. pteronyssinus and E. maynei available in GenBank. Amino acid sequence similarity analysis showed that Der p1 shared 84% identical residues with Eur m1 and 83% with Der f1. Similarly, Der p2 shared 87% identical residues with Eur m2 and 68% with Der f2. In the two phylogenetic trees constructed with group 1 and 2 allergens, D. pteronyssinus was clustered with E. maynei but not with D. farinae, although D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae belong to the same genus. D. pteronyssinus should be more similar to E. maynei than to D. farinae at evolutional level, which was not consistent with the conventional taxonomical relationship based on their morphological characteristics.