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The authors comment on an article by I. G. Cohen on the significance of ChatGPT for bioethics which suggested that little is known about the development of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) in China and other national markets. Topics discussed include China's efforts to gain competitive advantage in the global AI race, the emerging Chinese framework for AI governance, and areas of significance to bioethics.

Hemoglobin Santa Ana [β88(F4)Leu→Pro (CTG > CCG) HBB: c.266T > C] is an unstable hemoglobin variant characterized by a substitution of the amino acid leucine by proline at the 88th position of the β-globin chain. We for the first time identified this hemoglobin variant in a Chinese patient by capillary electrophoresis (CE). The proband was an 8-year-old boy with chronic anemia, brown urine and splenomegaly. He had been affected by moderate anemia, twice approaching a severe degree, that was attributed to infection. The CE result revealed an abnormal hemoglobin peak at electrophoretic zone 4 that correspond to the hemoglobin Santa Ana peak, and a CTG > CCG mutation at codon 88 of the β-globin gene was confirmed by DNA sequencing. To avoid misdiagnosis and genetic risks, a literature review of other unstable hemoglobins that migrate similarly to the hemoglobin Santa Ana was performed. Our findings indicate that hemoglobin Santa Ana can be clearly separated by CE, with accurate diagnosis depending on molecular analysis. This information will be useful for providing appropriate genetic counselling and for prenatal diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A revision of Chinese freshwater Sulcospira gastropods is presented here based on analysis of the morphological characteristics and partial sequences of the mitochondrial genes 16S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI). A total of three species was reported in China by earlier authors, including Sulcospira hainanensis, S. hunanensis and S. paludiformis. In this study, two new species of Sulcospira are described from Hunan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region based on morphological and molecular evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has witnessed a rapid growth in internet use alongside an unprecedented increase in cybercrimes. Although studies have suggested that there are many factors that may contribute to the growing number of cybercrimes, such as the widespread use of online gaming, the low average income of internet users, and an increased access to IT skills, systematic analyses of actual convictions are rare. As the level of domestic cybercriminal activities increases rapidly, there is a growing call for empirical studies on cybercrime in China. Through the extraction of data from China Judgements Online, the newly released Chinese judgements service, this study examines the basic characteristics of cybercrimes in China by analysing 448 sentencing documents that cover four types of computer crimes: online frauds, real asset theft, virtual asset theft, and stolen accounts. We analyse cybercrime cases from the perspective of the underground economy, focusing on the roles that cybercriminals play in the value chains of the online underground market; more specifically, what kind of products and services are enabled through cyber theft, and how those products and services are integrated as components of the underground economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To study the effects of static magnetic fields (SMF) on the electrophysiological properties of voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels on trigeminal ganglion (TRG) neurons.Methods: Acutely dissociated TRG neurons of neonatal SD rats were exposed to 125-mT and 12.5-mT SMF in exposure devices and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were carried out to observe the changes of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC) and calcium channels (VGCC) currents, while laser scanning confocal microscopy was used to detect intracellular free Ca2+concentration in TRG neurons, respectively.Results: (1) No obvious change of current–voltage (I–V) relationship and the peak current densities of VGSC and VGCC currents were found when TRG neurons were exposed to 125-mT and 12.5-mT SMF. However, the activation threshold, inactivation threshold and velocity of the channel currents above were significantly altered by 125-mT and 12.5-mT SMF. (2) The fluctuation of intracellular free Ca2+concentration within TRG neurons were slowed by 125-mT and 12.5-mT SMF. When SMF was removed, the Ca2+concentration level showed partial recovery in the TRG neurons previously exposed by 125-mT SMF, while there was a full recovery found in 12.5-mT-SMF-exposed neurons.Conclusions: Moderate-intensity SMF could affect the electrophysiological characteristics of VGCS and VGCC by altering their activation and inactivation threshold and velocity. The fluctuations of intracellular free Ca2+caused by SMF exposure were not permanent in TRG neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Given the reported effects of nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) on kidney injury, a study is worth formulating to investigate whether and how NEAT1 impacts podocytes. A mouse podocyte injury model was established using the adriamycin (ADR)-induced mouse podocyte cell line (MPC5). The target relationships between NEAT1 and microRNA (miR)-23b-3p and between miR-23b-3p and Bcl-2 interacting protein 3 like (BNIP3L) were verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. After ADR-induced MPC5 cells were transfected with NEAT1 overexpression plasmid (oe-NEAT1) or shNEAT1, the viability and apoptosis of MPC5 cells were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The expressions of MPC5, miR-23b-3p, BNIP3L and the factors related to podocyte injury, apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. NEAT1 was high-expressed in ADR-induced cell model. After transfection with oe-NEAT1, the expression of NEAT1, the levels of marker (Desmin) and apoptosis were promoted, while the viability and the levels of podocyte injury markers (WT1, Nephrin) were inhibited in ADR-induced cells. However, shNEAT1 generated the effects opposite to oe-NEAT1. Besides, miR-23b-3p competitively bound to NEAT1 and targeted BNIP3L. MiR-23b-3p inhibitor reversed the effect of shNEAT1, while its effect could be further offset by shBNIP3L. Furthermore, miR-23b-3p inhibitor affected mouse podocyte injury through downregulating Bcl-2 and E-cadherin levels and upregulating Cleaved-caspase-3, Bax, N-cadherin, Vimentin and Snail levels, but shBNIP3L did oppositely. NEAT1 promotes the podocyte injury via targeting miR-23b-3p/BNIP3L axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for regioselective acylation of flavonoids (naringin and naringin dihydrochalcone) in a flow microreactor using Lipozyme TL IM fromThermomyces lanuginosusas the catalyst has been developed. The important features of this method include mild reaction conditions, short reaction times (30 min), high yields, and high regioselectivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current paper, an efficient in situ solvent formation microextraction (ISFME) combining high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection was developed for the determination of sanguinarine and chelerythrine in Macleaya cordata (Willd.) R. Br. and Chelidonium majus L. The amount of ion-pairing agent (KPF6) was added to the sample solution containing a water-miscible ionic liquid (IL; [C6MIM][Br]) to obtain a hydrophobic ionic liquid ([C6MIM]PF6), which acted as the extraction phase to replace the volatile organic solvent as the extraction solvent. Several important parameters influencing the extraction efficiency of IL-ISFME, such as the type and volume of IL, amount of KPF6, sample pH, extraction time, and centrifugation time, were optimized. Under optimal conditions, sanguinarine and chelerythrine exhibited good linearity, with correlation coefficients of 0.9992 and 0.9993, respectively, linear range of 0.1–200 ng mL−1, and limit of detection of 0.08 ng mL−1. The spiked recovery for each analyte was in the range of 97.8%–102.3%. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of two alkaloids in M. cordata (Willd.) R. Br., C. majus L. and human urine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Although Shanghai has good maternal health indicators, it also has a large in-migrating population, which has made control of maternal mortality a major challenge. This study analyzed maternal mortality and causes of death in pregnant women in Shanghai in the ten years from 2000 to 2009, comparing resident and migrant women. All live births were registered and every maternal death audited. The number of live births rose from 84,898 in 2000 to 187,335 in 2009. The number of migrants increased 4.6 times, while the proportion of live births to migrant women increased from 27% to 55%. There were 262 maternal deaths, 55 in Shanghai residents and 207 in migrant women (78.9% of the total). Most deaths in migrant women were due to illegal delivery. Three policy changes focusing on maternal health greatly reduced deaths: low-cost delivery services were established for migrant women in maternity hospitals, five obstetric emergency care and referral centres were created in general hospitals, and training for health professionals and health education for women were instituted. Maternal mortality in Shanghai decreased steadily from 2000 to 2009, reaching 10 per 100,000 live births in 2009. Among Shanghai permanent residents the ratio was below ten in most of those years, while among migrant women it declined sharply from 58 to 12 per 100,000 live births. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Shanghai has good maternal health indicators, it also has a large in-migrating population, which has made control of maternal mortality a major challenge. This study analyzed maternal mortality and causes of death in pregnant women in Shanghai in the ten years from 2000 to 2009, comparing resident and migrant women. All live births were registered and every maternal death audited. The number of live births rose from 84,898 in 2000 to 187,335 in 2009. The number of migrants increased 4.6 times, while the proportion of live births to migrant women increased from 27% to 55%. There were 262 maternal deaths, 55 in Shanghai residents and 207 in migrant women (78.9% of the total). Most deaths in migrant women were due to illegal delivery. Three policy changes focusing on maternal health greatly reduced deaths: low-cost delivery services were established for migrant women in maternity hospitals, five obstetric emergency care and referral centres were created in general hospitals, and training for health professionals and health education for women were instituted. Maternal mortality in Shanghai decreased steadily from 2000 to 2009, reaching 10 per 100,000 live births in 2009. Among Shanghai permanent residents the ratio was below ten in most of those years, while among migrant women it declined sharply from 58 to 12 per 100,000 live births. Bien que Shanghai possède de bons indicateurs de santé maternelle, la ville abrite aussi une vaste population immigrante, et la lutte contre la mortalité maternelle y représente donc un enjeu majeur. Cette étude a analysé la mortalité maternelle et les causes de décès chez les femmes enceintes à Shanghai pendant 10 ans, de 2000 à 2009, en comparant les résidentes et les migrantes. Toutes les naissances vivantes ont été enregistrées et chaque décès maternel a été examiné. Le nombre de naissances vivantes est passé de 84 898 en 2000 à 187 335 en 2009. Le nombre de migrants a augmenté de 4,6 fois, alors que la proportion de naissances vivantes chez les migrantes passait de 27% à 55%. On a enregistré 262 décès maternels, 55 résidentes de Shanghai et 207 migrantes (78,9% du total). La plupart des décès de migrantes étaient dus à des accouchements clandestins. Trois changements politiques centrés sur ont sensiblement réduit la mortalité : l'établissement de services obstétricaux à faible coût pour les migrantes dans les maternités, la création de cinq centres de soins obstétricaux d'urgence et de référence dans les hôpitaux généraux, et l'institution d'une formation des professionnels de santé et de l'éducation sanitaire des femmes. La mortalité maternelle à Shanghai a diminué régulièrement depuis 2000, atteignant un taux de 10 pour 100 000 naissances vivantes en 2009. Parmi les résidentes permanentes de Shanghai, le taux était inférieur à dix pendant la plupart de ces années, alors que chez les migrantes, il a reculé rapidement de 58 à 12 pour 100 000 naissances vivantes. Aunque en Shanghái existen buenos indicadores de salud materna, también hay un gran número de inmigrantes, por lo cual es muy difícil controlar la mortalidad materna. En este estudio se analizó la mortalidad materna y las causas de muerte de mujeres embarazadas en Shanghái durante un plazo de diez años, del 2000 al 2009, y se compararon las mujeres residentes con migrantes. Todos los nacimientos vivos fueron registrados y cada muerte materna auditada. El número de nacimientos vivos aumentó de 84,898 en 2000 a 187,335 en 2009. El número de migrantes aumentó 4.6 veces, mientras que la proporción de nacimientos vivos a mujeres migrantes aumentó del 27% al 55%. Hubo 262 muertes maternas, 55 entre residentes de Shanghái y 207 entre mujeres migrantes (78.9% del total). La mayoría de las muertes entre mujeres migrantes fueron causadas por partos ilegales. Tres cambios a las políticas centrados en disminuyeron en gran medida las tasas de muertes: se establecieron servicios de bajo costo para mujeres migrantes en maternidades, se crearon cinco centros de cuidados obstétricos de emergencia y referencia en hospitales generales, y se instituyeron programas de capacitación para profesionales de la salud y de educación sobre la salud para las mujeres. Las tasas de mortalidad materna en Shanghái disminuyeron a un ritmo constante entre 2000 y 2009, alcanzando 10 por cada 100,000 nacimientos vivos en 2009. Entre las residentes permanentes de Shanghái la proporción fue menos de diez en la mayoría de esos años, mientras que entre las mujeres migrantes aumentó bruscamente de 58 a 12 por cada 100,000 nacimientos vivos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A green, efficient method for the synthesis of various 2-aryl-benzimidazoles in the presence of hypervalent iodine as the oxidant at room temperature under solvent-free conditions is reported. The salient features of this method include mild conditions, short reaction times (3-5 min), excellent yields, and simple procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining an optimum population is crucial for urban sustainable development. A happiness degree model was constructed to estimate the optimum population of Xiamen, southern China. Happiness degree was defined as the total satisfaction of households working and living in Xiamen in terms of possessing and/or consuming certain resources. The optimum city size was considered for a city in which the population has maximised the happiness degree. The resources considered in the assessment were those possessed or consumed by citizens: GDP, investment in education and in science and technology, water, electricity, housing, green land, transportation. The results show that the optimum population of Xiamen in 2007 would be about 1.66 million, i.e. the actual population of nearly 2.43 million is obviously too large. Insufficient electricity supply was the most significant constraint for Xiamen as a sustainable city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, five cyclic nitrone superoxide spin adducts, i.e. DMPO-OOH, M3PO-OOH, EMPO-OOH, DEPMPO-OOH and DEPDMPO-OOH, were chosen as model compounds to investigate the effect of 2,5-subsitituents on their stability, through structural analysis and decay thermodynamics using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Analysis of the optimized geometries reveals that none of the previously proposed stabilizing factors, including intramolecular H-bonds, intramolecular non-bonding interactions, bulky steric protection nor the C(2)–N(1) bond distance can be used to clearly explain the effect of 2,5-substituents on the stability of the spin adducts. Subsequent study found that spin densities on the nitroxyl nitrogen and oxygen are well correlated with the half-lives of the spin adducts and consequently are the proper parameters to characterize the effect of 2,5-substituents on their stability. Examination of the decomposition thermodynamics further supports the effect of the substituents on the persistence of cyclic nitrone superoxide spin adducts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under microwave irradiation, vanillin was alkylated with α,ω-dihaloalkane to give 4,4'-alkylene-bridging vanillins, which in turn underwent one-pot multicomponent reactions with excess of ethyl acetoacetate and ammonium bicarbonate to give 4,4'-alkoxy-bridging bisdihydropyridines in moderate yields. The structures of the synthetic bisdihydropyridines were characterized with 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and high-performance liquic chromatography/mass spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid and efficient microwave-promoted Heck reaction of aryl iodides and bromides with terminal olefins using a Pd(OAc)2 (0.05 mol%)/K3PO4 catalytic system under ligand-free and solvent-free conditions is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objective was to investigate the role of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and their cellular sources in childhood asthma. We used 12 controls and 16 asthmatic children. The levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells of asthmatic children were measured immunocytochemically. The positive level index, defined as the percentage of positive-stained cells × average optical density, was used to assess the expressing levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1. The percentages of eosinophils and mast cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of asthmatic children were increased. Levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in BAL cell of asthmatic children were increased significantly at about 30- and 35-fold relative to the controls, respectively. These results suggest that both MMP-9 and TIMP-1 contribute to tissue remodeling. MMP-9, which mediates the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM), is increased significantly in the early or acute stage and may play a role in ECM degeneration. Excessive TIMP-1 may be synthesized following MMP-9 production when the body tries to repair the damage, which results in excessive deposition of ECM component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objective was to investigate the role of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and their cellular sources in guinea pig asthma model following ovalbumin (OA) challenge. Twenty guinea pigs were divided into 2 groups: OA-challenged group were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection with OA and exposed to OA while the control group used saline in a similar manner. The positive level index (PLI), defined as the percentage of positive-stained cells × average optical density, was used to assess the expressing levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1. The levels of MMP-9 from OA-challenged group were significantly higher than those of controls. However, no significant difference of the TIMP-1 levels between the OA-challenged group and controls were found. MMP-9 was expressed strongly in both inflammatory and structural cells while TIMP-1 was expressed weakly in inflammatory cells and structural cells. Our results implied that MMP-9 may contribute to tissue remodeling in asthma and both structural and inflammatory cells within lung tissue are the main cellular sources of MMP-9. Excessive expression of MMP-9 m the early or acute stage of asthma may be associated with the initiation of bronchial injury and inflammatory cells accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammalian ATR and ATM checkpoint kinases modulate chromatin structures near DNA breaks by phosphorylating a serine residue in the carboxy-terminal tail SQE motif of histone H2AX. Histone H2A is similarly regulated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The phosphorylated forms of H2AX and H2A, known as γ-H2AX and γ-H2A, are thought to be important for DNA repair, although their evolutionarily conserved roles are unknown. Here, we investigate γ-H2A in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We show that formation of γ-H2A redundantly requires the ATR/ATM-related kinases Rad3 and Tel1. Mutation of the SQE motif to AQE (H2A-AQE) in the two histone H2A genes caused sensitivity to a wide range of genotoxic agents, increased spontaneous DNA damage, and impaired checkpoint maintenance. The H2A-AQE mutations displayed a striking synergistic interaction with rad22Δ (Rad52 homolog) in ionizing radiation (IR) survival. These phenotypes correlated with defective phosphorylation of the checkpoint proteins Crb2 and Chk1 and a failure to recruit large amounts of Crb2 to damaged DNA. Surprisingly, the H2A-AQE mutations substantially suppressed the IR hypersensitivity of crb2Δ cells by a mechanism that required the RecQ-like DNA helicase Rqh1. We propose that γ-H2A modulates checkpoint and DNA repair through large-scale recruitment of Crb2 to damaged DNA. This function correlates with evidence that γ-H2AX regulates recruitment of several BRCA1 carboxyl terminus domain-containing proteins (NBS1, 53BP1, MDC1/NFBD1, and BRCA1) in mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hb Chapel Hill [Alpha2 74(EF3) Asp > Gly] results from an GAC > GGC substitution at codon 74 of the HBA1 or HBA2 genes. Hb Chapel Hill has not been reported since 1986. A heterozygous mutation, HBA2: c.224A > G, was identified in the proband, her father and sister. We compared the haematological and clinical data of this family with the data reported in the limited number of individuals. Having excluded iron deficiency, the Hb Chapel Hill was asymptomatic in heterozygous state. The cases presented here characterize cases in new techniques including capillary electrophoresis (CE). Two aberrant peaks were identified by CE, a major peak migrating in the zone 7 that correspond to Hb Chapel Hill (αChapel Hill2β2) and a minor peak migrating in the zone 1 that correspond to Hb Chapel Hill2 (αChapel Hill2δ2). Focusing on the variant expression, the Hb Chapel Hill plus Hb A2 variant were around 18.9–20.6% of total Hb in three members. This data will be useful for providing up-to-date and high quality information on the Hb Chapel Hill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, two unrelated cases of Hb Q-Thailand heterozygosity unlinked with the (–α4.2/) α+-thalassemia deletion allele were identified by long-read single molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing in southern China. The aim of this study was to report the hematological and molecular features as well as diagnostic aspects of the rare manifestation. Hematological parameters and hemoglobin analysis results were recorded. A suspension array system for routine thalassemia genetic analysis and long-read SMRT sequencing were applied in parallel for thalassemia genotyping. Traditional methods, including Sanger sequencing, multiplex gap-polymerase chain reaction (gap-PCR) and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), were used together to confirm the thalassemia variants. Long-read SMRT sequencing was used to diagnose two Hb Q-Thailand heterozygous patients for whom the hemoglobin variant was unlinked to the (–α4.2/) allele for the first time. The hitherto undescribed genotypes were verified by traditional methods. Hematological parameters were compared with those of Hb Q-Thailand heterozygosity linked with the (–α4.2/) deletion allele in our study. For the positive control samples, long-read SMRT sequencing revealed a linkage relationship between the Hb Q-Thailand allele and the (–α4.2/) deletion allele. Identification of the two patients confirms that the linkage relationship between the Hb Q-Thailand allele and the (−α4.2/) deletion allele is a common possibility but not a certainty. Remarkably, as it is superior to traditional methods, SMRT technology may eventually serve as a more comprehensive and precise method that holds promising prospects in clinical practice, especially for rare variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, exposés on the trafficking of women have caught the public's attention in China. However, due to data scarcity, the scope and nature of such criminal activity are not well understood. The authors of this study provide a new angle in the analysis of human trafficking by digitizing and analyzing court sentencing documents on trafficking in China during 2014–2015. Through mapping court data to geographic information and performing network analysis, the study presented a comprehensive picture of intra-provincial, inter-provincial, and international trafficking patterns. The data showed that international trafficking has become the largest category in the trafficking of women, and victims were typically young women in their 20s originating from Vietnam, Myanmar, and North Korea who were sold into central provinces. Domestically, inter-provincial trafficking outnumbers intra-provincial cases. Across provincial borders, women were trafficked from southwest to central provinces. Intra-provincial trafficking was concentrated in four provinces: Henan, Anhui, Shandong, and Hebei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitochondrial sequence of the crested black macaque(Macaca nigra)has been determined by mapping the raw data to previously published mitochondrial assemblies of the corresponding species. The total sequence length is 16,564 bp and includes 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes and 1 D-loop control region. The base composition of mtDNA genome is 31.76% A, 25.27% T, 30.17% C, and 12.80% G, with an AT content of 57.03%. The arrangement of genes inM. nigrais identical to that ofM. mulatta. All genes are encoded on the heavy strand with the exception of ND6 and eight tRNA genes. The mitochondrial genome ofM. nigrapresented here will contribute to a better understanding of the population genetics, help to protect its genetic diversity and resolve phylogenetic relationships within the family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Autosomal dominant de novo mutations in SYNGAP1 are a cause of intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including autosomal dominant mental retardation 5 (MRD5). Case report: By performing exome sequencing, we discovered a novel heterozygous variant in SYNGAP1 (c.509 + 1G > A) in a 4-year-old ethnic Chinese boy with ID and ASD but without seizures or malformation. Conclusion: The c.509 + 1G > A mutation in the SYNGAP1 gene was present in a patient with MRD5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we report two rare α-globin chain variants in two unrelated families: Hb Val de Marne [α133(H16) Ser > Arg (AGC > CGC); HBA2: c.400A > C] and Hb Dongguan [α52(E6) Ser > Cys (TCT > TGT); HBA1: c.158C > G]. Notably, HBA2: c.400A > C is an unreported new variant in the third exon of the α2 gene, and simple heterozygous unstable Hb Dongguan haematological characteristics are proposed for the first time. Hb analysis was performed by using capillary electrophoresis (CE). Twenty-three common mutations were detected using a suspension array system. Mutations were identified by DNA sequencing. The CE results showed an abnormal peak with incomplete separation from Hb A at zone 8 in two members of Family 1. DNA sequencing confirmed the presence of Hb Val de Marne [α133(H16) Ser > Arg (AGC > CGC); HBA2: c.400A > C]. Five members of Family 2 exhibited an abnormal peak at zone 11, and DNA sequencing confirmed the presence of Hb Dongguan [α52(E6) Ser > Cys (TCT > TGT); HBA1: c.158C > G]. The discovery of HBA2: C.400A > C expands the existing spectrum of α-globin variants. The carriers of simple heterozygous Hb Dongguan generally do not have obvious clinical symptoms. The information in this study will help clinicians understand the screening, molecular diagnosis and clinical significance of Hb variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 3.7 kb deletion (-α3.7) in the α-globin cluster, which characterizes α+-thalassemia, has been reported to have a carrier rate of 4.78% in southern China. Three -α3.7 subtypes have been identified worldwide. However, the -α3.7 III subtype has not previously been identified in China. Herein, we reported identification of the -α3.7 III subtype in a Chinese patient. We used gap-PCR and a liquid chip system to detect α-thalassemia mutations. Multiple ligation-dependent probe amplification was performed to detect the large deletion. We finally used Sanger sequencing and single molecule real-time sequencing to characterize and confirm the genotype. The proband, characterized as -α3.7 III heterozygous, showed microcytosis and hypochromic red cells, with a mean corpuscular volume of 78 fL and mean corpuscular hemoglobin of 25.4 pg. The proband's mutation was inherited from her father, who had normal blood parameters. We first identified the -α3.7 III subtype in China. Consequently, all -α3.7 subtypes have now been identified in the Chinese population. Therefore, attention should be paid to -α3.7 III in clinical prenatal diagnosis, given that commonly used methods such as gap-PCR may lead to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The α-thalassemia is a highly prevalent disease in tropical and subtropical regions, including southern China, and is mainly caused by deletion in α-globin genes (HBA1 and HBA2). The clinical manifestation of α-thalassemia is highly correlated with the copy number of α-globin genes. The decrease in copy number results in α-thalassemia, while duplication or triplication compounded with β-thalassemia may aggravate the clinical manifestation. However, the common methods used to measure the copy number variants can only detect the three common types: –SEA, -α3.7, and -α4.2, and may easily miss the rare deletional type and duplication or triplication cases. Therefore, a new method that allows the detection of different copy number variants in α-globin genes simultaneously and accurately needs to be established. A total of 428 peripheral-blood and fetal chorionic villus or amniotic fluid samples were used in this study. We employed a pair of primers and two probes, one for HBA1 and another for HBA2, to perform droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR). Each reaction needed the ddPCR of RPP30 as a reference gene to calculate the copy number. We accurately detected the copy number variants in α-globin genes, including the common form α-thalassemia, triplications such as αααanti4.2, and trisomy 16, by performing only two reactions. The accuracy rate for detecting the copy number of α-globin genes was up to 100%. In conclusion, ddPCR served as an accurate and rapid method for detecting copy number variations in the clinical screening for α-thalassemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the relationship between the MTRA2576G polymorphism of the key enzyme in homocysteine metabolism and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and arteriosclerotic occlusion (ASO) of the lower extremities. Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of patients with lower-extremity vascular diseases, including 125 cases of DVT, 125 cases of CVI and 125 cases of ASO. DNA samples extracted from 197 healthy individuals were used as control samples. PCR-RFLP was used to investigate the polymorphisms of MTR in these subjects. The frequency of the G allele in MTR was 6.8%, 6.1% and 12.8% for the DVT group, CVI group and ASO group, respectively (p = 0.003). The frequency of the GG allele was 13.6%, 12.2% and 22.4% for the DVT group, CVI group and ASO group, respectively (p = 0.014). Only the allele frequency of GG in the ASO group was higher than that in the control group, and the disease risk was also 1.3 times higher than that in the control group (OR = 1.299, 95% CI = 1.025 ∼ 2.575). Patients with the G allele in MTR have a high risk for ASO, and the GG allele is a risk gene for ASO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Thalassemia (β-thal), a highly prevalent disease in tropical and subtropical regions of Southern China, is caused mainly by point mutations in the β-globin gene cluster. However, large deletions have also been found to contribute to some types of β-thal. We identified a novel 5 kb deletion in the β-globin cluster in a Chinese patient using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), and characterized it with single molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing, gap-polymerase chain reaction (gap-PCR) and Sanger sequencing. The deletion was located between positions 5226189 and 5231091 on chromosome 11 (GRCh38), extending from 4 kb upstream of the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) to the second intron of the β-globin gene. The patient with this deletion presented with microcytosis and hypochromic red cells, as well as relatively high Hb F and Hb A2 levels. Our research indicated that SMRT sequencing is a useful tool for accurate detection of large deletions. Our study broadens the spectrum of deletional β-thalassemias and provides a perspective for further study of the function of the β-globin cluster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This proposal seeks to study the potential therapeutic modality of chemoprevention and anticancer effects and mechanisms of the flavonoids fromCotinus coggygriaScop. on glioblastoma cancer. In the current study, the total flavonoids (TFs) isolated fromCotinus coggygriaScop. var. cinerea Engl. (Cotinus coggygriaScop.) and the major flavonoids ofCotinus coggygriaScop. (CCFs) were identified, and the inhibitory kinetics of TF and CCF on glioblastoma cell lines were calculated. We also investigated whether TF or CCF regulated the apoptotic mechanism in cellular models of glio-blastoma cells. Finally, we evaluated whether treatment with TF or CCF suppressed tumor growth and inhibited migration in orthotopic mouse models of glioblastoma in vivo. In this study, the CCFs were identified as rutin, myricetin, and fisetin. TF and CCF remarkably inhibited cell proliferation and downregulated the PI3K/Akt and ERK signaling pathway in glioblastoma cell lines. Furthermore, the mitochondrial caspase-dependent cascade was regulated by TF and myricetin. In addition, TF and myricetin exhibited significant antitumor effects on glioblastoma in vivo. Taken together, these results suggest that phytochemical and biological data provide evidence for the active components inCotinus coggygria, and that the TFs are responsible for the anticancer effects on glioblastoma cell growth via induction of apoptosis. In addition, the representative compound myricetin could provide a clinically relevant therapeutic opportunity. Therefore, our data strongly suggest that myricetin-deprived CCF can serve as a potent chemopreventive herbal medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Quercetin, a flavonoid present in many plants, is reported to be effective in models of neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-tremor effects of quercetin in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced rat model of Parkinson's disease. In rats, quercetin had no effect on apomorphine-induced rotations, but it could significantly attenuate muscle tremor of 6-OHDA lesioned rats. Interestingly, quercetin could decrease the burst frequency in a dose- and time-dependent manner. These results suggest that quercetin may have a protective effect on models to mimic muscle tremors of Parkinson's disease. This effect of quercetin may be associated with serotonergic system, but further study is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Viviparidae, Trochotaia pyramidella n. sp., is described from freshwater ponds in the Yousuo village of Er-Yuan County, Yunnan, southwestern China on the basis of shell, radula and anatomical characters. Trochotaia pyramidella is the first report of a species of this genus from China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The supramolecular interactions between a homologous series ofp-sulfonated calix[n]arenes (SCnA,n = 4, 6, 8) as hosts and lomefloxacin (LFLX) were studied by spectrofluorometry. LFLX was found to react with SCnA to produce stable complexes. The fluorescence intensity of the complexes decreased gradually with increasing SCnA concentration. The formation of complexes was further confirmed by1H NMR studies and molecular modeling calculations. Data of the stability constants and thermodynamic parameters of the obtained complex showed that the stability of the SC8A-LFLX complex is superior to that of SC6A-LFLX and SC4A-LFLX. A mechanism was proposed to explain the inclusion process. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The imbalance between glucose metabolism and cancer cell growth in tumor microenvironment (TME), which are closely related with the occurrence and progression of cancer. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that flavonoids exert many biological properties, including antioxidant and anticarcinogenic activities. Recently, the roles and applications of flavonoids, particularly in relation to glucose metabolism in cancers, have been highlighted. Thus, the identification of flavonoids targeting alternative glucose metabolism pathways in TME may represent an attractive approach to the more effective therapeutic strategies for cancer. In this review, we will focus on the roles of flavonoids in regulating glucose metabolism and cancer cell growth in TME, such as proliferation advantage, cell mobility, and chemoresistance to cancer, as well as modifiers of thermal sensitivity. Not only have such large-scale endeavors been useful in providing fundamental insights into natural and synthesized flavonoids that can prevent and treat cancer, but also have led to the discovery of potential targets for cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An efficient Al-Fe cointercalated bentonite composite material (Al-Fe/Bent) which is capable of removing hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] from aqueous solutions was prepared. The batch experiment studies were conducted to evaluate the adsorption performance of Cr(VI) contained in aqueous solution. The XRD results showed the spacing of layers of bentonite was increased due to the aluminum and iron polycation intercalated into the layer of bentonite. The removal rate of Cr(VI) from the aqueous solution could be up 87.4% under the condition of the dosage of Al-Fe/Bent 8 g/L, pH 4, and a contact time of 60 min. The equilibrium data fitted well to the Freundlich model. The adsorption process could be well described by the pseudosecond order kinetic model. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Context: As a component of the outer membrane in Gram-negative bacteria, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced proliferation and cell cycle progression of monocytes/macrophages. It has been suggested that the proapoptotic T-cell death-associated gene 51 (TDAG51) might be associated with cell proliferation and cell cycle progression; however, its role in the interaction between LPS and macrophages remains unclear. Objective: We attempted to elucidate the role(s) of TDAG51 played in the interaction between LPS and macrophages. Materials and methods: We investigated TDAG51 expression in RAW264.7 cells stimulated with LPS and examined the effects of RNA interference-mediated TDAG51 down-regulation. We used CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry analysis to evaluate the interaction between TDAG51 and LPS-induced proliferation and cell cycle progression in RAW264.7 cells. Results: Our findings indicate that TDAG51 is up-regulated in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, the TDAG51 siRNA effectively reduced TDAG51 protein up-regulation following LPS stimulation in RAW264.7 cells, the significant changes of the proliferation and cell cycle progression of RAW264.7 cells in TDAG51 Knockdown RAW264.7 cells treated with LPS were observed. Conclusion: These findings suggested that TDAG51 up-regulation is a dependent event during LPS-mediated proliferation and cell cycle progression, and which increase our understanding of the interaction mechanism between LPS and macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Ionic liquid-based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction with magnetic dispersive micro-solid phase extraction was employed to determine carvedilol, an anti-arrhythmic drug, with fluorescence detection. The ionic liquid extractant was magnetically retrieved with unmodified nanoparticles. The 1-Octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate was used to extract the analyte. Magnetite nanoparticles were added to adsorb the ionic liquid. The loaded magnetite nanoparticles were collected by a magnetic field. The ionic liquid and carvedilol were recovered from the surface of the magnetite nanoparticles by sonication in the presence of ethanol. The analyte was determined by fluorescence with excitation at 244 nm and emission at 355 nm. Under the optimized conditions, the calibration graph was linear from 0.4 ng mL−1to 80 ng mL−1with a detection limit of 0.1 n g mL−1. The relative standard deviation for carvedilol was 1.57%. The method was used to determine the analyte in tablets, human plasma, and urine with recoveries between 95.04 and 106.6%. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Using fumaropimaric acid (H3L) as the ligand, a coordination polymer {[Cd(H2L)2(H2O)2]·8H2O}nwas synthesized under solvothermal conditions and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In the complex, Cd(II) is eight-coordinate with a distorted dodecahedral CdO8geometry. There is a Cd2L2chelate ring, which forms an infinite 1-D chain structure along thebaxis. The 1-D chains are further linked by strong O–H···O hydrogen bonding of a water cluster to form a 2-D structure. A dodecamer water cluster consisting of a five-membered ring with envelope conformation is the first reported. The complex is the first example showing three completely different coordination modes of carboxyl groups for Cd(II) complexes. The complex displayed medium fluorescence emission peaks atca. 442 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of p-sulfonated calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6, 8) to form complexes with tryptophan was studied. The electrochemical properties of these complexes immobilized on gold surfaces were examined by cyclic voltammetry. Parameters affecting the performance of the modified electrodes including the arene concentration, scan rate, applied potential, and pH were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the method had a linear response to tryptophan between 1 × 10−7 M and 1 × 10−5 M with a detection limit of 3 × 10−8 M. The interaction of the tryptophan–p-sulfonated calix[4]arene complex was more stable than the tryptophan–p-sulfonated calix[6]arene and p-sulfonated calix[8]arene complexes. Molecular modeling calculations indicated that electrostatic interactions and structural matching effects were predominant stabilizing factors. The modified electrodes demonstrated good reproducibility and high selectivity, illustrating their effectiveness for analytical measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amorphous carbon nanotubes (ACNTs) were produced by a temperature-controlled arc discharging furnace with a mixture powders of Co-Ni (1:1wt%) alloy as catalyst and hydrogen as buffer gas. As-grown and treated ACNTs with a mean diameter of about 14nm for hydrogen storage and release experiments were studied in this paper. The test experiments of hydrogen uptake and release were carried out by a volumetric gas-adsorption measurement system. The results indicated that the hydrogen storage capacity of ACNTs was 1.1wt% at the pressure of 2.45MPa and room temperature. Around 50% of the adsorbed hydrogen gas of ACNTs could be released under a standard pressure and at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This study sought to determine the effect of combined treatment of hypoxia plus indomethacin on pulmonary vascular remodeling in fetal rats. Methods. Hypoxia and indomethacin were used to treat pregnant rats during 19-21 days of gestation. The adventitia, media, and intima of pulmonary arteries from fetal rats were assessed. Western blots were used for determining the abundance of smooth muscle specific alpha-actin protein (α-SMA), elastin, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in lung tissues. Plasma brain-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, reflecting the increased right ventricular load or pulmonary arterial pressure, were detected. Results. The ratio of left ventricular free wall plus septum to right ventricular weight significantly increased in hypoxia plus indomethacin-treated group. The medial thickness percentage of pulmonary arteries of < 100 μm and ≥100 μm in diameter from hypoxia plus indomethacin-treated group was higher than that from control or single treatment group. Vascular elastin area percentage and immunostaining density of eNOS from the combined-treated group were higher than other groups. The relative abundance of α-SMA, elastin, and eNOS and plasma BNP levels in hypoxia plus indomethacin-treated group also significantly increased compared with other groups. Conclusions. Hypoxia and indomethacin had synergistic effect on fetal pulmonary vascular remodeling. This rat model induced by combined treatments can mimic human persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel benzyldihydrophenanthrene named arundinaol (1) has been isolated from the rhizoma of Arundina graminifolia . The structure of 1 has been elucidated as 7-hydroxy-1-( p -hydroxybenzyl)-2,4-dimethoxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene on the basis of physical and chemical evidence and spectral analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical investigation of Rheum sublanceolatum has led to the isolation of two new constituents, the structures of which were identified on the basis of physical and spectroscopic analysis as 2-acetyl-3-methyl-6,8-dihydroxy-2,3,4,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-1-one-6- O -ß-d-glucopyranoside ( 1 ) and 2,5-dimethyl-7-hydroxychromone-7- O -ß-d-(6'- O -galloyl)-glucopyranoside ( 2 ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A chemical investigation of the Orchidaceae Arundina gramnifolia has led to the isolation of a novel stilbenoid, named arundinan ( 1 ). The structure of 1 has been elucidated as 2-( p -hydroxybenzyl)-3-hydroxy-5-methoxybibenzyl on the basis of physical and chemical evidence and spectral analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]