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We present a measurement campaign to characterize an indoor massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channel system, using a 64-element virtual linear array, a 64-element virtual planar array, and a 128-element virtual planar array. The array topologies are generated using a 3D mechanical turntable. The measurements are conducted at 2, 4, 6, 11, 15, and 22 GHz, with a large bandwidth of 200 MHz. Both line-of-sight (LOS) and non-LOS (NLOS) propagation scenarios are considered. The typical channel parameters are extracted, including path loss, shadow fading, power delay profile, and root mean square (RMS) delay spread. The frequency dependence of these channel parameters is analyzed. The correlation between shadow fading and RMS delay spread is discussed. In addition, the performance of the standard linear precoder—the matched filter, which can be used for intersymbol interference (ISI) mitigation by shortening the RMS delay spread, is investigated. Other performance measures, such as entropy capacity, Demmel condition number, and channel ellipticity, are analyzed. The measured channels, which are in a rich-scattering indoor environment, are found to achieve a performance close to that in independent and identically distributed Rayleigh channels even in an LOS scenario.

BACKGROUND The influence of maternal vitamin D on pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth (PTB), is unclear due to different experimental designs and study populations (patient race and sample size) of previous studies. We aimed to investigate the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH] D) levels and PTB among pregnant women in southern China. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 11 641 pregnant women were retrospectively enrolled between January 2016 and April 2019. Vitamin D concentrations were evaluated by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between vitamin D and PTB. RESULTS The average 25(OH) D concentration was 59.3±21.5 nmol/L; 34.8% of patients were vitamin D deficient, 43.0% were vitamin D insufficient (25[OH] D50 nmol/L and 50-74.9 nmol/L, respectively). In total, 3.6% of newborns were born prematurely. Comparing the pre-term and full-term groups, 45.7% versus 42.9% and 29.8% versus 35% were vitamin D deficient and insufficient, respectively These differences were not significant (P0.05). However, the mean vitamin D status was significantly different between the pre-term and full-term groups (61.3±21.3 and 59.1±21.5 nmol/L, respectively). No association was found between vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and PTB in unadjusted or adjusted models, compared with vitamin D sufficiency (adjusted odds ratio, 1.016; 95% confidence interval, 0.794-1.301 and 0.842; 0.641-1.106, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Low maternal 25(OH) D levels are common in southern China. However, low vitamin D status in pregnant women appears to be unrelated to PTB. Measuring vitamin D level alone is therefore not sufficient to predict PTB.

This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and clinical application value of multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT) enhanced scans combined with multiplanar reformations (MPRs) images compared with postoperative pathological results in preoperative T staging of rectal cancer. One hundred sixty-eight consecutive patients with rectal cancer were admitted in our hospital between January 2013 and October 2018. Conventional MSCT plain scans, multi-phase dynamic contrast-enhanced scans, and MPRs were performed in all patients before surgical operation. The preoperative T staging of the rectal cancer lesions was evaluated using MSCT enhanced scans combined with MPRs, which was verified by postoperative pathological results. The diagnostic accuracy of MSCT enhanced scans combined with MPRs in evaluating T staging of the rectal cancer lesions were analyzed by χ2 test and Kappa test. Compared with postoperative pathology, T staging using MSCT enhanced scans combined with MPRs had overall accuracy of 85.7%. Consistency between MSCT enhanced scans combined with MPRs and postoperative pathological staging was effective for T staging (Kappa = 0.658, χ2 = 4.200, P = .122). Conventional MSCT enhanced scans combined with MPRs are simple and feasible. It is consistent with the pathological diagnosis of evaluating T staging in the rectal cancer lesions. It can provide reliable imaging evidence for the preoperative evaluation of primary rectal cancer, especially in patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contraindications, or in grass-roots hospitals due to lack of MRI equipment.

Background Extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) is one of the main antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. Little data are available on how biofilm formation (BF) contributes to EC-caused bloodstream infection (BSI) in cancer patients. This study investigated the impact of BF on clinical outcomes of cancer patients with EC-caused BSI. Methods Clinical outcome and microbiological characteristics including the presence of bla genes in ESBL-EC isolates were retrospectively collected from BSI cancer patients. Patients infected with ESBL-EC were compared with patients infected with third-generation cephalosporin-susceptible strains. Survival curves were generated by Kaplan–Meier analysis and the survival difference was assessed by the log-rank test. Risk factors for ESBL-EC infection, predictors of mortality, and outcome differences were determined by multivariate logistic regression and Cox regression analysis, respectively. Results A high prevalence of ESBL-EC with dominant blaCTX-M-15, blaCTX-M-15 plus blaTEM-52 genotype was found in BSI cancer patients. Independent risk factors for infection with ESBL-EC were cephalosporins, chemotherapy, and BF. Metastasis, ICU admission, BF-positive ESBL-EC, organ failure, and the presence of septic shock were revealed as predictors for mortality. The ESBL characteristic was associated with the BF phenotype, and the overall mortality was significantly higher in cancer patients with BF-positive ESBL-EC-caused BSI. Conclusion blaCTX-M-15 type ESBL-EC is highly endemic among cancer patients with BSI. BF is associated with multi-drug resistance by ESBL-EC and is also an independent risk factor of mortality for cancer patients with BSI. Our findings suggest that the combination of BF-positive ESBL-EC isolates with other appropriate laboratory indicators might benefit infection control and improve clinical outcomes.

To explore the clinical effect of acupoint puncture combined with Ilizarov technique in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in the elderly.From March 2015 to February 2016, 76 patients with primary knee osteoarthritis were treated with tibial osteotomy acupoint puncture grouop and Ilizarov technique anatomical puncture group, including 24 males and 52 females, aged 56 to 75 years old with an average of 61.4 years old, and a course of 3 to 17 years with an average of 5.2 years. Among them, 38 cases were treated with external fixation of acupoint puncture needle and 38 cases were treated with external fixation of anatomical puncture needle. Preoperative full-length X-ray of both lower limbs showed tibial varus deformity, narrowing of medial knee joint space and enlargement of lateral knee joint space. The force line of the affected knee and lower limb was moved inward by body surface measurement, and the KSS knee function score was decreased. Symptoms included medial knee pain, flexion and extension, and conservative treatment for more than 2 years.The lower limb force lines of both groups were corrected and the osteotomy ends healed well. No nonunion of osteotomy, inadequate correction of lower limbs or recurrence of deformity were found. Seventy-five patients were followed up for 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after operation. There was no significant difference in knee joint mobility between the two groups before operation and on 6, 12, 24 months after operation(The acupoint puncture group formed a potential acupuncture effect in the acupoint area by continuously tightening the steel needle on Ilizarov ring external fixator during the post-operative adjustment. Within three months after wearing external fixator, the knee pain symptoms of knee osteoarthritis were relieved rapidly, continuously and effectively, which was significantly better than that of the anatomical puncture group.

A method for suppressing sea surface clutter, based on the characteristics of sun glint, is proposed. The proposed method is built on an infrared polarization radiation model of the dynamic sea surface. Based on the time-domain polarization characteristics of sun glint in a dynamic sea scene, a method for taking linearly polarized images at different analyzer angles over fixed intervals is used to suppress sea clutter by using the minimum operation. Experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively improve the contrast between a target and its background. Following simplification, this method can also provide a streamlined sea clutter suppression method with obvious results.

In recent years, natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) in the treatment of colorectal cancer has attracted widespread attention. The potential benefits of NOSES including reduction in postoperative pain and wound complications, less use of postoperative analgesic, faster recovery of bowel function, shorter length of hospital stay, better cosmetic and psychological effect have been described in colorectal surgery. Despite significant decrease in surgical trauma of NOSES have been observed, the potential pitfalls of this technique have been demonstrated. Particularly, several issues including bacteriological concerns, oncological outcomes and patient selection are raised with this new technique. Therefore, it is urgent and necessary to reach a consensus as an industry guideline to standardize the implementation of NOSES in colorectal surgery. After three rounds of discussion by all members of the International Alliance of NOSES, the consensus is finally completed, which is also of great significance to the long-term progress of NOSES worldwide. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complicated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is difficult to treat. The present study explored the efficacy of (liraglutide) Lira in treating T2DM complicated with NAFLD. A total of 127 patients suffering from T2DM complicated with NAFLD were enrolled in the present study, and randomly assigned to a Lira group (liraglutide injection: 0.6–1.2 mg/day, 12 weeks, n=52) or a Metformin (Met) group (oral metformin: 1000–1500 mg/day, 12 weeks, n=75). During the treatment phase, the values for fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2 h plasma glucose (2hPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and adiponectin (APN) decreased in both the Lira and Met groups, and the levels of Δ2hPG, ΔAST/ALT, and ΔAPN in the Lira group were significantly lower than those in the Met group. The values for total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-and high-density lipoproteins (LDL and HDL), ALT, AST, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), and C-reactive protein were markedly increased in both groups, and levels of ΔAST, ΔALT, Δweight, ΔBMI, ΔWHR, and ΔCRP (C-reactive protein) in the Lira group were significantly higher than those in the Met group. An analysis of treatment efficacy showed that liraglutide was better than metformin in its ability to significantly decrease the ALT levels in patients with combined T2DM and NAFLD. Furthermore, liraglutide was more effective than metformin at ameliorating the severity of T2DM complicated with NAFLD, and produced its effects by alleviating liver inflammation and improving liver function.

A series of gossypol Schiff bases that were derived from unnatural linear amino acid methyl esters were identified and found to be much more potent than gossypol and ABT-199 in terms of anticancer activity. This is the first example of gossypol Schiff bases with increased activity. The investigation of the Schiff base side chain of gossypol revealed that the unique anticancer effect was achieved by the introduction of hydrophobic ester groups. The optimized products showed low micromolar pan antitumor activities against NCI-60 tumor cell lines, which is promising for further drug development. Studies on the preliminary mechanism of action for their cellular activities was also carried out with antiapoptotic protein (Bcl-2 and Mcl-1) inhibition FP assays. The molecular modeling analysis demonstrated a possible binding mode for these compounds with Bcl-2, which could explain the binding affinity of the novel gossypol Schiff bases with these proteins.

A new species of Aerobryum Dozy & Molk. (Brachytheciaceae), A. brevicuspis S.He from Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam is described and illustrated. The new species resembles epiphytic A. speciosum Dozy & Molk. in the presence of pendent, sparsely branched stems, similar shape of leaves and areolation, but differs by its apiculate to cuspidate leaf apices, a single, faint or sometimes double costae in branch leaves, rather differentiated alar cells, the presence of a central strand in the stems, and numerous clustered axillary hairs that are often 5-8(-10) cells long.

BACKGROUND Wear particle-induced peri-implant loosening is the most common complication affecting long-term outcomes in patients who undergo total joint arthroplasty. Wear particles and by-products from joint replacements may cause chronic local inflammation and foreign body reactions, which can in turn lead to osteolysis. Thus, inhibiting the formation and activity of osteoclasts may improve the functionality and long-term success of total joint arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to interfere with CXC chemokine receptor type 2 (CXCR2) to explore its role in wear particle-induced osteolysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Morphological and biochemical assays were used to assess osteoclastogenesis in vivo and in vitro. CXCR2 was upregulated in osteoclast formation. RESULTS Local injection with adenovirus-mediated siRNA targeting CXCR2 inhibited titanium-induced osteolysis in a mouse calvarial model in vivo. Furthermore, siCXCR2 suppressed osteoclast formation both directly by acting on osteoclasts themselves and indirectly by altering RANKL and OPG expression in osteoblasts in vitro. CONCLUSIONS CXCR2 plays a critical role in particle-induced osteolysis, and siCXCR2 may be a novel treatment for aseptic loosening.

Posterior circulation ischemia (PCI) is a common clinical ischemic cerebrovascular disease that can endanger the lives of patients in severe cases. Our previous research found that needling the Fengchi (GB20) acupoint presents a significant effect on PCI and that different acupuncture directions can exert different effects. To investigate the biological mechanism of acupuncture directions, rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry-based metabonomic techniques are used to analyze the metabolic profiles of urine samples. The urine samples were obtained from 30 healthy control subjects, 60 PCI patients before and after treatment of different acupuncture directions. Six metabolites, including LPE (22:6), estrone, uric acid, vanillylmandelic acid, N-acetyl-l-tyrosine, and 4-hydroxyphenylacetylglutamine were identified as potential biomarkers of acupuncture treatment of PCI. Acupuncture treatment of PCI patients significantly changed the levels of these potential biomarkers. Moreover, different acupuncture directions showed different effects on the contents of these biomarkers. These results strongly support the belief that acupuncture direction performs an important function in acupuncture intervention. The findings provide new insights into the mechanism of acupuncture treatment and reveal that acupuncture manipulation results in various curative.

Background: The dosage of herb ultrafine particle (UFP) depended on the increased level of its dissolution, toxicity, and efficacy. Objective: The dissolution, antibacterial activity, and cytotoxicity of Coptidis rhizoma (CR) UFP were compared with those of traditional decoction (TD). Materials and Methods: The dissolution of berberine (BBR) of CR TD and UFP was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The antibacterial activity of CR extract was assayed by plate-hole diffusion and broth dilution method; the inhibitory effect of rat serums against bacteria growth was evaluated after orally given CR UFP or TD extract. The cytotoxicity of CR extract was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Results: The dissolution amount of BBR from CR UFP increased 6–8-folds in comparison to TD at 2 min, the accumulative amount of BBR in both UFP and TD group increased in a time-dependent manner. The minimal inhibitory concentrations and minimal bactericidal concentrations of CR UFP extract decreased to 1/2~1/4 of those of TD extract. The inhibitory effect of rat serums against bacteria growth decreased time-dependently, and no statistical difference was observed between two groups at each time point. The 50% cytotoxic concentrations of UFP extract increased 1.66~1.97 fold than those of TD. Conclusions: The antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of CR UFP increased in a dissolution-effect manner in vitro, the increased level of cytotoxicity was lower than that of antibacterial activity, and the inhibitory effect of rat serums containing drugs of UFP group did not improve. SUMMARY Ultrafine grinding process caused a rapid increase of BBR dissolution from CR.The antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of UFP extract in vitro increased in a dissolution-effect manner, but the cytotoxicity increased lower than the antibacterial activity.The antibacterial activity of rat serums of UFP group did not improve in comparison to that of TD group

Wu, Y., Tsegmed, Ts., Enkhjargal, E., He, S. & Zhao, D.-P. 2020. New records and rare species of Pottiaceae (Bryophyta) from Mongolia. – Herzogia 33: 248 –256.Didymodon kunlunensis D.P.Zhao, S.Mamtimin & S.He and the genus Gyroweisia Schimp., with G. yuennanensis Broth., are reported as new records of the Pottiaceae to Mongolia. Didymodon maximus (Syed & Crundw.) M.O.Hill, a rare species for Mongolia, is reported here for the second time. Digital photographs, brief taxonomic comments, and distribution ranges of the two new records and one rare species are provided.

To study the taxonomy and distribution of Chinese medicinal centipedes.The species of Chinese medicinal centipedes were investigated in the light of their morphology. According to the feature of life, the distribution of centipedes were explored.There were 12 centipede species in China, and seven of them were used for medical, the species could be effectively distinguished by the identification key. It was suggested that their characteristics were related to the climatic factors such as temperature, humidity, altitude and air pressure.The distribution of medicinal centipede is characteristics of "three river system distribution belts" and "three geographical distribution areas". The results provide the basis for the development and application of medicinal centipedes in China.

Targeting star-like water surface clutter, a clutter suppression method based on infrared polarization information is proposed. First, the clutter is suppressed from a global perspective using infrared polarization imaging technology, and a basic clutter-suppressed image is obtained. Then, using the Reed-Xiaoli anomaly detection algorithm, the remaining clutter positions in the basic image are determined from the polarization intensity image and basic image. Finally, an image filtering algorithm is utilized to further suppress the remaining clutter in the basic image. In experiments, the proposed method can not only improve the signal-to-clutter ratio as much as 152%, but also preserve the target information and background texture features effectively, indicating clear superiority of our method over existing clutter suppression algorithms. Clutter suppression and target detail preservation can enhance observer understanding of a scene significantly, so this method is applied to the detection and recognition of targets on the water surface.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the most common cause leading to low back pain, a highly prevalent, costly and crippling condition worldwide. Overexpression of miR-21 has been shown to promote proliferation of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. However, it remains unclear whether miR-21 can promote the degradation of type II collagen (Col II) and aggrecan, two main extracellular matrix components within the disc. Here, the miRNA microassay assay identified 29 differentially expressed miRNAs in NP tissues from IDD patients compared with healthy controls. Following qRT-PCR validation, miR-21 expression was significantly upregulated in degenerated NP tissues, and showed a positive correlation with disc degeneration grade. Through gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies in human NP cells, miR-21 was shown to inhibit autophagy and then upregulate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and MMP-9, leading to increased degradation of Col II and aggrecan. Mechanistically, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) was identified as a direct target of miR-21, and activated PTEN/ Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway was involved in miR-21-induced autophagy inhibition and Col II and aggrecan breakdown. Taken together, these results suggest that miR-21 contributes to Col II and aggrecan catabolism by inhibiting autophagy via the PTEN/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in human NP cells.

Atrichum laoshanense Y.-J.Yi & S.He, a new species of Polytrichaceae from Laoshan mountain in Shandong Province, eastern China, is described and illustrated. The new species resembles, and is related to A. angustatum (Brid.) Bruch & Schimp., but differs in the presence of stellately papillose median leaf cells, multicellular laminal teeth with well-defined outgrowths of pedestal cells on the distal dorsal lamina, and papillose stem epidermal cells. An updated key to species of Atrichum in China is presented.

Intervertebral disk degeneration (IDD) is the most common diagnosis in patients with low back pain, a main cause of musculoskeletal disability in the world. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) β is the most important member of the IL-1 family, and has a strong pro-inflammatory activity by stimulating the secretion of multiple pro-inflammatory mediators. IL-1β is highly expressed in degenerative intervertebral disk (IVD) tissues and cells, and it has been shown to be involved in multiple pathological processes during disk degeneration, including inflammatory responses, matrix destruction, angiogenesis and innervation, cellular apoptosis, oxidative stress and cellular senescence. However, inhibition of IL-1β is found to promote extracellular matrix (ECM) repair and protect against disk regeneration. In this review, after a brief description of IL-1β signaling, we mainly focus on the expression profiles, roles and therapeutic potential of IL-1β in IDD. A better understanding will help develop novel IL-1β-based therapeutic interventions for degenerative disk disease.

Schwetschkeopsis fabronia (Schwägr.) Broth. collected from Pa Nang Koy cave, Phrae province is a species newly recorded for Thailand. A description with illustrations is provided.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the most common diagnosis in patients with low back pain, a leading cause of musculoskeletal disability worldwide. The major components of extracellular matrix (ECM) within the discs are type II collagen (Col II) and aggrecan. Excessive destruction of ECM, especially loss of Col II and aggrecan, plays a critical role in promoting the occurrence and development of IDD. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTSs) are primary enzymes that degrade collagens and aggrecan. There is a large and growing body of evidence that many members of MMPs and ADAMTSs are highly expressed in degenerative IVD tissue and cells, and are closely involved in ECM breakdown and the process of disc degeneration. In contrast, targeting these enzymes has shown promise for promoting ECM repair and mitigating disc regeneration. In the current review, after a brief description regarding the biology of MMPs and ADAMTSs, we mainly focus on their expression profiles, roles and therapeutic potential in IDD. A greater understanding of the catabolic pathways involved in IDD will help to develop potential prophylactic or regenerative biological treatment for degenerative disc disease in the future.

Numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture have been conducted in recent years. The results of several studies implied that acupuncture was only a powerful placebo; however, certain studies demonstrated that verum acupuncture had a greater effect than placebo and the mechanisms between a verum acupuncture group and a placebo/sham group were different. Researchers attempted to investigate the inherent factors that may potentially influence the results of trials. Certain problems observed in acupuncture RCTs also occurred in RCTs in other fields, including insufficient sample size, high dropout rates, inadequate follow-up and randomization. The study of acupuncture is so complex that specific methodological challenges are raised, which are frequently overlooked, including sham interventions, blinding, powerful placebo effects (even stronger than an inert pill) and variations in acupuncture administration. The aforementioned problems may contribute to bias, and researchers systematically attempt to solve these problems. The present review aimed to suggest techniques to design high-quality studies, minimize the placebo effect and optimize acupuncture administration in acupuncture studies. If these problems are addressed, then the results of acupuncture studies may be different.

Orthomnion wui T. J. Kop. is transferred to Plagiomnium T. J. Kop. (Mniaceae) as P. wui (T. J. Kop.) Y. J. Yi & S. He, based on the presence of well-defined stereid cells in its costa, a key character distinguishing Plagiomnium from Orthomnion Wilson. Originally described in 2007 from Hubei, China, O. wui is closely related to P. rostratum (Schrad.) T. J. Kop. but differs from the latter by enlarged juxtacostal cells, the thin-walled, almost undifferentiated epidermal cells of the dorsal costa and non-mammillate laminal cells. An updated key to the species of Plagiomnium in China is provided.

Wijkia H.A.Crum is a genus established by Crum (1971) to accommodate species previously placed in Acanthocladium Mitt., an illegitimate homonym. It was originally and traditionally placed in the Sematophyllaceae until recently (Ramsay et al.

A method of calculating the 1D polarimeter imaging results from 3D polarimeter intensity measurements is introduced, and the influence of the detector noise on the calculated results is studied. Noise analysis is mainly carried out for the commonly used Pickering imaging method, Fessenkovs imaging method and modified Pickering imaging method with additive noise and shot noise as real noise sources. The analysis and simulation results show that, if the analyzer angles are evenly distributed over the half-circle, the additive noise variance of the calculated image is only related to the channel number N of the polarization imaging system, and the shot noise variance of the calculated image is related to the Stokes vector, the calculated angle, the channel number N and the polarization imaging modality. If the analyzer angles are not evenly distributed over the half-circle, concrete analysis should be made according to concrete circumstance. On the whole, the modified Pickering method is a recommended imaging modality by reason of it can suppress the noise of the calculated image because it has more channel numbers and it is not affected by the incident Stokes vector or the calculated angle.

Methodology for the infrared polarimetric imaging simulation with atmospheric scattering effects of the sea surface is presented by exploiting wave elevation spectra and a Monte Carlo model. The simulation results under different environment and observation conditions are compared and analyzed.

The current circumscription of the eight closely related morphospecies with propagula in Pseudotaxiphyllum Z. Iwats. is extremely unsatisfactory because of the ill-defined delimitation of the species concepts. In order to determine the systematic positions of these closely related species, a phylogenetic reconstruction was carried out based on molecular analyses of two genomic compartments (chloroplast ndhB, rpl16, trnG, trnL-F, and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS)) together with a haplotype network analysis and species delimitation assessments by thorough morphological studies. The results of the present study show that P. elegans (Brid.) Z. Iwats. was closely related to P. laetevirens (Dixon & Luisier ex F. Koppe & Dull) Hedenas and both species together with P. maebarae (Sakurai) Z. Iwats. were resolved as monophyletic clades. Pseudotaxiphyllum arquifolium (Bosch & Sande Lac.) Z. Iwats., P. densum (Cardot) Z. Iwats., P. fauriei (Cardot) Z. Iwats., the Asian populations of P. distichaceum (Mitt.) Z. Iwats. and P. pohliaecarpum (Sull. & Lesq.) Z. Iwats. are morphologically identical. At least three cryptic lineages with undifferentiated morphological or geographical pattern were inferred from this species complex. We propose that the above-mentioned morphospecies be synonymized under P. distichaceum, and the American ‘P. distichaceum’ be replaced by a new name, P. subfalcatum (Austin) X. Q. Li, Q. Zuo & Y. F. Wang, stat. nov. Pseudotaxiphyllum obtusifolium Z. Iwats. & B. C. Tan was treated as P. distichaceum (Mitt.) Z. Iwats. var. obtusifolium (Z. Iwats. & B. C. Tan) X. Q. Li, Q. Zuo & Y. F. Wang, stat. nov.

An expanded taxonomic study of the narrowly understood Macromitrium cavaleriei Cardot & Ther. identified four new synonyms, M. cancellatum Y.X.Xiong, M. giraldii var. acrophylloides Mull.Hal., M. handelii Broth. and M. rigbyanum Dixon. With the discovery of the new synonyms, the range of M. cavaleriei is extended to India, Nepal, South Korea and Vietnam. To determine the potential distribution range of the species, we described its macroclimatic niche from its extant distribution with the maximum entropy algorithm modelling program (Maxent), contrasting the impact of different geographic backgrounds on the models. We found that the potential range of the species included central, southern, southwestern China to northern Vietnam, Myanmar, Bhutan, Nepal and India, and northwards to Japan and the Korean Peninsula. This estimation of the potential distribution range is largely confirmed by the herbarium specimens. The predicted climate suitability for M. cavaleriei is higher in the areas where the annual temp...

A new species of Plagiomnium (Mniaceae), P. guizhouense Y.-J.Yi & S.He from Guizhou, China is described and illustrated. The new species is similar to P. affine in having spinosely serrate leaf margins with teeth consisting of up to 4 or more cells, a broadly elliptic leaf shape, and a decurrent leaf base, but is distinguished from the latter species by having a cuspidate leaf apex, broader marginal differentiation with borders consisting of 4–5 rows of linear, thick-walled cells, strongly ciliate marginal teeth that are sometimes branched and up to 7 cells long in upper fertile stem leaves and perichaetial leaves, and a much shorter leaf costa that ends just above mid-leaf in the lower leaves.

[Objective] This paper aims to make a bioinformatics analysis on the functional site and fingerprint of CagI protein in helicobacter pylori cag pathogenicity island and further explore the functions of CagM protein. [Methods] Use PROSITE SCAN: http://www.expasy.ch/cgi-bin/ prosite/PSScan.cgi server to search the fingerprint sequence of CagI protein and analyze and discuss the possible functions. [Results] The search of PROSITE SCAN found that CagI protein has four kinds of functional sites: N-glycosylation site, protein kinase C phosphorylation site, casein kinase II phosphorylation site, and myristoylation acting site; the search of fingerPRINTScan and printsBLAST server found sixteen fingerprint tags of CagI protein: helicobacter pylori vacuolating toxin tag; flagellin tag; ATP synthetase δ subunit tag; helicobacter pylori outer membrane protein family tag, etc. It is predicted preliminarily that CagI protein also has these functions. [Conclusion] As a kind of secretory protein, CagI protein will be secreted to the outer membrane to form the membrane protein, which will become one part of elicobacter pylori IV type production secretion pilus involved in signal transduction and material transportation and acting as a messenger or carrier, and it many have hydrolase activity and ATP/GTP enzyme activity.*Fund program: National Nature Science Foundation Project (30870096); National Science Foundation Project in Jiangsu Colleges (08KJB310001)

[Objective]This paper aims to make a bioinformatics analysis on the homology ofcagMnucleotide sequence and protein sequence inHelicobacter pyloricag pathogenicity island, calculate the protein conservatism and evolutionary process, and research the functions of the protein. [Methods]Use Clustal W software to make multiple sequence analysis, edit the results with GeneDOC software, and detect the variable sites and homology.[Results] The homology betweencagMgene and the nucleotide sequence of other HP bacterial strains in GenBank is 96%~98%, the homology betweencagMgene andcagMgene is 98%~99%, so the nucleotide sequence and protein sequence have high conservatism.[Conclusion]CagM gene is very conservative and it plays an important role in the process ofH. Pylorievolution; CagM gene is very conservative and it has important functions in helicobacter pylori; as an important means of bioinformatics, homology not only can calculate the protein conservatism and evolutionary process, but also can find the similar functions of the protein.

[Objective]This paper aims to make a bioinformatics analysis on the subcellular localization and functional site of CagM protein in helicobacter pylori cag pathogenicity island and further explore the functions of CagM protein. [Methods]Apply SubLoc v1.0 program to make the subcellular localization of this protein, and use TargetP program and PSORTb version 2.0.4 to make the verification and analysis; use ANTHEPROT 5.0, Gene3D Scan Sequence software and InterPro Scan software to analyze the functional site of CagM protein, and use DOG1.0 software for the drawing. [Results]CagM is a kind of secretory protein located in the periplasmic space rather than a membrane protein; CagM has many functional sites such as N-glycosylation site, protein kinase C phosphorylation site, tyrosine kinase phosphorylation site, and myristoylation acting site as well as many PDZ III binding sites. [Conclusion]As a kind of secretory protein located in the periplasmic space, CagM protein will become the substrate of many kinds of kinases after the translation and a series of modification, and after it is activated, it will participate in the signal transmission function and the assembly of IV type secretion system, which may play a role in the collection and assembly process of other proteins.

The taxonomic position of Sinocalliergon Sakurai (originally described in the Amblystegiaceae) is re-evaluated, based on examination of the type specimens. The monotypic genus is considered synonymous with Barbula Hedw. (Pottiaceae, Bryopsida), and the appropriate new combination, B. satoi (Sakurai) S. He, is made. The name S. satoi Sakurai is lectotypified.

A small ephemeral moss found in alpine habitats of Sichuan Province, China, is described as Eobruchia sichuaniana sp. nov. A key and illustrations for all species of Eobruchia are also provided.

There is an ongoing debate about whether laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (LARS) or open anti-reflux surgery (OARS) is the better option for the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study was aimed to evaluate and compare the short- and long-term results of both surgical strategies by means of a systematic review and meta-analysis.A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library) for studies published from 1970 to 2013 was performed. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared LARS with OARS were included. We analyzed the outcomes of each type of surgery over short- and long-term periods.Twelve studies met final inclusion criteria (total n = 1,067). A total of 510 patients underwent OARS and 557 had LARS. The pooled analyses showed, despite of longer operation time, the hospital stay and sick leave were significantly reduced in the LARS group. Significant reductions were also observed in complication rates for the LARS group in both short (odds ratio (OR) 0.31, 95 % CI 0.17 to 0.56) and long-term periods (OR 0.24, 95 % CI 0.07 to 0.80). Although complaints of reflux symptoms were more frequent among LARS patients in the short-term follow-up, LARS achieved better control of reflux symptoms in the long-term period (P 0.05). Reoperation rate, patient's satisfaction, and 24-h pH monitoring were all comparable between the two groups (all P 0.05).LARS is an effective and safe alternative of OARS for the surgical treatment of GERD, which enables a faster convalescence, better control of long-term reflux symptoms, and with reduced risk of complications.

The systematic position of the genus Bryhnia Kaurin has been problematic and remains unsettled. A phylogenetic analysis of Bryhnia and closely related genera, based on the nuclear marker ITS1–5·8S–ITS2 and the plastid markers rpl16, trnG, and trnL–F, was carried out to clarify their relationships and systematic positions. The phylogenetic trees generated from Maximum parsimony and Bayesian analyses show that Bryhnia s.s., represented by B. novae-angliae (Sull. & Lesq.) Grout, B. hultenii E.B.Bartram, and B. scabrida (Lindb.) Kaurin, forms a maximally supported clade nested within Brachythecium Schimp. ‘Bryhnia scabrida’ sensu Ignatov & Huttunen (2002) is Bryhnia brachycladula Cardot, and together they form a monophyletic group with Eurhynchiadelphus eustegia (Besch.) Ignatov & Huttunen and Myuroclada maximowiczii (G.G.Borshch.) Steere & W.B.Schofield. We propose the inclusion of the species currently recognized in Bryhnia in Brachythecium, with the transfer of Bryhnia brachycladula to the genus Myuroclada...