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Metabolic reprogramming is a common feature of glioblastoma (GBM) progression and metastasis. Altered lipid metabolism is one of the most prominent metabolic alterations in cancer. Understanding the links between phospholipid remodeling and GBM tumorigenesis may help develop new anticancer strategies and improve treatments to overcome drug resistance. We used metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses to systematically investigate metabolic and molecular changes in low-grade glioma (LGG) and GBM. We then re-established the reprogrammed metabolic flux and membrane lipid composition in GBM based on metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses. By inhibiting Aurora A kinase via RNA interference (RNAi) and inhibitor treatment, we investigated the effect of Aurora A kinase on phospholipid reprogramming LPCAT1 enzyme expression and GBM cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. We found that GBM displayed aberrant glycerophospholipid and glycerolipid metabolism compared with LGG. Metabolic profiling indicated that fatty acid synthesis and uptake for phospholipid synthesis were significantly increased in GBM compared to LGG. The unsaturated phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) levels were significantly decreased in GBM compared to LGG. The expression level of LPCAT1, which is required for the synthesis of saturated PC and PE, was upregulated in GBM, and the expression of LPCAT4, which is required for the synthesis of unsaturated PC and PE, was downregulated in GBM. Notably, the inhibition of Aurora A kinase by shRNA knockdown and treatment with Aurora A kinase inhibitors such as Alisertib, AMG900, or AT9283 upregulated LPCAT1 mRNA and protein expression in vitro. In vivo, the inhibition of Aurora A kinase with Alisertib increased LPCAT1 protein expression. Phospholipid remodeling and a reduction in unsaturated membrane lipid components were found in GBM. Aurora A kinase inhibition increased LPCAT1 expression and suppressed GBM cell proliferation. The combination of Aurora kinase inhibition with LPCAT1 inhibition may exert promising synergistic effects on GBM.

Objective: To develop a new classification of acromion based on the subacromial impingement theory and the Rockwood tilt view. And explore the application value of the new classification in the diagnosis and treatment of rotator cuff tear., Methods: The clinical data of 101 patients underwent shoulder arthroscopic surgery for impingement syndrome or rotator cuff tear from January to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 34 males and 67 females, aged from 34 to 76 years with an average of (56.31±9.63) years old, course of disease from 2 to 12 months with average of 6 months. Preoperative radiographs of the routine anteroposterior view, Rockwood tilt view and the supraspinatus outlet view were obtained. Based on the subacromial impingement theory and Rockwood radiographs, the morphology of the acromion can be divided into three types:typeⅠ(flat type), typeⅡ(bump type), and type Ⅲ (impingement type). Two observers classified 101 shoulder Rockwood radiographs according to the new classification method and the supraspinatus Outlet radiographs according to the traditional acromial morphological classification method. Supraspinatus tendon injuries were classified into no tear, partial-thickness tear, and full-thickness tear according to the arthroscopic findings. Concordance test (Kappa value) between the inter-observer and intra-observer was carried out for the new classification method and the traditional classification method respectively. The rank sum test was used to compare the mean acromiohumeral distance(AHD) of the three acromion forms in the new acromion classification method. Spearman rank correlation test and Gamma method were used to analyze the correlation between the new acromion classification method and the degree of supraspinatus tendon tear., Results: The inter-observer consistency analysis of the new classification system was significantly better than that of the traditional classification (0.827 vs 0.278), the intra-observer consistency analysis of the new classification system were also significantly better than that of the traditional classification (0.921 vs 0.448, 0.890 vs 0.539). There was no statistical significance in the AHD among three types of the new classification( H =2.186, P >0.05). In all 101 patients, the highest proportion of impingement type acromion was 45.5% (46 cases), followed by bump type acromion was 36.6% (37 cases), and flat type acromion was 17.8% (18 cases). The incidence of supraspinatus tendon tear in the patients with impingement type acromion was significantly higher than that of the other two types of acromion, there was a spearman rank correlation between the new acromion type and the degree of the supraspinatus tendon tear( rs =0.719, P <0.001)., Conclusion: Rockwood radiographs of the shoulder can well display the anterolateral osteophytes of the acromion. The new acromion classification method based on Rockwood radiographs has high reliability and good reproducibility, in which impingement type of acromion is closely related to supraspinatus tendon tear. Compared with the traditional classification and AHD, the new classification method has more diagnostic value than for rotator cuff injury.

Objective: To explore the feasibility and clinical effects of arthroscopic treatment for the calcific tendinitis at soft tissues around hip., Methods: A total of 16 patients diagnosed as the calcific tendinitis at soft tissues around hip from May 2013 to July 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. All the 16 patients received arthroscopic procedures. There were 10 males and 6 females with an average age of 35 to 63 (44.50±6.67) years old and 9 left hips, 6 right hips were involved. The course of disease were 1 to 8(3.18±1.97) days. Clinical effects were evaluated with visual analogue scale(VAS), modified Harris hip scores (HHS), nonarthritic hip score (NAHS) and imaging examinations before operation, 1 day after operation and the final follow-up., Results: All 16 patients successfully finished the arthroscopic procedures in 0.5 to 1.2 (0.75±0.21) hours. Primary healing of incision were obtained without any complications of infection, wound hematocele and neurovascular injury. All 16 patients received an average postoperative follow-up of 6 to 12 (9.6±2.3) months. Before operation, the VAS were 7.88±0.72, modified HHS were 29.25±3.23, NAHS were 27.42±3.08. The 1st day postoperative VAS were 2.19±0.66, modified HHS were 82.56± 5.64, NAHS were 82.11±2.94, all the difference were statistically significant between before and 1 day after operation ( P < 0.05). At the final follow-up, the VAS were 0.38±0.50, modified HHS were 94.31±2.82, NAHS were 94.84±2.85, all the scores were improved significantly compared to that before operation ( P <0.05). At final follow-up, there was no recurrence and the calcification disappeared in all patients, there was one patient feel sourness around the hip., Conclusion: Arthroscopic treatment for the calcific tendinitis at soft tissues around hip is effective.It has advantages of minimal invasive, rapid pain relief, rapid hip joint function recovery and definite clinical effects.

Rationale: Acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion (AESD) has been reported almost exclusively in the Japanese population., Patient Concerns: A 17-month-old male patient presented with fever and seizures, and subsequently fell into a coma. On the second day, he recovered consciousness. On the fourth day, he developed complex partial seizures and fell into a coma again. On day 10, the fever and seizures subsided. Head computed tomography on the first day showed no abnormalities. Brain diffusion-weighted images on the fourth day revealed reduced diffusion in the bilateral subcortical white matter., Diagnosis: A diagnosis of AESD was made., Interventions: The patient was treated with corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin., Outcomes: At the 4-month follow-up, the patient was able to walk independently, and the epileptic seizures were well controlled., Lessons: AESD is a rare entity, and treatment with corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin can lead to a favorable prognosis. Clinicians should be aware of this condition, and clinicoradiological features can suggest the diagnosis.

Ivabradine hydrochloride (IVA-HCl) (systematic name: {[3,4-dimethoxybicyclo[4.2.0]octa-1(6),2,4-trien-7-yl]methyl}[3-(7,8-dimethoxy-2-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepin-3-yl)propyl]methylazanium), is a novel medication used for the symptomatic management of stable angina pectoris. In many recent patents, it has been claimed to exist in a very large number of polymorphic, hydrated and solvated phases, although no detailed analysis of the structural features of these forms has been published to date. Here, we have successfully crystallized the tetrahydrate form of IVA-HCl (form β), C 27 H 37 N 2 O 5 + ·Cl - ·4H 2 O, and elucidated its structure for the first time. Simultaneously, a new crystal form of IVA-HCl, i.e. the hemihydrate (form II), C 27 H 37 N 2 O 5 + ·Cl - ·0.5H 2 O, was discovered. Its crystal structure was also accurately determined and compared to that of the tetrahydrate form. While the tetrahydrate form of IVA-HCl crystallized in the orthorhombic space group P2 1 2 1 2 1 , the new form (hemihydrate) was solved in the monoclinic space group P2 1 . Detailed conformational and packing comparisons between the two forms have allowed us to understand the role of water in the crystal assembly of this hydrochloride salt. The stabilities of the two forms were compared theoretically by calculating the binding energy of the water in the crystal lattice using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The stability experiments show that the tetrahydrate is stable under high-humidity conditions, while the hemihydrate is stable under high-temperature conditions.

Objective: To compare technique and clinical effect of arthroscopic and conventional sectional therapy for the treatment of ischial tuberosity cyst., Methods: From May 2014 and September 2016, 49 patients with symptomatic ischial tuberosity cyst were randomized divided into arthroscopic group and conventional section group by envelope method. There were 24 patients in arthroscopic group, including 16 males and 8 females aged from 42 to 81years old with an average age of (64.1±9.3) years old;the courses of disease ranged from 2 to 36 months with an average of (17.0±9.1) months;treated with removing cyst wall under arthroscopic and build artificial lacuna around cyst. There were 25 patients in conventional section group, including 11 males and 14 females aged from 47 to 79 years old with an average of (61.2±10.6) years old; the courses of disease ranged from 4 to 36 months with an average of (17.5±8.5) months;treated with cutting off lump with transverse incision. Operative time, blood loss, fluid volume, hospital stays and postoperative complication were observed and compared, VAS score were applied to evaluate pain degree., Results: Forty-nine patients were followed up from 6 to 18 months with an average of (11.3±3.3) months. In conventional group, 2 patients occurred incision infection, 1 case reoccurred. All patients in arthroscopic group were healed at stage I. Operative time, blood loss, fluid volume, and hospital stays in arthroscopic group were (54.7±7.7) min, (20.8±3.5) ml, (20.3±5.6) ml, (2.8±0.6) d respectively and better than that of conventional group(71.8±8.8) min, (67.3±12.0) ml, (103.6±20.3) ml, (7.8±2.9) d. Postoperative VAS score in arthroscopic group on the first day, seventh days and first month were 2.6±0.7, 0.5±0.6, 0.3±0.5, and significantly lower than that of conventional group 6.0±0.7, 3.0±1.0, 1.1±1.0 respectively( P <0.05). There were no statistical difference in postoperative complications between two groups( P >0.05)., Conclusions: Compared with conventional group, arthroscopic for ischial tuberosity cyst has advantages of minimal invasive, less blood loss during perioperative period, less pain degree after surgery, safety and rapid recovery. But arthroscopic skills are needed for surgeons. It should be recommended in clinical practice., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© 2018 by the China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology Press.)

Single-component white phosphors stand a good chance to serve in the next-generation high-power white light-emitting diodes. Because of low thermal stability and containing lanthanide ions with reduced valence state, most of reported phosphors usually suffer unstable color of lighting for practical packaging and comparably complex synthetic processes. In this work, we present a type of novel color-tunable blue-white-yellow-emitting MgIn 2 P 4 O 14 :Tm 3+ /Dy 3+ phosphor with high thermal stability, which can be easily fabricated in air. Under UV excitation, the MgIn 2 P 4 O 14 :Tm 0.02 Dy 0.03 white phosphor exhibits negligible thermal-quenching behavior, with a 99.5% intensity retention at 150 °C, relative to its initial value at room temperature. The phosphor host MgIn 2 P 4 O 14 was synthesized and reported for the first time. MgIn 2 P 4 O 14 crystallizes in the space group of C2/c (No. 15) with a novel layered structure built of alternate anionic and cationic layers. Its disordering structure, with Mg and In atoms co-occupying the same site, is believed to facilitate the energy transfer between rare-earth ions and benefit by sustaining the luminescence with increasing temperature. The measured absolute quantum yields of MgIn 2 P 4 O 14 :Dy 0.04 , MgIn 2 P 4 O 14 :Tm 0.01 Dy 0.04 , and MgIn 2 P 4 O 14 :Tm 0.02 Dy 0.03 phosphors under the excitation of 351 nm ultraviolet radiation are 70.50%, 53.24%, and 52.31%, respectively. Present work indicates that the novel layered MgIn 2 P 4 O 14 is a promising candidate as a single-component white phosphor host with an excellent thermal stability for near-UV-excited white-light-emitting diodes (wLEDs).

The merger of two neutron stars is predicted to give rise to three major detectable phenomena: a short burst of γ-rays, a gravitational-wave signal, and a transient optical-near-infrared source powered by the synthesis of large amounts of very heavy elements via rapid neutron capture (the r-process). Such transients, named 'macronovae' or 'kilonovae', are believed to be centres of production of rare elements such as gold and platinum. The most compelling evidence so far for a kilonova was a very faint near-infrared rebrightening in the afterglow of a short γ-ray burst at redshift z = 0.356, although findings indicating bluer events have been reported. Here we report the spectral identification and describe the physical properties of a bright kilonova associated with the gravitational-wave source GW170817 and γ-ray burst GRB 170817A associated with a galaxy at a distance of 40 megaparsecs from Earth. Using a series of spectra from ground-based observatories covering the wavelength range from the ultraviolet to the near-infrared, we find that the kilonova is characterized by rapidly expanding ejecta with spectral features similar to those predicted by current models. The ejecta is optically thick early on, with a velocity of about 0.2 times light speed, and reaches a radius of about 50 astronomical units in only 1.5 days. As the ejecta expands, broad absorption-like lines appear on the spectral continuum, indicating atomic species produced by nucleosynthesis that occurs in the post-merger fast-moving dynamical ejecta and in two slower (0.05 times light speed) wind regions. Comparison with spectral models suggests that the merger ejected 0.03 to 0.05 solar masses of material, including high-opacity lanthanides.

GRB 050709 was the first short Gamma-ray Burst (sGRB) with an identified optical counterpart. Here we report a reanalysis of the publicly available data of this event and the discovery of a Li-Paczynski macronova/kilonova that dominates the optical/infrared signal at t>2.5 days. Such a signal would arise from 0.05 r-process material launched by a compact binary merger. The implied mass ejection supports the suggestion that compact binary mergers are significant and possibly main sites of heavy r-process nucleosynthesis. Furthermore, we have reanalysed all afterglow data from nearby short and hybrid GRBs (shGRBs). A statistical study of shGRB/macronova connection reveals that macronova may have taken place in all these GRBs, although the fraction as low as 0.18 cannot be ruled out. The identification of two of the three macronova candidates in the I-band implies a more promising detection prospect for ground-based surveys.

Long-duration (>2 s) γ-ray bursts that are believed to originate from the death of massive stars are expected to be accompanied by supernovae. GRB 060614, that lasted 102 s, lacks a supernova-like emission down to very stringent limits and its physical origin is still debated. Here we report the discovery of near-infrared bump that is significantly above the regular decaying afterglow. This red bump is inconsistent with even the weakest known supernova. However, it can arise from a Li-Paczyński macronova--the radioactive decay of debris following a compact binary merger. If this interpretation is correct, GRB 060614 arose from a compact binary merger rather than from the death of a massive star and it was a site of a significant production of heavy r-process elements. The significant ejected mass favours a black hole-neutron star merger but a double neutron star merger cannot be ruled out.

A high-efficiency combinatorial approach has been applied to rapidly build the database of composition-dependent elastic modulus and hardness of the Ti-Ta and Ti-Zr-Ta systems. A diffusion multiple of the Ti-Zr-Ta system was manufactured, then annealed at 1173K for 1800h, and water quenched to room temperature. Extensive interdiffusion among Ti, Zr and Ta has taken place. Combining nanoindentation and electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA), the elastic modulus, hardness as well as composition across the diffusion multiple were determined. The composition/elastic modulus/hardness relationship of the Ti-Ta and Ti-Zr-Ta alloys has been obtained. It was found that the elastic modulus and hardness depend strongly on the Ta and Zr content. The result can be used to accelerate the discovery/development of bio-titanium alloys for different components in implant prosthesis., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are most probably powered by collimated relativistic outflows (jets) from accreting black holes at cosmological distances. Bright afterglows are produced when the outflow collides with the ambient medium. Afterglow polarization directly probes the magnetic properties of the jet when measured minutes after the burst, and it probes the geometric properties of the jet and the ambient medium when measured hours to days after the burst. High values of optical polarization detected minutes after the burst of GRB 120308A indicate the presence of large-scale ordered magnetic fields originating from the central engine (the power source of the GRB). Theoretical models predict low degrees of linear polarization and no circular polarization at late times, when the energy in the original ejecta is quickly transferred to the ambient medium and propagates farther into the medium as a blast wave. Here we report the detection of circularly polarized light in the afterglow of GRB 121024A, measured 0.15 days after the burst. We show that the circular polarization is intrinsic to the afterglow and unlikely to be produced by dust scattering or plasma propagation effects. A possible explanation is to invoke anisotropic (rather than the commonly assumed isotropic) electron pitch-angle distributions, and we suggest that new models are required to produce the complex microphysics of realistic shocks in relativistic jets.

In the title Schiff base mol-ecule, C29H28N2O3, the three terminal benzene rings are twisted by 73.84 (15), 81.25 (16) and 12.1 (2)° with respect to the central benzene ring. An intra-molecular O-H⋯N hydrogen bond occurs. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked via weak C-H⋯π inter-actions into a three-dimensional supra-molecular architecture.

The asymmetric unit of the title Schiff base molecule, C25H20N2O, contains two independent mol-ecules. In each mol-ecule, the C=N bond is in an E conformation. The most significant difference between the two mol-ecules is seen for the dihedral angles between the meth-oxy-substituted benzene ring and the two phenyl rings, which are 85.5 (1) and 82.3 (1)° in the first mol-ecule, and 49.0 (1) and 40.4 (1)° in the second. This conformational difference is reflected in the central C=N-C C torsion angle, which is 28.7 (2)° in the first mol-ecule and -29.8 (3)° in the other. In each mol-ecule, there is an intra-molecular O-H⋯N hydrogen bond.

The gene AtCSR encodes peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerases (PPIases) that accelerate energetically unfavorable cis/trans isomerization of the peptide bond preceding proline production. In our studies, we found that AtCSR was associated with cadmium (Cd)-sensitive response in Arabidopsis. Our results show that AtCSR expression was triggered by Cd-stress in wild type Arabidopsis. The expression of some genes responsible for Cd(2+) transportation into vacuoles was induced, and the expression of the iron-regulated transporter 1 (IRT1) related to Cd(2+) absorption from the environment was not induced in wild type with Cd(2+) treatment. The expression of Cd-transportation related genes was not in response to Cd-stress, whereas IRT expression increased dramatically in atcsr-2 with Cd(2+) treatment. The expression of glutathione 1 (GSH1) was consistent with GSH being much lower in atcsr-2 in comparison with the wild type with Cd(2+) treatment. Additionally, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide, and Cd(2+) contents, and activities of some antioxidative enzymes, differed between the wild type and atcsr-2. Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) has been confirmed as the third gas-transmitter over recent years. The findings revealed that the expression pattern of H(2)S-releasing related genes and that of Cd-induced chelation and transportation genes matched well in the wild type and atcsr-2, and H(2)S could regulate the expression of the Cd-induced genes and alleviate Cd-triggered toxicity. Finally, one possible suggestion was given: down-regulation of atcsr-2, depending on H(2)S gas-transmitter not only weakened Cd(2+) chelation, but also reduced Cd(2+) transportation into vacuoles, as well as enhancing the Cd(2+) assimilation, thus rendering atcsr-2 mutant sensitive to Cd-stress.

Aims: Arabidopsis thaliana l- and d-cysteine desulfhydrases (AtLCD and AtDCD) are two important H(2) S-generating enzymes. This study determined the effects of H(2) S derived from AtLCD and AtDCD on cadmium (Cd) toxicity in Escherichia coli., Methods and Results: AtLCD and AtDCD were cloned into pET28a vectors and transformed into wild-type E. coli strain BL21(DE3), named BL21(LCD) and BL21(DCD). In the induced BL21(LCD) and BL21(DCD) compared with wild type, significantly higher H(2) S generation rates were observed. Additionally, higher survival rates, reduced contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H(2) O(2)), decreased activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase under 220 μmol l(-1) Cd stress were noted. We obtained similar results in the wild type treated with NaHS, a H(2) S donor. The above changes were substantially counteracted by the mixture of ammonia and pyruvic acid potassium (NH(3) + C(3) H(3) KO(3)), a synthetic inhibitor of H(2) S., Conclusions: AtLCD and AtDCD catalyse the H(2) S production, generating an ameliorating effect against Cd-induced oxidative stress and resulting in E. coli resistance to Cd toxicity., Significance and Impact of the Study: H(2) S as a gasotransmitter is certified to have an ameliorating effect against Cd toxicity, thus providing information for further research regarding the role of H(2) S in regulating resistance to the heavy metal stress in organisms., (© 2012 The Authors Journal of Applied Microbiology © 2012 The Society for Applied Microbiology.)

Investigation on organic xenobiotics bioaccumulation/biodegradation in green algae is of great importance from environmental point of view because widespread distribution of these compounds in agricultural areas has become one of the major problems in aquatic ecosystem. Also, new technology needs to be developed for environmental detection and re-usage of the compounds as bioresources. Prometryne as a herbicide is widely used for killing annual grasses in China and other developing countries. However, overuse of the pesticide results in high risks to contamination to aquatic environments. In this study, we focused on analysis of bioaccumulation and degradation of prometryne in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a green alga, along with its adaptive response to prometryne toxicity. C. reinhardtii treated with prometryne at 2.5-12.5 μg L(-1) for 4 d or 7.5 μg L(-1) for 1-6 d accumulated a large quantity of prometryne, with more than 2 mg kg(-1) fresh weight in cells exposed to 10 μg L(-1) prometryne. Moreover, it showed a great ability to degrade simultaneously the cell-accumulated prometryne. Such uptake and catabolism of prometryne led to the rapid removal of prometryne from media. Physiological and molecular analysis revealed that toxicology was associated with accumulation of prometryne in the cells. The biological processes of degradation can be interpreted as an internal tolerance mechanism. These results suggest that the green alga is useful in bioremediation of prometryne-contaminated aquatic ecosystems., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The herbicide fluroxypyr is widely used for controlling weeds and insects but intensive use of fluroxypyr has resulted in its widespread contamination in soils and aquatic ecosystems. To evaluate the eco-toxicity of fluroxypyr to green algae, bioaccumulation and degradation of fluroxypyr in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a model unicellular alga, along with its biological adaptation to fluroxypyr toxicity were investigated. The microalgae were treated with fluroxypyr at 0.05-1.00 mg l(-1) for 2 days or 0.50 mg l(-1) for 1-5 days. The growth of C. reinhardtii was stimulated at low levels of fluroxypyr (0.05-0.5 mg l(-1)) but inhibited at high concentrations (0.75-1.00 mg l(-1)). Fluroxypyr was significantly accumulated by C. reinhardtii. Interestingly, the accumulated fluroxypyr could be rapidly degraded in the cells. On day 5 more than 57% of cellular fluroxypyr was degraded. Our results indicated that accumulation and degradation of fluroxypyr occurred simultaneously. Treatment with 0.05-1.00 mg l(-1) fluroxypyr for 30 min induced significant production of reactive oxygen species and as a consequence resulted in accumulation of peroxides and DNA degradation. Additionally, activities of several major antioxidant enzymes were activated in C. reinhardtii exposed to high levels of fluroxypyr. Overall, the present studies represent the initial comprehensive analyses of the green alga C. reinhardtii in adaptation to the fluroxypyr-contaminated aquatic ecosystems.

A series of novel derivatives of macrolide with 4''-O-mono- or disaccharides were synthesized. The corresponding glycosyl trichloroacetimidates were used as the donors in the glycosylations. The in vitro antibacterial activities of 7a-f and 13-16 against a panel of susceptible and resistant pathogens were tested. The modification of 4''-O-mono- or disaccharides may lead to the understanding of interaction of the macrolide and the bacterial ribosome., (Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In an effort to find new antibiotics, a novel series of 14-membered macrolides with imidazo[4,5-b]pyridinyl sulfur contained alkyl side chains has been synthesized based on commercially available clarithromycin. Chemical transformation of hydroxy group at position C-3 afforded range of ketolides and acylides. Compared to telithromycin, compound 15a demonstrated improved in vitro activity against erythromycin-susceptible and -resistant strains.

A series of novel 4''-position modified macrolide derivatives has been synthesized via a facile procedure. Their in vitro antibacterial activities against constitutively erythromycin-resistant strains were evaluated. Among the derivatives tested, compound 8a which has 11,12-carbamate and 4''-O-heteroarylcarbamoyl groups was found to have potent activity against most resistant bacteria.

The results of embryological observation on embryo development in the thirteen cultivars of jujube indicated that they shared the same experience from proembryo to globular embryo, heart-shaped embryo, torpedo-shaped embryo and cotyledon stage embryo. Embryo began aborting from globular or heart-shaped embryo period in most of cultivars of jujube, but in few of them embryo could keep synchronous developing to cotyledon stage embryo. And the courses of embryo development were not synchronous.

Saussurea involucrata is a medicinal plant well known for its flavonoids, including apigenin, which has been shown to significantly inhibit tumorigenesis. Since naturally occurring apigenin is in very low abundance, we took a transgenic approach to increase apigenin production by engineering the flavonoid pathway. A construct was made to contain the complete cDNA sequence of the Saussurea medusa chalcone isomerase (CHI) gene under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter. Using an Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation system, the chi overexpression cassette was incorporated into the genome of S. involucrata, and transgenic hairy root lines were established. CHI converts naringenin chalcone into naringenin that is the precursor of apigenin. We observed that transgenic hairy root lines grew faster and produced higher levels of apigenin and total flavonoids than wild-type hairy roots did. Over a culture period of 5 weeks, the best-performing line (C46) accumulated 32.1 mgL(-1) apigenin and 647.8 mgL(-1) total flavonoids, or 12 and 4 times, respectively, higher than wild-type hairy roots did. The enhanced productivity corresponded to elevated CHI activity, confirming the key role that CHI played for total flavonoids and apigenin synthesis and the efficiency of the current metabolic engineering strategy.

The present study investigated the influence of the methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid elicitors on the formation of phenylethanoid glycosides (PeG) in the suspension cultures of Cistanche deserticola. The results showed that methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid enhanced greatly the accumulation of PeG and echinacoside (Echin), but their optimum elicitation dosage and addition time were different. The yields of PeG and Echin were significantly increased in the presence of 5 micromol/L methyl jasmonate on day 14 (up to 2.59-fold and 3.82-fold, respectively), whereas treated with 50 micromol/L salicylic acid on day 28, the maximum content of them were, respectively, 2.71 and 3.16-fold higher than the untreated cell cultures.

The effects of different physical and chemical factors on hairy root growth and flavonoids production were studied in suspension culture of Saussurea medusa hairy root in 1/2 MS medium. The results showed that the following culture conditions, nitrogen concentratiaon (involved NH4+ and NO3-), 30 mmol/L; the ratio of ammonium to nitrate, 5:25; the combination of 2% sucrose and 3% glucose; 0.5 mg/L GA3; 0.5 mg/L IBA; initial pH 5.8; light cycle, 18 h/d (3500lx); temperature, 24 degrees C; shaker revolutions per minute, 100 r/min, were favourable to hairy root growth and flavonoids production. Under the above culture conditions, up to 12.8 g/L (DW) of hairy root and 1922 mg/L of flavonoids were obtained after 21 days of culture. The content of total flavonoids in hairy root was 15%, which was about 25 times as that in the wild plantlet.

Hairy root clones of Saussurea involucrata transformed with Agrobacterium rhizogenes strains R1601, R1000, and LBA9402 were established to investigate the flavonoid production. Opine synthesis and PCR analysis confirmed the integration of the T-DNA fragment of Ri plasmid from A. rhizogenes strain R1601 into the transformed root genome. The frequency of hairy root formation from root segments, which were pre-cultured 2 days in N6 solid medium without plant growth regulators, amounted to 100% following infection with R1601 strain of A. rhizogenes. The transformed roots were kept in hormone-free N6 liquid medium in the dark at 25 degrees C, 110r/min and routinely subcultured every 20 - 24 days. One hairy root clone, which grew vigorously with lateral branches, was periodically examined for the ability to produce flavonoid. The maximum of biomass and flavonoid yield achieved 66.7 g/L (fresh weight) and 102.3mg/g dry weight after incubation 20 days. The calli were induced from the hairy root culture in the presence of 0.5mg/L IBA and intact plantlets were regenerated from these calli. The regeneration plantlets from hairy roots, in which the flavonoid content were 53% in that of untransformed plants, weren't different in growth and morphology of the untransformed plantlets. Therefore plant regeneration from hairy roots may be also a means for producing transformed S. involucrata plants. Hairy root cultures of S. involucrata clearly showed higher flavonoid contents compared to the wild plant or the regeneration seedlings. As the wild S. involucrata grows only in special regions with peculiar climate, and cultivation of this species in a normal climate has been unsuccessful so far. The success in obtaining a method for high production of flavonoid might very well be one of the solutions for this problem in the future.

Objective: To provide information on epidemiology of rotavirus infection in Beijing, China., Methods: An ongoing hospital-based surveillance was conducted among children < 5yr old with acute diarrhea according to WHO generic protocol (CID-98). During a 3-year study (Apr. 1998 to Mar. 2001), a total of 484 stool samples were collected from 1 457 patients, including 275 samples from 1 048 outpatients and 209 samples from 409 inpatients., Results: The overall detection rate of rotavirus infection was 25.4%. Rotavirus was responsible for 27.3% of diarrhea inpatients on a yearly base, and 46.2% during rotavirus season. Two peaks of diarrhea were observed each year, one in the summer (June-Sep.) due to bacterial dysentery (16.7%) and another in fall winter (Oct.-Dec.) due to rotavirus infection (23.0%). The detection rate on rotavirus was the highest in age group of 6 - 11 months (38.2%), followed by 1 - 2 years old (28.5%). Ninety six point eight percentage of children were infected under 3 years of age. The number of deaths, possibly caused by rotavirus diarrhea were accounted for 40% of all diarrhea deaths and 11.1% of the total deaths. Serotyping of 123 rotavirus isolates showed that serotype G1 (55.3%) was predominant, followed by G2 (26.8%), G3 (9.8%), G4 (0.8%), and 10 isolates (8.1%) remained non-typeable. Mixed infections (0.8%) seemed to be rare., Conclusion: Rotavirus diarrhea was an important infectious disease among children in Beijing. Safe and effective rotavirus vaccines for the prevention of severe diarrheas and the reduction of treatment costs are of significant importance to China.

A quick and simple method subsection screening (SSS) method for screening cDNA library by PCR was established. With this method, cDNA phage plate was cut into several blocks and a couple of primers was designed according to target gene. And then the target genes were obtained by screening cDNA library. Comparing with other methods,this method has many advantages such as controlled range and clear target,and also quick and simple for obtaining the target genes. It is possible to get a target gene in one week in general by this method. Thus,the CHI gene, F3'H gene, HSP gene and one HSP partial fragment, were obtained respectively in half month in our lab. We can get twice the result with half the effort when we screen several genes in the same time. It is also suitable to screen other libraries.

A full-length cDNA encoding a MYB-related regulatory gene was isolated from a cDNA library prepared from mRNAs of the red line callus of S. medusa by TD-PCR. The cDNA, designated SmP, is 969 nucleotides long and has an open reading frame of 771 bp with a deduced amino acid sequence of 256 residues. The putative protein of SmP has two typical conversed R2R3-Myb DNA-binding domains in N-terminal and displays a rather high degree of similarity to OsMYB from rice and LBMI from tobacco, showing 73% and 70% identity within the DNA-binding domains. However, the C-terminal domain of the SmP protein does not show obvious similarity to any other known protein sequence. It is rich in hydrophilic amino acids, especially in serine residues (18.38%), partly organized in homopolymeric stretches, a feature often found in activation domain of transcription factors.

In this study serum anti-urease antibodies of Helicobacter pylori was examined in order to investigate the prevalence of H. pylori infection in 394 children between age 1 and 13. The results showed that the average infection rate was 15.7% with a tendency of increase infection rate with age, and by the age of 12 the H. pylori infection rate reached 30%, which was higher than those found in developed countries. We also noticed that there was a comparatively higher serapositivity among 1 and 7 year olds. This may possibly be due to the close contact between family members and school mates. In addition, the serum positive rate of antibody to H. pylori urease in children with recurrent abdominal pain was much higher than those asymptomatic children (P < 0.05).

We observed the changes of quadriceps femoris EMG before and after treatment on treatment 41 cases of poliomyelitis sequelae with series electroacupuncture. In 41 patients muscles strength of quadriceps femoris before treatment in 35 cases was below 0 degree and 1 degree. The changes of EMG, Most had no motor unit potential, some only a few but duration was long, and amplitude decreased markedly. A few had fibrillation or positive sharp wave. The changes in EMG accorded with the diagnosis of poliomyelitis sequelae. After 3 month treatment, tee EMG findings were decreasing or there was loss of fibrillation, appearance of motor unit potentials, increase of the amount of motor unit potentials, prolongation of duration and increasing of amplitude of motor unit potentials, appearance of polyphasic potentials etc. Through analysis of EMG, 32 among 41 cases were improved, effective rate was 78%, P less than 0.01. EMG indices indicate the efficacy of series mg electroacupuncture in treating the sequelae of poliomyelitis and confirm the clinical therapeutic effect of the treatment. The indices indicate that the pathological changes of damaged anterior horn cells of the spinal cord were decreased and partial recovery of nervous function. The EMG changes paralleled those in clinical therapeutic effect of treatment and changes of muscle strength.