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The hexagonal rare earth ferrites

Hospice shared care is a model of care widely used in patients with terminal cancer. Appropriate interventions to improve related symptoms should be provided during disease progression through the end of life.The purpose of this study was to explore the related symptoms and to compare symptom severity before and after the implementation of hospice shared care and medical care interventions.Fifty patients with terminal cancer were enrolled in this longitudinal, quasi-experimental research. Inclusion criteria included having an expected life span of6 months and agreeing to enter hospice shared care.The three most-frequently noted physical symptoms were, in rank order: "pain", "weakness", and "dyspnea". In terms of severity, "pain" was the most severe, followed by "weakness" and "disturbance of sleep". The three most-frequently noted psychological symptoms were, in rank order: "depression", "worry about the disease", and "afraid of dragging others down". In terms of severity, "depression" was the most severe, followed by "anxiety" and "worry about the disease". The frequency and severity of the top-3 social and spiritual distress symptoms were, in rank order: "unfinished wish", "economic difficulties", and "painlessness". During the study period, the severity of physical symptoms improved gradually, while the severity of psychological symptoms improved significantly. The top-3 items in the original medical team`s hospice-care interventions were, in rank order: "tube care", "laboratory test", and "wound care" in the non-pharmacological category; "symptom control medication", "antibiotic injection", and "intravenous fluid infusion" in the pharmacological category; and "cognitive clarification of the prognosis condition", "do not conduct resuscitation discussions and signing", and "emotional stress consoling" in the problem-coordination and interview categories. The interventions implemented by the hospice specialist team included "emotional stress interview", "team communication", and "cognitive clarification of prognosis condition" in the problem coordination and interview categories, and "massage", "consultation", and "nursing advice" in the non-pharmacological category.The symptoms identified in this study provide clinical staff with a reference for the rapid assessment of patients with terminal-stage cancer. Manpower from various professional fields are committed to providing diversified services in the care teams, which positively affect the control of related symptoms. The experience presented in this article may be used as a reference to promote the hospice shared care model.癌末接受「安寧緩和共同照護」病人之症狀與照顧措施的探討.「安寧共同照顧（安寧共照）」是癌末廣泛應用的照顧方式，需隨著末期病人疾病進展提供適當的措施，積極改善症狀的照顧，直到病人生命終止。.了解癌末病人接受「安寧共照」期間之症狀，並比較共照前、後症狀嚴重度之變化與醫療團隊提供之照顧內容。.縱貫性類實驗性研究，方便取樣50位接受安寧共照且預估生命存活期不大於6個月之癌末病人。.癌末病人症狀各分類之發生比率與其嚴重度排序前三項，生理症狀為「疼痛」、「虛弱」與「呼吸困難」；嚴重度為「疼痛」、「虛弱」與「睡眠困擾」；心理症狀為「憂鬱」、「擔心病情」與「怕拖累他人」， 嚴重度為「憂鬱」、「焦慮」與「擔心病情」；社會靈性症狀發生比率與嚴重度皆為「心願未了」、「經濟困難」與「痛苦無意義」。研究期間病人症狀的嚴重度有逐漸緩和的趨勢，而心理症狀嚴重度達顯著的改善。安寧共照之原醫療團隊提供的照顧措施排序之前三項，非藥物類為「管路照顧」、「檢驗」與「傷口照顧」；藥物類為「症狀控制用藥」、「抗生素注射」與「大量輸液用藥注射」；問題協調與會談類排序前三項為「病情預後的認知澄清」、「不施行維生醫療討論與簽署」與「情緒壓力的會談」。安寧專科團隊為問題協調與會談類之「情緒壓力的會談」、「團隊溝通」與「病情預後的認知澄清」；非藥物類為「按摩」、「會診」與「護理指導」。.癌末病人症狀的調查，提供臨床人員盡快掌握評估方向，醫療跨專業領域之人力投入安寧療護多樣化的照顧事務，使症狀控制有正面的成效，此可作為推動安寧共照的參考。.

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by genetic defects that result in deficiency of one specific enzyme activity, consequently impairing the stepwise degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Except for MPS II, the other types of MPS have autosomal recessive inheritance in which two copies of an abnormal allele must be present in order for the disease to develop. In this study, we present the status of variant alleles and biochemistry results found in infants suspected of having MPS I, II, IVA, and VI. A total of 324 suspected infants, including 12 for MPS I, 223 for MPS II, 72 for MPS IVA, and 17 for MPS VI, who were referred for MPS confirmation from newborn screening centers in Taiwan, were enrolled. In all of these infants, one specific enzyme activity in dried blood spot filter paper was lower than the cut-off value in the first blood sample, as well asin a second follow-up sample. The confirmatory methods used in this study included Sanger sequencing, next-generation sequencing, leukocyte enzyme fluorometric assay, and GAG-derived disaccharides in urine using tandem mass spectrometry assays. The results showed that five, nine, and six infants had MPS I, II, and IVA, respectively, and all of them were asymptomatic. Thus, a laboratory diagnosis is extremely important to confirm the diagnosis of MPS. The other infants with identified nucleotide variations and reductions in leukocyte enzyme activities were categorized as being highly suspected cases requiring long-term and intensive follow-up examinations. In summary, the final confirmation of MPS depends on the most powerful biomarkers found in urine, i.e., the quantification of GAG-derived disaccharides including dermatan sulfate, heparan sulfate, and keratan sulfate, and analysis of genetic variants can help predict outcomes and guide treatment.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of fire needle combined with filiform needle for different clinical stage frozen shoulders, and to choose the best treatment opportunity for clinical treatment of frozen shoulder. Methods 120 patients with frozen shoulders who met the inclusion criteria were numbered according to the visiting order. They were randomized into control group (60 cases) and treatment group (60 cases) according to the random number table. Both groups were treated with filiform needles once every other day and 3 times a week, and a course of treatment included 6 times and 2 courses were taken. The treatment group was treated by applying a fire needling point bloodletting on the local tender points once a week. Jiānyu (肩髃 LI 15), Jiānliao (肩髎 TE 14), Jiānzhēn (肩贞 SI 9), Tiaokŏu (条口 ST 38), and local tender points were taken according to different meridian pains. The clinical efficacy of the frozen shoulder patients in the two groups in different clinical stages was compared. The evaluation indicators were scores of pain, joint activity range and activities of daily living, as well as clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine. Results After treatment, the total scores of hundred-mark five-grade in both groups were significantly higher than those before treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (Treatment group 82.02 ± 14.23 vs 43.37 ± 22.10, Control group 66.80 ± 18.98 vs 42.67 ± 23.03, both P 0.05). Conclusions Single filiform therapy and the therapy of filiform needle combined with fire needle were effective in treating frozen shoulder patients, and the effect of the filiform needle combined with fire needle was significantly better than single filiform needle. The effect of fire needle combined with filiform needle on the frozen shoulder in frozen stage was significantly better than single filiform needle.

Background: Mucopolysaccharidosis II (MPS II) is an X-linked disorder resulting from a deficiency in lysosomal enzyme iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS), which causes the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the lysosomes of many tissues and organs, leading to progressive cellular dysfunction. An MPS II newborn screening program has been available in Taiwan since 2015. The aim of the current study was to collect and analyze the long-term follow-up data of the screen-positive subjects in this program. Methods: From August 2015 to April 2022, 548,624 newborns were screened for MPS II by dried blood spots using tandem mass spectrometry, of which 202 suspected infants were referred to our hospital for confirmation. The diagnosis of MPS II was confirmed by IDS enzyme activity assay in leukocytes, quantitative determination of urinary GAGs by mass spectrometry, and identification of the IDS gene variant. Results: Among the 202 referred infants, 10 (5%) with seven IDS gene variants were diagnosed with confirmed MPS II (Group 1), 151 (75%) with nine IDS gene variants were classified as having suspected MPS II or pseudodeficiency (Group 2), and 41 (20%) with five IDS gene variants were classified as not having MPS II (Group 3). Long-term follow-up every 6 months was arranged for the infants in Group 1 and Group 2. Intravenous enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) was started in four patients at 1, 0.5, 0.4, and 0.5 years of age, respectively. Three patients also received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) at 1.5, 0.9, and 0.6 years of age, respectively. After ERT and/or HSCT, IDS enzyme activity and the quantity of urinary GAGs significantly improved in all of these patients compared with the baseline data. Conclusions: Because of the progressive nature of MPS II, early diagnosis via a newborn screening program and timely initiation of ERT and/or HSCT before the occurrence of irreversible organ damage may lead to better clinical outcomes. The findings of the current study could serve as baseline data for the analysis of the long-term effects of ERT and HSCT in these patients.

Ferroelectric thin films are extensively attractive as next-generation nonvolatile memories. Recently, molecular ferroelectrics (MFe), as an emerging new class, have been a new research focus because of their desirable characteristics such as good solution processability, tunable chemical properties, and bio-friendly compositions. However, traditional uniaxial MFe only possess one polar axis which greatly limits their application, as it requires restricted orientational control in single crystal. To achieve macroscopic ferroelectricity and thus fully realize technological advantages of MFe, development of multiaxes is imperative to maximize effective polarization in specific crystallographic orientations. Herein, we present an early exploration on polycrystalline multiaxial MFe thin films of [Hdabco][ReO4] with a two-dimensional graphene hybrid nonvolatile memory device. The polarization switching of MFe is experimentally realized by the nonvolatile modulation of two current states in graphene. Such a hybrid device can exhibit large memory window ∼35 V implying its great potential in memory applications. Hence, by taking the advantages of multiple polarization axes of MFe, the low cost and large area MFe/graphene hybrid memory manifests new possibilities for the integration of these materials as flexible next generation memory devices.

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are a group of lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) caused by an inherited gene defect. MPS patients can remain undetected unless the initial signs or symptoms have been identified. Newborn screening (NBS) programs for MPSs have been implemented in Taiwan since 2015, and more than 48.5% of confirmed cases of MPS have since been referred from these NBS programs. The purpose of this study was to report the current status of NBS for MPSs in Taiwan and update the gold standard criteria required to make a confirmative diagnosis of MPS, which requires the presence of the following three laboratory findings: (1) elevation of individual urinary glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-derived disaccharides detected by MS/MS-based assay, (2) deficient activity of a particular leukocyte enzyme by fluorometric assay, and (3) verification of heterogeneous or homogeneous variants by Sanger sequencing or next generation sequencing. Up to 30 April 2021, 599,962 newborn babies have been screened through the NBS programs for MPS type I, II, VI, and IVA, and a total of 255 infants have been referred to MacKay Memorial Hospital for a confirmatory diagnosis. Of these infants, four cases were confirmed to have MPS I, nine cases MPS II, and three cases MPS IVA, with prevalence rates of 0.67, 2.92, and 4.13 per 100,000 live births, respectively. Intensive long-term regular physical and laboratory examinations for asymptomatic infants with confirmed MPS or with highly suspected MPS can enhance the ability to administer ERT in a timely fashion.

Covering vineyards with rain-shelters is an effective viticulture practice to protect grapes from adverse environments, and the rain-shelter can influence radiometric properties, canopy microclimate, and grape berry quality. We investigated the effect of rain-shelter cultivation covered with different coloured plastic films on canopy microclimate and anthocyanins in the skins of Cabernet Sauvignon grape berries through comparison with open-field cultivation (control) of two vintages (2013 and 2014) in northern China. The results show that the highest average temperature and lowest relative humidity were presented by the grape canopies in the open-field cultivation, followed by the colourless, blue, purple, yellow, and red film. Higher infrared radiation was recorded in control plants. The content of sugar in the berries under rain-shelter cultivation (except colourless film in 2013) was significantly higher than that of the control. The concentrations of most anthocyanins were significantly decreased under the yellow and colourless films in the two vintages. The red and purple films increased the concentration of 3ʹ,5ʹ-substituted, methoxylated, and acylated anthocyanins in the grapes in both vintages. The results suggest that the application of such films may be useful for the production of high-quality wine grapes in warm temperate climates with dry winter and hot summer regions.

Enhanced microwave dielectric characteristics in (Al0.5Nb0.5)-co-substituted CaTiO3 ceramics were examined by means of structure evolution. CaTi1-x(Al0.5Nb0.5)xO3 solid solutions with orthorhombic structure in space group Pbnm were attained throughout the entire composition range x ≤ 0.75. The near-zero temperature coefficient of resonant frequency τf and significantly improved quality factor Qf value were achieved, while a tunable medium dielectric constant ϵr was achieved in the present ceramics. τf was tuned from 750 ppm/°C to 5 ppm/°C and became −80 ppm/°C finally (at x = 0.75), the Qf was first increased from 11,500 GHz up to 49,700 GHz due to the stable perovskite structure with increased bond strength and degree of covalency (%) and then slightly decreased to 43,100 GHz at x = 0.75. The best combination of significantly improved microwave dielectric characteristics was achieved at x = 0.45 (ϵr = 55.1, Qf = 49,700 GHz, τf = 5 ppm/°C). The present ceramics showed the great application potential in future wireless communication systems.

Several environmental stimulants and hormones can affect phenolic accumulation in grape berries, but the effects of ethylene and light and their interaction have not been completely deciphered. We measured the accumulation of anthocyanins (ATs) and proanthocyanidins (PAs) in berries of a red-wine grape, Vitis vinifera cv. Cabernet Sauvignon, in four treatments: light exposure with and without ethephon, a commercial growth regulator that quickly converts to ethylene, and box-shading with and without ethephon. Ethephon did not significantly increase the weight and diameter of the berries but altered maturity parameters at 49 days after treatment. Ethephon and light increased the fresh and dry weights of the berry skins, induced the accumulation of total phenolics, total flavonoids, and PAs and up-regulated the transcription of VvLAR1, VvLAR2, VvANR, and VvMYBPA1. Light promoted the accumulation of ATs and the expression of AT biosynthetic genes more effectively than did ethephon. Ethephon and light had interactive effects on grape ripening and the contents of PAs and ATs by the way that light interfered with the effect of exogenous ethephon on endogenous ethylene biosynthesis and the downstream ethylene regulatory pathway. These findings provide new information about the physiological and molecular function of ethylene during berry development and the impact of the interaction between ethylene and light in Vitis vinifera.

Yan73, a teinturier (dyer) grape variety in China, is one of the few Vitis vinifera cultivars with red-coloured berry flesh. To examine the tissue-specific expression of genes associated with berry colour in Yan73, we analysed the differential accumulation of anthocyanins in the skin and flesh tissues of two red-skinned grape varieties with either red (Yan73) or white flesh (Muscat Hamburg) based on HPLC-MS analysis, as well as the differential expression of 18 anthocyanin biosynthesis genes in both varieties by quantitative RT-PCR. The results revealed that the transcripts of GST, OMT, AM3, CHS3, UFGT, MYBA1, F3′5′H, F3H1 and LDOX were barely detectable in the white flesh of Muscat Hamburg. In particular, GST, OMT, AM3, CHS3 and F3H1 showed approximately 50-fold downregulation in the white flesh of Muscat Hamburg compared to the red flesh of Yan73. A correlation analysis between the accumulation of different types of anthocyanins and gene expression indicated that the cumulative expression of GST, F3′5′H, LDOX and MYBA1 was more closely associated with the acylated anthocyanins and the 3′5′-OH anthocyanins, while OMT and AM3 were more closely associated with the total anthocyanins and methoxylated anthocyanins. Therefore, the transcripts of OMT, AM3, GST, F3′5′H, LDOX and MYBA1 explained most of the variation in the amount and composition of anthocyanins in skin and flesh of Yan73. The data suggest that the specific localization of anthocyanins in the flesh tissue of Yan73 is most likely due to the tissue-specific expression of OMT, AM3, GST, F3′5′H, LDOX and MYBA1 in the flesh.

Background The deep and perforating lymphatic anatomy of the upper limb still remains the least described in medical literature. Materials and Methods Six upper limbs with the axillary tissue were harvested from three unembalmed human cadavers amputated at the shoulder joint. A small amount of 6% hydrogen peroxide was employed to detect the lymphatic vessels around the deep palmar arch, radial and ulnar neurovascular bundles. A 30-gauge needle was inserted into the vessels and they were injected with a barium sulphate compound. Each specimen was dissected, photographed and radiographed to demonstrate deep lymphatic distribution of the upper limb. Results Continuing from the deep lymph vessels of the hand, single or multiple deep collecting lymph vessels have been found along the radial, ulnar, anterior and posterior interosseous neurovascular bundles in the forearm, brachial and deep branchial neurovascular bundles in the upper arm. During their courses, lymph nodes were found setting in the trunk of the radial, ulnar and brachial lymph vessels near or in the cubital fossa, and in the axillar. Perforating lymph vessels have been found near the wrist and in the cubital fossa, which linked the superficial and deep lymph vessels. The direction of lymphatic drainage was from the deep to superficial or superficial to deep vessels. Conclusion The deep lymphatic anatomy of the upper limb has been described. The results will provide an anatomical basis for clinical management, educational reference and scientific research.

Three concentrations of zinc sulfate were foliage-sprayed in Vitis vinifera cv. Merlot growing on Zn-deficient soils over successive years, 2013 and 2014, to investigate the effect on grape quality and wine aroma characteristics. Headspace solid-phase microextraction with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS) was used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of aroma compounds. Zinc sulfate treatments significantly increased the concentrations of total soluble solids, total phenols, flavonoids, flavanols, tannins and anthocyanins in matured berry. A total of 53 compounds were identified and quantified from all the eight wines of the 2 years. Zinc sulfate treatments increased the variety of volatile compounds in wines, especially in the aged wines of 2013. Besides, total concentration of the volatile compounds was also enhanced by treatment of 4.0 g/L ZnSO4·7H2O in both years. Principal component analysis indicated that 1-nonanol, 1-butanol-3-methyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl phenylacetate, ethyl benzoate, ethyl palmitate, p-hydroxyl ethyl cinnamate and β-damascenone were the eight most characteristic components of Zn-treated wines in both 2013 and 2014. Among those, β-damascenone and ethyl hexanoate were also two of the most odor-active compounds. Moreover, among the nine described aroma categories in the sensory analysis, intensities of fruity, vegetative, spicy, nuts and toasty were influenced by Zn treatment.

The aroma characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon wines from five different altitudes (Xidang-2110, Dari-2249, Jiunongding-2330, Adong-2610, and Jiangpo-2788, respectively) in the plateau of Yunnan (China) were detected by headspace solid phase micro-extraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The results showed that the numbers of volatile compounds increased with altitude rising, while the concentration of the total volatiles decreased with the exception of Xidang-2110. Alcohol and esters accounted for more than 97% of the total volatile compounds. Ten out of thirty-six components (22%) identified and quantified in five wines were found at concentrations higher than their corresponding threshold values (OAVs > 1). Ethyl hexanoate, ethyl butyrate, and 1-octen-3-ol were the three most powerful odorants in wine from Xidang-2110; but odor activity values and relative odor contribution of 1-octen-3-ol were higher than ethyl hexanoate and ethyl butyrate in the wines from Dari-2249 and Adong-2610; meanwhile...

Recently, hexagonal rare earth ferrites (h-RFeO3) have attracted much scientific attention due to their room-temperature multiferroicity. The primary issue for h-RFeO3 is how to manipulate from nonpolar orthorhombic (Pbnm) structure to polar hexagonal (P63cm) structure, and this could be realized by the wet-chemical method, epitaxial stain engineering, or introducing chemical pressure. Another key issue for h-RFeO3 is the experimental determination of its macroferroelectricity and magnetoelectric (ME) coupling because the semiconducting nature seriously obstructs the experimental characterization. In the present work, owing to the suppressed leakage current density with decreasing temperature, saturated electrical hysteresis loops were observed in A-site substituted h-Lu0.5In0.5FeO3 ceramics at 198 K, directly demonstrating the presence of the macroferroelectricity. Room-temperature switchable ferroelectric polarization was further confirmed by the piezoresponse force microscopy. Furthermore, noticeable ME coupling with a linear ME voltage coefficient of 0.67 mV/cm Oe was observed at room temperature.

In order to improve the efficiency of offshore oil drilling, simplify the structure of drilling rigs, a new type of heave compensaton drawworks is put forward to realize decoupling control of motion and energy saving by hydraulic energy storage. In order to study the compensation performance of drawworks, mathematical simulation model is built, heave compensation displacement controller of fuzzy-PI and bit pressure controller of BP neural network are designed based on the high inertia load and nonlinear time-varying characteristics of the system. The simulation results show that the heave compensation maintains the absolute displacement of the hook within certain premises and reduces the effects on bit pressure by platform heave movement, automatic bit feeding keeps bit pressure steady, the bit pressure is kept in the scope prescribed by work. The research result shows that the device well meets the performance requirements of offshore drilling.

Vertical hammer mill is widely used in food and feed processing factory. It contains the rotor, sieve plate, machine body, feeding device, discharge device, diver device and etc. Traditional design method used two-dimensional drawings to express three-dimensional information of parts, which was abstract and difficult to be modified. This research utilized 3D software Pro/E to carry out three-dimensional designing, modeling, virtual assemble and motion simulation, and used structural mechanics analysis module Pro/Mechanical to carry out finite element analysis of key parts to optimize design of vertical hammer mill. In the designing process designer can easily modify the parameters, and directly observe the shape, location and movement of parts, which can greatly improve the design efficiency and level.

Plant-specific NAC (NAM/ATAF/CUC) transcription factors (TFs) have been reported to play a role in diverse stress responses and developmental processes. We show here that six new genes encoding NAC TFs in wheat (Triticum aestivum) were identified (named as TaNAC2a, TaNAC4a, TaNAC6, TaNAC7, TaNAC13 and TaNTL5, respectively), and we classified them into three groups: stress-related NACs, development-related NACs and NTLs (membrane-associated TFs belonging to NAC) by phylogenetic analysis. All TaNACs were induced by one or several kinds of stress treatments including dehydration, salinity and low temperature, whereas different genes showed different expression levels. All these TaNACs, except TaNAC7, were proven to have transcriptional activation activity in the yeast strain AH109 by transactivation analysis. Furthermore, subcellular localization analysis revealed that four TaNAC:GFP (green fluorescent protein) fusion proteins were localized in the nucleus, TaNAC2a:GFP mainly located in the nucleus and the plasma membrane, TaNTL5:GFP was associated with the membrane, while truncated TaNTL5(ΔTM):GFP (lacking the transmembrane motif) was detected exclusively in the nucleus. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that five genes exhibited organ-specific expression. Transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing TaNAC2a showed higher fresh weight and dry weight than non-transgenic plants under drought condition, which indicated that the transgene improved tobacco tolerance to drought treatment. Together, these results provided a preliminary characterization of six TaNACs, which possessed a potential role in improving stress tolerance and the regulation of development in wheat, and suggested that TaNAC2a was potentially useful for engineering drought tolerant plants.

C7H17Cl2N2NaO9, orthorhombic, Pbca (no. 61), a = 13.907(3) Å, b = 10.927(2) Å, c = 19.194(4) Å, V = 2916.8(10) Å3, Z = 8, R gt(F) = 0.0472, wR ref(F 2) = 0.1129, T = 298 K.

通过RT-PCR从小麦cDNA中扩增获得一个锌指蛋白基因 TaCRF2 , 该基因的cDNA长度为847 bp, 序列分析表明它编码一个含有280个氨基酸的蛋白质。在线软件预测该蛋白质的相对分子质量为30.97 kD, 等电点为7.03, 且在C-末端含有一个典型的RING-H2型锌指蛋白结构域, 在N-末端含有两个跨膜结构域。氨基酸序列比对发现, TaCRF2与水稻中的一个RING型锌指蛋白(ABF95226)的相似度为82%。亚细胞定位分析显示, 该蛋白分布在细胞核和细胞膜上。Real-time PCR表达特性分析显示, TaCRF2 基因的表达受干旱、盐和ABA的强烈诱导, 低温对该基因的表达量影响不明显。初步功能验证发现过表达 TaCRF2 基因增强了转基因烟草对干旱和盐胁迫的耐性。

Background: To determine whether non-viral nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) risk factors might be associated with (and mediated through) Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) serological responses linked to NPC risk, we evaluated predictors of risk of anti-EBNA1 IgA seropositivity and other markers among unaffected relatives from a large NPC family study in Taiwan. Methods: Multivariate logistic regression conditioned on family was used to examine the associations between sociodemographic, dietary, lifestyle, and occupational variables and risk of anti-EBV EBNA1 IgA positivity, anti-VCA IgA, and anti-DNase positivity. Results: Among 2393 unaffected relatives from 319 multiplex families, 1180 (49.3%) were anti-EBV EBNA1 IgA seropositive. None of the associations with anti-EBNA1 IgA were statistically significant, except for being 31–50 years of age (vs

Two new CuII coordination polymers based on α-Keggin polyoxotungstates, [Cu2(dpa)2(H2O)2(GeW12O40)]·0.5CH3COOH (1) and [Hdpa][Cu2(dpa)2(4,4′-bipy)(H2O)2(PW10V2O40)] (2) (dpa = 2,2′-dipyridylamine, 4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine), were obtained by solvothermal reactions in glacial acetic acid and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, TG analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 exhibits a 1D two-rowed chain constructed from [GeW12O40]4– anions coordinated with [Cu(1)(dpa)]2+ and [Cu(2)(dpa)(H2O)2]2+ fragments by four terminal oxygen atoms. Compound 2 exhibits a 2D layered structure constructed from [PW10V2O40]5– anions coordinated with [Cu(dpa)(4,4′-bipy)0.5(H2O)]2+ fragments by four terminal oxygen atoms. Furthermore, the electrochemical properties of 1 and the photocatalytic hydrogen production of 1 and 2 were investigated.

In order to improve the stratification of clay materials in the spiral reamer, we use "bionics method" to modify the structure of the spiral reamer, namely, to add corrugated shape structure to the cutter and hub. Through the analysis of ANSYS software, it is found that corrugated fractal structure can both improve the stratification of clay materials, and increase the yield as well.

Two Ni(II) and Co(II) coordination polymers, [M(bpp)(H2O)2V2O6]·0.4H2O (bpp = 1,3′-di-pyridylpropane; M = Ni and Co), were synthesized via the hydrothermal method. The crystal structure analysis showed that the compounds were isomorphous. The {M(bpp)(H2O)2} n 2 n + chains are projected along the a and b axes. The chains are woven into a three-dimensional crisscross structure. The helical {VO3} nn- chains that are connected with the M(II) are located in the {M(bpp)(H2O)2} n 2 n + channels along the c axis. Electrochemical measurements showed that lithium ions can be reversibly intercalated and deintercalated in two Ni(II) and Co(II) coordination polymers.

BackgroundThe clinical course of methylmalonic aciduria (MMA) is fulminant in neonates and emergency management is necessary to save lives. It is therefore very important to differentiate affected from unaffected neonates immediately when there are abnormal results regarding MMA in newborn screening.MethodsBetween January 2002 and December 2008, 598,522 newborns were screened for MMA by 2 neonatal screening centers: the Chinese Foundation of Health and the Taipei Institute of Pathology. A total of 22 newborns were referred to confirmatory medical centers, and 7 were confirmed as having MMA. The initial propionylcarnitine (C3) level, C3/acetylcarnitine (C2) ratio, plasma ammonia, liver function tests, blood pH and bicarbonate were compared between the true-positive and false-positive groups.ResultsThe C3/C2 ratio and plasma ammonia were markedly higher in the true-positive MMA group (p < 0.0001). Blood gas pH (p = 0.029), bicarbonate (p = 0.019), and aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.005) also significantly differed between these 2 groups.ConclusionReferred newborns with elevated plasma C3/C2 ratios > 0.4 or ammonia levels > 200 mg/dL should be highly suspected of having MMA.

An association between specific human leukocyte antigens (HLA) alleles and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has been reported for sporadic NPC, but studies of familial NPC are lacking. We evaluated this association with familial NPC in a study of 301 NPC cases and 1010 family and community controls from Taiwan. Class I HLA alleles were characterized using a sequence-based typing protocol. Allele frequencies between case and control groups were compared by chi(2) or exact tests. For alleles associated with NPC, odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Similar allelic frequency distribution and HLA associations were found as those previously reported for sporadic NPC: protective effect for HLA-A*1101 and increased risk for HLA-A*0207, HLA-A*3303, HLA-B*3802, and HLA-B*5801. Overall, the magnitude of observed associations was weakest when cases were compared with sibling controls and strongest when compared with unrelated community controls. Evaluating the joint effect of HLA-A*0207 and HLA-B*4601, individuals who were carriers of HLA-A*0207 with or without the presence of HLA-B*4601 had a 1.9-fold (95% CI = 1.0-3.4) and 2.1-fold (95% CI = 0.83-5.3) risk of NPC, respectively. Conversely, carriers of HLA-B*4601 in the absence of HLA-A*0207 had a 50% reduction in NPC risk (95% CI = 0.27-0.93). Comparable findings from our family study and those from previous sporadic studies were found with the notable exception of a lack of positive association between HLA-B*4601 and familial NPC in the absence of HLA-A*0207. This finding requires replication in larger studies.

Aim: Quality of Life (QoL) is an important end-point in cancer clinical trials, but its collection in multinational trials requires properly translated and validated instruments. We describe the development, piloting and planned validation of a traditional Chinese version of the Patient Disease Treatment and Assessment Form (Pt DATA Form) for use in Taiwan. Methods: The Pt DATA Form is a simple, multi-item QoL instrument based on 11-point numeric rating scales for a range of relevant symptoms and functions and aspects of well-being, designed for use in routine clinical practice and clinical trials. The instrument underwent forward translation in Sydney and backward translation in Taiwan. A reconciled version was pre-tested on healthy volunteers and then on 20 cancer patients in a Taiwanese clinic. Results: One hundred percent of patients reported that the items were clear and did not cause upset. Eighty five percent had no difficulty in completing the form while 10% found it fairly difficult. There were no difficulties with the instructions. Conclusion: This questionnaire was acceptable for use in Taiwan in its current format and will allow the collection of innovative data on Chinese cancer patients' experiences.

Infection with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) usually leads to a latent state in B lymphocytes. The virus can be reactivated through two viral transactivators, Zta and Rta, leading to a cascade of gene expression. An EBV DNA array was generated to analyze the pattern of transcription of the entire EBV genome under various conditions. Firstly, a complete set of temporal expression clusters of EBV genes was displayed by analyzing the array data of anti-IgG-induced Akata cells. In addition to assigning genes of unknown function to the various clusters, increasing expression of latent genes, including EBNA2, EBNA3A and EBNA 3C, was observed during virus replication. Secondly, gene expression independent of viral DNA replication was analyzed in PAA blocked Akata cells and in chemically induced Raji cells. Several genes with presumed late functions were found to be expressed with early kinetics and independent of viral DNA replication, suggesting possible novel functions for these genes. Finally, the EBV array was used to identify Rta responsive gene expression in Raji cells, and in the EBV-positive epithelial cells NA, using a Zta siRNA strategy. The array data were confirmed by Northern blotting, RT-PCR and reporter assays. All the information here thus provides a better understanding of the control of EBV lytic gene expression.

The utility of EBV load as a tumor marker in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients suggests that it might also serve as a screening test for individuals who are at high risk for developing NPC. We previously demonstrated that unaffected individuals from high-risk families had elevated anti-EBV antibody levels compared to community controls. In this study, we measured EBV load using 2 different real-time PCR assays (targeting BamH1W and polymerase gene sequences, respectively) carried out in 2 independent research labs in serum samples from 19 untreated NPC cases, 11 healthy community controls and 100 unaffected individuals from families in which 2 or more individuals were affected with NPC. EBV genomes were detectable in 68% of NPC cases by the EBV BamH1W assay and in 74% by the EBV polymerase assay (κ = 0.64). Patients with stage III or IV disease had significantly higher EBV load compared to those with stage I or II disease (p = 0.008). EBV DNA was detected in a single community control sample by the EBV BamH1W assay and in none of the samples by the EBV polymerase assay. Only one of 100 unaffected family members tested positive by both assays. An additional 14 were positive by only one of the 2 EBV load assays used and usually in only one of the duplicate wells tested, all with very low viral loads (3–50 copies/ml). In addition, EBV load did not correlate with EBV serology results (anti-VCA, anti-DNase, anti-EBNA-1) among these unaffected family members. In conclusion, our study suggests limited clinical utility of the EBV load test, in its current configuration, to screen individuals from high-risk families. Should a more sensitive or specific molecular assay be developed that is capable of detecting and distinguishing tumor-derived EBV genomes or gene products from true negatives, it could be evaluated as a possible screening tool for asymptomatic and early-stage NPC. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Rta, an immediate-early protein of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), is a transcriptional activator that induces lytic gene expression and triggers virus reactivation. Being located predominantly in the nucleus, Rta can exert its transactivation function through either direct DNA binding or certain indirect mechanisms mediated by cellular signalling and other transcriptional factors. This study examined whether the subcellular localization of Rta was critical for the induction of target genes. First, 410KRKK413 was identified as a nuclear localization signal (NLS) of Rta. An Rta mutant with the NLS converted to 410AAAA413 showed cytoplasmic localization and failed to activate the promoter of BGLF5. Interestingly, ectopic expression of the Rta mutant still disrupted EBV latency in an epithelial cell line. Reporter gene assays revealed that the NLS-mutated Rta retained the ability to activate two lytic promoters, Zp and Rp, at a considerable level. Thus, the cytoplasmic Rta mutant could induce expression of endogenous Zta and Rta, triggering reactivation of EBV.

A monoclonal antibody (MAb), designated 3E8, was produced against the Epstein-Barr virus BHRF1 which is a viral homologue of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. The MAb recognized the BHRF1 protein in extracts from EBV-containing cell lines after activation and EBV-negative cell lines transfected by the BHRF1 gene. Epitope mapping by Western blot analysis revealed that the antibody bound region encompassing amino acid residues 28-33 of the BHRF1. In addition to immunoblotting, the MAb could be applied widely in detection of the BHRF1 in many assays, including immunofluorescence assay, immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoprecipitation. Most of all, when used in immunoprecipitation experiments, the MAb 3E8 showed a better effect than the existing anti-BHRF1 MAbs since radioactive isotopes were not required to intensify signals of its target antigen. Based on its great use in a variety of immunological reactions, it is a powerful tool to elucidate the biological functions of BHRF1.

Most adults have been infected with EBV. Many studies have indicated that antibodies against specific EBV antigens, particularly IgA antibodies, can be predictive or prognostic of EBV-associated malignancies, such as NPC. We hypothesized that healthy individuals from families with a history of multiple members affected with NPC (who therefore might be genetically susceptible to NPC themselves) might have an EBV antibody profile that is distinct from that seen in healthy individuals from the community at large. To explore this possibility and examine determinants of anti-EBV antibody levels in healthy, high-risk individuals, we evaluated data from 2 parallel studies of NPC in Taiwan, which included 1,229 healthy members of families in which 2 or more individuals were affected with NPC and 320 controls from the community at large. Blood collected from participants was tested for IgA antibodies against EBV VCA and EBNA-1 and for neutralizing antibodies against EBV DNase using standard assays. We observed evidence of familial aggregation of EBV seroreactivity among individuals from high-risk, multiplex NPC families. Anti-VCA IgA and anti-EBNA-1 IgA antibody seroprevalence in unaffected family members of NPC cases was 5-6 times higher than in members of the community (p < 0.01). This elevated seroprevalence among unaffected individuals from high-risk families was observed regardless of the relationship of the unaffected individual to the closest affected relative (siblings, parents, children or spouses). No sociodemographic or environmental factors examined were found to strongly and consistently correlate with elevated seroprevalence, but patterns emerged of increasing seroprevalence among older individuals and among females. Unaffected individuals from high-risk NPC families have elevated anti-EBV IgA antibody titers. The etiologic and clinical implications of this finding remain to be established.

A new coordination polymer, H[{Ce(H2O)5}2{Ce(pdc)2(H2O)4}{Ce(pdc)3}(PW12O40)]•2H2O 1 (pdc = pyridine-2,6 -dicarboxylate), has been obtained by the hydrothermal reaction. It exhibits a 3D hydrotalcitelike structure constructed from 2D cationic [{Ce(H2O)5}2{Ce(pdc)2(H2O)4}{Ce(pdc)3}]2+ layers pillared by α-Keggin [PW12O40]3− anions. Polymer 1 is active for photocatalytic H2 evolution under UV irradiation.

The Epstein-Barr virus-encoded early protein, BHRF1, is a structural and functional homologue of the anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2. There is accumulating evidence that BHRF1 protects a variety of cell types from apoptosis induced by various external stimuli. To identify specific proteins from normal epithelial cells that interact with BHRF1 and that might promote or inhibit its anti-apoptotic activity, we screened a yeast two-hybrid cDNA library derived from human normal foreskin keratinocytes and identified a cellular gene encoding human prenylated rab acceptor 1 (hPRA1). The interaction of hPRA1 with BHRF1 was confirmed using glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and co-immunoprecipitation. Two regions of PRA1, amino acids 30-53 and the carboxyl-terminal 21 residues, are important for BHRF1 interactions and two regions of BHRF1, amino acids 1-18 and 89-142, including the Bcl-2 homology domains BH4 and BH1, respectively, are crucial for PRA1 interactions. PRA1 expression interferes with the anti-apoptotic activity of BHRF1, although not of Bcl-2. These results indicate that the PRA1 interacts selectively with BHRF1 to reduce its anti-apoptotic activity and might play a role in the impeding completion of virus maturation.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is associated closely with the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The EBV gene product, BHRF1, has been demonstrated in vitro and is structurally and functionally similar to the oncogene bcl-2, that is able to protect cells from programmed cell death. To determine whether the BHRF1 gene is expressed in vivo, BHRF1 mRNA or protein were sought in tissues from NPC and non-NPC patients. BHRF1 transcripts were specifically detected in the NPC tumours (32 out of 44, 72.7%) rather than the non-NPC tissues (0 out of 25) by reverse transcription, polymerase chain reaction and Southern hybridization. Other EBV genes, such as the lytic gene BZLF1 and latent genes EBNA1 and LMP2A, were also investigated. BZLF1 transcripts also were found specifically in NPC tumours (33 out of 44, 75%). EBNA1 was expressed in 79.5% of NPC, and 28% of non- NPC, tissues and LMP2A was expressed in 70.5% of NPC, and 88% of non-NPC, tissues. BHRF1 protein was detected by immunohistochemistry in 4 metastatic NPC, of 36 NPC tissue sections available. The BHRF1 protein was distributed in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of the neoplastic epithelial cells. IgG antibody against the BHRF1 protein was detected in 6 of 17 (35. 3%) NPC plasma, but the protein and IgG were both absent from the non-NPC controls. BHRF1 DNA sequences were determined for 11 NPC and 3 non-NPC samples. No sequence was specific for the EBV isolates from NPC tissue. Amino acids 79 and 88 always appeared in the same form, however, for every tested isolate and both were valine or leucine. This particular characteristic was not present in the B95-8 strain or in the corresponding regions of homologues, Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL, and was regarded as unique to Oriental EBV strains.