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More than 80% of energy is consumed during operation phase of a building's life cycle, so energy efficiency retrofit for existing buildings is considered a promising way to reduce energy use in buildings. The investment strategies of retrofit depend on the ability to quantify energy savings by “measurement and verification” (M&V), which compares actual energy consumption to how much energy would have been used without retrofit (called the “baseline” of energy use). Although numerous models exist for predicting baseline of energy use, a critical limitation is that occupancy has not been included as a variable. However, occupancy rate is essential for energy consumption and was emphasized by previous studies. This study develops a new baseline model which is built upon the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) model but includes the use of building occupancy data. The study also proposes metrics to quantify the accuracy of prediction and the impacts of variables. However, the results show that including occupancy data does not significantly improve the accuracy of the baseline model, especially for HVAC load. The reasons are discussed further. In addition, sensitivity analysis is conducted to show the influence of parameters in baseline models. The results from this study can help us understand the influence of occupancy on energy use, improve energy baseline prediction by including the occupancy factor, reduce risks of M&V and facilitate investment strategies of energy efficiency retrofit.

Occupants are a critical impact factor of building energy consumption. Numerous previous studies emphasized the role of occupants and investigated the interactions between occupants and buildings. However, a fundamental problem, how to learn occupancy patterns and predict occupancy schedule, has not been well addressed due to highly stochastic activities of occupants and insufficient data. This study proposes a data mining based approach for occupancy schedule learning and prediction in office buildings. The proposed approach first recognizes the patterns of occupant presence by cluster analysis, then learns the schedule rules by decision tree, and finally predicts the occupancy schedules based on the inducted rules. A case study was conducted in an office building in Philadelphia, U.S. Based on one-year observed data, the validation results indicate that the proposed approach significantly improves the accuracy of occupancy schedule prediction. The proposed approach only requires simple input data (i.e., the time series data of occupant number entering and exiting a building), which is available in most office buildings. Therefore, this approach is practical to facilitate occupancy schedule prediction, building energy simulation and facility operation.

Objective: The incidence of sub-centimeter pulmonary nodules has been increasing along with the use of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) as a screening tool for early lung cancer detection. In our institution, pulmonary nodule computed tomography-guided localization (PNCL) is performed preoperatively with the laser angle guided assembly (LAGA), an angle reference device. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of postgraduate education in a phantom simulation of PNCL, with or without LAGA., Setting Design: This prospective study was conducted in an academic hospital in Taiwan. Seven thoracic surgery residents and three experienced senior physicians were recruited to perform PNCL using a phantom simulation, with or without LAGA, for five nodules each and complete a questionnaire. Performance data were collected. χ 2 tests, Mann-Whitney U test, univariate and multivariate linear regression were used for statistical analyses., Results: The confidence level increased from median 7[range 1, 9] to 8, range [6,9] (p = 0.001) before and after the simulation education course. The scores of enhanced PNCL ability and course satisfaction were as high as 8 [5,9], and 9 [7,9]. LAGA enabled broader puncture angles (with 27.5° [0°,80°]; without 14° [0°, 80°], p = 0.003), a lower puncture frequency (with 1 [1,4]; without 2 [1,5], p < 0.001), and a smaller angle deviation (with 3°[ 0°,8°]; without 5°[ 0°,19°], p = 0.002). Pleural depth in millimeters was associated with increased puncture frequency (0.019[0,010,0.028]) and procedure time (0.071'[ 0.018,0.123']. The PNCL-experienced physicians performed the procedure in less time (-2.854'[-4.646',1.061']. The traverse direction toward the mediastinum diminished the frequency (toward 1[ 1,3]; away 1 [1,5], p = 0.003) and time (toward 7.5'[2',18]'; away 9'[ 3',31'], p = 0.027). The learning curve did not improve procedure performance after ten PNCL simulation rounds., Conclusions: The phantom PNCL simulation education course increased the confidence level, enhanced residents' skill acquisition, and promoted learning satisfaction. The angle reference device helped improve the outcomes of the puncture frequency and reduced angle deviation., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2023 The Authors.)

In arthropods, there is only a single copy of Down Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule (Dscam) in the genome, but it can exist as numerous splice variants. There are three hypervariable exons in the extracellular domain and one hypervariable exon in the transmembrane domain. In Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis), exons 4, 6 and 14 can produce 25, 34 and 18 alternative splice variants, respectively. In this study, through Illumina sequencing, we identified additional splice variants for exons 6 and 14, hence there may be > 50,000 Dscam protein variants. Sequencing of exons 4, 6 and 14 showed that alternative splicing was altered after bacterial stimulation. Therefore, we expressed and purified the extracellular variable region of Dscam (EsDscam-Ig1-Ig7). Exons 4.3, 6.46 and 14.18, three variable exons of the recombinant protein, were randomly selected. The functions of EsDscam-Ig1-Ig7 in immune defences of E. sinensis were subsequently explored. EsDscam-Ig1-Ig7 was discovered to bind to both Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Vibrio parahaemolyticus, but it did not exhibit antibacterial activity. By promoting hemocyte phagocytosis and bacterial removal, EsDscam-Ig1-Ig7 can also shield the host from bacterial infection. The findings highlight the immunological activities of Dscam alternative splicing and reveal the potential for many more Dscam isoforms than were previously predicted in E. sinensis., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neurological disorder characterized by headache, seizures, confusion and visual disturbances, as well as potentially reversible neuroimaging findings in most patients after proper treatment. Seizures is one of the most common clinical presentations of PRES. This review summarizes the potential pathophysiology and clinical features of PRES, as well as a multimodal approach to imaging and also briefly discusses the phenomenon of seizures in paediatric population., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The local structural, electronic, optical, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) properties are uniformly studied for Cu 2+ -doped rutile (TiO 2 ) crystals by using the density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The local cation-oxygen bond lengths and planar bond angle, band gap, Mulliken charge and overlapping population, density of state (DOS), and UV-Vis absorption spectra are calculated for pure and copper-doped rutile. The smaller overlapping population of Cu-O bonds in the doped system than Ti-O bonds in pure rutile reflects weaker orbital admixtures or covalency of the former. Compared with pure rutile, Cu 2+ doping leads to significant redshift of the UV-Vis absorption band and the narrow impurity band in visible and near-infrared regions arising from the Cu 2+ d-d transitions and narrowing of the band gap by about 0.636 eV, possibly suggesting enhancement of visible light activity. The Cu dopant induces a spin magnetic moment of 0.74 μB for the doped rutile. The calculated UV-Vis absorption spectra and spin Hamiltonian parameters for copper-doped rutile show reasonable agreement with the experimental data and some improvement related to the previous perturbation formula calculations. Present systematic studies would be helpful to understand the mechanisms of the enhancement in the optical and magnetic properties of this material with transition-metal (especially Cu 2+ ) dopants., (© 2021 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Carbon emission quantifications in China are not consistent, with many standards and methods having been used over the years. This study identified the non-consideration of China-specific technology and databases as a factor limiting comprehensive quantification. The study aimed to comprehensively quantify regional direct CO 2 emission in the industry using a hybrid of economic and environmental data. We retrieved nineteen (19) sets of fossil fuel and electricity data from provincial energy yearbooks between 1997 and 2015 for the study. To generate regression models for each of the six regional construction industries in China, the study further integrated the results with three sets of econometric data: total annual construction output, cement, and steel product yearly consumption data. The study identified the North China region as the main source of direct CO 2 emission with over 30%, while Southeast China contributed the least. While there is a gradual shift to other energy sources, the study identified coal and crude oil to remain as the main energy sources in the industry. Cement and steel data exhibited a significant predictive relationship with CO 2 emissions in five regional construction industries. The study identified the need to have policies tailored to technological improvements to enhance renewable energy generation and usage in the industry. The models developed in this study could be used to generate initial quantifications of carbon emissions in construction industries with similar carbon-emitting characteristics for carbon tracking, and energy policies for decision making. However, the three economic indicators used in the study could be extended to generate more robust models in future research.

Objectives: To study the expression levels of microRNA-138 (miR-138) and Runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) in peripheral blood of children with cough variant asthma (CVA) and their regulatory effects on Th1/Th2 balance., Methods: Sixty-five children with CVA (CVA group) and 30 healthy children (control group) were enrolled. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected for both groups, and CD4 + T cells were isolated and cultured. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 that were secreted by CD4 + T cells. Flow cytometry was used to determine the percentages of Th1 and Th2 cells. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the level of RUNX3 mRNA in CD4 + T cells and the level of miR-138 in peripheral blood. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression of RUNX3 in CD4 + T cells. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to determine the targeting effects of miR-138 and RUNX3. The RUNX3-mimic plasmid was transfected into CD4 + T cells, and the effects on the levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 and the percentages of Th1 and Th2 cells were measured., Results: Compared with the control group, the CVA group showed significantly decreased levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 from CD4 + T cells, significantly increased levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 from CD4 + T cells, significantly decreased Th1 cell percentage and Th1/Th2 ratio, and a significantly increased Th2 cell percentage ( P <0.05). The CVA group showed significantly lower relative expression levels of RUNX3 mRNA and protein in CD4 + T cells in peripheral blood than the control group ( P <0.001). The relative expression level of miR-138 was significantly higher in the CVA group than in the control group ( P <0.001). MiR-138 could target the expression of RUNX3. Upregulating the expression of RUNX3 in CD4 + T cells induced significantly increased levels of IFN-γ and IL-2, significantly decreased levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, significantly increased Th1 cell percentage and Th1/Th2 ratio, and a significantly decreased Th2 cell percentage ( P <0.05)., Conclusions: MiR-138 regulates Th1/Th2 balance by targeting RUNX3 in children with CVA, providing a new direction for the treatment of CVA.

We present the 2021 Singapore Paediatric Resuscitation Guidelines. The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation's Pediatric Taskforce Consensus Statements on Science and Treatment Recommendations, which was published in October 2020, and the updated resuscitation guidelines from the American Heart Association and European Resuscitation Council, were reviewed and discussed by the committee. These recommendations were derived after deliberation of peer-reviewed evidence updates on paediatric resuscitation and took into consideration the local setting and clinical practice., (Copyright: © Singapore Medical Association.)

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and genotype distribution of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) and the correlation between cervical lesions and analyze the risk factors for HR-HPV infection. Methods: In June 2018, a population-based study for cervical cancer screening in Tuoli county of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was conducted. A total of 2 000 Kazak women aged 25-64 years were included in the study. Three cervical exfoliated cells samples were collected from them for careHPV, PCR HPV, p16(INK4a), and liquid-based cytology (LBC) tests. Women with any positive test were referred for colposcopy with biopsies taken at abnormal sites. Histo-pathological diagnoses were used as the gold standard. Results: The overall prevalence of HPV was 14.55%, among which the infection rate of HR-HPV was 12.90%, which was even higher in the 50-54 years age group. The most prevalent genotypes of HR-HPV were HPV16 (2.80%), HPV51(2.35%), HPV52 (1.70%), HPV56 (1.50%), and HPV39 (1.20%). The most common HPV infection was a single infection (71.48%). In the age group of 50-54 years, the multiple infection rates were higher, with the majority of double infection (69.88%), and HPV42 and 56 were the most common co-infection types. HPV16 (31.82%), HPV51 (27.27%) and HPV18 (13.64%) were higher in cervical intraepithelial neplasia grade 1, HPV16 (57.14%) was higher in cervical intraepithelial neplasia grade 2, and HPV16 (55.56%) and HPV18 (33.33%) were higher in cervical intraepithelial neplasia grade 3 or worse. Results from the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher education, menopause, and syphilis infection increased the HPV infection. Conclusions: The most common prevalence genotypes of HR-HPV among Kazak women were HPV16, HPV51, and HPV52. The infection rate of HR-HPV among Kazak women was correlated with education level, menopausal status, and syphilis infection. Measures should be taken targeting high-risk factors. This result suggests that STD patients and women aged 50 and above should be encouraged for screening.

The construction sector is a critical part in achieving energy conservation targets in China, as it accounts for approximately 30% of the annual national energy supply for building construction. Therefore, this study integrates multi-regional input-output analysis and ecological network analysis to track energy fluxes and pathways from the construction sector, aiming to facilitate the configuration of the energy-flow structure and improve understanding of the region's responsibilities. Results of a spatial distribution analysis show that the eastern area of China leads in fossil energy consumption (e.g., coal and crude oil), whereas western China is the largest consumer of natural gas. Spatial relationship analyss indicate that eastern areas are located at the top of the trophic structure, implying that these regions are prioritized in energy consumption over the surrounding regions. By contrast, most regions located in the northern parts of China are characterized by resource-abundant areas and are at the bottom of the trophic structure, thereby indicating their comparatively weak role in an exploitation relationship. An investigation of major metropolitan areas demonstrates that mandatory targets set by national instruments are stratified in accordance with their diverse role and status in energy consumption at the beginning of the 12th Five-Year Plan period. However, these targets remain insignificant in the context of the inner area., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To investigate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infections among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, malignant tumors and schizophrenia in Wuxi City, so as to provide data support for the control of toxoplasmosis in these patients., Methods: A total of 205 cases with definitive diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, 257 cases with definitive diagnosis of malignant tumors and 235 cases with definitive diagnosis of schizophrenia were recruited, while 250 healthy volunteers served as controls. The demographic features were captured from the study subjects and serum samples were collected. The serum IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in all study subjects, and the positive rates of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were compared between the patients and controls., Results: The seroprevalence of the anti- T. gondii IgG antibody was 20.98%, 24.12% and 24.68% in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, malignant tumors and schizophrenia, which were all significantly greater than in healthy controls ( χ 2 = 31.54, 42.12 and 42.98, all P values < 0.01), and the seroprevalence of the anti - T. gondii IgM antibody was 1.46%, 2.72% and 1.70% among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, malignant tumors and schizophrenia, which were all significantly higher than in healthy controls ( χ 2 = 0.06, 1.52 and 0.21, all P values > 0.05)., Conclusions: The patients with rheumatoid arthritis, malignant tumors and schizophrenia present with higher seroprevalence of the anti-T. gondii IgG antibody than healthy controls in Wuxi regions. Screening of T. gondii infections among the patients with rheumatoid arthritis, malignant tumors and schizophrenia should be intensified to prevent the damages caused by T. gondii infections.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is lethal, and the majority of patients present with locally advanced or metastatic disease that is not amenable to cure. Thus, with surgical resection being the only curative modality, it is critical that disease is identified at an earlier stage to allow the appropriate therapy to be applied. Unfortunately, a specific biomarker for early diagnosis has not yet been identified; hence, no screening process exists. Recently, high-throughput screening and next-generation sequencing (NGS) have led to the identification of novel biomarkers for many disease processes, and work has commenced in PDAC. Genomic data generated by NGS not only have the potential to assist clinicians in early diagnosis and screening, especially in high-risk populations, but also may eventually allow the development of personalized treatment programs with targeted therapies, given the large number of gene mutations seen in PDAC. This review introduces the basic concepts of NGS and provides a comprehensive review of the current understanding of genetics in PDAC as related to discoveries made using NGS.

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of S100 calcium binding protein A16 (S100A16) in lipid metabolism in hepatocytes and its possible biological mechanism. HepG2 cells (human hepatoma cell line) were cultured with fatty acid to establish fatty acid culture model. The control model was cultured without fatty acid. Each model was divided into three groups and transfected with S100a16 over-expression, shRNA and vector plasmids, respectively. The concentration of triglyceride (TG) in the cells was measured by kit, and the lipid droplets was observed by oil red O staining. Immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry were used to find the interesting proteins interacting with S100A16, and the interaction was verified by immunoprecipitation. The further mechanism was studied by Western blot and qRT-PCR. The results showed that the intracellular lipid droplet and TG concentrations in the fatty acid culture model were significantly higher than those in the control model. The accumulation of intracellular fat in the S100a16 over-expression group was significantly higher than that in the vector plasmid transfection group. There was an interaction between heat shock protein A5 (HSPA5) and S100A16. Over-expression of S100A16 up-regulated protein expression levels of HSPA5, inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α) and pIREα1, which belong to endoplasmic reticulum stress HSPA5/IRE1α-XBP1 pathway. Meanwhile, over-expression of S100A16 up-regulated the mRNA expression levels of adipose synthesis-related gene Srebp1c, Acc and Fas. In the S100a16 shRNA plasmid transfection group, the above-mentioned protein and mRNA levels were lower than those of vector plasmid transfection group. These results suggest that S100A16 may promote lipid synthesis in HepG2 cells through endoplasmic reticulum stress HSPA5/IRE1α-XBP1 pathway.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of noncoding transcripts of > 200 nucleotides and are increasingly recognized as playing functional roles in physiology and disease. ANRIL is an lncRNA gene mapped to the chromosome 9p21 genetic locus for CAD identified by the first series of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). However, ANRIL 's role in CAD and the underlying molecular mechanism are unknown. Here, we show that the major ANRIL transcript in endothelial cells (ECs) is DQ485454 with a much higher expression level in ECs than in THP-1 monocytes. Of note, DQ485454 expression was down-regulated in CAD coronary arteries compared with non-CAD arteries. DQ485454 overexpression significantly reduced monocyte adhesion to ECs, transendothelial monocyte migration (TEM), and EC migration, which are critical cellular processes involved in CAD initiation, whereas siRNA-mediated ANRIL knockdown (KD) had the opposite effect. Microarray and follow-up quantitative RT-PCR analyses revealed that the ANRIL KD down-regulated expression of AHNAK2 , CLIP1 , CXCL11 , ENC1 , EZR , LYVE1 , WASL , and TNFSF10 genes and up-regulated TMEM100 and TMEM106B genes. Mechanistic studies disclosed that overexpression of CLIP1 , EZR , and LYVE1 reversed the effects of ANRIL KD on monocyte adhesion to ECs, TEM, and EC migration. These findings indicate that ANRIL regulates EC functions directly related to CAD, supporting the hypothesis that ANRIL is involved in CAD pathogenesis at the 9p21 genetic locus and identifying a molecular mechanism underlying lncRNA-mediated regulation of EC function and CAD development., (© 2019 Cho et al.)

Objective: To observe the clinical effects of retrograde intramedullary nailing and cannulated screws in the treatment of femoral condylar fracture., Methods: From June 2009 to June 2015, 13 patients with femoral condyles fracture were treated by retrograde intramedullary nailing and cannulated screws including 6 males and 7 females with an average age of 46.1 years old ranging from 16 to 76 years old. There were 10 cases of closed fractures, 3 cases of open fraetures. According to AO classification criteriam, 4 cases were type C1, 7 cases were type C2, 2 cases were type C3. Postoperative reduction of fracture and the knee joint function recovery were observed., Results: All patients were followed up for 12 to 36 months with a mean of 24 months. X-ray examination showed that the union time of fracture was 18 to 24 weeks, 21 weeks on average. There were no cases of loosening, breakage of internal fixators and re-fracture. Hospital for Special Surgery(HSS) knee score was 90.07±4.99 at 1 year after the operation., Conclusions: The clinical efficacy for retrograde intramedullary nailing and cannulated screw for the treatment of femoral condyles fracture was excellent. It can improve the anatomical reattachment rate and reduce the complications and promote the knee functional recovery., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical-radiological syndrome characterized by a variable combination of headaches, seizures, altered mental status, visual impairment, focal neurological signs and symmetric vasogenic edema in bilateral posterior cerebral circulation territory. The pathogenesis of PRES is still controversial. Most of the clinical conditions associated with PRES involve a systemic toxicity response in the entire organism with activation of the cells of the immune system and cytokines. These PRES related conditions induce T cell activation, cytokine release, and subsequent leukocyte adhesion and activation, resulting in endothelial damage and fluid leakage. This potential mechanism of immune system activation and endothelial dysfunction may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of PRES. In this review, the role of immune system activation and endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of PRES is discussed, with the aim to improve our understanding of this disorder., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To biomechanical analysis of the correlation between sacral tilt displacement and L₅-S₁ disc degeneration., Methods: From July 2011 to July 2013, 81 patients with lumbar disc herniation and sacroiliac joint disorder including 45 males and 36 females with an average age of (45.39±1.30) years ranging from 18 to 65 years old were selected. The course of the disease ranged from 1 to 144 months with an average of (12.64±2.19) months. All patients were taken lumbar spine lateral X-ray films, the lumbar curvature angle, L₄-L₅ or L₅-S₁ intervertebral gap distance between points, and the lumbosacral angle was measured and correlated analyzed., Results: The lumbar curvature of female patients with L₅S₁DH were significantly larger than male patients [(22.18±8.62)° vs (16.17±4.97)°, P <0.05]. Lumbar curvature and lumbosacral angle showed a positive correlation in LDH ( R =0.48, P <0.01,y=7.25+0.38x, P <0.01); Male patients with L₄-₅DH were more obvious ( R =0.55, P <0.05, y=5.80+0.43x, P <0.01); Female patients with L₅S₁DH were particularly evident( R =0.74, P <0.01,y=0.91x-5.30, P <0.01). The lumbosacral angle and L₄-₅ intervertebral gap was a positive correlation in L₄-₅DH( R =0.27, P <0.05); While L₅-S₁ intervertebral gap and lumbosacral angle were not correlated( P >0.05) in L₅S₁DH., Conclusions: The sacral tilt displacement and L₅-S₁ disc degeneration were closely related to provide a new understanding philosophy and therapeutic approach for clinical treatment of intractable lumbar L₅S₁DH., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Background: The integrity of bone-cement interface is very important for the stabilization and long-term sustain of cemented prosthesis. Variations in the bone-cement interface morphology may affect the mechanical response of the shape-closed interlock., Methods: Self-developed new reamer was used to process fresh pig reamed femoral canal, creating cortical grooves in the canal wall of experimental group. The biomechanical effects of varying the morphology with grooves of the bone-cement interface were investigated using finite element analysis (FEA) and validated using companion experimental data. Micro-CT scans were used to document interlock morphology., Results: The contact area of the bone-cement interface was greater (P < 0.05) for the experimental group (5470 ± 265 mm(2)) when compared to the specimens of control group (5289 ± 299 mm(2)). The mechanical responses to tensile loading and anti-torsion showed that the specimens with grooves were stronger (P < 0.05) at the bone-cement interface than the specimens without grooves. There were positively significant correlation between the contact area and the tensile force (r (2) = 0.85) and the maximal torsion (r (2) = 0.77) at the bone-cement interface. The volume of cement of the experimental group (7688 ± 278 mm(3)) was greater (P < 0.05) than of the control group (5764 ± 186 mm(3)). There were positively significant correlations between the volume of cement and the tensile force (r (2) = 0.90) and the maximal torsion (r (2) = 0.97) at the bone-cement interface. The FEA results compared favorably to the tensile and torsion relationships determined experimentally. More cracks occurred in the cement than in the bone., Conclusions: Converting the standard reaming process from a smooth bore cortical tube to the one with grooves permits the cement to interlock with the reamed bony wall. This would increase the strength of the bone-cement interface.

Objective: To study the biomechanical relationship between iliac rotation displacement and L(4,5) disc degeneration, and to provide clinical evidences for the prevention and treatment of L(4,5) disc degeneration and herniation., Methods: From March 2012 to February 2014,68 patients with lumbar disc herniation combined with sacroiliac joint disorders were selected. Among them, 42 patients with L(4,5) disc herniation combined with sacroiliac joint disorders included 22 males and 20 females, ranging in age from 19 to 63 years old, with an average of (51.78 +/- 20.18) years old, and the duration of the disease ranged from 1 to 126 months with an average of (11.18 +/- 9.23) months. Twenty-six patients with L5S1 disc herniation combined with sacroiliac joint disorders included 11 males and 15 females, ranging in age from18 to 65 years old with an average of (45.53 +/- 27.23) years old, and the duration of the disease ranged from 0.5 to 103 months with an average of (11.99 +/- 12.56) months. Sixty-eight anteroposterior lumbar radiographs, 68 lateral lumbar radiographs,and 68 pelvic plain films were taken. The degree of lumbar scoliosis, pelvic tilt,and disc thickness were measured. The correlation between pelvic tilt and lumbar scoliosis ,lumbar scoliosis and disc thickness were studied by using linear and regression methods. The hiomechanical analysis was performed., Results: There was a positive correlation between pelvic tilt and lumbar scoliosis in patients with L(4,5) disk herniation (R=0.49, P=0.00). There was a causal relationship and good linear proportional relationship (Y=3.05+1.07X, P=0.00) in the two variables. There was a negative correlation between lumbar scoliosis and intervertebral space in male patients with L (4,5) disk herniation (R = -0.50, P=0.01). There was a causal relationship and good linear proportional relationship in the two variables (Y=13.09-0.27X, P=0.02). But there was a positive correlation between lumbar scoliosis and intervertebral space in male patients with L5S1 disk herniation (R=0.46, P=0.04)., Conclusion: Iliac rotational displacement are closely related with L(4,5) disc degeneration and herniation in biomechanics. A new concepts and therapeutic approach is provided for clinical treatment of chronic and refractory herniation of L(4,5) disc in patients

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging in molecular biology as crucial regulators of cancer. Although the aberrant expression of lncRNAs has been observed in osteosarcoma (OS), the molecular mechanisms underlying lncRNAs in doxorubicin resistance of OS still unknown. In the current study, we investigated a novel lncRNA, termed ODRUL (osteosarcoma doxorubicin-resistance related up-regulated lncRNA), and evaluated its role in the occurrence of doxorubicin resistance in OS. LncRNA microarray revealed that lncRNA ODRUL was the most up-regulated expressed in the doxorubicin-resistant OS cell line. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) confirmed that lncRNA ODRUL was higher in different doxorubicin-resistant OS cell lines and lower in different doxorubicin-sensitive OS cell lines. Moreover, we showed that lncRNA ODRUL was increased in specimens of OS patients with a poor chemoresponse and lung metastasis. We further demonstrated that lncRNA ODRUL inhibition could inhibit OS cell proliferation, migration, and partly reversed doxorubicin resistance in vitro. In addition, we found that the expression of classical drug resistance-related ATP-binding cassette, subfamily B, member 1 (ABCB1) gene was decreased after the lncRNA ODRUL knockdown. Thus, we concluded that lncRNA ODRUL may act as a pro-doxorubicin-resistant molecule through inducing the expression of the classical multidrug resistance-related ABCB1 gene in osteosarcoma cells .These findings may provide a novel target for reversing doxorubicin resistance in OS.

Green retrofits, which improve the environment and energy efficiency of buildings, are considered a potential solution for reducing energy consumption as well as improving human health and productivity. They represent some of the riskiest, most complex, and most uncertain projects to manage. As the foundation of project management, critical success factors (CSFs) have been emphasized by previous research. However, most studies identified and prioritized CSFs independently of stakeholders. This differs from the reality, where the success of green retrofits is tightly interrelated to the stakeholders of projects. To improve the analysis from a stakeholder perspective, the present study proposed an innovative method based on a two-mode social network analysis to integrate CSF analysis with stakeholders. The results of this method can provide further understanding of the interactions between stakeholders and CSFs, and the underlying relationship among CSFs through stakeholders. A pilot study was conducted to apply the proposed method and assess the CSFs for green retrofits in China. The five most significant CSFs are identified in the management of green retrofit. Furthermore, the interrelations between stakeholders and CSFs, coefficient and clusters of CSFs are likewise discussed.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging in molecular biology as crucial regulators of cancer. The efficacy of doxorubicin--based chemotherapy in osteosarcoma (OS) is usually limited by acquired drug resistance. To explore the mechanism of chemoresistance of OS in terms of lncRNA, using a human lncRNA-mRNA combined microarray, we identified 3,465 lncRNAs (1,761 up and 1,704 down) and 3,278 mRNAs (1,607 up and 1,671 down) aberrantly expressed in all three sets of doxorubicin-resistant MG63/DXR and their paired parental MG63 cells (fold-change >2.0, P<0.05 and FDR <0.05). Fifteen randomly selected lncRNAs were dysregulated in MG63/DXR cells relative to MG63 cells by qRT-PCR detection, which were consistent with our microarray data. Bioinformatics analysis identified that classical genes and pathways involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and drug metabolism were differently expressed in these cell lines. A lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network identified lncRNAs, including ENST00000563280 and NR-036444, may play a critical role in doxorubicin-resistance of OS by interacting with important genes such as ABCB1, HIF1A and FOXC2. Besides, we found that lncRNA ENST00000563280 was distinctly increased in specimens of OS patients with a poor chemoresponse compared to those with a good chemoresponse and the patients of lower expression of it may survive longer than those of higher expression, which suggest that it may serve as a biomarker to predict the chemoresponse and prognosis of osteosarcoma patients. These results provide important insights about the lncRNAs involved in osteosarcoma chemoresistance and lay a solid foundation for uncovering the mechanism ultimately.

Athletes with heavy training loads are prone to infectious illnesses, suggesting that their training may suppress immune function. This study sought to determine whether supplementation with the amino acid glutamine, which supports immune health, alters immune function in athletes during heavy load training. 24 athletes were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 12) or a control group (n = 12). Athletes exercised using heavy training loads for 6 weeks. Athletes in the experimental group took 10 g glutamine orally once a day beginning 3 weeks after initial testing, while athletes in the control group were given a placebo. Immune function was assessed by measuring the following immunity markers: CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell counts, serum IgA, IgG, and IgM levels, and natural killer (NK) cell activity both before and after the completion of training. The percentages of circulating CD8⁺ T cells were significantly different before (39.13 ± 5.87%) and after (26.63 ± 3.95%) training in the experimental group (p < 0.05). Although CD8⁺ T cell percentages in the control group were similar before (38.57 ± 5.79%) and after (37.21 ± 5.58%) training, the post-training CD8⁺ T cell percentages were significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.05). The ratios of CD4⁺/CD8⁺ cells in the experimental group were significantly different before (0.91 ± 0.14) and after (1.39 ± 0.19) training (p < 0.05). The CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratios in the control group were similar before (0.93 Â ± 0.15) and after (0.83 ± 0.11) training, but the post-training CD4⁺T/CD8⁺ T cell ratio was higher in the experimental group than in the control group (p < 0.05). NK cell activity was also significantly different between the two groups after training (experimental, 25.21 ± 3.12 vs. control, 20.21 ± 2.59; p < 0.05). However, no differences were observed in serum IgA, IgG, or IgM levels. Thus, glutamine supplementation may be able to restore immune function and reduce the immunosuppressive effects of heavy-load training.

A major complication of factor VIII (F.VIII) infusion therapies for the treatment of hemophilia A is the formation of antibodies (inhibitors) against F.VIII, a T-cell-dependent, B-cell-mediated process. To date, attempts to inhibit formation of the inhibitors have been limited in success. We have shown that hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) promote the development of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). The HSC-induced MDSCs are potent regulators of T-cell and B-cell responses. Here we show that MDSCs can be propagated from hemophilia A mouse bone marrow cells in coculture with HSCs. These cells exhibit a suppressive phenotype and display a marked ability to inhibit T-cell proliferation induced by dendritic cells in response to F.VIII. MDSCs can also inhibit proliferation and activation of B cells stimulated by immunoglobulin M and interleukin 4. Administration of HSC-induced MDSCs induces CD4(+) T cell and B220(+) B-cell hyporesponsiveness to F.VIII and reduces inhibitor formation in hemophilia A mice. These results suggest that MDSCs could serve as a form of immunotherapy for preventing inhibitor formation via induction of immune tolerance., (Copyright © 2015 ISEH - International Society for Experimental Hematology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Land and water are the two main drivers of agricultural production. Pressure on farm land and water resources is increasing in China due to rising food demand. Domestic trade affects China's regional farm land and water use by distributing resources associated with the production of goods and services. This study constructs a multiregional input-output model to simultaneously analyze China's farm land and water uses embodied in consumption and interregional trade. Results show a great similarity for both China's farm land and water endowments. Shandong, Henan, Guangdong, and Yunnan are the most important drivers of farm land and water consumption in China, even though they have relatively few land and water resource endowments. Significant net transfers of embodied farm land and water flows are identified from the central and western areas to the eastern area via interregional trade. Heilongjiang is the largest farm land and water supplier, in contrast to Shanghai as the largest receiver. The results help policy makers to comprehensively understand embodied farm land and water flows in a complex economy network. Improving resource utilization efficiency and reshaping the embodied resource trade nexus should be addressed by considering the transfer of regional responsibilities.

The methylation of CpG sites in the promoter region of the P16 gene in Uyghur patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) was quantitatively analyzed and its relationship with human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) infection was explored. Cervical samples were collected from 20 Uyghur patients with CSCC and 20 Uyghur controls. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry was applied to detect methylation of CpG sites in the promoter region of the P16 gene; polymerase chain reaction was performed to assess HPV16 infection in the 2 groups. Among the 16 CpG sites in the P16 gene promoter region, the methylation level of the CpG1-2 and CpG 6 sites, as well as the HPV16 infection rate, was higher in the CSCC group than in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant correlation between P16 CpG methylation and HPV16 infection in Uyghur patients with CSCC. The P16 gene CpG1-2 and CpG 6 hypermethylation and HPV16 infection, which are independent of each other, play an important role in cervical squamous cell carcinogenesis in Uyghur patients.

Objective: To observe the improvement effect of the treatment method of Tai Chi exercise in combination with inhalation of the air negative oxygen ions on the blood lipid indicator of the patient suffering from the hyperlipidemia., Methods: 56 patients, who are diagnosed with hyperlipidemia, are the study objects and divided into an observation group and a control group by the random number method. Each group consists of 28 patients. The patients in the control group do Tai Chi exercise for about 60 min once a day; the patients in the observation group, in addition to Tai Chi exercise, are treated by inhalation of the air negative oxygen ions. Before the treatment and after 6 months' treatment, respectively test and compare body fat content, blood lipid, blood rheology and psychological adaptation as well as other indicators for these two groups of patients., Results: In comparison with the ordinary materials of the patients in two groups before the treatment, it shows no significant difference, P>0.05; after they are respectively treated for 6 months, it is found that the testing indicators of the patients in two groups are improved to some extent, but those of the observation group are better. Compared with the improvement effect of the control group, the difference has statistical significance, P<0.05., Conclusion: Tai Chi Exercise can improve the blood lipid indicator of the patient suffering from hyperlipidemia to some extent, however, the treatment method, in combination with inhalation of air negative oxygen ion, can obtain better effect than that of single Tai Chi exercise. Tip: the environment of the exercise plays an important intervention role in the treatment effect.

Background: Many single-nucleotide polymorphisms have been associated with coronary artery disease (CAD)/myocardial infarction (MI) by genome-wide association studies, but the diagnostic value of these variants is limited. Functional single-nucleotide polymorphism R952Q in LRP8 is associated with familial and early-onset CAD/MI. The objective of this study is to test whether fine mapping and haplotype analysis for single-nucleotide polymorphisms flanking R952Q may identify a haplotype that may serve as a molecular diagnostic marker for familial and early-onset CAD/MI., Methods and Results: Five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (rs7546246, rs2297660, rs3737983, R952Q, and rs5177) were genotyped and analyzed in GeneQuest (381 patients with familial, early-onset CAD and 183 patients with MI versus 560 controls) and the Italian population (248 patients with familial MI versus 308 controls). One novel risk haplotype, TACGC, was found only in patients with CAD and MI but not in controls. It was significantly associated with CAD (P=7.4×10(-7)) and MI (P=2.2×10(-9)) in GeneQuest. The finding was replicated in the Italian cohort (P=0.041). Sib-transmission disequilibrium test analysis showed a significant association between haplotype TACGC and CAD in GeneQuest II (P=0.039). Haplotype TACGC was not present in a South Korean population of 611 patients with CAD and 294 normal controls. TACGC/TACGC homozygotes tended to develop CAD/MI earlier and showed higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels than heterozygotes (P<0.05)., Conclusions: The rare haplotype TACGC in LRP8 confers a significant risk of familial, early-onset CAD/MI. Because the risk haplotype exists only in patients with familial and early-onset CAD/MI, we propose that it may be a molecular diagnostic marker for diagnosis of familial, early-onset CAD/MI in some white populations., (© 2014 American Heart Association, Inc.)

Objective: To observe the combined effects of astragalus soup and persistent Taiji boxing on improving the immunity of women of advanced years., Design: 120 elderly women lacking daily exercise were chosen as the study subjects. By using the table of random numbers, they were then divided into the control group and the experiment group, consisting of 60 each. The control group practiced Taiji boxing for 45 minutes twice a day. The experiment group did the same, and, in addition, took astragalus soup after each boxing. Indexes related to physical immunity of the two groups were observed and compared when they were first chosen, when the alternative treatment was applied three, six and twelve months later, respectively., Results: The two groups demonstrated no significant differences in general data and research indexes when chosen (P > 0.05). Three months after the two groups were chosen and treated differently, the control group demonstrated no significant improvement while most indexes of the experiment group improved considerably (P > 0.05). After six months, the related indexes of both groups improved substantially (P < 0.05) and the improvement with the experiment was even clearer (P < 0.05). Twelve months later, the improvement with the experiment group was more noticeable (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05)., Conclusions: In a relatively short period of three months, Taiji boxing produces no noticeable effect on the improvement of immunity in elderly women. However, when they resume the exercise for another three months and longer, Taiji boxing has a noticeable advantage and the effect is the most favorable when it is combined with astragalus soup.

Objective: To study the correlation between lumber disc degeneration and sacroiliac joint disorder, in order to provides a new understanding concepts and therapeutic approach for the prevention and treatment of chronic intractable low back pain., Methods: From August 2009 to October 2010,129 cases with lumbar disc herniation were studied with epidemiological methods. Among them, 61 patients with L4, disc herniation included 37 males and 24 females, ranging in aged from 20 to 75 years old, duration of the disease ranged from 1 to 144 months; The other 68 patients with L5S1 disc herniation included 32 males and 36 females,ranging in aged froml8 to 76 years old,duration of the disease ranged from 0.5 to 240 months. The clinical data, symptoms and signs,X-ray characteristics of lumbar spine and pelvis of the patients were investigated by epidemiological. The risk of lumbar disc herniation was calculated with case-control study; independent variables were screened with single factor analysis; the risk factors for lumbar disc herniation were determined with logistic regression analysis, and biomechanics analyses were taken., Results: Among 129 patients with lumbar disc herniation, 88 cases associated with sacroiliac joint disorders, sacroiliac joint disorder was a risk factor of lumbar disc herniation (OR = 4.61, P = 0.00); 47 cases associated with sacroiliac joint disorders in 61 patients with L4,5 disc herniation, iliac crest uneven caused by iliac rotational displacement was a high risk factor of L4,5 disc herniation (OR = 11.27, P = 0.00); 41 cases associated with sacroiliac joint disorders in 68 patients with L5S1 disc herniation, lumbar sacral angle abnormalities caused by sacral tilt shift was a high risk factor L5S1 disc herniation (OR = 2.31, P = 0.03)., Conclusion: Lumbar disc herniation and sacroiliac joint disorder are two of fallot, the two factors affect each other and there is a causal relationship. They are common exists in low back pain.

Unlabelled: To study the effect of Tai-chi exercise on lower limb muscle strength, bone mineral density and balance function of elderly female, 105 urban elderly women, who do insufficient exercise in daily life, are selected as the subject and randomly divided into an observation group (Tai Chi Group), a control group I (Dance Group) and a control group II (Walking Group). Each group is consists of 35 women. Among them, the women in the observation group do Tai-chi exercise once a day, while the women in the control group I dance once a day and in the control group II stick to brisk walking once a day. All women in the three groups do the above said exercises for 40 minutes and the exercise intensity is controlled to be medium. At the time of selection and after 4, 8 and 12 months upon their exercises, respectively detect and compare the lower limb skeletal muscle mass, lower limb muscle strength, bone mineral density and balance function of the subject., Results: At the time of selection, the general information of the subjects in the three groups show no significant difference (P > 0.05); however, after 4 months' exercise, most of the study indexes in the control group I and group II are improved significantly (P < 0.05), while most of the study indexes in the observation group show no significant difference (P > 0.05) in comparison with those at the time of selection and their general improvement effect is slightly lower than that in the control group; after 8 months, relevant study indexes of the subjects in the three groups are significantly improved (P < 0.05) in comparison with those at the time of selection, especially, the effect in the observation group is more obvious and is better than that of the control group II (P < 0.05). 12 months later, the effect of the observation group is improved significantly from day to day when comparing to theose in the control group I and group II (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01)., Conclusion: Compared with the senile dance and walking exercises, the short-term Tai-chi exercise effect is not obvious, however, once the exercise period is extended, that is, continuous exercise for 8 months or even above 12 months, the advantage of Tai Chi is more and more significant. The study suggests that as a fitness measure, Tai Chi is more suitable for long-term exercise and its short-term effect is not obvious.

Objective: Observe the improvement effect of different cycles of Tai Chi exercise on the senile respiratory and cardiovascular circulatory function., Methods: Select 180 elderly men who don't usually do the fitness exercise and then ask them to do Tai Chi exercise. Test their related indicators respectively prior to exercise and upon exercise for 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. ① The cardiac pump function indicator: "Stroke Volume", "Ejection Fraction" and "Heart Rate"; ② Rheoencephalogram (REG) indicator: "Inflow time", "Wave Amplitude"; ③ Pulmonary ventilation indicator: "Vital Capacity" (VC), "Maximum Minute Ventilation" (MMV)., Results: ① Compared with the indicators before exercise, each indicator has no significant difference after 3 months of exercise and a part of indicators are improved after 6 months of exercise, but most indicators have no significant differences; ② After 12 months of the exercise, compared with those indicators before exercise, the tested indicators are obviously improved. Specific data indicates that stroke volume (mL) is increased to 71.82 ± 10.93 from 66.21 ± 11.35 and the ejection fraction (%) is improved to 67.89 ± 4.94 from 60.54 ± 5.02, but the heart rate (times/min) is reduced to 67.15 ± 8.39 from 76.62 ± 8.40, mean P<0.05; inflow time (s) is shortened to 0.13 ± 0.04 from 0.17 ± 0.05; the amplitude (Ω) is increased to 1.19 ± 0.23 from 0.97 ± 0.21 before exercise and mean P<0.05; the vital capacity (L) is increased to 3.57 ± 1.39 from 2.84 ± 0.32; maximum minute ventilation (L/min) is improved to 117.25 ± 14.86 from 97.26 ± 14.71, mean P<0.05., Conclusion: The short-term Tai Chi exercise that is less than six months the following 6 months has no significant effect on the senile respiratory and cardiovascular circulatory function, however, with the longer exercise duration, after 12 months' exercise, it can significantly improve the effect.

Objective: Observe the effect of Tai Chi exercise on the rehabilitation of elder patients suffered from the anxiety disorder., Methods: 32 elder patients suffered from the anxiety disorder are randomly divided into the experimental group and the control group and each of them consists of 16 patients. The control group only receives the drug therapy, while the experimental group is treated with Tai Chi exercise in addition to the drug therapy. When they are chosen and 45 days after treatment, they are respectively evaluated by Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 (GQOLI-74). The cured patients stop the drug therapy, but the cured patients in the experimental group continue to do Tai Chi exercise after stopping the drug therapy. After tracing and investigating each cured patient for 2 months, test and evaluate whether their disease reoccurs within the 2 months., Results: After 45 days' treatment, it is found that HAMA and GQOLI-74 scores of the patients in the experimental group are improved significantly in comparison with those in the time of their selection and those in the control group (P<0.05); upon tracing and investigation of the cured patients, it is found that the recurrence rate is 42.86% in the control group, while that of the experimental group is only 9.09%., Conclusion: After the elder patients suffered from the anxiety disorder are treated with Tai Chi exercise in addition to the drug therapy, their effect is more significant than those who only are treated by the drug. Meanwhile, if the patients are only treated by the drug, their disease is easy to reoccur after curing. However, if they insist on Tai Chi exercise, the recurrence rate is low and the effect is significant.

Objective: To construct a recombinant adenovirus expression vector containing the anti-oncogene PTEN and to investigate the effects of the PTEN gene on the proliferation of prostate cancer PC-3 cells and the expressions of cyclin D1 and p21 in the PC-3 cells., Methods: The PTEN gene was amplified from the rat hippocampus by RT-PCR and cloned into the shuttle plasmid pEN-TR2A. The plasmids were constructed and amplified in 293A cells. Prostate cancer PC-3 cells were cultured in vitro and infected with the adenoviral vector carrying the PTEN gene (Ad-PTEN). The up-regulation of the PTEN protein was measured by indirect immuno-fluorescence assay; the expressions of PTEN, cyclin D1 and p21 in the cells infected with Ad-PTEN and Ad-LacZ were determined by, Results: The Western blot; and the effect of PTEN on the cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay and plate colony formation. recombinant adenoviral vector Ad-PTEN was successfully constructed. Western blot showed a significantly increased expression of the PTEN protein in the PC-3 cells infected with Ad-PTIEN (0.215 +/-0.065) as compared with that in the control ([0.052 +/-0.009], t = 4. 30, P <0.05) and the Ad-LacZ group ( [0. 056 +/- 0.008 ] , t =4.21, P <0.05). The expression of cyclin D1 was significantly lower in the Ad-PTEN-infected PC-3 cells (0. 256 +/- 0. 072) than in the control ( [0. 502 +/- 0. 087 ], t = 3.77, P < 0.05) and the Ad-LacZ group ([0.498 +/-0.081] , t =3.87, P <0.05), while the expression of p21 remarkably higher in the Ad-PTEN-infected PC-3 cells (0.589 +/-0. 076) than in the control ([0. 146 +/-0.026] , t = 9.55, P<0. 01) and the Ad-LacZ group ([0. 163 +/-0. 024] , t = 9.26, P <0.01). Ad-PTEN significantly inhibited the growth of the PC-3 cells (21.98%) at 48 h (t = 6.80, P <0.01). The colony formation rate of the PC-3 cells was (37.4 +/-4. 18)% in the Ad-PTEN group, significantly lower than (54.9 +/-4.81)% in the control (t =4.76, P<0.01) and (56.5 +/- 5.42)% in the Ad-LacZ group (t=4.83, P<0.01)., Conclusion: The expression of PTEN induced by Ad-PTEN can significantly inhibit the proliferation of PC-3 cells, down-regulate the expression of cyclin D1, and up-regulate the expression of p21.

Nogo-B is a major family member of the reticulon protein family 4. It is widely expressed in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues, and is mainly located in endoplasmic reticulum and cell membrane. Previous studies have revealed that Nogo-B plays a key role in vascular injury, tissue repair and inflammation process. It also may be critical for apoptosis of tumor cells and central diseases. Further investigation of the molecular characteristics and biological function of Nogo-B might be of great help to understand its role in diverse diseases.

Our previous studies identified a functional SNP, R952Q in the LRP8 gene, that was associated with increased platelet activation and familial and early-onset coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction (MI) in American and Italian Caucasian populations. In this study, we analyzed four additional SNPs near R952Q (rs7546246, rs2297660, rs3737983, rs5177) to identify a specific LRP8 SNP haplotype that is associated with familial and early-onset CAD and MI. We employed a case-control association design involving 381 premature CAD and MI probands and 560 controls in GeneQuest, 441 individuals from 22 large pedigrees in GeneQuest II, and 248 MI patients with family history and 308 controls in an Italian cohort. Like R952Q, LRP8 SNPs rs7546246, rs2297660, rs3737983, and rs5177 were significantly associated with early-onset CAD/MI in both population-based and family-based association studies in GeneQuest. The results were replicated in the GeneQuest II family-based population and the Italian population. We then carried out a haplotype analysis for all five SNPs including R952Q. One common haplotype (TCCGC) was significantly associated with CAD (P=4.0×10(-11)) and MI (P=6.5×10(-12)) in GeneQuest with odds ratios of 0.53 and 0.42, respectively. The results were replicated in the Italian cohort (P=0.004, OR=0.71). The sib-TDT analysis also showed significant association between the TCCGC haplotype and CAD in GeneQuest II (P=0.001). These results suggest that a common LRP8 haplotype TCCGC confers a significant protective effect on the development of familial, early-onset CAD and/or MI., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This study sought to ascertain the relationship of 9p21 locus with: 1) angiographic coronary artery disease (CAD) burden; and 2) myocardial infarction (MI) in individuals with underlying CAD., Background: Chromosome 9p21 variants have been robustly associated with coronary heart disease, but questions remain on the mechanism of risk, specifically whether the locus contributes to coronary atheroma burden or plaque instability., Methods: We established a collaboration of 21 studies consisting of 33,673 subjects with information on both CAD (clinical or angiographic) and MI status along with 9p21 genotype. Tabular data are provided for each cohort on the presence and burden of angiographic CAD, MI cases with underlying CAD, and the diabetic status of all subjects., Results: We first confirmed an association between 9p21 and CAD with angiographically defined cases and control subjects (pooled odds ratio [OR]: 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20 to 1.43). Among subjects with angiographic CAD (n = 20,987), random-effects model identified an association with multivessel CAD, compared with those with single-vessel disease (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.17)/copy of risk allele). Genotypic models showed an OR of 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.26 for heterozygous carrier and OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.39 for homozygous carrier. Finally, there was no significant association between 9p21 and prevalent MI when both cases (n = 17,791) and control subjects (n = 15,882) had underlying CAD (OR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.95 to 1.03)/risk allele., Conclusions: The 9p21 locus shows convincing association with greater burden of CAD but not with MI in the presence of underlying CAD. This adds further weight to the hypothesis that 9p21 locus primarily mediates an atherosclerotic phenotype., (Copyright © 2013 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To study the X-ray characteristics of sacroiliac joint disorders and its clinical significance,so as to provide clinical diagnosis basis for Tuina treatment of sacroiliac joint disorder., Methods: From July 2009 to March 2011,104 patients with sacroiliac joint disorder were reviewed,including 64 males and 40 females,ranging in age from 18 to 81 years, with an average of (45.39 +/- 1.30) years. The duration of the disease ranged from 1 to 144 months,with an average of (12.64 +/- 2.19) months. One hundred and four pelvic plain films and 97 lumbar spine lateral films of the patients with sacroiliac joint disorder were taken. On the lateral X-ray of lumbar,the sacral horizontal angles (lumbosacral angle) were measured; and on the X-ray of pelvis,the vertical distance of two side iliac crest (iliac crest difference), the distance from lateral border to medial margin of two hips (hip width),the clip angle between sacral spin connection and vertical axis were measured,and then the data were analyzed., Results: The mean difference of iliac crest was (10.34+/-0.73) mm; the mean width difference of hip'was (6.73+/-1.01) mm; and the mean difference of the iliac crest was larger than that of mean difference of hip (P<0.01). The occurrence rate of inequal width of hip was higher(P<0.01). The mean abnormal lumbosacral angle was (7.29 +/- 1.86) degrees,and the mean angle of sacral crest tilting to left or right was (3.18 +/- 0.47) degrees; the mean abnormal lumbosacral angle was larger than that of angle of sacral crest tilting to left or right (P<0.01), and the occurrence rate of sacral crest tilting to left or right was higher

The warm temperature acclimation related 65 kDa protein-2 (Wap65-2), a teleost plasma glycoprotein, plays an important role in immune regulation against bacterial infection. Here, for the first time we determined the full length cDNA sequence of the Japanese sea bass Wap65-2 gene (1 601 bp in length excluding the 3'-polyA tail). The sequence contains an open reading frame that encodes a protein of 436 amino acids with a molecular weight of 4.87×10(4). The predicted protein had a signal peptide in the N-terminal domain containing 19 residues. Sequence comparison and phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the Japanese sea bass Wap65-2 has a relatively high similarity to the Dicentrarchus labrax Wap65-2. In the healthy Japanese sea bass, Wap65-2 mRNA was expressed mainly in the liver and weakly in the heart and muscle. qRT-PCR results revealed that liver Wap65-2 transcripts were significantly increased after a Vibrio harveyi infection, and peaked 24 hour post injection (6.89 fold increase). The Japanese sea bass Wap65-2 protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and subsequently used for antiserum preparation. Western blot analysis showed that Wap65-2 was significantly increased in V. harveyi infected Japanese sea bass and reached a maximum of 5.33-fold increase at 36 h. In conclusion, the alteration of Japanese sea bass Wap65-2 expression was tightly associated with the progression of the V. harveyi bacterial infection.