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To evaluate the long-term efficacy of no-touch radiofrequency ablation (NT-RFA) for treating single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) less than 3 cm.A total of 331 patients with HCC less than 3 cm undergoing RFA in Southwest Hospital from 2015 to 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients were divided into NT-RFA group (n = 113) and conventional RFA (C-RFA) group (n = 218). The survival rate, local tumor progression (LTP) and intrahepatic distant recurrence (IDR) of the two groups were calculated and compared.A significant difference was observed in ablation range (p = 0.000) and safety margin (p = 0.000) between the two groups. The 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates in NT-RFA and C-RFA group were 99.12%, 93.73%, 76.18%, 57.00%, 45.17% and 99.08%, 89.91%, 71.26%, 54.28%, 41.77%, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.281). The 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-and 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates in NT-RFA and C-RFA group were 78.51%, 52.59%, 41.02%, 34.36%, 30.92% and 68.81%, 44.95%, 30.88%, 23.73%, 22.88%, respectively. The two groups differed significantly (p = 0.044). The 1-, 3-and 5-year LTP-free survival rates in NT-RFA and C-RFA group were 87.12%, 74.99%, 72.32% and 75.75%, 65.52%, 65.52%, respectively. The two groups also differed significantly (p = 0.024). Furthermore, the RFS rates of D ≤ 2 cm subgroups in NT-RFA and C-RFA groups differed significantly (p = 0.037), while the RFS rates of 2 cm D ≤ 3 cm subgroups in two groups showed no significant difference (p = 0.578).The RFS rates of single HCC less than 3 cm treated by NT-RFA was significantly higher than that of C-RFA. Due to a larger ablation range and safety margin, NT-RFA could significantly reduce LTP and improve RFS. Dual-electrode NT-RFA can significantly improve the RFS rate of patients with HCC less than 2 cm, but there is no obvious advantage compared with C-RFA in the treatment of HCC over 2 cm.

A major and stable QTL cQSGR.sau.3D, which can explain 33.25% of the phenotypic variation in SGR, was mapped and validated, and cQSGR.sau.3D was found to be independent of GI. In this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population containing 304 lines derived from the cross of Chuan-nong17 (CN17) and Chuan-nong11 (CN11) was genotyped using the Wheat55K single-nucleotide polymorphism array. A high-density genetic map consisting of 8329 markers spanning 4131.54 cM and distributed across 21 wheat chromosomes was constructed. QTLs for whole spike germination rate (SGR) were identified in multiple years. Six and fourteen QTLs were identified using the Inclusive Composite Interval Mapping-Biparental Populations and Multi-Environment Trial methods, respectively. A total of 106 digenic epistatic QTLs were also detected in this study. One of the additive QTLs, cQSGR.sau.3D, which was mapped in the region from 3.5 to 4.5 cM from linkage group 3D-2 on chromosome 3D, can explain 33.25% of the phenotypic variation in SGR and be considered a major and stable QTL for SGR. This QTL was independent of the seeds' germination traits, such as germination index. One Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) marker, KASP-AX-110772653, which is tightly linked to cQSGR.sau.3D, was developed. The genetic effect of cQSGR.sau.3D on SGR in the RIL and natural populations was successfully confirmed. Furthermore, within the interval in which cQSGR.sau.3D is located in Chinese Spring reference genomes, thirty-seven genes were found. cQSGR.sau.3D may provide new resources for pre-harvest sprouting resistance breeding of wheat in the future.

Focused ultrasonic ablation surgery (FUAS) for tumor treatment has emerged as an effective non-invasive therapeutic approach, but its widespread clinical utilization is limited by its low therapeutic efficiency caused by inadequate tumor targeting, single imaging modality, and possible tumor recurrence following surgery. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a biological targeting synergistic system consisting of genetically engineered bacteria and multi-functional nanoparticles to overcome these limitations. Escherichia coli was genetically modified to carry an acoustic reporter gene encoding the formation of gas vesicles (GVs) and then target the tumor hypoxic environment in mice. After E. coli producing GVs (GVs-E. coli) colonized the tumor target area, ultrasound imaging and collaborative FUAS were performed; multi-functional nanoparticles were then enriched in the tumor target area through electrostatic adsorption. Multi-functional cationic lipid nanoparticles containing IR780, perfluorohexane, and banoxantrone dihydrochloride (AQ4N) were coloaded in the tumor to realize targeted multimodal imaging and enhance the curative effect of FUAS. AQ4N was stimulated by the tumor hypoxic environment and synergistically cooperated with FUAS to kill tumor cells. In sum, synergistic tumor therapy involving multi-functional nanoparticles mediated by genetically engineered bacteria overcomes the limitations and improves the curative effect of existing FUAS. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Inadequate tumor targeting, single image monitoring mode, and prone tumor recurrence following surgery remain significant challenges yet critical for tumor therapy. This study proposes a strategy for genetically engineered bacteria-mediated multifunctional nanoparticles for synergistic tumor therapy. The multifunctional genetically engineered biological targeting synergistic agent can accomplish tumor-targeting therapy, synergistic FUAS ablation, hypoxia-activated chemotherapy combined with FUAS ablation, and multiple-imaging guidance and monitoring all at the same time, thereby compensating for the shortcomings of FUAS treatment. This strategy could pave the way for the progress of tumor therapy.

Drug-loaded nanoparticles have been widely used as synergists in high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) tumor ablation therapy. However, these synergists have certain limitations, such as poor tumor targeting and low accumulation at the tumor site, that restrict the therapeutic efficacy of HIFU. In this study, we utilized drug-loaded nanoparticles conjugated with genetically engineered bacteria which can selectively colonize the hypoxic areas of tumor to facilitate HIFU ablation. Genetically modified Escherichia coli carrying gas vesicles (GVs-E. coli), which were gas-filled protein nanostructures, had a negatively charged surface and could specifically target into the tumor. In contrast, paclitaxel (PTX) and perfluorohexane (PFH) co-loaded cationic lipid nanoparticles (PTX-CLs) had a positively charged surface, hence, GVs-E. coli was used as a vehicle by conjugating with PTX-CLs via electrostatic adsorption and subsequently attracting more PTX-CLs to the tumor site. To improve the therapeutic efficiency of HIFU, the GVs in GVs-E. coli and PFH encapsulated in PTX-CLs could act as cavitation nuclei to enhance the HIFU cavitation effect, while PTX entrapped in PTX-CLs was released at the tumor site under HIFU irradiation, enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of HIFU and chemo-synergistic therapy. This novel combination strategy has great potential for cancer treatment.

This study identified QTLs associated with the functional stay green trait by a high-density genetic map. Two large effect QTLs, QSg.sau-2B.1 and QSg.sau-6A.2, were identified in multiple years and one of them was successfully validated. The functional stay green phenotype enables wheat to acclimate to stressful environments and prolongs the effectiveness of photosynthesis during the end-of-crop season. Despite the fact that stay green mutants in wheat have been reported, our knowledge of loci for the functional stay green trait remains limited. In this study, an RIL population containing 371 lines genotyped using the Wheat55K SNP array was used to map QTLs controlling the functional stay green trait in multiple years. In total, 21 and 19 QTLs were mapped using the BIP or MET modules of the ICIM method, respectively. Among them, two QTLs, QSg.sau-2B.1 and QSg.sau-6A.2, were considered large effect QTLs for the stay green trait and explained 11.43% and 15.27% of phenotypic variation on average, respectively. Two KASP markers were developed and tightly linked to QSg.sau-2B.1 and QSg.sau-6A.2, respectively, and the genetic effects of different genotypes in the RIL population were successfully confirmed. QSg.sau-2B.1 was also validated by linked KASP marker in different genetic backgrounds. QSg.sau-2B.1 and QSg.sau-6A.2 may influence heredity of the stay green trait and also exhibited a positive effect on the grain filling content. In the interval where QSg.sau-2B.1 and QSg.sau-6A.2 were located on the Chinese Spring and T. turgidum ssp. dicoccoides reference genomes, several genes associated with the leaf senescence process were identified. Altogether, our results identified two QTLs associated with the functional stay green trait and will be useful for the fine mapping and cloning of genes for stay green in the future.

Fujie Jiang,1,2,* Lu Wang,1,* Yu Tang,1 Yaotai Wang,1 Ningshan Li,1,3 Disen Wang,1 Zhong Zhang,1 Li Lin,1 Yan Du,1 Xia Ou,1 Jianzhong Zou1 1State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Radiology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Ultrasound, Xinqiao Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Jianzhong Zou, State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-13708302390, Email zoujzh@cqmu.edu.cnPurpose: Breast cancer is detrimental to the health of women due to the difficulty of early diagnosis and unsatisfactory therapeutic efficacy of available breast cancer therapies. High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation is a new method for the treatment of breast tumors, but there is a problem of low ablation efficiency. Therefore, the improvement of HIFU efficiency to combat breast cancer is immediately needed. This study aimed to describe a novel anaerobic bacteria-mediated nanoplatform, comprising synergistic HIFU therapy for breast cancer under guidance of ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) bimodal imaging.Methods: The PFH@CL/Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) (Perfluorohexane (PFH) and superparamagnetic iron oxides (SPIO, Fe3O4) with cationic lipid (CL) NPs) were synthesized using the thin membrane hydration method. The novel nanoplatform Bifidobacterium bifidum-mediated PFH@CL/Fe3O4 NPs were constructed by electrostatic adsorption. Thereafter, US and MR bimodal imaging ability of B. bifidum-mediated PFH@CL/Fe3O4 NPs was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Finally, the efficacy of HIFU ablation based on B. bifidum-PFH@CL/Fe3O4 NPs was studied.Results: B. bifidum combined with PFH@CL/Fe3O4 NPs by electrostatic adsorption and enhanced the tumor targeting ability of PFH@CL/Fe3O4 NPs. US and MR bimodal imaging clearly displayed the distribution of the bio-targeting nanoplatform in vivo. It was conducive for accurate and effective guidance of HIFU synergistic treatment of tumors. Furthermore, PFH@CL/Fe3O4 NPs could form microbubbles by acoustic droplet evaporation and promote efficiency of HIFU ablation under guidance of bimodal imaging.Conclusion: A bio-targeting nanoplatform with high stability and good physicochemical properties was constructed. The HIFU synergistic agent achieved early precision imaging of tumors and promoted therapeutic effect, monitored by US and MR bimodal imaging during the treatment process.Keywords: high-intensity focused ultrasound, nanoparticles, Bifidobacterium bifidum, imaging guidance, cancer therapy

Coxsackievirus B5 (CV-B5) is the causative agent of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) that can cause neurological complications and fatalities. Circular RNA (circRNA) has been shown to play an important role in regulating pathogenic process. However, their functions of circRNA in response to CV-B5 infection remain unclear. In our research, RNA-seq was employed to analyze the expression profiles of circRNAs in SH-SY5Y cells with or without CV-B5 infection. Out of 5,665 circRNAs identified to be expressed in SH-SY5Y cells, 163 circRNAs were found to be differentially expressed significantly. Moreover, Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses showed that the differentially expressed circRNAs were mainly involved in ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis and signaling pathways during CV-B5 infection. Additionally, RT-qPCR was used to validate the RNA-seq data and a circRNA/miRNA/mRNA interaction network was constructed based on two circRNAs. Two circRNAs, such as: hsa_circ_0008378 and novel_circ_0014617, were associated with the regulation of innate immune response in host cells. Additionally, we confirmed the two circRANs up-regulated the key factors in the IFN signaling pathway, hampering viral replication. Our data provide a new perspective that facilitates further understanding on the virus-host mechanism.

We generated plasmid pools for the rapid preparation of candidate vaccine strains, which could grow in the Vero cells at low temperature. Firstly, we cloned in the pHW2000 plasmid each of the eight gene segments (PB2, PB1, PA, hemagglutinin [HA], neuraminidase [NA], NS, NP, M) of two master donor strains (MDS), respectively, A/Yunnan/1/2005Vca(H3N2) and B/Yunnan/2/2005Vca(By), which had Vca phenotype (cold‐adapted phenotype in Vero cells). Secondly, the similar operation was implemented with each of the HA, NA and NP segments of circulating strains with epidemic potential (parental strains). The virus rescue techniques were employed in this study, according to the homology rate of HA segments between MDS and parental strains. Then, we harvested amount of new Vca virus strains. By transmission electron microscope, it could observe new viruses' diameter and length were from 100 to 120 nm. Importantly, these reassortant viruses could get high‐yield production in Vero cells at 25℃ from the beginning to the fourth generation, which was significantly differ from their original parental viruses. Additional, these production 16 new Vca strains could maintain enough antibody binding capacity and attenuation phenotype, which consisted with their MDS. So these plasmid pools constructed by mount of different influenza A and B virus gene fragments could present desired working performance and provide convenience and realization for more Vca reassortant virus as candidate vaccine strain if needing.

Nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora can produce a type of sesquiterpenyl epoxy-cyclohexenoid (SEC) metabolites that are regarded as characteristic chemtaxonomic markers. Here, we repor...

Yu Tang, Chun Chen, Binglei Jiang, Lu Wang, Fujie Jiang, Disen Wang, Yaotai Wang, Haiyan Yang, Xia Ou, Yan Du, Qi Wang, Jianzhong Zou State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Jianzhong ZouState Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-13708302390Email zoujzh@cqmu.edu.cnPurpose: Hypoxia is considered to be obstructive to tumor treatment, but the reduced oxygen surroundings provide a suitable habitat for Bifidobacterium bifidum (BF) to colonize. The anaerobe BF selectively colonizes into tumors following systemic injection due to its preference for the hypoxia in the tumor cores. Therefore, BF may be a potential targeting agent which could be used effectively in tumor treatment. We aimed to determine whether a novel BF-mediated strategy, that was designed to deliver AP-PFH/PLGA NPs (aptamers CCFM641-5-functionalized Perfluorohexane (PFH) loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles) by aptamer-directed approach into solid tumor based on the tumor-targeting ability of BF, could improve efficiency of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment of breast cancer.Methods: We synthesized AP-PFH/PLGA NPs using double emulsion method and carbodiimide method. Then, we evaluated targeting ability of AP-PFH/PLGA NPs to BF in vivo. Finally, we studied the efficacy of HIFU ablation based on BF plus AP-PFH/PLGA NPs (BF-mediated HIFU ablation) in tumor.Results: The elaborately designed AP-PFH/PLGA NPs can target BF colonized in tumor to achieve high tumor accumulation, which can significantly enhance HIFU therapeutic efficiency. We also found that, compared with traditional chemotherapy, this therapy not only inhibits tumor growth, but also significantly prolongs the survival time of mice. More importantly, this treatment strategy has no obvious side effects.Conclusion: We successfully established a novel therapy method, BF-mediated HIFU ablation, which provides an excellent platform for highly efficient and non-invasive therapy of tumor.Keywords: high intensity focused ultrasound, aptamers, nanoparticles, Bifidobacterium bifidum, tumor treatment

The full set of T cell receptors (TCRs) in an individual is known as his or her TCR repertoire. Defining TCR repertoires under physiological conditions and in response to a disease or vaccine may lead to a better understanding of adaptive immunity and thus has great biological and clinical value. In the past decade, several high-throughput sequencing-based tools have been developed to assign TCRs to germline genes and to extract complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) sequences using different algorithms. Although these tools claim to be able to perform the full range of fundamental TCR repertoire analyses, there is no clear consensus of which tool is best suited to particular projects. Here, we present a systematic analysis of 12 available TCR repertoire analysis tools using simulated data, with an emphasis on fundamental analysis functions. Our results shed light on the detailed functions of TCR repertoire analysis tools and may therefore help researchers in the field to choose the right tools for their particular experimental design.

Background: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that commonly occurs in middle-aged and elderly people. High-quality articles in the field of osteoarthritis rehabilitation have not been studied in detail. Objective: To identify and conduct a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the 50 most-cited articles on osteoarthritis rehabilitation and provide valuable scientific information for researchers. Methods: Fifty articles related to the rehabilitation of individuals with osteoarthritis were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Basic information, such as the authors, title, number of citations, year of publication, journal, country/territory, and research type, was extracted. CiteSpace was used to visualize the keywords. Results: The average number of citations per article was 244.54. The top 50 articles were published in 27 journals and published by 262 authors. Most of the top 50 articles were published in the United States. The top 50 articles included 23 randomized controlled trials, 21 cohort studies, 2 case series, and 4 expert opinion articles. The most commonly studied topics in osteoarthritis rehabilitation included rehabilitation for pain, gait abnormalities, muscle strength deficiencies, and other functional impairments caused by osteoarthritis in elderly people. Conclusions: The top articles in the field of osteoarthritis rehabilitation have a high level of evidence. Collaboration between authors was high for highly-cited articles. Moreover, the eminent articles can provide important information for the education of doctors and therapists specializing in osteoarthritis rehabilitation.

Introduction The efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for the rehabilitation of stroke remains controversial. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of VNS on the rehabilitation of stroke. Methods We search PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through March 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of VNS on the rehabilitation of stroke. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model. Results Three RCTs are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group in stroke, VNS is associated with significantly improved FMA-UE (SMD = 3.86; 95% CI = 1.19 to 6.52; P = 0.005) and Motor Function Test (SMD = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.04 to 0.62; P = 0.03), but has no obvious impact on Box and Block Test (SMD = −0.31; 95% CI = −3.48 to 2.86; P = 0.85), Nine-Hole Peg Test (SMD = 8.35; 95% CI = −40.59 to 57.28; P = 0.74), atrial fibrillation (RR = 3.46; 95% CI = 0.39 to 30.57; P = 0.26) or adverse events (RR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.21 to 1.61; P = 0.30). Conclusions VNS may be beneficial to the rehabilitation of stroke.

Background: The efficiency of insert electro-acupuncture stimulation (EAS) on improving pressure ulcer (PU) healing was still unclear. This study explored the effects of insert EAS on PU and provided the regulation information of acid-sensing ion channel 3 (Asic3) during EAS intervention.Methods: A total of 32 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, EAS group, ESA + APETx2 (Asic3 inhibitor) group, each for eight mice. The ulcer tissues of all mice were havest at 14 days after modeling. HE stains and mmunohistochemical staining evaluated the pathologic change, Western blot, and RT-PCR evaluated Asic3 expression. Results: Compared with the model group, EAS group showed alleviated epithelial thickness, increased number of fibroblasts, and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Thickened epithelium, decreased number of fibroblasts, and obvious inflammatory cell infiltration in the EAS+APETx2 group were no significant differences with the model group. Asic3 expression in PU tissues in the EAS group was elevated compared with the model group. In addition, Asic3 expression was decreased in EAS + APETx2 group than the EAS group. Conclusion: EAS can accelerate the PU healing process in mice, and EAS also could improve the expression of Asic3 in PU tissues.Trial-registration: Not applicaple.

Background: Clinical research on the rotator cuff tendon is increasing, and new approaches are being applied to rotator cuff disease. Considering the integration of research resources and research trends, it is necessary to conduct an analysis of recent research on the topic. Purpose: To identity the research trends, influential journals, key researchers, and core countries of rotator cuff tendon research between 2000 and 2019. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: All the literature related to rotator cuff tendon research was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection on January 7, 2020. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were processed based on Web of Science and CiteSpace. Results: A total of 4131 studies, which included 3830 articles and 301 reviews, were obtained. There was an upward trend of studies on the topic, with small fluctuations in the past 2 decades. The United States had the most studies, and the number of studies from other countries increased over the study period. Most of the funding sources came from the United States. Articles in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery had the most citations for rotator cuff research. Frontier topics, such as arthroscopic repair, mesenchymal stem cell, and “platelet-rich plasma, were identified. The number of citations in 2018 ( r = 0.280; P = .005) and 2019 ( r = 0.307; P = .002) had a weak positive correlation with publication date, indicating that the more recently published articles had a higher number of citations. Conclusion: Valuable information on rotator cuff research based on bibliometric analysis was identified. Arthroscopic repair, mesenchymal stem cell, and platelet-rich plasma might be the research frontiers in this field, and researchers should focus on these topics in future studies.

This study mapped QTLs associated with kernel-related traits by high-density genetic map. Five new major and stable QTLs for KL, KDR, SN, and KWPS were mapped in multiple environments. In the present study, a recombinant inbred line population including 371 lines derived from the cross of Chuannong18 and T1208 was genotyped using the Wheat55K single nucleotide polymorphism array. A novel high-density genetic map consisting of 11,583 markers spanning 4192.62 cM and distributed across 21 wheat chromosomes was constructed. QTLs for important kernel-related traits were mapped in multiple environments. A total of 96 and 151 QTLs were mapped by using the ICIM method and the MET method, respectively. And a total of 114 digenic epistatic QTLs were also detected across 21 chromosomes, and the epistatic effects of each trait were analyzed. BLAST analysis showed that 23 QTLs for different kernel-related traits were first time mapped and five of them were major and stable QTLs for kernel diameter ratio (121.34-126.83 cM on 4BS), spike number per square meter (71.32-73.84 cM on 2DS), kernel weight per spike (71.32-75.26 cM on 2DS), and kernel length (16.78-31.64 cM on 6A and 51.63-58.40 cM on 3D), respectively. Fifteen QTL clusters that contained 58 QTLs were also detected, and all most stable QTLs were contained in these QTL clusters. Significant correlations between different traits were detected and discussed. These results lay the foundation for fine mapping and cloning of the gene(s) underlying the stable QTLs detected in this study.

Identification of genetic variants via high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies has been essential for both fundamental and clinical studies. However, to what extent the genome sequence composition affects variant calling remains unclear. In this study, we identified 63,897 multi-copy sequences (MCSs) with a minimum length of 300 bp, each of which occurs at least twice in the human genome. The 151,749 genomic loci (multi-copy regions, or MCRs) harboring these MCSs account for 1.98% of the genome and are distributed unevenly across chromosomes. MCRs containing the same MCS tend to be located on the same chromosome. Gene Ontology (GO) analyses revealed that 3800 genes whose UTRs or exons overlap with MCRs are enriched for Golgi-related cellular component terms and various enzymatic activities in the GO biological function category. MCRs are also enriched for loci that are sensitive to neocarzinostatin-induced double-strand breaks. Moreover, genetic variants discovered by genome-wide association studies and recorded in dbSNP are significantly underrepresented in MCRs. Using simulated HTS datasets, we show that false variant discovery rates are significantly higher in MCRs than in other genomic regions. These results suggest that extra caution must be taken when identifying genetic variants in the MCRs via HTS technologies.

There has been no systematic review evaluating the efficacy of electromyography (EMG) biofeedback after knee surgery recently. This meta-analysis aimed to determine whether EMG-biofeedback is effective for improving the range of motion (ROM), physical function, and pain relief in patients after knee. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of EMG-biofeedback after any knee surgery were retrieved from EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, ClinicalTrials.gov, ProQuest. This review identified 773 unique studies, and six RCTs were in the final meta-analysis. EMG-Biofeedback treatment has a significant difference compared to other rehabilitation therapy in knee ROM improving (SMD = −0.48, 95% CI = −0.82 to −0.14, p = 0.006, I2 = 37%). Moreover, there was no significant difference in pain (SMD = −0.33, 95% CI = −0.67 to0.02, p = 0.07, I2 = 41%) and physical function scores (MD = 1.83, 95% CI = −3.48 to7.14, p = 0.50, I2 = 0%). The results illustrate that EMG-biofeedback can improve knee ROM in patients after knee surgery. However, it is not superior to other rehabilitation methods for pain relief and physical function improvement.

This study mapped QTLs associated with kernel-related traits by high-density genetic map. Five new major and stable QTLs for KL, KDR, SN, and KWPS were mapped in multiple environments. In the present study, a recombinant inbred line population including 371 lines derived from the cross of Chuannong18 and T1208 was genotyped using the Wheat55K single nucleotide polymorphism array. A novel high-density genetic map consisting of 11,583 markers spanning 4192.62 cM and distributed across 21 wheat chromosomes was constructed. QTLs for important kernel-related traits were mapped in multiple environments. A total of 96 and 151 QTLs were mapped by using the ICIM method and the MET method, respectively. And a total of 114 digenic epistatic QTLs were also detected across 21 chromosomes, and the epistatic effects of each trait were analyzed. BLAST analysis showed that 23 QTLs for different kernel-related traits were first time mapped and five of them were major and stable QTLs for kernel diameter ratio (121.34–126.83 cM on 4BS), spike number per square meter (71.32–73.84 cM on 2DS), kernel weight per spike (71.32–75.26 cM on 2DS), and kernel length (16.78–31.64 cM on 6A and 51.63–58.40 cM on 3D), respectively. Fifteen QTL clusters that contained 58 QTLs were also detected, and all most stable QTLs were contained in these QTL clusters. Significant correlations between different traits were detected and discussed. These results lay the foundation for fine mapping and cloning of the gene(s) underlying the stable QTLs detected in this study.

Background: An improved understanding of the etiology of colorectal cancer is needed to allow more accurate disease prediction. This study will use a state-of-the-art metabolomics strategy leveraging existing data from 8 prospective cohort studies to discover and validate novel blood-based biomarkers that are associated with colorectal cancer risk. This project is in its early phase and the abstract is focusing on describing the study design. Methods: We will perform a meta-analysis using data from 8 large-scale prospective cohort studies that are part of the Consortium of Metabolomics Studies (COMETS): European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition, Estonian Biobank, Women Health Study – Observational Study, Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Observational Study, Nurses’ Health Study, Health Professional Follow-up Study, Shanghai Women’s and Men’s Health Studies. All studies used a nested case-control study design (1:1 matching at a minimum by age and sex). Prediagnostic plasma and serum samples were analyzed using state-of-the art metabolomics platforms: Metabolon, Inc., Broad Institute and Biocrates. We expect n~150 overlapping identified metabolites across platforms. Data will be split into discovery and validation set. We will investigate associations of metabolites with colorectal cancer risk using multivariable conditional logistic regression models and random effects meta-analysis. Analyses will be stratified by age ( Results: The present study includes n=2,093 case-control pairs in the discovery dataset and n=1,082 case-control pairs in the validation dataset. Demographic data such as age at blood draw and age at diagnosis, race, body mass index, smoking, and dietary intake at baseline (red meat, vegetables, fruits, fat, and fiber) are collected. Data on tumor site are >95% complete. Tumor stage is available for >85% of patients and is expected to increase substantially since medical data abstraction is under way in some cohorts. Conclusions: This is the largest study, to our knowledge, investigating the associations of prediagnosis metabolomic profiles with colorectal cancer risk. The proposed analyses have the potential to identify biomarkers that may enhance population-wide and tailored screening of colorectal cancer risk. Citation Format: Jennifer Ose, Cornelia M. Ulrich, Mary Playdon, Ken Boucher, A. Heather Elisassen, Xia-Ou Shu, Wei Zheng, Andres Metspalu, Tonu Esku, Jessica Lasky-Su, Steve Moore, Marc Gunter. Associations of prediagnostic metabolomic profiles with colorectal cancer risk—a collaborative reanalysis within the COnsortium of METabolomic Studies (COMETS) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Modernizing Population Sciences in the Digital Age; 2019 Feb 19-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A06.

The strategies for developing rotavirus (RV) vaccines have always been controversial. At present, both the monovalent RV vaccine and the multivalent RV vaccine have displayed excellent safety and efficacy against RV infection and shown cross-reactive immunity, which laid the question whether the multivalent RV vaccine could be replaced by the monovalent RV vaccine. In this study, we focused on comparing the immunogenicity (serum neutralization activity and protection against homotypic and heterotypic RVs’ challenge) of individual standard RV strains (monovalent RV immunogens) and different combinations of them (multivalent RV immunogens). In result, RV immunogens showed general immunogenicity and heterotypic reaction but the multivalent RV immunogens exhibited greater serum neutralization activity and stronger heterotypic reaction than the monovalent RV immunogens (P

Suspended carriers were added into a submerged membrane bioreactor (SMBR) using polypropylene non-woven fabric (PP NWF) as membrane model to treat synthetic wastewater. The changes of EPSSEPSB and EPS in activated sludge mixing liquid of MBR and in sludge on membrane model surface were researched at different aeration rate. The results showed that adding suspended carriers in MBR can increase the concentration of EPSS and EPSB in activated sludge mixing liquid, but the effect on EPSS and EPSB in the sludge on membrane model surface is related to aeration rate. Adding suspended carriers can increase the concentration of EPSS and EPSB in the sludge on membrane model surface at 0.10m3/h of aeration rate; the concentration of EPSS and EPSB in the sludge with suspended carriers is reduced when aeration rate is increased to 0.25m3/h. The study on the effect of aeration rate on EPS in sludge mixing liquid of MBR and in sludge on membrane model surface showed that an optimized aeration rate exists if suspended carriers are added to control MBR membrane fouling. At the optimized aeration rate, membrane fouling can be mitigated and controled effectively.

Based on energy balance equation, the relationship between the biggest impact contact force with the pit depth in the process of impact was derived by the relationship between impact energy and indentation depth, T700S/5228 and T300/5222, two different toughness of carbon/epoxy resin composite material, are chose. The corresponding relationship between impact energy (static pressure mark force) and indentation depth was got by the contrast analysis on the low speed impact test and the static pressure mark test, and showed the similar trend with static pressure mark test of static force and indentation depth relationship. This similar trend that obvious turning points were appeared in some indentation depth showed the effectiveness that using the quasi static method to simulate the low-velocity impact of composite laminate to a certain extent.

For real-time monitoring of the factors in the greenhouses such as temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, light intensity. Design for the greenhouse wireless monitoring system based on CC1100 chip. To realize data acquisition and transmission via the combination of the CC1100 wireless communication module and MCU control system. After testing the system has the characteristics of small volume, simple operation, low cost and strong practicability etc.

To compare the effect of low-dose focused ultrasound pre-irradiation and microbubbles for enhancing the ablation effect of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) on VXFifty-five rabbits bearing VXTumor cell edema, vacuolar changes in the cytoplasm and tumor interstitial vascular congestion were observed 24 h after low-dose pre-irradiation. The ablation time were significantly shorter, coagulative necrosis volume was larger, and EEF was lower in low-dose irradiation + HIFU ablation group and microbubbles+HIFU ablation group than in simple HIFU ablation group (P0.05), but the differences between the former two groups were not significant. The effectiveness and stability of the synergistic effect of low-dose pre-irradiation were inferior to microbubbles, but the former ensured a better safety of the sound channel.Low-dose irradiation has comparable synergistic effect in HIFU with microbubbles with such advantages as non-invasiveness, high concentration and good safety, and can be a potentially new method to enhance the efficiency of HIFU.

The degradation of rhodamine B (RB) in aqueous solution by Fenton’s reagent was studied. After 30 min, the 96.2% removal of RB in water (pH = 3.0, T = 25 °C) was achieved when the initial concentrations of Fe2+, H2O2 and RB were 0.5 mM, 5 mM and 10 mg/L, respectively. A higher initial concentration of Fe2+ and H2O2 resulted in a higher efficiency in RB discolorization. The removal of RB was dependent strongly on the pH value of solution. Increasing the reaction temperature was beneficial for the RB degradation. Based on the Arrhenius equation, the activation energy (Ea) was calculated to be 16.78 kJ/mol from rate constants at different temperatures. The degradation of RB by Fenton’s reagent was inhibited by the presence of oxalic acid.

Sorption of Pb, Zn, Cu by natural soils was investigated under conditions of variable pH, ionic strength and temperature. The results obtained from adsorption isotherm indicated that these data can be better fitted with the Freundlich equation than with the Langmuir equation in terms of regression coefficients. The parameters in the adsorption process were influenced greatly by solution pH and ionic strength. The Freundlich parameter KF increased with increasing pH and decreasing ionic strength, but the Freundlich parameter n changed adversely. Thermodynamic parameters of the process were calculated from sorption studies performed at different temperatures, and enthalpy changes (△H°) and entropy changes (△S°) of adsorption were found as -20.70 kJ/mol and 34.76 J/mol.K for Pb(II), -7.762 kJ/mol and 1.139 J/mol.K for Cu(II), -20.60 kJ/mol and 51.93 J/mol.K for Zn(II) respectively, showing that adsorption of Pb2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ on natural soil were exothermic and spontaneous at 5-45°C.

The effects of reaction conditions including Fe2+, H2O2, oxalic acid, and humic acid dosages were discussed on the Fenton degradation of rhodamine B (RB). The optimal reaction conditions of Fenton reaction were 0.15 mM Fe2+, 5 mM H2O2, and pH 3.0, and the decolorization rate RB (10 mg/L) reached 97.8% after 30min catalytic degradation. The changes of Fe2+concentrations in Fenton system has been focused on in this work. A relatively low concentration of Fe2+was maintained during reaction process when Fe2+and H2O2were added with high concentration, and thus RB was degraded quickly. The results implicated that Fe2+dosage played a very important role in the degradation of RB, and H2O2dosage didn’t have an apparent influence on the degradation of RB in general. The Fenton degradation of RB could be inhibited in the presence of oxalic acid and humic acid, especially at a high concentration of oxalic acid and humic acid.

A practical synthesis of 3-methyl-N-substituted-1H-indole (N-substituted-skatole) starting from 2-halogen phenylamine was described, by following acetylation or sulfonylation, alkylation and the intramolecular Heck reaction. In this article, effects of the reactions temperature, solvent, time, proportion and the mount of catalyst were investigated. Target product has an application prospect. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.