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Abstract: ADP-Glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) is a rate-limiting enzyme participating in starch biosynthesis, which may be responsible for the filling rate and starch accumulation in the developing rice kernel. However, it is still unknown whether the naturally occurring variation in the sequence of ADP-Glucose pyrophosphorylase of rice (OsAGP) is related to the grain weight (GW). In this study, we discovered a total of 38 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions/deletions (InDels) in the partial sequences of six OsAGP isoform genes from 30 rice accessions with diverse agronomic traits. We then developed ten cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) and derived CAPS (dCAPS) markers for genotyping the SNPs and InDels for an association mapping population consisting of 416 rice accessions. Candidate gene association study indicated that an InDel of OsAGPL4 was associated with GW in two environments and an SNP of OsAGPL2 was associated with GW in one environment. Each gene marker only explained 1% of the variation of GW, thus it could be concluded that both genes contributed little to GW of rice. However, the markers identified in this study could be used for tagging other traits of interests and in molecular breeding. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Intestinal barrier dysfunction plays an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). To evaluate the effect of intestinal trefoil factor (ITF) on increased intestinal permeability and its association with tight junction proteins, an in vitro intestinal epithelia barrier model was established with Caco-2 cells and treated with platelet-activating factor (PAF). We found that exposing cells to 0.3 M ITF (30 min before or 30 min after PAF treatment) attenuated the PAF-induced changes in transepithelial electrical resistance and Lucifer yellow flux. A quantitative RT-PCR and western blot analysis revealed that ITF suppressed PAF-induced downregulation of tight junction proteins claudin-1 and ZO-1 expression; furthermore, an abnormal localization and distribution of these proteins was inhibited, as assessed by immunofluorescence staining. These results suggest that ITF decreases mucosal permeability and shows potential as a therapy for treating IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The simple and efficient method was developed for the synthesis of benzimidazole linked quinoxalinones on soluble polymer support using microwave conditions. The acid catalyzed condensation of 4-fluoro-3-nitrobenzoic acid with polymer immobilized o-phenylenediamine, ipso-fluoro nucleophilic substitution with various primary amines and cyclization with acetyl chloride are the key steps involved in implemented linear synthesis. In key cyclization step, the regioselective N-acylation at secondary amine with chloroacetyl chloride followed by spontaneous intramolecular ring closure through ortho-amine functionality generate the quinoxaline skeleton under microwave irradiation. The removal of polymer support and exposure of quinoxalines for auto-oxidation finally produce the benzimidazole linked quinoxalinone derivatives with high purity and yields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Twenty-two samples (including fruits, pulp, peel, or seeds) from 13 edible and medicinal fruit plant species selected in Hong Kong were investigated for their antioxidant capacity, nutritional quality and phenolic profiles. Significant variation existed among the tested samples in all the antioxidant and nutritional parameters. Proanthocyanidins, flavonoids and phenolic acids were identified as major categories of phenolic compounds in these samples. Whole fruits of Hong Kong gordonia exhibited the strongest antioxidant capacity (213.4mmol trolox/100gDW) and had the second highest content of carotenoids. Seeds of Annona squamosa possessed the highest contents of total protein, fat and amino acids (17.6, 37.2 and 14.4%, respectively). Most peel and some seeds contained high levels of phenolics, carotenoids and vitamin C, which contributed to their strong antioxidant activity. Some of the fruits, peel or seeds from these Hong Kong plants can be a potential resource of functional components and nutraceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This Letter presents a new three-dimensional autonomous system with four quadratic terms. The system with five equilibrium points has complex chaotic dynamics behaviors. It can generate many different single chaotic attractors and double coexisting chaotic attractors over a large range of parameters. We observe that these chaotic attractors were rarely reported in previous work. The complex dynamical behaviors of the system are further investigated by means of phase portraits, Lyapunov exponents spectrum, Lyapunov dimension, dissipativeness of system, bifurcation diagram and Poincaré map. The physical circuit experimental results of the chaotic attractors show agreement with numerical simulations. More importantly, the analysis of frequency spectrum shows that the novel system has a broad frequency bandwidth, which is very desirable for engineering applications such as secure communications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Tochilinite represents a mineral group of ordered mixed-layer structures containing alternating Fe1− x S layers with mackinawite-like structure and metal hydroxide layers with Mg(OH)2-like structure. In this article, we report the preparation of a series of tochilinite-originated (or Fe1− x S-based) intercalation compounds (ICs). According to their preparation procedures, these ICs can be divided into four kinds. The first kind of IC was sodium tochilinite (Na-tochilinite), which was prepared by the hydrothermal reaction of metallic Fe particles with concentrated Na2S·9H2O aqueous solutions. The hydroxide layer of the Na-tochilinite was a mixed hydroxide of Na+ ions along with a certain amount of Fe2+ ions. When the hydroxide layer of the Na-tochilinite completely dissolved in aqueous solutions, a Fe-deficient mackinawite-like phase Fe1− x S was obtained, which was probably an electron-deficient p-type conductor. The second kind of ICs was prepared by ‘low-temperature direct intercalation in aqueous solutions, using Na-tochilinite as a parental precursor. When the Na-tochilinite was ultrasonicated in aqueous solutions containing Lewis basic complexing agents (like NH3, N2H4, 2,2′-bipyridine (bipy), and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen)), the Na+ ions of the Na-tochilinite were removed and the Lewis basic complexing agents entered the hydroxide layer of the Na-tochilinite and became coordinated with the Fe2+ ions, and the second kind of ICs was thus produced. The second kind of ICs includes NH3 IC, N2H4 IC, N2H4-NH3 IC, [Fe(bipy)3]2+-containing IC and [Fe(phen)3]2+-containing IC. The third kind of ICs, which includes NH3 IC, N2H4–NH3 IC and N2H4-LiOH (NaOH) IC, was prepared by the hydrothermal reaction of metallic Fe particles with (NH4)2S aqueous solution, S (elemental)+N2H4·H2O aqueous solution, and S+N2H4·H2O+LiOH (NaOH) aqueous solution, respectively. The third kind of ICs has a close relationship with the second kind of ICs both in composition and structure. The fourth kind of ICs was prepared by the oxidation and reduction of some of the N2H4-containing ICs mentioned above, which include N2H2 (diazene or diimide) IC, N2 (dinitrogen) IC and NH3 IC. The N2H2 IC was prepared by mild air oxidation of the N2H4-LiOH IC. The N2 IC was prepared by strong air oxidation of the N2H4-LiOH IC, however, we have not been able to separate the pure phase N2 IC. Hydrothermal reduction of the N2H4 IC made by the direct intercalation method in strong reducing environment by H2S+Fe (metal) led to the production of the NH3 IC of the fourth kind of ICs. The NH3 ICs prepared by the three methods had similar compositions and structures. As almost all the ICs reported in this paper were extremely sensitive both to air and to the electron beam, they were mainly characterized by XRD. The properties and interrelationships (or mutual transformations) of the Fe1− x S-based ICs revealed novel chemistry occurring in the sub-nanoscopic space between the micrometer- to nanometer-sized electron-deficient Fe1− x S layers. An important finding of this novel chemistry was that the Fe1− x S-based ICs tended to oxidize or reduce the intercalated species when the redox state of their environments varied. The results of our experiments potentially have many cosmochemical implications. The most important implication is that our experimental results, along with previous studies, strongly suggested that some of the ammonium salts, ammonia and carbonates existing in the matrix of the CM carbonaceous chondrites may have been formed by abiotic reactions employing molecular nitrogen as the nitrogen source and carbon monoxide as the carbon source and iron sulfide and/or iron hydroxide as catalysts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Type XIV collagen is a fibril-associated collagen with an interrupted triple helix. This collagen interacts with the fibril surface and has been implicated as a regulator of fibrillogenesis; however, a specific role has not been elucidated. Functional roles for type XIV collagen were defined utilizing a new type XIV collagen-deficient mouse line. This line was produced using a conventional targeted knock-out approach. Col14al( - / -) mice were devoid of type XIV collagen, whereas heterozygous mice had reduced synthesis. Both mutant CoI14al genotypes were viable with a grossly normal phenotype; however, mature skin exhibited altered mechanical properties. Prior to evaluating tendon fibrillogenesis in type XIV collagen-deficient mice, the developmental expression patterns were analyzed in wild-type flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendons. Analyses of mRNA and protein expression indicated tissue-specific temporal expression that was associated with the early stages in fibrillogenesis. Ultra-structural analyses of wild-type and null tendons demonstrated premature fibril growth and larger fibril diameters in tendons from null mice at postnatal day 4 (P4). However, fibril structure in mature tendons was normal. Biomechanical studies established a direct structure/function relationship with reduced strength in P7-null tendons. However, the biomechanical properties in P60 tendons were comparable in null and wild-type mice. Our results indicate a regulatory function for type XIV collagen in early stages of collagen fibrillogenesis with tissue differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purification of nitrate-rich agricultural runoff by a floating-raft (FR) hydroponic system was investigated at 3-, 2- and 1-d hydraulic retention times (HRTs) with particular emphasis on nitrogen conversion and removal through the system. The FR system has a dissolved oxygen (DO) environment similar to the horizontal subsurface flow system, generally 0.00mgL−1, that facilitates denitrification. An efficient nitrate–nitrite–nitrogen (NO x –N) removal, 91%, 97% and 71% on average at 3-, 2- and 1-d HRT, respectively, was frequently achieved. The mean retentions were 17–47% for chemical oxygen demand, 31–64% for total nitrogen, and 8–15% for total phosphorus for the FR system. Mass balance analysis implied that the detectable DO concentration in the reactor, as low as 0.7mgL−1, played a very important role in the conversion and removal of NH3–N and NO x –N, which finally affected the NO x –N removal at 3-d HRT. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Chromatin remodeling, particularly histone acetylation, plays a critical role in the progression of pathological cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. We hypothesized that curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound abundant in the spice turmeric and a known suppressor of histone acetylation, would suppress cardiac hypertrophy through the disruption of p300 histone acetyltransferase-dependent (p300-HAT-dependent) transcriptional activation. We tested this hypothesis using primary cultured rat cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts as well as two well-established mouse models of cardiac hypertrophy. Curcumin blocked phenylephrin-induced (PE-induced) cardiac hypertrophy in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, curcumin both prevented and reversed mouse cardiac hypertrophy induced by aortic banding (AB) and PE infusion, as assessed by heart weight/BW and lung weight/BW ratios, echocardiographic parameters, and gene expression of hypertrophic markers. Further investigation demonstrated that curcumin abrogated histone acetylation, GATA4 acetylation, and DNA-binding activity through blocking p300-HAT activity. Curcumin also blocked AB-induced inflammation and fibrosis through disrupting p300-HAT-dependent signaling pathways. Our results indicate that curcumin has the potential to protect against cardiac hypertrophy, inflammation, and fibrosis through suppression of p300-HAT activity and downstream GATA4, NF-kappaB, and TGF-beta-Smad signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Total antioxidant capacities of 133 Indian medicinal plant species sampled from 64 families were assessed by ABTS, DPPH and FRAP assays, and their total phenolic contents measured by Folin–Ciocalteu assay. These species exhibited a broad range of antioxidant activities, varying from 0.16 to 500.70mmol TEAC/100g DW in the ABTS assay. The antioxidant activity values similarly varied with the DPPH and FRAP assays. Significant and positive linear correlations were found between total antioxidant capacities and phenolic contents (R =0.89–0.97), indicating that phenolics were the dominant antioxidant constituents in the tested medicinal plants. Preliminary identification of the major phenolic compounds from 83 selected medicinal plants by reversed-phase HPLC revealed phenolic acids, tannins, flavonoids, curcuminoids, coumarins, lignans, and quinines. The fruit of Terminalia chebula, pericarp of Punica granatum and gall of Rhus succedanea showed very high levels of hydrolysable tannins, and the gum of Acacia catechu presented very high levels of catechin and epicatechin in addition to tannins. Major phenolics in many of the medicinal plants were identified for the first time (e.g., Euphorbia lathyrus, Ipomoea turpethum, and Picrorrhiza kurroa). This systematic investigation of a large number of Indian medicinal plants proved important for understanding their chemical constituents and functionality in Ayurvedic medicine, and contributes to the search for natural sources of potent antioxidants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: Research on the application feasibility of SNP genotyping for forensic identification by microarrays. Methods: Oligonucleotide microarrays which could detect 34 different SNPs were used. After hybridization and washing, the arrays were scanned and fluorescence intensities analyzed using Microarray software. Population studies on 34 SNP loci were carried out in a sample of 109 unrelated Chinese Han individuals using oligonucleotide microarrays for genotype detection. The method was also applied to cases. Results: According to the results of population studies, no deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium could be found. Among the 34 loci, 3 SNPs were low informative, 4 were medium informative and 27 were high informative. The combination discrimination power (CDP) of the 31 optimal polymorphic SNPs was 0.9999999999979. The matching probability was 2.13×10−12. The average exclusion probability in paternity testing for duos was 0.9609. The average exclusion probability in paternity testing for trios was 0.9970. Conclusion: The data and case application demonstrated that SNP typing by oligonucleotide probe microarrays was a useful technique for paternity testing and individual identification. Combined with the 28 SNPs loci distributed on HLA-DRB1 and ABO genes, the combination discrimination power (CDP) was 0.9999999999999910. The matching probability was 9.02×10−15. The average exclusion probabilities in duos and in trios were 0.9894 and 0.9992, respectively. It may be concluded that the 59 SNPs loci yield the same power in forensic identification as CODIS STRs currently used. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Direct gene transfer into neurons has potential for both studying neuronal physiology and for developing gene therapy treatments for specific neurological conditions. Due to the heterogeneous cellular composition of the brain, cell-type-specific recombinant gene expression is required for many potential applications of neuronal gene transfer. The two prevalent approaches for achieving cell-type-specific expression are to use a cell-type-specific promoter to control recombinant gene expression or to modify a virus vector particle to target gene transfer to a specific cell type. Targeted gene transfer to multiple peripheral cell types has been described, but targeted gene transfer to a specific type of neuron in the brain has yet to be reported. Targeted gene transfer approaches with Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1) vectors have focused on modifying glycoprotein C (gC) to remove the heparin binding domain and add a binding activity for a specific protein on the cell surface. This study was designed to develop HSV-1 vectors that target gene transfer to cells that contain receptors for either glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) or brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), such as nigrostriatal neurons. We isolated chimeric gC-GDNF or chimeric gC-BDNF constructs, and the resulting proteins were incorporated into HSV-1 virus particles. We performed helper virus-free HSV-1 vector packaging in the presence of each chimeric protein. The resulting vector stocks supported 2.2- to 5.0-fold targeted gene transfer to nigrostriatal neurons in the rat brain, compared to vector particles that contained wild-type (wt) gC. Gene transfer to nigrostriatal neurons by vector particles that contained chimeric gC-BDNF was reduced by preincubation with an anti-BDNF antibody. Targeted gene transfer to neurons that contain specific neurotrophic factor receptors may benefit specific physiological and gene therapy studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) is a member of the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase superfamily. The multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) gene belongs to the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) family. Pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a nuclear receptor that regulates its target gene transcription in a ligand-dependent manner. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced downregulation of PXR, CYP3A and MDR1 in liver has been demonstrated in a series of studies. However, it is not clear whether LPS represses the expression of PXR, CYP3A and MDR1 in placenta. In the present study, we investigated the effects of LPS on the expression of PXR, cyp3a11 and mdr1a in mouse placenta. Pregnant ICR mice were injected intraperitoneally with different doses of LPS (0.1–0.5mg/kg) on gestational day (gd) 17. Placental PXR, cyp3a11 and mdr1a mRNA levels were determined at 12h after LPS treatment using RT-PCR. Results showed that LPS significantly downregulated PXR, cyp3a11 and mdr1a mRNA levels in a dose-dependent manner. LPS-induced downregulation of PXR, cyp3a11 and mdr1a mRNA in placenta was significantly attenuated after pregnant mice were pre- and post-treated with alpha-phenyl-N-t-butylnitrone (PBN), a free radical spin trapping agent. Additional experiments revealed that LPS increased lipid peroxidation and proinflammatory cytokine expressions in mouse placenta, all of which were also attenuated by PBN. Furthermore, LPS-induced downregulation of PXR, cyp3a11 and mdr1a mRNA in mouse placenta was prevented by N-acetylcysteine (NAC). NAC also inhibited LPS-initiated lipid peroxidation, GSH depletion and proinflammatory cytokine expressions in mouse placenta. These results indicated that LPS downregulates placental PXR, cyp3a11 and mdr1a mRNA expressions. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be involved in LPS-induced downregulation of PXR, cyp3a11 and mdr1a in mouse placenta. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of Lycium barbarum fruit water decoction, crude polysaccharide extracts (crude LBP), and purified polysaccharide fractions (LBP-X) in alloxan-induced diabetic or hyperlipidemic rabbits were investigated through designed sequential trials and by measuring blood glucose and serum lipid parameters. Total antioxidant capacity was also assessed using trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. It was found that the three Lycium barbarum fruit extracts/fractions could significantly reduce blood glucose levels and serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) concentrations and at same time markedly increase high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels after 10 days treatment in tested rabbits, indicating that there were substantial hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. Hypoglycemic effect of LBP-X was more significant than those of water decoction and crude LBP, but its hypolipidemic effect seemed to be weaker. Total antioxidant capacity assay showed that all three Lycium barbarum extracts/fractions possessed antioxidant activity. However, water and methanolc fruit extracts and crude polysaccharide extracts exhibited stronger antioxidant activity than purified polysaccharide fractions because crude extracts were identified to be rich in antioxidants (e.g., carotenoids, riboflavin, ascorbic acid, thiamine, nicotinic acid). Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (glycocojugates), containing several monosaccharides and 17 amino acids, were major bioactive constituents of hypoglycemic effect. Both polysaccharides and vitamin antioxidants from Lycium barbarum fruits were possible active principles of hypolipidemic effect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Helper virus-free herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) plasmid vectors are an attractive system for gene transfer into neurons in the brain, but promoters that support long-term, neuronal-specific expression are required. Elucidation of general principles that govern long-term expression would likely assist efforts to develop improved promoters. Although expression from many promoters in HSV-1 vectors is unstable, two neuronal subtype-specific promoters, the preproenkephalin (ENK) promoter and the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) promoter, support long-term expression. We have previously shown that 5′ upstream sequences in the TH promoter are required for long-term expression, and addition of these upstream sequences to a neurofilament heavy gene (NF-H) promoter enhances long-term, neuronal-specific expression. The goal of this study was to determine if the upstream sequences from the TH promoter contain a unique element that enhances expression, or if other neuronal promoters also contain sequences that can enhance expression. To this end, we tested 5′ upstream sequences in the ENK promoter. We isolated a vector that fuses upstream sequences from the ENK promoter to the NF-H promoter. This vector supported expression in the striatum for 2 months after gene transfer, the longest time point evaluated. Expression was neuronal specific. As ENK and TH are a peptide neurotransmitter and a classical neurotransmitter biosynthetic enzyme, respectively, these results suggest that a significant number of promoters for neurotransmitter biosynthetic genes may contain elements that can enhance expression from HSV-1 vectors. The strategy of using upstream sequences from neuronal subtype-specific promoters to enhance expression from heterologous promoters is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ion exchange (IE)-vapor generation (VG)-inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-mass spectrometry (MS) method has been employed to simultaneously determine trace amounts of As, Se, and Hg in acidic conditions. Before hydride generation, anion-exchange column was used to separate the analytes from the matrix. Effects of sample solution acidity, eluant conditions and concentrating time were investigated and optimized. The method sensitivity was improved, as well as the ability to refrain interference caused by chloride, mental ions and other hydride-forming elements compared with (CF)VG-ICP-MS method. Limits of detection (3σ, n = 10) for As, Se, and Hg were As, 0.0021 ng/ml; Se, 0.0022 ng/ml; Hg, 0.0007 ng/ml, respectively; and recovery values for interference experiments were between 95.6 and 100.3%. The developed method was applied to four standard biological and geological materials, and the determined results of As, Se, and Hg were consistent with the certified values. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A newly developed hydride generation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (HG–ICP–MS) system was employed to determine trace amounts of lead in geological and biological samples. Laboratory-made single-stage and double-stage gas–liquid separators (GLSs) were investigated in order to replace the consumable membrane-GLS. Possible reasons were given why double-stage GLSs were superior over the single-stage ones according to the factors such as GLS volume and configuration, carrier gas inlet mode and flow rate. Interferences in liquid and vapor phase from concomitant ions and their products were investigated employing different flow mani-folds. Memory effects contributed to the blank values, but could be reduced employing a special wash protocol. Internal and external standardization were combined to improve the accuracy of the method, with bismuth as the internal standard according to its similarity with lead in the HG–ICP–MS system. Compared with ICP–MS and hydride generation–atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG–AFS) methods, the system performance of HG–ICP–MS was characterized with improved detection limit to 0.002 ng/ml and acceptable short- and long-term stabilities. The linear dynamic range of this method was up to 50 ng/ml lead. Three Chinese national certified reference materials: poplar leaves, human hair and copper ore, were analyzed for method validation, and the results agreed well with the certified values. At last, the method was also employed to determine wide range of lead concentrations in lightweight limestone and nervous tissue samples from infants of albino rats with recoveries between 95 and 105% (n=10). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Inhalable fine particulate matter (PM), which is rich in Pb and other pollutants from coal-fired power plants, can cause air pollution and severe health problems. To facilitate the development of efficient techniques for controlling fine particulate Pb emissions, in this study, various types of size-resolved fine PM (<10.0 μm) were collected from the outlets of fabric filter units (FFs) at an industrial circulating fluidized bed (CFB) power plant to assess the distribution and partitioning behavior of Pb. The results showed that the mass particle size distribution (PSD) of the collected fine PM followed unimodal distribution, peaking at 5.8–4.7 μm, which might be caused by the fragmentation of limestone additives and new-formed CaSO 4. However, the mass PSD of Pb for size-fractionated PM displayed different distribution pattern. Two peaks were observed in the size ranges of 5.8–4.7 μm and 1.1–0.7 μm. The mechanism of Pb enrichment in the supermicron particles was mainly controlled by the surface adsorption reaction, which could be explained by 1/d p dependence and be improved using excess active CaO produced by the injected limestone. For submicron particles, gas-film transfer or heterogenous condensation (mass transfer) might represent the deposition mechanism. Besides Pb enrichment, it was found that the submicron particles (<0.7 μm) mainly consisted of Si-rich and Si–Al phases. The emission of those fine SiO 2 -bearing particles should be limited as they can be inhaled and can damage the respiratory system. Image 1 • The mass PSD of emitted PM 10 (unimodal pattern) differs its Pb fraction (bimodal pattern). • Pb deposited onto supermicron particles was controlled by surface chemisorption. • Pb deposited onto submicron particles might be controlled by heterogenous condensation. • The injection of limestone facilitated Pb enrichment in PM via forming Ca 2 PbO 4 at 600–800 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clumping index (CI) is a canopy structural variable important for modeling the terrestrial biosphere, but its retrieval from remote sensing data remains one of the least reliable. The majority of regional or global CI products available so far were generated from multiangle optical reflectance data. However, these reflectance-based estimates have well-known limitations, such as the mere use of a linear relationship between the normalized difference hotspot and darkspot (NDHD) and CI, uncertainties in bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) models used to calculate the NDHD, and coarse spatial resolutions (e.g., hundreds of meters to several kilometers). To remedy these limitations and develop alternative methods for large-scale CI mapping, here we explored the use of spaceborne lidar—the Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS)—and proposed a semi-physical algorithm to estimate CI at the footprint level. Our algorithm was formulated to leverage the full vertical canopy profile information of the GLAS full-waveform data; it converted raw waveforms to forest canopy gap distributions and gap fractions of random canopies, which was used to estimate CI based on the radiative transfer theory and a revised Beer–Lambert model. We tested our algorithm over two areas in China—the Saihanba National Forest Park and Heilongjiang Province—and assessed its relative accuracies against field-measured CI and MODIS CI products. We found that reliable estimation of CI was possible only for GLAS waveforms with high signal-to-noise ratios (e.g., >65) and at gentle slopes (e.g., <12°). Our GLAS-based CI estimates for high-quality waveforms compared well to field-based CI (i.e., R2 = 0.72, RMSE = 0.07, and bias = 0.02), but they showed less correlation to MODIS CI (e.g., R2 = 0.26, RMSE = 0.12, and bias = 0.04). The difference highlights the impact of the scale effect in conducting comparisons of products with huge differences resolution. Overall, our analyses represent the first attempt to use spaceborne lidar to retrieve high-resolution forest CI and our algorithm holds promise for mapping CI globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The optimal effect of health welfare spillover is obtained. • The level of economic output and social welfare level are simultaneously optimal. • Reveal the evolutionary relationship among spillover effect, transfer payment, carbon tax, etc. Based on the Over Lapping Generation Model, this paper concerns the impact of environmental pollution and residents' health status on economic activities, and analyzes the relationship between tax revenue distribution proportion, economic activities and residents' social welfare. Through modeling, health welfare is introduced into welfare function, and time allocation proportion is introduced into health function and consumption budget. It is proved that the level of economic output and social welfare level can simultaneously optimal. Given the tax rate, we explore the optimal allocation ratio of carbon tax revenue when the per capita output of the economic steady-state equilibrium is optimal and the social welfare of the residents is optimal. Moreover, the evolutionary relationship among spillover effect, transfer payment, carbon tax, etc. is revealed. The stability analysis of qualitative conclusion is carried out and corresponding policies are put forward. It is proved that the optimal point of health welfare spillover effect exists. Then, under the steady-state equilibrium, in this paper the optimal effect of health welfare spillover is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social integration has been demonstrated to be associated with the health care use among migrants, but few studies have focused on migrant pregnant women. This study aims to explore the association between social integration and childbirth at woman's hometown (childbirth return) of internal migrant pregnant women in China.Method: Using the data of "Monitoring Data of Chinese Migrants" in 2014, a total of 3412 internal migrant pregnant women were included in this study. Social integration was measured by economic integration, acculturation, and identification. The childbirth locations of internal migrant pregnant women were divided into current residency and the woman's hometown. Univariate logistic regression and two multivariable logistic regression models were employed to assess the association between social integration and childbirth return among internal migrant pregnant women.Result: Our study finds that 24.56% of migrant pregnant women choose to have a childbirth return. As for social integration, those who have their own house (OR = 0.351 95% CI 0.207-0.595) in current residence, who have been staying in current residence for at least 5 years (OR = 0.449; 95% CI 0.322-0.626), and who are willing to stay in the current residence for a long time (OR = 0.731; 95% CI 0.537-0.995) are less likely to have a childbirth return. Apart from social integration, our results also show that those migrant pregnant women who are older, who have higher education level, who have at least two family members in current residence, with a migration reason of work and business, who have established health record in the current residency, and who were not covered by medical insurances, are less likely to have a childbirth return.Conclusion: Social integration is negatively associated with childbirth return among internal migrant pregnant women in China. To improve the utilization of maternal care services for migrant pregnant women in current residence, targeted policies should be made to improve social integration status for migrant pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Advances in cell media have led to embryo transfer from cleavage to blastocyst. The extension of embryo culture to blastocyst stage provides some theoretical advantages and disadvantages that have been controversial. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of vitrified warm cutting and blastocyst transplantation in Assisted Reproductive Technique (ART) therapy. Methods: The study was performed on 2740 women undergoing frozen embryo thawing transfer. Patients' basic clinical information, status of frozen embryo transfer cycle, clinical pregnancy rate, early abortion rate, sex ratio of birth and birth weight were retrospectively analyzed. The main clinical outcomes of the recovery of frozen embryos at cleavage and blastocyst stages were compared. In addition, the clinical outcomes of blastocyst cryopreservation on the 5th, 6th or 7th day after oocyte retrieval according to the date of blastocyst expansion were recorded. Results: The implantation ratio of cleavage stage embryos was 21.62% compared with 43.52% on D5 (P < 0.05). The D5, D6, and D7 implanting rates were statistically different. The pregnancy rates were 57.56%, 51.76% and 35.95% versus 37.79%, and the early abortion was 23.08%, 15.42% and 22.35% versus 34.55% respectively for embryos cryopreserved on D5, D6, D7 and D3. There were significant differences between D5 and D3 rates of ectopic pregnancy and early abortion. The sex ratio, the birth weight and birth defect were not statistically different among four groups. Conclusion: Blastocyst transfer achieved a higher implantation rate than vitrified cleavage stage embryo and decreased ectopic pregnancy rate. With increased incubation days before expansion blastocyst formed, the implantation rate is reduced and the early abortion rate increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vertical foliage profile (VFP) and leaf area index (LAI) are critical descriptors in terrestrial ecosystem modeling. Although light detection and ranging (lidar) observations have been proven to have potential for deriving the VFP and LAI, existing methods depend only on the received waveform information and are sensitive to additional input parameters, such as the ratio of canopy to ground reflectance. In this study, we proposed a new method for retrieving forest VFP and LAI from Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) data over two sites similar in their biophysical parameters. Our method utilized the information from not only the interaction between the laser and the forest but also the sensor configuration, which brought the benefit that our method was free from an empirical input parameter. Specifically, we first derived the transmitted energy profile (TEP) through the lidar 1-D radiative transfer model. Then, the obtained TEP was utilized to calculate the vertical gap distribution. Finally, the vertical gap distribution was taken as input to derive the VFP based on the Beer–Lambert law, and the LAI was calculated by integrating the VFP. Extensive validations of our method were carried out based on the discrete anisotropic radiative transfer (DART) simulation data, ground-based measurements, and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) LAI product. The validation based on the DART simulation data showed that our method could effectively characterize the VFP and LAI under various canopy architecture scenarios, including homogeneous turbid and discrete individual-tree scenes. The ground-based validation also proved the feasibility of our method: the VFP retrieved from the GLAS data showed a similar trend with the foliage distribution density in the GLAS footprints; the GLAS LAI had a high correlation with the field measurements, with a determination coefficient (R2) of 0.79, root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.49, and bias of 0.17. Once the outliers caused by low data quality and large slope were identified and removed, the accuracy was further improved, with R2 = 0.85, RMSE = 0.35, and bias = 0.10. However, the MODIS LAI product did not present a good relationship with the GLAS LAI. Relative to the GLAS LAI, the MODIS LAI showed an overestimation in the low and middle ranges of the LAI and a saturation at high values of approximately LAI = 5.5. Overall, this method has the potential to produce continental- and global-scale VFP and LAI datasets from the spaceborne lidar system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Specific energy responses to LS are triggered in D. roosii gametophytes. • RLL enhances the energy consumption with inducing male gametophytes. • BLL contributes to the energy production with inducing female gametophytes. • We suggest a link between LS-induced energy metabolism and sex differentiation. The environmental light changing, such as light spectrum (LS), influences the balance of energy metabolism and sex allocation based on plant species. However, the molecular mechanism underlying systems energy responses (SERs) linked to sex differentiation of Drynaria roosii gametophytes in response to LS remains the enigma. Here, we used Red-LED-Light (RLL), Blue-LED-Light (BLL) and Fluorescent-Light (FL) regimes to treat D. roosii gametophytes to achieve the knowledge of global expression database. Compared with FL, transcriptional changes showed that RLL reduced mRNA levels of photosynthetic genes and improved mRNA levels of respiratory genes. Obviously, RLL decreased PSII/PSI activities with lower Y(II), Fv/Fm, Y(I) and ETR(I) values, and promoted mitochondria activity with higher respiratory rate. Combined with severer ROS stress, we suggested that RLL caused the energy deficit to gametophytes. However, the impacts of BLL were contrary to RLL. Exactly, 63.75 % of males was induced under RLL vs 12.70 % under FL, whilst 64.50 % of females under BLL vs 48.08 % under FL. Moreover, we applied the WGCNA to cluster LS-induced DEGs into eleven modules, and DEGs in five significant sample-specific modules mainly fell in energy metabolism categorization through KEGG pathway analysis. Networks proved the complicated 'cross-talk' between SER- and TF-associated genes, and revealed hub genes in response to LS. Based on previous experimental evidence, we supposed a link between LS-induced energy metabolism responses and sex differentiation in D. roosii gametophytes, showing that RLL contributed to male-biased sex ratios for less energy production than BLL and FL, while BLL contributed to a female-biased trend. Our work firstly shed light on SERs to LS in D. roosii gametophytes, and provided new insights for understanding the sex differentiation in ferns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The comprehensive utilization of lignocellulose is great importance for improving the economic feasibility of biomass refining industry. Here, we established a two-step pretreatment process for fractionation and production of multiple products (furfural, ethanol, and lignin) from corn stover (CS). In the first step, H 2 SO 4 pretreatment was used to remove hemicellulose and the effect of solid/liquid ratio (SLR) was investigated. The hemicellulose containing washing liquor was treated for furfural production without any additional catalyst and the maximum furfural yield (46.5%) was obtained at 210 °C for 20 min. It was found that the physical barrier of lignin was its mainly inhibition mechanism that limited the enzymatic digestibility of H 2 SO 4 pretreated solid. The following NaOH pretreatment removed 90.8% of lignin and resulted in excellent glucan enzymatic conversion (98.6%). A large amount of acid insoluble lignin (AIL, 17.0 g/100 g CS), p -coumaric acid (1416.9 mg/100 g CS) and ferulic acid (249.4 mg/100 g CS) were observed in NaOH pretreatment liquor. The two-step pretreated CS produced up to 115.3 g/L of ethanol during simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) at 25% (w/w) solid loading. These results demonstrated that the successive H 2 SO 4 and NaOH pretreatment was an efficient method for fractionation and integrative utilization of CS. • Two-step pretreatment was proved to be an efficient strategy to fractionation of CS. • Water utilization of H 2 SO 4 pretreatment was reduced by high SLR condition. • Two-step pretreatment greatly enhanced the enzymatic digestibility of cellulose. • Up to 4.0 g/100 g CS furfural and 115.3 g/L of ethanol was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some diseases can live in people for many years without making them sick, during this time, the bacteria can spread to others who come in contact with the infected person. However, explosive individuals in infected people will exhibit certain dominant states associated with infectious diseases, as a results, the uninfected persons will avoid contact with such individuals with dominant infectious diseases. Considering the individual's ability to avoid risks in the epidemic season, we propose the epidemic spreading model with individuals' sensitivity. The epidemic spreading threshold is calculated by means of the mean-field theory and the next-generation matrix method. In addition, the locally, globally and exponential asymptotically stable conditions in the disease-free equilibrium state are given. Finally, we simulate the proposed epidemic spreading modeling in the ER random network and the BA scale-free network. The numerical simulations results show that the probability of the latent individuals transforming into explosive individuals has a greater impact on the spread of infectious diseases. Meanwhile, self-protection is an effective measure to reduce the outbreak of infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest-canopy height is an important parameter for the estimation of forest biomass and terrestrial carbon flux and climate-change research at regional and global scales. Currently, various methods combining Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data with various auxiliary data, particularly satellite remotely sensed reflectances, have been widely used to produce spatially continuous canopy-height products. However, current methods in use for remote sensing reflectances mainly focus on the nadir view direction, while anisotropic reflectances, which are theoretically more sensitive to the forest canopy height in the multiangle remote sensing field, have rarely been explored. Here, we attempted to examine the potential of using modeled multiangle reflectances at three typical viewing angles (i.e., from the hotspot, darkspot, and nadir directions) to estimate forest-canopy height as auxiliary data sources. First, the sensitivities of the typical angular reflectances as a function of forest canopy height were fully examined using the Extended Fourier Amplitude Sensitivity Test (EFAST) method based on the 4-scale Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) model simulations. This indicated that reflectances in the off-nadir viewing directions are generally sensitive to canopy-height variations. Then, the canopy heights were extracted from airborne Laser Vegetation Imaging Sensor (LVIS) data, which were further divided into training and validation data. Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) multiangle reflectances at typical viewing angles were calculated from the MODIS BRDF parameter product (MCD43A1, version 6) as partial training-input data, based on a hotspot-adjusted, kernel-driven linear BRDF model. Subsequently, the Random Forest (RF) machine learning model was trained to acquire the relationship between the extracted canopy heights and the corresponding MODIS typical viewing reflectances. The trained model was further applied to estimate the canopy height metrics in the study areas of Howland Forest, Harvard Forest, and Bartlett Forest. Finally, the estimated canopy heights were independently validated by canopy heights extracted from the LVIS data. The results indicate that the canopy heights modeled through this method exhibit generally high accordance with the LVIS-derived canopy heights (R = 0.65−0.67; RMSE = 3.63−5.78). The results suggest that the MODIS multiangle reflectance data at typical observation angles contain important information regarding forest canopy height and can, therefore, be used to estimate forest canopy height for various ecological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating evidence suggest that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is an important mechanism underlying the development of diabetes. We have reported that sustained treatment with N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) results in apoptotic β-cell death and impairs insulin secretion. However, the molecular mechanism responsible for NMDA-induced β-cell dysfunction remains largely obscure. Thus, this study aimed to determine whether sustained activation of NMDA receptors (NMDARs) causes β-cell dysfunction through ER stress. Primary mouse islets and MIN6 mouse pancreatic β-cells were treated with NMDA for 24 h or high-glucose for 72 h. After the treatment, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and the expression of ER stress markers were measured, respectively. In vivo , the expression of ER stress markers was measured in the pancreas of diabetic mice treated with or without NMDARs inhibitor Memantine. NMDA treatment caused an increase in the expression of ER stress markers (ATF4, CHOP, GRP78, and Xbp1s) in primary islets. While, tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), an inhibitor of ER stress, significantly attenuated NMDA-induced β-cell dysfunction, including the loss of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and reduction of pancreas duodenum homeobox factor-1 (Pdx-1) mRNA expression, a transcription factor regulating insulin synthesis. Besides, NMDA-induced ER stress strongly promoted pro-inflammatory cytokines synthesis (IL-1β and TNF-α) in β cells. Interestingly, knockdown of CHOP attenuated β-cell dysfunction evoked by NMDA. Furthermore, we demonstrated that blockade of NMDARs ameliorated high-glucose-induced ER stress in vitro and in vivo. This study confirms that ER stress is actively involved in the activation of NMDARs-related β-cell dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: China has the largest number of cases of diabetes with a high rate of uncontrolled blood sugar. Many studies show that family members' involvement is related to better glycemic control. However, there is a significant problem with low participation of family members. The widespread use of WeChat provides an opportunity for family members to support their diabetic loved ones in their type 2 diabetes self-management practices. The main aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a family-based intervention via WeChat.Methods: A parallel, two-group, randomized controlled trial will be conducted in the central urban area of Jiading district in Shanghai, China. A total of 222 type 2 diabetics will be randomly divided into an intervention group or a control group using a 1:1 ratio. Patients in the intervention group will receive the usual care, and their family will get education in diabetes control and the importance of family support by subscribing to the WeChat public account. Both the patients and the family members will be followed up at 12 months after the intervention commences. Data collection is scheduled at baseline, 6-months, and 12-months.Discussion: Family involvement based on WeChat may generate ongoing support for type 2 diabetic patients and improve these patients' health outcomes. A successful outcome of this study may also provide inspiration for other efforts to provide health education via WeChat.Trial Registration: ChiCTR1900020736 . Registered 15 January 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the value of hematocrit (HCT) level in predicting the outcomes of critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). A retrospective study of a total of 14,350 intensive care unit (ICU) patients, who were selected from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston, MA, USA) and met the inclusion criteria, was carried out. And the patient data were extracted from the Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care Database III version 1.3 (MIMIC-III v1.3). In our study, HCT quintiles were used to categorize the subjects into groups. The clinical outcomes were 30- and 90-day mortality in the ICU. Cox proportional-hazards models were used to evaluate the association between the HCT and survival. A total of 2827 30-day deaths and 3828 90-day deaths occurred. In univariate analysis, low HCT was significantly associated with increased 30- and 90-day mortality among females, which, however, was not observed in multivariate analysis adjusted for age, ethnicity, dialysate, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), use of insulin, use of ventilator, AKI stages, and report of obesity. In subgroup analysis, an inverse association between HCT levels and risk of mortality for 90-day outcome was observed for female patients by exclusion of dialysate use, receiving CRRT, and obesity reports. Therefore, these findings suggest that lower HCT was associated with an increased risk of mortality in critically ill patients with AKI, and the effect appears to be stronger among women than men. The prognostic value of HCT seems dependent on other factors, for example, dialysate use, CRRT, and obesity. Further multicenter study is in demand to confirm the validity of the results presented in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Right ventricular (RV) pressure and volume loading lead to RV failure but their impact on regional RV work and injury are poorly characterized. Methods: Eight Sugen/hypoxia pulmonary hypertension (PH), 6 pulmonary regurgitation (PR) and 5 sham-control rats were studied. Six (n=4) or 9 wks (n=4) after Su/hy & 12 wks after PR surgery, myocardial strain (speckle tracking echo) and RV pressure (conductance catheter) were measured and RV pressure-strain loops generated. Regional myocardial work was calculated as the pressure-strain loop area (mmHg·%). Regional myocardial work efficiency was quantified as wasted work: ratio of systolic lengthening (wasted) work to shortening work. RV fibrosis (% collagen area) was quantified by picrosirius red stain. Echo derived RV dimensions & fractional area change (FAC%) quantified RV remodeling & function. Results: Peak strain was lower in the PH septum (-12±3, p=0.002) and higher in the PR lateral wall (-28±8%, p=0.02) vs shams (-18±5%). RV lateral wall work was higher in PH vs shams (796±315 vs 373±157mmHg·%, p<0.001), while septal work was similar. In PR, lateral & septal work were higher vs shams (797± 288 mmHg·%, p<0.001 & 549±282 mmHg·%, p=0.03, respectively). But, wasted work was increased only in the PH septum (0.31±0.24 vs 0.08±0.05, p<0.001). PH & PR induced similar RV remodeling (end diastolic area (8.2±1.7 vs 9.8±1 cm2/m2, p=ns); but fibrosis in the lateral wall, but not septum, was higher (9.8±3.0 vs 5.9±0.7%, p < 0.001) and FAC% lower (22± 6 vs 46 ± 10, p < 0.001) in PH vs PR. A linear relation was observed between RV fibrosis burden and regional myocardial work (r=0.62, p<0.001). Conclusions: Asymmetrical RV work and wasted septal work are associated with RV remodeling, dysfunction and fibrosis in experimental PH vs PR. These results provide new insights and quantitative indices to diagnosis RV failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In conjunction with the classical functions of regulating intestinal, bone, and kidney calcium and phosphorus absorption, as well as bone mineralization of vitamin D, the population-based association between low vitamin D status and increased cancer risk is now generally accepted. Inflammation is causally related to oncogenesis. It is widely thought that vitamin D plays an important role in the modulation of the inflammation system by regulating the production of inflammatory cytokines and immune cells, which are crucial for the pathogenesis of many immune-related diseases. Mechanistic studies have shown that vitamin D influences inflammatory processes involved in cancer progression, including cytokines, prostaglandins, MAP kinase phosphatase 5 (MKP5), the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, and immune cells. Multiple studies have shown that vitamin D has the potential to inhibit tumor development by interfering with the inflammation system. The present review summarizes recent studies of the mechanisms of vitamin D on regulating the inflammation system, which contributes to its potential for cancer prevention and therapy. This review helps answer whether inflammation mediates a causal relationship between vitamin D and tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strategies adopted by individuals in a social network significantly impact the network, and they strongly affect relationships between individuals in the network. Links between individuals also heavily influence their levels of cooperation. Taking into account the evolution of each individual's connection, we explore how sensitivity and visibility affect the prisoner's dilemma game. The so-called 'sensitivity' and 'visibility' respectively present one's self-protection consciousness and the ability of gaining information. We find that at moderate levels of player sensitivity cooperative behavior increases, but that at high levels it is inhibited. We also find that the heterogeneity of the weight of individuals at the end of the game is higher when sensitivity and visibility are increased, but that the successful-defection-payoff has less impact on the weight of individuals and on the relationship between the heterogeneity of the weight of individuals and the density of cooperators. This framework can be used to clarify the interaction mechanism between the micro-level of individual behavior and the macro-level of individual co-evolutionary processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Today's rapid growth of migrant populations has been a major contributor to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic. However, relatively few studies have focused on HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related knowledge, attitudes, and practice among rural-to-urban migrants in China. This cross-sectional study was to assess HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and perceptions, including knowledge about reducing high-risk sex.Methods: Two-phase stratified cluster sampling was applied and 2,753 rural migrants participated in this study. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was conducted in Guangdong and Sichuan provinces in 2007. Descriptive analysis was used to present the essential characteristics of the respondents. Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression models were performed to examine the associations between identified demographic factors and high-risk sex, sexually transmitted disease (STD) symptoms, and access to HIV screening services among the seven types of workers.Results: 58.6% of participants were knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS transmission, but approximately 90% had a negative attitude towards the AIDS patients, and that 6.2% had engaged in high-risk sex in the past 12 months. Logistic regression analysis revealed sex, marital status, income, migration and work experience to be associated with high-risk sex. Among the 13.9% of workers who reported having STD symptoms, risk factors that were identified included female gender, high monthly income, being married, daily laborer or entertainment worker, frequent migration, and length of work experience. Only 3% of migrant workers received voluntary free HIV screening, which was positively associated with monthly income and workplace.Conclusions: HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes, and practices among rural migrants in China remain a thorny health issue, and use of healthcare services needs to be improved. Low levels of education and knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS among housekeepers and migrant day laborers result in this population likely being engaged in high-risk sex. Government programs should pay more attention to public education, health promotion and intervention for the control of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Much of research on household catastrophic medical expenses in China has focused on less developed areas and little is known about this problem in more developed areas. This study aimed to analyse the incidence and determinants of catastrophic medical expenses in eastern China.Methods: Data were obtained from a health care utilization and expense survey of 11,577 households conducted in eastern China in 2008. The incidence of household catastrophic medical expenses was calculated using the method introduced by the World Health Organization. A multi-level logistic regression model was used to identify the determinants.Results: The incidence of household catastrophic medical expenses in eastern China ranged from 9.24% to 24.79%. Incidence of household catastrophic medical expenses was lower if the head of household had a higher level of education, labor insurance coverage, while the incidence was higher if they lived in rural areas, had a family member with chronic diseases, had a child younger than 5 years old, had a person at home who was at least 65 years old, and had a household member who was hospitalized. Moreover, the impact of the economic level on catastrophic medical expenses was non-linear. The poorest group had a lower incidence than that of the second lowest income group and the group with the highest income had a higher incidence than that of the second highest income group. In addition, region was a significant determinant.Conclusions: Reducing the incidence of household catastrophic medical expenses should be one of the priorities of health policy. It can be achieved by improving residents' health status to reduce avoidable health services such as hospitalization. It is also important to design more targeted health insurance in order to increase financial support for such vulnerable groups as the poor, chronically ill, children, and senior populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe a case with repeated total fertilization failure due to oocyte defect. Design: Case report. Setting: University hospital. Patient(s): A patient with repeated total fertilization failure. Intervention(s): Assisted oocyte activation, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with calcium ionophore oocyte activation, donor semen, and donor oocytes. Main Outcome Measure(s): Fertilization, pregnancy, and live birth. Result(s): Five cycles of IVF/ICSI were performed. In the first IVF cycle, 19 oocytes failed to fertilize. In the second ICSI attempt, 12 oocytes were retrieved and were not fertilized. In the third and fourth natural cycles, donor semen was used for IVF and ICSI, respectively, yet the oocytes could not be fertilized even by assisted activation. Then donor oocytes were used in the fifth cycle by ICSI. All five donated oocytes fertilized normally, and three embryos were transferred on day 3. Clinical pregnancy was confirmed, and a healthy girl weighing 3,200 g was delivered at 39 weeks of gestation by cesarean section. Conclusion(s): In cases of repeated fertilization failure caused by oocyte defects, oocyte donation seems to be a good choice for patients who wish to become pregnant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information related to the treatment of MÉnÉtrier's disease or hypoproteinemic hypertrophic gastropathy. This disease is characterized by giant hypertrophic folds that most often involve the fundus, excess mucus secretion, decreased acid secretion, hypochlorhydria, and hypoproteinemia due to selective loss of serum proteins across the gastric mucosa. Increased signaling of the epidermal growth factor receptor has been implicated in the pathogenesis of MÉnÉtrier's disease. There is no known association between primary pulmonary hypertension and MÉnÉtrier's disease. The long-term side effects of epoprostenol, which include nausea and vomiting, are dose-dependent and resolve with dose reduction.