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史蒂文斯-约翰逊综合征（Stevens-Johnson syndrome，SJS）是一种罕见的累及皮肤黏膜的严重药物不良反应，有可能导致牙根发育异常，其对牙根发育的影响常在SJS发生多年后发现。本文报道1例有SJS病史的患儿发生恒牙牙根发育不全，以供临床探讨。.

A new species of the genus Echinochasmushas been described from the small intestine of the black kite (Milvus m. migrans) collected from Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan and identified as E. swabiensis n. sp. The new species is different from its congeners in its body size; it has 22 collar spines which includes two corner spines on one side, four on the other side and eight marginal plus ventral spines on each side. There aretegumental-scale like spines interspersed on the anterior margin of the ventral sucker with a smaller, terminal oral sucker. The pharynx is nearly twice as large as the oral sucker, while the ventral sucker is nearly six times as large as the oral sucker. The suckers’ width ratio is 1 : 4.7 to 1 : 5.6. The vitelline follicles are compact and denser at the lateral sides masking the caeca. This species has been added to the record of trematodes circulating among avian species, especially in the study area.

Saline soils spread wildly in the world, therefore it is important to develop salt-tolerant crops. We carried out a pot study in order to determine effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (Rhizophagus irregularis and Glomus versiforme) in black locust seedlings under salt (NaCl) stress. The results showed that AMF enhanced in seedlings their growth, photosynthetic ability, carbon content, and calorific value. Under salt stress, the biomass of the seedlings with R. irregularis or G. versiforme were greater by 151 and 100%, respectively, while a leaf area increased by 197 and 151%, respectively. The seedlings colonized by R. irregularis exhibited a higher chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, intercellular CO2 concentration, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate than that of the nonmycorrhizal seedlings or those colonized by G. versiforme. Both R. irregularis and G. versiforme significantly enhanced a carbon content, calorific value, carbon, and energy accumulations of black locust under conditions of 0 or 1.5 g(NaCl) kg–1(growth substrate). Our results suggested that AMF alleviated salt stress and improved the growth of black locust.

To study the effect of expression of long non-coding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA) associated with microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma (MVIH) on the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to gemcitabine.BGC-823 cell lines were divided into control group (no treatment), low expression group (lentiviral transfection with sh-lncRNA MVIH), and high expression group (lentiviral transfection with lncRNA MVIH). The expression of lncRNA MVIH, the protein expressions of E-cadherin and Vimentin, and the differences in proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells were detected via Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting, Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, transwell assay, wound healing assay, methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, and flow cytometry.The results of RT-PCR revealed that compared with that in control group, the mRNA expression of lncRNA MVIH was significantly decreased in low expression group and markedly increased in high expression group. Also, there were statistically significant differences (p0.05). The results of Western blotting showed that compared with those in control group and low expression group, the protein expression of E-cadherin was significantly decreased, while the protein expression of Vimentin was markedly increased in high expression group (p0.05). The results of transwell assay manifested that the number of invading gastric cancer cells was the largest in high expression group at 48 h (p0.05), significantly larger than that in control group and low expression group (p0.05), while it was the smaller in low expression group. It was found through the wound healing assay that the migration ability of gastric cancer cells was enhanced in high expression group, markedly stronger than in control group and low expression group, while it significantly declined in low expression group compared to control group. Besides, the results of CCK-8 assay showed that compared with that in control group, the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to gemcitabine was remarkably increased in low expression group (p0.05), while it significantly declined in high expression group (p0.05). Finally, according to the flow cytometry, the apoptosis rate of gastric cancer cells was markedly higher in low expression group than that in control group and high expression group (p0.05), indicating that the low expression of lncRNA MVIH can promote the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells.Reducing the expression of lncRNA MVIH can significantly lower the migration and invasion ability of gastric cancer cells and raise the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to gemcitabine.

The development of electronic technology has attracted attention on the biological effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and electromagnetic pulse (EMP). It remains controversial whether EMP irradiation is neurotoxic or beneficial for recovery from injuryies such as cerebral ischemia. Microglia is innate immune cells in the brain, exhibiting either neurotoxicity or neuroprotection effect during various central nervous system diseases, depending on their activation into a classical (M1) or alternative (M2) phenotype, respectively. The Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) pathway is important for microglia activation. In this study, we investigated the effect of EMP on neuronal apoptosis and microglia polarization in vivo and in vitro, using an EMP of 400 kV/m and 1 hertz for 200 pulses. Short EMP irradiation (≤24 h) resulted in microglial conversion from the resting to the M1-type state, activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NFκB pathway, higher levels of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, as well as neuronal apoptosis induction. In contrast, long EMP irradiation (3 days) resulted in microglial activation into the M2-type, decreased apoptosis and inflammatory mediator production, and increased levels of the neuroprotective effectors IL-10, transforming growth factor beta, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. EMP induces both neuronal damage and neuronal recovery by influencing the switch of M1/M2 polarization and the TLR4/MyD88/NFκB pathway.

Setaria digitata is a filarial parasite that causes fatal cerebrospinal nematodiasis in goats, horses and sheep, resulting in substantial economic losses to livestock farmers. In the present study, the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of S. digitata from China was determined, characterized and compared with that of S. digitata from Sri Lanka. The identity of the mt genomes was 98.3% between S. digitata from China and Sri Lanka, and the complete mt genome sequence of S. digitata from China was slightly shorter (25 bp) than that from Sri Lanka. For the 12 protein genes, this comparison revealed sequence differences at both the nucleotide (1.4%) and amino acid (2.2%) levels. The present study determined the complete mt genome sequence of S. digitata from China, providing novel genetic markers for the study of the population genetics and molecular epidemiology of S. digitata in animals.

OBJECTIVE To establish SD rat posterior capsular opacification (posterior capsular opacification- PCO) animal model, and to detect the expression of Akt/NF-kb signaling pathway in the PCO model. METHODS 30 healthy SD rats were randomly divided into control group (0d) and the experimental groups (7d and 14 d), there were 10 rats at all time points. All rats (right eye) were treated with the lens capsule, and the inflammatory reaction of the anterior segment of the eye and the occurrence of PCO at different time points were observed under the microscope. The TGF-β concentration of humor aquosus was measured at the different time points by ELISA method. Eyeballs were removed after the rats were killed. RT-PCR method was used to detect the gene expression levels of Akt and NF-κb and Westen Blot method to detect the protein expression of Akt, p-Akt, NF-κb and p-NF-κb. RESULTS TGF-β concentration, Akt and NF-κb gene expression, and Akt, p-Akt, NF-κb and p-NF-κb protein expression in humor aquosus, increased with the time and the time-dependence was significant. CONCLUSION Akt/NF-κb signaling pathway may be closely related to the occurrence and development of PCO, which may be related to the role of protein phosphorylation (Fig. 5, Ref. 20).

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form symbioses with many plants. Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is an important energy tree species that can associate with AMF. We investigated the effects of AMF (Rhizophagus irregularis and Glomus versiforme) on the growth, gas exchange, chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence, carbon content, and calorific value of black locust seedlings in the greenhouse. The total biomass of the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) seedlings was 4 times greater than that of the nonmycorrhizal (NM) seedlings. AMF greatly promoted the photosynthesis of black locust seedlings. AM seedlings had a significantly greater leaf area, higher carboxylation efficiency, Chl content, and net photosynthetic rate (P N) than NM seedlings. AMF also significantly increased the effective photochemical efficiency of PSII and significantly enhanced the carbon content and calorific value of black locust seedlings. Seedlings inoculated with G. versiforme had the largest leaf area and highest biomass, Chl content, P N, and calorific value.

In situ high resolution transmission electron microscopy investigations were performed on sub-10-nm Au crystals. The effects of tensile loading direction and crystal size on the deformation mechanism of Au crystals were analysed. For the Au crystals with a width below 2 nm, the surface atom diffusion with a phenomenon of layer by layer peeling is the main deformation mechanism and the tensile loading direction plays negligible effect. For the Au crystals with a width over 7 nm, the dislocations generated form surface and gliding into crystal dominate the plastic deformation and the tensile loading direction plays important role. Lomer dislocations are produced and destructed by dislocation reaction during tensile strain process in oriented Au crystal. The Schmid law is the key intrinsic issue controlling the deformation mechanism for the nanowires with a size larger than 7 nm.

Chlamydia are Gram-negative obligate bacteria that cause a wide range of diseases in humans and animals. To assess the risk of zoonosis posed by pigs, a total of 920 serum samples were collected from pigs in 11 administrative cities in Jiangxi province, south-eastern China, and the seroprevalence of Chlamydia antibodies was investigated by an indirect haemagglutination assay. The pathogen-specific antibodies were detected in 539 (58.59 %) pigs with seroprevalence ranging from 33.33 % (Jingdezhen) to 90.91 % (Pingxiang) among different cities (PChlamydia infection among different categories of pigs was also significantly different (PChlamydia is highly prevalent in pigs in Jiangxi province and our results indicate that the presence of Chlamydia exposure in pigs may pose a potential threat to human health.

The prevalence of intestinal helminths in domestic geese (Anser domesticus) was investigated in Qingyuan city, Guangdong province, China between October 2010 and March 2011. A total of 330 intestine samples of adult geese from representative local markets in Qingyuan city were collected and examined for the presence of helminths using a helminthological approach. The worms were macroscopically examined, counted, identified to species according to existing keys and descriptions. Three species of helminths, namely Hymenolepis coronula (13.03%), Drepanidotaenia lanceolata (2.42%) and Heterakis gallinae (2.42%) were identified. The helminth prevalence in geese from family-type small-holder farms (25.55%) was significantly higher than those which came from modern commercial farms (6%). The results of the present investigation provide useful "base-line" data for executing control strategies and measures against helminth infection of geese in this region. Key words: Qingyuan city, China, goose, helminths, prevalence.

SUMMARYThe present study compared the miRNA expression profiles of fiveToxoplasma gondiistrains, namely RH (Type I, ToxoDB10), TgXD (Type I, ToxoDB10), PRU (Type II, ToxoDB1), QHO (Type II, ToxoDB1) and TgC7 (ToxoDB9), by Solexa deep sequencing, bioinformatics analysis and real-time quantitative PCR. A total of 7, 15, 10, 12 and 10 miRNAs were found from RH, TgXD, PRU, QHO and TgC7 strains, respectively. Thirteen miRNAs were shared by three genotypes, with only one miRNA shared by all of the 5 strains and others shared by 2 or more strains. A large number of targets ranging from 1 to 185 were identified for commonly shared miRNAs and strain-specific miRNAs with complete or nearly complete complementarity. Functional prediction showed that these targets were mostly focused on catalytic activity (191 targets) and binding activity (183 targets). Nonetheless, the majority of targets and most of the miRNAs are related to the virulence or invasion proteins of different strains ofT. gondii, including ROP and MIC, as well as some other proteins, such as AMA1, GRA and RHO. The present study characterized comparatively the miRNA profiles of 3 different genotypes ofT. gondii, identified genotype-shared miRNAs and strain-specific miRNAs.

The spinal cord is a vital link between the brain and the body and mainly comprises neurons, glial cells and nerve fibres. In this work, nonlinear optical (NLO) microscopy based on intrinsic tissue properties was employed to label-freely analyze the cells and matrix in spinal cords at a molecular level. The high-resolution and high-contrast NLO images of unstained spinal cords demonstrate that NLO microscopy has the ability to show the microstructure of white and grey matter including ventral horn, intermediate area, dorsal horns, ventral column, lateral column and dorsal column. Neurons with various sizes were identified in grey matter by dark spots of nonfluorescent nuclei encircled by cytoplasm-emitting two-photon excited fluorescence signals. Nerve fibres and neuroglias were observed in white matter. Besides, the spinal arteries were clearly presented by NLO microscopy. Using spectral and morphological information, this technique was proved to be an effective tool for label-freely imaging spinal cord tissues, based on endogenous signals in biological tissue. With future development, we foresee promising applications of the NLO technique for in vivo, real-time assessment of spinal cord diseases or injures.

G protein-coupled receptor, family C, group 6, member A, (GPRC6A) is a prostate cancer (PCa) susceptibility gene and has been shown to regulate PCa progression. However, its role in PCa metastasis is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to confirm the association between GPRC6A and aggressive PCa in a case-control analysis, and to explore the function of GPRC6A in PCa metastasis in vitro.The association of 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of GPRC6A and linked to GPRC6A were evaluated with PCa risk and aggressive PCa in 916 subjects. Metastasis behavior was determined in GPRC6A knockdown PC3 cells, and the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 and MMP9 were detected. Bone transcription factor runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker genes were examined in the GPRC6A overexpression PC3 cells.Among the 14 SNPs tested in PCa patients and controls, 4 were associated with aggressive PCa (p = 0.032-0.037, odds ratio = 1.38-1.41). Both the migration and invasion abilities were reduced in PC3 cells that were transiently transfected with GPRC6A short interfering RNA (siRNA). The GPRC6A knockdown cells showed reduced activity levels of MMP2 and MMP9. Furthermore, RUNX2, EMT and ERK signaling were shown to be up-regulated in GPRC6A overexpression cells.These findings suggest that GPRC6A is associated with aggressive PCa. GPRC6A knockdown inhibits the PCa cells migration and invasion, and GPRC6A overexpression promotes the EMT. It is suggested that GPRC6A may serve as a potential therapeutic target for metastatic PCa.

The objective of the present investigation was to determine the seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii infection in free-range yaks in China. A total of 552 serum samples were collected from yaks in Gansu province, northwest China between April 2013 and January 2014, and antibodies against C. burnetii were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Overall, 13.59% (75/552, 95% CI: 10.73-16.45) of the examined animals were positive for C. burnetii antibodies. There was no significant difference in C. burnetii seroprevalence between female yaks (13.78%, 95% CI: 10.36-17.19) and male yaks (13.13%, 95% CI: 7.89-18.36) (P>0.05). Coxiella burnetii seroprevalence in yaks in different age groups ranged from 10.88% to 15.26%, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Coxiella burnetii seroprevalence in yaks sampled in different seasons ranged from 12.06% (autumn) to 18.33% (summer), but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). This is the first report of C. burnetii seroprevalence in free-range yaks in China, indicating the need for measures to be taken to control C. burnetii infection in free-range yaks in China.

The 16S-23S intergenic spacers (ITS) of ribosomal DNA from ten independent isolates of Streptococcus iniae and one reference strain ATCC29178 were sequenced, aligned and used to design a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer set for rapid and specific detection and identification of S. iniae. This primer set amplified a 377-bp DNA fragment specifically from S. iniae, but not from other common bacterial pathogens of fish or from non-fish pathogens. The PCR conditions were optimized to allow detection of the organism from agar, broth culture or infected fish tissue. The sensitivity of the PCR assay was established by the detection of DNA as low as 0.02 ng or as few as 10 CFU bacterial cells. The establishment of the specific PCR assay provides a useful tool for the identification and diagnosis of fish infection with S. iniae.

Protein kinase C was found to be significantly over-expressed in cancer samples compared to adjacent normal cervical tissues by proteomics in our previous study. The aim of this study was to examine protein kinase C expression and to analyze the expression patterns of protein kinase C isoforms in squamous cervical cancer at the protein levels and their associations with clinical and pathologic factors of squamous cervical cancer. First, Western blotting was used to examine protein kinase C expression in the specimens of tumors and matched adjacent normal tissues which were collected from 12 patients with squamous cervical cancer. Protein kinase C isoforms (α, δ, θ and ζ) expression were then detected by immunohistochemistry in other 43 cases of squamous cervical cancer tissues, 32 cases of corresponding adjacent normal cervical squamous epithelial tissue and 31 cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Western blot analysis revealed that protein kinase C expression was positive in squamous cervical cancer while it was not expressed in normal cervical tissues. On the other hand, immunohistochemical analysis suggested that, protein kinase C isoforms (α, δ, θ and ζ) expression was significantly higher in squamous cervical cancer compared to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, as well as in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia compared with normal tissues, respectively.High levels of protein kinase C α expression were associated with cellular differentiation(P

Summary Chinese chestnut trees (Castanea mollissima BL.) planted in a suburb of Beijing, China developed symptoms including yellowing, leaf crinkling, little leaf, shortened internodes, and empty burrs. Transmission electron microscopy revealed presence of phytoplasma cells in phloem sieve elements of the symptomatic chestnut trees. Molecular cloning and sequence analysis of PCR-amplified near-full length 16S rRNA gene indicated that the phytoplasma associated with the Chinese chestnut yellow crinkle disease is closely related to Japanese chestnut witches’-broom phytoplasma. This is the first report of a phytoplasmal disease in Chinese chestnut trees.

SUMMARYThe development of simple, sensitive and rapid methods for the detection and identification ofToxoplasma gondiiis important for the diagnosis and epidemiological studies of the zoonotic disease toxoplasmosis. In the past 2 decades, molecular methods based on a variety of genetic markers have been developed, each with its advantages and limitations. The application of these methods has generated invaluable information to enhance our understanding of the epidemiology, population genetics and phylogeny ofT. gondii. However, since most studies focused solely on the detection but not genetic characterization ofT. gondii, the information obtained was limited. In this review, we discuss some widely used molecular methods and propose an integrated approach for the detection and identification ofT. gondii, in order to generate maximum information for epidemiological, population and phylogenetic studies of this key pathogen.

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) and its relation to apolipoprotein E (apoE) epsilon4 allele in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Thirty MCI and 30 controls were assessed using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Cambridge Cognitive Examination-Chinese version (CAMCOG-C), and then insonated in the anterior (ACA), middle (MCA) and basilar (BA) cerebral arteries using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography. Compared with controls, MCI showed significant decreases in the mean (V(m)), systolic (V(s)) and diastolic (V(d)) CBFV, bilaterally in MCA and ACA (P < 0.05-0.001), but not in BA. Compared with 17 apoE epsilon4 allele non-carriers, 13 carriers in MCI showed significant CBFV decreases, bilaterally in MCA (P < 0.05-0.001). Our findings, the decreased CBFV in apoE epsilon4 allele carriers with MCI, suggest that a large sample and longitudinal study in CBFV and cognitive changes may have the implications on early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

Toxoplasmosis is caused by the intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. It is anopportunistic zoonosis in warm-blooded animals and humans, with a worldwide distribution. Toxoplasma gondii dense granule protein 16 (TgGRA16) can modulate some functions in host cells and is considered a significant virulent factor of the parasite. The present study reports sequence variation in TgGRA16 gene among T. gondii strains from different hosts and geographical locations, and the construction of phylogenetic relationships of these T. gondii strains based on sequences of TgGRA16, and analysis of B cell epitopes in TgGRA16. Our results showed that all TgGRA16 gene sequences were 1518 bp and the C+G contents ranged from 52.17% to 52.59%. Sequence variation in the TgGRA16 gene was 0-1.51%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that TgGRA16 gene sequence could not be used to differentiate the different T. gondii genotypes. Six B cell epitopes were predicted in TgGRA16. These results indicated that TgGRA16 gene is not an ideal marker for studying genetic relationships of T. gondii isolates, but may represent a good vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis.

Our objective was to examine the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms of interleukin (IL)-8 (rs4073 and rs2227306) and IL-10 (rs1800871 and rs1800872) genes, and clinical effects of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and subsequent prognosis in patients with liver cancer.115 patients with liver cancer underwent TACE. Venous blood specimens were collected for genomic DNA extraction. The restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) analysis was used to detect the above variants of IL-8 and IL-10 genes. In addition, blood levels of alpha fetal protein (AFP) were quantified by radioimmunoassay. Patients were followed up to uncover the association of the above genotypes with treatment efficacy and survival.Patients with the homozygous genotype AA or homozygous genotype TT (respectively, -251 and +781 sites) of IL-8 gene, and wild-type genotype TT or homozygous genotype AA (respectively, -819 and -592 sites) of IL-10 gene showed the best effectiveness of TACE. Furthermore, these patients also exhibited the lowest AFP levels and the longest survival after the treatment.Clinical efficacy of TACE and patient survival in liver cancer are associated with specific variants of IL-8 and IL-10 genes.

Fruit rot caused by Alternaria spp. is one of the most important factors affecting the postharvest quality and shelf life of blueberry fruit. The aims of this study were to characterize Alternaria isolates using morphological and molecular approaches and test their pathogenicity to blueberry fruit. Alternaria spp. isolates were collected from decayed blueberry fruit in the Central Valley of California during 2012 and 2013. In total, 283 isolates were obtained and five species of Alternaria, including Alternaria alternata, A. tenuissima, A. arborescens, A. infectoria, and A. rosae, were identified based on DNA sequences of the plasma membrane ATPase, Alt a1 and Calmodulin gene regions in combination with morphological characters of the culture and sporulation. Of the 283 isolates, 61.5% were identified as A. alternata, 32.9% were A. arborescens, 5.0% were A. tenuissima, and only one isolate of A. infectoria and one isolate of A. rosae were found. These fungi were able to grow at temperatures from 0 to 35°C, and mycelial growth was arrested at 40°C. Optimal radial growth occurred between 20 to 30°C. Pathogenicity tests showed that all five Alternaria spp. were pathogenic on blueberry fruit at 0, 4, and 20°C, with A. alternata, A. arborescens, and A. tenuissima being the most virulent species, followed by A. infectoria and A. rosae. Previously A. tenuissima has been reported to be the primary cause of Alternaria fruit rot of blueberry worldwide. Our results indicated that the species composition of Alternaria responsible for Alternaria fruit rot in blueberry can be dependent on geographical region. A. alternata, A. arborescens, A. infectoria, and A. rosae are reported for the first time on blueberry in California. This is also the first report of A. infectoria and A. rosae infecting blueberry fruit.

Nonlinear optical microscopy (NLOM) was used as a noninvasive and label-free tool to detect and quantify the extent of the cartilage recovery. Two cartilage injury models were established in the outer ears of rabbits that created a different extent of cartilage recovery based on the presence or absence of the perichondrium. High-resolution NLOM images were used to measure cartilage repair, specifically through spectral analysis and image texture. In contrast to a wound lacking a perichondrium, wounds with intact perichondria demonstrated significantly larger TPEF signals from cells and matrix, coarser texture indicating the more deposition of type I collagen. Spectral analysis of cells and matrix can reveal the matrix properties and cell growth. In addition, texture analysis of NLOM images showed significant differences in the distribution of cells and matrix of repaired tissues with or without perichondrium. Specifically, the decay length of autocorrelation coefficient based on TPEF images is 11.2 ± 1.1 in Wound 2 (with perichondrium) and 7.5 ± 2.0 in Wound 1 (without perichondrium), indicating coarser image texture and faster growth of cells in repaired tissues with perichondrium (p0.05). Moreover, the decay length of autocorrelation coefficient based on collagen SHG images also showed significant difference between Wound 2 and 1 (16.2 ± 1.2 vs. 12.2 ± 2.1, p0.05), indicating coarser image texture and faster deposition of collagen in repaired tissues with perichondrium (Wound 2). These findings suggest that NLOM is an ideal tool for studying cartilage repair, with potential applications in clinical medicine. NLOM can capture macromolecular details and distinguish between different extents of cartilage repair without the need for labelling agents.

This paper presents the wind characteristics of Typhoon Dujuan as measured at a 50 m guyed mast in Hong Kong. The basic wind speed, wind direction and turbulent intensity are studied at two measurement levels of the structure. The power spectral density of the typhoon is compared with the von Karman prediction, and the coherence between wind speeds at the two measurement levels is found to This paper presents the wind characteristics of Typhoon Dujuan as measured at a 50 m guyed mast in Hong Kong. The basic wind speed, wind direction and turbulent intensity are studied at two measurement levels of the structure. The power spectral density of the typhoon is compared with the von Karman prediction, and the coherence between wind speeds at the two measurement levels is found to compare with Davenport`s prediction. The effect of typhoon Dujuan on the response of the structure will be discussed in a companion paper (Law, et al. 2006).with Davenport`s prediction. The effect of typhoon Dujuan on the response of the structure will be discussed in a companion paper (Law, et al. 2006).

SUMMARYIn recent years, the effect ofToxoplasma gondiiinfection on the cerebrum and neuropsychiatric patients has been increasingly highlighted. However, there is limited information about the epidemiology ofT. gondiiinfection in psychiatric patients in Shandong province, eastern China. Therefore, through a case-control study, 445 patients hospitalized for diacrisis or treatment in Weihai, eastern China, and 445 control subjects from the general population of the same region matched by gender, age, and residence were examined with enzyme-linked immunoassays for the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies toT. gondiiand associated sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics in a population of psychiatric patients. Seroprevalence of IgG antibodies toT. gondiiin psychiatric patients (77/445, 17·30%) was significantly higher than in control subjects (55/445, 12·36%) (P= 0·038). Fourteen (3·15%) psychiatric patients and 10 (2·25%) control subjects had IgM antibodies toT. gondii(P= 0·408). Multivariate analysis using logic regression showed thatT. gondiiinfection was associated with cats at home and consumption of raw/undercooked meat in psychiatric patients. Considering that most psychiatric patients usually have lower cognitive functioning and additional transmission routes related to their inappropriate behaviours that could enhance the risk of infection, psychiatric patients should be considered as a specific group ofT. gondiiinfection.