AIM: To determine if gene-specific DNA methylation in prospectively collected blood samples is associated with later development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS: Comparing genome-wide DNA methylation profiles...AIM: To determine if gene-specific DNA methylation in prospectively collected blood samples is associated with later development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS: Comparing genome-wide DNA methylation profiles using Illumina Human methylation 450 K arrays, we previously identified a list of loci that were differentially methylated between tumor and adjacent nontumor tissues. To examine if dysregulation of DNAmethylation patterns observed in tumor tissues can be detected in white blood cell(WBC) DNA, we conducted a prospective case-control study nested within a community-based cancer screening cohort in Taiwan with 16 years of follow up. We measured methylation levels in ninety-six loci that were aberrant in DNA methylation in HCC tumor tissues compared to adjacent tissues. Baseline WBC DNA from 159 HCC cases and 312 matched controls were bisulfite treated and assayed by Illumina Bead Array. We used the χ2 test for categorical variables and student's t-test for continuous variables to assess the difference in selected characteristics between cases and controls. To estimate associations with HCC risk, we used conditional logistic regression models stratified on the matching factors to calculate odds ratios(OR) and 95%CI. RESULTS: We found that high methylation level in cg10272601 in WNK2 was associated with increased risk of HCC, with an OR of 1.91(95%CI: 1.27-2.86). High methylation levels in both cg12680131 in TPO and cg22511877 in MYT1 L, however, were associated with decreased risk. The ORs(95%CI) were 0.59(0.39-0.87) and 0.50(0.33-0.77), respectively, for those with methylation levels of cg12680131 and cg22511877 above the median compared with those with levels below the median. These associations were still statistically significant in multivariable conditional logistic regression models after adjusting for hepatitis B virus infection and alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION: These findings support the measurement of methylation markers in WBC DNA as biomarkers of HCC susceptibility but should be replicat展开更多
Phosphor-converted white light-emitting diode(LED) lighting has gained tremendous achievements since the invention of the InGaN blue LED by Nakamura et al., who won the Nobel Physics Prize in 2014.By far, a significan...Phosphor-converted white light-emitting diode(LED) lighting has gained tremendous achievements since the invention of the InGaN blue LED by Nakamura et al., who won the Nobel Physics Prize in 2014.By far, a significant challenge comes from the thermal quenching(TQ) behavior of the present LED phosphors during the high-power LED operation or the updated laser lighting. But systematic research or review on the luminescence quenching character and/or how to realize thermally stable luminescence are lacking. Since TQ is an inherent property of phosphors, it can be diminished by different approaches.This review proceeds from the mechanism of TQ, summarizes previous researches on improving the thermal stability of LED phosphors and also discusses future research opportunities in this field. The developments of the phosphors with properties of high luminance and thermal stability, as well as the improved strategies involved,will benefit the basic researches and applications in high power lighting or high-luminance laser lighting.展开更多
Phosphor-converted white LEDs rely on combining a blue-emitting InGaN chip with yellow and red-emitting luminescent materials.The discovery of cyan-emitting(470-500 nm)phosphors is a challenge to compensate for the sp...Phosphor-converted white LEDs rely on combining a blue-emitting InGaN chip with yellow and red-emitting luminescent materials.The discovery of cyan-emitting(470-500 nm)phosphors is a challenge to compensate for the spectral gap and produce full-spectrum white light.Na_(0.5)K_(0.5)Li_(3)SiO_(4):Eu^(2+)(NKLSO:Eu^(2+))phosphor was developed with impressive properties,providing cyan emission at 486 nm with a narrow full width at half maximum(FWHM)of only 20.7 nm,and good thermal stability with an integrated emission loss of only 7% at 150℃.The ultra-narrow-band cyan emission results from the high-symmetry cation sites,leading to almost ideal cubic coordination for UCr_(4)C_(4)-type compounds.NKLSO:Eu^(2+) phosphor allows the valley between the blue and yellow emission peaks in the white LED device to be filled,and the color-rendering index can be enhanced from 86 to 95.2,suggesting great applications in full-spectrum white LEDs.展开更多
In adults, adipose tissue is abundant and can be easily sampled using liposuction. Largely involved in obesity and associated metabolic disorders, it is now described as a reservoir of immature stromal cells. These ce...In adults, adipose tissue is abundant and can be easily sampled using liposuction. Largely involved in obesity and associated metabolic disorders, it is now described as a reservoir of immature stromal cells. These cells, called adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) must be distinguished from the crude stromal vascular fraction (SVF) obtained after digestion of adipose tissue. ADSCs share many features with mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow, including paracrine activity, but they also display some specific features, including a greater angiogenic potential. Their angiogenic properties as well as their paracrine activity suggest a putative tumor-promoting role for ADSCs although contradictory data have been published on this issue. Both SVF cells and ADSCs are currently being investigated in clinical trials in several fields (chronic inflammation, ischemic diseases, etc. ). Apart from a phase Ⅲ trial on the treatment of fistula,most of these are in phaseⅠand use autologous cells. In the near future, the end results of these trials should provide a great deal of data on the safety of ADSC use.展开更多
Human neurocristopathies include a number of syndromes, tumors, and dysmorphologies of neural crest （NC） stem cell derivatives. In recent years, many white spotting genes have been associated with hypopigmentary dis...Human neurocristopathies include a number of syndromes, tumors, and dysmorphologies of neural crest （NC） stem cell derivatives. In recent years, many white spotting genes have been associated with hypopigmentary disorders and deafness in neurocristopathies resulting from NC stem cell-derived melanocyte deficiency during development. These include PAX3, SOX10, MITF, SNAI2, EDNRB, EDN3, KIT, and KITL. Recent studies have revealed surprising new insights into a central role of MITF in the complex network of interacting genes in melanocyte development. In this perspective, we provide an overview of some of the current findings and explore complex functional roles of these genes during NC stem cell-derived melanocyte development.展开更多
The location of an acute ischemic stroke is associated with its prognosis. The widely used Gaussian model-based parameter, apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC), cannot reveal microstructural changes in different locati...The location of an acute ischemic stroke is associated with its prognosis. The widely used Gaussian model-based parameter, apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC), cannot reveal microstructural changes in different locations or the degree of infarction. This prospective observational study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Xiamen Second Hospital, China(approval No. 2014002).Diffusion kurtosis imaging(DKI) was used to detect 199 lesions in 156 patients with acute ischemic stroke(61 males and 95 females), mean age 63.15 ± 12.34 years. A total of 199 lesions were located in the periventricular white matter(n = 52), corpus callosum(n = 14), cerebellum(n = 29), basal ganglia and thalamus(n = 21), brainstem(n = 21) and gray-white matter junctions(n = 62). Percentage changes of apparent diffusion coefficient(ΔADC) and DKI-derived indices(fractional anisotropy [ΔFA], mean diffusivity [ΔMD], axial diffusivity [ΔD_a], radial diffusivity ΔDr, mean kurtosis [ΔMK], axial kurtosis [ΔK_a], and radial kurtosis [ΔK_r]) of each lesion were computed relative to the normal contralateral region. The results showed that(1) there was no significant difference in ΔADC, ΔMD, ΔD_a or ΔD_r among almost all locations.(2) There was significant difference in ΔMK among almost all locations(except basal ganglia and thalamus vs. brain stem; basal ganglia and thalamus vs. gray-white matter junctions; and brainstem vs. gray-white matter junctions.(3) The degree of change in diffusional kurtosis in descending order was as follows: corpus callosum > periventricular white matter > brainstem > gray-white matter junctions > basal ganglia and thalamus > cerebellum. In conclusion, DKI could reveal the differences in microstructure changes among various locations affected by acute ischemic stroke, and performed better than diffusivity among all groups.展开更多
High chalkiness is a major problem in many rice-producing areas of the world, especially in hybrid rice （Oryza sativa L.） in China. We previously showed a major quantitative trait locus for the percentage of grains ...High chalkiness is a major problem in many rice-producing areas of the world, especially in hybrid rice （Oryza sativa L.） in China. We previously showed a major quantitative trait locus for the percentage of grains with white chalkiness （QTLqPGWC-8） in the interval G1149-R727 on chromosome 8 using a chromosome segment substitution line （CSSL）. Here, we selected the line-CSSL50 harboring the QTLqPGWC-8 allele from the CSSLs derived from a cross between Asominori （as a recurrent parent） and IR24 （as a donor parent）, which had higher percentage chalkiness, markedly different from that of Asominori. There were also significant differences in starch granules, appearance of amylose content （AAC） and milling qualities between Asominori and CSSL50, but not in grain size or thousand grain weight （TGW）. The BC4F2 and BC4F3 populations from a cross between CSSL50 and Asominori were used for fine mapping of qPGWC-8. We narrowed down the location of this QTL to a 142 kb region between Indel markers 8G-7 and 8G-9. QTLqPGWC-8 accounted for 50.9% of the difference in PGWC between the parents. The markers tightly linked to qPGWC-8 should facilitate cloning of the gene underlying this QTL and will be of value for marker-assisted selection in breeding rice varieties with better grain quality.展开更多
Background A few recent studies have reported that inflammation is associated with the prognosis of acute aortic dissection （AD）. There is, however, no systemic investigation regarding the role of plasma C-reactive ...Background A few recent studies have reported that inflammation is associated with the prognosis of acute aortic dissection （AD）. There is, however, no systemic investigation regarding the role of plasma C-reactive protein （CRP） and white blood cell （WBC） levels in predicting in-hospital clinical events of acute type AAD. Methods The levels of high-sensitivity CRP and WBC counts were systemically determined after admission in 36 patients with acute type A AD. The variations of plasma CRP and WBC levels in different time windows （admission, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 days） in patients with acute type AAD were analyzed between patients with events and without events. Results During hospitalization, five patients died, and increased levels of CRP and WBC were found in patients died with acute type A AD compared with patients survived （P 〈0.01, respectively）. Medical treatment may significantly decrease inflammatory response in survived patients with acute type A AD. Additionally, patients with complication of pleural effusion showed higher CRP and WBC levers （P=0.046, P=-0.018, respectively）. Lower WBC levels were found in survived patients treated medically （P=-0.001）. Moreover, mean CRP and WBC levels had positive correlations with aortic diameter （r=0.364, P--0.000; r=0.333, P=0.000, respectively） and age （r=0.270, P=0.000, respectively）, while negative correlations with the time from onset of symptoms to hospital admission （r= -0.229, P=0.000, r= -0.200, P=0.002, respectively）. Univariate analysis showed that age 〉65 years, CRP zl 2.05 rag/L, WBC 〉12.16×10^9/L, aortic diameter 〉48 mm, pleural effusion and diastolic blood pressure 〉105 mmHg were associated with hospital mortality. While CRP 〉12.05 mg/L, WBC ≥12.16×10^9/L, aortic diameter 〉48 mm were strongly associated with hospital mortality in multiple Logistic regression analysis. Conclusions The results suggested that CRP and WBC were preferred markers for predicting the clinical events in patients with acute ty展开更多
Background In clinical practice, the mechanisms underlying chronic post-surgical pain （CPSP） remain insufficiently understood. The primary goals of this study were to determine the incidence of chronic pain after th...Background In clinical practice, the mechanisms underlying chronic post-surgical pain （CPSP） remain insufficiently understood. The primary goals of this study were to determine the incidence of chronic pain after thoracic surgery and to identify possible risk factors associated with the development of chronic post-thoracotomy pain in Chinese patients. The secondary goal was to determine whether the difference between pre- and post-operative white blood cell （WBC） counts could predict the prevalence of CPSP after thoracotomy. The impact of chronic pain on daily life was also investigated. Methods We contacted by phone 607 patients who had undergone thoracotomy at our hospital during the period February 2009 to May 2010. Statistical comparisons were made between patients with or without CPSP. Results Results were ultimately analyzed from 466 qualified patients. The overall incidence of CPSP was 64.5%. Difference between pre- and post-operative WBC counts differed significantly between patients with or without CPSP （P 〈0.001） and was considered as an independent risk factor for the development of CPSP following thoracotomy （P 〈0.001）. Other predictive factors for chronic pain included younger age （〈60 years, P 〈0.001）, diabetes mellitus （P=0.023）, acute post-operative pain （P=0.005） and the duration of chest tube drainage （P 〈0.001）. At the time of interviews, the pain resulted in at least moderate restriction of daily activities in 15% of the patients, of which only 16 patients had paid a visit to the doctor and only three of them were satisfied with the therapeutic effects, Conclusions Chronic pain is common after thoracotomy. WBC count may be a new independent risk factoring surgical patients during peri-operative period. Besides, age, diabetes mellitus, acute post-operative pain, and duration of chest tube drainage may also play a role in chronic post-surgical pain occurrence.展开更多
To date,most current reports on the development and optimization of artificial lighting sources have focused on the energy performance levels and limited color qualities of white light-emitting diodes(LEDs).However,th...To date,most current reports on the development and optimization of artificial lighting sources have focused on the energy performance levels and limited color qualities of white light-emitting diodes(LEDs).However,these properties are insufficient in terms of representing all performance levels required when adjusting white LEDs for healthy and smart lighting.Here,we introduce essential and advanced figures of merit pertaining to circadian performance as well as vision performance and color quality.We compare all possible properties of commercialized artificial lighting,daylight and four-package white LEDs which consist of long-wavelength pass dichroic filter(LPDF)-capped,phosphor-converted red,amber and green LEDs(pc-LEDs)and a blue LED.We show that these tunable four-package white LEDs produce a tunable circadian effect for melatonin suppression/secretion,a high color quality for color perception/reproduction,high efficiency for energy savings and tunable figures of merit for the smart LED lighting market.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate whether total splenic artery embolization(TSAE) for patients with hypersplenism delivers better long-term outcomes than partial splenic embolization(PSE).METHODS:Sixty-one patients with hypersplenism e...AIM:To evaluate whether total splenic artery embolization(TSAE) for patients with hypersplenism delivers better long-term outcomes than partial splenic embolization(PSE).METHODS:Sixty-one patients with hypersplenism eligible for TSAE(n = 27,group A) or PSE(n = 34,group B) were enrolled into the trial,which included clinical and computed tomography follow-up.Data on technical success,length of hospital stay,white blood cell(WBC) and platelet(PLT) counts,splenic volume and complications were collected at 2 wk,6 mo,and 1,2,3,4 years postoperatively.RESULTS:Both TSAE and PSE were technically successful in all patients.Complications were significantly fewer(P = 0.001),and hospital stay significantly shorter(P = 0.007),in group A than in group B.Postprocedure WBC and PLT counts in group A were significantly higher than those in group B from 6 mo to 4 years(P = 0.001),and post-procedure residual splenic volume in group A was significantly less than that observed in group B at 1,2,3 and 4 years post-procedure(P = 0.001).No significant differences were observed in red blood cell counts and liver function parameters between the two groups following the procedure.CONCLUSION:Our results indicate that TSAE for patients with hypersplenism not only delivers a better longterm outcome,but is also associated with lower complication rates and a shorter hospital stay than PSE.展开更多
The well crystalline YAG：Ce^3＋ phosphor was synthesized by sold-state method, and the temperature dependence of excitation and emission spectra of YAG：Ce^3＋ phosphor were investigated in the temperature range from...The well crystalline YAG：Ce^3＋ phosphor was synthesized by sold-state method, and the temperature dependence of excitation and emission spectra of YAG：Ce^3＋ phosphor were investigated in the temperature range from room temperature to 573 K. With temperature increasing, it was noted that the emission intensity of as-repared phosphors decreased considerably more rapidly when pumped by 460 nm than by 340 nm. The temperature-intensity curves under different excitation wavelengths were obtained using an Arrhenius function, and the corresponding activation energies were also obtained respectively. Thus, the experimental phenomenon was discussed in terms of nonradiative decay rate. The effects of as-prepared phosphors on the performance of the white LED with changing temperature were also studied.展开更多
文摘AIM: To determine if gene-specific DNA methylation in prospectively collected blood samples is associated with later development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS: Comparing genome-wide DNA methylation profiles using Illumina Human methylation 450 K arrays, we previously identified a list of loci that were differentially methylated between tumor and adjacent nontumor tissues. To examine if dysregulation of DNAmethylation patterns observed in tumor tissues can be detected in white blood cell(WBC) DNA, we conducted a prospective case-control study nested within a community-based cancer screening cohort in Taiwan with 16 years of follow up. We measured methylation levels in ninety-six loci that were aberrant in DNA methylation in HCC tumor tissues compared to adjacent tissues. Baseline WBC DNA from 159 HCC cases and 312 matched controls were bisulfite treated and assayed by Illumina Bead Array. We used the χ2 test for categorical variables and student's t-test for continuous variables to assess the difference in selected characteristics between cases and controls. To estimate associations with HCC risk, we used conditional logistic regression models stratified on the matching factors to calculate odds ratios(OR) and 95%CI. RESULTS: We found that high methylation level in cg10272601 in WNK2 was associated with increased risk of HCC, with an OR of 1.91(95%CI: 1.27-2.86). High methylation levels in both cg12680131 in TPO and cg22511877 in MYT1 L, however, were associated with decreased risk. The ORs(95%CI) were 0.59(0.39-0.87) and 0.50(0.33-0.77), respectively, for those with methylation levels of cg12680131 and cg22511877 above the median compared with those with levels below the median. These associations were still statistically significant in multivariable conditional logistic regression models after adjusting for hepatitis B virus infection and alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION: These findings support the measurement of methylation markers in WBC DNA as biomarkers of HCC susceptibility but should be replicat
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(51722202,91622125,51572023)Natural Science Foundation of Beijing,China(2172036)
文摘Phosphor-converted white light-emitting diode(LED) lighting has gained tremendous achievements since the invention of the InGaN blue LED by Nakamura et al., who won the Nobel Physics Prize in 2014.By far, a significant challenge comes from the thermal quenching(TQ) behavior of the present LED phosphors during the high-power LED operation or the updated laser lighting. But systematic research or review on the luminescence quenching character and/or how to realize thermally stable luminescence are lacking. Since TQ is an inherent property of phosphors, it can be diminished by different approaches.This review proceeds from the mechanism of TQ, summarizes previous researches on improving the thermal stability of LED phosphors and also discusses future research opportunities in this field. The developments of the phosphors with properties of high luminance and thermal stability, as well as the improved strategies involved,will benefit the basic researches and applications in high power lighting or high-luminance laser lighting.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundations of China(Grant Nos.51722202,51572023 and 91622125)Natural Science Foundations of Beijing(2172036)+2 种基金Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(FRF-TP-18-002C1)the Guangdong Provincial Science&Technology Project(No.2018A050506004)the support from the Russian Foundation for Basic Research(Grant No.17-52-53031).
文摘Phosphor-converted white LEDs rely on combining a blue-emitting InGaN chip with yellow and red-emitting luminescent materials.The discovery of cyan-emitting(470-500 nm)phosphors is a challenge to compensate for the spectral gap and produce full-spectrum white light.Na_(0.5)K_(0.5)Li_(3)SiO_(4):Eu^(2+)(NKLSO:Eu^(2+))phosphor was developed with impressive properties,providing cyan emission at 486 nm with a narrow full width at half maximum(FWHM)of only 20.7 nm,and good thermal stability with an integrated emission loss of only 7% at 150℃.The ultra-narrow-band cyan emission results from the high-symmetry cation sites,leading to almost ideal cubic coordination for UCr_(4)C_(4)-type compounds.NKLSO:Eu^(2+) phosphor allows the valley between the blue and yellow emission peaks in the white LED device to be filled,and the color-rendering index can be enhanced from 86 to 95.2,suggesting great applications in full-spectrum white LEDs.
文摘In adults, adipose tissue is abundant and can be easily sampled using liposuction. Largely involved in obesity and associated metabolic disorders, it is now described as a reservoir of immature stromal cells. These cells, called adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) must be distinguished from the crude stromal vascular fraction (SVF) obtained after digestion of adipose tissue. ADSCs share many features with mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow, including paracrine activity, but they also display some specific features, including a greater angiogenic potential. Their angiogenic properties as well as their paracrine activity suggest a putative tumor-promoting role for ADSCs although contradictory data have been published on this issue. Both SVF cells and ADSCs are currently being investigated in clinical trials in several fields (chronic inflammation, ischemic diseases, etc. ). Apart from a phase Ⅲ trial on the treatment of fistula,most of these are in phaseⅠand use autologous cells. In the near future, the end results of these trials should provide a great deal of data on the safety of ADSC use.
基金We would like to thank Dr HeinzAmheiter （NIH/NINDS） for generously contributing to the images, and Dr Laura Baxter and Dr Yingzi Yang （NIH/NHGRI） for thoughtful comments on the manuscript. We also acknowledge the support by the National Natural Science Foundation of China （30771149） and the Intramural Research Program of the National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health.
文摘Human neurocristopathies include a number of syndromes, tumors, and dysmorphologies of neural crest （NC） stem cell derivatives. In recent years, many white spotting genes have been associated with hypopigmentary disorders and deafness in neurocristopathies resulting from NC stem cell-derived melanocyte deficiency during development. These include PAX3, SOX10, MITF, SNAI2, EDNRB, EDN3, KIT, and KITL. Recent studies have revealed surprising new insights into a central role of MITF in the complex network of interacting genes in melanocyte development. In this perspective, we provide an overview of some of the current findings and explore complex functional roles of these genes during NC stem cell-derived melanocyte development.
基金supported by the Science and Technology Planned Project from Xiamen Science and Technology Bureau,China,No.3502Z20154065(to LHZ)the Joint Project for Xiamen Key Diseases from Xiamen Science and Technology Bureau,China,No.3502Z20149032(to GG)
文摘The location of an acute ischemic stroke is associated with its prognosis. The widely used Gaussian model-based parameter, apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC), cannot reveal microstructural changes in different locations or the degree of infarction. This prospective observational study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Xiamen Second Hospital, China(approval No. 2014002).Diffusion kurtosis imaging(DKI) was used to detect 199 lesions in 156 patients with acute ischemic stroke(61 males and 95 females), mean age 63.15 ± 12.34 years. A total of 199 lesions were located in the periventricular white matter(n = 52), corpus callosum(n = 14), cerebellum(n = 29), basal ganglia and thalamus(n = 21), brainstem(n = 21) and gray-white matter junctions(n = 62). Percentage changes of apparent diffusion coefficient(ΔADC) and DKI-derived indices(fractional anisotropy [ΔFA], mean diffusivity [ΔMD], axial diffusivity [ΔD_a], radial diffusivity ΔDr, mean kurtosis [ΔMK], axial kurtosis [ΔK_a], and radial kurtosis [ΔK_r]) of each lesion were computed relative to the normal contralateral region. The results showed that(1) there was no significant difference in ΔADC, ΔMD, ΔD_a or ΔD_r among almost all locations.(2) There was significant difference in ΔMK among almost all locations(except basal ganglia and thalamus vs. brain stem; basal ganglia and thalamus vs. gray-white matter junctions; and brainstem vs. gray-white matter junctions.(3) The degree of change in diffusional kurtosis in descending order was as follows: corpus callosum > periventricular white matter > brainstem > gray-white matter junctions > basal ganglia and thalamus > cerebellum. In conclusion, DKI could reveal the differences in microstructure changes among various locations affected by acute ischemic stroke, and performed better than diffusivity among all groups.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(30771325)National Key Transform Program(2008ZX08001-06)+2 种基金the earmarked fund for Modern Agro-industry Technology Research SystemJiangsu Cultivar Development Program(BE2008354 and BE2009301-3)the 111 project
文摘High chalkiness is a major problem in many rice-producing areas of the world, especially in hybrid rice （Oryza sativa L.） in China. We previously showed a major quantitative trait locus for the percentage of grains with white chalkiness （QTLqPGWC-8） in the interval G1149-R727 on chromosome 8 using a chromosome segment substitution line （CSSL）. Here, we selected the line-CSSL50 harboring the QTLqPGWC-8 allele from the CSSLs derived from a cross between Asominori （as a recurrent parent） and IR24 （as a donor parent）, which had higher percentage chalkiness, markedly different from that of Asominori. There were also significant differences in starch granules, appearance of amylose content （AAC） and milling qualities between Asominori and CSSL50, but not in grain size or thousand grain weight （TGW）. The BC4F2 and BC4F3 populations from a cross between CSSL50 and Asominori were used for fine mapping of qPGWC-8. We narrowed down the location of this QTL to a 142 kb region between Indel markers 8G-7 and 8G-9. QTLqPGWC-8 accounted for 50.9% of the difference in PGWC between the parents. The markers tightly linked to qPGWC-8 should facilitate cloning of the gene underlying this QTL and will be of value for marker-assisted selection in breeding rice varieties with better grain quality.
文摘Background A few recent studies have reported that inflammation is associated with the prognosis of acute aortic dissection （AD）. There is, however, no systemic investigation regarding the role of plasma C-reactive protein （CRP） and white blood cell （WBC） levels in predicting in-hospital clinical events of acute type AAD. Methods The levels of high-sensitivity CRP and WBC counts were systemically determined after admission in 36 patients with acute type A AD. The variations of plasma CRP and WBC levels in different time windows （admission, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 days） in patients with acute type AAD were analyzed between patients with events and without events. Results During hospitalization, five patients died, and increased levels of CRP and WBC were found in patients died with acute type A AD compared with patients survived （P 〈0.01, respectively）. Medical treatment may significantly decrease inflammatory response in survived patients with acute type A AD. Additionally, patients with complication of pleural effusion showed higher CRP and WBC levers （P=0.046, P=-0.018, respectively）. Lower WBC levels were found in survived patients treated medically （P=-0.001）. Moreover, mean CRP and WBC levels had positive correlations with aortic diameter （r=0.364, P--0.000; r=0.333, P=0.000, respectively） and age （r=0.270, P=0.000, respectively）, while negative correlations with the time from onset of symptoms to hospital admission （r= -0.229, P=0.000, r= -0.200, P=0.002, respectively）. Univariate analysis showed that age 〉65 years, CRP zl 2.05 rag/L, WBC 〉12.16×10^9/L, aortic diameter 〉48 mm, pleural effusion and diastolic blood pressure 〉105 mmHg were associated with hospital mortality. While CRP 〉12.05 mg/L, WBC ≥12.16×10^9/L, aortic diameter 〉48 mm were strongly associated with hospital mortality in multiple Logistic regression analysis. Conclusions The results suggested that CRP and WBC were preferred markers for predicting the clinical events in patients with acute ty
文摘Background In clinical practice, the mechanisms underlying chronic post-surgical pain （CPSP） remain insufficiently understood. The primary goals of this study were to determine the incidence of chronic pain after thoracic surgery and to identify possible risk factors associated with the development of chronic post-thoracotomy pain in Chinese patients. The secondary goal was to determine whether the difference between pre- and post-operative white blood cell （WBC） counts could predict the prevalence of CPSP after thoracotomy. The impact of chronic pain on daily life was also investigated. Methods We contacted by phone 607 patients who had undergone thoracotomy at our hospital during the period February 2009 to May 2010. Statistical comparisons were made between patients with or without CPSP. Results Results were ultimately analyzed from 466 qualified patients. The overall incidence of CPSP was 64.5%. Difference between pre- and post-operative WBC counts differed significantly between patients with or without CPSP （P 〈0.001） and was considered as an independent risk factor for the development of CPSP following thoracotomy （P 〈0.001）. Other predictive factors for chronic pain included younger age （〈60 years, P 〈0.001）, diabetes mellitus （P=0.023）, acute post-operative pain （P=0.005） and the duration of chest tube drainage （P 〈0.001）. At the time of interviews, the pain resulted in at least moderate restriction of daily activities in 15% of the patients, of which only 16 patients had paid a visit to the doctor and only three of them were satisfied with the therapeutic effects, Conclusions Chronic pain is common after thoracotomy. WBC count may be a new independent risk factoring surgical patients during peri-operative period. Besides, age, diabetes mellitus, acute post-operative pain, and duration of chest tube drainage may also play a role in chronic post-surgical pain occurrence.
基金This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)grant funded by the Korea government(MSIP)(No.2011-0017449).
文摘To date,most current reports on the development and optimization of artificial lighting sources have focused on the energy performance levels and limited color qualities of white light-emitting diodes(LEDs).However,these properties are insufficient in terms of representing all performance levels required when adjusting white LEDs for healthy and smart lighting.Here,we introduce essential and advanced figures of merit pertaining to circadian performance as well as vision performance and color quality.We compare all possible properties of commercialized artificial lighting,daylight and four-package white LEDs which consist of long-wavelength pass dichroic filter(LPDF)-capped,phosphor-converted red,amber and green LEDs(pc-LEDs)and a blue LED.We show that these tunable four-package white LEDs produce a tunable circadian effect for melatonin suppression/secretion,a high color quality for color perception/reproduction,high efficiency for energy savings and tunable figures of merit for the smart LED lighting market.
文摘AIM:To evaluate whether total splenic artery embolization(TSAE) for patients with hypersplenism delivers better long-term outcomes than partial splenic embolization(PSE).METHODS:Sixty-one patients with hypersplenism eligible for TSAE(n = 27,group A) or PSE(n = 34,group B) were enrolled into the trial,which included clinical and computed tomography follow-up.Data on technical success,length of hospital stay,white blood cell(WBC) and platelet(PLT) counts,splenic volume and complications were collected at 2 wk,6 mo,and 1,2,3,4 years postoperatively.RESULTS:Both TSAE and PSE were technically successful in all patients.Complications were significantly fewer(P = 0.001),and hospital stay significantly shorter(P = 0.007),in group A than in group B.Postprocedure WBC and PLT counts in group A were significantly higher than those in group B from 6 mo to 4 years(P = 0.001),and post-procedure residual splenic volume in group A was significantly less than that observed in group B at 1,2,3 and 4 years post-procedure(P = 0.001).No significant differences were observed in red blood cell counts and liver function parameters between the two groups following the procedure.CONCLUSION:Our results indicate that TSAE for patients with hypersplenism not only delivers a better longterm outcome,but is also associated with lower complication rates and a shorter hospital stay than PSE.
基金the Key Technologies R&D Program of Shandong Province (2006gg2201014)Tianjin Natural Science Foundation (07JCYBJC06400)Tianjin Education Committee Science and Technology Development Foundation
文摘The well crystalline YAG：Ce^3＋ phosphor was synthesized by sold-state method, and the temperature dependence of excitation and emission spectra of YAG：Ce^3＋ phosphor were investigated in the temperature range from room temperature to 573 K. With temperature increasing, it was noted that the emission intensity of as-repared phosphors decreased considerably more rapidly when pumped by 460 nm than by 340 nm. The temperature-intensity curves under different excitation wavelengths were obtained using an Arrhenius function, and the corresponding activation energies were also obtained respectively. Thus, the experimental phenomenon was discussed in terms of nonradiative decay rate. The effects of as-prepared phosphors on the performance of the white LED with changing temperature were also studied.
