Abstract Objective Our study aimed to elucidate the effect of PAI-1 (Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1) and t-PA (Tissue-type Plasminogen Activator) in tissue remodeling in nasal polyps patients. Methods Samples were streamed as early Nasal Polyps (eNP, n = 10) and inferior tissue from the same patient, mature Nasal Polyps (mNP, n = 14), and Control group (n = 15), respectively. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were applied to detect localization. Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were used to measure different levels among three groups. The mNP tissue was cultured in vitro and treated with TGF-β1 (Transforming Growth Factor-beta 1) activator, TGF-β1 inhibitor (SB431542), and PAI-1 inhibitor (TM5275); then Western blot, qRT-PCR, and ELISA were used to assess changes. Results The immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence showed that PAI-1 expression decreased in eNP and mNP, mainly in epithelium and glands. The transcriptional expression and protein level of TGF-β1/t-PA/PAI-1/Collagen1 were lower in eNP than IT while mNP group demonstrated lower mRNA expression and protein level of TGF-β1/t-PA/PAI-1/Collagen1 than Control group. In mNP tissue culture in vitro, TGF-β1 activator elevated t-PA, PAI-1, and Collagen1 with higher release of PAI-1 and Collagen1 in supernatant, whereas SB431542 suppressed above reactions; TM5275 lowered transcriptional and protein level of Collagen1 in supernatant. Conclusion Early Nasal polyps’ formation in middle meatus mucous is related with fibrillation system PAI-1/t-PA and tissue remodeling; moreover, nasal polyps’ development is regulated by TGF-β1-mediated PAI-1 reduction. Level of evidence 3b.

RESUMO Objetivos: Investigar a incidência, fatores de risco e desfechos visuais do desenvolvimento da membrana epirretiniana após reparo do descolamento regmatogênico da retina. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo de 309 olhos submetidos à cirurgia inicial para descolamento regmatogênico da retina primário sem complicações. Os exames foram realizados no pré-operatório aos 1, 3, 6 e 12 meses pós-operatórios. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos, dependendo da presença ou ausência de membrana epirretiniana. Resultados: A incidência de membrana epirretiniana pós-operatória foi de 28,5%; 42,7% desses pacientes apresentaram desenvolvimento grave da membrana epirretiniana e, portanto, foram submetidos à remoção desta membrana. A regressão logística mostrou que as lágrimas retinianas gigantes (RC: 2,66; 95% IC: 1,045 - 6,792, p=0,040) e lágrimas em ferradura (RC: 0,534; 95% IC: 0,295-0,967, p=0,039), foram preditores significativos de membrana epirretiniana pós-operatória. A coloração com acetonida de triancinolona foi significativamente associada à prevenção da membrana epirretiniana (p=0,022). Trinta e quatro pacientes apresentaram acuidade visual melhorada, ou igual, ou acuidade visual final melhor corrigida; 4 olhos foram avaliados na consulta final de acompanhamento e apresentaram redução da acuidade visual melhor corrigida. Conclusão: Nossa análise demonstra que as lágrimas de ferradura e as lágrimas retinianas gigantes representam fatores de risco para a membrana epirretiniana pós-operatória. A coloração com acetonida de triancinolona teve um efeito preventivo significativo na membrana epirretiniana no pós-operatório. Além disso, uma segunda rodada de vitrectomia pars plana, incluindo remoção da membrana, levou a uma melhora significativa da acuidade visual final melhor corrigida na última consulta de acompanhamento, embora a recuperação tenha sido limitada.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the incidence, risk factors, and visual outcomes of epiretinal membrane development following rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 309 eyes that underwent initial surgery for primary uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Examinations were conducted preoperatively and then postoperatively at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The study patients were categorized into two groups depending on the presence or absence of the epiretinal membrane. Results: The incidence of postoperative epiretinal membrane was 28.5%; 42.7% of these patients had severe epiretinal membrane development and therefore underwent the epiretinal membrane removal. Logistic regression analyses revealed that giant retinal tears (OR: 2.66; 95% CI: 1.045-6.792, p=0.040) and horseshoe tears (OR: 0.534; 95% CI: 0.295-0.967, p=0.039) were the significant predictors of postoperative epiretinal membrane. Triamcinolone acetonide staining was significantly associated with the prevention of epiretinal membrane (p=0.022). A total of 34 patients showed a better or an equal final best-corrected visual acuity; of which 4 eyes were evaluated at the final follow-up visit and exhibited a reduced best-corrected visual acuity. Conclusion: Our analysis demonstrated that horseshoe tears and giant retinal tears represent the risk factors for the postoperative epiretinal membrane. Triamcinolone acetonide staining had a significant preventive effect on the postoperative epiretinal membrane. Furthermore, a second round of pars plana vitrectomy, including membrane removal, led to a significant improvement in the final best-corrected visual acuity as per the last follow-up examination, albeit the recovery was limited.

Abstract There are many restrictions on topical medications for the oral cavity. Various factors affect the topical application of drugs in the oral cavity, an open and complex environment. The complex physical and chemical environment of the oral cavity, such as saliva and food, will influence the effect of free drugs. Therefore, drug delivery systems have served as supporting structures or as carriers loading active ingredients, such as antimicrobial agents and growth factors (GFs), to promote antibacterial properties, tissue regeneration, and engineering for drug diffusion. These drug delivery systems are considered in the prevention and treatment of dental caries, periodontal disease, periapical disease, the delivery of anesthetic drugs, etc. These carrier materials are designed in different ways for clinical application, including nanoparticles, hydrogels, nanofibers, films, and scaffolds. This review aimed to summarize the advantages and disadvantages of different carrier materials. We discuss synthesis methods and their application scope to provide new perspectives for the development and preparation of more favorable and effective local oral drug delivery systems.

Abstract Objectives Osteoblasts are derived from Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BM-MSCs), which play an indispensable role in bone formation. In this study, the authors aim to investigate the role of IRF4 in the osteogenic differentiation of BM-MSCs and its potential molecular mechanism. Methods The authors used lentivirus infection to overexpress IRF4 in BM-MSCs. The expression of IRF4 and osteogenesis-related genes were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot analysis. The osteogenic differentiation of BM-MSCs was evaluated by Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activity, Alizarin red staining, and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) staining. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP), Dual-Luciferase reporter assay and RNA Immunoprecipitation Assay were applied to confirm the regulatory mechanism between IRF4, miR-636 and DOCK9. Results The authors found IRF4 was down-regulated during the osteogenic differentiation of BM-MSCs, and IRF4 overexpression could decrease the osteogenic differentiation of BM-MSCs by specifically promoting the reduction of Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activity and down-regulating osteogenic indicators, including OCN, OPN, Runx2 and CollA1. Mechanistically, IRF4 activated microRNA-636 (miR-636) expression via binding to its promoter region, and Dedicator of Cytokinesis 9 (DOCK9) was identified as the target of miR-636 in BM-MSCs. Moreover, the damage in the capacity of osteogenic differentiation of BM-MSCs induced by IRF4 overexpression could be rescued by miR-636 inhibition. Conclusions In summary, this paper proposed that IRF4/miR-636/DOCK9 may be considered as targets for the treatment of osteoporosis (OP).

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the most useful ultrasound (US) features associated with definite neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and their prognostic values, particularly the calculated markers combined with important features. METHODS: A total of 213 suspected NEC cases were collected from the neonatal department of our hospital from January 2015 to August 2017. Each infant received both X-ray and US examinations. RESULTS: No differences were found in sex composition and delivery modes between groups. NEC-positive neonates had poorer prognosis compared to negative ones. The NEC group showed a higher frequency of abnormal signals. US showed higher NEC-related frequencies in different parameters. A variable (named predictor in US [PUS]) with five features was constructed. For NEC diagnosis, this variable provided a much higher area under the curve Q2 (AUC) (0.965) than other parameters. In this model, PUS had a cutoff value of 0.376 with a 0.900 sensitivity and 0.922 specificity. In prognosis, the closest factors were selected to draw a receiver operating characteristic curve, as well as a novel calculated variable US prognostic (USPro) marker. USPro had a much higher AUC (0.86) than other single features and showed a cutoff value of 0.18145, with 0.75 sensitivity and 0.84 specificity. This variable had a weaker power in prognosis when compared with PUS in diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The application of abdominal color Doppler US can provide high accuracy and sensitivity in NEC diagnosis and also contribute to its prognosis, without induction of radiation. Suspected neonates should be examined using this technique as early as possible.

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the relationship between vitamin D status, using circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25 (OH) D], and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) risk in a case-control study, because the association between the two is unclear in China. Materials and Methods: A total of 135 incident RCC cases were matched with 135 controls by age and sex. The blood samples were collected on the first day of hospitalization before surgery to measure plasma 25 (OH) D. Logistic regression analyses were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) with adjustment for several confounders (e.g. age, gender, smoking and season of blood draw). Furthermore, the association of RCC with 25 (OH) D in units of 10 ng / mL as a continuous variable were also examined. Results: The average plasma 25 (OH) D concentrations in RCC were significantly lower compared with those of the controls (21.5 ± 7.4 ng / mL vs. 24.1 ± 6.6 ng / mL, respectively; P = 0.003). In the adjusted model, inverse associations were observed between circulating 25 (OH) D levels and RCC risk for 25 (OH) D insufficiency (20-30 ng / mL) with OR of 0.50 (95% CI: 0.29-0.88; P = 0.015) and a normal 25 (OH) D level (≥ 30 ng / mL) with OR of 0.30 (95% CI: 0.13-0.72; P = 0.007), compared with 25 (OH) D deficiency (< 20 ng / mL). Furthermore, results with 25 (OH) D as a linear variable indicated that each 10 ng / mL increment of plasma 25 (OH) D corresponded to a 12% decrease in RCC risk. Conclusions: This case-control study on a Chinese Han population supports the protective effect of a higher circulating concentration of 25 (OH) against RCC, whether the confounding factors are adjusted or not.

Summary Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of ceftazidime-avibactam in the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections (CIAIs) and complicated urinary tract infections (CUTIs) with meta-analysis method. Method: We included six randomized clinical trials identified from Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, “ISRCTN Register” and “ClinicalTrials.gov” which compared ceftazidime-avibactam with comparison group. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager software version 5.3. Results: Ceftazidime-avibactam versus active comparisons demonstrated a statistically significant higher rate of microbiological response success on microbiological evaluable populations at the test-of-cure visit (95CI 1.10-2.38, p=0.02) and late-follow-up visit (95CI 1.09-2.23, p=0.02) for the treatment of CUTIs. Ceftazidime-avibactam versus active comparisons demonstrated a statistically significant higher rate of microbiological response success on EME populations at the test-of-cure visit (95CI 1.08-4.27, p=0.03) and late-follow-up visit (OR=1.75, 95CI 1.33-2.29, p<0.0001) for the treatment of CUTIs. Similar results were obtained at the late-follow-up visit (OR = 1.58, 95CI 1.26-1.97, p<0.0001) on microbiologically modified intent-to-treat (mMITT) populations for the treatment of CUTIs. We can find better eradication rates for E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae based on mMITT populations. In terms of AEs, SAEs and mortality, ceftazidime-avibactam had a safety and tolerability profile broadly similar to the comparison group. Conclusion: This meta-analysis provides evidence of the efficacy of ceftazidime-avibactam as a potential alternative for the treatment of patients with CUTIs, and CIAIs.

The layered double hydroxides (LDH) of Mg2AlNi and Mg3Al pillared by Keggin-type phosphotungstic acid anion (POM), i.e. Mg2AlNi-POM LDH and Mg3Al-POM LDH were synthesized by an ion-exchange method. The synthesized POM intercalated LDH compounds were characterized using various techniques such as FTIR, XRD, TGA and BET. The observed results show that the obtained catalysts retain the layer structure of LDH. Compared with the binary Mg3Al-POM LDH, the ternary Mg2AlNi-POM LDH catalyst indicated a higher thermal and chemical stability. The catalytic activity of the resulting LDH-POM was also assessed in the green oxidation of cyclohexanol with aqueous H2O2 as an oxidant. The Mg2AlNi-POM LDH showed a much higher conversion and selectivity for cyclohexanone than the corresponding Mg3Al-POM LDH catalyst.

Thermolysis behavior of the Li-Sr-Al-N-H hydrogen storage system prepared by ball milling of Sr2AlH7 + LiNH2 mixture was investigated in this paper. The results show that thermal decomposition of the Li-Sr-Al-N-H system proceeds mainly in two steps with only hydrogen desorption. The thermal stability of this system is lowered as compared to the individual starting material, resulting in the hydrogen desorption initiating from about 125 °C. In addition, about 0.91 and 1.53 wt.% of hydrogen can be isothermally desorbed within 180 min at 180 and 330 °C, respectively. The decreased thermal stability of the Li-Sr-Al-N-H system might be attributed to the chemical reactions between the starting materials during the heating process with the formation of LiSrH3 and N-containing amorphous phases.

In this study, the effects of geraniin on osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand(OPG/RANKL) in regulating the proliferation of osteoblasts and suppression of osteoclast-like cells (OLC) in OLC-osteoblast co-cultured system in vitro were investigated. Osteoblasts were cultured and identified with alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gomori stain, and mineralized nodule stain. OLCs were isolated from long bones of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and identified with tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRAP) stain. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay was used to examine the proliferation of osteoblasts, and immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization to analyze the expression OPG/RANKL in osteoblasts co-cultured with osteoclasts under the action of geraniin, respectively. Geraniin could regulate the proliferation of osteoblasts MC3T3-E1, decrease the number of OLC in OLC-osteoblast co-cultured system, and inhibit the bone resorption areas and resorption pits of OLC in vitro experiments. Geraniin could promote the mRNA and protein expression levels of OPG and suppress those of RANKL in osteoblasts. These results indicate that geraniin has a promoting effect on the proliferation of osteoblasts and an inhibitory effect on the osteoclastic bone-resorption through regulating OPG/RANKL signaling pathway in OLC-OB co-cultured system.

Abstract: A new sesquilignan effususin E (1) and a new long chain fatty enamide effususin F (2), together with eight known compounds were isolated from the medullae of Juncus effusus. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis including 1H and 13C NMR, COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and HRMS, while the structures of the known compounds were deduced from comparison of their spectral data with those in the literature. The new compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated against five human cancer cell lines (SHSY-5Y, SMMC-7721, HepG-2, Hela, and MCF-7) by CCK-8 assay, but only 1 exhibited weak cytotoxic activity against SMMC-7721 with IC50 value of 57.5 μm. Inhibitory effects of 1 and 2 on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 macrophages were also evaluated, and they were found to exhibit good inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 8.59 and 13.73 μm, respectively.

Resumen: Se elucidaron las estructuras de 1 y 2 mediante análisis espectrocópicos de RMN de 1H y 13C, COSY, HSQC, HMBC, y HRMS, mientras que las estructuras de los compuestos conocidos se dedujeron por comparación de sus datos espectrales con los de la literatura. Los nuevos compuestos 1 y 2 fueron evaluados contra cinco líneas celulares cancerígenas humanas (SHSY-5Y, SMMC-7721, HepG-2, Hela, and MCF-7) mediante el ensayo CCK-8. Solamente el compuesto 1 mostró una débil actividad citotóxica contra la línea SMMC-7721 con un valor de IC50 de 57.5 μM. También se evaluó el efecto inhibitorio de los compuestos 1 y 2 en la producción de óxido nítrico (NO) en macrófagos RAW264.7 inducidos por lipopolisacáridos. Ambos compuestos mostraron buena actividad inhibitoria con valores de IC50 de 8.59 y 13.73 μM, respectivamente.

摘要 目的 旨在确定上海地区肺结核病患者的超额死亡率。 方法 参与者是曾于2004 年 1 月 1 日至 2008 年 12 月 31 日在四家肺结核病诊所其中一家登记过的、上海市 4 个区（共 19 个区）的当地居民。我们收集了最近的肺结核病诊断的基线数据，并对 2014 年 3 月至 5 月的死亡率进行了评估。我们计算出所有参与者和子组的标准化死亡率和病死率，并采用单变量和多变量 Cox 回归模型量化各种原因与肺结核导致的共病症与死亡率之间的关联。 结果 我们登记了病患中 4569 名受试者。总体而言，各种原因导致的死亡患者的标准化死亡率为 5.2 （95% 置信区间：4.8-5.6）。男性的标准化死亡率高于女性 (6.1 比 3.0)。调整年龄和性别后，以前接受过治疗的患者（风险比：1.26，95% 置信区间：1.08-1.49）和痰涂片试验呈阳性的患者（风险比：1.55，95% 置信区间：1.35-1.78）中各种原因导致的死亡风险比明显更高。以前接受过治疗的患者（风险比率：1.88，95% 置信区间：1.24-2.86）和痰涂片试验呈阳性的患者（风险比率：3.16，95% 置信区间：2.06-4.87）中肺结核导致的死亡风险也明显更高。 结论 上海地区肺结核病患者的死亡率风险增加。及早的诊断和更加警觉的随访诊查可能有助于降低肺结核患者的死亡率。

Résumé Objectif Déterminer la surmortalité dans une cohorte de personnes atteintes de tuberculose à Shanghai. Méthodes Les participants étaient des habitants de 4 districts (sur 19) de Shanghai, enregistrés dans une des quatre cliniques de la tuberculose entre le 1er janvier 2004 et le 31 décembre 2008. Des données de référence ont été recueillies lors du diagnostic le plus récent de tuberculose et la mortalité a été évaluée entre mars et mai 2014. Nous avons calculé les rapports standardisés de mortalité (RSM) et les taux de létalité pour tous les participants ainsi que pour des sous-groupes. Des modèles de régression univariée et multivariée de Cox ont été utilisés pour quantifier les associations entre les comorbidités et la mortalité, toutes causes confondues et due à la tuberculose. Résultats Nous avons enregistré 4569 sujets dans la cohorte. Globalement, la cohorte avait un RSM pour les décès toutes causes confondues de 5,2 (intervalle de confiance (IC) de 95%: 4,8-5,6). Les hommes affichaient un RSM plus élevé que les femmes (6,1 contre 3,0). Après ajustement en fonction de l'âge et du sexe, les ratios de risque (RR) de décès toutes causes confondues étaient nettement plus élevés chez les personnes ayant précédemment reçu un traitement (RR: 1,26; IC 95%: 1,08-1,49) et les personnes à frottis d'expectoration positif (RR: 1,55; IC 95%: 1,35-1,78). Le risque de décès dû à la tuberculose était également beaucoup plus important pour les personnes ayant précédemment reçu un traitement (RR: 1,88; IC 95%: 1,24-2,86) et les personnes à frottis positif (RR: 3,16; IC 95%: 2,06-4,87). Conclusion Les personnes atteintes de tuberculose à Shanghai présentent un risque accru de mortalité. Un diagnostic plus précoce et un suivi plus attentif pourraient permettre de réduire la mortalité dans ce groupe.

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Abstract Objective To determine excess mortality in a cohort of people with tuberculosis in Shanghai. Methods Participants were local residents in 4 (of 19) districts in Shanghai, registered in one of four tuberculosis clinics between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2008. Baseline data were collected at the most recent diagnosis of tuberculosis and mortality was assessed between March and May of 2014. We calculated standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and case-fatality rates for all participants and for subgroups. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to quantify associations between co-morbidities and mortality from all causes and from tuberculosis. Findings We registered 4569 subjects in the cohort. Overall, the cohort had an SMR for deaths from all causes of 5.2 (95% confidence interval, CI: 4.8-5.6). Males had a higher SMR than females (6.1 versus 3.0). After adjustment for age and sex, hazard ratios (HR) for deaths from all causes were significantly greater in previously treated people (HR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.08-1.49) and sputum smear-test positive people (HR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.35-1.78). The risk of death from tuberculosis was also significantly greater for previously treated people (HR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.24-2.86) and smear positive people (HR: 3.16; 95% CI: 2.06-4.87). Conclusion People with tuberculosis in Shanghai have an increased risk of mortality. Earlier diagnosis and more vigilant follow-up may help to reduce mortality in this group.

ملخص الغرض تحديد الزيادة في حالات الوفاة في مجموعة من المصابين بالسل في شانغهاي. الطريقة كان المشاركون من السكان المحليين في 4 أحياء (من بين 19 حيًا) في شنغهاي، وقد تم تسجيلهم في واحدة من أربع عيادات لعلاج السل في الفترة بين 1 يناير/كانون الثاني 2004 و31 ديسمبر/كانون الأول 2008. وقد تم جمع البيانات الأساسية على مستوى أحدث الحالات التي تم تشخيصها كحالات الإصابة بالسل، كما تم تقدير الوفيات في الفترة بين شهري مارس/آذار ومايو/أيار 2014. وحسبنا نسب الوفيات القياسية (SMR) ومعدلات الوفيات بين الحالات المصابة بالنظر إلى جميع المشاركين والمجموعات الفرعية.وتم استخدام نماذج انحدار كوكس ذات المتغير الأحادي والمتعددة المتغيرات لقياس مدى الارتباط بين الإصابة بأكثر من مرض في نفس الوقت وحالات الوفاة الناتجة عن جميع الأسباب والناتجة عن مرض السل. النتائج سجلنا 4569 من الحالات محل الدراسة في المجموعة المشار إليها.وبوجه عام، بلغت نسبة الوفيات القياسية الناتجة عن جميع الأسباب في هذه المجموعة 5.2 (بنسبة أرجحية مقدارها 95%: 4.8-5.6). وارتفعت نسبة الوفيات القياسية بين الرجال مقارنةً بالنساء (6.1 مقابل 3.0).وبعد تعديل عامل العمر والجنس، كانت نسب خطورة (HR) التعرض للوفاة الناتجة عن جميع الأسباب أكثر ارتفاعًا بشكل ملحوظ لدى الأشخاص الذين سبقت معالجتهم (نسبة خطورة: 1.26؛ بنسبة أرجحية مقدارها 95%: 1.08- 1.49) ولدى الأشخاص الذين كانت نتائج اختبار مسحة البلغم الخاصة بهم إيجابية (HR: 1.55؛ بنسبة أرجحية مقدارها 95%: 1.35-1.78). وكان خطر الوفاة الناتجة عن السل أكثر ارتفاعًا أيضًا بشكل ملحوظ لدى الأشخاص الذين سبقت معالجتهم (نسبة خطورة: 1.88؛ بنسبة أرجحية مقدارها 95%: 1.24- 2.86) ولدى الأشخاص الذين كانت نتائج المسحة الخاصة بهم إيجابية (نسبة خطورة: 3.16؛ بنسبة أرجحية مقدارها 95%: 2.06-4.87). الاستنتاج يعاني المصابون بالسل في شانغهاي من زيادة خطر التعرض للوفاة. وقد يساعد التشخيص المبكر للمرض والمزيد من المتابعة الطبية الدقيقة في تقليل معدل الوفيات في هذه المجموعة.

Resumen Objetivo Determinar el exceso de mortalidad en una cohorte de personas con tuberculosis en Shanghái. Métodos Los participantes eran residentes locales de 4 (de 19) distritos de Shanghái, registrados en uno de los cuatro consultorios antituberculosos entre el 1 de enero de 2004 y el 31 de diciembre de 2008. Se recogieron datos de referencia de los diagnósticos de tuberculosis más recientes y se evaluó la mortalidad entre marzo y mayo de 2014. Se calcularon las tasas de mortalidad estandarizadas (SMR) y la tasa de letalidad de todos los participantes y por subgrupos. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión de Cox univariables y multivariables para cuantificar las asociaciones entre la comorbilidad y la mortalidad de todas las causas de tuberculosis. Resultados Se registraron 4.569 sujetos en la cohorte. En general, la cohorte tenía una SMR para muertes de todas las causas de 5,2 (intervalo de confianza del 95%, IC: 4,8-5,6). Los hombres tenían una SMR mayor que las mujeres (6,1 frente a 3,0). Tras ajustarlos de acuerdo a edad y sexo, los cocientes de riesgo (HR) para las muertes de todas las causas eran significantemente mayores en personas tratadas con anterioridad (HR: 1,26 (IC del 95%: 1,08-1,49) y personas con pruebas de esputo positivas (HR: 1,55 (IC del 95%: 1,35-1,78). El riesgo de muerte por tuberculosis también era significativamente mayor en personas tratadas con anterioridad (HR: 1,88 (IC del 95%: 1,24-2,86) y personas con pruebas de esputo positivas (HR: 3,16 (IC del 95%: 2,06-4,87). Conclusión Las personas con tuberculosis en Shanghái tienen un mayor riesgo de mortalidad. Unos diagnósticos más tempranos y un seguimiento más atento podrían ayudar a reducir la mortalidad de este grupo.

The relationship between endogenous ethylene production and natural defoliation rate was examined in sugarcane cultivars with different natural defoliation traits. Ethylene production was examined at different positions on leaf sheaths and leaf scars at various sugarcane maturation stages using gas chromatography as an external standard method. During the sugarcane maturation process, ethylene production was greatest in the 2nd leaf sheath scar, followed by the 5th and 10th, in that order. It was also greatest during the early maturation stage, followed by the mid-maturation and harvest stages. Ethylene production of the leaf sheaths and leaf scars differed significantly among the sugarcane cultivars. Cultivars that defoliate easily produced significantly more ethylene than those that do not defoliate easily. The natural defoliation rates was greatest in the harvest stage, followed by mid-maturation and early maturation stage. Correlation analysis indicated that ethylene production was positively correlated with natural defoliation rates, particularly during early- and mid-maturation stages.

Chalcone isomerase (CHI) is the key enzyme that catalyzes chalcone into (2S)-flavanol or (2S)-5-desoxidation flavanol. The full length cDNA (1050 bp) of AhCHI (Arachis hypogaea CHI gene) was cloned by large scale EST sequencing using a peanut immature seed cDNA library. Sequence analysis results indicated that it was a type I CHI gene (with the accession number JN660794). The ORF of AhCHI was 768 bp, encoding a peptide of 255 amino acids with a pI of 5.189. Sequence alignment showed that the coding region of AhCHI gene is highly conserved to compare with CHI genes from other plant species. Peanut cDNA microarray and semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis indicated that AhCHI was highly expressed in pegs. The expression level in flower and root was higher than the expression level in stem and leaf. AhCHI was expressed in a high level in seeds with a purple seed coat, while its expression was low in seed with white seed coat.