ABSTRACT Spinal cord ischemia due to decreased cord perfusion is a devastating complication in patients with thoracoabdominal dissection following frozen elephant trunk (FET) repair surgery. However, rare occurrence of spinal cord ischemia leading to paraplegia after long-term follow-up of FET repair has been reported. Here, we describe a case of spinal cord ischemia resulting in paraplegia nine years after hybrid total arch repair with FET. Cerebrospinal fluid drainage and serial treatment were utilized to decrease intraspinal pressure and increase blood flow to the spinal cord. Three months after the onset of paraplegia and with treatment and rehabilitation, the patient recovered to walk. (FET surgery However longterm long term followup follow up reported Here rehabilitation walk

ABSTRACT Purpose: To systematically assess the effectiveness and safety of retrograde flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) versus percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in treating intermediate-size renal stones (2-3cm). Materials and Methods: PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and EMBASE were researched to identify relevant studies up to May 2018. Article selection was performed through the search strategy based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was applied to assess the methodological quality of case-control studies. Results: Six retrospective case-controlled trials were included for meta-analysis. The pooled results showed that PCNL was associated with a higher initial stone-free rate (SFR). After more complementary treatments, FURS provided a final SFR (OR: 1.69; 95% CI, 0.93-3.05; P = 0.08) comparable to that achieved by PCNL. PCNL was associated with a higher rate of overall intraoperative complications (OR: 1.48; 95% CI, 1.01-2.17; P = 0.04) and longer hospital stay (MD: 2.21 days; 95% CI, 1.11 to 3.30; P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis by Clavien-graded complication showed PCNL had significantly higher rates of minor complications (OR: 1.58; 95% CI, 1.04-2.41; P = 0.03). No significant difference was noted in major complications (OR: 1.14; 95% CI, 0.53-2.45; P = 0.73) or operative times (MD: −9.71 min; 95% CI, −22.02 to 2.60; P = 0.12). Conclusions: Multisession FURS is an effective and safe alternative to PCNL for the management of intermediate-size renal stones (2-3cm). It is advisable to balance the benefits and risks according to the individual characteristics of patients and to decide with patients by discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure.

RESUMEN Las fracturas estructurales de yacimientos tienes excelentes características fractales y autosimilares. Basados en la teoría fractal, se estudiaron las características fractales superficiales de las fallas y las características fractales de las fracturas en el núcleo del Cinturón Falla-Pliegue de la Formación Xujiahe, área central de Yuanba (China). Luego se estableció una relación cuantitativa para estas relaciones. Según las características fractales de las fallas, se predijo la zona favorable de fractura, lo que ofrece una nueva idea para el conocimiento de esta y a la vez brinda referencias teóricas para la exploración de la zona de desarrollo de la fractura durante la exploración de petróleo y gas. Los resultados muestran lo siguiente: el valor sísmico de la dimensión fractual de la falla en la Formación Xujiahe es de 1.5284; el coeficiente de correlación R2 es mayor a 0.99901; la dimensión del coeficiente de correlación de regresión lineal en el núcleo de la fractura de la Formación Xujiahe es mayor a 0.98; la dimensión fractal D puede reflejar la falla y el grado de desarrollo de la fractura, al igual que la complejidad del sistema de fractura; también puede calcular cuantitativamente la densidad de la fractura del yacimiento en el área; las áreas con capacidad mayor a 1.45 son las zonas de desarrollo de la fractura en el Cinturón Falla-Pliegue del área central de Yuanba; el grado de enriquecimiento de petróleo y gas es alta; las áreas con valor de dimensión fractal entre 0.95 y 1.45 son las zonas de fractura de desarrollo relativo; la dimensión fractal con valores menos a 0.95 son las áreas que carecen de fracturas.

ABSTRACT The reservoir structural fractures have excellent fractal characteristics, as well as self-similarities. Based on the fractal theory, the surface fractal characteristics of faults and the fractal characteristic of fractures in the core of the Xujiahe Formation in the Fault-Fold Belt of the central Yuanba area were studied, and a quantitative relationship was set up between them. Based on the fractal characteristics of faults, predictions were made of the favorable fracture zone, which provides a new idea for the research of fracture, as well as offers theoretical references for exploring the fracture development zone during oil-gas exploration. The results show the following: the seismic value of reflection fault fractal dimension of the Xujiahe Formation is 1.5284; the correlation coefficient R2 is bigger than 0.9901; the capacity dimension linear regression correlation coefficient of the fracture in core of the Xujiahe Formation is bigger than 0.98; the fractal dimension D can well reflect the fault and fracture development degree, as well as the complexity of the fracture system; it can quantitatively calculate the density of the fracture of the reservoir in the area; the areas of capacity dimension bigger than 1.45 are the fracture development zones in the Fault-Fold Belt of the central Yuanba area; the oil and gas enrichment degree is high; the areas with the fractal dimension value between 0.95 and 1.45 are the fracture relatively-developed zones; the fractal dimension with values smaller than 0.95 are the lack of fracture areas.

RESUMEN La influencia de la composición de lutitas en la capacidad de absorción del metano y el contenido de gas se analiza en este trabajo a partir de 14 muestras del pozo YS8 en la cuenca de Sichuan, al suroeste de China. Los resultados muestran que la capacidad de absorción Langmuir para las lutitas de Longmaxi es principalmente una función del contenido de Carbono Orgánico Total (TOC, del inglés Total Organic Carbon). Cuando el índice TOC es el 50 % del CH4 (capacidad máxima de absorción de la función Langmuir) es absorbido por la superficie de materia orgánica. El contenido mineral tiene un control limitado en la capacidad de absorción de las lutitas de Longmaxi. La materia orgánica también tiene un control mayor en el contenido de gas cuando el índice TOC es <1.0 %. Cuando el TOC es >1.0 %, el contenido del gas es constante, lo que indica que la preservación del gas es más importante que la generación del gas, y la capacidad de absorción de la roca. Diagramas de dispersión del TOC frente al contenido de Gas y de la capacidad de absorción Langmuir muestran que el TOC es <2.0 %, que el CH4 se alcanza tanto en gas libre como en gas absorbido y que este ocurre principalmente cuando el gas absorbido tiene un nivel TOC de >2.0 %.

ABSTRACT The influence of shale composition on methane adsorption capability and gas content is investigated using 14 samples from Well YS8 in the southern Sichuan Basin, China. The results show that the Langmuir adsorption capacity of the Longmaxi shale is mainly a function of the total organic carbon (TOC) content. When TOC is ~1.1%, 50% CH4 is adsorbed onto the surface of the organic matter. The mineral content has limited control on the adsorption capacity of the Longmaxi shales. Organic matter is also a major control on gas content when TOC content is <1.0%. When TOC is >1.0%, gas content remains constant, indicating that gas preservation is more important than gas generation and rock adsorption capacity. Scatter plots of TOC versus gas content and, Langmuir adsorption capacity shows that when TOC is <2.0%, CH4 occurs both as free and absorbed gas, and CH4 occurs mainly as absorbed gas when TOC is >2.0%.

A method for simultaneous determination of nine sulfonylurea herbicides in water and soil samples with solvent demulsification-dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic drop coupled with high perfomence liquid chromatography was established. 120 µL of 1-dodecanol as extractant and 400 µL of methanol as dispersing reagent were injected into the sample solution adjusted to pH 2.0 to extract the target compounds for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The detection limits were 0.24-0.81 µg L-1 for water samples and 2.42-8.12 µg kg-1 for soil samples, and the quantification limits were 0.79-2.69 µg L-1 for water samples and 8.06-27.04 µg kg-1 for soil samples respectively. The average recoveries were 78.9-104.8% with the relative standard derivations (RSDs) of 2.73-10.4% for water samples, and 75.5-107% with the RSDs of 5.66-12.4% for soil samples. The method had the advantages of little consumption of organic solvent, low cost and high enrichment factors.

Background: Betatrophin is a novel adipokine that provokes pancreatic β-cell proliferation and is involved in lipid metabolism. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the role of serum betatrophin in metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: A hospital-based, age-/gender-matched case control study was conducted. The serum betatrophin level was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum concentrations of 12 adipokines were measured to assess their associations with serum betatrophin, using commercial Adipokine Magnetic Bead Panel kits. Statistical analyses included bivariate correlation, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and multivariate stepwise linear regression. Results: Serum betatrophin showed a higher level in MetS patients (997.36 ± 475.92 pg/ml, p = 0.001) compared with controls (735.35 ± 526.51 pg/ml). Compared with the lowest tertile, the highest tertile of serum betatrophin level indicated an association with higher risk of MetS (adjusted odds ratio = 3.521, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.191-10.413], p = 0.023). ROC curve of betatrophin was developed to predict the presence of MetS (area under ROC = 0.682 [95% CI, 0.597-0.767], p < 0.001). Furthermore, betatrophin correlated with several parameters, e.g. age (r = 0.286, p < 0.001), body mass index (r = 0.160, p = 0.046), waist-to-hip ratio (r = 0.241, p = 0.002), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = -0.167, p = 0.037), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = -0.195, p = 0.015), fasting plasma glucose (r = 0.266, p = 0.001), hemoglobin A1C (r = 0.314, p < 0.001), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (r = 0.272, p = 0.001), and various adipokines, e.g. resistin (r = 0. 571, p < 0.001), interleukin-8 (r = 0.435, p < 0.001), tumor necrosis factor-α (r = 0.295, p = 0.011) and lipocalin-2 (r = 0.346, p = 0.003). Conclusions: This study supports that serum betatrophin plays an important role in MetS, involving the regulations of glucose and lipid metabolism and inflammation.

Introducción: la betatrofina es una novedosa adipoquina que provoca la proliferación de células β pancreáticas e interviene en el metabolismo de los lípidos. Objetivos: el propósito de este estudio es evaluar el papel de la betatrofina en el síndrome metabólico. Método: se llevó a cabo un estudio hospitalario de casos y controles según sexo y edad. El nivel de betatrofina en suero fue evaluado mediante ensayo por inmunoabsorción ligado a enzimas. Se midieron las concentraciones en suero de 12 adipoquinas para evaluar las asociaciones con la betatrofina usando los kits comerciales Adipokine Magnetic Bead Panel. Los análisis estadísticos incluyeron correlación bivariada, análisis de curva ROC y análisis de regresión lineal multivariable. Resultados: el nivel de betatrofina en suero fue más elevado en pacientes con síndrome metabólico (997,36 ± 475,92 pg/ml, p = 0,001) que en los controles (735,35 ± 526,51 pg/ml). Frente al tercil más bajo, el tercil más alto del nivel de betatrofina mostró una asociación con mayor riesgo de síndrome metabólico (odds ratio ajustado = 3,521, intervalo de confianza [IC] 95% [1,191-10,413], p = 0,023). Se desarrolló la curva ROC de betatrofina para pronosticar la presencia de síndrome metabólico (área bajo la curva ROC = 0,682 [95% IC, 0,597-0,767], p < 0,001). Además, la betatrofina mostró correlación con distintos parámetros, como edad (r = 0,286, p < 0,001), índice de masa corporal (r = 0,160, p = 0,046), índice cintura-cadera (r = 0,241, p = 0,002), lipoproteína de alta densidad (r = -0,167, p = 0,037), lipoproteína de baja densidad (r = -0,195, p = 0,015), glucosa plasmática en ayunas (r = 0,266, p = 0,001), hemoglobina A1C (r = 0,314, p < 0,001), índice de resistencia a la insulina mediante HOMA (r = 0,272, p = 0,001) y diversas adipoquinas, entre ellas resistina (r = 0,571, p < 0,001), interleucina-8 (r = 0,435, p < 0,001), factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (r = 0,295, p = 0,011) y lipocalina-2 (r = 0,346, p = 0,003). Conclusiones: este estudio demuestra que la betatrofina en suero desempeña una importante labor en el síndrome metabólico, implicando la regulación del metabolismo de la glucosa y los lípidos y la inflamación.

The strain JPL-2, capable of degrading fenoxaprop-P-ethyl (FE), was isolated from the soil of a wheat field and identified as Rhodococcus ruber. This strain could utilize FE as its sole carbon source and degrade 94.6% of 100 mg L−1 FE in 54 h. Strain JPL-2 could also degrade other aryloxyphenoxy propanoate (AOPP) herbicides. The initial step of the degradation pathway is to hydrolyze the carboxylic acid ester bond. A novel esterase gene feh, encoding the FE-hydrolyzing carboxylesterase (FeH) responsible for this initial step, was cloned from strain JPL-2. Its molecular mass was approximately 39 kDa, and the catalytic efficiency of FeH followed the order of FE > quizalofop-P-ethyl > clodinafop-propargyl > cyhalofop-butyl > fluazifop-P-butyl > haloxyfop-P-methyl > diclofop-methy, which indicated that the chain length of the alcohol moiety strongly affected the hydrolysis activity of the FeH toward AOPP herbicides.

Objetivo: Este estudo tem como objetivo apresentar a patologia do enxerto no momento da coleta e do impacto na sobrevida a longo prazo. Métodos: Os remanescentes de pontes de safena de 66 pacientes consecutivos com doença arterial coronária que receberam uma cirurgia de revascularização coronariana foram investigados patologicamente, e os fatores de risco preditivos e a sobrevivência foram analisados. Resultados: Alterações degenerativas da artéria medial, com ou sem proliferação da íntima estavam presentes em 36,8%, 37,8% e 35,6% de pontes da artéria torácica interna esquerda (ATIE), artéria radial e veia safena. Houve dois (3,0%) óbitos hospitalares e nove (14,1%) óbitos tardios. A regressão logística multinomial revelou que alterações patológicas na ATIE, dislipidemia, história de angioplastia/stent implantação coronariana transluminal percutânea e Y-enxerto foram significativos fatores de risco preditivos que influenciam negativamente a sobrevivência a longo prazo dos pacientes. Análise de sobrevida de Kaplan- Meier revelou que a sobrevivência a longo prazo de pacientes com alterações patológicas da ATIE foi significativamente reduzida em comparação com aqueles sem (74,1% vs. 91,4%, P=0,002), considerando que não foram observadas diferenças na sobrevivência de longo prazo entre pacientes com e sem alterações patológicas dos enxertos da artéria radial ou de veia safena. Conclusão: As alterações patológicas podem se desenvolver na revascularização no momento da coleta. As modificações ultraestruturais sutis e as expressões de reguladores do tônus vascular podem ser responsáveis pela patência tardia do enxerto. As alterações patológicas da ATIE no momento da coleta, em vez do enxerto da artéria radial ou da veia safena, podem afetar significativamente a sobrevida de longo prazo. Manobra não traumática da ATIE na coleta, bom controle da dislipidemia e para evitar uso de enxertos compostos pode ser útil na manutenção da arquitetura dos enxertos.

Objective: This study aims to present the graft pathology at the time of harvest and its impact on long-term survival. Methods: The remnants of the bypass grafts from 66 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease receiving a coronary artery bypass grafting were investigated pathologically, and pertinent predictive risk factors and survival were analyzed. Results: Medial degenerative changes with or without intimal proliferation were present in 36.8%, 37.8% and 35.6% of left internal mammary artery (IMA), radial artery and saphenous vein grafts. There were 2 (3.0%) hospital deaths and 9 (14.1%) late deaths. Multinomial logistic regression revealed left IMA pathological changes, dyslipidemia, history of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty/stent deployment and Y-graft were significant predictive risk factors negatively influencing the patients’ long-term survival. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that the long-term survival of patients with left IMA pathological changes were significantly reduced compared with those without (74.1% vs. 91.4%, P=0.002); whereas no differences were noted in long-term survivals between patients with and without pathological changes of the radial arterial or saphenous vein grafts. Conclusion: Pathological changes may be seen in the bypass graft at the time of harvest. The subtle ultrastructural modifications and the expressions of vascular tone regulators might be responsible for late graft patency. The pathological changes of the left IMA at the time of harvest rather than those of the radial artery or saphenous vein graft affect significantly longterm survival. Non-traumatic maneuver of left IMA harvest, well-controlled dyslipidemia and avoidance of using composite grafts can be helpful in maintaining the architecture of the grafts.

Introduction The aim of this study was to explore the environment of Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) protoscolices and their relationship with their host. Methods Proteins from the hydatid-cyst fluid (HCF) from E. granulosus were identified by proteomics. An inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES) was used to determine the elements, an automatic biochemical analyzer was used to detect the types and levels of biochemical indices, and an automatic amino acid analyzer was used to detect the types and levels of amino acids in the E. granulosus HCF. Results I) Approximately 30 protein spots and 21 peptide mass fingerprints (PMF) were acquired in the two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) pattern of hydatid fluid; II) We detected 10 chemical elements in the cyst fluid, including sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, and zinc; III) We measured 19 biochemical metabolites in the cyst fluid, and the amount of most of these metabolites was lower than that in normal human serum; IV) We detected 17 free amino acids and measured some of these, including alanine, glycine, and valine. Conclusions We identified and measured many chemical components of the cyst fluid, providing a theoretical basis for developing new drugs to prevent and treat hydatid disease by inhibiting or blocking nutrition, metabolism, and other functions of the pathogen.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a three-stage intervention to reduce caesarean deliveries in a Chinese tertiary hospital. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to assess whether educating staff, educating patients and auditing surgeon practices (introduced in 2005) had reduced caesarean delivery rates. Multiple logistic regression was used to check for a potential association between caesarean rates and rates of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). FINDINGS: The caesarean delivery rate ranged from 53.5% to 56.1% in 2001-2004 and from 43.9% to 36.1% in 2005-2011. When 2001-2004 and 2005-2011 were treated as "before" and "after" periods to evaluate the intervention's impact on the mean caesarean section rate, a significant reduction was noted: from 54.8% to 40.3% (odds ratio, OR: 0.56; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.52-0.59; χ2 test: P < 0.001). The overall drop in the caesarean section rate was significant (χ2 test: P < 0.001) and inversely correlated with the years (Spearman's ρ: -0.096; P < 0.001). Although complicated pregnancies increased after 2004, the primary caesarean section rate decreased annually by 20% on average in 2005-2011, after practice audits were implemented. Multiple logistic regression showed a positive association between the caesarean delivery rate and the rate of admission to the NICU (adjusted OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.14-1.40). CONCLUSION: Patient and staff education and practice audits reduced the Caesarean section rate in a tertiary referral hospital without an increase in admissions to the NICU.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la eficacia de una intervención en tres etapas para reducir los partos por cesárea en un hospital de atención terciaria en China. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo para evaluar si el programa educativo para el personal y los pacientes y la auditoría de las prácticas de los cirujanos (que se pusieron en marcha en el año 2005) habían disminuido la tasa de partos por cesárea. Se empleó una regresión logística múltiple para comprobar la posible relación entre la tasa de cesáreas y la tasa de admisión en la unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales (UCIN). RESULTADOS: La tasa de partos por cesárea osciló entre el 53,5% y el 56,1% entre 2001 y 2004 y entre el 43,9% y el 36,1% entre 2005 y 2011. Se constata una reducción significativa en la misma si se consideran los años 2001-2004 y 2005-2011 como periodos «antes» y «después» para evaluar el impacto de la intervención sobre la tasa media de partos por cesárea: del 54,8% al 40,3% (razón de posibilidades, OR: 0,56; intervalo de confianza, IC, del 95%: 0,54 - 0,59; χ2test P<0,001). La disminución general en la proporción de cesáreas fue significativa (χ2 test: P<0,001) y estuvo relacionada de forma inversa con los años (correlación de Spearman ρ: -0,096; P<0,001). A pesar del aumento de embarazos complicados después de 2004, la tasa de cesáreas primarias disminuyó anualmente hasta un 20% de media entre los años 2005-2011 después de haber puesto en marcha las auditorías de las prácticas. La regresión logística múltiple mostró una relación positiva entre la tasa de partos por cesárea y la tasa de admisión en la unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales UCIN (OR ajustada: 1,26; IC del 95%: 1,14-1,40). CONCLUSIÓN: El programa educativo para el personal y los pacientes, así como las auditorías de las prácticas redujeron la tasa de cesáreas en un hospital de atención terciaria sin aumentar el número de admisiones en la UCIN.

OBJECTIF: Evaluer l'efficacité d'une intervention en trois étapes pour réduire les accouchements par césarienne dans un hôpital de troisième ligne chinois. MÉTHODES: Une étude rétrospective a été menée afin de déterminer si l'éducation du personnel, l'éducation des patients et l'audit des pratiques des chirurgiens (introduit en 2005) avaient réduit les taux d'accouchement par césarienne. Une régression logistique multiple a été utilisée pour vérifier une éventuelle corrélation entre les taux de césarienne et les taux d'admission à l'unité de soins intensifs néonataux. RÉSULTATS: Le taux de césarienne variait de 53,5% à 56,1% en 2001-2004 et de 43,9% à 36,1% en 2005-2011. Lorsque 2001-2004 et 2005-2011 ont été traités en tant que périodes "avant" et "après" pour évaluer l'impact des interventions sur le taux moyen de césarienne, une réduction significative a été mise en évidence: de 54,8% à 40,3% (rapport des chances, OR: 0,56; intervalle de confiance à 95%, IC: 0,52 à 0,59; test de χ2: P <0,001). La baisse globale du taux de césarienne était significative (test de χ2: P <0,001) et inversement corrélée avec les années (ρ de Spearman: -0,096; P <0,001). Bien que les grossesses compliquées aient augmenté après 2004, le taux de césarienne primaire a diminué chaque année de 20% en moyenne en 2005-2011, après que l'audit de bonnes pratiques ait été mis en œuvre. Une régression logistique multiple a montré une corrélation positive entre le taux de naissance par césarienne et le taux d'admission à l'unité de soins intensifs néonataux (OR ajusté: 1,26, IC 95%: 1,14 à 1,40). CONCLUSION: L'éducation des patients et du personnel ainsi que l'audit de bonnes pratiques ont réduit le taux de césarienne dans un hôpital de troisième ligne, sans augmentation des admissions en soins intensifs néonataux.

The present study was conducted to obtain reference values for brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and to evaluate influencing factors of baPWV according to gender. Using automatic devices, baPWV was measured simultaneously in 2095 subjects. A total of 647 healthy subjects, none of whom presented atherosclerotic risk factors, were analyzed in the present study. Two different statistical methods were used to obtain reference values for baPWV according to subject gender and age. The association between baPWV value and gender, as well as other features, were analyzed. For male subjects, multiple stepwise analysis showed that age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR), and plasma levels of triglycerides (TG) were independent predictors of baPWV. For female subjects, age, SBP, HR, and plasma levels of uric acid (UA) were independent predictors of baPWV. In male subjects, the upper limits of baPWV values were 1497.43/1425.00, 1518.67/1513.25, 1715.97/1726.50, 1925.20/1971.90, and 2310.18/2115.00 cm/s, obtained using two different statistical methods for the age ranges of 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 and older, respectively. For females, the upper limits of baPWV values were 1426.70/1411.13, 1559.15/1498.95, 1733.50/1739.00, 1958.63/1973.78, and 2720.80/2577.00 cm/s for the age ranges of 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 and older, respectively. Aging is the most important influencing factor for baPWV value and its effect is more prominent in females. The reference values of baPWV according to age and gender may be useful for the clinical diagnosis and preventive therapy of cardiovascular diseases.

Alu repeats or Line-1-ORF2 (ORF2) inhibit expression of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene when inserted downstream of this gene in the vector pEGFP-C1. In this work, we studied cis-acting elements that eliminated the repression of GFP gene expression induced by Alu and ORF2 and sequence characteristics of these elements. We found that sense and antisense PolyA of simian virus 40 (SV40PolyA, 240 bp) eliminated the repression of GFP gene expression when inserted between the GFP gene and the Alu (283 bp) repeats or ORF2 (3825 bp) in pAlu14 (14 tandem Alu repeats were inserted downstream of the GFP gene in the vector pEGFP-C1) or pORF2. Antisense SV40PolyA (PolyAas) induced stronger gene expression than its sense orientation (PolyA). Of four 60-bp segments of PolyAas (1F1R, 2F2R, 3F3R and 4F4R) inserted independently into pAlu14, only two (2F2R and 3F3R) eliminated the inhibition of GFP gene expression induced by Alu repeats. Deletion analysis revealed that a 17 nucleotide AT repeat (17ntAT; 5'-AAAAAAATGCTTTATTT-3') in 2F2R and the fragment 3F38d9 (5'-ATAAACAAGTTAACAACA ACAATTGCATT-3') in 3F3R were critical sequences for activating the GFP gene. Sequence and structural analyses showed that 17ntAT and 3F38d9 included imperfect palindromes and may form a variety of unstable stem-loops. We suggest that the presence of imperfect palindromes and unstable stem-loops in DNA enhancer elements plays an important role in GFP gene activation.

Psoriasis vulgaris is defined by a series of linked cellular changes in the skin: hyperplasia of epidermal keratinocytes, vascular hyperplasia and ectasia, and infiltration of T lymphocytes, neutrophils and other types of leukocytes in the affected skin. Catechol-O-methyltransferase ( COMT ) 158 polymorphism can reduce the activity of the COMT enzyme that may trigger defective differentiation of keratinocytes in psoriasis. Immunocytes can degrade and inactivate catecholamines via monamine oxidase (MAO) and COMT in the cells. We hypothesized that the COMT-158 G > A polymorphism was associated with the risk of psoriasis vulgaris in Han Chinese people. In a hospital-based case-control study, 524 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 549 psoriasis-free controls were studied. COMT-158 G > A polymorphism was genotyped using the PCR sequence-specific primer (PCR-SSP) technique. We found no statistically significant association between the COMT-158 allele A and the risk of psoriasis vulgaris (p = 0.739 adjusted OR = 1.03; 95% CI = 0.81-1.31). This suggests that the COMT-158 G > A polymorphism may not contribute to the etiology of psoriasis vulgaris in the Han Chinese population.