Forest yield prediction under different climate change scenarios using data intelligent models in Pakistan

Abstract This study aimed to develop and evaluate data driven models for prediction of forest yield under different climate change scenarios in the Gallies forest division of district Abbottabad, Pakistan. The Random Forest (RF) and Kernel Ridge Regression (KRR) models were developed and evaluated using yield data of two species (Blue pine and Silver fir) as an objective variable and climate data (temperature, humidity, rainfall and wind speed) as predictive variables. Prediction accuracy of both the models were assessed by means of root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), correlation coefficient (r), relative root mean squared error (RRMSE), Legates-McCabes (LM), Willmotts index (WI) and Nash-Sutcliffe (NSE) metrics. Overall, the RF model outperformed the KRR model due to its higher accuracy in forecasting of forest yield. The study strongly recommends that RF model should be applied in other regions of the country for prediction of forest growth and yield, which may help in the management and future planning of forest productivity in Pakistan.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver e avaliar modelos baseados em dados para previsão da produção florestal em diferentes cenários de mudanças climáticas na divisão florestal Gallies do distrito de Abbottabad, Paquistão. Os modelos Random Forest (RF) e Kernel Ridge Regression (KRR) foram desenvolvidos e avaliados usando dados de produção de duas espécies (pinheiro-azul e abeto-prateado) como uma variável objetiva e dados climáticos (temperatura, umidade, precipitação e velocidade do vento) como preditivos variáveis. A precisão da previsão de ambos os modelos foi avaliada por meio de erro quadrático médio (RMSE), erro absoluto médio (MAE), coeficiente de correlação (r), erro quadrático médio relativo (RRMSE), Legates-McCabes (LM), índice de Willmott (WI) e métricas Nash-Sutcliffe (NSE). No geral, o modelo RF superou o modelo KRR devido à sua maior precisão na previsão do rendimento florestal. O estudo recomenda fortemente que o modelo RF seja aplicado em outras regiões do país para previsão do crescimento e produtividade florestal, o que pode ajudar no manejo e planejamento futuro da produtividade florestal no Paquistão.

Forest yield prediction under different climate change scenarios using data intelligent models in Pakistan / Previsão de produção florestal em diferentes cenários de mudanças climáticas usando modelos inteligentes de dados no Paquistão

Abstract This study aimed to develop and evaluate data driven models for prediction of forest yield under different climate change scenarios in the Gallies forest division of district Abbottabad, Pakistan. The Random Forest (RF) and Kernel Ridge Regression (KRR) models were developed and evaluated using yield data of two species (Blue pine and Silver fir) as an objective variable and climate data (temperature, humidity, rainfall and wind speed) as predictive variables. Prediction accuracy of both the models were assessed by means of root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), correlation coefficient (r), relative root mean squared error (RRMSE), Legates-McCabe's (LM), Willmott's index (WI) and Nash-Sutcliffe (NSE) metrics. Overall, the RF model outperformed the KRR model due to its higher accuracy in forecasting of forest yield. The study strongly recommends that RF model should be applied in other regions of the country for prediction of forest growth and yield, which may help in the management and future planning of forest productivity in Pakistan.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver e avaliar modelos baseados em dados para previsão da produção florestal em diferentes cenários de mudanças climáticas na divisão florestal Gallies do distrito de Abbottabad, Paquistão. Os modelos Random Forest (RF) e Kernel Ridge Regression (KRR) foram desenvolvidos e avaliados usando dados de produção de duas espécies (pinheiro-azul e abeto-prateado) como uma variável objetiva e dados climáticos (temperatura, umidade, precipitação e velocidade do vento) como preditivos variáveis. A precisão da previsão de ambos os modelos foi avaliada por meio de erro quadrático médio (RMSE), erro absoluto médio (MAE), coeficiente de correlação (r), erro quadrático médio relativo (RRMSE), Legates-McCabe's (LM), índice de Willmott (WI) e métricas Nash-Sutcliffe (NSE). No geral, o modelo RF superou o modelo KRR devido à sua maior precisão na previsão do rendimento florestal. O estudo recomenda fortemente que o modelo RF seja aplicado em outras regiões do país para previsão do crescimento e produtividade florestal, o que pode ajudar no manejo e planejamento futuro da produtividade florestal no Paquistão.

Study on RF Heating of Implants in Different Conductivity Medium / 中国医疗器械杂志

In MRI examination, RF heating of implants will affect the safety of implant wearers. The conductivity of various tissues in the human body is significantly different, and the medium conductivity will affect the distribution of the RF electric field. Therefore, it is necessary to study the RF heating of different medium conductivity. Based on the analysis of the principle of MRI RF heating, this study build the model of the bird cage coil, ASTM standard phantom and lead, and the conductivity of several typical human tissues is selected as the conductivity in the experiment. Then calculate the power deposition of the lead at 64 MHz. The results show that the medium conductivity has no effect on the distribution of electric field and power deposition, and the hot spot distribution remains unchanged under different conductivity; The smaller the conductivity is, the larger the power deposition of the lead is, and the greater the temperature rise of the lead caused by RF heating is; The change of conductivity and power deposition is approximately linear. At the limit of 2 W/kg whole body specific absorption rate(SAR), the conductivity decreases, and the wire power deposition increases sharply.

Ablação septal com cateteres e radiofrequência guiada pela ecocardiografia para tratamento de pacientes com cardiomiopatia hipertrófica obstrutiva: experiência inicial / Septal ablation with radiofrequency catheters guided by echocardiography for treatment of patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: initial experience

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can cause obstruction in the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), and be responsible for the onset of limiting symptoms, such as tiredness. When such symptoms are refractory to pharmacological treatment, interventionist alternative therapies can be useful, such as septal ablation through the infusion of alcohol in the coronary artery or through myectomy. Recently, the use of a radiofrequency (RF) catheter for endocardial septal ablation guided by electroanatomic mapping has proven to be efficient, despite the high incidence of complete atrioventricular block. An alternative would be the application of RF at the beginning point of the septal gradient guided by the transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The echocardiography is an imaging method with high accuracy to determine septal anatomy. OBJECTIVE: To assess the long term effect of septal ablation for the relief of ventricular-arterial gradient, using TEE to help place the catheter in the area of larger septal obstruction. Besides, to assess the effects of ablation on the functional class and echocardiographic parameters. METHODS: Twelve asymptomatic patients, with LVOT obstruction, refractory to pharmacological therapy, underwent endocardial septal ablation with 8mm-tip catheters, whose placement was oriented in the region of larger obstruction, assisted by the TEE. Temperature-controlled and staggered RF applications were performed. After each application, the gradient was reassessed and a new application was performed according to the clinical criterion. The effects of RF applications were assessed both for the gradient at rest and for that provoked by the Valsalva maneuver, and considering the gradient. The differences were significant when p-value was lower than or equal to 0.05. RESULTS: It was possible to observe that the mean reduction of the maximum gradients was from 96.8±34.7 mmHg to 62.7±25.4 mmHg three months after the procedure (p=0.0036). After one year, the mean of maximum gradient was 36.1±23.8 mmHg (p=0.0001). The procedure was well tolerated, without records of complete atrioventricular block nor severe complications. CONCLUSION: The TEE-guided septal ablation was efficient and safe, and the results were maintained during the clinical follow-up period. It is a reasonable option for the interventionist treatment of LVOT obstruction in HCM.

FUNDAMENTOS: A cardiomiopatia hipertrófica (CMH) pode causar obstrução da via de saída do ventrículo esquerdo (VSVE) e ser responsável pelo surgimento de sintomas limitantes, como cansaço físico. Quando tais sintomas são refratários ao tratamento farmacológico, os tratamentos alternativos intervencionistas podem ser úteis, como a ablação septal por meio da infusão de álcool na artéria coronária ou por meio da miectomia cirúrgica. Recentemente, o uso de cateter de radiofrequência (RF) para ablação do septo endocárdico guiado por mapeamento eletroanatômico mostrou-se eficaz apesar da elevada incidência de bloqueio atrioventricular total. Uma alternativa seria a aplicação de radiofrequência no ponto de início do gradiente septal guiada pelo ecocardiograma transesofágico (ETE). O ecocardiograma é um método de imagem com elevada acurácia para determinação da anatomia septal. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito em longo prazo da ablação septal para alívio do gradiente ventrículo-arterial, utilizando o ETE para auxiliar no posicionamento do cateter na área de maior obstrução septal. Avaliar também os efeitos da ablação na classe funcional e parâmetros ecocardiográficos. MÉTODOS: Doze pacientes sintomáticos com obstrução da VSVE, refratários à terapia farmacológica, foram submetidos à ablação endocárdica septal com cateteres com ponta de 8 mm, cujo posicionamento foi orientado na região de maior obstrução com auxílio do ETE. Foram realizadas aplicações de radiofrequência (RF) termocontrolada e escalonadas sobre a área alvo. Após cada aplicação, o gradiente era reavaliado e nova aplicação era realizada de acordo com critério clínico. Foram avaliados os efeitos das aplicações de RF tanto para o gradiente em repouso como para o provocado por meio da manobra de Valsalva, e considerado o gradiente. As diferenças foram significativas quando o valor de p foi menor ou igual a 0,05. RESULTADOS: Observou-se que a redução da média dos gradientes máximos obtidos foi de 96,8±34,7 mmHg para 62,7±25,4 mmHg ao final de três meses do procedimento (p=0,0036). Após um ano, a média dos gradientes máximos obtidos foi de 36,1±23,8 mmHg (p=0,0001). O procedimento foi bem tolerado e não houve registro de bloqueio atrioventricular total e nem complicações graves. CONCLUSÃO: A ablação septal guiada pelo ETE foi eficaz e segura, com resultados mantidos durante o período de seguimento clínico. É uma opção razoável para o tratamento intervencionista da obstrução da VSVE em CMH.

Matrix effect on the determination of Potency in Recombinant Coagulation Factor Ⅷ for injection / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the matrix effect on the determination of potency in Recombinant Human Coagulation Factor Ⅷ for Injection (rFⅧ). 【Methods】 Two different detection matrices were used to establish two methods for detecting the potency in Recombinant Human Coagulation Factor Ⅷ for Injection. And the matrix effect on the determination of potency was determined, including specificity, linearity, repeatability, accuracy and intermediate precision. 【Results】 As to the specificity, the recoveries of the two substrates at high vs low concentration level were 112% and 110% vs 104% and 109%, respectively. As to the linearity, in the range of (0.125-1.000) IU/mL, the correlation coefficient between concentration and coagulation time of standard/ sample was higher than 0.99. As to the accuracy/repeatability, the recoveries of two matrices was 104% and 102%, and RSD was 2.4% and 1.9%. As to the intermediate precision, personnel factor of two matrices was 0.72 and 0.23, date factor was 0.79 and 0.85, and RSD(for 12 times) was 4.2% and 3.0%. Comparison of two matrices was as follows: Deviation in test results of 6 batches of rFⅧ was all lower than 5%. There was no significant difference between two matrices. 【Conclusion】 The two matrices for potency detection show good performance including specificity, linearity, repeatability, accuracy, and intermediate precision. They are suitable for the determination of potency in rFⅧ products.

Prediction of plasma protein binding rate based on machine learning / 中国药科大学学报

@#Predicting the protein binding rate of drugs in plasma is helpful to us in understanding the pharmacokinetic characteristics of drugs, with much value of reference for early research on drug discovery. In this study, plasma protein binding rate information of 2 452 clinical drugs were collected.Two pieces of software, Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) and Mordred, were used to calculate molecular descriptors, which were used as input features of the model.Extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) algorithm and random forest (RF) algorithm were then used to build a machine learning model.The results showed that, compared with MOE, the prediction performance of the constructed model was better using the molecular descriptor calculated by Mordred as the input of the model.The prediction performance results of the model constructed using the XGBoost algorithm and the RF algorithm were similar, and the R2 of the optimal model were both 0.715.According to the research results, it can be concluded that the drug plasma protein binding rate is closely related to some physical and chemical properties of the drug molecule, such as water solubility, octanol/water partition coefficient and conjugated double bonds.Using these parameters to predict the plasma protein binding rate of drugs has the advantages of convenience and efficiency, which can provide reference for related pharmacokinetic studies.

Ultrasound evaluation of the carotid artery elasticity in the first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus by RF-data based quantitative analysis on vessel stiffness / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the carotid artery elasticity in the first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods:Ninety first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes who received treatment in the Department of Endocrinology of Henan Provincial People′s Hospital from October 2020 to June 2021 were randomly selected and designated as having a positive family history. Depending on the parental history of diabetes they were divided into three groups: 31 cases of family history positive in father (F), 31 cases of family history positive in mother (M) and 28 cases of family history positive in both father and mother (B). Thirty cases with matched age, height and weight without any history of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and coronary atherosclerotic heart disease in their parents designated as control group were taken for comparison. Real-time intima-media thickness (RIMT) and R-VQS were employed to evaluate common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), distance (Dist), diameter (Diam), hardness coefficient (HC) and pulse wave velocity (PWV). The differences among the groups were compared.Results:①There was no statistical significance in Diam among the four groups ( P>0.05). ②Compared with the control group, the IMT, PWV and HC in subjects with positive family history were increased, while Dist was decreased ( P<0.05). ③Paired comparison of the subjects with positive family history: the IMT, PWV and HC in B group were higher than in F and M group, and Dist was lower than in F and M group ( P<0.05). The PWV and HC in M group were higher than in F group, and Dist was lower than in F group ( P<0.05). There was no statistical significance in IMT between the F and M groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Carotid artery stiffness in the cases with positive family history is significantly higher than the control group. The decrease of carotid elasticity in B group is the most serious, M group takes the second place, while the F group is the least.

Verification of atmospheric plasma irradiation as an alternative control method for Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) / Verificação da irradiação plasmática atmosférica como método alternativo de controle para Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)

Abstract Radio frequency plasma, RF plasma, has been applied to a number of industrial applications. Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the RF plasma potential in Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) control. Three treatment variables: (1) helium or argon plasmas; (2) two power levels (50 and 100 watt); and (3) different RF plasma exposure times (0, 20, 40, 60 and 90 seconds) were examined in this study. The susceptibility of T. castaneum to treatment varies as gas, power level, and the exposure time varies. A positive correlation was found between insect mortality percent in treating larvae as well as treated pupae and exposure time to RF plasma and also the power level of irradiation. The results revealed that no live insects were found after a 90 second, 100 watt helium RF plasma treatment. The survival percents of the adults were developed from treated larvae and treated pupae were significantly reduced by increasing of the exposure time or power level. Obtained data indicated that the treatment with RF plasma might be considered as an environmentally compatible or alternative supplement to the other control methods for stored product-pests management.

Resumo Plasma de radiofrequência, plasma de RF, tem sido empregado em diversas aplicações industriais. Experimentos de laboratório foram conduzidos para determinar o potencial de plasma de RF no controle de Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). Foram examinados nesse estudo três variáveis ​​de tratamento: (1) plasma de hélio ou argônio; (2) dois níveis de potência (50 e 100 watts); e (3) diferentes tempos de exposição ao plasma de RF (0, 20, 40, 60 e 90 segundos). A suscetibilidade do T. castaneum ao tratamento varia conforme o gás, o nível de energia e o tempo de exposição. Foi encontrada uma correlação positiva dentre a porcentagem de mortalidade de insetos no tratamento de larvas, bem como as pupas tratadas e o tempo de exposição ao plasma de RF, e também o nível de potência da irradiação. Os resultados revelaram que não foram encontrados insetos vivos após 90 segundos, com 100 watts de tratamento com plasmas de hélio e RF. As porcentagens de sobrevivência dos adultos foram desenvolvidas a partir de larvas tratadas, e as pupas tratadas foram significativamente reduzidas pelo aumento do tempo de exposição ou nível de potência. Os dados obtidos indicaram que o tratamento com plasma de RF pode ser considerado como um suplemento ambientalmente compatível ou alternativo aos outros métodos de controle para o manejo de produtos-pragas armazenados.

Markers of Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by local and systemic effects of inflammation while osteoarthritis is aninflammatory degenerative disorder of joints. A wide range of inflammatory markers are implicated in pathogenesis of rheumatoidarthritis and osteoarthritis as a consequence of persistent imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory immune mechanisms,leading to chronic inflammation. Hence the present study is an attempt to estimate the levels of serum ceruloplasmin , C-reactiveprotein (CRP) and rheumatoid factor (RF) factor as inflammatory markers in serum of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritispatients and compare them with normal healthy controls. Materials and Methods: Serum ceruloplasmin was estimated byspectrophotometric method while serum C-reactive protein and RA factor were detected using agglutination test in thirty patientsof rheumatoid arthritis ,osteoarthritis and age and sex matched healthy controls each were included in the study. Results:Significant increase in ceruloplasmin was observed (p<0.0001) in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis as compared to healthycontrols and in that especially ceruloplasmin was more elevated in rheumatoid arthritis than osteoarthritis. C-reactive proteinwas found to be positive in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and none of the controls. RF factor was found positive inrheumatoid arthritis and none of the osteoarthritis and controls. Conclusion: There was increased level of serum ceruloplasmin inthe patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. C-reactive protein and RF factor was found to be positive in rheumatoidarthritis while C-reactive protein was found to be positive in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. These findings suggest apossible role of these inflammatory markers in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Safety Study of Implant Wearers in MRI RF Field Environment / 中国医疗器械杂志

The complex electromagnetic field environments in magnetic resonance imaging system(MRI) can have a significant impact on patients carrying implants, the RF heating problems being particularly important. To ensure the safety of the patients, it is necessary to understand the distribution of tissue temperature in the MRI environment and its changes over time. Based on the analysis of tissue temperature rise in MRI, this paper constructs a bird cage coil for generating RF field in MRI system, and constructs ASTM standard/improved phantom and single-cavity pacemaker finite element models, use time-domain finite difference (FDTD) to simulate. Firstly, the correctness of the simulation software and simulation method was validated according to the method of ISO. Then the distribution of the electric field, SAR and temperature field and the temperature change with time were calculated in the environment of 64 MHz, 2 W/kg. The difference in temperature rise with blood heat exchange and no blood heat exchange (standard/improved phantom) was specifically compared. The simulation results show that there are electric field and SAR hotspots near the electrode tip, the wire tail and the case of pacemaker. There are high SAR values on both sides of the phantom, and the shorter the distance from the coil, the higher the SAR. The temperature field distribution is similar to the SAR distribution; the temperature is higher in the area around the end of the wire and the case of pacemaker because the heat accumulation is higher around this area. At the same time, blood heat exchange can reduce the temperature rise to a certain extent.

Study on the protective effect and mechanism of adiponectin on hypoxic injury of retinal vascular endothelial cells / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM:To investigate the protective effect of adiponectin on hypoxia-damaged rhesus monkey choroid /retinal vascular endothelial cells(RF/6A)and related mechanisms. <p>METHODS:<i>In vitro</i> cultured RF/6A cells were randomly divided into the control group, hypoxic injury(induced by CoCl2 stimulation)group and hypoxic injury + adiponectin(5μmol/L, 50μmol/L and 100μmol/L)group. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay and optimal concentration of adiponectin was selected. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 in RF/6A cells. Reactive oxygen species(ROS)detection kit was used to detect the content of ROS in RF/6A cells. <p>RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the cell viability of RF/6A cells in the hypoxic injury group and each adiponectin pretreatment group decreased(all <i>P</i><0.01). Compared with the hypoxic injury group, the cell viability of RF/6A cells in each adiponectin pretreatment group was significantly increased(all <i>P</i><0.05), and adiponectin of 50μmol/L was the appropriate protective concentration. Compared with the control group, the viability of RF/6A cells decreased, the protein expression level of Bax increased, the protein expression level of Bcl-2 decreased, and the content of ROS increased in the hypoxic injury group(all <i>P</i><0.01). Compared with the hypoxic injury group, the viability RF/6A cells increased, the expression level of Bax decreased, the expression level of Bcl-2 increased, and the content of ROS decreased in the adiponectin pretreatment group(all <i>P</i><0.01).<p>CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that adiponectin can significantly alleviate retinal vascular endothelial cell damage and apoptosis caused by hypoxia, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of oxidative stress by adiponectin.

Environmental Risk Assessment of Glufosinate-Tolerant Genetically Modified Oilseed Rape MS8, RF3 and MS8 x RF3 for Import, Processing and Feed Uses under Directive 2001/18/EC (Notification C/BE/96/01)

In preparation for a legal implementation of EU-regulation 1829/2003, the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM) has been requested by the Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management to conduct final environmental risk assessments for all genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and products containing or consisting of GMOs that are authorized in the European Union under Directive 2001/18/EC or Regulation 1829/2003/EC. The request covers scope(s) relevant to the Gene Technology Act. The request does not cover GMOs that VKM already has conducted its final risk assessments on. However, the Directorate requests VKM to consider whether updates or other changes to earlier submitted assessments are necessary. The genetically modified, glufosinate-tolerant oilseed rape lines MS8, RF3 and MS8 x RF3 (Notification C/BE/96/01) are approved under Directive 2001/18/EC for import and processing for feed and industrial purposes since 26 March 2007 (Commission Decision 2007/232/EC). In addition, processed oil from genetically modified oilseed rape derived from MS8, RF3 and MS8 x RF3 were notified as existing food according to Art. 5 of Regulation (EC) No 258/97 on novel foods and novel food ingredients in November 1999. Existing feed and feed products containing, consisting of or produced from MS8, RF3 and MS8 x RF3 were notified according to Articles 8 and 20 of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 and were placed on the market in January 2000. An application for renewal of the authorisation for continued marketing of existing food, food ingredients and feed materials produced from MS8, RF3 and MS8 x RF3 was submitted within the framework of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 in June 2007 (EFSA/GMO/RX/MS8/RF3). In addition, an application covering food containing or consisting of, and food produced from or containing ingredients produced from oilseed rape MS8, RF3 and MS8 x RF3 (with the exception of processed oil) was delivered by Bayer CropScience in June 2010 (EFSA/GMO/BE/2010/81). The VKM GMO Panel has previously issued a scientific opinion related to the notification C/BE/96/01 for the placing on the market of the oilseed rape lines for import, processing and feed uses (VKM 2008). The health and environmental risk assessment was commissioned by the Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management in connection with the national finalisation of the procedure of the notification C/BE/96/01 in 2008. Due to the publication of updated guidelines for environmental risk assessments of genetically modified plants and new scientific literature, the VKM GMO Panel has decided to deliver an updated environmental risk assessment of oilseed rape MS8, RF3 and MS8 x RF3. A scientific opinion on an application for the placing on the market of MS8/RF3 for food containing or consisting of, and food produced from or containing ingredients produced from MS8/RF3 (with the exception of processed oil) (EFSA/GMO/BE/2010/81) have also been submitted by the VKM GMO Panel (VKM 2012). The environmental risk assessment of the oilseed rape MS8, RF3 and MS8 x RF3 is based on information provided by the notifier in the applications EFSA/GMO/RX/MS8/RF3, EFSA/GMO/BE/2010/8, the notification C/BE/96/01, and scientific comments from EFSA and other member states made available on the EFSA website GMO Extranet. The risk assessment also considered other peer-reviewed scientific literature as relevant. The VKM GMO Panel has evaluated MS8, RF3 and MS8 x RF3 with reference to its intended uses in the European Economic Area (EEA), and according to the principles described in the Norwegian Gene Technology Act and regulations relating to impact assessment pursuant to the Gene Technology Act, Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms, and Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 on genetically modified food and feed. The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety has also decided to take account of the appropriate principles described in the EFSA guidelines for the risk assessment of GM plants and derived food and feed (EFSA 2006, 2011a), the environmental risk assessment of GM plants (EFSA 2010), the selection of comparators for the risk assessment of GM plants (EFSA 2011b), and for the post-market environmental monitoring of GM plants (EFSA 2006, 2011c). The scientific risk assessment of oilseed rape MS8, RF3 and MS8 x RF3 include molecular characterisation of the inserted DNA and expression of target proteins, comparative assessment of agronomic and phenotypic characteristics, unintended effects on plant fitness, potential for horizontal and vertical gene transfer, and evaluations of the post-market environmental plan. In line with its mandate, VKM emphasised that assessments of sustainable development, societal utility and ethical considerations, according to the Norwegian Gene Technology Act and Regulations relating to impact assessment pursuant to the Gene Technology Act, shall not be carried out by the Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms. The genetically modified oilseed rape lines MS8 and RF3 were developed to provide a pollination control system for production of F1-hybrid seeds (MS8 x RF3). Oilseed rape is a crop capable of undergoing both self-pollination (70%) as well as cross-pollination (30%). Therefore a system to ensure only cross-pollination is required for producing hybrids from two distinct parents. As a result of hybrid vigor cross-pollinated plants produce higher yield as compared to self-pollinating rape. The hybrid system is achieved using a pollination control system by insertion and expression of barnase and barstar genes derived from the soil bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens into two separate transgenic oilseed rape lines. The barnase gene in the male sterile line MS8 encode a ribonuclease peptide (RNase), expressed in the tapetum cells during anther development. The RNase effect RNA levels, disrupting normal cell function, arresting early anther development, and results in the lack of viable pollen and male sterility. The fertility restoration line RF3 contains a barstar gene, coding for a ribonuclease inhibitor (Barstar peptide) expressed only in the tapetum cells of the pollen during anther development. The peptide specifically inhibits the Barnase RNase expressed by the MS8 line. The RNase and the ribonuclease inhibitor form a stable one-to-one complex, in which the RNase is inactivated. As a result, when pollen from the receptor line RF3 is crossed to the male sterile line MS8, the MS8 x RF3 progeny expresses the RNase inhibitor in the tapetum cells of the anthers allowing hybrid plants to develop normal anthers and restore fertility. The barnase and barstar genes in MS8 and RF3 are each linked with the bar gene from Streptomyces hygroscopus. The bar gene is driven by a plant promoter that is active in all green tissues of the plant, and encodes the enzyme phosphinothricin acetyltransferase (PAT). The PAT enzyme inactivates phosphinothricin (PPT), the active constituent of the non-selective herbicide glufosinate-ammonium. The bar gen were transferred to the oilseed rape plants as markers both for use during in vitro selection and as a breeding selection tool in seed production. Molecular characterization: The oilseed rape hybrid MS8xRF3 is produced by conventional crossing. The parental lines MS8 and RF3 are well described in the documentation provided by the applicant, and a number of publications support their data. It seems likely that MS8 contains a complete copy of the desired T-DNA construct including the bar and barnase genes. Likewise, the event RF3 is likely to contain complete copies of the bar and barstar genes in addition to a second incomplete non-functional copy of the bar-gene. The inserts in the single events are preserved in the hybrid MS8xRF3, and the desired traits are stably inherited over generations. Oilseed rape MS8, RF3 and MS8xRF3 and the physical, chemical and functional characteristics of the newly expressed proteins have previously been evaluated by the VKM Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms, and considered satisfactory (VKM 2008, 2012). The GMO Panel finds the characterisation of the physical, chemical and functional properties of the recombinant inserts in the oilseed rape transformation events MS8, RF3 and MS8xRF3 to be satisfactory. The GMO Panel has not identified any novel risks associated with the modified plants based on the molecular characterisation of the inserts. Comparative assessment: Based on results from comparative analyses of data from field trials located at representative sites and environments in Europe and Canada, it is concluded that oilseed rape MS8, RF3 and MS8 x RF3 is agronomically and phenotypically equivalent to the conventional counterpart, except for the newly expressed barnase, barstar and PAT proteins. The field evaluations support a conclusion of no phenotypic changes indicative of increased plant weed/pest potential of event MS8, RF3 and MS8 x RF3 compared to conventional oilseed rape. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that in-crop applications of glufosinate herbicide do not alter the phenotypic and agronomic characteristics of event MS8, RF3 and MS8 x RF3 compared to conventional oilseed rape varieties. Environmental risk: Considering the scope of the notification C/BE/96/01, excluding cultivation purposes, the environmental risk assessment is limited to exposure through accidental spillage of viable seeds of MS8, RF3 and MS8 x RF3 into the environment during transportation, storage, handling, processing and use of derived products. Oilseed rape is mainly a self-pollinating species, but has entomophilous flowers capable of both self- and cross-pollinating. Normally the level of outcrossing is about 30%, but outcrossing frequencies up to 55% are reported. Several plant species related to oilseed rape that are either cultivated, occurs as weeds of cultivated and disturbed lands, or grow outside cultivation areas t

Nucleotide sequence polymorphism in the RFL-PPR genes of potato

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is widely used for hybrid seed production in cultivated Solanaceae species. However, there is very limited information about CMS-Rf genetic systems in potato (Solanum tuberosum). Studying the CMS-Rf systems in potato is both of theoretical and practical significance due to the emergence of a new revolutionary strategy of reinventing potato as adiploid inbred line-based crop to develop F1 hybrid seed potato breeding (Lindhout et al. 2011; Jansky et al. 2016). To search for potato Rf gene candidates, the comparative genetic approach was applied. Based on similarity to petunia Rf-PPR592 gene, 38 fragments were identified in five loci of the whole-genome nucleotide sequence of the accession DM 1-3 516 R44 S. tuberosum Phureja group (https://blast.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Blast.cgi). The putative encoded mitochondrial proteins have 589–597 amino acid residues, similarto RF-PPR proteins of petunia and chili pepper and contain 14 or 15 PPR motifs. Primers have been developed flanking the most variable 782–865 bp regions of the selected loci, and polymorphism of the cloned fragments has been investigated in a subset of nine potato genotypes. The amplified fragments included seven or eight PPR motifs and lacked introns. The SNP frequencies ranged from 7.0 to 19.8% depending on the locus, while the ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous substitutions varied between 0.9 and 2.1.Positions 1, 3 and 6 were the most variable in the studied PPR motifs. Our results demonstrated that the analysed sequences belong to the RFL-PPR gene subfamily and may be considered as Rf gene candidates in potato.

Exploration on the Effectiveness of Radio Frequency Treatment and Flash Pasteurisation on Enzyme and Microbial Activity for Coconut Water Preservation

The aim of this research work is to explore the effect of flash pasteurisation (FP) and radio frequency (RF) treatment on enzyme activity, microbial activity and physicochemical properties of matured coconut water (MCW). The process conditions for FP were treatment temperature and time in combinations. The process conditions for RF treatment were different electrode position with constant current load 0.8 A. The results obtained from these treatments reveal that FP conditions had significant effect on inactivation of natural microbial flora, polyphenoloxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activity. From the results it is observed that FP at 90°C for 10 minutes is better for complete enzyme and microbial inactivation than RF treated MCW. The result is also evident that PPO has higher thermal stability than POD. From observed results the study also concludes that, FP is a better option for enzyme and microbial inactivation but RF treatment was found superior for retaining physicochemical attributes.

Effect of Different Combinations of Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix on MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in Rheumatoid Arthritis Rats with Wind-cold-dampness Arthralgia / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To observe the effects of different combinations of Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix (Qinjiao) on the ankle joint matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) model rats with wind-cold-dampness arthralgia.Method: Eighty healthy SD rats were randomly divided into 8 groups, namely blank control group, collage Ⅱ model group, wind-cold-dampness syndrome model group, positive control group, single-taste Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix group, Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix-Clematidis Radix et Rhizoma group (GC group), Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix-Taxilli Herba group (GT group), Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix-Stephanlae Tetrandrae Radix group (GS group), with 10 rats in each group. Rat model of wind-cold-dampness RA was induced through the injection with type Ⅱ collagen emulsion and wind-cold-dampness stimulation. After the establishment of the model, the blank control group, collage Ⅱ model group and wind-cold-dampness syndrome model group were given normal saline, and the corresponding liquid medicine was given to each administration group. In the experiment, the thickness of the left posterior metatarsal of rats was measured every 3 days, and the swelling degree of metatarsal was calculated. The arthritis index (AI) was evaluated on the 38th day of the experiment. The serum rheamatoid factor(RF) content of rats was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expressions of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in ankle joint were detected by Western blot. The expressions of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 mRNA in ankle joint were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR).Result: Compared with the blank group, the swelling degree, AI score, serum RF content, MMP-3 protein expression and MMP-3 mRNA expression in ankle joints of coll age Ⅱ model group and model wind-cold-dampness syndrome group were significantly increased (PPPPPPConclusion: For rheumatoid arthritis with wind-cold-dampness arthralgia, mild and warm traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a better effect than the combination of mild and cold TCM or mild TCM drugs. The experimental results are basically consistent with the principle of "treating cold diseases with hot medicine". The mechanism of the compatibility in treating rheumatoid arthritis due to wind-cold-dampness arthralgia may be related to the reduction of MMP-3, the increase of TIMP-1 expression and the reduction of articular cartilage damage.

Clinical Observation on Modified Huqianwan in Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis Liver-kidney Yin Deficiency Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of modified Huqianwan in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome, and investigate its possible mechanism. Method: A total of 184 patients with RA liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome were randomly divided into Chinese medicine group (62 cases), western medicine group (57 cases) and integrated Chinese and western medicine group (65 cases) according to the digital table method. The patients in Chinese medicine group were treated with Huqianwan; the patients in western medicine group were treated with methotrexate tablets and leflunomide tablets; and the patients in integrated Chinese and western medicine group received Huqianwan+methotrexate tablets and leflunomide tablets,with a treatment course of 12 weeks in all groups. The pain visual analog scale (VAS), swelling and tenderness scores of 28 joints (DAS28), average hands grip strength, morning stiffness time and liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome differentiation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score were compared between groups before and after treatment. The changes of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C reactive protein (CRP), immunoglobulin (Ig) G, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and rheumatoid factor (RF) were detected in all groups after treatment. Clinical efficacy, and incidence of adverse reactions such as gastrointestinal response, liver injury, leukopenia, serum glutamate oxaloacetic aminotransferase (GOT) and platelet (PLT) level changes were compared between the groups, so as to investigate the efficiency and safety of the different medicines. Result: After 12 weeks of treatment, the total clinical effective rate was 79.0%, 80.7%, and 92.3% respectively in Chinese medicine group, western medicine group, and integrated Chinese and western medicine group; the integrated Chinese and western medicine group was significantly better than the Chinese medicine group and western medicine group (PPPPConclusion: The efficacy in treating RA liver and kidney Yin deficiency syndrome shows no significant difference between modified Huqianwan and methotrexate tablets+leflunomide tablets. In the treatment of RA liver and kidney Yin deficiency syndrome, Huqianwan has fewer adverse reactions. Huqianwan combined with methotrexate tablets+leflunomide tablets is superior to that in methotrexate tablets+leflunomide tablets in treatment of RA liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome.

Study of Prognostic Significance of Anti Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease with articular and extra-articular manifestation that affects 0.5 to 1 % of total population. Aim and Objectives: To correlate Rheumatoid factor (RF) and Anti-CCP antibody in RA, to evaluate prognostic value of RF and Anti-CCP antibody in RA. Materials and methods: Retrospective study of total 50 patients admitted to our hospital from January 2018 to December 2018 was done. All patients were diagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis as per diagnostic criteria of American College of Rheumatology. All patients had symptom duration of at least one Year. Anti-CCP and lgM-RF were evaluated in all patients. Disease activity score 28 was calculated in all patients. Radiological Damage was assessed by Larsen Score. Results: Anti-CCP and RF were significantly correlated with each other and both were seen as significant independent predictors of radiological outcomes (p value 0.01 and <0.05 respectively). Combination of these two had highest risk for erosive joint damage. Conclusion: RA is more common in female. Anti-CCP antibody and RF both in combination were associated with higher probabilities of erosive disease.

Frequency-Selectable RF Ablation Treatment System / 中国医疗器械杂志

In order to support study of new radiofrequency ablation treatments and finally realize of precise conformal ablation of targeted tissue, this paper proposed a system which is able to generate radio frequency currents at different frequencies. The designed system bases on the basic principle of Class E power amplifier and uses MSP430 microcontroller as a controller and uses a touch screen as human-machine interface to design a frequency-selectable radiofrequency ablation treatment system,. The RF signals at frequencies of 230 kHz, 460 kHz, 920 kHz, and 2 000 kHz were tested to verify the feasibility of the system, and by using a tissue phantom, tested the heating ability of the RF signals at frequencies of 460 kHz, 920 kHz, and 2 000 kHz. The results show the device could well heat the tissue at the three frequencies. The study has also found that both the highest temperature and the ablation area decreases with RF frequency, when using the constant power control mode.

In-machine Fault Monitoring Mechanism and Maintainability Improvement of Varian Linear Accelerator / 中国医疗器械杂志

Through repaired the RF driver momentary oscillation stop of Varian 2300CD linear accelerator, systematically and comprehensively expounds the three state machine mode of control system and the in-machine fault monitoring mechanism involved in maintainability of Varian high energy accelerator. It proposes an improved solution to bring RF driver output into interlock system, by doing so it can avoid the control computer breakdown and improve maintainability.

T1-Based MR Temperature Monitoring with RF Field Change Correction at 7.0T

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to determine the effect of physical changes on MR temperature imaging at 7.0T and to examine proton-resonance-frequency related changes of MR phase images and T1 related changes of MR magnitude images, which are obtained for MR thermometry at various magnetic field strengths. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An MR-compatible capacitive-coupled radio-frequency hyperthermia system was implemented for heating a phantom and swine muscle tissue, which can be used for both 7.0T and 3.0T MRI. To determine the effect of flip angle correction on T1-based MR thermometry, proton resonance frequency, apparent T1, actual flip angle, and T1 images were obtained. For this purpose, three types of imaging sequences are used, namely, T1-weighted fast field echo with variable flip angle method, dual repetition time method, and variable flip angle method with radio-frequency field nonuniformity correction. RESULTS: Signal-to-noise ratio of the proton resonance frequency shift-based temperature images obtained at 7.0T was five-fold higher than that at 3.0T. The T1 value increases with increasing temperature at both 3.0T and 7.0T. However, temperature measurement using apparent T1-based MR thermometry results in bias and error because B1 varies with temperature. After correcting for the effect of B1 changes, our experimental results confirmed that the calculated T1 increases with increasing temperature both at 3.0T and 7.0T. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the temperature-induced flip angle variations need to be considered for accurate temperature measurements in T1-based MR thermometry.