Low-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation can relieve depression and improve cognitive functioning among the elderly / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To explore any effect of repeated application of low-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on depression and the cognition of depressed elderly persons.Methods:Eighty-six elderly persons with depression were randomly divided into an rTMS group and a control group, each of 43. In addition to anti-depressant treatment, the rTMS group was given 20 minutes of 1Hz rTMS daily applied over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, five times a week for 4 weeks. The control group was given sham treatment on the same schedule. Before the experiment and after 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of the treatment, depression in both groups was evaluated using the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24). At the 4- and 8-week evaluations the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and the Trail Making Test Part A (TMT-A) were also administered.Results:Before the treatment there were no significant differences in the 2 groups′ average HAMD or WCST scores. At each subsequent evaluation both groups′ average HAMD score had decreased significantly. After 3 weeks the average HAMD score of the rTMS group consistently remained significantly lower than the control group′s average. At the 4- and 8-week evaluations both groups′ WCST and TMT-A scores had improved significantly compared with before the treatment, with significantly greater improvement in the rTMS group′s average WCST result, though not in their TPT-A result. There was no signi-ficant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the 2 groups.Conclusion:As a supplement to antidepressant treatment, right-side low-frequency rTMS can relieve depressive symptoms and improve the cognitive functioning of depressed elderly persons. It is well tolerated with few adverse reactions.

Exploring the dynamic relationship between financial development, renewable energy, and carbon emissions: A new evidence from belt and road countries.

This empirical study examines the endogenous relationship between carbon emissions (CO2), financial development, renewable energy, globalization, and institutional quality in 64 belt and road initiative countries (BRI) using a two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM) approach with panel data over the period 2003 to 2018. Furthermore, this study used (Dumitrescu & Hurlin, 2012) causality test to estimate the variables' causal relationship. The results indicate that financial development significantly increases CO2 emissions and causes environmental degradation in BRI countries. However, renewable energy and globalization mitigate CO2 emissions and improve the quality of the environment. Institutional quality was positive in correlation with CO2 emission and indicates bad governance, corruption, weak bureaucracy, and improper implementation of environmental laws cause environmental degradation. Further, the study also reports a bidirectional relationship of financial development, renewable energy, and institutional quality with CO2 emissions and a unidirectional causality running from globalization to CO2 emissions in BRI countries. This study offers policymakers insight into restructuring the financial system, energy consumption pattern, and global integration and improving institutions' quality for a sustainable environment and the economy at the national and regional levels.

Moderating the effect of globalization on financial development, energy consumption, human capital, and carbon emissions: evidence from G20 countries.

The policy debate on the financial development and dynamic of carbon dioxide (CO2) emission is topical. Globalization can affect this relationship by making financial investments in green energy and environment-friendly technology, as environmental sustainability is the primary concern for modern society. This study proposes a newly formulated conceptual framework to explore globalization's moderating role on exoplanetary variables (financial development, energy consumption, human capital, and gross domestic product) and CO2 emission. We employed Fixed Effect Ordinary Least Squares (FE-OLS), Driscoll-Kraay standard error approach (D-K), and Dumitrescu and Hurlin's (2012) panel causality test. Our sample of the study comprised full and subsamples of G20 countries (excluding the European Union) from 1986 to 2018. The results indicated that financial development and human capital decreased carbon emissions, while GDP and energy consumption substantially increased carbon emissions during the study time. Further, globalization moderated the positive impact of financial development and human development on carbon emissions. A sustainable environmental agenda is achieved by a stronger financial system, encouraging green finance, and including technical education that improves production efficiency. However, globalization moderated the negative impact of energy consumption and GDP on carbon emission. Besides, we also reported the bidirectional causal relationship of GDP to energy consumption. Our empirical research provides new insights for policymakers and governments to formulate country-based policies to protect environmental quality while achieving sustainable economic goals.

Molecular genetic analysis of two individuals with weak D variant of the Rh blood type / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the molecular basis of two individuals with weak D variant of the Rh blood type.@*METHODS@#Routine serological testing was carried out to detect the D, C, c, E and e antigens of the Rh blood group. The D antigen was further detected with an indirect antiglobulin test. The presence of Rhesus box was detected by PCR to determine the homozygosity of the RHD gene.@*RESULTS@#Both samples were determined as weak D phenotype by the indirect antiglobulin test. DNA sequencing revealed that case 1 harbored a heterozygous 208C>T variant in exon 2 and a heterozygous 1227G>A variant in exon 9; while case 2 harbored homozygous 779A>G variants of exon 5 of the RHD gene. Case 1 was determined as RHD+/RHD+, while case 2 was determined as RHD+/RHD-. The two samples were respectively named as weak D type 122 and weak D type 149 based on the rules of Rhesus Base Nomenclature.@*CONCLUSION@#D negative blood donors should subject to indirect antiglobulin testing and molecular analysis for safer transfusion.

Identification of a novel FUT1 allele of para-Bombay phenotype / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the molecular basis for an individual with para-Bombay phenotype of the H blood group.@*METHODS@#Intron 5 to 3'-UTR of the ABO gene and exon 4 of the FUT1 gene were amplified with PCR and subjected to direct sequencing. Mutations of the FUT1 gene were identified by TOPO cloning sequencing.@*RESULTS@#Direct sequencing showed that her ABO genotype was B101/O01. TOPO cloning sequencing found that this individual had three mutations of the FUT1 gene, including an heterozygous AG deletion (CAGAGAG→CAGAG) at position 547 to 552, and two C→T mutations at positions 35 (C35T) and 293 (C293T) on the other homologous chromosome. The two alleles comprised a new recombination of mutations c.35T>C and c.293C>T, and the sequence has been submitted to NCBI (No. MG597611).@*CONCLUSION@#A novel combination of FUT1 alleles with c.35 C>T and c.293C>T has been identified in an individual with para-Bombay phenotype.

A case with a novel weak D type / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To report on a novel weak D type identified in a Chinese individual.@*METHODS@#Peripheral blood sample was collected for a voluntary blood donor with weakened expression of D antigen. Routine serological testing was carried out to determine the D, C, c, E and e antigens of the Rh blood group. A D-screening kit was used to analyze the RhD epitopes. The 10 exons and flanking intronic regions of the RHD gene were sequenced. The zygosity of RHD was determined with a sequence-specific primer PCR method.@*RESULTS@#A novel RHD allele, RHD (1022T>A), was found in the subject with a weak D phenotype. Serological testing of the RhD epitopes has coined with the weak D phenotype.@*CONCLUSION@#A novel weak D allele has been identified in Chinese population.

The Effect of PM2.5 from Household Combustion on Life Expectancy in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Household fuel combustion, especially using solid combustibles (biomass and fossil fuels), for cooking and other activities produces emissions that contribute to concentrations of indoor as well as outdoor air pollutants such as particulate matter with diameter smaller than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) that deteriorate health and likely affect life expectancy (LEX). This study investigates the impact of PM2.5 from household combustion on LEX considering several covariates while controlling for ambient PM2.5 generated by other sectors. The generalized method of moments (GMM) model and the panel cointegration model were applied to a dataset of 43 Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries over the time period of 1995-2010. Both approaches provide similar results indicating that household PM2.5 is significantly and negatively associated with higher aggregate LEX in the long-run, and, to a greater degree for female's. Also, among the control variables, PM2.5 from the transport sector has a greater influence on male's LEX. Thus, efforts should be combined to reduce household PM2.5 since lower levels are associated with increased LEX.

Identification of a novel Ax allele of the ABO blood group / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the molecular basis for an individual with Ax28 phenotype of the ABO subtype.@*METHODS@#The ABO group antigens on red blood cells of the proband were identified by monoclonal antibodies. The ABO antibody in serum was detected by standard A, B, O cells. Exons 1 to 7 of the ABO gene were respectively amplified by PCR and directly sequenced. Amplicons for exons 5 to 7 were also sequenced after cloning.@*RESULTS@#Weakened A antigen was detected on red blood cells from the proband. Both anti-A and anti-B antibodies were detected in the serum. Heterozygous 261G/del was detected in exon 6, while heterozygous 467C/T and 830T/C were detected in exon 7 by direct DNA sequencing. After cloning and sequencing, two alleles (O01 and Ax28) were obtained. Compared with A102, the sequence of Ax28 contained one nucleotide changes (T to C) at position 830, which resulted in amino acid change (Val to Ala) at position 277.@*CONCLUSION@#The novel mutation c.830T>C of the galactosaminyltransferase gene may give rise to the Ax28 phenotype.

Identification of a novel Bx allele of the ABO blood group / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify a novel Bx13 allele.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Serological characteristics was determined with standard serological methods. All of the seven exons and flanking regions of the ABO gene were analyzed with PCR and direct sequencing. The amplicon of exon 7 was also cloned and sequenced.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The individual was determined as with a rare Bx phenotype by serological tests. Direct DNA sequencing showed that the individual was heterozygous for the B/O01 allele, while there was a novel 893C>T mutation in the B101 allele, which has led to an amino acid substitution Ala298Val in the α,3-D-galactosyl-transferase. The mutation was not found among 100 randomly selected blood donors.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A novel Bx13 allele has been identified. Substitution of amino acid in the conserved region of the enzyme may reduce the activity of α,3-D-galactosyl-transferase.</p>

Molecular genetic analysis of four cases with weak D variant of Rh blood type / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the molecular basis of 4 cases with weak D variant of Rh blood type.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Routine serological testing was applied to determine the D, C, c, E and e antigens of the Rh blood group. The D antigen was further detected with an indirect antiglobulin test. RHD zygosity was detected by sequence-specific primer PCR method. All exons and flanking intron regions of the RHD gene were sequenced.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The samples were determined as weak D phenotype by serological testing. DNA sequencing showed that the 4 cases were heterozygous for 17C>T mutation in exon 1, 29G>C mutation in exon 1, 1212C>A mutation in exon 9, and IVS4+5G>A mutation in intron 4 of the RHD gene, respectively. According to the rule of Rhesus Base Nomenclature, the 4 samples were respectively named as weak D type 31, weak D type 71, weak D type 72, and weak D type 82.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Serological and molecular testing for the weak D can facilitate in-depth understanding of its immunology and genetics, and provide guidance for clinical blood transfusion and prevention of hemolytic disease in newborns.</p>

Study of molecular mechanism and antigen expression of CisAB01 blood group / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the molecular mechanism of CisAB01 subtype in the ABO blood group system, and to investigate the expression of A and B antigens in red blood cells (RBCs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>For 5 unrelated individuals with the CisAB phenotype, the molecular basis for the blood type was studied with serological assay, DNA sequencing and haplotype analysis. Bioinformatics analysis was carried out to investigate the changes in structure and function of relevant enzymes. Expression of A and B antigens in RBCs of CisAB01 was detected by flow cytometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All of the 5 samples were found to have a CisAB01 subtype. The underlying mutations, 467C>T and 803G>C in exon 7, have resulted in replacement of amino acid P156L and G268A. The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of A antigen in CisAB01 cases was 135, while the control group was 172. The B antigens in CisAB01 cases (MFI=38) showed significant decrease in MFI compared with the control group (MFI=164).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>803G>C mutation of the ABO gene probably underlies the CisAB01 subtype. Fluorescence intensity of A antigens in CisAB01 subtype cases is slightly lower than the normal type, while the B antigen was significantly lower.</p>

Study of molecular mechanism for a blood sample with A3 phenotype / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE To explore the molecular mechanism for a blood sample with mixed-field hemagglutination upon determination of ABO blood group. METHODS Serological techniques were employed to identify the erythrocyte phenotype. The A and B antigens were detected by flow cytometry. The preliminary genotype of ABO gene was assayed with sequence-specific primer-polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP). Exons 6 and 7 of the ABO gene were amplified with PCR and analyzed by direct sequencing. Haplotypes of the ABO gene were analyzed by cloning sequencing as well. RESULTS The serological reaction pattern has supported an O phenotype when all the tubes were centrifuged for the first time. However, a mixed-field hemagglutination of red blood cells (RBCs) with anti-A antibodies was present after the tube was centrifuged five times later. A antigens were detected on the surface of partial red blood cells of the sample by flow cytometry. PCR- SSP results have shown that the preliminary ABO genotype was A/O. Analysis of the fragments of exons 6 and 7 of the ABO gene has indicated that heterozygosis lied as follows: 261G/A, 425T/T, 467C/T, 646A/T, 681A/G, 745C/T, 771C/T, 829A/G, conjecturing the genotype to be A307/O02, which was confirmed by haplotype sequence analysis. Compared with A101 allele, A307 allele has two missense mutations, 467C> T and 745C> T, which have resulted in substitutions Pro156Leu and Arg249Trp in the A glycosyltransferase polypeptide chain. CONCLUSION A variant allele (A307) has been identified for the first time in mainland China, which is responsible for the formation of A3 phenotype.

Molecular basis and clinical blood transfusion for cases with ABO typing discrepancy / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the molecular genetic basis of samples with ABO typing discrepancy and provide the guidline for identification and clinical transfusion for these samples.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Six cases with similar serological characteristics were collected. Serological method, PCR-SSP and direct sequencing of ABO gene were used to explore the underlying mechanism. Condition of clinical transfusion of patients was also reviewed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Three conditions were related with the ABO blood type discrepancy, which included weaken antigen (2 cases), weakened antibody (3 cases) and ABO subtype (1 case). The satisfactory effect of transfusion was achieved in all patients with the principle of the same blood type or the compatible crossmatch.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Heterogeneity has existed with the ABO group. Indivianals with same reaction pattern may result in different mechanisms.</p>

Withdrawal symptoms of ethanol are ameliorated by thymopentin in mice / 北京大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To explore the effect of thymopentin (TP5) on the choice of ethanol and ameliorating withdrawal symptoms (anxiety) of ethanol in mice. Methods: Mice were administered ethanol (v/v) in schedular fashion: 5% (1 week), 10% (1 week) and 15% (4 weeks), followed with the free choice between ethanol and water. Ethanol/(ethanol+water)?100% E/(E+W)?100% was measured as an index of ethanol selection. Light-dark box test and elevated plus maze test were chosen for the assessment of anxiety pre-drug and post-drug. After TP5 0.2 mg/(kg?d), 0.4 mg/(kg?d), ip or saline(vehicle control), ip for 14 days,the procedure was repeated. Result: (1) E/(E+W)?100%: the post-drug values of TP5 (0.2 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg) were lower significantly than the pre-drug values. (2) Light-dark box test: the post-drug values of number of entries and time spent in the light chamber of TP5 (0.2 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg) were more than the pre-drug values themselves and the post-drug value of saline. (3) Elevated plus maze test: the post-drug values of time spent on open arms of TP5 (0.2 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg) were more than the pre-drug values themselves and the post-drug value of saline,and the post-drug values of time spent on close arms of TP5 were less than the pre-drug values. Conclusion: TP5 could decrease the uptake of ethanol and ameliorate anxious behavior associated with ethanol withdrawal in mice.

Effects of ST-1 against focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To demonstrate the protective effects of ST-1 against focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.METHODS: The model of focal ischemia-reperfusion was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion 2 h followed by reperfusion 22 h in rats.Neurological deficit scores were evaluated.Infarct size,malondialdehyde(MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured,pathological changes of neurons in hippocampal CA1 region were observed.RESULTS: Compared with vehicle group ST1 at dose of 10 and 20(mg?kg~(-1)) could reduce the infarct size,MDA content,enhance SOD activity and relieve neurons injury in hippocampal CA1 region in dose-dependent way;ST-1 at dose of 20(mg?kg~(-1)) could also improve neurological function.CONCLUSION: ST-1 can protect brain tissue from focal ischemia-reperfusion injury.

5-HT_3 receptor of hippocampus mediate immunomodulation in rat / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:The study is designed to explore the neuroimmunomodulation mediated by 5 HT 3 receptor of hippocampus in rats.Methods:ConA or lipopolysaccharide stimulated splenocytes proliferative responses are measured by TdR incorporation.Results:1 phenylbiguanide(PBG) 1 mg/kg,ip,10 ?g,icv and microinjection in the ventral hippocampus could enhance the splenocyte proliferative responses stimulated by ConA and LPS in mice and rats respectively.But the inhibitory effect on ConA stimulated response was only obtained by bilateral microinfusion of PBG in the dorsal hippocampus,while had no effect on the LPS induced proliferative responses.All of effects on mitogen stimulated splenocyte proliferation could be antiagonized by coadministration of a selective 5 HT 3 antiagonist tropisetron.Conclusion:It suggested that the 5 HT 3 receptors in the hippocampus might mediate neuro immuno modulation in which ventral and dorsal hippocampus have different effects.