Prime editing efficiently generates W542L and S621I double mutations in two ALS genes in maize.

Prime editing is a novel and universal CRISPR/Cas-derived precision genome-editing technology that has been recently developed. However, low efficiency of prime editing has been shown in transgenic rice lines. We hypothesize that enhancing pegRNA expression could improve prime-editing efficiency. In this report, we describe two strategies for enhancing pegRNA expression. We construct a prime editing vector harboring two pegRNA variants for W542L and S621I double mutations in ZmALS1 and ZmALS2. Compared with previous reports in rice, we achieve much higher prime-editing efficiency in maize. Our results are inspiring and provide a direction for the optimization of plant prime editors.

[Adjunctive therapy of hypopharyngeal carcinoma by Qingliu Lianghou Recipe].

OBJECTIVE: To study the adjunctive roles of Qingliu Lianghou Recipe (QLR) in treatment of hypopharyngeal carcinoma. METHODS: A total of 156 patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma were recruited, including 21 cases of stage I, 34 in stage II, 55 in stage III, and 46 in stage IV. Of them, 31 patients (Group A) were managed with operation and post-operative radiotherapy, 40 patients (Group B) with operation, post-operative radiotherapy, and QLR, 45 patients (Group C) were managed with concomitant chemoradiotherapy, 40 patients (Group D)with concomitant chemoradiation and QLR. QLR was given for 12 weeks. The radio- and chemotoxic reactions, quality of life (KPS score), and long-term efficacy (the recurrence time and the survival time) were observed. RESULTS: The toxicity levels were significantly lower in Group B than in Group A, manifested as radioactive dermatitis, mucositis, dysphagia, changes in body weight, and lymphatic edema (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The toxicity levels were significantly lower in Group D than in Group C, manifested as radioactive dermatitis, mucositis, dysphagia, marrow depression, changes in body weight, and gastrointestinal reactions (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). After treatment the KPS scores of all patients obviously decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). But the KPS scores were significantly higher in Group B than in Group A (P < 0.05), and they were significantly higher in Group D than in Group C (P < 0.05). The 3-year recurrence rate of patients in Group A was 41.94%, 20.00% in Group B, 60.00% in Group C, and 37.50% in Group D (P < 0.05). The 5-year survival rate of patients in Group A was 38.71%, 62.50% in Group B, 22.22% in Group C, and 42.50% in Group D (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: QLR could effectively prevent and reduce the toxicity response caused by operation, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The combination therapy of integrative medicine could postpone the recurrence and prolong the lifespan of patients. Therefore, we must not neglect the adjunctive therapy of QLR in treating hypopharyngeal carcinoma.

Crystalline characteristics of alpha precipitates in Ti-15V-3Sn-3Al-3Cr alloy.

The experiment was designed to analyse the orientation relationship between alpha precipitates and beta matrix and to determine the habit plane of alpha phase in Ti-15-3 alloy using transmission electron microscopy. The orientation relationship was turned out to be 110(alpha)||111(beta) and (001)(alpha)||{110}(beta) obtained from diffraction patterns, which corresponded to Burgers orientation relationship. Based on the patterns and the crystal structure, it was determined that there were 12 possible orientation relationships between alpha precipitates with beta matrix and alpha precipitates had 12 variants. Meanwhile, the transformation matrixes of 12 orientation relationships were established. Diffraction patterns of 001(beta), 110(beta) and 311(beta) zone axes were also calibrated by these matrixes, which verified the correctness of proposed orientation relationship. Diffraction spots of lamelliform alpha precipitates spread along the [111](beta) and [1 1 1 ](beta) directions in diffraction patterns of [1 1 0](beta) zone axis, but they do not spread in diffraction patterns of [111](beta) zone axis, which indicates that the habit plane of variant 1, 2 and 3 is (111)(beta). Moreover, the habit planes of variant 4-6, variant 7-9 and variant 10-12 are (1 1 1)(beta), (1 1 1)(beta) and (1 1 1 )(beta) respectively. To sum up, the habit plane of alpha precipitates is {111}(beta).

[Determination of trace elements in new food sources by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry].

Samples were digested by HNO3 + HClO4. Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS) was successfully used to determine copper, zinc and iron in new resource food. Under our experimental conditions, the recovery ratio was 94.66%-108.80%; the precision was 0.71%-4.78%. This method of measuring elements is convenient, rapid and accurate. The results showed that there are profitable elements, such as copper, zinc and iron in new resourse food in Henan province. By F test and SNK test, the content sequence of metal elements was found as follows: copper, Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat = Silkworm pupa > flowers of Pueraria lobata Ohwin = Wheat germ = Codonopsis lanceolata = roots of Pueraria lobata Ohwi > Opuntia dillenii Haw. Zinc, Opuntia dillenii Haw > Silkworm pupa = flowers of Pueraria lobata Ohwi = roots of Pueraria lobata Ohwi = Wheat germ = Codonopsis lanceolata = Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. Iron, Silkworm pupa = C hrysanthemum morifolium Ramat = roots of Pueraria lobata Ohwi > flowers of Pueraria lobata Ohwi = Wheat germ = Codonopis lanceolata = Opuntia dillenii Haw.

[Inheritance of head and neck color and black hoof of Boer goat].

The inheritance of head and neck color and black hoof of Boer goats and their offspring were analyzed by observing,breeding data and statistic test in the Crossbreeding and Improving Research Center of Boer goat in Qinhuangdao city. The results indicated that the color of head and neck and black hoof of Boer goat were all controlled respectively by two linked recessive genes on one autosome. The rate of crossing-over between the genes of head and neck color and black hoof was 7.5 genetic units.