Association between exposure to organophosphorus pesticide and suicidal ideation among U.S. adults: A population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the potential link between exposure to organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) and suicidal ideation (SI) among adults. METHODS: This study encompassed four cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), involving 5244 participants aged 20 and above. SI was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The levels of exposure to OPPs were estimated by analyzing concentrations of OPP metabolites in urine samples. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to explore the association between exposure to each OPP and SI. Stratified analyses and interaction tests were conducted across various groups, including pairwise combinations of gender and age, as well as body mass index, smoking status, hypertension, and diabetes. Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) models were applied to assess the cumulative impact of exposure to the four OPPs on SI, along with their respective contributions. Additionally, the potential interactions among these four OPPs were evaluated. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression revealed that only dimethylthiophosphate (DMTP) among OPPs demonstrated a statistically significant positive association with SI [OR: 1.18; 95 % CI: 1.02-1.37]. Stratified analyses indicated that the influence of OPPs on SI was particularly pronounced in young and older men. The WQS regression analysis revealed a statistically significant association between the mixed metabolites of OPPs and SI [OR = 1.10, 95 % CI: 1.04-1.16], with DMTP (weighted 0.63) contributing the most. Furthermore, the BKMR model supported a positive trend in the overall impact of these OPP metabolites on SI, displaying notable individual exposure-response relationships for DMTP (PIP: 0.77). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests an association between exposure to DMTP and an increased risk of SI. Specifically, young adult males and older males appear particularly susceptible to the effects of OPP exposure.

The association between non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio with type 2 diabetes mellitus: recent findings from NHANES 2007-2018.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the relationship between NHHR (non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in US adults, using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2007 to 2018. METHODS: This study explored the connection between NHHR and T2DM by analyzing a sample reflecting the adult population of the United States (n = 10,420; NHANES 2007-2018). NHHR was characterized as the ratio of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. T2DM was defined based on clinical guidelines. This research used multivariable logistic models to examine the connection between NHHR and T2DM. Additionally, it included subgroup and interaction analyses to assess variations among different groups. Generalized additive models, smooth curve fitting, and threshold effect analysis were also employed to analyze the data further. RESULTS: The study included 10,420 subjects, with 2160 diagnosed with T2DM and 8260 without. The weighted multivariate logistic regression model indicated an 8% higher probability of T2DM for each unit increase in NHHR (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01-1.15) after accounting for all covariates. Subgroup analysis outcomes were uniform across various categories, demonstrating a significant positive relationship between NHHR and T2DM. Interaction tests showed that the positive link between NHHR and T2DM remained consistent regardless of age, body mass index, smoking status, moderate recreational activities, hypertension, or stroke history, with all interaction P-values exceeding 0.05. However, participants' sex appeared to affect the magnitude of the connection between NHHR and T2DM (interaction P-value < 0.05). Also, a nonlinear association between NHHR and T2DM was discovered, featuring an inflection point at 1.50. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that an increase in NHHR may be correlated with a heightened likelihood of developing T2DM. Consequently, NHHR could potentially serve as a marker for estimating the probability of T2DM development.

Impact of metabolic syndrome on bone mineral density in men over 50 and postmenopausal women according to U.S. survey results.

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and bone mineral density (BMD) have shown a controversial link in some studies. This research aims to study their association in males over 50 and postmenopausal females using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. Postmenopausal females and males over 50 were included in the study. MetS was defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. BMD values were measured at the thoracic spine, lumbar spine, and pelvis as the primary outcome. Weighted multivariate general linear models have been employed to explore the status of BMD in patients with MetS. Additionally, interaction tests and subgroup analyses were conducted. Utilizing the NHANES database from 2003 to 2006 and 2011-2018, we included 1924 participants, with 1029 males and 895 females. In postmenopausal women, after adjusting for covariates, we found a positive correlation between MetS and pelvic (ß: 0.030 [95%CI 0.003, 0.06]) and thoracic (ß: 0.030 [95%CI 0.01, 0.06]) BMD, though not for lumbar spine BMD (ß: 0.020 [95%CI - 0.01, 0.05]). In males over 50 years old, MetS was positively correlated with BMD in both Model 1 (without adjusting for covariates) and Model 2 (considering age and ethnicity). Specifically, Model 2 revealed a positive correlation between MetS and BMD at the pelvis (ß: 0.046 [95%CI 0.02, 0.07]), thoracic spine (ß: 0.047 [95%CI 0.02, 0.07]), and lumbar spine (ß: 0.040 [95%CI 0.02, 0.06]). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that the relationship between MetS and BMD remained consistent in all strata, underscoring the stability of the findings. In postmenopausal women, after adjusting for all covariates, a significant positive correlation was observed between MetS and BMD in the pelvis and thoracic spine, whereas this correlation was not significant for lumbar spine BMD. Conversely, in males, positive correlations between MetS and BMD at the lumbar spine, thoracic spine, and pelvis were identified in Model 2, which adjusted for age and ethnicity; however, these correlations disappeared after fully adjusting for all covariates. These findings highlight the potential moderating role of gender in the impact of MetS on BMD.

The Association Between Dietary Magnesium Intake and Pulmonary Function: Recent Fndings from NHANES 2007-2012.

This article aims to study the correlation between dietary magnesium intake and pulmonary function, utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. This cross-sectional study examined representative samples of adults from the USA (n = 818; NHANES 2007-2012) to explore the correlation between magnesium intake and pulmonary function. We obtained the average magnesium intake over 2 days, as well as measured pulmonary function parameters, including forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow rate (PEF), and forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of FVC (FEF25-75%). Weighted multivariable linear regression was used to investigate the relationship between magnesium intake and pulmonary function. Additionally, subgroup analyses, interaction tests, and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Weighted multiple linear regression models revealed a significant positive correlation between magnesium and pulmonary function, even after adjusting for all included confounding variables. When we categorized magnesium intake into tertiles, we found that participants in the highest tertile of magnesium intake had significantly higher values for FVC (ß: 898.54, 95%CI: 211.82-1585.25), FEV1 (ß: 858.16, 95%CI: 212.41-1503.91), FEV1/FVC (ß: 0.024, 95%CI: 0.004-0.044), PEF (ß: 1324.52, 95%CI: 481.71-2167.33), and FEF25-75% (ß: 831.39, 95%CI: 84.93-1577.84). Upon stratifying the data by age and sex, it was observed that this positive correlation was particularly pronounced among men aged 40-79. At the same time, the stability of the results was further confirmed by sensitivity analyses. This study suggested that dietary magnesium intake may improve pulmonary function.

The Association between Magnesium Depletion Score and Hypertension in US Adults: Evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2018).

The magnesium depletion score (MDS) emerges as a new valuable predictor of the body's magnesium status index. This study aims to explore the link between MDS and hypertension (HTN) using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. A total of 9708 participants from NHANES (2007-2018) were enrolled to investigate MDS's connection with HTN. HTN was defined based on clinical guidelines. MDS classification (low, 0-1; middle, 2; high, 3-5) relied on alcohol consumption, diuretic use, proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) usage, and kidney disease. Multivariable logistic regression assessed MDS-HTN association. Subsequent analyses included interaction tests, subgroups, and sensitivity analysis. Each unit increase in MDS correlated with an 87% higher HTN risk (OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.64-2.13) after adjusting for confounders. High MDS participants exhibited significantly elevated HTN risk compared to low MDS counterparts (OR, 8.31; 95% CI, 4.81-14.36), with a significant trend across MDS groups (p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses supported a consistent positive correlation. Sensitivity analysis confirmed a robust association. The results indicated a positive correlation between MDS and the risk of developing HTN in US adults.

The association between dietary approaches to stop hypertension diet and bone mineral density in US adults: evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011-2018).

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) dietary patterns and bone mineral density (BMD) in adults residing in the United States. To achieve this, data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database for 2011-2018 were utilized. This study utilized the NHANES database from 2011 to 2018, with a sample size of 8,486 US adults, to investigate the relationship between the DASH diet and BMD. The DASH diet was assessed based on nine target nutrients: total fat, saturated fat, protein, fiber, cholesterol, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. The primary outcome measures were BMD values at the total BMD, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, and pelvis. Multivariable linear models were employed to analyze the association between the DASH diet and BMD. Interaction tests, subgroup, and sensitivity analysis were also followed. A negative correlation was observed between the DASH diet and total BMD (OR: - 0.003 [95%CI: - 0.005, - 0.001), pelvic (OR: - 0.005 [95%CI: - 0.007, - 0.002]), and thoracic BMD (OR: - 0.003 [95%CI: - 0.005, - 0.001]). However, the DASH diet does not appear to have a particular effect on lumbar spine BMD (OR: - 0.002 [95%CI: - 0.004, 0.001]). Similarly, when the DASH diet was categorized into tertiles groups, the relationship with total BMD, pelvic BMD, thoracic BMD, and lumbar spine BMD remained consistent. Furthermore, we performed a sensitivity analysis by converting BMD to Z-scores, and the results remained unchanged. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests indicated no significant dependence of BMI, gender, smoking, hypertension, and diabetes on the observed association (all p for interactions > 0.05). The DASH diet has been identified as potentially reducing total BMD, while specifically impacting thoracic and pelvic BMD. However, it appears to have no significant effect on lumbar spine BMD.

Efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of urinary incontinence after prostate surgery: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common complication after prostate surgery. Acupuncture treatment (AT) has been proposed as an alternative therapy for this condition. The purpose of this protocol aims to outline a systematic review and meta-analysis that aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of AT in patients with postprostate surgery UI. METHODS: We will search for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in eight databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, SinoMed and VIP database. Additionally, we will search two clinical trial registration platforms, namely the WHO's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. The search will include articles from the inception of these databases until 30 September 2023. The extracted data will then be imported into the Stata V.15.0 software. Two authors will independently review the literature, collect data and use the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation and the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool to evaluate the risk of bias and the quality of the evidence. Outcomes for RCTs will include at least one of the following: International Consultation Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form, Individualised Care for People with long-term health conditions-Capability measure for Adults, Score of Frequency Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire, Patient Global Impression of Improvement, Visual Analogue Scale, Numeric Rating Scale, 1- hour pad test, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, total efficiency and adverse event. We will use random or fixed effect models to analyse data according to heterogeneity. If significant heterogeneity exists along with sufficient data, we will perform subgroup analyses to identify the source of heterogeneity. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required for this study because the data we will extract are from published articles. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022382806.

The association between serum uric acid and hypertriglyceridemia: evidence from the national health and nutrition examination survey (2007-2018).

Background: Accumulating evidence suggests that elevated serum uric acid (SUA) may be a risk factor for hypertriglyceridemia (HTG). However, the epidemiological evidence for the association between SUA and HTG is limited. This article aimed to use the data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2007-2018) database to bridge the research gap. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from 10027 adults involved in NHANES from 2007-2018. We designed the exposure variable as SUA and the outcome variable as HTG. The covariates included demographics, questionnaires, laboratory, and examination information. Weighted logistic regression and subgroup analysis were used to explore the independent association between SUA and HTG. Furthermore, interaction tests were also carried out to evaluate the strata differences. Generalized additive models (GAM), smooth curve fittings, and threshold effect analysis were applied to examine the non-linear relationship. Results: A total of 10027 participants were included, of which 3864 were HTG participants and 6163 were non-HTG participants. After fully adjusting for confounders, weighted multiple logistic regression models revealed a 77% increase in the risk of HTG when each unit of log2-SUA increased. There was also a positive association between elevated log2-SUA and developed risk of HTG in the quartile (Q) groups (Q1 OR: 1.00; Q2 OR: 1.17 [95%CI: 0.95,1.45]; Q3 OR: 1.43 [95%CI: 1.16,1.78]; Q4 OR: 1.68 [95%CI: 1.36,2.08]. The subgroup analysis results remained consistent across strata, with a strong positive correlation between SUA and HTG. Interaction tests showed no dependence on physical activity (PA), gender, BMI, smoking status, alcohol intake, hypertension, and diabetes for this positive association between log2-SUA and HTG (all p for interaction >0.05). The participants' age may impact the strength of the association between SUA and HTG (p for interaction <0.05). Conclusion: There is a positive association between SUA and HTG in US adults. Considering that SUA may be a risk factor for HTG, individuals diagnosed with HTG should prioritize the daily management of SUA as part of their comprehensive care.

Research hotspots and trends on acupuncture therapy on vomiting from 1990 to 2022: A bibliometric analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Acupuncture treatment (AT) is commonly utilized for vomiting; however, limited bibliometric analyses exist in this area. Employing a bibliometric approach, we conducted a comprehensive review spanning three decades to assess the research landscape, advancements, and emerging trends in AT for vomiting. METHODS: We collected the related literature data from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) from 1990 to 2022. VOSviewer and R studio were used to perform the bibliometric analysis of AT on vomiting. The status of authors, countries, affiliations, annual publications, keywords, and journals were analyzed accordingly. RESULTS: The earliest relevant paper was published in 1990. Streitberger, K was the most productive author (7 records) and had significant influence (225 reference times, H-Index = 7). The United States had the highest publication count (224 records) and received the most recognition (9719 reference times, H-Index = 52). MEDICINE had the highest number of outputs (34 records), while ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA was the most cited journal (1045 reference times). The institution with the most works was Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (CDUTCM) (13 records), and the University of California, Los Angeles received the most citations (1252 reference times). Recent and future research hotspots included AT for postoperative vomiting and post-chemotherapy vomiting. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were the predominant study types. CONCLUSIONS: The current status and development prospects of AT for vomiting are shown in this study. In addition, this article provides valuable ideas and potential directions for future research activities.

Progress in the Application of Magnetic Nanoparticles in Forensic Trace Analysis.

Given the complexity of biological samples and the trace nature of target materials in forensic trace analysis, a simple and effective method is needed to obtain sufficient target materials from complex substrates. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have shown a wide range of application value in many research fields, such as biomedicine, drug delivery and separation, due to their unique superparamagnetic properties, stable physical and chemical properties, biocompatibility, small size, high specific surface area and other characteristics. To apply MNPs in the pretreatment of forensic materials, maximize the extraction rate of the target materials, and minimize interference factors to meet the requirements of trace analysis of the target materials, this paper reviews the application of MNPs in the fields of forensic toxicological analysis, environmental forensic science, trace evidence analysis and criminal investigation in recent years, and provides research ideas for the application of MNPs in forensic trace analysis.

The efficacy and safety of complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies are widely used for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP) due to the limitations of conventional medicine. However, their efficacy and safety remain controversial. Therefore, this meta-analysis was performed to assess the improvement of CAM therapy on NVP. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched for where the trial group was CAM and the control group was a conventional medicine or a placebo for NVP. This was done via 8 databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, SinoMed, and VIP, from inception to October 25, 2022. The Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to assess the quality of evidence. The Stata 15.0 software was used to perform the meta-analysis. Results: Thirty-three RCTs were included in this study. The acupuncture treatment was superior to conventional medicine at the effective rate [RR = 1.71, 95% CI (1.02, 2.86), P = 0.042; Low-quality evidence]. Ginger had more significant effects than conventional medicine at the Rhodes index [WMD = -0.52, 95% CI (-0.79, -0.24), P ≤ 0.001; Moderate-quality evidence] and it had the same effect as drugs to relieve vomiting [SMD = 0.30, 95% CI (-0.12, 0.73), P = 0.160; Low-quality evidence]. Compared with placebo, ginger had a higher effective rate [RR = 1.68, 95% CI (1.09, 2.57), P = 0.018; Low-quality evidence], and lower Visual analog scale (VAS) of Nausea [WMD = -1.21, 95% CI (-2.34, -0.08), P = 0.036; Low-quality evidence]. Ginger had the same antiemetic effect as placebo [WMD = 0.05, 95% CI (-0.23, 0.32), P = 0.743; Low-quality evidence]. Acupressure was superior to conventional medicine at the reduction of antiemetic drugs [SMD = -0.44, 95% CI (-0.77, -0.11), P = 0.008; Low-quality evidence], and at the effective rate [RR = 1.55, 95% CI (1.30, 1.86), P ≤ 0.001; Low-quality evidence]. Acupressure had the same effect as placebo at the effective rate [RR = 1.25, 95% CI (0.94, 1.65), P = 0.124; Low-quality evidence]. Overall, CAM therapy was safer than conventional medicine or a placebo. Conclusion: The results showed that CAM therapies were able to alleviate NVP. However, due to the low quality of existing RCTs, more RCTs with large sample sizes are needed to validate this conclusion in the future.

[Chromosome polymorphisms and their influence on semen quality and sperm DNA integrity in males undergoing IVF/ICSI].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of chromosome polymorphisms and their influence on semen quality and sperm DNA integrity in male patients receiving in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the chromosomal karyotypes and the types and incidence rate of chromosome polymorphisms in 2 370 male patients undergoing IVF/ICSI between June 2016 and June 2018. We classified the patients into groups A (with variation in the secondary constriction region in the autosomal long arm), B (with variation in the short arm of the D/G group chromosomes), C (with interbrachial inversion of chromosome 9) and D (with Y chromosome polymorphisms), and compared the semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation indexes (DFI) between the patients with chromosome polymorphisms and those with normal chromosomes. RESULTS: Totally, 154 (6.50%) of the patients undergoing IVF/ICSI were found with chromosome polymorphisms, including 34 cases of secondary constriction variation in the long arm of the autosome (1.43% ï¼»34/2 370ï¼½, 22.08% ï¼»34/154ï¼½), 82 cases of short arm polymorphisms of the D/G group chromosomes (3.46% ï¼»82/2 370ï¼½, 53.25% ï¼»82/154ï¼½), 26 cases of interbrachial inversion of chromosome 9 (1.10% ï¼»26/2 370ï¼½, 16.88% ï¼»26/154ï¼½), 10 cases of Y chromosome polymorphisms (0.42% ï¼»10/2 370ï¼½, 6.50% ï¼»10/154ï¼½), and 2 cases of mixed chromosome polymorphisms (0.08% ï¼»2/2 370ï¼½, 1.42% ï¼»2/154ï¼½). The total sperm count was lower in group D than in the other polymorphism groups and the normal chromosome group, but with no statistically significant difference among the five groups (P > 0.05). The sperm progressive motility was also lower in group D than in the other five groups, with statistically significant difference from group B (27.5 ± 13.5 vs. 41.5 ± 21.1, P = 0.027), but not from the other groups (P > 0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed in the sperm DFI between the polymorphism groups and the normal chromosome group (P > 0.05), or among the polymorphism groups (P > 0.05). The proportion of normal semen was lower in group D than in the other four groups, but with no statistically significant difference among the five groups (P > 0.05). The incidence rate of asthenospermia was higher in group D than in the other four groups, but with no statistically significant difference among the five groups (P > 0.05), and so was that of oligoasthenospermia, with statistically significant difference from the normal chromosome group (30.0% vs 8.0%, P = 0.041), but not from the other polymorphism groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Short arm polymorphisms of the D/G group chromosomes are the most common type of chromosome polymorphisms in male patients undergoing IVF/ICSI. Polymorphisms of the Y chromosome have a negative effect on semen quality, while those of the other chromosomes do not significantly affect semen quality and sperm DNA integrity.

[Research Progress on Forensic Entomotoxicology].

Forensic entomotoxicology is a branch of forensic medicine, which applies entomology, toxicology and other related studies to solve the poisoning cases. It has an obvious advantage in the investigation on poisoning death. Based on the expounding definition and research of entomotoxicology, this paper reviews research progress and application value in some aspects of forensic medicine, such as the effects of drugs/toxins on the growth and development of sarcosaphagous insects and the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the drugs/toxins in the poisoned body tissue.

Analysis of phytoplasma-responsive sRNAs provide insight into the pathogenic mechanisms of mulberry yellow dwarf disease.

The yellow dwarf disease associated with phytoplasmas is one of the most devastating diseases of mulberry and the pathogenesis involved in the disease is poorly understood. To analyze the molecular mechanisms mediating gene expression in mulberry-phytoplasma interaction, the comprehensive sRNA changes of mulberry leaf in response to phytoplasma-infection were examined. A total of 164 conserved miRNAs and 23 novel miRNAs were identified, and 62 conserved miRNAs and 13 novel miRNAs were found to be involved in the response to phytoplasma-infection. Meanwhile, target genes of the responsive miRNAs were identified by sequencing of the degradome library. In addition, the endogenous siRNAs were sequenced, and their expression profiles were characterized. Interestingly, we found that phytoplasma infection induced the accumulation of mul-miR393-5p which was resulted from the increased transcription of MulMIR393A, and mul-miR393-5p most likely initiate the biogenesis of siRNAs from TIR1 transcript. Based on the results, we can conclude that phytoplasma-responsive sRNAs modulate multiple hormone pathways and play crucial roles in the regulation of development and metabolism. These responsive sRNAs may work cooperatively in the response to phytoplasma-infection and be responsible for some symptoms in the infected plants.

Metabolomic analysis reveals the potential metabolites and pathogenesis involved in mulberry yellow dwarf disease.

To analyse the molecular mechanisms of phytoplasma pathogenicity, the comprehensive metabolomic changes of mulberry leaf and phloem sap in response to phytoplasma infection were examined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The metabolic profiles obtained revealed that the metabolite compositions of leaf and phloem sap were different, and phytoplasma infection has a greater impact on the metabolome of phloem sap than of leaf. Phytoplasma infection brought about the content changes in various metabolites, such as carbohydrates, amino acids, organic acids, etc. Meanwhile, the results of biochemical analysis showed that the degradation of starch was repressed, and the starch content was increased in the infected leaves. In addition, we found that phytoplasma infection changed the levels of abscisic acid and cytokinin and break phytohormone balance. Interestingly, our data showed that the contents of H2O2 and superoxide were increased in the infected leaves, but not in the phloem saps. Based on the results, the expression levels of the genes involved in the metabolism of some changed metabolites were examined, and the potential molecular mechanisms of these changes were discussed. It can be concluded that both the leaf and phloem saps have a complicated metabolic response to phytoplasma infection, but their response mechanisms were different.

[One-step methylation variable position analysis technology in single-tube].

OBJECTIVE: To develop the single-tube one-step methylation variable position (MVP) analysis technology-single-tube post-digestion PCR-melting curve analysis (PDP-MCA). METHODS: Based on differentially methylated region (DMR) reported previously as the model, a set of primers with different melting temperatures of products in the two sides of MVP were designed. By using the FastDigest methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme (MSRE), DNA digestion, multiplex amplification, MCA detection and MCA profiles were performed in a single reaction tube. Same samples (peripheral venous blood, semen, and vaginal fluid, 5 samples each type) were tested by single-tube one step MVP and traditional MSRE-PCR MCA technology. To verify the feasibility of this method, the results were compared with that of the traditional technology. The MCA/HRM profiles of different samples were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: When the melting temperature of the fragments had a differential of 2 degrees C, the MCA melting peaks separated well, and MCA detection after multiplex amplification was successful. The single-tube PDP-MCA assay was developed, which integrated multiple reactions (digestion, amplification and detection) into one tube. By this method, the sample-specific profiles and data were analyzed in 2 h, which is similar to that of the traditional method. The rapid classifications of the samples were also realized. CONCLUSION: Multiplex MVPs can be analyzed in a single closed-tube. The single-tube PDP-MCA technology is a simple, fast, and automatable method. It can be used for detection of DNA methylation variations.

Chemical components of essential oils from Meconopsis oliverana and their antioxidant activity / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the chemical components of essential oils from Meconopsis oliverana and their antioxidant activity.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The essential oil was extracted by steam distillation, and GC-MS analysis was used to identify its constituents. The OH free radical scavenging activity of the essential oils was evaluated with an enzyme mark instrument by assay of the ability of DPPH free radical scavenging. BHT was used as positive control.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Forty-seven compounds, account for 91.866% of the essential oils, were identified. The ability of scavenging OH and DPPH radicals of the essential oils is stronger than that of BHT.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The main chemical constituents of the essential oils from M. oliverana are n-hexadecanoic acid (27.653%) and 6,10,14-trimethyl-2-pentadecanone (16.330%). And the essential oils showed strong antioxidant activity.</p>

[Effect of ketamine on the development of Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera : Calliphoridae)].

OBJECTIVE: To research the pattern of larvae and pupae development when exposed to ketamine. METHODS: The larvae of Chrysomya megacephala were reared in artificial diet containing ketamine with concentration of 0, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg respectively at 32 degrees C, 28 degrees C and 24 degrees C in environmental chamber with a 12-h photoperiod and 75% humidity. 10 samples were collected from each group every 12 h from the 16th h after hatching to pupation. The max body length, weight of the larvae, growth rate of body length, weight and developmental duration of each stage were observed. RESULTS: The average length and weight in the treatment groups were significantly less than the control before achieving the maximum (P < 0.05), and the growth rate of 1/2LD50 group at 24 degrees C was most retarded. No dose dependence were observed among the ketamine fed groups. The effect of ketamine dose, temperature and their interaction on larval length and weight was statistically significant (P < 0.01). The effect of ketamine dose, temperature and their interaction account for, respectively, 20.9%, 60.2% and 18.9% of the total effect on growth of larval length, and they account for 8.3%, 85.6% and 6.1% of the total effect on growth of larval weight. The duration of larval stage in treatment groups was significantly delayed in comparison to the control at different temperatures (P < 0.05), and the duration of prepupal stage in treatment groups was significantly delayed (P < 0.05). However, the duration of pupal stage in treatment groups at 24 degrees C was significantly shorter than the control (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The time achieving maximum length and weight was significantly delayed, which results in an increased development duration of larval and prepupal stages, indicating that ketamine inhibits the growth of the larvae of C. megacephala.