Seasonal variations of acute appendicitis and nonspecific abdominal pain in Finland

AIM: To investigate whether seasonal changes had an effect on the incidence of acute appendicitis (AA) or nonspecific abdominal pain (NSAP).

A Comparative Study on the Nonspecific Immunity of Juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei ever Inhabiting Freshwater and Seawater

A study on the nonspecific immunity of Litopenaeus vannamei ever inhabiting freshwater and seawater was carried out at different molt stages by comparing their total hemocyte count(THC) and respiratory burst(RB) and activity of phenol oxidase(PO), nitric oxide synthase(NOS) and lysozyme(LY). Two-way ANOVA showed that salinity and molt stage independently affected THC and RB and the activity of PO, NOS and LY of juvenile L. vannamei significantly(P < 0.05). The THC and RB and the activity of NOS gradually increased from the post-molt stages(A and B) to the pre-molt stages(D0–D3), which were common in shrimps inhabiting freshwater and seawater. The activity of PO peaked at the inter-molt stage(C), and touched the lowest at the post-molt stage in freshwater and pre-molt stage in seawater. The activity of LY was stable over the molt cycle. The RB and the activity of PO, NOS and LY of juvenile L. vannamei were significantly lower in freshwater than in seawater; whereas THC was significantly higher in freshwater than in seawater(P < 0.05). It was concluded that the post-molt stage(especially stage A) was critical to shrimp culture, which should be intensively attended when L. vannamei was cultured in freshwater.

Growth performance,digestive enzyme activities and serum nonspecific immunity of the red tilapia(Oreochromis mossambicus×Oreochromis niloticus)feddiets supplemented with ultrafine powder of Enteromopha prolifera

The present study evaluated ef fects of ultrafine powder of the green macroalgae E nteromopha prolifera as dietary supplement on growth performance, digestive enzyme activities and serum nonspecific immune responses of the red tilapia(O reochromis mossambicus × Oreochromis niloticus). The red tilapia were fed five diets supplemented with different levels of E. prolifera ultrafine powder as well as a control diet containing no E. prolifera for seven weeks(Diets 0–6 contained 0(control), 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 g/kg of E. prolifera ultrafine powder, respectively). The results showed that diets supplemented with E. prolifera ultrafine powder generally improved growth, immunity and digestive enzyme activities of the red tilapia. In particular, the fish fed the diet incorporated 50 g/kg (5%) E. prolifera ultrafine powder(Diet 5) achieved the highest percentage weight gain, specific growth rate and the condition factor(increased by 15.4%, 8.0% and 5.7%, respectively when compared to the control). Feeding the diet also led to significantly increases( P <0.05) in serum nonspecific immune responses, including total superoxide dismutase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, lysozyme activities and serum total protein(increased by 19.4%, 48.1%, 29.5%, 30.3% and 8.7%, respectively) as well as digestive enzyme activities of erepsin, gastric amylase, gastric lipase, pepsin, intestinal amylase and gastric lipase(increased by 15.7%, 33.3%, 16.3%, 21.3%, 52.3% and 28.2%, respectively) than those of the control. Based on these results, it is recommended that the inclusion level of E. prolifera ultrafine powder in the diet of the red tilapia should be 50 g/kg(or 5%).

An Evaluation on the Ratio of Plant to Animal Protein in the Diet of Juvenile Sea Cucumber(Apostichopus japonicus):Growth,Nutrient Digestibility and Nonspecific Immunity

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of plant/animal(P/A) protein ratios(viz.1:4, 1:3, 1:2, 1:1,2:1, 3:1, 4:1) on growth performance, body composition, apparent digestibility of diets, and nonspecific immunity of juvenile sea cucumber(Apostichopus japonicus). Sea cucumbers were divided into 21 plastic tanks, and each tank was stocked with 15 individuals(initial weight: about 23.73 g). Each feed was allocated to three replicates of sea cucumbers. The feeding experiment lasted for 50 days. Results indicated that weight gain rate(WGR) and body wall weight(BWW) significantly increased as dietary ratio of P/A increased from 1:4 to 3:1, and then decreased significantly with further increase of this ratio(P < 0.05). The body wall coefficient(BWC) showed a similar tendency to WGR and BWW, but no significance was detected among dietary treatments(P > 0.05). The apparent digestibility of dry matter, protein and lipid increased with ratio of P/A increasing from 1:4 to 2:1(P < 0.05), and then decreased with further increase of this ratio. Correspondingly, activities of trypsin and amylase were significantly increased as P/A increased from 1:4 to 2:1(P < 0.05). The activities of SOD and CAT showed a similar trend with WGR, with the highest value observed in the ratio of 1:2 and 1:1, respectively. Results above showed that moderate or relatively higher ratio of P/A protein(1:1-3:1) significantly increased the growth performance, apparent digestibility, and nonspecific immunity of sea cucumber. This will contribute to improving the feed formulation for juvenile cucumbers.

Treatment of Nonspecific Chronic Prostatitis with Qian Lie Xian Yan Suppository in 104 Cases

Qian Lie Xian Yan Suppository (前列腺炎栓) was rectally applied to treat 104 patients with nonspecific chronic prostatitis ( damp-heat syndrome with blood stasis) in contrast to 30 patients treated with traditional Chinese drug Ye Ju Hua Shuan (野菊花栓Suppository of Flos Chrysanthemi Indici). The results show that chronic prostatitis is markedly improved by using Qian Lie Xian Yan suppository, with a short-term cure rate of 23.1% and a total effective rate of 84.6%, superior to that of the control group. The animal experiment indicates that Qian Lie Xian Yan suppository has better anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, with an action of promoting blood circulation.

Effect of extracorporeal shock wave combined with hot magner therapy on nonspecific chronic neck pain

Objective:Toobserve the clinical effect of extracorporeal shock wave combined with hot magner therapy for nonspecific chronic neck pain.Methods:A total of 60 patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain were randomly divided into treatment group and control group.Patients in the treatment group were treated with extracorporeal shock wave combined with hot magner therapy,and patients in the control group were treated with hot magner therapy.Visual analogue scale(VAS)and Neck disability index(NDI)were used before treatment,2 weeks after treatment,and 3 months after treatment.Results:Two weeks after treatment,the VAS and NDI scores were improved(P<0.05),and the VAS and NDI scores of the treatment group were lower than those of the control group(P<0.05),and the improvement rate of the treatment group was significantly better than that of the control group(P<0.05).3 months after follow up treatment,VAS and NDI scores in the treatment group showed statistically significant differences with those before treatment(P<0.05),and those at 2 weeks after treatment(P﹥0.05),while VAS and NDI scores in the control group showed no statistically significant differences with those before treatment(P﹥0.05),and those at 2 weeks after treatment(P<0.05).The VAS and NDI scores in the treatment group were significantly better than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The clinical efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave combined with hot magner treatment for nonspecific chronic neck pain is better than that of hot magner therapy.

Green Synthesized Liquid-like Dynamic Polymer Chains with Decreased Nonspecific Adhesivity for High-Purity Capture of Circulating Tumor Cells

The capture of circulating tumor cells(CTCs)is of great significance in reducing cancer mortality and complications.However,the nonspecific binding of proteins and white blood cells(WBCs)weakens the targeting capabilities of the capture surfaces,which critically hampers the efficiency and purity of the captured CTCs.Herein,we propose a liquid-like interface design strategy that consists of liquid-like polymer chains and anti-EpCAM modification processes for high-purity and high-efficiency capture of CTCs.The dynamic flexible feature of the liquid-like chains endows the modified surfaces with excellent antiadhesion property for proteins and blood cells.The liquid-like surfaces can capture the target CTCs and show high cell viability due to the environmentfriendly surface modification processes.When liquid-like surface designs were introduced in the deterministic lateral displacement(DLD)-patterned microfluidic chip,the nonspecific adhesion rate of WBCs was reduced by more than fivefold compared to that in the DLD chip without liquid-like interface design,while maintaining comparable capture efficiency.Overall,this strategy provides a novel perspective on surface design for achieving high purity and efficient capture of CTCs.

Short-term effects of cupping and scraping therapy for chronic nonspecific low-back pain:A prospective,multicenter randomized trial

Background As one of the most common musculoskeletal ailments,chronic nonspecific low-back pain(CNLBP)causes persistent disability and substantial medical expenses.Epidemiological evidence shows that the incidence rate of CNLBP in young and middle-aged people who are demanded rapidly recovery and social contribution is rising.Recent guidelines indicate a reduced role for medicines in the management of CNLBP.Objective The present study investigates the short-term effects of cupping and scraping therapy using a medicated balm,compared to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug(NSAID)with a capsaicin plaster,in the treatment of CNLBP.Design,setting,participants and interventions We designed a prospective multicenter randomized clinical trial enrolling patients from January 1,2022 to December 31,2022.A total of 156 patients with CNLBP were randomized into two parallel groups.Diclofenac sodium-sustained release tablets were administered orally to participants in the control group for one week while a capsaicin plaster was applied externally.Patients in the test group were treated with cupping and scraping using a medical device and medicated balm.Main outcome measures Primary outcome was pain recorded using the visual analogue scale(VAS).Two secondary outcomes were recorded using the Japanese Orthopedic Association low-back pain scale(JOA)and the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome integral scale(TCMS)as assessment tools.Results Between baseline and postintervention,all changes in outcome metric scales were statistically significant(P<0.001).Compared to the control group,patients in the test group had a significantly greater treatment effect in all outcome variables,as indicated by lower VAS and TCMS scores and higher JOA scores,after the one-week intervention period(P<0.001).Further,according to the findings of multivariate linear regression analysis,the participants’pain(VAS score)was related to their marital status,age,smoking habits and body mass index.No adverse reactions were reported for any participants in this trial.Conclusion The effectiveness of TCM combined with the new physiotherapy tool is superior to that of NSAID combined with topical plasters,regarding to pain intensity,TCM symptoms and quality of life.The TCM plus physiotherapy also showed more stable and long-lasting therapeutic effects.

Comparison and Analysis of Clinical Characteristics of Common COVID-19 and NSIP Patients

Objective:To investigate the relationship between coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)and non-specific interstitial pneumonia(NSIP),with a focus on the clinical features of COVID-19 and NSIP,and the key points of differential diagnosis.Methods:The clinical data of 20 patients with common-type COVID-19 and NSIP admitted to Linyi People’s Hospital from January 21,2020,to June 21,2022,were retrospectively analyzed.Gender,age,history of residence in Hubei province,underlying diseases,clinical manifestations,laboratory test results(including blood routine indexes,inflammatory markers,liver function indexes,and coagulation indexes),and computed tomography(CT)scan images were compared between the two groups.Results:COVID-19 patients were younger than NSIP patients(P<0.05).Nine COVID-19 patients had a travel history to Hubei province,while none of the NSIP patients did(P<0.05).Eight COVID-19 patients had underlying chronic conditions,fewer than the NSIP group(12 patients;P<0.05).Both groups experienced symptoms such as shortness of breath,expectoration,fatigue,and runny nose,but fever and cough were more severe and more frequent in the COVID-19 group.Compared to normal reference ranges,both groups exhibited normal white blood cell counts(WBC)and liver function indexes,but elevated lymphocyte counts(LYMP),inflammatory markers,and coagulation indexes,with reduced neutrophil counts(NE).WBC and LYMP were higher in the COVID-19 group compared to the NSIP group.Male patients in the COVID-19 group had higher erythrocyte sedimentation rates and C-reactive protein values than those in the NSIP group,while procalcitonin levels were lower in the COVID-19 group,although the differences were not statistically significant(all P>0.05).The NE count in the COVID-19 group was significantly lower than in the NSIP group(P<0.05).Alanine aminotransferase,total bilirubin,and indirect bilirubin were significantly higher in the COVID-19 group compared to the NSIP group(P<0.05).Chest CT scans of both groups showed bilateral patchy ground-glass opacities,but the lesions in COVID-19 patients were scattered.NSIP patients’chest CTs showed diffuse lesions centered around the hilum or multiple lesions in both lungs,with pleural involvement being rare.Conclusion:While there are certain specific clinical,laboratory,and imaging findings in both COVID-19 and NSIP,the specificity of these features is not high.Differentiating the two requires careful consideration of epidemiological history,nucleic acid testing,and antigen-antibody levels.

Percutaneous Nucleoplasty Using Coblation Technique for the Treatment of Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain： 5-year Follow-up Results

Background： This study evaluated the efficacy of percutaneous nucleoplasty using coblation technique for the treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain （LBP）, after 5 years of follow-up. Methods： From September 2004 to November 2006, 172 patients underwent percutaneous nucleoplasty for chronic LBP in our department. Forty-one of these patients were followed up for a mean period of 67 months. Nucleoplasty was performed at L3/4 in 1 patient; L4/5 in 25 patients; L5/$1 in 2 patients; L3/4 and L4/5 in 2 patients; L4/5 and L5/$1 in 7 patients; and L3/4, L4/5, and L5/$1 in 4 patients. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years postoperatively. Pain was graded using a 10-cm Visual Analogue Scale （VAS） and the percentage reduction in pain score was calculated at each postoperative time point. The Oswestry Disability Index （ODI） was used to assess disability-related to lumbar spine degeneration, and patient satisfaction was assessed using the modified MacNab criteria. Results： There were significant differences among the preoperative, 1-week postoperative, and 3-year postoperative VAS and ODI scores, but not between the 3- and 5-year postoperative scores. There were no significant differences in age, sex, or preoperative symptoms between patients with effective and ineffective treatment, but there were significant differences in the number of levels treated, Pfirrmann grade of intervertebral disc degeneration, and provocative discography findings between these two groups. Excellent or good patient satisfaction was achieved in 87.9% of patients after 1 week, 72.4% after 1 year, 67.7% after 3 years, and 63.4% at the last follow-up. Conclusions： Although previously published short- and medium-term outcomes after percutaneous nucleoplasty appeared to be satisfactory, our long-term follow-up results show a significant decline in patient satisfaction over time. Percutaneous nucleoplasty is a safe and simple technique, with therapeutic effectiveness for the treatment of chronic LBP in selected patients. The technique is minimally invasive and can be used as part of a stepwise treatment plan for chronic LBP.

Exploration of the therapeutic effect and clinical outcomes of acupuncture at pain-sensitive points to treat chronic nonspecific low back pain:Application of the acupoint sensitization theory

Objectives:To investigate the clinical and therapeutic effects of acupuncture at the pain-sensitive points of patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain and optimize the acupuncture treatment for chronic nonspecific low back pain.Methods:Using the FDK 20 pressure algometer,the pain-sensitive points were probed in 30 patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.The top 5 points that elicited the most painful reaction were selected and stimulated with an even-needling technique after deqi.The needles were retained for 30 min.TDP irradiation was concurrently administered.The treatment was administered once daily on weekdays(Monday to Friday) and discontinued for 2 days during the weekend(Saturday and Sunday).The treatment lasted for 2 consecutive weeks.The changes in the range of motion(ROM) of the lumbar vertebrae,visual analogous scale(VAS) score,and the Oswestry disability index(ODI) score of the lumbar vertebrae were assessed before treatment and after 5 and 10 treatment sessions.Results:Compared with the data before treatment,the spinal ROM increased after 5 and 10 treatment sessions in the patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.The ROM after 10 treatment sessions was remarkably wider than that after 5 treatments,with statistical significance(all P<0.05).Compared with that before treatment,the immediate VAS score showed statistically significant reduction after 5 treatment sessions(P<0.05).Moreover,compared with the score after 5 treatment sessions,the immediate VAS score reduced after 10 treatment sessions,but without any statistical significance.After 5 and 10 treatment sessions,the ODI score was reduced in the patients and it was significantly different from that before treatment(both P<0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture at the pain-sensitive points alleviates pain and improves lumbar vertebral function in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.Thus,further research is needed to confirm whether acupuncture can be a better intervention for chronic nonspecific low back pain.

A preliminary study of the distribution and the characteristics of nonspecific pulmonary function

Objective To investigate the manifestations,pulmonary function test(PFT)characteristics and imaging features of patients with nonspecific pulmonary function(NSPF).Methods All the data from the same PFT apparatus in Beijing Hospital were collected from January2003 to December 2012.NSPF was defined as

Novel predictors of permanent pacemaker implantation following transcatheter aortic valve replacement

BACKGROUND Conduction and rhythm abnormalities requiring permanent pacemakers(PPM)are short-term complications following transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR),and their clinical outcomes remain conflicting.Potential novel predictors of post-TAVR PPM,like QRS duration,QTc prolongation,and supraventricular arrhythmias,have been poorly studied.AIM To evaluate the effects of baseline nonspecific interventricular conduction delay and supraventricular arrhythmia on post-TAVR PPM requirement and determine the impact of PPM implantation on clinical outcomes.METHODS RESULTS Out of the 357 patients that met inclusion criteria,the mean age was 80 years,188(52.7%)were male,and 57(16%)had a PPM implantation.Baseline demographics,valve type,and cardiovascular risk factors were similar except for type II diabetes mellitus(DM),which was more prevalent in the PPM cohort(59.6%vs 40.7%;P=0.009).The PPM cohort had a significantly higher rate of pre-procedure right bundle branch block,prolonged QRS>120 ms,prolonged QTc>470 ms,and supraventricular arrhythmias.There was a consistently significant increase in the odds ratio(OR)of PPM implantation for every 20 ms increase in the QRS duration above 100 ms:QRS 101-120[OR:2.44;confidence intervals(CI):1.14-5.25;P=0.022],QRS 121-140(OR:3.25;CI:1.32-7.98;P=0.010),QRS 141-160(OR:6.98;CI:3.10-15.61;P<0.001).After model adjustment for baseline risk factors,the OR remained significant for type II DM(aOR:2.16;CI:1.18-3.94;P=0.012),QRS>120(aOR:2.18;CI:1.02-4.66;P=0.045)and marginally significant for supraventricular arrhythmias(aOR:1.82;CI:0.97-3.42;P=0.062).The PPM cohort had a higher adjusted OR of heart failure(HF)hospitalization(aOR:2.2;CI:1.1-4.3;P=0.022)and nonfatal myocardial infarction(MI)(aOR:3.9;CI:1.1-14;P=0.031)without any difference in mortality(aOR:1.1;CI:0.5-2.7;P=0.796)at one year.CONCLUSION Pre-TAVR type II DM and QRS duration>120,regardless of the presence of bundle branch blocks,are predictors of post-TAVR PPM.At 1-year post-TAVR,patients with PPM have higher odds of HF hospitalization and MI.

核心稳定性训练对非特异性腰痛疗效的影响

成年人中60%—80%有下背痛（1ow back pain,LBP）患病史,美国统计资料显示,其发病率仅次于上呼吸道感染,列第2位[1]。50%以上的下背痛初次发病4—8周内可自愈,但复发率达85%[2]。LBP中约85%原因不明,称为非特异性下背痛（nonspecific low back pain,NLBP）,其病因复杂,治疗方法虽多,但并无特效方法且治愈后复发率高,故如何提高NLBP患者疗效及降低复发率具有重要临床意义。

Orbital inflammatory disease:Pictorial review and differential diagnosis

Orbital inflammatory disease(OID) represents a collec tion of inflammatory conditions affecting the orbit. OID is a diagnosis of exclusion, with the differential diagno sis including infection, systemic inflammatory conditions and neoplasms, among other conditions. Inflammatory conditions in OID include dacryoadenitis, myositis, cel lulitis, optic perineuritis, periscleritis, orbital apicitis, and a focal mass. Sclerosing orbital inflammation is a rare condition with a chronic, indolent course involving dense fibrosis and lymphocytic infiltrate. Previously though to be along the spectrum of OID, it is now considered a distinct pathologic entity. Imaging plays an importan role in elucidating any underlying etiology behind orbita inflammation and is critical for ruling out other condi tions prior to a definitive diagnosis of OID. In this re view, we will explore the common sites of involvemen by OID and discuss differential diagnosis by site and key imaging findings for each condition.

Measurement of prostaglandin metabolites is useful in diagnosis of small bowel ulcerations

BACKGROUND We recently reported on a hereditary enteropathy associated with a gene encoding a prostaglandin transporter and referred to as chronic enteropathy associated with SLCO2 A1 gene(CEAS). Crohn's disease(CD) is a major differential diagnosis of CEAS, because these diseases share some clinical features. Therefore, there is a need to develop a convenient screening test to distinguish CEAS from CD.AIM To examine whether prostaglandin E major urinary metabolites(PGE-MUM) can serve as a biomarker to distinguish CEAS from CD.METHODS This was a transactional study of 20 patients with CEAS and 98 patients with CD.CEAS was diagnosed by the confirmation of homozygous or compound heterozygous mutation of SLCO2 A1. We measured the concentration of PGEMUM in spot urine by radioimmunoassay, and the concentration was compared between the two groups of patients. We also determined the optimal cut-off value of PGE-MUM to distinguish CEAS from CD by receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve analysis.RESULTS Twenty Japanese patients with CEAS and 98 patients with CD were enrolled.PGE-MUM concentration in patients with CEAS was significantly higher than that in patients with CD(median 102.7 vs 27.9 μg/g × Cre, P < 0.0001). One log unit increase in PGE-MUM contributed to 7.3 increase in the likelihood for the diagnosis of CEAS [95% confidence interval(CI) 3.2-16.7]. A logistic regression analysis revealed that the association was significant even after adjusting confounding factors(adjusted odds ratio 29.6, 95%CI 4.7-185.7). ROC curve analysis revealed the optimal PGE-MUM cut-off value for the distinction of CEAS from CD to be 48.9 μg/g × Cre with 95.0% sensitivity and 79.6% specificity.CONCLUSION PGE-MUM measurement is a convenient, non-invasive and useful test for the distinction of CEAS from CD.

Genetic analysis is helpful for the diagnosis of small bowel ulceration

The widespread use of capsule endoscopy and balloonassisted endoscopy has provided easy access for detailed mucosal assessment of the small intestine. However, the diagnosis of rare small bowel diseases, such as cryptogenic multifocal ulcerous stenosing enteritis(CMUSE), remains difficult because clinical and morphological features of these diseases are obscure even for gastroenterologists. In an issue of this journal in 2017, Hwang et al reviewed and summarized clinical and radiographic features of 20 patients with an established diagnosis of CMUSE. Recently, recessive mutations in the PLA2G4A and SLCO2A1 genes have been shown to cause small intestinal diseases. The small bowel ulcers in each disease mimic those in the other and furthermore those found in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced enteropathy. These recent and novel findings suggest that a clinical diagnosis exclusively based on the characteristics of small bowel lesions is possibly imprecise. Genetic analyses seem to be inevitable for the diagnosis of rare small bowel disorders such as CMUSE.

Role of autoimmunity in primary biliary cirrhosis

Primary biliary cirrhosis(PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease characterized by the presence of serum autoantibodies and chronic nonsuppurative destructive cholangitis.The pathogenesis of PBC involves environmental factors,genetic predisposition and loss of immune tolerance.In recent years,it has become univocally accepted that an inappropriately activated immune response is one of the most important factors in PBC.In this study,the role of autoimmunity in PBC is summarized and a feasible research orientation is recommended.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a lipid transfer protein gene(PsLTP1) from Pinus sylvestris(L.)

Plant nonspecific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs) are widely distributed through plant kingdom and are characterized by the presence of a central hydrophobic cavity, suitable for binding various hydrophobic molecules. Despite extensive research on nsLTP in different plant species, mostly angiosperm, and the great diversity of physiological processes in which they seem to be involved, their exact functions still remain unclear. Also, very limited experimental data are available on nsLTP in gymnosperm. In this study, we report for the first time on the molecular cloning of nsLTP, from Pinus sylvestris L.(PsLTP1, GenBank accession JN980402.1) and the expression pattern of PsLTP1 during ontogenesis and in response to environmental stress conditions. Total RNA from roots of 7-day old pine seedlings was used to isolate the cDNA clone, corresponding to Scots pine lipid transfer protein. The open reading frame of PsLTP1 consists of 372 bp encoding a protein of 123 amino acids. Amino acid sequence alignment revealed that mature PsLTP1 shares high level of similarity with nsLTP from other conifers and with well-studied nsLTPs from angiosperms. The PsLTP1 contains a 27-amino-acid N-terminal signal sequence and presents all the features of a plant nsLTP. Amino acid comparison analysis and 3D structure prediction showed that PsLTP1 is a type 1 nsLTP. The results of the expression analysis of Scots pine PsLTP1 gene revealed that its transcripts accumulate in actively growing tissues. Furthermore, transcription of PsLTP1 was upregulated in response to cold and salt treatments, and downregulated during acidic, osmotic and water stresses.

The effects on biological behaviors of P815 murine mastocytoma cell line induced by the transduction of mouse interleukin-2 gene

The whole coding region including signal peptidesequence of mouse interleukin-2 (mIL-2) cDNA wasobtained by PCR method and then cloned into the propersites of pUC18 vector. Sequencing analysis throughSanger method (dideoxy-mediated chain-terminationmethod) proved the consistency of mIL-2 cDNAsequence with that reported before. The fragment