Inflammation-related markers and prognosis of alpha-fetoprotein producing gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Inflammation-related markers including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR),monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio(MLR),systemic immune-inflammation index(SII),systemic inflammation response index(SIRI)and prognostic nutritional index(PNI)could reflect tumor immune microenvironment and predict prognosis of cancers.However,it had not been explored in alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)producing gastric cancer(GC).AIM To determine the predictive value of inflammation-related peripheral blood markers including as NLR,PLR,MLR,SII,SIRI and PNI in the prognosis of AFPproducing GC(AFPGC).Besides,this study would also compare the differences in tumor immune microenvironment,clinical characteristics and prognosis between AFPGC and AFP-GC patients to improve the understanding of this disease.METHODS 573 patients enrolled were retrospectively studied.They were divided into AFP+group(AFP≥20 ng/mL)and AFP-group(AFP<20 ng/mL),comparing the levels of NLR/PLR/MLR/SII/SIRI/PNI and prognosis.In AFP+group,the impact of NLR/PLR/MLR/SII/SIRI/PNI and their dynamic changes on prognosis were further explored.RESULTS Compared with AFP-patients,AFP+patients had higher NLR/PLR/MLR/SII/-SIRI and lower PNI levels and poorer overall survival(OS).In the AFP+group,mortality was significantly lower in the lower NLR/PLR/MLR/SII/SIRI group and higher PNI group.Moreover,the dynamic increase(NLR/PLR/MLR/SII/-SIRI)or decrease(PNI)was associated with the rise of mortality within 1 year of follow-up.CONCLUSION Compared with AFP-patients,the level of inflammation-related peripheral blood markers significantly increased in AFP+patients,which was correlated with OS of AFP+patients.Also,the gradual increase of SII and SIRI was associated with the risk of death within one year in AFP+patients.AFPGC should be considered as a separate type and distinguished from AFP-GC because of the difference in tumor immune microenvironment.It requires basic experiments and large clinical samples in the future.

Urban Expansion in Major Grain Producing Area from 1978 to 2017:A Case Study of Zhengzhou Metropolitan Area,China

The spatial form of urbanization in China has developed from single-core city expansion to a multi-center metropolitan area.However,little attention has been paid to the growth process of the emerging metropolitan area situated in major grain producing locations in the central China.Taking the Zhengzhou metropolitan area(ZZMA)as a case study,we developed an inverse S-shape model to characterize the spatial distribution of urban land density,and constructed an urban expansion core index,urban expansion intensity index,and urban compactness index to quantify the spatial structure change that has taken place from 1978 to 2017 during the process of urban expansion.Moreover,cropland contribution rate(CR)was constructed to evaluate the impacts of urban expansion on croplands.We uncovered four key findings.First,over the past 40 yr,the ZZMA has experienced dramatic expansion,and the central city of Zhengzhou expanded faster than other cities.The gravity centers of urban expansion of surrounding cities were moving toward to Zhengzhou City.Second,the urban land density decreased with the distance from the city center to the outskirts.As the only large city,Zhengzhou has experienced the fastest and most compact centralized urban expansion,especially after 2000,while other medium-and small-sized cities have experienced low-intensity decentralized expansion.Third,the urban core has been gradually expanding outward.From 1978 to 2017,the hot-zone of urban growth has moved progressively with the acceleration of urbanization.All cities except Jiaozuo had a single peak in different periods.Forth,the cities in national core grain-producing areas has higher cropland contribution rates and lower urban expansion areas,which was closely related to cropland protection.Further analysis showed that large city was relatively better positioned than smaller cities in the efficiency of their urban infrastructure and the effectiveness of wealth creation efficiency in the urbanized area could be tested in all cities,and the policy factor seemed to play an important role in the urban expansion process.

Culture of Embryonic Stem Cell by Primordial Germ Cells of Down Producing Goat

[Objective] The paper was to establish embryonic stem cell system of goats. [Method] Numerous primordial germ cell colonies were derived from gonadal ridge and the surrounding tissues in 20 millimeter fetuses of down producing goat. Primordial germ cells and goats embryonic fibroblasts obtained from conceptus of equivaient gestational age were co-cultured. [Result] The colonies showed some characteristics of embryonic stem cells, such as the morphology of nest-like, they continued to be AKP positive and the ability to be continuously passed [Conclusion] These cells were pluripotent and ES-like cells.

RESEARCH ON OPTIMAL OPERATION OF WATER PRODUCING SYSTEM

Basing on a viewpoint of all sided water producing system,a comprehensive analysis of the operation status and the relationship between each working unit in water producing system,including coagulation,sedimentation and filtration etc.was made.By investigating the influence of backwashing consumption,the amount of sludge ejected from sedimentation tank and coagulant ratio upon the cost,the cost effective function of the system was presented.Afterwards,the solution was found out and the corresponding computer program was developed.When applied with real world data,it proved that this method significantly reduced the water producing cost.

Classification and Integration of Storage and Transportation Engineering Technologies in Potato Producing Areas of China

Considering the development of potato （Solanum tuberosum） industry in China, the existing technologies of potato storage and transportation in the produc- ing area were analyzed through investigation on four main potato production areas. Unear classification was used to conduct the technology classification. According to the technical attributes and characteristics, the potato technologies of storage and transportation in producing area were classified with large classes, middle classes, small classes and subclasses, into the agricultural production area processing and storage engineering technology system, to reveal the structure and functions. Mean- while, the widely used technologies were integrated and summarized into 5 principal technology integration programs, which could be used for the technology integration of the new management subjects such as planting professional cooperatives, family farms, enterprises and so on.

Enhancement of insulin-producing cell differentiation from embryonic stem cells using pax4-nucleofection method

AIM： To enhance the differentiation of insulin producing cell （IPC） ability from embryonic stem （ES） cells in vitro. METHODS： Four-day embryoid body （EB）-formatted ES cells were dissociated as single cells for the followed plasmid DNA delivery. The use of NucleofectorTM electroporator （Amaxa biosystems, Germany） in combination with medium-contained G418 provided a high efficiency of gene delivery for advanced selection. Neucleofected cells were plated on the top of fibronectincoated Petri dishes. Addition of Ly294002 and raised the glucose in medium at 24 h before examination.The differentiation status of these cells was monitored by semi-quantitative PCR （SQ-PCR） detection of the expression of relative genes, such as oct-4, sox-17, foxa2, mixll, pdx-1, insulin 1, glucagons and somatostatin. The percentage of IPC population on d 18 of the experiment was investigated by immunohistochemistry （IHC）, and the content/secretion of insulin was estimated by ELISA assay. The mice with severe combined immunodeficiency disease （SCID） pretreated with streptozotocin （STZ） were used to eliminate plasma glucose restoration after pax4^＋ ES implantation. RESULTS： A high efficiency of gene delivery was demonstrated when neucleofection was used in the present study; approximately 70% cells showed DsRed expression 2 d after neucleofection. By selection of medium-contained G418, the percentage of DsRed expressing cells kept high till the end of study. The pancreatic differentiation seemed to be accelerated by pax4 nucleofection. When compared to the group of cells with mock control, foxa2, mixll, pdxl, higher insulin and somatostatin levels were detected by SQ-PCR 4 d after nucleofection in the group of pax4 expressing plasmid delivery. Approximately 55% of neucleofected cells showed insulin expression 18 d after neucleofection, and only 18% of cells showed insulin expression in mock control. The disturbance was shown by nucleofected pax4 RNAi vector; only 8% of cells expressed insulin 18 d after nucleofection. A higher IPC population was also detected in the insulin content by ELISA assay, and the glucose dependency was demonstrated in insulin secretion level. In the animal model, improvement of average plasma glucose concentration was observed in the group of pax-4 expressed ES of SCID mice pretreated with STZ, but no significant difference was observed in the group of STZ-pretreated SCID mice who were transplanted ES with mock plasmid. CONCLUSION： Enhancement of IPC differentiation from EB-dissociated ES cells can be revealed by simply using pax4 expressing plasrnid delivery. Not only more IPCs but also pancreatic differentiation-related genes can be detected by SQ-PCR. Expression of relative genes, such as foxa 2, mixl 1, pdx-1, insulin 1 and somatostatin after nucleofection, suggests that pax4 accelerates the whole differentiation progress. The higher insulin production with glucose dependent modulation suggests that pax4 expression can drive more mature IPCs. Although further determination of the entire mechanism is required, the potential of pax-4-nucleofected cells in medical treatment is promising.

Dynamic changes of microbial community diversity in a photohydrogen producing reactor monitored by PCR-DGGE

A PCR-DGGE (denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of polymerase chain reaction) protocol was used for monitoring the dynamic changes in the microbial population during photohydrogen production. Total DNA was extracted directly from the mixed bacterial community in the reactor and subjected to PCR with V3-16S rDNA and pufM gene primers, and the amplifications were then analyzed by DGGE. The DGGE patterns demonstrated the dynamics of community structure and the shift of microbial diversity, which correspond...

Do farmers care about climate change? Evidence from five major grain producing areas of China

Using a logistic model,this paper empirically investigated farmers’perception of climate change and its determinants based on a field survey of 1 350 rural households across five major grain producing provinces in China.The results show:i)There is an apparent difference in perception levels for long-term temperature and precipitation changes.Specifically,57.4%of farmers perceived the long-term temperature change correctly,but only 29.7%of farmers perceived the long-term precipitation change correctly;ii)The factors influencing the farmers’perceptions are almost completely different between precipitation and temperature,the former are mostly agriculture related,while latter are mostly non-agriculture related,except for farm size;and iii)Farmers are not expected to pay more attention to long-term precipitation changes over the crop growing seasons,because less than 30%of farmers can correctly perceive long-term precipitation change.Therefore,to improve the accuracy of farmers’perceptions of climate change,the government is recommended to:i)enhance education and training programs;ii)speed up land transfer and expand household land farm size;iii)develop farmer cooperative organizations;iv)invest more in agricultural infrastructure,specifically in major grain producing regions;and v)improve the agricultural environment and increase farming income.

miR-122-5p as a novel biomarker for alpha-fetoproteinproducing gastric cancer

AIM To investigate the clinical utility of alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)-producing gastric cancer(AFPGC)-specific microRNA(mi RNA)for monitoring and prognostic prediction of patients.METHODS We performed a comprehensive miRNA array-based approach to compare miRNA expression levels between AFP-positive and AFP-negative cells in three patients with primary AFPGC.We next examined the expression levels of the selected miRNAs in five AFPGC and ten non-AFPGC tissue samples by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to validate their utility.We also investigated the expression levels of the selected miRNA not only in tissue but also in plasma samples.Moreover,we investigated the relationship between plasma AFP levels and plasma selected miRNA expression levels,and also investigated the correlation of the selected miRNA expression levels and malignant potential.RESULTS Among the five miRNAs selected from the miRNA array results,the expression levels of miR-122-5p were significantly higher in the AFPGC patients than in the non-AFPGC patients(P<0.05).In tissue samples,mi R-122-5p expression level tended to be lower in the non-AFPGC tissue than the normal gastric mucosa.Conversely,in the AFPGC tissue,miR-122-5p expression level was significantly higher in the AFPGC tissue than both the normal gastric mucosa and the nonAFPGC tissue samples(P<0.05).Plasma mi R-122-5p expression levels were also significantly higher in the AFPGC patients than the health volunteers and the nonAFPGC patients(P<0.05)and were strongly correlated with plasma AFP levels(r=0.7975,P<0.0001).Moreover,the correlation of miR-122-5p expression in tissue samples with malignant potential was stronger than that of plasma AFP level in the AFPGC patients.In contrast,no correlation was found between mi R-122-5p expression levels and liver metastasis in the non-AFPGC patients.CONCLUSION miR-122-5p might be a useful biomarker for early detection and disease monitoring in AFPGC.

Agricultural Production Structure Optimization: A Case Study of Major Grain Producing Areas, China

A large number of mathematical models were developed for supporting agricultural production structure optimization decisions; however, few of them can address various uncertainties existing in many factors （e.g., eco-social benefit maximization, food security, employment stability and ecosystem balance）. In this study, an interval-probabilistic agricultural production structure optimization model （IPAPSOM） is formulated for tackling uncertainty presented as discrete intervals and/or probability distribution. The developed model improves upon the existing probabilistic programming and inexact optimization approaches. The IPAPSOM considers not only food security policy constraints, but also involves rural households’income increase and eco-environmental conversation, which can effectively reflect various interrelations among different aspects in an agricultural production structure optimization system. Moreover, it can also help examine the reliability of satisfying （or risk of violating） system constraints under uncertainty. The model is applied to a real case of long-term agricultural production structure optimization in Dancheng County, which is located in Henan Province of Central China as one of the major grain producing areas. Interval solutions associated with different risk levels of constraint violation are obtained. The results are useful for generating a range of decision alternatives under various system benefit conditions, and thus helping decision makers to identify the desired agricultural production structure optimization strategy under uncertainty.

Insulin producing cells established using non-integrated lentiviral vector harboring PDX1 gene

AIM: To investigate reprogramming of human adipose tissue derived stem cells into insulin producing cells using non-integrated lentivirus harboring PDX1 gene.METHODS: In this study, human adipose tissue derived stem cells(hADSCs) were obtained from abdominal adipose tissues by liposuction, selected by plastic adhesion, and characterized by flow cytometric analysis.Human ADSCs were differentiated into adipocytes and osteocytes using differentiating medium to confirm their multipotency. Non-integrated lentiviruses harboring PDX1(Non-integrated LV-PDX1) were constructed using specific plasmids(pLV-HELP, pMD2G, LV-105-PDX1-1).Then, hADSCs were transduced with non-integrated LVPDX1. After transduction, ADSCsPDX1+were cultured in high glucose DMEM medium supplement by B27, nicotinamide and βFGF for 21 d. Expressions of PDX1 andinsulin were detected at protein level by immunofluorescence analysis. Expressions of PDX1, neurogenin3(Ngn3), glucagon, glucose transporter2(Glut2) and somatostatin as specific marker genes were investigated at mRNA level by quantitative RT-PCR. Insulin secretion of hADSCsPDX1+in the high-glucose medium was detected by electrochemiluminescence test. Human ADSCsPDX1+were implanted into hyperglycemic rats.RESULTS: Human ADSCs exhibited their fibroblast-like morphology and made colonies after 7-10 d of culture.Determination of hADSCs identified by FACS analysis showed that hADSCs were positive for mesenchymal cell markers and negative for hematopoietic cell markers that guaranteed the lack of hematopoietic contamination. In vitro differentiation of hADSCs into osteocytes and adipocytes were detected by Alizarin red and Oil red O staining and confirmed their multilineage differentiation ability. Transduced hADSCs+PDX1became round and clusters in the differentiation medium. The appropriate expression of PDX1 and insulin proteins was confirmed using immunocytochemistry analysis.Significant expressions of PDX1, Ngn3, glucagon, Glut2and somatostatin were detected by quantitative RTPCR. hADSCsPDX1+revealed the glucose sensing ability by expressing Glut2 when they were cultured in the medium containing high glucose concentration. The insulin secretion of hADSCsPDX1+in the high glucose medium was 2.32 μU/mL. hADSCsPDX1+implantation into hyperglycemic rats cured it two days after injection by reducing blood glucose levels from 485 mg/dL to the normal level.CONCLUSION: Human ADSCs can differentiate into IPCs by non-integrated LV-PDX1 transduction and have the potential to be used as a resource in type 1 diabetes cell therapy.

Investigation and Green Prevention and Control Strategies of Pseudostellaria heterophylla Diseases in Genuine Producing Area in Zherong County

Zherong County of Fujian Province is a genuine producing area of Pseudostellaria heterophylla,and disease has become a main factor restricting the healthy development of P.heterophylla industry in the county.In order to scientifically understand the occurrence status of agricultural diseases and serve the GAP of P.heterophylla,P.heterophylla diseases in Zherong County were investigated,and the information and regularity of diseases were summarized.P.heterophylla diseases in Zherong County were infectious,and caused by fungi and viruses.The diseases occurred frequently in spring and summer,and symptoms were manifested in pathological changes of leaf and tuber.Eventually,green prevention and control strategies of diseases were put forward:cultivating new disease-resistant varieties,scientifically administrating drugs according to symptoms,administrating drugs in optimum period,strengthening biological control,strictly requiring drug safety period and paying attention to green prevention and control during the planting process.The occurrence of P.heterophylla diseases in Zherong County was investigated and summarized,and the corresponding strategies were put forward,so as to scientifically serve the agricultural industry in P.heterophylla genuine producing area,and to provide a basis for the sustainable development of modern pollution-free planting industry of P.heterophylla.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-producing hepatocellular carcinoma with abrupt changes

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(G-CSF)-producing tumor is one of the rare types of cancer clinically characterized by an elevated fever and white blood cell(WBC) increment. Although G-CSF producing tumors have been reported in several types of cancer including those of the lungs, cervix and bladder, G-CSF producing hepatocellular carcinoma is extremely rare. Here, we report the case of a rapidly growing and poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma producing G-CSF. The patient showed symptoms of continuous high fever, stomach pain and cough, and high serum WBC counts, C-reactive protein(CRP) and G-CSF levels were found in laboratory tests. After a radical hepatectomy, the patient completely recovered from the above symptoms and inflammatory state. The serum levels of G-CSF were reduced to normal levels after radical surgery. An immunohistochemical analysis revealed the overexpression of G-CSF in the cytoplasm of certain hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cell. The patient's serum WBC, CRP and G-CSF levels remained within normal levels in the six months after surgery without recurrence. This is the 9^(th) case report of G-CSF producing hepatocellular carcinoma in English literature. We review the clinical characteristics of the G-CSF producing HCC and discuss a possible treatment strategy.

T4-like coliphage ΦKAZ14 virulent to pathogenic and extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli of poultry origin

Dear Editor,Bacteriophages(otherwise called phages)are a type of virus that infect bacteria.This viral type has found useful applications in the control of bacterial pathogens in foods and food processing environments.In addition,phages may be useful to prevent colonization and shedding of bacteria into the surrounding environment.

Comparative analysis of hydrogen-producing bacteria and its immobilized cells for characteristics of hydrogen production

A strain of hydrogen producing bacteria was immobilized by polyvinyl alcohol-boric acid method, with the addition of a small amount of calcium alginate. The immobilized cells were insensitive to the presence of traces of O2. Moreover, the immobilized cells increased both the evolution rate and the yield of hydrogen production. Batch experiments with a medium containing 10 g/L glucose demonstrated the yields of hydrogen production by the immobilized and free cells were 2.14 mol/mol glucose and 1.69 mol/mol glucose, respectively. In continuous cultures at medium retention time of 2.0 h, the yield and the evolution rate of hydrogen production by the immobilized cells were 2.31 mol/mol glucose and 1 435.4 ml/（L·h） respectively. However, at medium retention time of 6.0 h, the yield and the evolution rate of hydrogen production by free cells were only 1.75 mol/mol glucose and 362.9 ml/（L·h）, respectively.

An isolate alpha-fetoprotein producing gastric cancer liver metastasis emerged in a patient previously affected by radiation induced liver disease

We report a case of an isolated hepatic neoplasia which originated in a site of the liver previously affected by radiation induced liver disease (RILD) in a patient resected for gastric cancer and referred to us for high serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. This case challenged us in distiguishing, even histologically, between primary liver cancer and AFP producing gastric cancer metastasis. Only a panel of immunohis-tochemical markers allowed the definitive diagnosis of liver metastasis of endodermal stem cell-derived and AFP producing gastric cancer. We discuss the criteria for a differential diagnosis, as well as the possible link between RILD and emergence of liver neoplasia.

Chemical Kinetic Aspects of Solid State Reaction Producing Wollastonite from Rice Husk Silica and Limestone

An industrial mineral wollastonite (CaSiO3) was produced under solid state conditions from rice husk silica and limestone. Reaction was carried out at 900'C to 1300'C for 1 h. The product batches were subjected to XRD and chemical analysis techniques specific for wollastonite. Mole fractions of different product batches were calculated on the basis of accumulated data to study the kinetics. Specific rate constants and reaction rate were also found out. Various probable models of mechanism for reaction were considered and testified with the laid down criterion for suggesting the suitable one. The resulting data were treated with Arrhenius equation as well and activation energy was calculated--therefrom. In addition to finding it's value from the slope of Arrhenius curve, an alternate method was also applied for this purpose. Both of the values were observed to be comparable. The activation energy required for performed reaction was found to be almost one third of that reported for synthesizing CaSiO3 by using quartz. This referred to the economical preparation of wollastonite by using rice husk as a source of silica instead of quartz.

Selection of Sinopec Lubricating Oil Producing Bases by Using the AHP Model

The factors affecting the developmcnt of Sinopec lubricating oil were analyzed in this paper, and an analytic hierarchy process （AHP） model for selecting lubricating-oil producing bases was developed. By using this model, nine lubricating oil producing companies under Sinopec were comprehensively evaluated. The evaluation result showed that the Maoming Lubricating Oil Company （Guangdong province）, Jingmen Lubricating Oil Company （Hubei province） and Changcheng Lube Oil Company （Beijing） are top three choices, and should be developed preferentially for the development of Sinopec producing bases of lubricating oil in the future. The conclusions provide the theoretical basis for selecting lubricating oil producing bases for decision makers.

Profile Analysis of the Proteome of the Egg of the High Royal Jelly Producing Bees (Apis mellifera L.)

The protein composition of the egg development in the high royal jelly producing bees （Apis mellifera L.） was investigated. This pioneer study was to separate and quantify the proteins in the egg of the high royal jelly producing worker bees （Apis mellifera L.） by using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis along with their three-day development. The results showed that 160, 195, and 176 proteins, with a wide range of molecular weight （17-80 KDa） and relatively narrow scope of pI （4. 00-8.40） could be detected on day 1, day 2, and day 3, respectively, during the developmental process of the egg. Meanwhile 44 protein spots were constantly detected along with the egg development. Among them 36% were in the uptrend along with the egg development, 14% were in the downtrend, and 39% were of the largest expressed volume on day 2. In addition, the specific proteins were expressed on day 1, day 2, and day 3 （89, 77, and 80, respectively）. Besides the coexistent and specific proteins, 24 proteins were expressed on day 1 and day 2, but silenced on day 3, 49 proteins were expressed on day 2 and day 3, but silenced on day 1, only 3 proteins were expressed on day 1 and day 3, but silenced on day 2. The result indicates that egg development is a sequential and complex gene controlled process, where the eggs of day 2 express the most active proteins. The coexistent proteins suggest that it is conservative and indispensable for this event. These specific proteins suggest that the different developmental stage needs specific proteins to regulate it.

Investigation and Evaluation on Soil Heavy Metal Contents in Fruit Producing Area in Baise City,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region

[Objective] This study was conducted to investigate heavy metal conditions in fruit producing area in Baise City, Guangxi Province. [Method] Heavy metal contents in 106 soil samples collected from fruit producing area in Youjiang District, Baise City, Guangxi Province were analyzed, and soil heavy metal pollution condition in this area was estimated applying single factor index method and Hakanson＇ potential ecological risk index method with reference to the second grade of National Soil Environmental Quality Standard and soil background values of this area. [Result] According to the second grade of National Soil Environmental Quality Standard, soil heavy metals in this fruit producing area is at the level of no pollution; and the total potential ecological risk pollution risk （RI） of soil heavy metals was 97.7, indicating no risk. [Conclusion] The fruit producing area in Baise City, Guangxi Province is free of heavy metal pollution.