Profile of Peanut Sensitization in Children Attending a Pneumo-Allergology Consultation at the Teaching Hospital Campus of Lomé, Togo

Introduction: Food allergies are on the constant increase worldwide. Among them is peanut allergy, which also affects children. The aim of this study was to determine the profile of peanut sensitization in children attending a pneumo-allergology consultation. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, which ran from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2022, on children sensitized to peanuts seen in pneumo-allergology consultations at the Teaching Hospital Campus of Lomé. Results: The sample included 137 children aged 3 months to 18 years. The frequency of peanut sensitization was 25.3%. The mean age of patients was 6.3 ± 4.3 years (minimum 6 months and maximum 18 years). The 6 months to 5 years age group was the most represented (43.1%). The sex ratio was 1.3. The main reasons for consultation were rhinorrhea (67.9%), sneezing (36.5%) and cough (35.8%). Allergic rhinitis was identified as a personal history in 75.2% of patients. Peanut allergy was manifested as rhinorrhea (62.5%), asthma (26.8%) and eczema (8.9%). The risk of onset of symptoms within 15 - 30 minutes was 1.87 times (p = 0.001, CI = [1.2 - 2.1]) for peanuts consumed in roasted form with shell. Severe clinical signs such as Quincke’s Edema and anaphylactic shock were found in 1.4% of cases. Conclusion: Peanut allergy was common in children. Severe clinical signs were rare.

Effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan on morphine-induced sensitization in mice

To investigate the involvement of central serotonergic system in behavioral sensitization to morphine in mice. Male Kunming mice were treated （i.p.） with saline or morphine 10 mg/kg twice daily for 3 d and then drug manipulation was suspended for 5 d. On day 9, a challenge dose of morphine （10 mg/kg） was given and the locomotor activity was measured for 60 rain to confkrm the establishment of behavioral sensitization in mice. Moreover, 5-hydroxytryptophan （5-HTP）, a precursor of serotonin, at the doses of 20-80 mg/kg was given i.p. in combination with daily morphine treatment （induction）, during the morphine treatment suspension （transfer） or prior to the challenge dose of morphine （expression） and locomotor activity was measured on day 9 after the challenge dose of morphine. Twice daily of morphine injection induced robust behavioral sensitization in mice as evidenced by significantly higher locomotion on day 9 for multiple treatment with morphine than saline in mice. 5-HTP treatment selec- tively and dose-dependently blocked the induction, but not the transfer nor the expression of morphine induced behavioral sensitization. This study provides clear evidence that up-regulation of central serotonergic system may suppress the induction of morphine sensitization in mice.

近红外无创血糖浓度的Label Sensitivity算法和支持向量机回归

近红外光谱分析技术在生物医学工程领域具有广阔应用前景。无创且持续性地测量能实时监控人体血糖水平,给糖尿病患者带来极大便利性、提高生存质量、降低糖尿病并发症发生率具有很大的社会效益。无创血糖监测的想法提出较早,但仍然存在预测精度低、预测值与标签值相关性不高等难点,至今没有达到临床要求。近年来,光谱检测技术发展迅猛且机器学习技术在智能信息处理方面具有明显优势,两者结合可以有效提高人体无创血糖医学监测模型的精度和普适性。提出了一种标签敏感度算法(LS),并结合支持向量机方法建立了人体血糖含量预测模型。使用近红外光谱仪采集了4名志愿者食指处动态血液光谱数据(每名志愿者28组数据),并使用多元散射矫正(MSC)方法消除了部分光散射的影响。考虑血糖对不同波长光的吸收有差异,提出了基于血糖浓度标签差的特征波长挑选方法,并构建了标签敏感度支持向量机(LSSVR)预测模型。设计实验,对比该模型与偏最小二乘回归(PLSR)和区分度支持向量机(FSSVR)算法。结果表明,LS算法的最佳特征波长数为32,经特征波长选择后的LSSVR表现最佳,其均方误差降低至0.02 mmol·L^(-1),明显优于全谱段PLSR模型,血糖浓度的预测值与标签值的相关系数提升至99.8%,预测值全部位于可容许误差的克拉克网格A区内。LSSVR模型的优异表现为早日实现血糖的无创监测提供了新思路。

Formalin-induced astrocyte glutamate-glutamine cycle involved in rat spinal cord central sensitization

BACKGROUND： Central sensitization, a state of increased excitability of nociceptive neurons in the spinal dorsal horn following peripheral tissue injury and/or inflammation, is an important mechanism underlying hyperalgesia and neuropathic pain. Participation of the glutamate-glutamine cycle in central sensitization of the spinal cord remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE： To determine whether the astrocyte-neuronal glutamate-glutamine cycle is involved in formalin-induced central sensitization in the spinal cord. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed at the Institute of Orthopedics, Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, China from September 2007 to August 2008. MATERIALS： Methionine sulfoximine （MSO, 0.1 mmol/L）, glutamine （0.25 mmol/L）, and formalin were used for this study. METHODS： A total of 43 male, Sprague Dawley rats, aged 4 months, were randomly assigned to a sham operation group （n = 6） and a model group （n = 37）. Rats in the model group received intrathecal infusion in the spinal cord. 7 days later, 37 model rats were randomly divided into PBS, MSO, glutamine, MSO ＋ glutamine and formalin subcutaneous injection alone groups. The PBS, MSO, glutamine, MSO ＋ glutamine groups were respectively intrathecally injected with PBS, MSO, glutamine, MSO ＋ glutamine （50 μL each）, and then infused with 10 μL of saline. Rats from the sham operation group were not subjected to intrathecal infusion in the spinal cord. At 15 minutes after intrathecal injection, a rat model of formalin-induced inflammatory pain was established by subcutaneous injection of 5% formalin （50 μL） in the left hindpaw. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Changes in spontaneous nociceptive behavior （licking/biting or flinching） were observed following formalin injection into the rat hindpaw. RESULTS： Compared with the PBS group, duration of licking/biting was significantly shortened, and flinching frequency was significantly diminished in the MSO group （P 〈 0.05）. Compared with the MSO group, duration of licking/biting was significantly prolonged, and flinching frequency was significantly increased in the MSO ＋ glutamine group （P 〈 0.05）. There was no significant difference in inflammatory pain behaviors among the sham operation, PBS, glutamine, MSO ＋ glutamine, and formalin subcutaneous injection alone groups （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： The astrocyte-neuronal glutamate-glutamine cycle in the spinal cord was shown to be involved in central sensitization induced by formalin subcutaneous injection into the hindpaw.

Sensory-motor responses to mechanical stimulation of the esophagus after sensitization with acid

AIM: Sensitization most likely plays an important role in chronic pain disorders, and such sensitization can be mimicked by experimental acid perfusion of the esophagus.The current study systematically investigated the sensory and motor responses of the esophagus to controlled mechanical stimuli before and after sensitization.METHODS: Thirty healthy subjects were included.Distension of the distal esophagus with a balloon was performed before and after perfusion with 0.1 mol/L hydrochloric acid for 30 min. An impedance planimetry system was used to measure cross-sectional area,volume, pressure, and tension during the distensions. A new model allowed evaluation of the phasic contractions by the tension during contractions as a function of the initial muscle length before the contraction (comparable to the Frank-Starling law for the heart). Length-tension diagrams were used to evaluate the muscle tone before and after relaxation of the smooth muscle with butylscopolamine.RESULTS: The sensitization resulted in allodynia and hyperalgesia to the distension volumes, and the degree of sensitization was related to the infused volume of acid. Furthermore, a nearly 50% increase in the evoked referred pain was seen after sensitization. The mechanical analysis demonstrated hyper-reactivity of the esophagus following acid perfusion, with an increased number and force of the phasic contractions, but the muscle tone did not change.CONCLUSION: Acid perfusion of the esophagus sensitizes the sensory pathways and facilitates secondary contractions.The new model can be used to study abnormal sensorymotor mechanisms in visceral organs.

Development and Evaluation of the Heroin Abstainers’ Cue-Sensitization Questionnaire

In order to develop the heroin abstainers＇ cue-sensitization questionnaire （HACSQ）, and evaluate its reliability and validity, during March and April in 2006, the cross-sectional sample survey and cluster sampling were adopted among 939 volunteer participants who were heroin abstainers from 5 compulsive detoxification centers in China. The data were collected by the self-report questionnaires. The reliability analysis included Cronbach＇s a coefficient, split reliability and test-retest reliability, while construction validity was analyzed in the light of exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Based upon the exploratory factor analysis, 4 factors were extracted, which were social emotion cue （SEC）, direct implement cue （DIC）, personnel cue （PC） and indirect implement cue （IIC） and they together explained 64.52% variance. According to the data, test-retest reliability coefficient ranged from 0.57 to 0.63, and Cronbach＇s α coefficient ranged from 0.86 to 0.95 across the 4 factors and HACSQ. The adjusted goodness of fit index was 0.75. It was suggested that the HACSQ demonstrated good validities and reliabilities, and may be used as a reliable assessment tool for the cue-sensitization among the heroin abstainers.

Highly Efficient Photosensitization of Mesoporous TiO_2 Electrode with a Cyanine Dye

A low cost cyanine dye, 1,1-dimethyl-3-ethyl-2-[3-(1,3-dihydro-3,3-dimethyl-1-ethyl- 5-carboxyl-2H-indol-2-ylidene)-1-propenyl]-1H-benz[e] indolium iodide (1) was synthesized and applied to sensitize mesoporous TiO2 electrode. Photoresponse of the electrode was extended to the visible and remarkably high incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) over 70% was achieved from 500 nm to 600 nm.

Precision medicine allergy immunoassay methods for assessing immunoglobulin E sensitization to aeroallergen molecules

Molecular-based allergy diagnosis for the in vitro assessment of a patient immunoglobulin E(IgE) sensitization profile at the molecular level uses allergen molecules(also referred to as allergen components), which may be well-defined, highly purified, natural allergen components or recombinant allergens. Modern immunoassay methods used for the detection of specific Ig E against aeroallergen components are either singleplex(such as the fluorescence enzyme immunoassay with capsulated cellulose polymer solid-phase coupled allergens, the enzyme-enhanced chemiluminescence immunoassay and the reversed enzyme allergosorbent test, with liquid-phase allergens), multiparameter(such as the line blot immunoassay for defined partial allergen diagnostics with allergen components coating membrane strips) or multiplex(such as the microarraybased immunoassay on immuno solid-phase allergen chip, and the two new multiplex nanotechnology-based immunoassays: the patient-friendly allergen nanobead array, and the macroarray nanotechnology-based immunoassay used as a molecular allergy explorer). The precision medicine diagnostic work-up may be organized as an integrated "U-shape" approach, with a "top-down" approach(from symptoms to molecules) and a "bottomup" approach(from molecules to clinical implications), as needed in selected patients. The comprehensive and accurate Ig E sensitization molecular profiling, with identification of the relevant allergens, is indicated within the framework of a detailed patient's clinical history to distinguish genuine Ig E sensitization from sensitization due to cross-reactivity(especially in polysensitized patients), to assess unclear symptoms and unsatisfactory response to treatment, to reveal unexpected sensitizations, and to improve assessment of severity and risk aspects in some patients. Practical approaches, such as anamnesis molecular thinking, laboratory molecular thinking and postmolecular anamnesis, are sometimes applied. The component-resolved diagnosis of the specific IgE repertoire has a key impact on optimal decisions making for prophylactic and specific immunotherapeutic strategies tailored for the individual patient.

Sensitization and Intra-molecular Energy Transfer of Eu^(3+) by Tb^(3+) in Eu-Tb Binuclear Complexes/PMMA

A series of Eu0.5Tb0.5（TTA）3Phen/PMMA （TTA=thenoyltrifluoroacetone,Phen=phenanthroline） and Eu0.5Tb0.5（TTA）3Dipy/PMMA （Dipy=2,2’-dipyridyl） were prepared by in-situ polymerization.The structures of the composites were characterized by IR spectra and electron spectrum.Photoluminescence properties were investigated by UV-Vis spectra and fluorescence spectra.Meanwhile,the energy transfer models were set up.The results indicated that polymer parts were attached with the rare-earth molecular parts in the composite luminescent materials.Eu0.5Tb0.5（TTA）3Phen/PMMA and Eu0.5Tb0.5（TTA）3Dipy/PMMA emitted mostly characteristic fluorescence of europium ion and intense red fluorescence with peak wavelength at 611.8 nm and bandwidth of 10.4 nm under UV excitation at 365 nm.Fluorescence intensity of Eu0.5Tb0.5（TTA）3Phen/PMMA was found to be influenced with the content of MMA.The fluorescence emission of europium ions was greatly sensitized by terbium ions and the enhancement of red emission was most likely due to the energy transfer enhancement from Tb3＋ to Eu3＋.

Study of ATP borate ester effects on cell sensitization to radiation emitted by a nuclear reactor

Adenosine triphosphate(ATP)borate ester as a new boron agent for boron neutron capture therapy was tested.It was synthesized via a dehydration reaction induced by heating adenosine triphosphate disodium with boric acid.Next,ATP borate ester pretreatments were assessed to study their effects on cell sensitization from exposure to thermal neutron irradiation emitted by a nuclear reactor.Using cell viability assays(CCK8),survival rates of A549 cells pretreated with or without boroncontaining agents,including ATP borate ester and 4-dihydroxyborylphenylalanine(BPA),were measured.One week after feeding an ATP borate ester solution to tumorbearing nude mice,elemental B content values of tumor muscle and blood were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS).Meanwhile,other tumor tissue samples were placed in a culture medium,subjected to a 3-min neutron irradiation exposure,and then fixed in formalin 24 h later for the terminaldeoxynucleotidyl transferase(TDT)-mediated d UTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)immunohistochemical staining analysis.Results showed that A549 cell irradiation sensitization(irradiation dose of 0.33 Gy)varied with pretreatment.Sensitization values of the ATP borate ester pretreatment group were 1.3–14.1 with boron agent concentrations of 0.3–4.5 mM.Within 1.1–3.4 mM,ATP borate ester showed significantly higher sensitization values than BPA.Meanwhile,TUNEL results demonstrated that apoptosis rates of tumor tissue cells exposed to irradiation after ATP borate ester pretreatment significantly exceeded the corresponding rates for BPA-pretreated cells.In animal experiments,although the distribution ratio of ATP borate ester(tumor tissue/normal muscle,T/N)of 1.2 was not significantly different compared with that of BPA(1.3),the total ATP borate ester concentration in the tumor tissue(0.79±0.05μg/g)significantly exceeded that of BPA(0.58±0.05μg/g).Thus,compared with BPA,the greater enrichment of ATP borate ester in tumor tissues permits preferential targeting toward tumor cells for radiation sensitization.Therefore,ATP borate ester is superior to BPA for use in boron neutron capture therapy.

Bladder-colon chronic cross-sensitization involves neuro-glial pathways in male mice

BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome and bladder pain syndrome often overlap and are both characterized by visceral hypersensitivity.Since pelvic organs share common sensory pathways,it is likely that those syndromes involve a cross-sensitization of the bladder and the colon.The precise pathophysiology remains poorly understood.AIM To develop a model of chronic bladder-colon cross-sensitization and to investigate the mechanisms involved.METHODS Chronic cross-organ visceral sensitization was obtained in C57BL/6 mice using ultrasound-guided intravesical injections of acetic acid under brief isoflurane anesthesia.Colorectal sensitivity was assessed in conscious mice by measuring intracolonic pressure during isobaric colorectal distensions.Myeloperoxidase,used as a marker of colorectal inflammation,was measured in the colon,and colorectal permeability was measured using chambers.c-Fos protein expression,used as a marker of neuronal activation,was assessed in the spinal cord(L6-S1 level)using immunohistochemistry.Green fluorescent protein on the fractalkine receptor-positive mice were used to identify and count microglia cells in the L6-S1 dorsal horn of the spinal cord.The expression of NK1 receptors and MAPK-p38 were quantified in the spinal cord using western blot.RESULTS Visceral hypersensitivity to colorectal distension was observed after the intravesical injection of acetic acid vs saline(P<0.0001).This effect started 1 h post-injection and lasted up to 7 d postinjection.No increased permeability or inflammation was shown in the bladder or colon 7 d postinjection.Visceral hypersensitivity was associated with the increased expression of c-Fos protein in the spinal cord(P<0.0001).In green fluorescent protein on the fractalkine receptor-positive mice,intravesical acetic acid injection resulted in an increased number of microglia cells in the L6-S1 dorsal horn of the spinal cord(P<0.0001).NK1 receptor and MAPK-p38 levels were increased in the spinal cord up to 7 d after injection(P=0.007 and 0.023 respectively).Colorectal sensitization was prevented by intrathecal or intracerebroventricular injections of minocycline,a microglia inhibitor,by intracerebroventricular injection of CP-99994 dihydrochloride,a NK1 antagonist,and by intracerebroventricular injection of SB203580,a MAPK-p38 inhibitor.CONCLUSION We describe a new model of cross-organ visceral sensitization between the bladder and the colon in mice.Intravesical injections of acetic acid induced a long-lasting colorectal hypersensitivity to distension,mediated by neuroglial interactions,MAPK-p38 phosphorylation and the NK1 receptor.

Assessment of immune responses and intestinal flora in BALB/c mice model of wheat food allergy via different sensitization methods

Increasing incidences showed that food allergies have attracted more and more attention from researchers.BALB/c mice were sensitized with wheat gluten combined with aluminum hydroxide adjuvant via intraperitoneal injection,transdermal sensitization,and oral gavage sensitization route.Results showed that all the three sensitization methods could induce allergic symptoms;increase the serum antibody(total immunoglobulin E(IgE),specific IgE,IgG,IgA)and histamine content;promote the secretion of Th2 cytokines(interleukin(IL)-4,IL-5,IL-13)and inflammatory factors(IL-6,IL-17 A,IL-10);and inhibit the production of Th1 cytokines(IFN-γ,IL-2).However,the allergic symptoms of mice sensitized by intraperitoneal injection were the most obvious among the three models.The level of serum antibodies in intraperitoneal injection group was significantly higher than control.Subsequently,16 S rRNA sequencing technology was used to analyze the intestinal flora of mice.The results showed that the abundance of Firmicutes in the wheat protein sensitized group was lower than that in the normal group,while the abundance of Bacteroidetes was higher,and Lactobacillus was the difference marker in normal group.Bacterial species diversity analysis showed that the species richness and diversity of intestinal flora in mice were decreased,the difference between mice induced by intraperitoneal injection and normal control group mice was the most significant.Taken together,these results show that among three sensitization methods used to build a mouse model with aluminum hydroxide as adjuvant,intraperitoneal injection is the comparably best way to build a mouse sensitization mode.

Context-and time-dependent neurobiological and behavioral sensitization induced by a single morphine exposure in mice

Background and Aim Drug-induced sensitization in the mesocorticolimbic systems has been thought to play an important role in certain aspects of drug addiction, including the important function of drug-associated cues and environments in mediating drug-seeking behaviors. Our previous studies have identified a role of heat shock protein 70 （Hsp70） in the development of a single exposure morphine-induced behavioral sensitization. Methods The present study investigated the effect of environment on the expression of behavioral sensitization in- duced by a single morphine exposure, and associated Hsp70 levels. Results Our results showed that expression of single exposure morphine-induced behavioral sensitization was accompanied by a significant increase of Hsp70 ex- mice administered morphine in an unpaired fashion failed pression in the nucleus accumbens （NAc）. In contrast, to exhibit behavioral sensitization or higher Hsp70 expression. Additionally, by using a habituation process before we found that there was a transition from conditioned hyperactivity to be- challenge to remove conditioned response, havioral sensitization, the former of which was not accompanied by an increased expression of Hsp70. Conclusions Together, these results suggest that behavioral sensitization induced by a single morphine exposure in mice exhib- its context- and time-dependent patterns with environmental context functioning probably via an inhibitory condition- ing mechanism. Alteration of Hsp70 expression in NAc may represent a neurobiological sensitization mechanism mediating context- and time-dependent behavioral sensitization.

INVESTIGATION ON RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PREOPERATIONAL SENSITIZATION AND CROSSMATCH

Objective To explore the relationship between HLA sensitization and crossmatch and to assess its clinical value. Methods The subjects were divided into 3 groups: high sensitization group (PRA≥40%) ,low sensiti- zation group (40%>PRA≥10%) and non-sensitization group (PRA<10%) according to the HLA antibody level de- tected by ELISA. The results of crossmatch were compared among the 3 groups. Results There was significant differ- ence among the ratio of positive crossmatch in high sensitization group (39.4%) ,low sensitization group(10.5%) and non-sensitization group (2.6%). Conclusion The sensitization level is positively correlated with the result of crossmatch. The improvement of matching precision can be made by using both of techniques mentioned above.

A semi-analytical model for coupled flow in stress-sensitive multi-scale shale reservoirs with fractal characteristics

A large number of nanopores and complex fracture structures in shale reservoirs results in multi-scale flow of oil. With the development of shale oil reservoirs, the permeability of multi-scale media undergoes changes due to stress sensitivity, which plays a crucial role in controlling pressure propagation and oil flow. This paper proposes a multi-scale coupled flow mathematical model of matrix nanopores, induced fractures, and hydraulic fractures. In this model, the micro-scale effects of shale oil flow in fractal nanopores, fractal induced fracture network, and stress sensitivity of multi-scale media are considered. We solved the model iteratively using Pedrosa transform, semi-analytic Segmented Bessel function, Laplace transform. The results of this model exhibit good agreement with the numerical solution and field production data, confirming the high accuracy of the model. As well, the influence of stress sensitivity on permeability, pressure and production is analyzed. It is shown that the permeability and production decrease significantly when induced fractures are weakly supported. Closed induced fractures can inhibit interporosity flow in the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV). It has been shown in sensitivity analysis that hydraulic fractures are beneficial to early production, and induced fractures in SRV are beneficial to middle production. The model can characterize multi-scale flow characteristics of shale oil, providing theoretical guidance for rapid productivity evaluation.

The role of potassium channels in the nitric oxide-induced relaxation of human airway smooth muscle of passively sensitization by serum from allergic asthmatic patients

Objective： To investigate the role of large Ca^2＋-activated, delayed-rectifier and ATP-sensitive potassium channel in regulating the relaxation induced by nitric oxide （NO） in normal and passively sensitized human airway smooth muscle （HASM） with serum from asthmatic patients. Methods： The effects of NO or/and potassium channel blockers on the tensions of normal and passively sensitized HASM were measured by using nitric oxide donor and potassium blockers, with the isometric tension recording technique. Results： Showed that（1）In the control group and passively sensitized group, Kv blocker（4-AP） cause concentration-dependent augmentation in the contraction induced by histamine （ 1 ×10^-4 mol/L ）, （P 〈 0.05）, but Glib （ 1 × 10^-2 mol/L ） and TEA （1×10^-4 mol/L） have no significant effects on the contraction induced by histamine （1×10^-4 mol/L）. The maximum tension induced by histamine in passively sensitized group is higher than that in the control group （P 〈 0.05）. （2） NO-donor Sodium Nitroprusside （SNP） bring about significant relaxation in normal and passively sensitized HASM rings （P 〈 0.05）. Relaxations of passively sensitized airway rings [ （29.4 ± 3.3）% ] were significant less than those of normal HASM rings [ （44.1 ± 10.2）% ], （P 〈 0.05）.（3） Glib（1×10^-2 mol/L）have no significant effect on the relaxations induced by SNP（1×10^-4 mol/L）. 4-AP（1×10^-2 mol/L） inhibited relaxation induced by SNP （1×10^-4 mol/L）, （P 〈 0.01）. TEA （1×10^-3 tool/L） inhibited relaxation induced by SNP （1×10^-4 mol/L） （P 〈 0.05）, and the inhibiting effect in passively sensitized HASM rings were significant less than in normal HASM, （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion： It was concluded that SNP（NO-donor） relaxed the contraction of HASM partly via BKca channel opening. In passively sensitized HASM in vitro, the relaxation of SNP decreased compared with control group, which might be associated with the down-regulating activity of BKca in passively sensitized HASM.

Identification, pathogenicity, and fungicide sensitivity of Eutiarosporella dactylidis associated with leaf blight on maize in China

Maize(Zea mays L.) is an economically vital grain crop that is cultivated worldwide. In 2011, a maize foliar disease was detected in Lingtai and Lintao counties in Gansu Province, China. The characteristic signs and symptoms of this disease include irregular chlorotic lesions on the tips and edges of infected leaves and black punctate fruiting bodies in dead leaf tissues. Given favourable environmental conditions, this disease spread to areas surrounding Gansu. In this study, infected leaves were collected from Gansu and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region between 2018and 2020 to identify the disease-causing pathogen. Based on morphological features, pathogenicity tests, and multilocus phylogenetic analysis involving internal transcribed spacer(ITS), 18S small subunit rDNA(SSU), 28S large subunit rDNA(LSU), translation elongation factor 1-alpha(TEF), and β-tubulin(TUB) sequences, Eutiarosporella dactylidis was identified as the causative pathogen of this newly discovered leaf blight. Furthermore, an in vitro bioassay was conducted on representative strains using six fungicides, and both fludioxonil and carbendazim were found to significantly inhibit the mycelial growth of E. dactylidis. The results of this study provide a reference for the detection and management of Eutiarosporella leaf blight.

EVALUATION OF EMBRITTLEMENT BEHAVIOR DUETO SENSITIZATION IN A CRYOGENIC AUSTENITICSTAINLESS STEEL BY MEANS OF SMALL PUNCHAND FRACTURE TOUGHNESS TESTS

In order to evaluate the tendency of mechanical properties degrudation due to weld-ing and other processing in materials used for supporting coils in super conducting rnaguets utilized in thermonuclear jusion reactore, a small punch (SP) test was used.This test, which was originally developed to study irradiation damage using miniatursized specimens was performed at 77 and 4 K for solution treated and sensitized JN1 austenitic stainless steel, a candidate cryogenic structural material. The area under the load-deflection curve up to the maximum applied load in SP test was defined as the SP enerpy, to characterize the resistance to fracture. Although solution treated material exhibited ductile fracture mode with high SP enerpy, embrittlement behavior due to sensitization at 650-800°for 1-5 h was shown clearlg by SP test with brittle intergranular fracture and decreased SP enerpy. Comparison of the results obtained by SP test with those by fracture toughness test showed the usefulness of SP test for evaluation of sensitization induced embrittlement at cryogenic temperature. The re-sults obtained in this study can be very usefol in predicting the degradation due to welding and other processing in cryogenic materials.

Evaluation of Dermal Irritation and Skin Sensitization by Curaderm

Purpose: To establish whether Curaderm, a topical pharmacotherapy for skin cancer, irritates or sensitizes normal skin. Methods: The dermal irritation and skin sensitization toxicity of Curaderm were investigated in rabbits and guinea pigs in compliance with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guideline. To assess dermal irritation, rabbits were dermally exposed to Curaderm for varying periods of time. To assess hypersensitivity, the guinea-pig maximisation test was applied. Results: Curaderm was only negligibly irritating using the criteria of erythema and oedema. Curaderm did not produce any sensitization toxicity of the skin. Conclusion: These studies confirm the non-toxic observations on normal skin experienced in the clinical setting when treating skin cancer and reinforce the specificity of Curaderm towards cancer cells.

Future changes in precipitation and water availability over the Tibetan Plateau projected by CMIP6 models constrained by climate sensitivity

Precipitation projections over the Tibetan Plateau(TP)show diversity among existing studies,partly due to model uncertainty.How to develop a reliable projection remains inconclusive.Here,based on the IPCC AR6–assessed likely range of equilibrium climate sensitivity(ECS)and the climatological precipitation performance,the authors constrain the CMIP6(phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project)model projection of summer precipitation and water availability over the TP.The best estimates of precipitation changes are 0.24,0.25,and 0.45 mm d^(−1)(5.9%,6.1%,and 11.2%)under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway(SSP)scenarios of SSP1–2.6,SSP2–4.5,and SSP5–8.5 from 2050–2099 relative to 1965–2014,respectively.The corresponding constrained projections of water availability measured by precipitation minus evaporation(P–E)are 0.10,0.09,and 0.22 mm d^(−1)(5.7%,4.9%,and 13.2%),respectively.The increase of precipitation and P–E projected by the high-ECS models,whose ECS values are higher than the upper limit of the likely range,are about 1.7 times larger than those estimated by constrained projections.Spatially,there is a larger increase in precipitation and P–E over the eastern TP,while the western part shows a relatively weak difference in precipitation and a drier trend in P–E.The wetter TP projected by the high-ECS models resulted from both an approximately 1.2–1.4 times stronger hydrological sensitivity and additional warming of 0.6℃–1.2℃ under all three scenarios during 2050–2099.This study emphasizes that selecting climate models with climate sensitivity within the likely range is crucial to reducing the uncertainty in the projection of TP precipitation and water availability changes.