Theoretical Framework for a Polymorphic Network Environment

The question of whether an ideal network exists with global scalability in its full life cycle has always been a first-principles problem in the research of network systems and architectures.Thus far,it has not been possible to scientifically practice the design criteria of an ideal network in a unimorphic network system,making it difficult to adapt to known services with clear application scenarios while supporting the ever-growing future services with unexpected characteristics.Here,we theoretically prove that no unimorphic network system can simultaneously meet the scalability requirement in a full cycle in three dimensions—the service-level agreement(S),multiplexity(M),and variousness(V)—which we name as the“impossible SMV triangle”dilemma.It is only by transforming the current network development paradigm that the contradiction between global scalability and a unified network infrastructure can be resolved from the perspectives of thinking,methodology,and practice norms.In this paper,we propose a theoretical framework called the polymorphic network environment(PNE),the first principle of which is to separate or decouple application network systems from the infrastructure environment and,under the given resource conditions,use core technologies such as the elementization of network baselines,the dynamic aggregation of resources,and collaborative software and hardware arrangements to generate the capability of the“network of networks.”This makes it possible to construct an ideal network system that is designed for change and capable of symbiosis and coexistence with the generative network morpha in the spatiotemporal dimensions.An environment test for principle verification shows that the generated representative application network modalities can not only coexist without mutual influence but also independently match well-defined multimedia services or custom services under the constraints of technical and economic indicators.

KCNQ1 rs2237895 gene polymorphism increases susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus in Asian populations

BACKGROUND The association of single nucleotide polymorphism of KCNQ1 gene rs2237895 with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is currently controversial.It is unknown whether this association can be gene realized across different populations.AIM To determine the association of KCNQ1 rs2237895 with T2DM and provide reliable evidence for genetic susceptibility to T2DM.METHODS We searched PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,Medline,Baidu Academic,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,China Biomedical Literature Database,and Wanfang to investigate the association between KCNQ1 gene rs2237895 and the risk of T2DM up to January 12,2022.Review Manager 5.4 was used to analyze the association of the KCNQ1 gene rs2237895 polymorphism with T2DM and to evaluate the publication bias of the selected literature.RESULTS Twelve case–control studies(including 11273 cases and 11654 controls)met our inclusion criteria.In the full population,allelic model[odds ratio(OR):1.19;95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.09–1.29;P<0.0001],recessive model(OR:1.20;95%CI:1.11–1.29;P<0.0001),dominant model(OR:1.27.95%CI:1.14–1.42;P<0.0001),and codominant model(OR:1.36;95%CI:1.15–1.60;P=0.0003)(OR:1.22;95%CI:1.10–1.36;P=0.0002)indicated that the KCNQ1 gene rs2237895 polymorphism was significantly correlated with susceptibility to T2DM.In stratified analysis,this association was confirmed in Asian populations:allelic model(OR:1.25;95%CI:1.13–1.37;P<0.0001),recessive model(OR:1.29;95%CI:1.11–1.49;P=0.0007),dominant model(OR:1.35;95%CI:1.20–1.52;P<0.0001),codominant model(OR:1.49;95%CI:1.22–1.81;P<0.0001)(OR:1.26;95%CI:1.16–1.36;P<0.0001).In non-Asian populations,this association was not significant:Allelic model(OR:1.06,95%CI:0.98–1.14;P=0.12),recessive model(OR:1.04;95%CI:0.75–1.42;P=0.83),dominant model(OR:1.06;95%CI:0.98–1.15;P=0.15),codominant model(OR:1.08;95%CI:0.82–1.42;P=0.60.OR:1.15;95%CI:0.95–1.39;P=0.14).CONCLUSION KCNQ1 gene rs2237895 was significantly associated with susceptibility to T2DM in an Asian population.Carriers of the C allele had a higher risk of T2DM.This association was not significant in non-Asian populations.

Relationship between the rs2241766 ADIPOQ Polymorphism in a Black African Population and the Occurrence of Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease, characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. This pathology is linked to various genes whose interaction with the environment promotes its development. The aim of this work was to determine the relationship between the rs2241766 (T/G) polymorphism of the ADIPOQ gene with type 2 diabetes in the black population. Material and Methods: This work was a case-control study, involving type 2 diabetics subjects (n = 94) and controls (n = 82). The study took place from September 2022 to September 2023. Patients were recruited in the Endocrinology Department of the Libreville University Hospital Center. Analysis was performed in the Biochemistry laboratory of the University of Health Sciences in Libreville and at the Research Institute of Health Sciences of Bobodioulasso. Genomic DNA was extracted using the protocol Qiagen kit and the PCR-RFLP method was used to determine the rs2241766 (T/G) polymorphism of the ADIPOQ gene. Results: Only 2 genotypes were found in this population, the TT genotype and the GT genotype. The proportions were not different between the two groups (p = 0.1095) neither the distribution of G and T alleles (p = 0.1095). On the other hand, the HDL hypocholesterolemia was frequent in subjects with the GT genotype compared to TT heterozygous (51.1% vs 48.9%, p = 0.0280;OR = 0.55 [0.30 - 1.01]). Conclusion: There was no association between the rs2241766 (T/G) variant of the ADIPOQ gene and the occurrence of type 2 diabetes in this population. On the other hand, a relationship between HDL hypocholesterolemia and the GT genotype has been established.

Single nucleotide polymorphism within chromosome 8q24 is associated with prostate cancer development in Saudi Arabia

Objective: Genome-wide association studies have demonstrated that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are important risk factors for the development of prostate cancer (PCa). Preliminary studies have suggested that the incidence of PCa in Saudi males is low but is probably familial or genetically related.Methods: To identify any possible association of SNP with PCa development in Saudi patients, we investigated a group of SNPs in Saudi PCa patients (n=85) and compared the outcomes to healthy normal controls (n=115) and nodular hyperplasia patients (n=120). DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded formalin fixed tissue or whole blood from both patients’ groups and healthy control group. A total of thirteen SNPs were genotyped using TaqMan® minor groove binder polymerase chain reaction assay.Results: The rs16901979A, s629242T and rs1447295A alleles were found at significantly higher frequency in PCa patients than controls (p< 0.05). The rs16901979 CA genotype was found at significantly greater frequency in PCa patients than in healthy controls (43% vs. 14%, odds ratio=4.6, p=0.0001) and benign hyperplasia group (43% vs. 25%, odds ratio=2.2, p=0.009).Conclusion: Our study has highlighted the association of rs16901979 SNP with PCa in Saudi males. Such findings have important implications in the PCa diagnosis and in screening unaffected family members of Saudi patients.

Nucleotide excision repair gene polymorphisms and hepatoblastoma susceptibility in Eastern Chinese children:A five-center case-control study

Objective:Nucleotide excision repair(NER)plays a vital role in maintaining genome stability,and the effect of NER gene polymorphisms on hepatoblastoma susceptibility is still under investigation.This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between NER gene polymorphisms and the risk of hepatoblastoma in Eastern Chinese Han children.Methods:In this five-center case-control study,we enrolled 966 subjects from East China(193 hepatoblastoma patients and 773 healthy controls).The TaqMan method was used to genotype 19 single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)in NER pathway genes,including ERCC1,XPA,XPC,XPD,XPF,and XPG.Then,multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed,and odds ratios(ORs)and 95%confidence intervals(95%CIs)were utilized to assess the strength of associations.Results:Three SNPs were related to hepatoblastoma risk.XPC rs2229090 and XPD rs3810366 significantly contributed to hepatoblastoma risk according to the dominant model(adjusted OR=1.49,95%CI=1.07−2.08,P=0.019;adjusted OR=1.66,95%CI=1.12−2.45,P=0.012,respectively).However,XPD rs238406 conferred a significantly decreased risk of hepatoblastoma under the dominant model(adjusted OR=0.68,95%CI=0.49−0.95;P=0.024).Stratified analysis demonstrated that these significant associations were more prominent in certain subgroups.Moreover,there was evidence of functional implications of these significant SNPs suggested by online expression quantitative trait loci(eQTLs)and splicing quantitative trait loci(sQTLs)analysis.Conclusions:In summary,NER pathway gene polymorphisms(XPC rs2229090,XPD rs3810366,and XPD rs238406)are significantly associated with hepatoblastoma risk,and further research is required to verify these findings.

Toll-like receptors 2 polymorphism is associated with psoriasis: A case-control study in the northern Chinese population

Background:Psoriasis is a disease caused by genetics and immune system dysfunction,affecting the skin and joints.Toll-like receptors(TLRs)play an important role in triggering the innate immune response and controlling adaptive immunity.The role of TLR2 in the progression of psoriasis is not well understood.Methods:A case-control study was conducted on a northern Chinese Han population,consisting of psoriasis patients and healthy control subjects.Genotyping was performed using the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction(ARMS-PCR),and allele and genotype frequencies of four SNPs in TLR2 were analyzed in 270 psoriasis patients and 246 healthy controls.Results:Four TLR2 SNPs(rs11938228,rs4696480,rs3804099,rs5743699)were genotyped and found to be in linkage disequilibrium.The genotype distributions of rs11938228 and rs4696480 in two groups were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and statistically significant except for the overdominance model.The haplotypes ATTC and ATCC were found to be protective against psoriasis.Conclusion:Our study found a correlation between TLR2 genetic variations and the likelihood of psoriasis in northern China.

Distribution of gene polymorphisms associated with aspirin antiplatelet in the Han NSTEMI population

Objective:To analyze the genotype and allele distribution characteristics of GPⅢa PLA2(rs5918),PEAR1(rs12041331),and PTGS1(rs10306114)genes related to the antiplatelet pharmacological effects of aspirin,providing reference for individualized treatment of Chinese Han NSTEMI patients.Methods:A total of 107 Han patients with NSTEMI in Beijing Luhe Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 2016 to December 2022 were selected as the research subjects.The genotypes of GPⅢa PLA2(rs5918),PEAR1(rs12041331)and PTGS1(rs10306114)were detected by fluorescence staining in situ hybridization.The frequency distribution and allele distribution of genotype were analyzed.The results were analyzed whether there were statistical differences in the distribution of related alleles between the Han NSTEMI population and some populations in the 1000 Genomes database.Results:In the Han NSTEMI population,the genotype frequencies of GPⅢa PLA2(rs5918)locus were TT 97.20%,TC 2.80%and CC 0%,the allele frequencies were T 98.60%and C 1.40%.The genotype frequencies of PEAR1(rs12041331)locus were GG 42.06%,GA 44.86%and AA 13.08%,the allele frequencies were G 64.49%and A 35.51%.The genotypes at the PTGS1(rs10306114)locus were all AA(100%),no AG or GG genotype was found.Conclusion:In the NSTEMI population of Han nationality,the mutation at GPⅢa PLA2(rs5918)site related to aspirin antiplatelet pharmacology is rare,and there is no mutation at PTGS1(rs10306114)site.Wild homozygotes are dominant in these two gene loci,while mutations in PEAR1(rs12041331)are more common.Some of the findings in this study are similar to those in previous reports or other populations included in the relevant database;however,some results differ from previous reports or other populations。

Interaction between catechol-O-methyltransferase Val/Met polymorphism and cognitive reserve for negative symptoms in schizophrenia

BACKGROUND Cognitive reserve(CR)and the catechol-O-methyltransferase(COMT)Val/Met polymorphism are reportedly linked to negative symptoms in schizophrenia.However,the regulatory effect of the COMT genotype on the relationship between CR and negative symptoms is still unexamined.AIM To investigate whether the relationship between CR and negative symptoms could be regulated by the COMT Val/Met polymorphism.METHODS In a cross-sectional study,54 clinically stable patients with schizophrenia underwent assessments for the COMT genotype,CR,and negative symptoms.CR was estimated using scores in the information and similarities subtests of a short form of the Chinese version of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale.RESULTS COMT Met-carriers exhibited fewer negative symptoms than Val homozygotes.In the total sample,significant negative correlations were found between negative symptoms and information,similarities.Associations between information,similarities and negative symptoms were observed in Val homozygotes only,with information and similarities showing interaction effects with the COMT genotype in relation to negative symptoms(information,β=-0.282,95%CI:-0.552 to-0.011,P=0.042;similarities,β=-0.250,95%CI:-0.495 to-0.004,P=0.046).CONCLUSION This study provides initial evidence that the association between negative symptoms and CR is under the regulation of the COMT genotype in schizophrenia.

AGTR1 A1166C gene polymorphism is associated with the effectiveness of valsartan monotherapy in Chinese patients with essential hypertension:A retrospective analysis

Objective:To investigate whether angiotensinⅡtype 1 receptor(AGTR1 A1166C)gene polymorphism was associated with the effectiveness of valsartan monotherapy in Chinese patients with essential hypertension.Methods:This retrospective analysis included 198 patients(≥18 years of age)who received valsartan monotherapy(80 mg/day)for newly developed essential hypertension at the authors’center between January 1,2020 and December 31,2023.Genotyping for AGTR1 A1166C gene polymorphism was done by polymerase chain reaction(PCR)-melting curve analysis of genomic DNA from peripheral blood samples.A dominant genetic model for AGTR1 A1166C(AA genotype versus AC+CC genotype)was used.Multivariate regression analysis of baseline variables and AGTR1 polymorphism was conducted to identify predictors of target blood pressure attainment(<140/90 mmHg)at the 4-week follow-up.Results:The median age of the 198 patients was(53.7±13.5)years,and 58%were men.Genotyping assays showed that 164 patients had the AA genotype,and 34 patients were of the AC/CC genotype,including 30 with the AC genotype and 4 with the CC genotype.Allele distribution was consistent with Hardy Weinberg equilibrium.109 Patients(55.1%)attained the blood pressure target.Multivariate analysis showed that smoking(versus no smoking,HR 0.314,95%CI 0.159-0.619,P=0.001)and AGTR1 A1166C AA genotype(versus AC/CC,HR 2.927,95%CI 1.296-6.611,P=0.023)were significant and independent predictors of target attainment.25 Patients(73.5%)with AGTR1 A1166C AC/CC genotype attained the target versus 51.2%(51/164)of patients with AGTR1 A1166C AA genotype(P=0.017).Patients with AGTR1 A1166C AC/CC genotype had a significantly greater reduction in systolic blood pressure[(33.1±10.8)mmHg versus(29.2±11.7)mmHg in AA carriers;(P=0.029)].Conclusions:Hypertensive patients carrying one or two C alleles of the AGTR1 A1166C gene were more responsive to valsartan treatment.

Association between 5-HTR1A gene C-1019G polymorphism and antidepressant response in patients with major depressive disorder:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder(MDD)is a substantial global health concern,and its treatment is complicated by the variability in individual response to antide-pressants.AIM To consolidate research and clarify the impact of genetic variation on MDD treatment outcomes.METHODS Adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines,a systematic search across PubMed,EMBASE,Web of Science,and the Cochrane Library was conducted without date restrictions,utilizing key terms related to MDD,serotonin 1A receptor polymorphism(5-HTR1A),C-1019G polymorphism,and antidepressant response.Studies meeting inclusion criteria were thoroughly screened,and quality assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.Statistical analyses,includingχ2 and I²values,were used to evaluate heterogeneity and fixed-effect or random-effect models were applied accordingly.RESULTS The initial search yielded 1216 articles,with 11 studies meeting criteria for inclusion.Analysis of various genetic models showed no significant association between the 5-HTR1A C-1019G polymorphism and antidepressant efficacy.The heterogeneity was low to moderate,and no publication bias was detected through funnel plot symmetry and Egger's and Begg's tests.CONCLUSION This meta-analysis does not support a significant association between the 5-HTR1A C-1019G polymorphism and the efficacy of antidepressant treatment in MDD.The findings call for further research with larger cohorts to substantiate these results and enhance the understanding of antidepressant pharmacogenetics.

Research on the Correlation Between rs2110385 Polymorphisms of the Visfatin Gene and Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

Objective:To investigate the association between rs2110385 polymorphisms of the visfatin gene and the risk of type 2 diabetic retinopathy(DR).Methods:172 Han subjects were selected from Xi’an Shaanxi Province;140 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and 32 normal controls(NC)were selected from our hospital.Patients with diabetes were divided into a non-DR group(T2DM)(n=69)and a nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy Group(DR)(n=71)after dilated fundus photography and fundus fluorescein angiography.rs2110385/AluⅠgenotypes were detected by standardized polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP),and the differences in the detection rates of different genotypes in the above populations were compared.Results:1)The visfatin level in the DR Group was significantly higher than that in the NC and T2DM groups(P<0.05).2)The frequency of GG genotype and G allele of rs2110385 in the DR Group were higher than those in the T2DM and NC groups(80.3,69.6,50.0,86.6,79,65.6,P<0.05).3)There were significant differences in allele frequency and genotype frequency distribution of rs2110385 between the DR Group and the NC group(P<0.01).Conclusion:Visfatin increased in the nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy group and could be a potential indicator for the clinical prediction of DR.The G allele of the rs2110385 polymorphic site may be related to the risk of DR.

Association between Gene Polymorphisms and SNP-SNP Interactions of the Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 Signaling Pathway and the Risk of Vascular Senescence

Objective This study aimed to explore the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNP)in the matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP-2)signaling pathway and the risk of vascular senescence(VS).Methods In this cross-sectional study,between May and November 2022,peripheral venous blood of151 VS patients(case group)and 233 volunteers(control group)were collected.Fourteen SNPs were identified in five genes encoding the components of the MMP-2 signaling pathway,assessed through carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity(cf PWV),and analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.The multigene influence on the risk of VS was assessed using multifactor dimensionality reduction(MDR)and generalized multifactor dimensionality regression(GMDR)modeling.Results Within the multivariate logistic regression models,four SNPs were screened to have significant associations with VS:chemokine(C-C motif)ligand 2(CCL2)rs4586,MMP2 rs14070,MMP2rs7201,and MMP2 rs1053605.Carriers of the T/C genotype of MMP2 rs14070 had a 2.17-fold increased risk of developing VS compared with those of the C/C genotype,and those of the T/T genotype had a19.375-fold increased risk.CCL2 rs4586 and MMP-2 rs14070 exhibited the most significant interactions.Conclusion CCL2 rs4586,MMP-2 rs14070,MMP-2 rs7201,and MMP-2 rs1053605 polymorphisms were significantly associated with the risk of VS.

Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) Markers on Genomic DNA Polymorphism in 8 Main Grasshoppers in Inner Mongolia

[ Objective] The relationship between the genetic evolution and phylogenesis of the main grasshopper species in Inner Mongolia grasslands in molecular level was studied. [ Method] Random amplified polymorphic DNA （RAPD） technique was used to amplify the 80 individuals of 8 grasshoppers （4 families, 6 genera） in Acridoidea, the polymorphisms of their genomic DNA were compared. [ Result] 64 specific fragments were amplified by 7 primers with the molecular weight of 300 -2 000 bp. The genetic distance between 8 grasshoppers was 0.228 2 -0.589 6. Band pat- tern showed that polymorphism was commonly existed in different genus within the same family and different species within the same genus. The resuits were conducted UPGMA cluster analysis according to Neis＇ genetic distance, the results showed that the species within the same genus first clustered together, then the species in the same family clustered together. [ Condusloa] The study could provide molecular biological basis for system development and evolution research of main grasshoppers in Inner Mongolia grassland.

Analysis of genetic diversity for wild and captive green peafowl populations by random amplified polymorphic DNA technique

The genetic diversity of the populations for 14 wild green peafowls (Pavo muticus) and 18 captive green pea-fowls was investigated by using the technology of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Totally 161 and 166 ampli-fied bands were obtained by using 23 arbitrary primers to amplify the genomic DNA of wild and captive green peafowls re-spectively. The results showed that the average relative genetic distance of the wild and captive green peafowls popula-tions was 0.0555 and 0.1355, respectively, and difference of the average relative genetic distances between the two popu-lations was 0.1635. The Shannon diversity index for the wild and captive green peafowl populations was 0.4348 and 1.0163, respectively, which means that there exists significant difference in genetic diversity between the two populations, and the genetic diversity of wild green peafowl was low. The two populations originated from two different families according to analysis by the UPGMA method. This research can provide the theoretical basis for supervising genealogies management of peafowl populations.

Heavy metal induced DNA changes in aquatic macrophytes: Random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis and identification of sequence characterized amplified region marker

Plants have been used as good bio-indicators and genetic toxicity of environmental pollution in recent years. In this study, aquatic plants Hydrilla verticillata and Ceratophyllum demersum treated with 10umol/L Cd, 5 umol/L Hg, and 20 umol/L Cu for 96 h, showed changes in chlorophyll, protein content, and in DNA profiles. The changes in DNA profiles included variation in band intensity, presence or absence of certain bands and even appearance of new bands. Genomic template stability test performed for the qualitative measurement of changes in randomly amplified polymorphic DNA （RAPD） profiles, showed significant effect at the given concentration of metals. Cloning and sequencing of bands suggested that these markers although may not be homologous to any known gene but its conversion as a sequence characterized amplified region （SCAR） marker is useful in detecting the effects of genotoxin agents.

Meiotic abnormalities in metaphase I human spermatocytes from infertile males： frequencies, chromosomes involved, and relationship with polymorphic karyotype and seminal parameters

The aim of this study was to look in depth at the relationship between meiotic anomalies and male infertility, such as the determination of the chromosomes involved or the correlation with patient features. For this purpose, a total of 31 testicular tissue samples from individuals consulting for fertility problems were analyzed. Metaphase I cells were evaluated using a sequential methodology combining Leishman stained procedures and multiplex fluorescence in situ hybridization protocols. The number of chromosomal units and chiasmata count per bivalent were established and a hierarchical cluster analysis of the individuals was performed. The relationship of the seminogram and the karyotype over recombination were evaluated using Poisson regression models. Results obtained in this study show a significant percentage of infertile individuals with altered meiotic behavior, mostly specified as a reduction in chiasmata count in medium and large chromosomes, the presence of univalents, and the observation of tetraploid metaphases. Moreover, the number and the type of anomalies were found to be different between cells of the same individual, suggesting the coexistence of cell lines with normal meiotic behavior and cell lines with abnormalities. In addition, chromosomal abnormalities in metaphase I are significantly associated with oligozoospermia and/or polymorphic karyotype variants.

A Cleaved Amplified Polymorphic Sequence Marker to Detect Variation in Wx Locus Conditioning Translucent Endosperm in Rice

The translucent endosperm trait in a japonica rice variety ＇Kantou 194＇ is controlled by a Wx-mq gene which is allelic to Wx locus by genetic analysis and allelic test. The amylose content analysis showed that an intermediate amylose content between those of glutinous and non-glutinous rice existed in endosperm of homozygous Wx-mq genotype. The slight changes of amylose content in different varieties and F1 grains with an identical Wx-mq genotype might be influenced by dissimilar genetic background. To identify the Wx-mq genotype simply and rapidly, a cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence （CAPS） marker was designed. The result from the molecular detection indicated that it could be used for marker-assisted selection for low amylose content varieties in rice breeding.

Retrieval of leaf biochemical properties by inversed PROSPECT model and hyperspectral indices:an application to Populus euphratica polymorphic leaves

Leaf biochemical properties have been widely assessed using hyperspectral reflectance information by inversion of PROSPECT model or by using hyperspectral indices, but few studies have focused on arid ecosystems. As a dominant species of riparian ecosystems in arid lands, Populus euphratica Oliv. is an unusual tree species with polymorphic leaves along the vertical profile of canopy corresponding to different growth stages. In this study, we evaluated both the inversed PROSPECT model and hyperspectral indices for estimating biochemical properties of P. euphratica leaves. Both the shapes and biochemical properties of P. euphratica leaves were found to change with the heights from ground surface. The results indicated that the model inversion calibrated for each leaf shape performed much better than the model calibrated for all leaf shapes, and also better than hyperspectral indices. Similar results were obtained for estimations of equivalent water thickness （EWT） and leaf mass per area （LMA）. Hyperspectral indices identified in this study for estimating these leaf properties had root mean square error （RMSE） and R2 values between those obtained with the two calibration strategies using the inversed PROSPECT model. Hence, the inversed PROSPECT model can be applied to estimate leaf biochemical properties in arid ecosystems, but the calibration to the model requires special attention.

Screening,Preparation,Characterization and Solubility of Polymorphic Forms of Ethinyl Estradiol

Ethinyl estradiol（EE） as a contraceptive,（17α）-19-nopregna-1,3,5-（10）-trien-20-yne-3,17-diol（formula： C（20）H（24）O2, molecular weight： 296.4, CAS number： 57-63-6）, is known to have different pseudo-polymorphic forms. Some EE polymorphs have been synthesized by means of physical or chemical methods, characterized by X-ray powder diffraction（XRPD）, thermogravimetric（TG）, differential scanning calorimetry（DSC） and IR spectra. Dissolution profile was tested by high performance liquid chromatography（HPLC）. Meanwhile, the crystal structure of the new EE solvate（formamide） was characterized by single-crystal X-ray structure analysis（SXRD）. The results confirmed that EE existed polymorphism. Five crystal forms of EE were presented and two of them were reported firstly. Furthermore, five polymorphs＇ dissolution curves were drawn and they could be identified by several analysis methods. Our study on polymorphs of EE could provide a variety of crystal material composition, preparation methods and solubility.

Distribution and effects of polymorphic RANTES gene alleles in HIV/HCV coinfection - A prospective cross-sectional study

AIM: Chemokines and their receptors are crucial for immune responses in HCV and HIV infection. RANTES gene polymorphisms lead to altered gene expression and influence the natural course of HIV infection. Therefore,these mutations may also affect the course of HIV/HCV coinfection.METHODS: We determined allele frequencies of RANTES-403 (G→A), RANTES-28 (C→G) and RANTESIN1.1 (T→C) polymorphisms using real-time PCR and hybridization probes in patients with HIV (n = 85), HCV (n= 112), HIV/HCV coinfection (n = 121), and 109 healthy controls. Furthermore, HIV and HCV loads as well as CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts were compared between different RANTES genotypes.RESULTS: Frequencies of RANTES-403 A, RANTES-28 G and RANTES-IN1.1 C alleles were higher in HIV infected patients than in healthy controls (-403: 28.2% vs 15.1%,P = 0.002; -28: 5.4% vs 2.8%, not significant; IN1.1:19.0% vs 11.0%, P = 0.038). In HIV/HCV coinfected patients, these RANTES alleles were less frequent than in patients with HIV infection alone (15.4% P = 0.002;1.7%; P = 0.048; 12.0%; not significant). Frequencies of these alleles were not significantly different between HIV/HCV positive patients, HCV positive patients and healthy controls.CONCLUSION: All three RANTES polymorphisms showed increased frequencies of the variant allele exclusively in patients with HIV monoinfection. The finding that the frequencies of these alleles remained unaltered in HIV/HCV coinfected patients suggests that HCV coinfection interferes with selection processes associated with these alleles in HIV infection.