Codon usage bias is an important characteristic of genetic information transfer in organisms. Analysis of codon usage bias of different species is important for understanding the rules on genetic information transfer. The previous method for analysis of codon usage bias is mainly based on genomic data. However, this method is greatly limited, because the genome sequences of higher organisms are still not available up to now. In this study, we found that we could obtain the same optimal codons of Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis: Fr.) P. Karst based on its whole genomic data or large-scale transcriptomic data from its liquid-cultured hyphae, primordium and fruiting body, separately. This result indicated the feasibility to understand the codon usage bias based on the large-scale transcriptomic data. By calculating the proportion of rare codons of Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in 26 terpene synthases (TS) of G. lucidum, we found that the rare codons of S. cerevisiae have a higher proportion in TS genes, while the rare codons of E. coli have relatively lower, suggesting that the TS genes of G. lucidum are possibly more difficult to be expressed in S. cerevisiae than in E. coli. Chemical synthesis of TS genes according to the yeast optimal codons will be an effective way to solve the problem on the mismatch of gene codon bias between the foreign genes and the host strain.

Objective To explore the effects of surface functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (FMWCNTs) on the cytotoxicity of human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC).Methods Five different types of MWCNTs (hydroxylated,carboxylated,aminated,nickel-plated and pristine MWCNTs (P-MWCNTs)) with the same diameter and length were evaluated the dispersion and characterizations in physiological salt solution by transmission electron microscopy.PBMC were isolated by density gradient centrifugation from human peripheral blood,and 5 types of MWCNTs were ultrasonically dispersed in serum-containing medium respectively.After incubation with PBMC for 12,24,48 or 72 h,cytotoxicity was detected by CCK-8 kits.Results All the MWCNTs had well dispersion,especially the F-MWCNTs.Cytotoxicity results showed that all types of MWCNTs could induced PBMC death,and presented dose-dependence manner and a certain degree of time-dependence manner.Compared with the P-MWCNTs,F-MWCNTs changed cytotoxicity statistically,with the hydroxylated,carboxylated,aminated MWCNTs weakened,aminated MWCNTs significant (P＜0.05),nevertheless the nickel-plated MWCNTs increased.Compared with the P-MWCNTs (25 μg/ml),cell viability of PBMC after 24 and 48 h incubation with the same dose of nickelplated MWCNTs both decreased,and the differences was statistically significant (P＜0.01,P＜0.05).Conclusions The functional group modification affects not only the MWCNTs dispersion in medium,but also the cytotoxicity of the MWCNTs on PBMC.

Synthetic biology of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a new and developing subject based on the research of secondary metabolite biosynthesis for nature products. The early development of synthetic biology focused on the screening and modification of parts or devices, and establishment of standardized device libraries. Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H.Chen is one of the most famous medicinal plants in Panax species. Triterpene saponins have important pharmacological activities in P. notoginseng. Squalene epoxidase (SE) has been considered as a key rate-limiting enzyme in biosynthetic pathways of triterpene saponins and phytosterols. SE acts as one of necessary devices for biosynthesis of triterpene saponins and phytosterols in vitro via synthetic biology approach. Here we cloned two genes encoding squalene epoxidase (PnSE1 and PnSE2) and analyzed the predict amino acid sequences by bioinformatic analysis. Further, we detected the gene expression profiling in different organs and the expression level of SEs in leaves elicited by methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment in 4-year-old P notoginseng using real-time quantitative PCR (real-time PCR). The study will provide a foundation for discovery and modification of devices in previous research by TCM synthetic biology. PnSE1 and PnSE2 encoded predicted proteins of 537 and 545 amino acids, respectively. Two amino acid sequences predicted from PnSEs shared strong similarity (79%), but were highly divergent in N-terminal regions (the first 70 amino acids). The genes expression profiling detected by real-time PCR, PnSE1 mRNA abundantly accumulated in all organs, especially in flower. PnSE2 was only weakly expressed and preferentially in flower. MeJA treatment enhanced the accumulation of PnSEI mRNA expression level in leaves, while there is no obvious enhancement of PnSE2 in same condition. Results indicated that the gene expressions of PnSE1 and PnSE2 were differently transcribed in four organs, and two PnSEs differently responded to MeJA stimuli. It was strongly suggested that PnSEs play different roles in secondary metabolite biosynthesis in P. notoginseng. PnSE1 might be involved in triterpenoid biosynthesis and PnSE2 might be involved in phytosterol biosynthesis.

Objective To investigate the relationship between abnormal metabolism of aggrecan and joint destruction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods 140 RA patients with duration less than 24 months were enrolled into this study.The study also included 100 normal controls and 95 patients with other rheumatic diseases.Three monoclonal antibodies (5D4,7D4 and BC-3) of aggrecan were used to detected aggrecan catabolic fragments in serum of RA patients and the other two groups of controls by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA),and the correlation of aggrecan catabolic fragments with joint damage were analyzed.Sharp evaluation of hand joints in RA patients were performed at baseline and after one year follow-up.Calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of aggrecan catabolic fragments detected in serum of RA patients.Results Both levels of 5D4 fragment and BC-3 fragment of RA group were higher than those of normal control [5D4 of RA:(5.8±2.1) ng/μl,normal control:(2.2±1.3) ng/μl;BC-3 of RA:(11.1±3.4) ng/μl,normal control:(5.0±2.1) ng/μl,F=38.65,24.07,P＜0.001).There was no difference in 7D4 fragment among three groups (F=0.589,P=0.478).Both two fragment levels of RA patients with anti-CCP positive were greater than those patients with anti-CCP negative [5D4:(5.6±1.3) ng/μl vs (4.4±1.1) ng/μl,F=21.23,P＜0.01;BC-3:(12.2±3.9) ng/μl vs (9.3±2.8) ng/μ1,F=27.14,P＜0.01].Linear Regression showed that serum fragments detected by 5D4 and BC-3,and anti-CCP positive were risk factors for Sharp deterioration after one year follow-up.The sensitivity and specificity of combined detection of two aggrecan fragments in serum of RA patients for the prediction of joint Sharp were 56.5％ and 84.2％ respectively.Positive predictive value and negative predictive value are 74.3％ and 70.6％.respectively.Application of areas of ROC to identify the best evaluation of Sharp was 0.798.Conclusion There is positive correlation between aggrecan catabolic fragments in serum and joint Sharp evaluation of RA patients.Detection of aggrecan catabolic fragments in RA patients may predict early joint destruction.

Objective To explore the influence of early system rehabilitation treatment on severe brain injury. Methods 120 inpatients with severe brain injury were divided into 4 groups according to the disease course. Group 1: <1 month; Group 2: 1~3 months, Group 3: 3~6 months; Group 4: 6~12 months. Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) were assessed before and 2 months after treatment. Results All groups were with better effects after treatment than before (P<0.05), early system rehabilitation had better effects especially for Group 1 (P<0.05). Conclusion Early rehabilitation treatment can facilitate the recovery of patients with severe brain injury

Objective To investigate the expression changes of astrocytic syntrophin in hippocampus from human mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). Methods From April, 2015 to July, 2016, 17 cases of hippocampus, collected from temporal lobectomy, were divided into MTLE group (n=13) and non-MTLE group (n=4) according to hematoxylin and eosin staining, glial fibrillary acidic protein and neuronal nu-clei immunohistochemical staining. Immunofluorescence double labeling and immunofluorescence histochemistry were used to observe the expression of syntrophin. Results The proliferation of astrocytes increased and neurons reduced in the hippocampus of MTLE group. Syntro-phin was found in the membrane and foot processes of astrocyte, that was enriched along perivascular astrocyte end-feet domain in non-MTLE group, but lost in MTLE group. While the whole expression of syntrophin was more in MTLE group than in non-MTLE group (t=5.421, P<0.001). Conclusion The distribution of syntrophin in hippocampus astrocytes may be related to the development of MTLE.

Objective To evaluated the HCV genotyping results which obtained by genotype diagnostic kit in Shenzhen area. Methods 158 samples which ELISA test of anti-HCV were positive were collected from voluntary blood donors from 2014 to 2015,and were tested by PCR fluorescence probe method for viral load.The samples which viral load were greater than 1.0 ×103 IU/mL were then tested by HCV RNA genotype diagnostic kit.To analysis the proportion of different genotypes and the correla-tion between genotypes with vrial load.Results 54 HCV RNA reactive sample were quantity by PCR fluorescence probe method from 158 anti-HCV positive samples.The genotyping data for 45 cases which vrial load greater than 1.0×103 IU/mL were obtained by HCV RNA genotype diagnostic kit.The frequencies HCV genotype 1b,2,3 and 6 were 57.78%(26/45),6.67%(3/45),8.89%(4/45)and 26.67%(12/45),respectively.One-way ANOVA analysis showed that significant difference in viral loads was found be-tween different HCV genotype 1b and 2(F =2.861,P <0.05),and there was a significant difference in viral loads and anti-HCV S/CO by sex(P <0.05).Fisher′s exact test showed the significance difference between age and genotypes(P <0.05 ).Conclusion HCV 1b and 6 were the most predominant genotypes due to the higher viral load than the other subtypes among volunteer blood do-nors in Shenzhen,while the proportion of HCV 2,3 declined.

With the development of biomimetic technology, more and more in vitro models are used to simulate human physiological and pathological processes.These in vitro models can solve some scientific problems, such as studying drug effects in real-timely and visually.As an in vitro model, organ-on-a-chip provides novel means and methods for basic and applied science.The vascularized organ-on-a-chip, as a special kind of organ-on-a-chip, can better simulate the structure and function of human blood vessels.In this review, we summarized the structure and function of different vascularized organ-on-a-chip, analyzed the application of vascularized organ-on-a-chip in simulating physiological and pathological processes, and discussed the advantages and problems to be solved of vascularized organ-on-a-chip as a new in vitro model.Finally, the application of vascularized organ-on-a-chip is proposed.

OBJECTIVETo explore the feasibility of one-stage repair of hypospadias using scrotal septal skin flap based on peri-meatus dartos fascia.

METHODSNine patients were repaired by this method.

RESULTSAll patients achieved good results without urethral fistula or stricture. The angle of the penis to the scrotum is normal.

CONCLUSIONThe flap has reliable blood supply and the flap creation is easy. It is a simple, convenient and effective method for one-stage repair of hypospadias.

Objective: To understand literacy development of school-aged children of grade 2-5 and its influencing factors in Guangzhou,and to provide a reference for the reform of the teaching of Chinese subject. Methods: By using cluster sampling method, 1 661 school-age children from grade 2 to grade 5 from 5 primary schools in Guangzhou were selected. The self-designed questionnaire was used to obtain demographic data of the participants. The Primary School Literacy Assessment Scale and the Pupil Rating Scale Revised Screening for Learning Disabilities was used to evaluate the literacy and the cognitive characteristics of participants. Results: The average literacy of children of grade 2 to grade 5 in Guangzhou was as follows: grade 2 was (1 159±295), grade 3 was (1 919±394), grade 4 was (2 599±365), grade 5 was (2 947±303), higher than the norm(P<0.01). The average literacy of grade 2 students was lower than the national curriculum requirements while students of grade 3 to grade 5 met the requirements. Univariate analysis found differences in literacy among school-age children based on gender, reading experience before age 6, and parental education background (P<0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that grade (β=607.04), preschool reading experience (β=109.89), father’s education (β=27.14), language factor (β=27.21), social behavior (β=16.03) was positively correlated with literacy in boys (P<0.05). Grade (β=603.53), auditory comprehension and memory (β=29.39), language factor (β=16.74) was positively correlated with the literacy of girls (P<0.05), while time and orientation judgments were negatively correlated with the literacy of both boys (β=-18.95) and girls (β=-21.93) (P<0.05). Conclusion The literacy level of school-age children in grade 2 to 5 in Guangzhou has reached the national literacy requirements with students in grade 2 being relatively lower. Literacy is related to grade, preschool reading experience, father’s education, and child’s cognitive characteristics. Factors affecting literacy in boys and girls are different. Literacy education should vary according to gender.