The SsWRKY1 transcription factor of Saccharum spontaneum enhances drought tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana and interacts with 21 potential proteins to regulate drought tolerance in S. spontaneum.

In this study, we characterized a WRKY family member gene, SsWRKY1, which is located in the nucleus and contains multiple stress-related cis-acting elements. In addition, constructed SsWRKY1-overexpressing Arabidopsis thaliana had higher antioxidant enzyme activity and proline content under drought stress conditions, with lower malondialdehyde content and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and the expression levels of six stress-related genes were significantly upregulated. This indicates that the overexpression of SsWRKY1 in Arabidopsis thaliana improves resistance to drought stress.

Evaluation of genome size and phylogenetic relationships of the complex species.

Unlabelled: " complex" is a hypothetical group of species, which is supposed to be involved in the origin of modern sugarcane, and displays large genomes and complex chromosomal alterations. The utilization of restricted parents in breeding programs of modern cultivated sugarcane has resulted in a genetic blockage, which controlled its improvement because of the limited genetic diversity. The use of wild relatives is an effective way to broaden the genetic composition of cultivated sugarcane.

Synthesis of bi-phase dispersible core-shell FeAu@ZnO magneto-opto-fluorescent nanoparticles.

Bi-phase dispersible core-shell FeAu@ZnO magneto-opto-fluorescent nanoparticles were synthesized by a modified nanoemulsion process using poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEO-PPO-PEO) as the surfactant. The morphology and crystal structure of the nanoparticles were studied by TEM/HRTEM and XRD. The nanoparticles manifest soft ferromagnetic and/or near superparamagnetic behavior with a small coercivity of ~19 Oe at room temperature.

Facile synthesis and photocatalytic activity of bi-phase dispersible Cu-ZnO hybrid nanoparticles.

Bi-phase dispersible Cu-ZnO hybrid nanoparticles were synthesized by one-pot non-aqueous nanoemulsion with the use of poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEO-PPO-PEO) as the surfactant. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) show high crystallinity of the Cu-ZnO hybrid nanoparticles and an average particle size of ~19.4 nm.

Linear interictal pain in epicrania fugax: a reply.

This is a reply to the comments on our article "Linear headache: a recurrent unilateral head pain circumscribed in a line-shaped area" published in JHP 2014 Jun 26; 15:45. In the comments, the authors raise a question whether the linear headache (LH) we reported be a linear interictal pain in epicranial fugax (EF), based on a case they reported. We think that the LH is not a linear interictal pain in EF based on our observations and considerations.

Linear headache: a recurrent unilateral head pain circumscribed in a line-shaped area.

Background: A headache circumscribed in a line-shaped area but not confined to the territory of one particular nerve had ever been described in Epicrania Fugax (EF) of which the head pain is moving and ultrashort. In a 25-month period from Feb 2012 to Mar 2014, we encountered 12 patients with a paroxysmal motionless head pain restricted in a linear trajectory. The head pain trajectory was similar to that of EF, but its all other features obviously different from those of EF.

Ophthalmoplegia starting with a headache circumscribed in a line-shaped area: a subtype of ophthalmoplegic migraine?

Recurrent painful ophthalmoplegic neuropathy (RPON), formerly named ophthalmoplegic migraine (OM), is a rare condition characterized by the association of unilateral headaches and the ipsilateral oculomotor nerve palsy. The third cranial nerve is most commonly involved in the recurrent attacks. But it is still debated whether a migraine or an oculomotor neuropathy may be the primary cause of this disorder.

[Establishment and application of spatio-temporal model of schistosomiasis japonica in a county in marshland region].

Objective: To develop a spatio-temporal model of schistosomiasis japonica based on Bayesian model, and to analyze the spatio-temporal pattern of schistosomiasis, as well as to evaluate the impact of environment changes on schistosomiasis endemic.

Methods: Different Bayesian models were established by employing the data of the periodical surveillance on schistosomiasis during 1996-2005 period by taking into account of the uncertainty in sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic test, then the best fitness model was selected to analyze the spatio-temporal pattern of schistosomiasis and evaluate the impact of environment changes on schistosomiasis.

Results: The model with space-time interaction was a better fitting model.

[Expression of plasma membrane Ca²(+)-ATPase isoform 2 in spiral ganglion cells of newborn rats].

Objective: To study the expression of plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase isoform 2 (PMCA2) in spiral ganglion cell (SGC) from inner ear of newborn rats and further check PMCA2 splice variants at site A and C.

Methods: Spiral ganglion tissues isolated from cochlea of newborn rats (P3-P4) were cultured and identified in vitro. The cochlea of newborn rats (P3-P4) were isolated and cut into frozen sections.

Landscape pattern analysis and Bayesian modeling for predicting Oncomelania hupensis distribution in Eryuan County, People's Republic of China.

Detailed knowledge of how local landscape patterns influence the distribution of Oncomelania hupensis, the intermediate host snail of Schistosoma japonicum, might facilitate more effective schistosomiasis control. We selected 12 villages in a mountainous area of Eryuan County, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China, and developed Bayesian geostatistical models to explore heterogeneities of landscape composition in relation to distribution of O. hupensis.

Schistosomiasis in China: acute infections during 2005-2008.

Background: Significant progress has taken place over the past 50 years in the control of schistosomiasis japonica in China. However, the available data suggested that schistosomiasis has re-emerged shortly after the World Bank Loan Project which was conducted from 1992 to 2001. The national control program with a revised strategy to control schistosomiasis by using integrated measures has been implemented since 2005.

[Evaluation indices of social burden caused by advanced schistosomiasis].

Objective: To study the evaluation indices and their weights of social burden caused by advanced schistosomiasis so as to provide scientific basis for control of the disease.

Methods: Primary indices of social burden evaluation for advanced schistosomiasis were summarized based on literature review. Secondary indices were put forward by a brainstorming process of experts.

A strategy to control transmission of Schistosoma japonicum in China.

Background: Schistosoma japonicum causes an infection involving humans, livestock, and snails and is a significant cause of morbidity in China.

Methods: We evaluated a comprehensive control strategy in two intervention villages and two control villages along Poyang Lake in the southeastern province of Jiangxi, where annual synchronous chemotherapy is routinely used. New interventions, implemented from 2005 through 2007, included removing cattle from snail-infested grasslands, providing farmers with mechanized farm equipment, improving sanitation by supplying tap water and building lavatories and latrines, providing boats with fecal-matter containers, and implementing an intensive health-education program.

[Study on the spatio-temporal distribution of seroprevalence of Schistosoma japonicum].

Objective: To analyze and compare the spatio-temporal structure and risk factors of county-level seroprevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infection in lake and mountainous regions.

Methods: Bayesian spatio-temporal models were used to analyze the county-level data from serological tests, which was part of the annual reports on S. japonicum infection in China from 2002 to 2005; also used were normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), land surface temperature (LST), land use type from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), and the index of economic level.

Bayesian spatio-temporal modeling of Schistosoma japonicum prevalence data in the absence of a diagnostic 'gold' standard.

Background: Spatial modeling is increasingly utilized to elucidate relationships between demographic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors, and infectious disease prevalence data. However, there is a paucity of studies focusing on spatio-temporal modeling that take into account the uncertainty of diagnostic techniques.

Methodology/principal Findings: We obtained Schistosoma japonicum prevalence data, based on a standardized indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA), from annual reports from 114 schistosome-endemic villages in Dangtu County, southeastern part of the People's Republic of China, for the period 1995 to 2004.

An integrated approach to identify distribution of Oncomelania hupensis, the intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum, in a mountainous region in China.

The aim of this study is to better understand ecological variability related to the distribution of Oncomelania hupensis, the snail intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum, and predict the spatial distribution of O. hupensis at the local scale in order to develop a more effective control strategy for schistosomiasis in the hilly and mountainous regions of China. A two-pronged approach was applied in this study consisting of a landscape pattern analysis complemented with Bayesian spatial modelling.

Potential impact of climate change on schistosomiasis transmission in China.

Appraisal of the present and future impact of climate change and climate variability on the transmission of infectious diseases is a complex but pressing public health issue. We developed a biology-driven model to assess the potential impact of rising temperature on the transmission of schistosomiasis in China. We found a temperature threshold of 15.

[Potential risks for transmission of schistosomiasis caused by mobile population in Shanghai].

Objective: To understand the potential risk for schistosomiasis transmission caused by introduction of infection source from mobile population in Shanghai.

Methods: Field investigation was conducted in the suburb of Shanghai City by screening the mobile population living in Shanghai for more than 1 month and over 1 years old in a procedure of interviewing, serum indirect hemagglutination (IHA) test, and then fecal examination to detect the eggs with nylon sedimentation approach for those IHA positives.

Results: Among 2,931 mobile people investigated, 1,575 were male (53.

Assessment of the age-specific disability weight of chronic schistosomiasis japonica.

Objective: To estimate the age-specific disability weight of chronic schistosomiasis japonica in China.

Methods: Between October 2004 and January 2005, residents from two schistosome-endemic counties were screened for Schistosoma japonicum infection using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Disability and morbidity were assessed in seropositive individuals using the European quality of life questionnaire with an additional cognitive dimension (known as the "EQ-5D plus") and ultrasonography.

[Validity of inquiry in screening chronic schistosomiasis japonica].

Objective: To study the indicators and validity of inquiry in the screening of chronic schistosomiasis japonica.

Methods: 51 villages of Hanshou county were selected at random in Hunan Province and the whole resident (>6 months/year) population aged 5 years and above was eligible for inclusion in the study. Inquiry through questionnairing, serological test (ELISA) and B type ultrasonography were applied respectively to screen chronic cases and evaluate morbidity due to schistosome infection.

[Experimental study on compatibility of three species of freshwater snails with Angiostrongylus cantonensis].

Objective: To compare the compatibility of three species of freshwater snails, Pomacea canaliculata, Cipangopaludina chinensis, Bellamy a aeruginosa, with Angiostrongylus cantonensis.

Methods: The snails were infected by the first-stage larvae of A. cantonensis under the same conditions.

Bayesian estimation of community prevalences of Schistosoma japonicum infection in China.

A Bayesian approach to overcome the imperfections of an immunological test (an antibody-based ELISA) and a parasitological test (Kato-Katz) in the detection of Schistosoma japonicum infection, was used to estimate community prevalences of S. japonicum infection in China. At the same time, the similarity between the prevalence estimates based on data from ELISA alone and those using data from both ELISA and Kato-Katz tests was explored.

The effect of temperature on the development of Angiostrongylus cantonensis (Chen 1935) in Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck 1822).

Angiostrongyliasis cantonensis, clinically presented as eosinophilic meningitis, is a snail-borne parasitic disease. We studied the effects of different temperatures on the larval development of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in the freshwater snail Pomacea canaliculata. Six groups of snails were infected and each group was cultured under different temperature conditions.