Background. The increased red cell distribution width (RDW) is related to a higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, it is yet unclear whether the dynamic change of RDW is associated with the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) for individual with CVD. Methods and Results. A cohort study was conducted among 228 patients who had unstable angina (UA) and underwent PCI. RDW was measured preceding PCI and re-measured on the 16th week after PCI. The change of RDW values was defined as ΔRDW. The patients were divided into 3 groups in accordance with ΔRDW: improved, stable, and worsened RDW groups. The patients were followed up for 6 years, and MACE episodes were recorded. The survival analysis showed that the incidence of MACEs in stable RDW group was significantly lower than that in improved and worsened RDW groups. By the COX model, the risk of the occurrence of cardiovascular events in improved RDW group was 1.661 times higher than the risk in stable RDW group (HR =1.661, 95% CI: 1.583-2.880, p < 0.05 ) and the same situation was 3.307 times higher in worsened RDW group (HR =3.307, 95% CI: 1.830-5.041, p < 0.05 ). Conclusion. The measurement of ΔRDW has potential to predict the MACEs in UA patients underwent PCI. The dynamic changes in RDW are associated with the outcome of CVD.

The Ochrobactrum anthropi Mn1 strain, taxonomically identified using 16S ribosomal DNA sequence, was isolated from roots of Jerusalem artichoke. Its endophytic colonization was investigated microscopically using green fluorescent protein introduced by vector pHC60. The strain entered Jerusalem artichoke tissues through the root, and was localized in the roots and stems. The plant growth-promoting (PGP) effects of O. anthropi Mn1 were assessed in greenhouse as well as field trials with different nitrogen supplies. Only under moderate to ample nitrogen supply, could O. anthropi Mn1 promoted growth of host plant. The PGP effects of the strain were symbiotic nitrogen fixation, root morphological optimization and enhanced nutrient uptake. We hypothesize that the symbiotic interspecies interaction might be quorum sensing related.

We propose an optical delay line based on differential structure for improving measurement accuracy and extending scanning length of optical coherence domain polarimetry (OCDP). The differential delay line is composed of two independent graded refractive index lenses (GRIN) and a double-faced mirror. The OCDP measurement model with loss coefficient and measurement error caused by the GRIN-lens-based delay line is discussed. Compared to the general optical delay line based on a single GRIN lens, the fluctuation of the loss coefficient of differential delay line is reduced to ± 0.1 dB with scanning range of 0.8 m, which corresponds to 80% improvement.

No abstract