Amplitude of sensory nerve action potential in early stage diabetic peripheral neuropathy:an analysis of 500 cases

Early diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy is important for the successful treatment of diabetes mellitus. In the present study, we recruited 500 diabetic patients from the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University in China from June 2008 to September 2013：221 cases showed symptoms of peripheral neuropathy （symptomatic group） and 279 cases had no symptoms of peripheral impairment （asymptomatic group）. One hundred healthy control subjects were also recruited. Nerve conduction studies revealed that distal motor latency was longer, sensory nerve conduction velocity was slower, and sensory nerve action potential and amplitude of compound muscle action potential were significantly lower in the median, ulnar, posterior tibial and common peroneal nerve in the diabetic groups compared with control subjects. Moreover, the alterations were more obvious in patients with symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Of the 500 diabetic patients, neural conduction abnormalities were detected in 358 cases （71.6%）, among which impairment of the common peroneal nerve was most prominent. Sensory nerve abnormality was more obvious than motor nerve abnormality in the diabetic groups. The amplitude of sensory nerve action potential was the most sensitive measure of peripheral neuropathy. Our results reveal that varying degrees of nerve conduction changes are present in the early, asymptomatic stage of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Soil respiration response to precipitation reduction in a grassland and a Mongolian pine plantation in semi-arid northeast China

Climate change is predicted to alter global precipitation regimes.However,the response of soil carbon and nitrogen cycles and soil microorganisms to precipitation reduction is poorly understood but is dependent on ecosystem type.To evaluate the impacts of reduced precipitation on soil respiration,soil inorganic nitrogen(i.e.,NH4^+–N and NO3^-–N),nitrogen mineralization,and soil microbial community composition,a precipitation manipulation experiment was initiated in a Mongolian pine plantation and a naturally restored grassland in semi-arid northeast China.Precipitation reduction led to decreases of soil respiration rates by 14 and 8%in 2014 and 2015 in the Mongolian pine plantation but no changes in the grassland.Soil inorganic nitrogen,ammonification and nitrification rate,and soil phospholipids fatty acids were not significantly changed by reduced precipitation but significantly differed between the two ecosystems and among growing seasons.Our results suggest that the impacts of precipitation reduction on soil respiration were different between the Mongolian pine plantation and the grassland,and that ecosystem type and growing season had more pronounced impacts on soil carbon and nitrogen cycles.

A Method for Detection of Main Metabolites in Aromatic Rice Seeds

[ Objective] A method was developed for the analysis of main metabolites in aromatic rice seeds by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry （GC-MS）. [ Method] The main metabolites in seeds of 9 different aromatic rice varieties were compared and analyzed with two methods. Method 1 ： the compound was extracted by the mixture of anhydrous ethanol and methylene chloride （ WV = 1：1 ） at 60 ℃ for 3 h in water bath; the extract was isolated and detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry using HP-5 capillary column with scan monitoring mode. Method 2： the main metabolites in aromatic rice seeds were detected using headspaee solid phase micro-extraction and gas chromatography mass spectrometry （GC-MS）. [ Result ] Fifteen types of common metabolites were found in 9 different aromatic rice varieties. Method 1 was more effective than method 2 in detecting the main metabolites in aromatic rice seeds. [ Conclusion] This study provides an important reference for clarifying the metabolic pathway of main metabolites in aromatic rice and lays the foundation for further rice breeding.

Role of Xuesaitong in Amelioration of Neural Function and Alteration of Bax Expression in Rats with Brain Trauma

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most common diseases in clinical neurosurgery characterized with high incidence rate, mortality and many complications. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to explore the roles of Xuesaitong in the therapeutic effect of brain trauma and alteration of expression in Bax, a kind of promoting apoptosis factor. Methods: The rat traumatic brain injury models were established by using modified free falling body impact method. Thereafter, Xuesaitong was employed to be administered to TBI rats, and NSS Score Rating Scale was used to evaluate the effect of Xuesaitong. Moreover, real-time PCR was used to detect the Bax expression changes before and after the Xuesaitong administration. Results: Xuesaitong could accelerate the neurofunctional recovery of TBI rats, accompanied by NSS Scores significant decrease. Simultaneously, it also could inhibit the expression of Bax factor. Conclusions: Xusaitong could markedly ameliorate TBI restoration, in which it promotes the neurofunctional recovery, and at the same time it inhibits the expression of Bax.

<i>In Situ</i>Detection of the p53-E6 and pRb-E7 Complex Formation in EC109 Cell by Proximity Ligation Assay

Human papillomavirus is an important cancer factor in many cancers. E6E7 is the important viral oncogene and plays an important role. It is known that its function is to regulate p53 and pRb. In this paper, in situdetection was performed to determine the interaction between them;the research provides visual evidence of their interaction. Research methods: In situ PLA reaction was used to detect the relationship between two different protein. Results: The quantity of the HPV18E6 expression is much higher than the expression of HPV18E7 protein in HeLa and EC109 cells;the interaction between p53-E6 and pRb-E7 was clearly observed and this effect could be visualized by this method. Conclusion: Interaction of the HPV18E6 protein combined with p53 protein and HPV18E7 protein combined with pRb protein could be visualized in cell.

1 Case Clinical Report of Cranium Aggressive Fibromatosis and Literature Review

Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore the clinical characteristics and therapeutic methods of aggressive fibromatosis (AF) in skull. Methods: The clinical data and operative therapy of one case of aggressive fibromatosis in skull in our department were examined and reviewed. The associated literatures were reviewed and discussed. Results: It was indicated that the main manifestation of AF in skull was headache and skull tumor. There was prominent osteolytic destruction found in X-ray plain film for skull AF. And CT scanning showed that skull sclerotin was disorganized and inhomogeneous, with widen diploe. The skull fibromatosis constituted by fibroblasts and myofibroblas, which were mainly spindle-shaped without heteromorphism. Immunohistochemistry showed positive expression of β-catenin and Vim in these cells. The enlarged incision was adopted for the strategy of operation in this patient of skull AF. After follow-up, there was no recurrence of AF discovered. Conclusions: Skull AF is very rare in neurosurgical clinic. The clinical manifestation and iconography of AF were lack of specificity. Therefore, skull AF is hard to diagnose preoperatively. The effective diagnose is mainly dependant on histopathologic examination. As for treatment, operation is the most optimal method so far, which has a good therapeutic effect.

支链氨基酸代谢在肿瘤发生发展中的作用

支链氨基酸(branched-chain amino acids,BCAAs),包括亮氨酸、缬氨酸和异亮氨酸,在调节体内代谢平衡、维持正常生命活动中发挥着重要作用。许多研究报道了它们在肥胖、糖尿病和心血管等疾病中的代谢和功能。近些年研究表明,BCAAs代谢在肿瘤发生发展中也起着重要作用。本文综述了BCAAs代谢在该方面的研究进展,包括与表观遗传调控的关系,特别是围绕肿瘤代谢重塑和代谢感知,讨论了其在肿瘤细胞和肿瘤微环境(tumor microenvironment,TME)中的作用。深入了解BCAAs代谢在肿瘤发生发展中的作用及其机制有助于为开发新的肿瘤治疗策略提供理论基础。

Integrated assessment of yield,nitrogen use efficiency and ecosystem economic benefits of use of controlled-release and common urea in ratoon rice production

Controlled-release urea(CRU)is commonly used to improve the crop yield and nitrogen use efficiency(NUE).However,few studies have investigated the effects of CRU in the ratoon rice system.Ratoon rice is the practice of obtaining a second harvest from tillers originating from the stubble of the previously harvested main crop.In this study,a 2-year field experiment using a randomized complete block design was conducted to determine the effects of CRU on the yield,NUE,and economic benefits of ratoon rice,including the main crop,to provide a theoretical basis for fertilization of ratoon rice.The experiment included four treatments:(i)no N fertilizer(CK);(ii)traditional practice with 5 applications of urea applied at different crop growth stages by surface broadcasting(FFP);(iii)one-time basal application of CRU(BF1);and(iv)one-time basal application of CRU combined with common urea(BF2).The BF1 and BF2 treatments significantly increased the main crop yield by 17.47 and 15.99%in 2019,and by 17.91 and 16.44%in 2020,respectively,compared with FFP treatment.The BF2 treatment achieved similar yield of the ratoon crop to the FFP treatment,whereas the BF1 treatment significantly increased the yield of the ratoon crop by 14.81%in 2019 and 12.21%in 2020 compared with the FFP treatment.The BF1 and BF2 treatments significantly improved the 2-year apparent N recovery efficiency,agronomic NUE,and partial factor productivity of applied N by 11.47-16.66,27.31-44.49,and 9.23-15.60%,respectively,compared with FFP treatment.The BF1 and BF2 treatments reduced the chalky rice rate and chalkiness of main and ratoon crops relative to the FFP treatment.Furthermore,emergy analysis showed that the production efficiency of the BF treatments was higher than that of the FFP treatment.The BF treatments reduced labor input due to reduced fertilization times and improved the economic benefits of ratoon rice.Compared with the FFP treatment,the BF1 and BF2 treatments increased the net income by 14.21-16.87 and 23.76-25.96%,respectively.Overall,the one-time blending use of CRU and common urea should be encouraged to achieve high yield,high nitrogen use efficiency,and good quality of ratoon rice,which has low labor input and low apparent N loss.

拟南芥APX家族基因在植物生长发育与非生物逆境胁迫响应中的作用分析

活性氧造成的氧化胁迫是植物主要非生物逆境胁迫之一。在不利的生长条件下,植物细胞内的各种代谢过程不协调可导致过氧化氢(hydrogen peroxide,H2O2)含量增加,从而对细胞造成多种威胁和伤害。抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(ascorbate peroxidase,APX)是植物中清除H2O2的一种重要酶,拟南芥(Arabidopsis thaliana)APX家族包括8个成员:APX1~APX6、sAPX和tAPX。本研究以拟南芥野生型和突变体为材料,对拟南芥不同发育时期和不同逆境胁迫下的8种APX基因表达模式进行了分析,同时研究了其相应的缺失突变体对盐、干旱和热胁迫的耐受性。mRNA差异表达模式分析显示:在拟南芥生长的第4~8周,APX1表达量最高,APX2表达量最低,APX4、sAPX和tAPX随着生长发育的时间进程表达量逐渐减少,但APX6表达量不断增加;在非生物胁迫下,APX1、APX2和APX6受热胁迫诱导表达明显,sAPX响应盐胁迫,APX3和APX5对盐、干旱和热胁迫均表现出明显的诱导表达应答。盐和干旱胁迫耐受性分析结果表明:无论是在拟南芥的萌发期还是成熟期,任何一个APX基因缺失均使抗逆性降低;在萌发期,与盐胁迫相比,突变体对干旱胁迫更敏感;在成熟期,与野生型和其他突变体相比,apx1和apx6对盐和干旱胁迫更加不耐受。生理指标检测结果显示:干旱胁迫10d后,所有突变体植株中的H2O2含量均明显高于野生型,其中apx1、sapx和tapx中最高;盐胁迫5d后,突变体中丙二醛(malondialdehyde,MDA)的含量显著高于野生型;热胁迫2h就会导致apx1、apx2和apx6中H2O2和MDA含量大幅增加,其中在apx2中最高。本研究结果表明,拟南芥APX基因家族的8个成员均不同程度地参与植物生长发育及非生物胁迫响应的过程,在不同发育时期或逆境响应过程有特定的一种或几种APX发挥主要作用。

JNK3 involvement in nerve cell apoptosis and neurofunctional recovery after traumatic brain injury

Increasing evidence has revealed that the activation of the JNK pathway participates In apoptosis o1 nerve cells and neurological function recovery after traumatic brain injury. However, which genes inI the JNK family are activated and their role in traumatic brain injury remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, in situ end labeling, reverse transcription-PCR and neurological function assessment were adopted to investigate the alteration of JNK1, JNK2 and JNK3 gene expression in cerebral injured rats, and their role in celt apoptosis and neurological function restoration. Results showed that JNK3 expression significantly decreased at 1 and 6 hours and 1 and 7 days post injury, but that JNK1 and JNK2 expression remained unchanged. In addition, the number of apoptotic nerve cells surrounding the injured cerebral cortex gradually reduced over time post injury. The Neurological Severity Scores gradually decreased over 1,3, 5, 14 and 28 days post injury. These findings suggested that JNK3 expression was downregulated at early stages of brain injury, which may be associated with apoptosis of nerve cells. Downregulation of JNK3 expression may promote the recovery of neurological function following traumatic brain injury.

Chalkiness Characters and Scanning Electron Microscope Observation of Rice Grain Endosperm of Japonica Varieties in Southern Henan

Chalkiness characters affect not only the grain appearance,milling,eating and cooking qualities but also the grain nutritional quality in rice,thus it is one of the most important traits in rice. It is very important for us to investigate the relation of the chalkiness formation and the development of endosperm structure and starch granule of different rice varieties. Here,we have investigated the chalkiness characters such as chalkiness rate,chalkiness degree and chalkiness area in 15 japonica rice varieties from southern Henan. Furthermore,the endosperm structure and starch granules of rice grain were also observed with scanning electron microscope. The results showed that the 15 japonica varieties have a significantly linear relationship between the chalkiness rate and chalkiness degree. Among the varieties,the biggest difference is the chalkiness rate,the second is the chalkiness area,and the last is the chalkiness degree. Moreover,there is a certain correlation between the distribution of starch granules,the arrangement of endosperm cells and the occurrence of grain chalkiness in the different rice varieties. For the same variety,the starch granules of chalky and non-chalky grains have obvious difference,while the starch granules from the transparent part of chalky rice and non-chalky rice do not have significant difference. The results would provide useful references for the improvement of grain quality in rice.

Isolation and Identification of a Nitrite-oxidizing Bacterium from Hepu County

In order to select the strain that can degrade nitrite, the screening plate with nitrite was used as the sole nitrogen source to screen the strain with ability to degrade nitrite. A strain with nitrite degrading capacity was isolated from the sludge of a shrimp-farming pond in Hepu City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The isolated strain was identified based on colonial morphology, physiological and biochemical characteristics, and 16S rRNA sequence. Results showed that the strain could grow well on the culture medium containing 2.3 g/L nitrite. According to the morphological characteristics, nitrogen source requirements and evolutionary tree of the 16S rRNA sequence, the isolated strain was identified as Acinetobacter radioresistens, which was named HPAR132 strain. This study laid the foundation for further investigation of nitrite-oxidizing bacterium HPAR132.

Genetic Analysis and Improvement Strategies of Protein Content in Rice Seeds

Enhancing the nutritional quality of food crops is a way to improve human nutrition and health. Grain protein content （ GPC ） is an important nutritional quality trait for rice and many other crops. Therefore, it will be very significant to increase GPC and improve rice quality. This paper mainly reviewed the genetic studies GPC in rice, mapping and cloning of QTLs and genes associated with GPC. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism and gene function related to GPC in rice. Thus, here we put forward the genetic strategy by gene pyramiding or molecular marker assisted selection to improve GPC and nutritional quality in rice. This review could provide important information for genetic improvement of grain nutritional quality of rice.

Study on the Arsenic Content of Ophiocordyceps sinensis in Sichuan Province

[Objectives] To investigate the characteristics of arsenic content of Ophiocordyceps sinensis in Sichuan Province. [Methods]Using ICP-MS( Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry),we studied the 30 samples of O. sinensis from 25 places of production in Sichuan Province as well as the arsenic content in the habitat soil. [Results] The arsenic content of O. sinensis in Sichuan Province was0. 62-9. 16 mg/kg; the arsenic content in habitat soil was 3. 93-59. 90 mg/kg. [Conclusions]90% of O. sinensis products from Sichuan Province exceeded the arsenic content limit of 1 mg/kg in the health food,and as a comparison,the arsenic content of samples from Qinghai,Tibet,Gansu was over the limit.

Isolation and Identification of a Cellulose-degrading Bac- terium from Paddy Soils in Chengdu City

In this study, a cellulose-degrading bacterium was isolated from paddy soils in Chengdu City. After 2 d of culture, the average diameter of hydrolytic circles on CMC-Congo red medium was 26 -30 mm. Single colonies on LB plates were white and wrinkled. The isolated strain was identified as a Gram-negative bacterium by Gram staining, which could produce short red-like spores. Colony PCR was performed using the bacterial 16S rDNA universal primers. A 1 429 kb DNA fragment was amplified. Based on sequence homology analysis and comprehensive analysis, the isolated strain was identified as Bacillus velezensi, which was named CDBV62 according to the origin.

Controlled-release hydrogel loaded with magnesium-based nanoflowers synergize immunomodulation and cartilage regeneration in tendon-bone healing

Tendon-bone interface injuries pose a significant challenge in tissue regeneration,necessitating innovative approaches.Hydrogels with integrated supportive features and controlled release of therapeutic agents have emerged as promising candidates for the treatment of such injuries.In this study,we aimed to develop a temperature-sensitive composite hydrogel capable of providing sustained release of magnesium ions(Mg^(2+)).We synthesized magnesium-Procyanidin coordinated metal polyphenol nanoparticles(Mg-PC)through a self-assembly process and integrated them into a two-component hydrogel.The hydrogel was composed of dopamine-modified hyaluronic acid(Dop-HA)and F127.To ensure controlled release and mitigate the“burst release”effect of Mg^(2+),we covalently crosslinked the Mg-PC nanoparticles through coordination bonds with the catechol moiety within the hydrogel.This crosslinking strategy extended the release window of Mg^(2+)concentrations for up to 56 days.The resulting hydrogel(Mg-PC@Dop-HA/F127)exhibited favorable properties,including injectability,thermosensitivity and shape adaptability,making it suitable for injection and adaptation to irregularly shaped supraspinatus implantation sites.Furthermore,the hydrogel sustained the release of Mg^(2+)and Procyanidins,which attracted mesenchymal stem and progenitor cells,alleviated inflammation,and promoted macrophage polarization towards the M2 phenotype.Additionally,it enhanced collagen synthesis and mineralization,facilitating the repair of the tendon-bone interface.By incorporating multilevel metal phenolic networks(MPN)to control ion release,these hybridized hydrogels can be customized for various biomedical applications.

Directional induction of dopaminergic neurons from neural stem cells using substantia nigra homogenates and basic fibroblast growth factor

To date, complex components of available reagents have been used for directional induction of neural stem cells into dopaminergic neurons, resulting in a poor ability to repeat experiments. This study sought to investigate whether a homogenate of the substantia nigra of adult rats and/or basic fibroblast growth factor could directionally induce neural stem cells derived from the subventricular zone of embryonic rats to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons. Tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells were observed exclusively after induction with the homogenate supernatant of the substantia nigra from adult rats and basic fibroblast growth factor for 48 hours in vitro. However, in the groups treated with homogenate supernatant or basic fibroblast growth factor alone, tyrosine hydroxylase expression was not observed. Moreover, the content of dopamine in the culture medium of subventricular zone neurons was significantly increased at 48 hours after induction with the homogenate supernatant of the substantia nigra from adult rats and basic fibroblast growth factor. Experimental findings indicate that the homogenate supernatant of the substantia nigra from adult rats and basic fibroblast growth factor could directionally induce neural stem cells derived from the subventricular zone of embryonic rats to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra with the ability to secrete dopamine.

Design of a High Precision Multichannel 3D Bioprinter

Three-dimensional(3D)printing technology is expected to solve the organ shortage problem.However,owing to the accuracy limitations,it is difficult for the current bioprinting technology to achieve an accurate control of the spatial position and distribution of a single cell or single component droplet.In this study,to accurately achieve the directional deposition of different cells and biological materials in the spatial position for the construction of large transplantable tissues and organs,a high-precision multichannel 3D bioprinter with submicron-level motion accuracy is designed,and concurrent and synergistic printing methods are proposed.Based on the high-precision motion characteristics of the gantry structure and the requirements of concurrent and synergistic printing,a 3D bioprint-ing system with a set of 6 channels is designed to achieve six-in-one printing.Based on the Visual C++environ-ment,a control system software that integrates the programmable multi-axis controller(PMAC)motion,pneumatic,and temperature control subsystems was developed and designed.Finally,based on measurements and experiments,the 3D bioprinter and its control system was verified to fulfil the requirements of multichannel,concurrent,and syn-ergistic printing with submicron-level motion accuracy,significantly shortening the printing time and improving the printing efficiency.This study not only provides an equipment basis for printing complex heterogeneous tissue structures,but also improves the flexibility and functionality of bioprinting,and ultimately makes the construction of complex multicellular tissues or organs possible.

In vitro construction of a recombinant human embryonic brain-derived neurotrophin-4 gene and pEGFP-N1 vector

BACKGROUND： Neurotrophin-4 （NT-4） can promote neuronal growth, development, differentiation, maturation, and survival. NT-4 can also improve recovery and regeneration of injured neurons, but cannot pass through the blood-brain barrier, which limits its activity in the central nervous system. Delivering NT-4 into the central nervous system v/a cells or vectors may have therapeutic benefit. OBJECTIVE： To construct a recombinant vector with a human embryonic brain-derived NT-4 gene and pEGFP-NI. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Neural genetic engineering experiment. The study was performed at the Neuroscience Institute of Kunming Medical College between October 2007 and March 2008. MATERIALS： The pEGFP-N1 plasmid vector was provided by Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; embryonic brain tissues were provided by the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical College. TRIzol RNA extraction Kit was purchased from Sigma （USA）, One Step RNA PCR Kit （AMV） etc. were from Takara （Dalian, China）. METHODS： Total RNA was extracted from human embryonic brain tissues using Trizol. The agarose gel electrophoresis showed two bands： 18 S and 28 S, which were essential subunits of total RNA. The human NT-4 DNA was obtained via RT-PCR and inserted into the pEGFP-N1 vector using ligation and transformation reaction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The sequencing results of the DNA in the recombinant of NT-4- pEGFP-NI. RESULTS： The NT-4-pEGFP-N1 vector was sequence-verified and showed the expected molecular weight. CONCLUSION： The recombinant of NT-4-pEGFP-N1 was constructed successfully in vitro.

Spatial location differentiation and development decision optimization of characteristic villages and towns in China

Due to rapid urbanization and industrialization,the gap between urban and rural development has gradually increased.Rural development problems have been a significant topic of discussion,and are related to people’s livelihoods.This article built a point-axis-region location driving system to analyze the spatial location differentiation of characteristic villages and towns(CVTS)using the kernel density model,and explored the mechanism of location driving factors with a geographical detector model.The results show that vegetables and fruits are the main types of products in CVTS.They account for 27.60%and 34.68%of all types of products,and occur mainly in the east and central regions of China.Moreover,all point-axis-region driving factors have a significant influence on grain crops.The mean values of driving forces of vegetables and fruits are larger than other types of CVTS,and their values are 0.12 and 0.11.The average driving forces on all CVTS in the northeast are higher than those in other regions,especially the driving forces of vegetables and medicinal crops(0.24 and 0.18,respectively).Finally,we proposed that the Chinese government should employ engineering technology,invest on road networks,e-commerce and blockchain technology to optimize the point-axis-region location advantages,to promote the sustainable development of CVTS.The detection of driving mechanisms on spatial location differentiation of CVTS has important research value for location theory and rural region systems research.