Changes in macrophage infiltration and podocyte injury in lupus nephritis patients with repeated renal biopsy: Report of three cases

BACKGROUND In this study,we retrospectively analysed macrophage infiltration and podocyte injury in three patients with diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis(LN)who un-derwent repeated renal biopsy.CASE SUMMARY Clinical data of three diffuse proliferative LN patients with different pathological characteristics(case 1 was LN IV-G(A),case 2 was LN IV-G(A)+V,and case 3 was LN IV-G(A)+thrombotic microangiopathy)were reviewed.All patients underwent repeated renal biopsies 6 mo later,and renal biopsy specimens were studied.Macrophage infiltration was assessed by CD68 expression detected by immunohistochemical staining,and an immunofluorescence assay was used to detect podocin expression to assess podocyte damage.After treatment,Case 1 changed to LN III-(A),Case 2 remained as type V LN lesions,and Case 3,which changed to LN IV-S(A),had the worst prognosis.We observed reduced macro-phage infiltration after therapy.However,two of the patients with active lesions after treatment still showed macrophage infiltration in the renal interstitium.Before treatment,the three patients showed discontinuous expression of podocin.Notably,the integrity of podocin was restored after treatment in Case 1.CONCLUSION It may be possible to reverse podocyte damage and decrease the infiltrating ma-crophages in LN patients through effective treatment.

Identification of the lysine and histidine transporter family in Camellia sinensis and the characterizations in nitrogen utilization

In plants,the lysine and histidine transporter(LHT)family represent a class of proteins that mediate the uptake,translocation,and utilization of amino acids.The tea plant(Camellia sinensis)is a perennial evergreen with a relatively high level of amino acids.However,systematic identification and molecular characterization of the LHT gene family has rarely been reported in tea plants.In this study,22 CsLHTs were identified from the‘Shuchazao’genome and classified into two groups.The modeled three-dimensional structure and the conserved domains presented a high similarity among the LHTs proteins.Moreover,it was predicted that a few genes were conserved through the analysis of the physiochemical characters,structures and cis-elements in promoters.The expression patterns in tea plants revealed that CsLHT7 was mainly expressed in the roots,and CsLHT4 and CsLHT11 exhibited relatively high expression in both the roots and leaves.Moreover,the expression of all three genes could be induced by organic nitrogen.Additionally,heterogeneous expression of CsLHT4,CsLHT7 and CsLHT11 in Arabidopsis thaliana decreased the aerial parts biomass compared with that in WT plants while significantly increased the rosette biomass only for CsLHT11transgenic plants versus WT plants.Overall,our results provide fundamental information about CsLHTs and potential genes in N utilization for further analysis in tea plants.

Quantum block coherence with respect to projective measurements

Quantum coherence serves as a defining characteristic of quantum mechanics,finding extensive applications in quantum computing and quantum communication processing.This study explores quantum block coherence in the context of projective measurements,focusing on the quantification of such coherence.Firstly,we define the correlation function between the two general projective measurements P and Q,and analyze the connection between sets of block incoherent states related to two compatible projective measurements P and Q.Secondly,we discuss the measure of quantum block coherence with respect to projective measurements.Based on a given measure of quantum block coherence,we characterize the existence of maximal block coherent states through projective measurements.This research integrates the compatibility of projective measurements with the framework of quantum block coherence,contributing to the advancement of block coherence measurement theory.

The relationships between maize(Zea mays L.)lodging resistance and yield formation depend on dry matter allocation to ear and stem

Lodging is a critical constraint to yield increase.There appear to be tradeoffs between yield formation and lodging resistance in maize.Hypothetically,it is feasible to reduce lodging risk as well as increase grain yield by optimizing dry-matter allocation to different organs under different environments.A three-year field experiment was conducted using four maize cultivars with differing lodging resistances and five growing environments in 2018–2020.Lodging-susceptible(LS)cultivars on average yielded more than lodging-resistant(LR)cultivars when lodging was not present.The yield components kernel number per ear(KN)and thousand-kernel weight(TKW)were both negatively correlated with lodging resistance traits(stalk bending strength,rind penetration strength,and dry matter weight per internode length).Before silking,the LR cultivar Lishou 1(LS1)transported more assimilates to the basal stem,resulting in a thicker basal stem,which reduced dry matter allocation to the ear and in turn KN.The lower KN of LS1 was also due partly to the lower plant height(PH),which increased lodging resistance but limited plant dry matter production.In contrast,the LS cultivars Xianyu 335(XY335)and Xundan 20(XD20)produced and allocated more photoassimilates to ears,but limited dry matter allocation to stems.After silking,LS cultivars showed higher TKW than LR cultivars as a function of high photoassimilate productivity and high assimilate allocation to the ear.The higher lodging resistance of LS1 was due mainly to the greater assimilate allocation to stem after silking and lower PH and ear height(EH).High-yielding and high-LR traits of Fumin(FM985)were related to optimized EH and stem anatomical structure,higher leaf productivity,low assimilate demand for kernel formation,and assimilate partitioning to ear.A high presilking temperature accelerated stem extension but reduced stem dry matter accumulation and basal stem strength.Post-silking temperature influences lodging resistance and yield more than other environmental factors.These results will be useful in understanding the tradeoffs between KN,KW,and LR in maize and environmental influences on these tradeoffs.

A high resolution inversion method for fluid factor with dynamic dryrock V_(P)/V_(S) ratio squared

As an important indicator parameter of fluid identification,fluid factor has always been a concern for scholars.However,when predicting Russell fluid factor or effective pore-fluid bulk modulus,it is necessary to introduce a new rock skeleton parameter which is the dry-rock VP/VS ratio squared(DVRS).In the process of fluid factor calculation or inversion,the existing methods take this parameter as a static constant,which has been estimated in advance,and then apply it to the fluid factor calculation and inversion.The fluid identification analysis based on a portion of the Marmousi 2 model and numerical forward modeling test show that,taking the DVRS as a static constant will limit the identification ability of fluid factor and reduce the inversion accuracy.To solve the above problems,we proposed a new method to regard the DVRS as a dynamic variable varying with depth and lithology for the first time,then apply it to fluid factor calculation and inversion.Firstly,the exact Zoeppritz equations are rewritten into a new form containing the fluid factor and DVRS of upper and lower layers.Next,the new equations are applied to the four parameters simultaneous inversion based on the generalized nonlinear inversion(GNI)method.The testing results on a portion of the Marmousi 2 model and field data show that dynamic DVRS can significantly improve the fluid factor identification ability,effectively suppress illusion.Both synthetic and filed data tests also demonstrate that the GNI method based on Bayesian deterministic inversion(BDI)theory can successfully solve the above four parameter simultaneous inversion problem,and taking the dynamic DVRS as a target inversion parameter can effectively improve the inversion accuracy of fluid factor.All these results completely verified the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.

Natural variation of main biochemical components,morphological and yield traits among a panel of 87 tea [Camellia sinensis(L.) O. Kuntze] cultivars

Many attentions have been previously focused to identify the multiple biochemical components related to tea quality and health benefits,however, the natural variation of biochemical components present in tea germplasm has not been adequately evaluated. In this study, the main biochemical components, leaf morphological and yield characteristics were evaluated for four rounds of tea leaves in a panel of 87 elite tea cultivars suitable for black, green, or oolong tea. Significant variations were observed among the tea cultivars, as well as seasonal differences in the levels of the free amino acid(FAA), caffeine(CAF), tea polyphenols(TP), water extract(WE) and TP to FAA ratio(TP/FAA). Results showed that the average levels of FAA showed a seasonal change, with the highest level of 4.0% in the 1st spring tea in the cultivars suitable for green tea and the lowest of 3.2% in summer tea in the cultivars suitable for black tea. The average CAF content was highest 3.2% in the cultivars suitable for oolong tea in the 1st spring and the lowest 2.5% in the cultivars suitable for green tea in summer. Limited seasonal and varietal variations were noticed in the average levels of WE among the three categories of tea. In addition, significant natural variation of the morphological characteristics, bud length varying from 2.5 cm to 8.7 cm, bud density from 190.3 buds · m-2to 1 730.3 buds · m-2, mature leaves biomass from 128.4 kg · hm-2to 2 888.4 kg · hm-2, and yield component traits of 100 buds(one bud with two leaves) dry weight from 3.7 g to37.7 g, tea yield/round from 444.6 kg · hm-2to 905.3 kg · hm-2, were observed. The aim of our evaluation was not only to identify the advantages of seasonal and clonal variations but also to provide a new viewpoint for their further application. Representative accessions were selected from the germplasm to promote the establishment of an inherent biochemical constituent expressing the quality of black, green, and oolong tea. The findings might be utilized to establish early selection criteria to enhance the tea breeding and production program.

Study on wear characteristics and authorized limits of switch rails of high-speed turnout

Purpose-It is quite universal for high-speed turnouts to be exposed to the wear of the stock rail of the switch rail during the service process.The wear will cause the change of railhead profile and the relative positions of the switch rail and the stock rail,which will directly affect the wheel-rail contact state and wheel load transition when a train passes the turnout and will further impose serious impacts on the safety and stability of train operation.The purpose of this paper is to provide suggestions for wear management of high-speed turnout.Design/methodology/approach-The actual wear characteristics of switch rails of high-speed turnouts in different guiding directions were studied based on the monitoring results on site;the authorized wear limits for the switch rails of high-speed turnout were studied through derailment risk analysis and switch rail strength analysis.Findings-The results show that:the major factor for the service life of a curved switch rail is the lateral wear.The wear characteristics of the curved switch rail of a facing turnout are significantly different from those of a trailing turnout.To be specific,the lateral wear of the curved switch rail mainly occurs in the narrower section at its front end for a trailing turnout,but in the wider section at its rear end when for a facing turnout.The maximum lateral wear of a dismounted switch rail from a trailing turnout is found on the 15-mm wide section and is 3.9 mm,which does not reach the specified limit of 6 mm.For comparison,the lateral wear of a dismounted switch rail from a facing turnout is found from the 35-mm wide section to the full-width section and is greater than 7.5 mm,which exceeds the specified limit.Based on this,in addition to meeting the requirements of maintenance rules,the allowed wear of switch rails of high-speed turnout shall be so that the dangerous area with a tangent angle of wheel profile smaller than 43.68 will not contact the switch rail when the wheel is lifted by 2 mm.Accordingly,the lateral wear limit at the 5-mm wide section of the curved switch rail shall be reduced from 6 mm(as specified)to 3.5 mm.Originality/value-The work in this paper is of reference significance to the research on the development law of rail wear in high-speed turnout area and the formulation of relevant standards.

Exploring the mechanism of action of DHI on myeloproliferative neoplasms based on network pharmacology

Objective:The aim of this study is to explore the active ingredients and mechanism of action of danhong injection(DHI)in treating myeloproliferative neoplasms using network pharmacology.Methods:The TCMSP platform and relevant literature were used to search for the active ingredients and targets of Radix Salviae and Carthami Flos in DHI.Disease targets related to myeloproliferative neoplasms were obtained from the GEO database,GeneCards,and DisGeNET database.The queried component targets were normalized using the UniProt database.Potential targets were identified by constructing protein-protein interactions networks using STRING 11.5 and visualized and analyzed using Cytoscape 3.9.1.GO and KEGG analysis were performed using the Metascape platform,and visualization was done using the built-in plug-in CluoGO or SangerBox platforms with Cytoscape 3.9.1.Results:The active ingredients of DHI for treating myeloproliferative neoplasms mainly consist of flavonoids and o-benzoquinones,including quercetin,luteolin,kaempferol,stigmasterol,tanshinone iia,cryptotanshinone,beta-carotene,2-isopropyl-8-methylphenanthrene-3,4-dione,and neocryptotanshinone ii.The potential targets are JUN,TP53,STAT3,AKT1,MAPK1,RELA,TNF,MAPK14,IL6,and FOS.The relevant signaling pathways involved are mainly TNFαsignaling pathway,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,apoptosis,IL-17 signaling pathway,cellular senescence,MAPK signaling pathway,p53 signaling pathway,JAK-STAT signaling pathway,and NF-kappa B signaling.Conclusions:DHI acts mainly through flavonoids and o-benzoquinones to treat myeloproliferative neoplasms in a multi-targeted and multi-pathway manner.

Improving access to urban parks through public transit optimization

This study establishes an evaluation and optimization framework for the public transit network based on social network analysis and a greedy algorithm,aiming to explore a quantitative approach to improving access to urban parks through public transit optimization.Social network analysis and the ArcGIS platform are used to build a public transit network model within Nanjing Old City and analyze its overall network structure characteristics.The study also focuses on a method to improve the convenience of reaching regional and citylevel parks by public transit by increasing access and connecting points accordingly.A greedy algorithm is introduced to generate an optimized solution for improving public transit accessibility to regional and city-level parks,consequently enhancing their utilization.The major findings include:(1)The greedy algorithm effectively enhances the performance of the public transit network,but its benefits gradually diminish as more stations are added.(2)Strategically adding stations enhances the performance of most public transit access points,creating efficient pathways for other stations to directly reach these access points and enter regional and city-level parks.(3)The optimized public transit network model offers guidance for the planning and layout of regional and city-level parks.The site selection for new parks should prioritize establishing connections with the“hubs”in the public transit network.The proposed optimization of the public transit network in this study is specific to a single type of urban park,but subsequent research could be conducted to extend the optimization of public transit accessibility around more urban public resources.

Publication-level analysis of Journal of Plant Ecology during 2018-2022

Journal of Plant Ecology(JPE)was established in 2008 and is sponsored by the Botanical Society of China and the Institute of Botany,Chinese Academy of Sciences.Published by Oxford University Press,UK,JPE encompasses a wide range of article types within the expansive field of plant ecology.As of July 2021,JPE has transitioned to fully Open Access,ensuring unrestricted access to the full text for both readers and authors.This shift enhances the journal’s role as a crucial platform for plant ecologists worldwide to disseminate their research findings.

窄带成像国际结直肠内镜分型在结直肠病变诊治中的价值

目的评价非放大内镜下窄带成像(NBI)国际结直肠内镜分型(NICE)实时预判结直肠病变性质并指导治疗的价值。方法对结直肠隆起或扁平隆起性的黏膜病变采用NICE分型进行实时预判分类和处置建议,依据活检、内镜或外科手术后的病理结果评价NICE分型的敏感性、特异性、准确性、阳性预测值和阴性预测值。进行观察一致性检验。结果共计241例患者307处病变被纳入分析。其中非肿瘤性病变12.07%、腺瘤性病变82.07%、癌5.86%,病变直径0.1~6.0 cm。NICE分型预判肿瘤性及非肿瘤性病变的敏感性、特异性、准确性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值分别为97.04%、89.19%、96.09%、98.50%和80.49%。一致性检验,判断肿瘤性病变和非肿瘤性病变的Kappa值为0.795,判断黏膜下深层病变和黏膜下浅层以上病变的Kappa值为0.875,总的Kappa值为0.814。结论 NICE分型能较准确地实时预判结直肠病变的性质并指导治疗,有利于推广仅将肿瘤性病变纳入内镜下切除或外科手术的适度治疗模式。

Er:Yb:YCOB晶体制备及其激光二极管抽运激光特性

研究了Er:Yb:YCa_4O(BO_3)_3(简称 Er:Yb:YCOB)的多晶制备和单晶生长,用提拉法生长出光学质量优良的Er:Yb:YCCOB单晶,测量了其吸收光谱和荧光光谱,分析了其能级和泵浦原理,并进行了以激光二极管为抽运源的激光试验,实现了Er:Yb:YCOB晶体的在1.55μm附近110mW的激光输出,且斜效率达18.9％。

伴血管变异的腹腔镜右半结肠癌根治术个体化手术入路的多学科临床探讨

目的:探讨中结肠动脉(middle colic artery,MCA)和回结肠静脉(ileocolic vein,ICV)血管变异及对腹腔镜右半结肠癌根治术手术入路选择的多学科协作体系(multidisciplinary treatment,MDT)的诊治流程。方法:分析2018年3月天津医科大学肿瘤医院收治1例MCA和ICV血管变异的右半结肠癌患者的MDT诊疗过程。患者经MDT讨论后接受有限中间入路腹腔镜右半结肠癌根治术。观察指标:1)手术和术后恢复情况;2)术后病理学检查情况;3)随访情况。结果:1)手术和术后恢复情况:患者顺利完成有限中间入路腹腔镜右半结肠癌根治术,无术中和术后并发症发生。术后住院时间为11 d。2)术后病理学检查情况:淋巴结清扫数目为39枚。病理学分期为pT3N0,病理学类型为中分化腺癌。3)随访情况:术后随访时间为10个月,无瘤生存。结论:个体化手术是结肠外科未来的发展趋势。采取MDT有利于制定规范化、个体化的手术方案,探索更安全和精准的手术入路,从而让更多患者获益。

Influence of plant architecture on maize physiology and yield in the Heilonggang River valley

The size and distribution of leaf area determine light interception in a crop canopy and influence overall photosynthesis and yield. Optimized plant architecture renders modern maize hybrids(Zea mays L.) more productive, owing to their tolerance of high plant densities. To determine physiological and yield response to maize plant architecture, a field experiment was conducted in 2010 and 2011. With the modern maize hybrid ZD958, three plant architectures, namely triangle, diamond and original plants, were included at two plant densities, 60,000 and 90,000 plants ha-1. Triangle and diamond plants were derived from the original plant by spraying the chemical regulator Jindele(active ingredients,ethephon, and cycocel) at different vegetative stages. To assess the effects of plant architecture, a light interception model was developed. Plant height, ear height, leaf size,and leaf orientation of the two regulated plant architectures were significantly reduced or altered compared with those of the original plants. On average across both plant densities and years, the original plants showed higher yield than the triangle and diamond plants,probably because of larger leaf area. The two-year mean grain yield of the original and diamond plants were almost the same at 90,000 plants ha-1(8714 vs. 8798 kg ha-1). The yield increase(up to 5%) of the diamonds plant at high plant densities was a result of increased kernel number per ear, which was likely a consequence of improved plant architecture in the top and middle canopy layers. The optimized light distribution within the canopy can delay leaf senescence, especially for triangle plants. The fraction of incident radiation simulated by the interception model successfully reflected plant architecture traits. Integration of canopy openness is expected to increase the simulation accuracy of the present model. Maize plant architecture with increased tolerance of high densities is probably dependent on the smaller but flatter leaves around the ear.

达芬奇机器人手术系统结直肠癌根治术的现状和展望

达芬奇机器人手术系统的出现是微创外科的重大变革。创新性机器人技术克服了传统腹腔镜的许多技术缺点。目前达芬奇机器人系统结直肠手术是安全可行的,术后短期效果与传统腹腔镜手术相似。但是,显著增加的手术费用未产生与之相应的肿瘤学优势。开发新技术克服现有机器人系统缺陷的同时,需开展多中心前瞻性随机对照临床试验评估达芬奇机器人手术系统结直肠癌根治术的长期疗效和潜在优势。本文旨在阐述机器人结直肠外科的发展现状,并展望新一代机器人平台的应用前景。

三七育苗播种覆土镇压装置的研究设计与试验

【目的】为提高三七育苗品质,针对槽式三七育苗播种行株距小、播深浅的特殊农艺要求,设计一种集覆土、镇压功能为一体的密集型种沟覆土镇压装置。【方法】在田间试验确定三七出苗率高、种苗品级最佳的基质紧实度范围的基础上,对镇压辊与土壤接触进行动力学分析,确定覆土镇压装置相关参数;借助离散元法对覆土镇压过程进行仿真分析;以开沟深度、播种机前进速度为试验因素,以覆土厚度及一致性为试验指标进行土槽试验,验证覆土镇压装置相关结构参数是否满足要求。【结果】由田间试验得到基质紧实度范围为200~400 kPa。覆土镇压装置结构参数为:镇压轮直径150 mm、弹簧最大刚度140.5 N/mm。由仿真分析得到覆土厚度为9.77~11.40 mm,粒距偏移量为0.07~6.23 mm,行距偏移量为0.03~1.43 mm。土槽试验结果表明,最优工作参数为:开沟深度为25 mm、播种机前进速度为0.16 m/s,此时覆土厚度均值为11 mm、覆土厚度一致性为85.15%,覆土镇压后基质紧实度为300~360 kPa。【结论】由仿真分析和土槽试验可知,覆土镇压装置设计满足三七育苗播种时基质紧实度和覆土厚度的农艺要求,研究结果可为三七覆土镇压装置设计提供参考。

Current application and future directions of photobiomodulation in central nervous diseases

Photobiomodulation using light in the red or near-infrared region is an innovative treatment strategy for a wide range of neurological and psychological conditions.Photobiomodulation can promote neurogenesis and elicit anti-apoptotic,antiinflammatory and antioxidative responses.Its therapeutic effects have been demonstrated in studies on neurological diseases,peripheral nerve injuries,pain relief and wound healing.We conducted a comprehensive literature review of the application of photobiomodulation in patients with central nervous system diseases in February 2019.The NCBI PubMed database,EMBASE database,Cochrane Library and ScienceDirect database were searched.We reviewed 95 papers and analyzed.Photobiomodulation has wide applicability in the treatment of stroke,traumatic brain injury,Parkinson’s disease,Alzheimer’s disease,major depressive disorder,and other diseases.Our analysis provides preliminary evidence that PBM is an effective therapeutic tool for the treatment of central nervous system diseases.However,additional studies with adequate sample size are needed to optimize treatment parameters.

三七育苗播种机导种管设计与试验

【目的】为提高三七Panax notoginseng育苗机械化播种精确性,针对三七小行株距的特点,研究一种新型导种管。【方法】分别建立有、无导种管情况下种子运动的力学模型。在土槽上开展了以投种高度、播种机前进速度、投种角度为试验因素,以理论播种点与实际播种点距离偏差的标准差和弹跳率为试验指标的三因素五水平二次回归正交旋转组合试验;借助Design-Expert 10.0.3软件建立了试验因素与指标间的回归方程及多目标优化数学模型,获取最佳投种参数组合;在最优参数组合下,使用高速摄像技术获取种子运动轨迹,结合运用图像处理技术和曲线拟合法进行种子运动轨迹曲线方程研究;借助EDEM软件进行导种管截面尺寸仿真分析,确定截面尺寸;用3D打印技术试制导种管并开展播种验证试验。【结果】在有、无导种管情况下,影响种子离开排种器后运动的共同因素为排种器的周围速度、投种高度和投种角度。通过正交旋转组合试验得出最优投种参数组合为投种高度20 cm、播种机前进速度7.8 m/min、投种角度42°。在未安装导种管条件下,理论播种点与实际播种点距离偏差的标准差、弹跳率分别为51.66 mm和72.31%。研制的新型导种管出口和入口截面尺寸分别为26 mm×30 mm和26 mm×60 mm;安装新型导种管后验证试验结果显示,理论播种点与实际播种点距离偏差标准差为26.90,弹跳率为45.20%。【结论】新型导种管满足了三七育苗机械化播种要求,播种精确性明显提高,研究结果可为三七育苗播种机导种管设计与田间播种应用提供了参考依据。

Cretaceous-Cenozoic regional stress field evolution from borehole imaging in the southern Jinzhou area, western Liaoning, North China Craton

The Mesozoic Yanshanian Movement affected the tectonic evolution of the North China Craton(NCC).It is proposed that Mesozoic cratonic destruction peaked~125 Ma,possibly influenced by subduction of the western Pacific Plate beneath the Euro-Asian Plate in the Early Cretaceous.The southern Jinzhou area in the eastern block of the NCC preserves clues about the tectonic events and related geological resources.Studies of the regional stress field evolution from the Cretaceous to the Cenozoic can enhance our understanding of the tectonics and dynamics of the NCC.Borehole image logging technology was used to identify and collect attitudes of tensile fractures from 11 boreholes;these were subdivided into four groups according to dip direction,i.e.,NNW-SSE,NWW-SEE,W-E and NE-SW.The development of these fractures was controlled primarily by the regional tectonic stress field;temperature,lithology,and depth contributed to some extent.In 136-125 Ma in the Early Cretaceous,the area was characterized by extension that was oriented NNW-SSE and NWW-SEE;from 125-101 Ma the extension was oriented W-E;after 101 Ma it was NE-SW.This counterclockwise trend has persisted to the present,probably related to oblique subduction of the Pacific Plate,and is characterized by ongoing extension that is nearly N-S-oriented and NEE-SWW-oriented compression.

Prevalence,histologic and clinical characteristics of heterotopic gastric mucosa in Chinese patients

AIM: To determine the prevalence, demographic, clinical and histopathologic features of heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) in Chinese patients.