Perilipin 5 regulates hepatic stellate cell activation and high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Background:Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is one of the most common chronic liver diseases globally.Hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)are the major effector cells of liver fibrosis.HSCs contain abundant lipid droplets(LDs)in their cytoplasm during quiescence.Perilipin 5(PLIN 5)is a LD surface-associated protein that plays a crucial role in lipid homeostasis.However,little is known about the role of PLIN 5 in HSC activation.Methods:PLIN 5 was overexpressed in HSCs of Sprague–Dawley rats by lentivirus transfection.At the same time,PLIN 5 gene knockout mice were constructed and fed with a high-fat diet(HFD)for 20 weeks to study the role of PLIN 5 in NAFLD.The corresponding reagent kits were used to measure TG,GSH,Caspase 3 activity,ATP level,and mitochondrial DNA copy number.Metabolomic analysis of mice liver tissue metabolism was performed based on UPLC-MS/MS.AMPK,mitochondrial function,cell proliferation,and apoptosis-related genes and proteins were detected by western blotting and qPCR.Results:Overexpression of PLIN 5 in activated HSCs led to a decrease in ATP levels in mitochondria,inhibition of cell proliferation,and a significant increase in cell apoptosis through AMPK activation.In addition,compared with the HFD-fed C57BL/6J mice,PLIN 5 knockout mice fed with HFD showed reduced liver fat deposition,decreased LD abundance and size,and reduced liver fibrosis.Conclusion:These findings highlight the unique regulatory role of PLIN 5 in HSCs and the role of PLIN 5 in the fibrosis process of NAFLD.

Research on the Correlation Between rs2110385 Polymorphisms of the Visfatin Gene and Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

Objective:To investigate the association between rs2110385 polymorphisms of the visfatin gene and the risk of type 2 diabetic retinopathy(DR).Methods:172 Han subjects were selected from Xi’an Shaanxi Province;140 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and 32 normal controls(NC)were selected from our hospital.Patients with diabetes were divided into a non-DR group(T2DM)(n=69)and a nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy Group(DR)(n=71)after dilated fundus photography and fundus fluorescein angiography.rs2110385/AluⅠgenotypes were detected by standardized polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP),and the differences in the detection rates of different genotypes in the above populations were compared.Results:1)The visfatin level in the DR Group was significantly higher than that in the NC and T2DM groups(P<0.05).2)The frequency of GG genotype and G allele of rs2110385 in the DR Group were higher than those in the T2DM and NC groups(80.3,69.6,50.0,86.6,79,65.6,P<0.05).3)There were significant differences in allele frequency and genotype frequency distribution of rs2110385 between the DR Group and the NC group(P<0.01).Conclusion:Visfatin increased in the nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy group and could be a potential indicator for the clinical prediction of DR.The G allele of the rs2110385 polymorphic site may be related to the risk of DR.

Regression of East Tethys resulted in a center of biodiversity: A study of Mysmenidae spiders from the Gaoligong Mountains, China

DEAR EDITOR,This research involved the study of 31 species from the spider family Mysmenidae Petrunkevitch,1928,found in the Gaoligong Mountains of China,including one new genus and 13 new species.Our results suggested that regression of East Tethys contributed to the appearance of a center of biodiversity.The Tethys,a classical and hot topic in geology.It has undergone a succession of significant geodynamic transformations,transitioning from an ancient ocean to the current Alpine-Himalayan orogenic belt.Notably,the East Tethys,serving as an invaluable lens through which to study continental geology and geodynamics,has played a pivotal role in triggering the major geological reconstructions of the entire Tethys(Pan et al.,1997).

Dopamine and cyclic adenosine monophosphate-regulated phosphoprotein with an apparent Mr of 32000 promotes colorectal cancer growth

BACKGROUND Dopamine and cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)-regulated phosphop-rotein with an apparent Mr of 32000(DARPP-32)is a protein that is involved in regulating dopamine and cAMP signaling pathways in the brain.However,recent studies have shown that DARPP-32 is also expressed in other tissues,including colorectal cancer(CRC),where its function is not well understood.AIM To explore the effect of DARPP-32 on CRC progression.METHODS The expression levels of DARPP-32 were assessed in CRC tissues using both quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry assays.The proliferative capacity of CRC cell lines was evaluated with Cell Counting Kit-8 and 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine assays,while apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry.The migratory and invasive potential of CRC cell lines were deter-mined using wound healing and transwell chamber assays.In vivo studies involved monitoring the growth rate of xenograft tumors.Finally,the underlying molecular mechanism of DARPP-32 was investigated through RNA-sequencing and western blot analyses.RESULTS DARPP-32 was frequently upregulated in CRC and associated with abnormal clinicopathological features in CRC.Overexpression of DARPP-32 was shown to promote cancer cell proliferation,migration,and invasion and reduce apoptosis.DARPP-32 knockdown resulted in the opposite functional effects.Mechanistically,DARPP-32 may regulate the phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway in order to carry out its biological function.CONCLUSION DARPP-32 promotes CRC progression via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

The Process of Cultivated Land and Water Resource Distribution Changing in Recent Decades in Upstream and Downstream in Shiyang Inland River Basin in Arid Area of Northwest China

Last century 50 - 70 years, the dam construction of Shiyang Inland River Basin (SIRB) profound impact on the distribution of water resources and arable land in the basin. Through data collection, field surveys and remote sensing image interpretation, we analysis the use of land and water resources change process in the middle and lower reaches of SIRB in recent decades. The results show: (1) The cultivated area of SIRB has been an upward trend in recent decades, The whole basin cultivated area has increased total 229,000 hm2 from 1973 to 2010 and mainly in the middle and lower reaches. Midstream increased by 149,700 hm2 accounting for 65.36 percent of total, downstream increased by 70,000 hm2 accounting for 30.70 percent of total. (2) The amount of surface water resources of downstream reduce significantly gradually since dam construction, and the water table sharp decline. While the volume of surface water resources come downstream from the 1950s accounted for 30 to 40 percent of the total gradually reduced to less than 10% in 2012;(3) since the arable land area of middle and lower reaches of SIRB basin substantial increase, so the surface water resource does not meet irrigation needs. Agricultural irrigation relies heavily on exploitation of groundwater to supplement, resulting in Regional Groundwater Depth dropped rapidly, and forming several huge funnel groundwater settlements. 20 years from 1981 to 2001 the groundwater level of midstream dropped from around 5m to around 10m in Wuwei, and in Minqin dam-region of downstream along faster rate of decline in 20 years fell from 8.52 m to 22.68 m. Dam construction project has changed the pattern of the basin water cycle, the middle reaches closure a large number of surface water resources led to downstream sharp decline. Downstream continued exploitation of groundwater formed a few huge funnel groundwater settlements, it caused serious ecological problems. The basin should adjust the industrial structure and develop water saving irrigation, promote a virtuous cycle of water resources, to achieve sustainable development, seek a sustainable development ways conversion natural oasis to artificial oasis efficiency in arid zone.

Flexible ureteroscopic treatment of kidney stones: How do the new laser systems change our concepts?

Objective: Flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) has become a widely accepted and effective technique for treating kidney stones. With the development of new laser systems, the fURS approach has evolved significantly. This literature review aims to examine the current state of knowledge on fURS treatment of kidney stones, with a particular focus on the impact of the latest laser technologies on clinical outcomes and patient safety.Methods: We conducted a search of the PubMed/PMC, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, Embase (Ovid), and Cochrane Databases for all randomized controlled trial articles on laser lithotripsy in September 2023 without time restriction.Results: We found a total of 22 relevant pieces of literature. Holmium laser has been used for intracavitary laser lithotripsy for nearly 30 years and has become the golden standard for the treatment of urinary stones. However, the existing holmium laser cannot completely powder the stone, and the retropulsion of the stone after the laser emission and the thermal damage to the tissue have caused many problems for clinicians. The introduction of thulium fiber laser and Moses technology brings highly efficient dusting lithotripsy effect through laser innovation, limiting pulse energy and broadening pulse frequency.Conclusion: While the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser remains the primary choice for endoscopic laser lithotripsy, recent technological advancements hint at a potential new gold standard. Parameter range, retropulsion effect, laser fiber adaptability, and overall system performance demand comprehensive attention. The ablation efficacy of high-pulse-frequency devices relies on precise targeting, which may pose practical challenges.

IL-17 induces NSCLC cell migration and invasion by elevating MMP19 gene transcription and expression through the interaction of p300-dependent STAT3-K631 acetylation and its Y705-phosphorylation

The cancer cell metastasis is a major death reason for patients with non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Although researchers have disclosed that interleukin 17(IL-17)can increase matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs)induction causing NSCLC cell metastasis,the underlying mechanism remains unclear.In the study,we found that IL-17 receptor A(IL-17RA),p300,p-STAT3,Ack-STAT3,and MMP19 were up-regulated both in NSCLC tissues and NSCLC cells stimulated with IL-17.p300,STAT3 and MMP19 overexpression or knockdown could raise or reduce IL-17-induced p-STAT3,Ack-STAT3 and MMP19 level as well as the cell migration and invasion.Mechanism investigation revealed that STAT3 and p300 bound to the same region(−544 to−389 nt)of MMP19 promoter,and p300 could acetylate STAT3-K631 elevating STAT3 transcriptional activity,p-STAT3 or MMP19 expression and the cell mobility exposed to IL-17.Meanwhile,p300-mediated STAT3-K631 acetylation and its Y705-phosphorylation could interact,synergistically facilitating MMP19 gene transcription and enhancing cell migration and invasion.Besides,the animal experiments exhibited that the nude mice inoculated with NSCLC cells by silencing p300,STAT3 or MMP19 gene plus IL-17 treatment,the nodule number,and MMP19,Ack-STAT3,or p-STAT3 production in the lung metastatic nodules were all alleviated.Collectively,these outcomes uncover that IL-17-triggered NSCLC metastasis involves up-regulating MMP19 expression via the interaction of STAT3-K631 acetylation by p300 and its Y705-phosphorylation,which provides a new mechanistic insight and potential strategy for NSCLC metastasis and therapy.

基于并联加载技术的中波三频共塔天调网络性能优化问题

对于中波三频共塔而言,天调网络在603 kHz频点处的Q值会显著上升,进而引起网络带宽极速降低,直接影响网络运行的安全性。深入研究了中波三频共塔的技术特点和天调网络的运行机理,利用并联加载技术改造铁塔,通过提高发射天线输入阻抗降低603 kHz工作频点处的Q值,可有效提升天调网络运行的安全性和可靠性。

Proteomic analysis of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia and pancreatic carcinoma in rat models

AIM:To detect the proteomic variabilities of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia(PanIN)and pancreatic carcinoma(PC)induced by 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene(DMBA) in rat models and to identify potential biomarkers.METHODS:Sixty adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into three groups.The rats had DMBA implanted into their pancreas for one(n=20)or two months(n=20)or assigned to the normal group(n =20).The rats were killed after one or two months,and were evaluated histopathologically.Three tissue samples from each group of rats with either normal pancreas,PanIN(PanIN-2)or PC were examined by 2D-DIGE.The different expression spot features were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionizationtime of flight/time of flight(MALDI-TOF/TOF)tandem mass spectrometry.The expression of enolase 1,a differentially expressed protein,was identified by immu-nohistochemistry.RESULTS:There was significant difference in the proportions of neoplastic changes between the 1-and 2-mogroups(P=0.0488).There was an increase in the frequency of adenocarcinomas in the 2-mo group compared with the 1-mo group(P=0.0309).No neoplastic changes were observed in any of the animals in the normal group.Enolase 1,pancreatic ELA3B,necdin,Hbp23,CHD3,hnRNP A2/B1,Rap80,and Gnb2l1 were up-regulated in the PanIN and PC tissues,and CEL,TPT1,NME2,PCK2,an unnamed protein product,and glycine C-acetyltransferase were down-regulated in the PanIN and PC tissues.The immunohistochemical results showed that enolase 1 expression was up-regulated in the pancreatic cancer tissues of rats and humans.CONCLUSION:The pancreatic protein expression changes induced by DMBA suggest potential molecular targets for the early diagnosis and treatment of PC.

Synthesis of magnetically modified palygorskite composite for immobilization of Candida sp. 99–125 lipase via adsorption

Magnetically modified palygorskite composites were synthesized with γ-Fe2O3 dispersing on the external surface of clay mineral. The magnetic clay was characterized with Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer. Candida sp. 99–125 lipase was immobilized on magnetic palygorskite composites by physical adsorption with enzyme loading of41.5 mg·g-1support and enzyme activity of 2631.6 U·(g support)-1. The immobilized lipase exhibit better thermal and broader p H stability and excellent reusability compared with free lipase.

Magnified and enhanced computed virtual chromoendoscopy in gastric neoplasia: A feasibility study

AIM: To evaluate the feasibility of a new computed virtual chromoendoscopy (CVC) device (M i-scan) in the diagnosis of gastric neoplasia. METHODS: Patients with superficial lesions no larger than 1.0 cm found during high definition endoscopy were included. Those with advanced or obviously protruded or depressed lesions, lesions larger than 1.0 cm and/or lesions which were not amenable to observation by zoom function were excluded. The endoscopist was required to give the real-time descriptions of surface pit patterns of the lesions, based on surface pattern classification of enhanced magnification endoscopy. According to previous reports, types Ⅰ-Ⅲ represent nonneoplastic lesions, and types Ⅳ-Ⅴ represent neoplastic lesions. Diagnosis with M i-scan and biopsy was performed before histopathological diagnosis. Magnified images of gastric lesions with and without enhancement were collected for further analysis. The diagnostic yield of real-time M i-scan and effects on magnification image quality by tone enhancement (TE), surface enhancement (SE) and color enhancement (CE) were calculated. The selected images were sent to another endoscopist. The endoscopist rated the image quality of each lesion at 3 levels. Ratings of image quality were based on visualization of pit pattern, vessel and demarcation line. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-three patients were recruited. Five patients were excluded for advanced gastric lesions, 1 patient was excluded for poor preparation and 2 patients were excluded for superficial lesions larger than 1.0 cm; 132 patients were excluded for no lesions found by high definition endoscopy. In the end, 43 patients with 43 lesions were included. Histopathology revealed 10 inflammation, 14 atrophy, 10 metaplasia, 1 low grade dysplasia (LGD), 5 high grade dysplasia (HGD) and 3 cancers. For 7 lesions classified into type Ⅰ, histopathology revealed 6 atrophy and 1 metaplasia; for 10 lesions classified into type Ⅱ, histopathology revealed 2 inflammation, 7 atrophy and 1 metaplasia; for 10 lesions classified into type Ⅲ, histopathology revealed 1 inflammation, 8 metaplasia and 1 LGD; for 9 lesions classified into type Ⅳ, histopathology revealed 4 inflammation, 1 atrophy and 4 HGD; for 7 lesions classified into type Ⅴ, histopathology revealed 3 inflammation, 1 HGD and 3 cancers. A total of 172 still images, including 43 images by white light (MWL) and 129 images by M i-scan (43 with TE, 43 with SE and 43 with CE), were selected and sent to the endoscopist who did the analysis. General image quality of M i-scan with TE and SE was significantly better than that of MWL (TE, 4.55 ± 1.07; SE, 4.30 ± 1.02; MWL, 3.25 ± 0.99; P < 0.001). Visualization of pit pattern was significantly improved by M i-scan with SE (1.93 ± 0.25 vs 1.50 ± 0.50, P < 0.001). Microvessel visualization was significantly improved by M i-scan with TE (1.23 ± 0.78 vs 0.76 ± 0.73, P < 0.001). Demarcation line visualization was improved by M i-scan with both TE and SE (TE, 1.75 ± 0.52; SE, 1.56 ± 0.59; MWL, 0.98 ± 0.44; P < 0.001). M i-scan with CE did not show any significant improvements of image quality in general or in the 3 key parameters. Although M i-scan with TE and SE slightly increased the diagnostic yield of MWL, there was no significant difference (P > 0.1). CONCLUSION: Although digital enhancement improves the image quality of magnification endoscopy, its value in improving the diagnostic yield seems to be limited.

Tacrolimus dosage requirements in living donor liver transplant recipients with small-for-size grafts

AIM:To investigate the tacrolimus dosage requirements and blood concentrations in adult-to-adult right lobe living donor liver transplantation (AALDLT) recipients with small-for-size (SFS) grafts.METHODS: During January 2007 and October 2008, a total of 54 cases of AALDLT with an observation period of 6 mo were enrolled in this study. The 54 patients were divided into two groups according to graft-recipient body weight ratio (GRBW): SFS grafts group (Group S, GRBW<0.8%, n=8) and non-SFS grafts group (Group N, GRBW ≥0.8%, n=46). Tacrolimus 12-hour blood levels and doses were recorded during weeks 1,2,3 and 4 and months 2,3,4,5 and 6 in group S and group N. Meanwhile, acute rejection rates, liver and renal function test results, and the number of potentially interacting medications were determined at each interval in the two groups. A comparison of tacrolimus dosage requirements and blood levels were made weekly in the first month post-surgery, and monthly from months 2 to 6.RESULTS: There were no differences in the demo-graphic characteristics, acute rejection rates, liver and renal function test results, or the number of potentially interacting medications administered between the two groups. The tacrolimus dosage requirements in group S were significantly lower than group N at 2 wk (2.8±0.4 mg/d vs 3.6±0.7 mg/d, P=0.006), 3 wk (2.9±0.7 mg/d vs 3.9±0.8 mg/d, P=0.008), 4 wk (2.9±0.8 mg/d vs 3.9±1.0 mg/d, P=0.023) and 2 mo (2.8±0.7 mg/d vs 3.8 ±1.1 mg/d, P=0.033). Tacrolimus 12-h trough concentrations were similar between the two groups at all times except for 2 wk post-transplantation, when the concentrations were signifi cantly greater in group S recipients than in group N recipients (11.3±4.8 ng/mL vs 7.0±3.8 ng/mL, P=0.026).CONCLUSION: SFS grafts recipients have signifi cantly decreased tacrolimus dosage requirements compared with non-SFS grafts recipients in AALDLT during the first 2 mo post-surgery.

Comparison of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol for the prediction of thin-cap fibroatheroma determined by intravascular optical coherence tomography

Background The correlation among the ratios of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C/HDL-C), total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(TC/HDL-C) and thin-cap fibroatheroma has not yet been established. Methods It was a single center, retrospective observational study. In total, we recruited 421 patients(82.4% men;mean age 65.73 ± 10.44 years) with one culprit vessel which determined by intravascular optical coherence tomography(OCT). The thinnest-capped fibroatheroma(TCFA) group was defined as lipid contents in > 2 quadrants, with the thinnest fibrous cap measuring less than 65 μm. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were carried out to explore the relationship between lipoprotein ratios, TCFA and other characteristics of plaque. To compare different ratios, the area under curve(AUC) of receiver-operating characteristic(ROC) curve was assessed. Results OCT was performed in 421 patients(TCFA group(n = 109), non-TCFA group(n = 312)). LDL-C/HDL-C in the TCFA group was significantly higher than in the non-TCFA group(2.95 ± 1.20 vs. 2.43 ± 0.92, P < 0.05), as was TC/LDL in TCFA and non-TCFA group(4.57 ± 1.58 vs. 4.04 ± 1.13, P < 0.05). Both LDL-C/HDL-C(OR: 1.002(1.002-1.003), P < 0.05) and TC/HDL-C(OR: 1.001(1.001-1.004), P < 0.05) were considered independent factors for the prediction of TCFA according to the logistic regression. Based on the AUC comparison, LDL-C/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C had no significant difference statistically(LDL-C/HDL-C AUC: 0.63;TC/HDL-C AUC: 0.61;P = 0.10) for the prediction of TCFA. Conclusions LDL-C/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C could be the independent factors for predicting the presence of TCFA, indicating coronary plaque vulnerability in CAD patients. Moreover, TC/HDL-C also showed a comparative performance for the prediction of TCFA as LDL-C/HDL-C.

A New Acylated Flavonoid from Anaphalis aureo-punctata

A new acylated flavonoid glycoside, 3-O-kaempferol-3-O-acetyl-6-O-(p-coumaroyl)-- D-glucopyranoside 1 was isolated from the whole plant of Anaphalis aureo-punctata. The structure was established by spectral methods.

Sonographic features of umbilical vein recanalization for a Rex shunt on cavernous transformation of portal vein in children

BACKGROUND The Rex shunt was widely used as the preferred surgical approach for cavernous transformation of the portal vein(CTPV)in children that creates a bypass between the superior mesenteric vein and the intrahepatic left portal vein(LPV).This procedure can relieve portal hypertension and restore physiological hepatopetal flow.However,the modified procedure is technically demanding because it is difficult to make an end-to-end anastomosis of a bypass to a hypoplastic LPV.Many studies reported using a recanalized umbilical vein as a conduit to resolve this problem.However,the feasibility of umbilical vein recanalization for a Rex shunt has not been fully investigated.AIM To investigate the efficacy of a recanalized umbilical vein as a conduit for a Rex shunt on CTPV in children by ultrasonography.METHODS A total of 47 children who were diagnosed with CTPV with prehepatic portal hypertension in the Second Hospital,Cheeloo College of Medicine,Shandong University,were enrolled in this study.Fifteen children received a recanalized umbilical vein as a conduit for a Rex shunt surgery and were enrolled in group I.Thirty-two children received the classic Rex shunt surgery and were enrolled in group II.The sonographic features of the two groups related to intraoperative and postoperative variation in terms of bypass vessel and the LPV were compared.RESULTS The patency rate of group I(60.0%,9/15)was significantly lower than that of group II(87.5%,28/32)7 d after(on the 8th d)operation(P<0.05).After clinical anticoagulation treatment for 3 mo,there was no significant difference in the patency rate between group I(86.7%,13/15)and group II(90.6%,29/32)(P>0.05).Moreover,3 mo after(at the beginning of the 4th mo)surgery,the inner diameter significantly widened and flow velocity notably increased for the bypass vessels and the sagittal part of the LPV compared to intraoperative values in both shunt groups(P<0.05).However,there was no significant difference between the two surgical groups 3 mo after surgery(P>0.05).CONCLUSION For children with hypoplastic LPV in the Rex recessus,using a recanalized umbilical vein as a conduit for a Rex shunt may be an effective procedure for CTPV treatment.

Impregnated Paper-Based Decorative Laminates Prepared from Lignin-Substituted Phenolic Resins

High Pressure Laminates(HPL)panels consist of stacks of self-gluing paper sheets soaked with phenol-formaldehyde(PF)resins.An important requirement for such PFs is that they must rapidly penetrate and saturate the paper pores.Partially substituting phenol with bio-based phenolic chemicals like lignin changes the physico-chemical properties of the resin and affects its ability to penetrate the paper.In this study,PF formulations containing different proportions of lignosulfonate and kraft lignin were used to prepare paper-based laminates.The penetration of a Kraft paper sheet was characterized by a recently introduced,new device measuring the conductivity between both sides of the paper sheet after a drop of resin was placed on the surface and allowed to penetrate the sheet.The main target value measured was the time required for a specific resin to completely penetrate the defined paper sample(“penetration time”).This penetration time generally depends on the molecular weight distribution,the flow behavior and the polarity of the resin which in turn are dependent on the manufacturing conditions of the resin.In the present study,the influences of the three process factors:(1)type of lignin material used for substitution,(2)lignin modification by phenolation and(3)degree of phenol substitution on the penetration times of various lignin-phenolic hybrid impregnation resins were studied using a complete twolevel three-factorial experimental design.Thin laminates made with the resins diluted in methanol were mechanically tested in terms of tensile and flexural strains,and their cross-sections were studied by light microscopy.

Panax notoginseng saponins promotes cerebral recovery from ischemic injury by downregulating LINGO-1 and activating the EGFR/PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in vivo

Objective:Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS),extracted from rhizome of the herb Radix et Rhizoma Notoginseng (Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H.Chen),was recently discovered to have beneficial effects against neurological damage.This study investigated the effects of PNS on cerebral ischemia and elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects.Methods:Middle cerebral artery occlusion rats were treated with PNS (3.6 mg/100 g or 7.2 mg/100 g per day) for 7 days,the gene of LINGO-1 was measured and the expression of protein synaptophysin,postsynaptic density protein 95,LINGO-1 and p-EGFR/p-PI3K/p-AKT were investigated.The weight and mNSS score of Sprague-Dawley rats in each group were recorded every day during the 7 days.Results:PNS promoted middle cerebral artery occlusion rats' weight and the recovery of neural function.PNS significantly decreased ischemia-induced LINGO-1 protein expression.PNS also elevated EGFR/PI3K/AKT phosphorylation levels.Conclusion:PNS promoted cerebral recovery from ischemic injury by accelerating synapse reconstruction and inhibiting the neuron growth negative regulatory protein LINGO-1 and activating the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in vivo.

Passively stabilized single-photon interferometer

A single-photon interferometer is a fundamental element in quantum information science.In most previously reported works,single-photon interferometers use an active feedback locking system to stabilize the relative phase between two arms of the interferometer.Here,we use a pair of beam displacers to construct a passively stable single-photon interferometer.The relative phase stabilization between the two arms is achieved by stabilizing the temperature of the beam displacers.A purely polarized single-photon-level pulse is directed into the interferometer input port.By analyzing and measuring the polarization states of the single-photon pulse at the output port,the achieved polarization fidelity of the interferometer is about 99.1±0.1%.Our passively stabilized single-photon interferometer provides a key element for generating highfidelity entanglement between a photon and atomic memory.

Effects of bilirubin on perioperative myocardial infarction and its long-term prognosis in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND Although bilirubin is known to be an antioxidant,any relationship with coronary heart disease remains controversial.To the best of our knowledge,no previous study has investigated the association between bilirubin and perioperative myocardial infarction(PMI),including its long-term prognosis.AIM To investigate the impact of bilirubin levels on PMI in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI),and long-term prognosis in post-PMI patients.METHODS Between January 2014 and September 2018,10236 patients undergoing elective PCI were enrolled in the present study.Total bilirubin(TB)and cardiac troponin I(cTnI)levels were measured prior to PCI and cTnI at further time-points,8,16 and 24 h after PCI.Participants were stratified by pre-PCI TB levels and divided into three groups:<10.2;10.2-14.4 and>14.4μmol/L.PMI was defined as producing a post-procedural cTnI level of>5×upper limit of normal(ULN)with normal baseline cTnI.Major adverse cardiovascular events(MACEs)included cardiac death,MI,stroke and revascularization during a maximum 5-year follow-up.RESULTS PMI was detected in 526(15.3%),431(12.7%)and 424(12.5%)of patients with pre-PCI TB levels of<10.2,10.2-14.4 and>14.4μmol/L(P=0.001),respectively.Multivariate logistical analysis indicated that patients with TB 10.2-14.4 and>14.4μmol/L had a lower incidence of PMI[TB 10.2-14.4μmol/L:Odds ratio(OR):0.854;95%confidence interval(CI):0.739-0.987;P=0.032;TB>14.4μmol/L:OR:0.846;95%CI:0.735-0.975;P=0.021]compared with patients with TB<10.2μmol/L.Construction of a Kaplan-Meier curve demonstrated a higher MACE-free survival time for patients with higher TB than for those with lower TB(log-rank P=0.022).After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors and angiographic characteristics,multivariate Cox analysis showed that a TB level>14.4μmol/L was associated with a reduced risk of MACEs compared with a TB level<10.2μmol/L(hazard ratio 0.667;95%CI:0.485-0.918;P=0.013).CONCLUSION Bilirubin was a protective factor in PMI prediction.For post-PMI patients,elevated bilirubin levels were independently associated with a reduced risk of MACEs during long-term follow-up.

Diversity Assessment of an Endemic Carpinus oblongifolia(Betulaceae)Using Specific-Locus Amplified Fragment Sequencing and Implications for Conservation

Carpinus oblongifolia is an endemic species and the extant wild populations show a fragmentation distribution in the Baohua Mountain of Jiangsu Province in eastern China.Understanding of genetic diversity plays an important role in C.oblongifolia survival and sustainable development.The wild C.oblongifolia population was artificially divided into four subpopulations according to the microhabitats,and another two subpopulations were constructed by progeny seedlings cultivated with the mature seeds.Then,the leaf buds of 80 individuals from six subpopulations were sampled to develop single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)using specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing(SLAF-seq).Based on these SNPs,we aimed to characterize the genetic diversity and population structure of C.oblongifolia and provide an illumination and reference for effective management of such a small endemic population.The level of genetic diversity was low at the species level,and the progeny subpopulations had a relatively higher genetic diversity than the wild subpopulations.This may be attributed to a high gene flow and an excess heterozygosity to reduce the threat of genetic drift-based hazards.Moreover,the progeny subpopulations had the ability to form new clusters and a great contribution to the genetic structure variation of C.oblongifolia.These results will assist with the development of conservation and management strategies,such as properly evacuating competitive trees to provide more chance for pollen and seed flow in situ conservation,and establishing sufficient seedling plantlets under laboratory conditions for reintroduction to enlarge the effective population size.