A Set of Acupuncture Needles in the Late Qing Dynasty Collected by George Souliéde Morant

In the early 20th century,French vice-consul George Souliéde Morant encountered acupuncture during his visit to China,and then brought it back to France.After more than a century,his collection was transported from Paris,France to Kunming,China,and later recognized as a Chinese national third-class precious cultural heritage.Currently housed in the Museum of Western Studies on Chinese Medicine at Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine,this set of instruments includes one needle holder converted from a fan-shaped holder,ten acupuncture needles,and eleven paper tags handwritten in English with names of diseases and body parts.This article attempts to present the foundational information and historical significance of this collection of this set of late Qing dynasty acupuncture instruments by reviewing the collection and related research on acupuncture instruments,consulting acupuncture professionals,measuring the detailed information of the set of instruments,and employing a method of translating and summarizing the content of the attached tags.

改进型超声引导下针状可视肾镜(Needle perc)钬激光碎石术治疗肾下盏结石的临床评价:与输尿管软镜对比

目的比较改进型超声引导下针状可视肾镜(Needle perc)钬激光碎石术和输尿管软镜下钬激光碎石术治疗1~2 cm肾下盏结石的效果,为临床治疗方式的选择提供参考。方法回顾性分析2022年1月—2023年5月郑州市第一人民医院收治的60例肾内单发下盏结石(最大径1~2 cm)患者的临床资料,比较行输尿管软镜钬激光碎石术的30例患者(软镜组)和改进型超声引导下Needle perc钬激光碎石术的30例患者(Needle perc组)的临床资料。结果Needle perc组较软镜组的整体住院时间[(3.00±1.25)d vs.(4.00±1.25)d]、手术时间[(44.63±5.42)min vs.(48.50±7.24)min]和住院花费[(15518±441)元vs.(16872±903)元]均较少(P<0.05)。Needle perc组术后清石率高于软镜组[93.3%(28/30)vs.50.7%(15/30),P<0.001]。术后降钙素原(PCT)上升幅度低于软镜组[(0.02±0.01)vs.(0.12±0.18),P=0.007],而并发症发生率低于软镜组[3.3%(1/30)vs.26.7%(8/30),P=0.030]。结论对于1~2 cm的肾下盏单发结石,改进型超声引导下Needle perc钬激光碎石术清石率较高、并发症发生率低,安全且有效。

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital on Needle Stick Injury

Purpose: Needle-stick injury (NSI) is one of the most potential occupational hazards for healthcare workers because of the transmission of blood-borne pathogens. As per recent data, around 30 lakh healthcare workers sustain Needle stick injuries each year. This study was conducted to assess healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitude and practices regarding needle stick injury. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a Tertiary Care Hospital over the period of 3 months. The study population consisted of Intern Doctors, Post Graduate resident Doctors, Staff Nurses, laboratory technicians of Government Medical College and New Civil Hospital, Surat (n = 300). The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire via the means of Google Forms. Questionnaire was made with prior review literature. The data obtained were entered and analysed in Microsoft Excel. Results: The prevalence of NSI in our study was 46%, with a higher prevalence among the PG residents (72%). Overall scores regarding knowledge and attitude were better in PG residents (knowledge score > 7 in 71% and Attitude Score > 7 in 68% of PG Residents). Even though the PG residents scored highest in the knowledge category, the majority of them suffered needle stick injuries as a result of poor practice scores. Among those who had NSI (n = 139/300), 70% of study participants had superficial injuries, only 9% reported the incident, 18% got medical attention within 2 hours of the incident, and 7% followed up to recheck their viral markers status. Most incidents of NSI were due to hypodermic needles while recapping needles. Conclusion: Exposure to needle stick injuries and their underreporting remains a common problem. It is imperative that healthcare workers receive regular training on the proper handling of sharp objects. We can also draw the conclusion that preventing NSIs requires putting knowledge into practice.

MXene Enhanced 3D Needled Waste Denim Felt for High‑Performance Flexible Supercapacitors

MXene,a transition metal carbide/nitride,has been prominent as an ideal electrochemical active material for supercapacitors.However,the low MXene load limits its practical applications.As environmental concerns and sustainable development become more widely recognized,it is necessary to explore a greener and cleaner technology to recycle textile by-products such as cotton.The present study proposes an effective 3D fabrication method that uses MXene to fabricate waste denim felt into ultralight and flexible supercapacitors through needling and carbonization.The 3D structure provided more sites for loading MXene onto Z-directional fiber bundles,resulting in more efficient ion exchange between the electrolyte and electrodes.Furthermore,the carbonization process removed the specific adverse groups in MXenes,further improving the specific capacitance,energy density,power density and electrical conductivity of supercapacitors.The electrodes achieve a maximum specific capacitance of 1748.5 mF cm-2 and demonstrate remarkable cycling stability maintaining more than 94%after 15,000 galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles.Besides,the obtained supercapacitors present a maximum specific capacitance of 577.5 mF cm^(-2),energy density of 80.2μWh cm^(-2)and power density of 3 mW cm^(-2),respectively.The resulting supercapacitors can be used to develop smart wearable power devices such as smartwatches,laying the foundation for a novel strategy of utilizing waste cotton in a high-quality manner.

Is magnesium deficiency the major cause of needle chlorosis of Pinus taeda in Brazil?

Needle chlorosis(NC)in Pinus taeda L.systems in Brazil becomes more frequent after second and third harvest rotation cycles.In a study to identify factors contributing to yellowing needle chorosis(YNC),trees were grown in soils originating from contrasting parent materials,and soils and needles(whole,green and chlorotic portions)from 1-and 2-year-old branches and the first and second needle flush release at four sites with YNC on P.taeda were analyzed for various elements and properties.All soils had very low base levels(Ca^(2+),Mg^(2+)and K^(+))and P,suggesting a possible lack of multiple elements.YNC symptoms started at needle tips,then extended toward the needle base with time.First flush needles had longer portions with YNC than second flush needles did.Needles from the lower crown also had more symptoms along their length than those higher in the canopy.Symptoms were similar to those reported for Mg.In chlorotic portions,Mg and Ca concentrations were well below critical values;in particular,Mg levels were only one third of the critical value of 0.3 g kg^(-1).Collectively,results suggest that Mg deficiency is the primary reason for NC of P.taeda in various parent soils in Brazil.

Time-resolved characteristics of a nanosecond pulsed multi-hollow needle plate packed bed dielectric barrier discharge

In this paper,self-designed multi-hollow needle electrodes are used as a high-voltage electrode in a packed bed dielectric barrier discharge reactor to facilitate fast gas flow through the active discharge area and achieve large-volume stable discharge.The dynamic characteristics of the plasma,the generated active species,and the energy transfer mechanisms in both positive discharge(PD)and negative discharge(ND)are investigated by using fast-exposure intensified charge coupled device(ICCD)images and time-resolved optical emission spectra.The experimental results show that the discharge intensity,number of discharge channels,and discharge volume are obviously enhanced when the multi-needle electrode is replaced by a multihollow needle electrode.During a single voltage pulse period,PD mainly develops in a streamer mode,which results in a stronger discharge current,luminous intensity,and E/N compared with the diffuse mode observed in ND.In PD,as the gap between dielectric beads changes from 0 to250μm,the discharge between the dielectric bead gap changes from a partial discharge to a standing filamentary micro-discharge,which allows the plasma to leave the local area and is conducive to the propagation of surface streamers.In ND,the discharge only appears as a diffusionlike mode between the gap of dielectric beads,regardless of whether there is a discharge gap.Moreover,the generation of excited states N_(2)^(+)(B^(2)∑_(u)^(+))and N2(C^(3)Π_(u))is mainly observed in PD,which is attributed to the higher E/N in PD than that in ND.However,the generation of the OH(A^(2)∑^(+))radical in ND is higher than in PD.It is not directly dominated by E/N,but mainly by the resonant energy transfer process between metastable N_(2)(A^(3)∑_(u)^(+))and OH(X^(2)Π).Furthermore,both PD and ND demonstrate obvious energy relaxation processes of electron-to-vibration and vibration-to-vibration,and no vibration-to-rotation energy relaxation process is observed.

Formation of diffuse and spark discharges between two needle electrodes with the scattering of particles

The development of a nanosecond discharge in a pin-to-pin gap filled with air at atmospheric pressure has been studied with high temporal and spatial resolutions from a breakdown start to the spark decay.Positive and negative nanosecond voltage pulses with an amplitude of tens of kilovolts were applied.Time-resolved images of the discharge development were taken with a fourchannel Intensified Charge Coupled Device(ICCD)camera.The minimum delay between the camera channels could be as short as≈0.1 ns.This made it possible to study the gap breakdown process with subnanosecond resolution.It was observed that a wide-diameter streamer develops from the high-voltage pointed electrode.The ionization processes near the grounded pin electrode started when the streamer crossed half of the gap.After bridging the gap by the streamer,a diffuse discharge was formed.The development of spark leaders from bright spots on the surface of the pointed electrodes was observed at the next stage.It was found that the rate of development of the spark leader is an order of magnitude lower than that of the wide-diameter streamer.Long thin luminous tracks were observed against the background of a discharge plasma glow.It has been established that the tracks are adjacent to brightly glowing spots on the electrodes and are associated with the flight of small particles.

Percutaneous ultrasound-guided coaxial core needle biopsy for the diagnosis of multiple splenic lesions: A case report

BACKGROUND The overlap of imaging manifestations among distinct splenic lesions gives rise to a diagnostic dilemma.Consequently,a definitive diagnosis primarily relies on his-tological results.The ultrasound(US)-guided coaxial core needle biopsy(CNB)not only procures sufficient tissue to help clarify the diagnosis,but reduces the incidence of puncture-related complications.CASE SUMMARY A 41-year-old female,with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis,was admitted to our hospital with multiple indeterminate splenic lesions.Gray-scale ultrasono-graphy demonstrated splenomegaly with numerous well-defined hypoechoic ma-sses.Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT)showed an en-larged spleen with multiple irregular-shaped,peripherally enhancing,hypodense lesions.Positron emission CT revealed numerous abnormal hyperglycemia foci.These imaging findings strongly indicated the possibility of infectious disease as the primary concern,with neoplastic lesions requiring exclusion.To obtain the precise pathological diagnosis,the US-guided coaxial CNB of the spleen was ca-rried out.The patient did not express any discomfort during the procedure.CONCLUSION Percutaneous US-guided coaxial CNB is an excellent and safe option for obtaining precise splenic tissue samples,as it significantly enhances sample yield for exact pathological analysis with minimum trauma to the spleen parenchyma and sur-rounding tissue.

Needle arthroscopic-assisted repair of tibio-fibular syndesmosis acute injury:A case report

BACKGROUND Acute injuries to the tibiofibular syndesmosis,often associated with high ankle sprains or malleolar fractures,require precise diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term complications.This case report explores the use of needle arthroscopy as a minimally invasive technique for the repair of tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries.CASE SUMMARY We report on a 40-year-old male patient who presented with a trimalleolar fracture and ankle subluxation following a high ankle sprain.Due to significant swelling and poor soft tissue quality,initial management involved external stabilization.Subsequently,needle arthroscopy was employed to assess and treat the tibiofibular syndesmosis injury.The procedure,performed under spinal anesthesia and fluoroscopic control,included nanoscopic evaluation of the ankle joint and reduction of the syndesmosis using a suture button.Follow-up assessments showed significant improvement in pain levels,range of motion,and functional scores.At 26 weeks post-procedure,the patient achieved full range of motion and pain-free status.Needle arthroscopy offers a promising alternative for the management of acute tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries,combining diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities with minimal invasiveness.CONCLUSION This technique may enhance clinical outcomes and reduce recovery times,warranting further investigation and integration into clinical practice.

Phase II Clinical Study of Three-Dimensional Printed Coplanar Template Combined with CT-Guided Percutaneous Core Needle Biopsy of Pulmonary Nodules in Elderly Patients

Background: As the population age structure gradually ages, more and more elderly people were found to have pulmonary nodules during physical examinations. Most elderly people had underlying diseases such as heart, lung, brain and blood vessels and cannot tolerate surgery. Computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy (CNB) was the first choice for pathological diagnosis and subsequent targeted drugs, immune drugs or ablation treatment. CT-guided percutaneous CNB requires clinicians with rich CNB experience to ensure high CNB accuracy, but it was easy to cause complications such as pneumothorax and hemorrhage. Three-dimensional (3D) printing coplanar template (PCT) combined with CT-guided percutaneous pulmonary CNB biopsy has been used in clinical practice, but there was no prospective, randomized controlled study. Methods: Elderly patients with lung nodules admitted to the Department of Oncology of our hospital from January 2019 to January 2023 were selected. A total of 225 elderly patients were screened, and 30 patients were included after screening. They were randomly divided into experimental group (Group A: 30 cases) and control group (Group B: 30 cases). Group A was given 3D-PCT combined with CT-guided percutaneous pulmonary CNB biopsy, Group B underwent CT-guided percutaneous pulmonary CNB. The primary outcome measure of this study was the accuracy of diagnostic CNB, and the secondary outcome measures were CNB time, number of CNB needles, number of pathological tissues and complications. Results: The diagnostic accuracy of group A and group B was 96.67% and 76.67%, respectively (P = 0.026). There were statistical differences between group A and group B in average CNB time (P = 0.001), number of CNB (1 vs more than 1, P = 0.029), and pathological tissue obtained by CNB (3 vs 1, P = 0.040). There was no statistical difference in the incidence of pneumothorax and hemorrhage between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: 3D-PCT combined with CT-guided percutaneous CNB can improve the puncture accuracy of elderly patients, shorten the puncture time, reduce the number of punctures, and increase the amount of puncture pathological tissue, without increasing pneumothorax and hemorrhage complications. We look forward to verifying this in a phase III randomized controlled clinical study. .

Indications for Renal Needle Biopsy and Histological Spectrum of Kidney Disease in Togo

Introduction: The frequent late-stage diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) constrains the treatment choices for nephrologists. Renal biopsy (RB) is crucial for accurately identifying renal lesions. This key nephrological procedure, however, is invasive and not without potential complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the indications, frequency, and histological lesion profiles of renal biopsies in Togo. Materials and Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study encompassing all renal biopsies performed in Togo from the inception of nephrology services to the present. Data were compiled from the medical records of the patients. Results: From 2015 to 2023, 68 high-quality renal biopsies were executed in Togo. The patients had an average age of 30.6 years, with a predominance of males (69.1%). The most common indication was nephrotic syndrome, accounting for 66.2% of cases. Histologically, glomerulopathies were predominant, representing 61.8% of lesions, followed by vascular nephropathies (25%) and tubulointerstitial nephropathies (13.2%). The most frequently observed primary glomerulopathy was focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Gross hematuria was the sole complication, occurring in 1.4% of the cases. Conclusion: RB is an evolving practice in Togo. Glomerulopathies are the most commonly observed lesions. The histological categorization of renal lesions is vital for clinicians in their diagnostic reasoning and approach.

Clinical observation of auricular needle-embedding therapy for primary insomnia

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of auricular needle-embedding therapy for treating primary insomnia.Methods:A total of 63 patients were randomly divided into a conventional acupuncture group and an auricular needleembedding group.The conventional acupuncture group received acupuncture at meridian points,while the auricular needle-embedding group received acupuncture at auricular points.Treatments were given once a day for 6 consecutive days,followed by a 1-day break,as a course of treatment.Both groups were treated for 2 courses.Before treatment,and after 1 course and 2 courses of treatment,the Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)score was assessed,and the efficacy was evaluated.Results:The cured and markedly effective rate and total effective rate of the auricular needle-embedding group were higher than those of the conventional acupuncture group,but there was no significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).After 1 course of treatment,the PSQI global score and the scores of subjective sleep quality,sleep latency,sleep duration,habitual sleep efficiency,and daytime dysfunction of both groups decreased compared with those before treatment(P<0.01);there was no statistical significance in comparing the PSQI global score and individual component scores between the two groups(P>0.05).After 2 courses of treatment,the PSQI global score and the scores of sleep latency and habitual sleep efficiency of the auricular needle-embedding group decreased compared with those after 1 course of treatment(P<0.01 or P<0.05),while only the score of sleep latency of the conventional acupuncture group decreased compared with that after 1 course of treatment(P<0.05);the PSQI global score and the scores of subjective sleep quality and sleep latency of the auricular needle-embedding group were lower than those of the conventional acupuncture group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Both therapies can improve insomnia.Compared to conventional acupuncture,auricular needleembedding therapy demonstrates a therapeutic advantage in improving sleep latency and sleep quality,making it worthy of clinical promotion.

Melnick Needles Syndrome: Computed Imaging and Management Difficulties

Melnick-Needles syndrome is an osteo-dysplasia caused by a mutation of a gene, FLNA, coding for filamine A. It is at the origin of a set of complex congenital malformations, mainly of interest to the members, but also to the cranio-facial region. Melnick-Needles syndrome was first described in 1966 by two Americans John Melnick, a radiologist, and Carl F Needles, a pediatrician. They described cases of families of several generations who had a characteristic severe congenital bone disorder. They thought that human-to-human transmission had occurred in one case. We report a case of Melnick-Needles syndrome which is a pathology with very high mortality especially in a male subject. This was an observational study of a case received in consultation with the pediatric service of the Souro Sanou University Hospital Center in Bobo Dioulasso in Burkina Faso. It was a 3-year-old boy born in a low-term pregnancy without any prenatal consultation, imaging test and prenatal biology performed. The exact pathogenesis of this condition is not established but is linked to a mutation of the Filamine A gene linked to sexual chromosomes X. Pathology is rare, around a hundred cases have been reported worldwide. Its incidence, according to the literature is around 1/100,000. The sex ratio is at 7. The malformations of this acquired embryo-fetopathy are multiple, polymorphic and asymmetrical. The diagnosis of this pathology is suspected by the clinic and established by molecular biology by sequencing the genes responsible for the mutation. However, imagery, in particular the scanner has a major role by its protocol with multi-planar reconstructions and its analysis in double windowing which allow a better description of the malformations of this syndrome. Its management is complex, and multidisciplinary, and the unfortunate prognosis in our context is because of the precarious technical platform. In our case despite the obvious malformations presented by the patient, the parents consulted late in a health center because of the automation and especially the socio-cultural constraints which incriminate this type of polymalformation as being a curse. The patient underwent abdominal surgery and even the operating procedures were simple, he died four months after leaving the hospital, due to an unspecified cause.

Observation on Therapeutic Effect of Lotus Needle Cupping Therapy for Removing Blood Stasis in Zhuang Medicine on PHN and Its Influ-ence on Inflammatory Mediators

[Objectives]To observe the clinical effect of the lotus needle cupping therapy for removing blood stasis in Zhuang medicine in treating PHNand its influence on inflammatory factors.[Methods]96 patients with PHN were randomly divided into three groups:lotus nee-dle cupping therapy group,TCM surrounding acupuncture group and gabapentin group.Venous blood and acupoint blood were collected at 0,21 and 42 d of treatment,and the expression levels of 5-HT,SP and CGRPinflammatory mediators were detected before and after treatment.The changes of VAS scores before,during and after treatment and the clinical efficacy were observed.[Results]The total effective rate of the lotus needle cupping group was 87.50%,which was better than that of the TCM acupuncture group(81.25%)and the gabapentin group(62.50%);after treatment,the VAS scores and the expression of inflammatory mediators in the three groups of patients were lower than those before treatment,and the decrease was more significant in the treatment group(P<0.05).[Conclusions]The lotus needle cupping therapy for removing blood stasis in Zhuang medicine is effective in treating PHN,and its mechanism is to reduce the release of inflammatory media-tors,reduce hyperalgesia,relieve pain and improve the quality of life of patients.

Shelton Vision pushes the needle on Al-assisted quality control

MANCHESTER,UK-Having successfully demonstrated its WebSpector automated fabric inspection system detecting faults on camouflage fabrics at speeds of up to 100metres a minute during ITMA 2023,BTMA member Shelton Vision has secured an unprecedented number of new orders in many fields of the textile industry.The company has subsequently been recruiting additional staff in order to beef up its operations to meet delivery times and to grow capacity for the ongoing increased demand.

Response of Pinus koraiensis seedling growth to different light conditions based on the assessment of photosynthesis in current and one-year-old needles

As one of the three major five-leaved pines in the northern hemisphere, Pinus koraiensis is the most important dominant tree species in the natural mixed-broadleaved Korean pine forests. However, the regeneration of P koraiensis under the canopy of secondary forest stands is poor because of the light limitation. This study was conducted to understand how P koraiensis seedlings adapt to different light intensities and what would be the optimum light level for their establishment and growth. Three repetition plots with four light intensities （15%, 30%, 60% and 100% of the natural incident irradiances, achieved by suspending layers of black nylon net above and surrounding the plots） were set up under natural climate conditions in a montane region in eastern Liaoning Province, Northeast China. A total of 80 P koraiensis seedlings with similar height and root collar diameter were transplanted into four plots. After one year of acclimation to the specific light conditions, the seasonal variations of the photosynthetic variables and needle traits of the current and one-year-old needles, and the growth parameters were observed under four light intensities. The results indicated that： （1） The seedling at 60% treatment exhibited the greatest growth, which agreed with the response of the light-saturated photosynthetic rates （Amax） and the dark respiration rate （Rd） in the current and one-year-old needles, i.e., Rd at 60% treatment was significantly lower than that at 100% treatment, but Amax did not differ between the seedlings at 100% and 60% treatments. （2） The P. koraiensis seedlings have a certain photosynthetic plasticity to adapt the light conditions by adjusting their needle traits and regulating the physiological processes, because Amax, Rd, light saturation point and compensation point, the needle mass area, needle nitrogen and chlorophyll contents were significantly （p〈0.05） correlated with the light intensities. Especially, Am,x at 100% and 60% treatments was significantly higher （p〈0.05） than that at 30% and 15% treatments for both current and one-year-old needles. （3） The needles of different ages played a commutative role during the growing season, i.e., the one-year-old needles played a major role for the photosynthesis in the early growing season; the current year needles did in the later growing season. This ensured the effective photosynthesis throughout the growing season. These findings suggest that P. koraiensis is the in-between heliophilous and shade-tolerant tree species at least for the seedlings up to 8 years.

Optimization of Ultrasonic Extraction Conditions of Polyphenols from the Needles of Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii) Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

Ultrasonic extraction conditions of polyphenols from the needles of black pine(Pinus thunbergii) were optimized by single factors analysis and Box-Behnken experiment design. The results showed that both of ethanol concentration and ultrasonic time had a significant effect on polyphenol extraction, and there was significant interaction between any two variables in the three parameters of ethanol concentration, ultrasonic temperature and ultrasonic time. The optimal parameters for polyphenol extraction were the ethanol concentration of 52.67%, ultrasonic temperature at 49.21 ℃and ultrasonic time of 30.76 min. Under these conditions, the actual content of polyphenols was close to the predicted value. Therefore, the process can be used to extract polyphenols from black pine needles.

Comparison of Methods for Protein Extraction from Pine Needles

Extraction of proteins from pine needles for proteomic analysis has long been a challenge for scientists. We compared three different protein extraction methods including sucrose, Tris-HCl and trichloroacetic acid （TCA）/acetone （TCA method） to determine their efficiency in separating pine needle proteins by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis （SDS-PAGE） and two-dimensional PAGE （2D-PAGE）. Proteins were then separated by SDS-PAGE. Among three methods the method using sucrose extraction buffer showed the highest efficiency and highest quality in separating proteins. In addition, clearer and more stable strips were detected by SDS-PAGE using sucrose extraction buffer. When the proteins extracted using sucrose extraction buffer were separated by 2D-PAGE, more than 300 protein spots, with isoelectric points （PI） ranging from 4.0 to 7,0 and molecular weights （MW） from 6.5 to 97.4 kD, were observed. This confirmed that the method with sucrose extraction buffer was an efficient and reliable method for extracting proteins from pine needles.

Preparation of Paraffin Section of Pinus sylvestris Needles

[Objective] Taking Pinus sylvestris needles as materials, a set of test con-ditions suitable for the preparation of paraffin sections of Pinus sylvestris needles was determined. [Method] Based on the traditional method for paraffin sections preparation, steps including fixation, dehydration, adhering to slides and staining were investigated taking the structural characteristics of pine needles into considera-tion. [Result] 70% ethanol was used in the FAA fixative; before affixed on slides, the cut sections were first expanded in a 40 ℃ water bath and taken out by using Su-perfrost Plus slides, fol owed by drying in a 35 ℃ oven for 24 h; pine needles were cut into 8 μm thick sections; staining was achieved by immersion in eosin for 5 min and in hematoxylin for 1 min. [Conclusion] The conditions obtained above can en-hance the effect of fixation and dehydration; adhering to slides is easy to operate and the sections are not easy to drop; the dyeing effect is relatively preferable.

Age-related variations of needles and twigs in nutrient,nonstructural carbon and isotope composition along altitudinal gradients

The biochemical and physiological properties of alpine woody plants responding to elevation are associated with needles and twigs age.However,the interactions with elevation were not well studied.In this study,we investigated age-related(current,one-year and two-year old)functional traits of Abies faxoniana in needles and twigs with elevation(2500 m,2750 m,3000 m,3250 m,and 3500 m a.s.l)at the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.The macro-elements(C,N,P,K,Ca,and Mg),nonstructural carbons(soluble sugar,sucrose,and starch)and isotope composition(δ13C)were measured in needles and twigs of adult A.faxoniana trees(breast height diameter about 30 cm).There were significant age,elevation and their interaction effects on these traits(except forδ13C).Compared with twoyear-old needles and twigs,the current and one-yearold tissues possessed higher concentrations of P and K,lower Ca concentrations,as well as a lowerδ13C values and C:P and N:P ratios in needles.The current-year twigs generally had higher sucrose concentration and sucrose:starch ratio than the old ones.This study suggested that more nutrients were invested to young needles and twigs to cope with elevation for A.faxoniana than the old ones.