Astrocytes, reactive astrogliosis, and glial scar formation in traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury is a global health crisis,causing significant death and disability worldwide.Neuroinflammation that follows traumatic brain injury has serious consequences for neuronal survival and cognitive impairments,with astrocytes involved in this response.Following traumatic brain injury,astrocytes rapidly become reactive,and astrogliosis propagates from the injury core to distant brain regions.Homeostatic astroglial proteins are downregulated near the traumatic brain injury core,while pro-inflammatory astroglial genes are overexpressed.This altered gene expression is considered a pathological remodeling of astrocytes that produces serious consequences for neuronal survival and cognitive recovery.In addition,glial scar formed by reactive astrocytes is initially necessary to limit immune cell infiltration,but in the long term impedes axonal reconnection and functional recovery.Current therapeutic strategies for traumatic brain injury are focused on preventing acute complications.Statins,cannabinoids,progesterone,beta-blockers,and cerebrolysin demonstrate neuroprotective benefits but most of them have not been studied in the context of astrocytes.In this review,we discuss the cell signaling pathways activated in reactive astrocytes following traumatic brain injury and we discuss some of the potential new strategies aimed to modulate astroglial responses in traumatic brain injury,especially using cell-targeted strategies with miRNAs or lncRNA,viral vectors,and repurposed drugs.

Panax ginseng-specific sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker for testing medicinal products

To screen genetic polymorphisms of Panax ginseng, as well as those of Panax quinquefolium and Panax notoginseng, analysis of random amplified polymorphic DNA （RAPD） was performed using 120 random primers. Of the successful amplicons obtained, the Panax ginseng-specific RAPD marker C-12 was cloned into a TA vector and sequenced （Genl3ank access number KU553472）. Based on the sequence analysis results, a pair of primers specific to C-12 was designed. Finally, a SCAR marker-based identification system for Panax ginseng was developed after optimization of the reaction conditions. Using this method, two positive bands were stably observed at 300 bp and 130 bp in 33 batches of Panax ginseng samples tested, while negative results were obtained for another 101 batches of samples, including Panax quinquefolium, Panax notoginseng, adulterants, and other medicinal herbs. Thus, we successfully developed a PCR-based method for rapid and effective identification of Panax ginseng, which can be effectively used for the protection and utilization of germplasm resources and identification of the origins of Panax ginseng samples.

Development of a stable SCAR marker for rapid identification of Ganoderma lucidum Hunong 5 cultivar using DNA pooling method and inter-simple sequence repeat markers

The cultivar Ganoderma lucidum Hunong 5 was obtained using cross-breeding. Hunong 5 has high commercial value due to its high polysaccharide and triterpene content, This is the first report of using a DNA pooling method to develop a stable sequence characterized amplified region （SCAR） marker for rapid identification of the G. lucidum Hunong 5 cultivar. The SCAR marker was developed by first generating and sequencing a distinctive inter simple sequence repeat （ISSR） fragment （882 bp） from G. lucidum Hunong 5 cultivar. A stable SCAR primer pair GLH5F/GLH5R were obtained to identify the cultivar and the SCAR marker is a DNA fragment of 773 bp.

Development of Sequence Characterized Amplified Region (SCAR) Primers for the Detection of Resistance to Sporisorium reiliana in Maize

Head smut of maize （Zea mays L.）, which was caused by Sporisorium reiliana, occurred in most of the maize growing areas of the world. The purpose of this study was to develop SCAR markers for map-based cloning of resistance genes and MAS. Two sets of BC3 progenies, one （BC3Q） derived from the cross Qi319 （resistance）×Huangzao 4 （susceptible）, the other （BC3M） from Mol7 （resistance）× Huangzao 4 （susceptible）, were generated. Huangzao 4 was the recurrent parent in both progenies. A combination of BSA （bulked segregant analysis） with AFLP （amplified fragment length polymorphism） method was applied to map the genes involving the resistance to S. reiliana, and corresponding resistant and susceptible bulks and their parental lines were used for screening polymorphic AFLP primer pairs. One fragment of PI3M61-152 was converted into SCAR （sequence charactered amplified fragment） marker S130. The marker was mapped at chromosome bin 2.09, the interval of a major QTL region previously reported to contribute to S. reiliana resistance. Furthermore, S130 was highly and facilitate map-based cloni associated with resistance to S. reiliana, and could be useful for marker-assisted selection ng of resistance genes.

基于RAPD和ISSR标记的云芝种质资源遗传多样性分析及SCAR标记建立

为了探究野生云芝(Trametes versicolor)种质资源遗传背景,基于RAPD、ISSR两种分子标记技术对18个不同种源的云芝菌株进行鉴定及遗传多样性分析,并建立稳定性更好的SCAR标记。结果表明RAPD和ISSR引物均能扩增出较多条带,多态率分别为100%和97.4%,说明RAPD和ISSR可以检测到供试菌株丰富的遗传多样性,能够对云芝菌株进行有效的区分。南方的长沙居群和宁乡居群的NPL、PPB、Na、Ne、He、I相近且偏高,北方的山东、辽宁和吉林居群偏低。从聚类结果看,整体上呈由南往北聚类的规律。获得的SCAR标记验证结果显示可能与云芝子实体边缘厚度基因相关。该研究完善了云芝遗传物质的分子标记,可为后续云芝品种选育、性状关联基因调控提供一定的研究基础。

基于sCARS的淮北平原土壤有机质含量高光谱建模

为确定淮北平原砂姜黑土土壤有机质(SOM)最佳反演模型,探寻最佳特征波长筛选方法,提高模型预测精度。利用原始光谱进行倒数对数(Log(1/R))、标准正态变量变换(SNV)、去包络线(CR)、一阶微分(FDR)处理,采用稳定竞争性自适应重加权算法(sCARS)筛选特征变量,对比分析竞争性自适应重加权算法(CARS)、相关系数法(|r|≥0.47)和显著性水平法(p≤0.01)所得结果,建立SOM含量的偏最小二乘(PLSR)模型,并对比精度差异。结果表明:(1)全波段范围内,SOM含量与原始光谱呈极显著负相关,与Log(1/R)光谱呈极显著正相关,与SNV光谱相关性明显增强。CR和FDR光谱与SOM含量呈不同程度的正负相关性。(2)对比全波段,CARS和sCARS算法能够有效去除光谱冗余信息,筛选得到特征波段数目仅占全波段的1%~5%。筛选后模型精度更高,相对分析误差(RPD)均大于1.8。(3)相比于CARS算法,sCARS算法具备更好的稳定性和精确性。筛选到的特征波段主要分布在800~850、1850~1900、2050~2500 nm区域。(4)Log(1/R)-sCARS模型精度最佳,建模集和预测集的决定系数(R2)分别提升了0.08和0.28,RPD值为3.05,对SOM含量预测极好。

基于SCAR分子标记和倍性鉴定兰属花卉的研究

基于特异性片段扩增(SCAR)和倍性鉴定兰属花卉,为杂交育种亲本选配奠定基础,以兰属花卉的27个大花蕙兰和31个国兰品种为试材,通过SCAR分子标记和流式细胞仪进行亲缘关系和倍性检测,构建系统进化树。SCAR分子标记构建的系统进化树结果显示:58个品种聚为3支,第1支包括8个大花蕙兰品种(福娘、523、红袍等)和16个国兰品种(碧龙红素、汗血宝马、出水芙蓉等),第2支为11个大花蕙兰品种(金玉满堂、日本香兰、红双喜等)和6个国兰品种(一代天骄、春兰麻壳素、如意素荷等),第3支包括8个大花蕙兰品种(616、黄金岁月、杨贵妃等)和9个国兰品种(碧龙奇莲、西蜀道光、大雪素等);倍性鉴定结果显示:27个大花蕙兰品种中有7个二倍体(日本樱花、绿翡翠、梦境等)、16个三倍体(黄金岁月、蝶影、日本香兰等)、4个四倍体(英雄、523、福娘等)。部分大花蕙兰和国兰品种亲缘关系较近,可用作杂交育种亲本,但由于大花蕙兰倍性较为丰富。因此,大花蕙兰作为杂交育种亲本,选配时需进行倍性鉴定。综上,SCAR分子标记能高效、全面和精准鉴别兰属花卉间的亲缘关系,结合倍性鉴定,可为高效杂交育种奠定基础。

基于SCAR标记和DNA条形码技术的苍术基原鉴别研究

目的开发出能同时鉴别北苍术和关苍术的分子标记方法,并探究不同种质资源苍术的遗传进化关系。方法对不同地区北苍术Atractylodes chinensis(Bunge)Koidz及关苍术A.japonica Koidz.ex Kitam基因组DNA的差异片段进行测序,结合SRAP、ISSR、DAMD分子标记方法,优化PCR反应体系,筛选并转换成特异性标记,同时,采用条形码方法分析种间序列差异。结果通过SRAP、ISSR、DAMD三种分子标记方法的PCR扩增,共筛选出198对能稳定扩增且重现性好的引物,转换出7对能稳定、快速鉴别北苍术和关苍术的SCAR引物。条形码方法检测出北苍术ITS2序列长度为454 bp,关苍术ITS2序列长度为453 bp,与其他苍术属植物之间遗传距离较远。NJ树结果显示,北苍术、关苍术及其他苍术属植物均各自聚为一支,表现出良好的单系性。依据ITS2二级结构,4种苍术属植物在螺旋区的茎环数目、大小、位置均有明显差异,可以直观地进行区分。结论所开发的特异性SCAR标记为苍术属植物优良品种的筛选提供了新方法,DNA条形码能稳定、准确鉴别北苍术。

Mitochondrial targeting sequence of magnetoreceptor MagR:More than just targeting

Iron-sulfur clusters(ISC)are essential cofactors for proteins involved in various biological processes,such as electron transport,biosynthetic reactions,DNA repair,and gene expression regulation.ISC assembly protein IscA1(or MagR)is found within the mitochondria of most eukaryotes.Magnetoreceptor(MagR)is a highly conserved A-type iron and iron-sulfur cluster-binding protein,characterized by two distinct types of iron-sulfur clusters,[2Fe-2S]and[3Fe-4S],each conferring unique magnetic properties.MagR forms a rod-like polymer structure in complex with photoreceptive cryptochrome(Cry)and serves as a putative magnetoreceptor for retrieving geomagnetic information in animal navigation.Although the N-terminal sequences of MagR vary among species,their specific function remains unknown.In the present study,we found that the N-terminal sequences of pigeon MagR,previously thought to serve as a mitochondrial targeting signal(MTS),were not cleaved following mitochondrial entry but instead modulated the efficiency with which iron-sulfur clusters and irons are bound.Moreover,the N-terminal region of MagR was required for the formation of a stable MagR/Cry complex.Thus,the N-terminal sequences in pigeon MagR fulfil more important functional roles than just mitochondrial targeting.These results further extend our understanding of the function of MagR and provide new insights into the origin of magnetoreception from an evolutionary perspective.

阿拉尔棉田烟粉虱捕食性天敌的SCAR分子标记检测

为了明确阿拉尔垦区棉田烟粉虱种群隐种以及烟粉虱捕食性天敌种类,采集阿拉尔十二团棉田中的烟粉虱及烟粉虱捕食性天敌,利用B-F/B-R、Q-F/Q-R特异性引物检测烟粉虱隐种类型,利用烟粉虱TB-F94585/TB-R 94585特异性引物检测捕食性天敌肠道内是否存在烟粉虱DNA。结果表明:新疆阿拉尔垦区烟粉虱为MED隐种,初步发现烟粉虱的捕食天敌共有4目5科,包括多异瓢虫成虫、多异瓢虫幼虫、东亚小花蝽、中华草蛉幼虫、黄褐新园蛛、灌木新园蛛、直伸肖蛸。利用SCAR分子标记技术可以快速检测阿拉尔垦区烟粉虱捕食性天敌种类。

The Application of Nicotiana benthamiana as a Transient Expression Host to Clone the Coding Sequences of Plant Genes

Coding sequences (CDS) are commonly used for transient gene expression, in yeast two-hybrid screening, to verify protein interactions and in prokaryotic gene expression studies. CDS are most commonly obtained using complementary DNA (cDNA) derived from messenger RNA (mRNA) extracted from plant tissues and generated by reverse transcription. However, some CDS are difficult to acquire through this process as they are expressed at extremely low levels or have specific spatial and/or temporal expression patterns in vivo. These challenges require the development of alternative CDS cloning technologies. In this study, we found that the genomic intron-containing gene coding sequences (gDNA) from Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa, Brassica napus, and Glycine max can be correctly transcribed and spliced into mRNA in Nicotiana benthamiana. In contrast, gDNAs from Triticum aestivum and Sorghum bicolor did not function correctly. In transient expression experiments, the target DNA sequence is driven by a constitutive promoter. Theoretically, a sufficient amount of mRNA can be extracted from the N. benthamiana leaves, making it conducive to the cloning of CDS target genes. Our data demonstrate that N. benthamiana can be used as an effective host for the cloning CDS of plant genes.

The Effects of Laser Therapy in Treating Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids after Median Sternotomy:A Scoping Review

Background:Hypertrophic scars and keloids,common complications following median sternotomy for cardiac surgery,significantly impact patient quality of life due to their aesthetic and symptomatic burden.Recent advancements in laser therapy have made it a prominent option for managing these complex scars,yet a com-prehensive understanding of its efficacy is lacking.The aim of this scoping review is to explore the effects of laser therapy in managing hypertrophic scars and keloids after median sternotomy.Methods:This scoping review ana-lyzed studies up to February 2024 from databases including PubMed,EMBASE,CINAHL,Scopus,Web of Science,and the Cochrane Library.We included any study that assessed laser therapy’s effects on hypertrophic scars and keloids following median sternotomy.Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria with-out publication year,design,or origin restrictions.Results:Six studies met the inclusion criteria,involving a total offive RCTs and one review.These studies primarily tested 585 and 595-nm pulsed dye laser(PDL)treatments,focusing on scar appearance,patient symptoms,and treatment satisfaction.Most studies reported significant improvements in scar height reduction and patient symptom relief after treatment,with mixed results for scar erythema and elasticity.Adverse events were generally mild and transient.Conclusions:Laser therapy offers a beneficial approach for improving the appearance and symptoms of hypertrophic scars and keloids post-median sternotomy.However,further research is necessary to optimize treatment parameters and explore the long-term psychosocial impacts of this therapy.This review highlights the need for more comprehensive studies to establish standardized treatment protocols and evaluate their effectiveness.

The global Antarctic Research event,SCAR 2024

We are pleased to announce that“The 11th SCAR Open Science Conference”will take place in Pucón,Chile from 19-23 August 2024,hosted by the Chilean Antarctic Institute.Detailed information at https://www.scar2024.org/.The 11th SCAR Open Science Conference theme“Antarctic Science:Crossroads for a New Hope”,recognizes the importance of Antarctica as a unique and fragile ecosystem.With increasing concerns about climate change and its impact on the polar regions,this theme aims to highlight the significance of Antarctic research in shaping our understanding of global environmental challenges.By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange,the SCAR Open Science conference hopes to inspire new solutions and a renewed sense of hope for the future of our planet.

Endoscopic treatment of scarred polyps with a non-thermal device(Endorotor):A review of the literature

Endoscopic resection(ER)of colorectal polyps has become a daily practice in most endoscopic units providing a colorectal cancer screening program and requires the availability of local experts and high-end endoscopic devices.ER procedures have evolved over the past few years from endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)to more advanced techniques,such as endoscopic submucosal dissection and endo-scopic full-thickness resection.Complete resection and disease eradication are the ultimate goals of ER-based techniques,and novel devices have been developed to achieve these goals.The EndoRotor®Endoscopic Powered Resection System(Interscope Medical,Inc.,Northbridge,Massachusetts,United States)is one such device.The EndoRotor is a powered resection tool for the removal of alimentary tract mucosa,including post-EMR persistent lesions with scarring,and has both CE Mark and FDA clearance.This review covers available published evidence documenting the usefulness of EndoRotor for the management of recurrent colorectal polyps.

Tamanu Oil in Acne Management: Potential Anti-Inflammatory and Wound-Healing Properties for Scar Reduction

Tamanu oil, derived from the nuts of Calophyllum inophyllum, has gained increasing attention for its potential in acne management due to its purported anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. This analysis evaluates the efficacy of tamanu oil in acne treatment with a specific focus on its impact on inflammation and scar reduction. The novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive analysis of tamanu oil’s dual mechanism of action: reducing acne-related inflammation and promoting the healing of acne scars. Clinical trials and laboratory analyses were conducted to assess the oil’s effectiveness in diminishing erythema, swelling, and post-acne scarring compared to conventional treatments. Preliminary findings demonstrate that tamanu oil significantly reduces inflammation and accelerates wound healing, potentially offering a promising adjunct or alternative to standard acne therapies. Future research should aim to optimize formulation and application protocols, long-term effects, and comparative therapeutic efficacy with other anti-inflammatory agents. Tamanu oil offers a novel and effective approach to acne management, with potential advantages that go beyond inflammation reduction to include enhanced scar reduction, making it a subject that warrants further investigation.

Exploring the potential mechanism of WuFuYin against hypertrophic scar using network pharmacology and molecular docking

BACKGROUND Hypertrophic scar(HTS)is dermal fibroproliferative disorder,which may cause physiological and psychological problems.Currently,the potential mechanism of WuFuYin(WFY)in the treatment of HTS remained to be elucidated.AIM To explore the potential mechanism of WFY in treating HTS.METHODS Active components and corresponding targets were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform.HTSrelated genes were obtained from the GeneCards,DisGeNET,and National Center for Biotechnology Information.The function of targets was analyzed by performing Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genome(KEGG)enrichment analysis.A protein+IBM-protein interaction(PPI)network was developed using STRING database and Cytoscape.To confirm the high affinity between compounds and targets,molecular docking was performed.RESULTS A total of 65 core genes,which were both related to compounds and HTS,were selected from multiple databases.PPI analysis showed that CKD2,ABCC1,MMP2,MMP9,glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta(GSK3B),PRARG,MMP3,and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit gamma(PIK3CG)were the hub targets and MOL004941,MOL004935,MOL004866,MOL004993,and MOL004989 were the key compounds of WFY against HTS.The results of KEGG enrichment analysis demonstrated that the function of most genes were enriched in the PI3K-Akt pathway.Moreover,by performing molecular docking,we confirmed that GSK3B and 8-prenylated eriodictyol shared the highest affinity.CONCLUSION The current findings showed that the GSK3B and cyclin dependent kinase 2 were the potential targets and MOL004941,MOL004989,and MOL004993 were the main compounds of WFY in HTS treatment.

Possible effects of selecting different station distributions in the optimal sequence estimation method

Since the inception of the optimal sequence estimation (OSE) method,various research teams have substantiated its efficacy as the optimal stacking technique for handling array data,leading to its successful application in numerous geoscience studies.Nevertheless,concerns persist regarding the potential impact of aliasing resulting from the choice of distinct station distributions on the outcomes derived from OSE.In this investigation,I employ theoretical deduction and experimental analysis to elucidate the reasons behind the immunity of the Y_(l'm')-related common signal obtained through OSE to variations in station distribution selection.The primary objective of OSE is also underscored,i.e.,to restore/strip a Y_(l'm')-related common periodic signal from various stations.Furthermore,I provide additional clarification that the‘Y_(l'm')-related common signal’and the‘Y_(l'm')-related equivalent excitation sequence’are distinct concepts.These analyses will facilitate the utilization of the OSE technique by other researchers in investigating intriguing geophysical phenomena and attaining sound explanations.

Selection and application of wavelet transform in high-frequency sequence stratigraphy analysis of coarse-grained sediment in rift basin

Wavelet transformation is a widely used method in high-frequency sequence stratigraphic analysis.However, the application is problematic since different wavelets always return the same sequence analysis results. To address this issue, we applied five commonly used wavelets to theoretical sequence models to document some application criteria. Five gradual scale-change sequence models were simplified from the glutenite succession deposition by gravity flows to form the fining-upwards cycle sequences(FUCS) and coarsening-upwards cycle sequences(CUCS). After conducting theoretical sequence model tests, the optimal wavelet(sym4) was selected and successfully used with actual data to identify the sequence boundaries. We also proposed a new method to optimize the scale of continuous wavelet transformation(CWT) for sequence boundary determination. We found that the balloon-like marks in scalograms of db4, sym4, and coif4 wavelet determine, respectively, the fourth-order sequence boundary, the thick succession sequence boundaries in FUCS, and the thick succession sequence in FUCS and CUCS. Comparing the sequence identification results shows that the asymmetric wavelets had an advantage in high-frequency sequence boundary determination and sedimentary cycle discrimination through the amplitude trend of the coefficient, in which the sym4 wavelet is the most effective. In conclusion, the asymmetry of wavelets is the first selection principle, of which asymmetric wavelets are more sensitive to sediment deposition by flood flows. The match of the wavelet between the sequence is the second selection principle, in which the correlation of time-frequency impacts the accuracy of sequence surface localization. However, the waveform of the wavelet is a visual and abstract parameter for sequence boundary detection. The appropriate wavelet for lacustrine sequence analysis is the asymmetric wavelet with a weak number of side lobes. The depositional flows, depositional process,and autogenic are three sedimentary factors that influence the sequence analysis results.

Pig pangenome graph reveals functional features of non‑reference sequences

Background The reliance on a solitary linear reference genome has imposed a significant constraint on our compre-hensive understanding of genetic variation in animals.This constraint is particularly pronounced for non-reference sequences(NRSs),which have not been extensively studied.Results In this study,we constructed a pig pangenome graph using 21 pig assemblies and identified 23,831 NRSs with a total length of 105 Mb.Our findings revealed that NRSs were more prevalent in breeds exhibiting greater genetic divergence from the reference genome.Furthermore,we observed that NRSs were rarely found within coding sequences,while NRS insertions were enriched in immune-related Gene Ontology terms.Notably,our investigation also unveiled a close association between novel genes and the immune capacity of pigs.We observed substantial differences in terms of frequencies of NRSs between Eastern and Western pigs,and the heat-resistant pigs exhibited a substantial number of NRS insertions in an 11.6 Mb interval on chromosome X.Additionally,we discovered a 665 bp insertion in the fourth intron of the TNFRSF19 gene that may be associated with the ability of heat tolerance in South-ern Chinese pigs.Conclusions Our findings demonstrate the potential of a graph genome approach to reveal important functional features of NRSs in pig populations.

Vaginal Cesarean Section, an Alternative to High-Risk Trigger on Scarred Uterus

The objective is to report a clinical case of vaginal cesarean section performed to expel a dead fetus in scarred uterus. For this indication, vaginal hysterectomy constitutes an alternative to vaginal expulsion with a high risk of uterine rupture and to classic abdominal cesarean section with risk of significant surgical trauma, particularly adhesions. However, this surgical technique, described since the 19th century, remains unknown to many practitioners and few publications exist on the subject throughout the world. Considered obsolete by some practitioners, it retains all its advantages in the practice of modern obstetrics. We report this case of expulsion of fetal death on a tri-scarred uterus performed by vaginal cesarean section at the Health District Reference Health Center (District Hospital) of Commune I in Bamako, Mali in a 37-year-old patient with a pregnancy of 27 weeks of amenorrhea.