Assessment of Awareness and Understanding of Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn in the Beninese Population

Background: Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN) arises from blood group incompatibility, especially the RhD antigen. In Benin, systematic ABO RhD blood grouping is poorly understood by many midwives and nurses. Nearly one in ten women risk having children with HDFN. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge of the Beninese population on HDFN. Methods: Data were collected from June 2023 to March 2024. Participants completed a Kobotoolbox questionnaire on WhatsApp, with in-person assistance for illiterate participants. The study involved 521 participants from across Benin. Data were analyzed using SigmaPlot version 14.0. Results: Among the 521 participants, 298 were women (57.20%) aged 18 to 77 years. The majority (40.69%) were aged 26 - 35. Over a third (35.51%) did not know their RhD blood group. Most (59.12%) were unaware of the risks for RhD discordant couples. Among those with a partner, 25.16% were in at-risk couples for HDFN, and over half (59.12%) were unaware of this risk. There was no significant association between being in a high-risk union and knowledge of the risk or education level. Conclusion: Only 40.88% of the Beninese population are aware of HDFN, indicating a low level of knowledge.

The wheat sucrose synthase gene TaSus1 is a determinant of grain number per spike

Some haplotypes of the sucrose synthase gene TaSus1 are associated with thousand-grain weight(TGW)in wheat(Triticum aestivum L.).However,no mutations have been identified within the gene to test this association.The effects of TaSus1 on grain number per spike(GNS)also are largely unknown.Our previous genome-wide association study identified TaSus-A1 as a candidate gene controlling fertile spikelet number per spike(FSN).In the present study,we generated two independent mutants for the three TaSus1 homoeologs by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing.The triple mutants displayed lower FSN,GNS,grain number per spikelet(GNST),and TGW than wild-type plants.In 306 hexaploid wheat accessions,two single-nucleotide polymorphisms in TaSus-A1 contributed differently to GNS.Introgression of the two alleles into a wheat genetic background confirmed their effects.The alleles differed in geographical distribution among the accessions.

interrelationships between ghrelin, insulin and glucose homeostasis: physiological relevance

Ghrelin is a 28 amino acid peptide mainly derived from the oxyntic gland of the stomach. Both acylated(AG) and unacylated(UAG) forms of ghrelin are found in the circulation. Initially, AG was considered as the only bioactive form of ghrelin. However, recent advances indicate that both AG and UAG exert distinct and common effects in organisms. Soon after its discovery, ghrelin was shown to promote appetite and adiposity in animal and human models. In response to these anabolic effects, an impressive number of elements have suggested the influence of ghrelin on the regulation of metabolic functions and the development of obesityrelated disorders. However, due to the complexity ofits biochemical nature and the physiological processes it governs, some of the effects of ghrelin are still debated in the literature. Evidence suggests that ghrelin influences glucose homeostasis through the modulation of insulin secretion and insulin receptor signaling. On the other hand, insulin was also shown to influence circulating levels of ghrelin. Here, we review the relationship between ghrelin and insulin and we describe the impact of this interaction on the modulation of glucose homeostasis.

Ecophysiological aspects of in vitro biotechnological studies using somatic embryogenesis of callus tissue toward protecting forest ecosystems

This review on current biotechnological methods in forestry for in vitro tissue cultures to define the effect of stress conditions on trees,concentrates on somatic embryogenesis.Callus tissue,the key product of somatic embryogenesis,grows over a tree wound under ex vitro conditions.Callus tissue can be used in research in areas such as pathogenic susceptibility at the embryonic level,effect of heavy metals,influence of low temperatures(cryopreservation),production of secondary metabolites and transformation of plants.Callus of arborescent plants can be induced in vitro by fungal elicitors to produce secondary metabolites for pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries and are strongly repellant to herbivores and can thus act to protect forests.Analyses of dual cultures demonstrated that callus tissue exposed to a pathogenic fungus responds by synthesizing low-molecular-mass proteins belonging to an immune protein class.Cryopreservation of embryonic callus tissue also has broad applications,e.g.,for valuable plant genotypes in gene banks.Without strategies to protect forests against stressfactors,forest ecosystems will degrade to the detriment of all life,including humans.In vitro biotechnological research using callus tissue contributes to progress in forestry and the disciplines of ecology,physiology,phytopathology,culture and selection of plants.

TATA-box binding protein-associated factor 2 regulates grain size in rice

Grain size,characterized by a combination of grain length,width,and thickness,is one of the major determinants of yield in rice.The present study identified TATA-box binding protein-associated factor 2(TAF2)as an essential component regulating transcription and determining grain size in rice.Map-based cloning showed that a G/T substitution in TAF2 resulted in a naturally occurring mutant called reduced grain size and plant height 1(rgh1).The mutants,with weak edited rgh1 alleles,exhibited a small grain phenotype with reduced grain length and width,while the severe knockout mutant(rgh1-2s)was dwarf and completely sterile.Allelic test performed between rgh1 and several edited alleles confirmed that the mutation in TAF2 caused the rgh1 phenotype.GUS staining showed that TAF2 was mainly expressed in the vascular bundles of roots,stems,leaves,and grains.The cytological analysis revealed that reduced cell division in the glumes resulted in the small grain phenotype of rgh1.Further RNA-sequencing detected altered expression of genes involved in the basic biological processes in rgh1 mutant.These findings provide novel insights into the TAF2-mediated genetic mechanism regulating grain size in rice.

Overexpressed PKM2 promotes macrophage phagocytosis and atherosclerosis

Background:The expression of pyruvate kinase muscle 2(PKM2)is augmented in macrophages of patients with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease.The role of PKM2 in atherosclerosis is to be determined.Methods:Global and myeloid cell-specific PKM2 knock-in mice with ApoE^(-/-)background(ApoE^(-/-),PKM2^(KI/KI)and Lyz2-cre,ApoE^(-/-),and PKM2^(flox/flox))were produced to evaluate the clinical significance of PKM2 in atherosclerosis development.Wild-type and PKM2 knock-in macrophages were isolated to assess the function of PKM2 in macrophage phagocytosis.Atherosclerotic mice were treated with PKM2 inhibitor shikonin(SKN)to evaluate the therapeutic potential of PKM2 suppression in atherosclerosis.Results:Oxidized low-density lipoprotein(oxLDL)upregulated PKM2 in macrophages.PKM2 in return promoted the uptake of oxLDL by macrophages.Overexpressed PKM2 accelerated atherosclerosis in mice.SKN blocked the progress of mouse atherosclerosis.Conclusions:PKM2 accelerates macrophage phagocytosis and atherosclerosis.Targeting PKM2 is a potential therapy for atherosclerosis.

植物雌激素α-玉米赤霉醇对人正常乳腺的影响

目的研究植物雌激素α-玉米赤霉醇(α-ZAL)对人正常乳腺的影响。方法将人正常乳腺组织分别植入30只9～10周裸鼠体内,然后随机分为3组,每组10只,分别为:对照组(不给药)、α-ZAL1mg/kg组和5mg/kg组(于植入2～6周时隔日肌肉注射给药)。植入6周后取出所有植入乳腺组织,采用免疫组织化学方法检测乳腺上皮细胞增殖细胞核抗原(PCNA)、抑凋亡基因Bcl-2、雌激素受体(ER)和孕激素受体(PR)的蛋白表达熏并观察给药前后植入组织块体积的改变和组织形态学特征;采用逆转录多聚酶链式反应(RT-PCR)方法检测雌激素硫酸转移酶(EST)mRNA和BIN1的表达水平。结果α-ZAL对植入乳腺上皮细胞的Bcl-2、PCNA、PR和ER蛋白表达及植入组织块体积的改变和组织形态学无明显影响。α-ZAL上调植入乳腺组织BIN1mRNA的表达,但对ESTmRNA表达无明显影响。结论α-ZAL对人正常乳腺的组织形态学和细胞增殖及凋亡特征无明显影响,但可增强肿瘤抑制蛋白BIN1mRNA的表达,提示对乳腺有潜在的保护作用。

不同品种椰枣种子形态及其发芽和幼苗生长特征

为了认识不同品种椰枣种子的形态特征及其与发芽特征和生长能力的关系,从而为引种栽培提供指导.本文以热带亚热带地区重要的经济作物椰枣5个品种的种子为材料,对其形态大小以及发芽和幼苗生长特征进行了研究.结果表明,不同品种种子的形态和大小差异显著,Ajwa的种子呈胖圆形,单粒种子明显重于其余4个品种.Khalas和Khodry的种子最早萌发,其中Khalas种子的发芽率最高,为93.3%.Ajwa的种苗健壮,幼苗生长迅速,单日高生长达到0.5 cm,观察期内始终高于其他4个品种.实验还表明种子的大小和萌发特征没有显著的相关关系,但与高生长显著正相关.考虑到大种子产生的幼苗健壮且生长迅速,适应能力较强,所以在同等情况下,建议优先选择具有较大种子的品种作为引种栽培对象.

刺激皮肤诱发的鲫鱼Mauthner细胞复合性兴奋性突触后电位和动作电位

目的研究皮肤感觉传入信息对Mauthner细胞M细胞兴奋性的影响。方法电刺激皮肤并结合M细胞多点胞内穿刺技术记录胞体及腹侧树突的电反应。结果刺激躯干部皮肤在国产鲫鱼M细胞上记录到3组复合性兴奋性突触后电位(EPSP):a组EPSP幅度最低潜伏期和时程也最短,分布在胞体及胞体附近的腹侧树突上,耐受≥1Hz的刺激。b组EPSP幅度最高,时程最长,潜伏期介于a、c两组之间不耐受≥1Hz的刺激从胞体到腹侧树突末梢端幅度逐渐增大;在b组EPSP基础上可爆发动作电位。c组EPSP的特点是需要较强(伤害性)刺激≥100V才可出现,潜伏期最长幅度介于a、b两组之间,不耐受≥1Hz的刺激。上述3组EPSP上均叠加有代表电突触活动的尖峰样瞬变电位。结论(1)皮肤感觉传入信息可使M细胞爆发动作电位,这与以往观点不同;(2)皮肤伤害性刺激可使M细胞产生一个迟发性EPSP(3)从皮肤投射到M细胞的神经通路可能是由含有不同突触接替次数和不同突触种类的神经链群组成,它们在M细胞上的投射部位各异;4在上述通路上有可能皆存在电和化学突触。

高血压研究四十年

为探讨我国高血压的发病情况,研究高血压的防治和发病机制,中国医学科学院阜外医院高血压研究室与流行病学研究室,基础医学研究所生理学系及药物研究所药理学研究室自1959年始陆续开展了全国高血压流行病学调查和人群防治试点、高血压治疗研究、高血压发病机制研究和中药降压作用研究。研究结果表明:(1)我国高血压的患病率逐年增高,自1959年的5.11%,上升至1979年的7.73%和1991年的11.26%。但患者的知晓率仅26.3%,治疗率仅12.1%,控制率仅2.8%。体重超重和经常饮酒是我国高血压的危险因素,高钠、低钾、低钙及低蛋白饮食是血压升高的因素。我国人群中血压升高是冠心病和脑卒中发病的最重要危险因素。(2)建立了我国高血压诊断和分期标准。发现在我国高血压患者中继发性高血压仅占1.1%。率先提出了大动脉炎的概念并发现大动脉炎是肾性高血压的主要原因。对患者进行身心教育调动其主观能动性,加以低剂量的复方降压制剂有效地促进了群防群治工作的开展。大样本多中心随机对照临床实验证实,对高血压性脑卒中和心肌梗死的治疗可明显降低其再发和死亡危险。(3)对实验性高血压大鼠阻力动脉平滑肌收缩机制研究证明,血管平滑肌细胞Ca2+转运、利用、代谢及其调控因素均发生一系列变化,并具有遗传因素。

Interaction Between Cryptococcus laurentii,Monilinia fructicola,and Sweet Cherry Fruit at Different Temperatures

The present study was performed mainly to investigate the antagonist-pathogen-host interaction in wounds of the sweet cherry fruits. The antagonistic yeast Cryptococcus laurentii could significantly reduce the brown rot of the sweet cherry fruit caused by Monilinia fructicola at 25 and 1 ℃. The populations of yeast increased faster in the presence of the pathogen initially, but then decreased rapidly. In the fruits inoculated with M. fructicola alone or combined with C. laurentii, an induction of lipid peroxidation as well as activities of the antioxidant enzymes, such as, superoxide dismutases （SOD）, catalase （CAT）, and peroxidase （POD）, was observed. The isoenzyme pattern of polypheno/oxidase （PPO） changed greatly after the symptoms appeared, with new PPO isoforms being induced. By contrast, the induction of lipid peroxidation and activities of SOD, CAT, and POD were low, although no significant changes were found in the PPO isoenzyms in the fruits inoculated with antagonist C. laurentii alone. The inhibition of brown rot during the antagonist- pathogen-host interaction in wounds of the sweet cherry fruits was mainly on account of the stimulated growth of C. laurentii as well as the induction of antioxidant enzymes of the fruits by M. fructicola.

Heterotrimeric G protein α subunit is involved in rice brassinosteroid response

Heterotrimeric G proteins are known to function as messengers in numerous signal transduction pathways.The nullmutation of RGA(rice heterotrimeric G protein α subunit),which encodes the α subunit of heterotrimeric G proteinin rice,causes severe dwarfism and reduced responsiveness to gibberellic acid in rice.However,less is known aboutheterotrimeric G protein in brassinosteroid(BR)signaling,one of the well-understood phytohormone pathways.In thepresent study,we used root elongation inhibition assay,lamina inclination assay and coleoptile elongation analysis todemonstrated reduced sensitivity of dl mutant plants(caused by the null mutation of RGA)to 24-epibrassinolide(24-epiBL),which belongs to brassinosteroids and plays a wide variety of roles in plant growth and development.Moreover,RGA transcript level was decreased in 24-epiBL-treated seedlings in a dose-dependent manner.Our results show thatRGA is involved in rice brassinosteroid response,which may be beneficial to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of Gprotein signaling and provide a novel perspective to understand BR signaling in higher plants.

Anatomical and chemical characteristics associated with lodging resistance in wheat

Anatomical and chemical characteristics of stems affect lodging in wheat(Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars. Traits associated with lodging resistance, such as plant height, stem strength, culm wall thickness, pith diameter, and stem diameter, were extensively investigated in earlier studies. However, the solid stem trait was rarely considered. In this study, we measured a range of anatomical and chemical characteristics on solid and hollow stemmed wheat cultivars. Significant correlations were detected between resistance to lodging and several anatomical features, including width of mechanical tissue, weight of low internodes, and width of stem walls. Morphological features that gave the best indication of improved lodging resistance were increased stem width, width of mechanical tissue layer, and stem density. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that 99% of the variation in lodging resistance could be explained by the width of the mechanical tissue layer, suggesting that solid stemmed wheat has several anatomical features for increasing resistance to lodging. In addition, microsatellite markers GWM247 and GWM340 were linked to a single solid stem QTL on chromosome 3BL in a population derived from the cross Xinongshixin(solid stem)/Line 3159(hollow stem). These markers should be valuable in breeding wheat for solid stem.

Acupuncture at heterotopic acupoints enhances jejunal motility in constipated and diarrheic rats

AIM: To investigate the effect and mechanism of acupuncture at heterotopic acupoints on jejunal motility, particularly in pathological conditions.

Dispersion of ventricular repolarization: Temporal and spatial

Repolarization heterogeneity(RH)is an intrinsic property of ventricular myocardium and the reason for T-wave formation on electrocardiogram(ECG).Exceeding the physiologically based RH level is associated with appearance of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.In this regard,an accurate and comprehensive evaluation of the degree of RH parameters is of importance for assessment of heart state and arrhythmic risk.This review is devoted to comprehensive consideration of RH phenomena in terms of electrophysiological processes underlying RH,cardiac electric field formation during ventricular repolarization,as well as clinical significance of RH and its reflection on ECG parameters.The formation of transmural,apicobasal,left-toright and anterior-posterior gradients of action potential durations and end of repolarization times resulting from the heterogenous distribution of repolarizing ion currents and action potential morphology throughout the heart ventricles,and the different sensitivity of myocardial cells in different ventricular regions to the action of pharmacological agents,temperature,frequency of stimulation,etc.,are being discussed.The review is focused on the fact that RH has different aspects–temporal and spatial,global and local;ECG reflection of various RH aspects and their clinical significance are being discussed.Strategies for comprehensive assessment of ventricular RH using different ECG indices reflecting various RH aspects are presented.

Effects of electroacupuncture on cardiac and gastric activities in acute myocardial ischemia rats

AIM： To observe the effect of electroacupuncture （EA） of ＂Neiguan＂ （PC6） and ＂Gongsun＂ （SP4） on pathological changes of the heart and stomach in rats with acute myocardial ischemia （AMI）, and to explore its underlying mechanism. METHODS： Fifty Wistar rats were randomized into control, model, PC6, SP4 and PC6 ＋ SP4 groups （n = 8 each group）. An AMI model was established by occlusion of the descending anterior branch （DAB） of the left coronary artery. ECG-ST of cervico-thoracic lead and electrogastrogram （EGG） were recorded. EA was applied to PC6, SP4 and PC6 ＋ SP4 groups, respectively. At the end of experiments, the rats were transcardicalty perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde, and the heart base myocardium, gastric antrum and duodenum tissues were sampled, sectioned and stained with a reduced form of nicotinamideadenine dinucleotide phosphate （NADPH）-diaphorase histochemical method for displaying nitric oxide synthase （NOS） activity. RESULTS： After AMI, ECG-ST values elevated. After EA, the elevated ECG-ST values at 20 min in PC6group, at 30 min in PC6 ＋ SP4 and SP4 groups had no significant differences in comparison with their respective basal values before AMI. Following AMI, the amplitude and frequency of slow waves of EGG decreased remarkably （P 〈 0.05）. At 30 min after EA, the mean amplitude and frequency of slow waves of EGG in the three EA groups had no marked differences compared with their individual basal levels and those in the control group. After AMI, the mean integral grey values of NOS-positive product in myocardium, gastric antrum and duodenum tissues in the model group increased remarkably in comparison with the control group, while those in three EA groups were lower than those in the model group. No significant differences were found in ECG-ST and EGG improvement among the three EA groups. However, EA of PC6 had a better effect on ECG-ST and EA of PC4 had a better effect on EGG, respectively. CONCLUSION： EA of PC6, SP4 and PC6 ＋ SP4 can significantly promote the recovery of cardiac and gastric electrical activities after AMI, and up-regulate NOS expression in myocardium, gastric antrum and duodenum tissues.

The brassinosteroid signal transduction pathway

Steroids function as signaling molecules in both animals and plants. While animal steroid hormones are perceived by nuclear receptor family of transcription factors, brassinosteroids （BR） in plants are perceived by a cell surface receptor kinase, BRI 1. Recent studies have demonstrated that BR binding to the extracellular domain of BRI 1 induces kinase activation and dimerization with another receptor kinase, BAKI. Activated BRI 1 or BAKI then regulate, possibly indirectly, the activities of BIN2 kinase and/or BSU 1 phosphatase, which directly regulate the phosphorylation status and nuclear accumulation of two homologous transcription factors, BZRI and BES 1. BZRI and BES 1 directly bind to promoters of BR responsive genes to regulate their expression. The BR signaling pathway has become a paradigm for both receptor kinase signaling in plants and steroid signaling by cell surface receptors in general.

Urotensin Ⅱ inhibits electrical activity of hippocampal CA1 neurons by potentiating the GABA_A receptor-mediated Cl^- current

Objective To examine the effects of urotensin Ⅱ （UⅡ） on the discharges of neurons in CA1 area of hippocampal slices by using extracellular recording technique. Results ①In response to the application of UⅡ （0.3, 3.0, 30.0,300.0 nmol/L, n = 77） into the perfusate for 2 min, the spontaneous discharge rates （SDR） of 63/77 （81.8% ） neurons were significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner. ②Pretreatment with bicuculline（BIC, 100 μmol/L）, a specific GABAs receptor antagonist, led to a marked increase in the SDR of 6/7 （85.71%） neurons in an epileptiform pattern. The increased discharges were not significantly changed after UⅡ （30.0 nmol/L） was applied into the perfusate for 2 min. ③Pretreatment with picrotoxin （ PIC, 50 μmol/L）, a selective blocker of Cl^- channel, led to an increase in the SDR of all 8/8（ 100% ） neurons. The increased discharges were not influenced by the UⅡ （30.0 nmol/L） applied. ④Application of nitric oxide synthase （NOS） inhibitor N^G nitro-L-arginine methyl ester （L-NAME, 50μmol/L） into the perfusate for 2 min also significantly augmented the SDR of 14/16 （87.5 % ） neurons , then UⅡ （30.0 nmol/L） applied into the perfusate reduced the increased the SDR of all 14/14 （ 100% ） neurons. Conclusion These results suggest that UⅡ may decrease neuronal activity by potentiating GABAA receptor-mediated CI current in hippocampal CA1 neurons, and involved with the mediation of nitric oxide.

Proteome Analysis of Inhibitory Effect of Gadolinium on Sinorhizobium fredii

The inhibitory effect of gadolinium on Sinorhizobium fredii USDA 205 was studied on a global scale using twodimensional gel electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF MS. The results indicated that 22 proteins were significantly affected by 1 mmol · L^-1 Gd^3 ＋ treatment when compared with an untreated control. Among these proteins, nine were up-regulated and thirteen were down-regulated. The differently expressed proteins were classified into 8 functional categories based on their functions, including transporters, proteins for cellular defence, and proteins involved in metabolism.