[Effects of Organic Fertilizer of Kitchen Waste on Soil Microbial Activity and Function]

Changes in soil microbial activity and ecological function can be used to assess the level of soil fertility and the stability of ecosystems. To assess the fertility and safety of organic fertilizer of kitchen waste (OFK), soils containing 0% (CK), 1%, 3%, and 5% OFK were cultured, and the physical, chemical, and microbial properties of the soils were measured dynamically with routine agrochemical analysis measures and amplicon sequencing. The results showed that compared with those in CK, the contents of organic matter, available phosphorus, available potassium, NH4+-N, and NO3--N in soils with OFK increased by 23.80%-35.13%, 13.29%-29.72%, 16.91%-39.37%, 164.7%-340.2%, and 28.56%-32.71%, respectively. The activities of hydrolases related to the cycle of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus (α-glucosidase, leucine aminopeptidase, acid phosphatase, etc.) were also significantly higher than those of the CK treatment. OFK stimulated the growth of soil microorganisms and increased the carbon content of the microbial biomass. The amplicon sequencing analysis found that the microbial community structures of different treatments were significantly different at both the class and genus levels. In addition, it was found that the abundance of beneficial microbes in the soils with OFK increased, whereas pathogenic microbes decreased. RDA results confirmed that soil properties (including soil pH, organic matter, available nutrients, and microbial biomass) had a significant impact on microbial community structure. The results of investing bacterial community based on PICRUSt and FAPROTAX revealed that the function of the soil bacterial community was similar in the four treatments, but OFK supply significantly improved the microbial carbon utilization and metabolic ability. Moreover, by using the FUNGuild software, we found that the application of OFK increased the proportion of saprotroph-symbiotroph and symbiotroph and stimulated the growth of ectomycorrhizal fungi-undefined saprophytic fungi but inhibited plant and animal pathogenic fungi in soil. These results implied that OFK could promote the establishment of symbiotic relationships and inhibit the growth of pathogenic fungi. In summary, OFK could improve soil fertility and hydrolase activity, stimulate the growth of beneficial microorganisms, and defend against pathogens, indicating a promising use as safe and efficient organic fertilizer.

[Clinical effects of modified fascia flap from cutaneous branch of dorsal metacarpal artery in repairing the wound at the proximal and middle finger segments]

Objective: To investigate the clinical effects of modified fascia flap from cutaneous branch of dorsal metacarpal artery in repairing the wound at the proximal and middle finger segments. Methods: From January 2017 to September 2018, 12 patients with wounds at the proximal and middle finger segments were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, including 8 males and 4 females, aged 35-70 years. The areas of wounds ranged from 3.4 cm×2.4 cm to 6.5 cm×4.0 cm. The modified fascia flaps from cutaneous branch of dorsal metacarpal artery were resected to repair the wounds, with the size ranging from 3.5 cm×2.5 cm to 6.7 cm×4.1 cm. The flap donor sites of 5 patients were repaired with direct intermittent suture, the flap donor sites of 4 patients were repaired with full-thickness skin grafts from ipsilateral medial forearm, and the flap donor sites of 3 patients were repaired with wrist pedicled flaps. The survival of the flaps was recorded. Healing of donor site and recipient site was followed. The hand functions were evaluated with trial standard for the evaluation of the functions of the upper limbs of the Hand Surgery Society of the Chinese Medical Association. Results: All the flaps survived in 12 cases. During 3 to 12 months of follow-up, the flaps recovered satisfactorily in texture and shape. The donor sites of 11 patients were healed, and the skin graft edge area was partially necrotic in the other patient but healed later after dressing change. The distances of two-point discrimination of the patients ranged from 5.6 to 9.0 mm. Hand functions were evaluated as excellent in 5 cases, good in 4 cases, and fair in 3 cases. Conclusions: Modified fascia flap from cutaneous branch of dorsal metacarpal artery for repairing the wounds at the proximal and middle finger segments has reliable blood supply. The operation is simple and safe with short course of treatment, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

[Efficacy of transcatheter pulmonary valve perforation by micro-guidewire and balloon dilation in neonates with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum]

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter perforation of pulmonary valve by micro-guidewire and balloon dilation in the treatment of neonatal pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS). Methods: The retrospective study included 21 neonates (14 males and 7 females) with PA-IVS who underwent transcatheter micro-guidewire pulmonary valve perforation and balloon dilation in Xinhua Hospital from January 2012 to December 2018. All patients underwent the pulmonary valve perforation by micro-guidewire through the Simmons catheter. During the follow-up period at 1, 3, 6, 12 months postoperatively and annually thereafter, the operative efficacy and the development of the right ventricle (RV) were evaluated by echocardiography. Statistical analyses were performed using t test. Results: A total of 21 neonates with PA-IVS were enrolled, and 13 cases were diagnosed prenatally. The median age of surgery was 6 days, the weight was (3.2±0.5) kg. The balloon/valve ratio was 1.19±0.12, and the RV pressure measured by catheter was (121±33) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) . The immediate postoperative RV pressure was (47±13) mmHg. The median follow-up time was 30 months. All the cases enrolled achieved biventricular circulation without death and serious complications. According to the last follow-up data including 16 cases who were followed up for 1 year or longer, the pulmonary artery transvalvular pressure was (29±15) mmHg. The postoperation ratio of right to left ventricular transverse diameter was significantly higher than that before operation (0.86+0.10 vs. 0.73+0.13, t=-2.96, P=0.006). Compared with preoperative data, the postoperation pulmonary valvular diameter Z-score was significantly higher (-1.41±0.89 vs. -2.83±1.06, t=-3.65, P=0.001) and the tricuspid valvular diameter Z-score was significantly higher (-0.52±0.29 vs. -1.34±0.81, t=-3.55, P=0.001). Conclusion: Transcatheter perforation of pulmonary valve by micro-guidewire and balloon dilation is a safe and effective initial therapy for neonatal PA-IVS.

[Clinical effects of heel lateral flap in repair of skin and soft tissue defects at posterior heel region]

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of heel lateral flap in repair of skin and soft tissue defects at posterior heel region. Methods: From September 2007 to April 2016, 24 patients (17 males and 7 females, aged 16-70 years) with skin and soft tissue defects at posterior heel region were admitted to our department. The size of skin and soft tissue defects after debridement ranged from 3.0 cm×2.0 cm to 5.0 cm×4.0 cm. The defects were repaired with heel lateral flaps, with size ranging from 3.5 cm×2.5 cm to 6.0 cm×5.0 cm. The flaps were transferred to the donor sites through the loose subcutaneous tunnel. The donor site was repaired by full-thickness skin graft collected from inguinal region. The survival of flaps and the follow-up of patients were observed. Results: All flaps of 24 patients survived successfully. The recipient sites and donor sites were all healed. The patients all had follow-up of 6 to 24 months. At the last follow-up, the flaps were in good shape, with nearly normal color and soft texture. There were 6 cases of grade S3 sensation and 16 cases of grade S3(+) sensation. The distance of two-point discrimination of flaps ranged from 6 to 11 mm. The lateral foot skin grafts healed well, and the skin of the lateral foot was numb in the range of 4.0 cm×2.0 cm to 9.0 cm×3.0 cm. Conclusions: Heel lateral flap can not only repair the skin and soft tissue defects in the posterior region, but also reconstruct the sensory function of the posterior region. It is an ideal method to repair the skin and soft tissue defects in the posterior region.

[Effects of free mini-flap on tibial side of third toe on repairing skin and soft tissue defect of finger pulp at the end of finger]

Objective: To investigate the effects of free mini-flap on tibial side of third toe on repairing skin and soft tissue defect of finger pulp at the end of finger. Methods: From August 2013 to May 2017, 18 patients with skin and soft tissue defect of finger pulp at the end of finger were admitted to our unit, with 12 men and 6 women aged 16 to 54 years. As the skin and soft tissue defect sites, there were 3 cases of thumb, 8 cases of index finger, 4 cases of middle finger, and 3 cases of ring finger. The area of defects ranged from 2.0 cm×1.4 cm to 3.5 cm×2.4 cm. Free mini-flaps on tibial side of third toes were designed according to area and shape of defects, and the length and width of flaps were 0.1 to 0.2 cm longer than the length and width of the defects, respectively. The area of flaps ranged from 2.1 cm×1.5 cm to 3.7 cm×2.6 cm. The end-to-end anastomosis of subcutaneous veins of flaps and superficial veins of the finger-palm side or superficial dorsal digital vein, the end-to-end tension-free anastomosis of the base metatarsal arteries on tibial side of third toe and proper digital arteries of recipient finger were performed. Besides, anastomosis of base metatarsal nerve on tibial side of third toe and proper digital nerve of recipient finger was performed. The donor sites on feet were sutured directly or repaired with full-thickness skin grafts on medial upper leg of the same side. The survival of flaps after operation and the follow-up of patients were observed. Results: All flaps survived well, with good blood supply. Among the 18 patients, 2 patients lost to follow-up, and 16 patients were followed up for 4 to 36 months. The shape and texture of flaps were good. After reconstruction, finger pulps at the end of finger were plump, with fingerprint. Function of the finger restored well, and the two-point discriminatory distances of flaps were 5 to 10 mm. The donor sites on feet of 14 patients healed after the operation, the other 2 patients had necrosis on edge and central area of skin grafts, and the necrotic area healed after dressing change. The skin graft areas on feet were wear-resistant, with slight damage to donor sites and did not influence shoes wearing and walking. Besides, patients did not feel uncomfortable. Conclusions: Skin and soft tissue defects of finger pulp at the end of finger repaired by free mini-flaps on tibial side of third toe are with good shape and slight damage to donor sites, and the operation is simple. It is worthy of popularization and application in clinic.

[Effects of combined transplantation of rat Schwann cells and fibroblasts on nerve regeneration of denervated perforator flaps in rats and the mechanism]

Objective: To explore the effects of combined transplantation of the rat Schwann cells and fibroblasts (Fbs) on the nerve regeneration of denervated perforator flaps in rats and the mechanism. Methods: (1) Fbs were isolated from the trunk of 2 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats embryos of 14-16 days' pregnancy and cultured, and the morphology of the cells was observed. The third passage of cells were used for subsequent experiments. The protein expressions of fibronectin and Ephrin-B2 were observed by immunohistochemical method. The mRNA expression of Ephrin-B2 was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (n=3). (2) Schwann cells were isolated from the bilateral sciatic nerves and brachial plexus nerves of 45 SD rats born for 1-3 days and cultured, and the morphology of the cells was observed. The third passage of cells were used for subsequent experiments. The rate of S100 positive cells was detected by immunofluorescence method and flow cytometer, with sample numbers of 9 and 3 respectively. (3) In Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium (DMEM) high glucose medium, 1 mL Fbs and 1 mL Schwann cells both in the concentration of 1×10(5) cells/mL were co-cultured as Schwann cells+ Fbs co-culture group, and 2 mL Schwann cells in the concentration of 1×10(5) cells/mL were cultured alone as Schwann cells alone culture group, with 5 wells in each group. The clusters of Schwann cells in the two groups were observed and counted under inverted phase contrast microscope at post culture hour (PCH) 6 and 24 respectively. The clusters of Schwann cells in Schwann cells+ Fbs co-culture group were observed by immunofluorescence method at PCH 24 too. The protein expressions of EphB2, Sox2, and N-cadherin in Schwann cells of two groups at PCH 24 were detected by Western blotting (n=20). (4) Totally 100 8-week-old male SD rats were selected, and an in situ replanted peritoneal denervated perforator flap was made in each rat. According to the random number table, the rats were divided into simple flap group, Fbs alone transplantation group, Schwann cells alone transplantation group, Schwann cells+ Fbs co-transplantation group, with 25 rats in each group. Flaps of rats in Fbs alone transplantation group and Schwann cells alone transplantation group were injected with 0.4 mL Fb and 0.4 mL Schwann cells respectively (2×10(6) cells each). Flaps of rats in Schwann cells+ Fbs co-transplantation group were injected with 0.4 mL Fbs and Schwann cells mixed cells (totally 2×10(6) cells, cell number ratio: 1∶1), and flaps of rats of simple flap group were injected with the same volume of DMEM high glucose medium. On post injection day (PID) 2, 5, 7, 9, and 14, 5 rats in each group were selected respectively according to the random number table. The flap tissue was collected, and the number, diameter, and arrangement of regenerated nerves were observed by immunofluorescence method. Data were processed with completely random designed t test, analysis of variance for repeated measurement, t test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: (1) The third passage of cells isolated and cultured from the rat embryo trunks were uniform in size and shape, long spindle-shaped, with a large proportion of nuclei. Strong positive expressions of fibronectin and Ephrin-B2 protein in cells were observed, and the mRNA expression of Ephrin-B2 was 0.004 1±0.000 8. The cells were identified as Fbs. (2) After 5 days of culture, the primary cells isolated from the sciatic nerves and brachial plexus nerves of neonatal rats were elongated in cell bodies and grew in nest, fence, or vortex-like shape. The third passage of cells were detected by immunofluorescence method and flow cytometer, and the corresponding S100 positive cell rates were (95.9±1.0)% and (95.8±1.1)% respectively. The cells were identified as Schwann cells. (3) At PCH 6 and 24, the cluster numbers of Schwann cells in Schwann cells+ Fbs co-culture group were significantly higher than those of Schwann cells alone culture group (t=6.500, 10.614, P<0.01). At PCH 24, the Schwann cells in Schwann cells+ Fbs co-culture group aggregated into clusters, Fbs dispersed around the Schwann cell clusters, and the protein expressions of EphB2, N-cadherin, and Sox2 in Schwann cells were significantly higher than those in Schwann cells alone culture group (t=2.975, 19.717, 11.159, P<0.05 or P<0.01). (4) On PID 2, a small number of scattered, disordered, short, and thin nerve fibers were observed in the flap tissue of rats in the four groups. From PID 5 to 14, the number of nerve fibers in the flap tissue of rats of Schwann cells+ Fbs co-transplantation group increased gradually, and the nerve fibers were with long diameter and arranged orderly. The number of nerve fibers in the flap tissue of rats of Schwann cells alone transplantation group increased, but the nerve fibers were with short diameter and arranged disorderly, and the number was smaller than that of Schwann cells+ Fbs co-transplantation group. In simple flap group and Fbs alone transplantation group, the nerve fibers in the flap tissue of rats gradually degenerated with gradually decreased number or even disappeared. Conclusions: The combined transplantation of Fbs and Schwann cells in rats can regulate Schwann cells migration and clustering by activating Ephrin/Eph-Sox2-N-cadherin signaling pathway, thus promoting the orderly nerve regeneration of denervated perforator flaps in rats.

Percutaneous intravascular stents for treatment of portal venous stenosis after liver transplantation: midterm results

Portal vein stenosis after liver transplantation is a relatively uncommon vascular complication that may result in graft loss if not promptly treated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the midterm result of the use of intravascular stents for portal vein stenosis after liver transplantation. From April 2004 to September 2005, percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilation with stent deployment was performed in nine cases. Varices were embolized with stainless steel coils in two cases. No procedure-related complication occurred. Portal venous patency was maintained in all nine patients from 6 to 19 months (mean 10 months). In conclusion, an intravascular stent is an effective treatment for the portal vein stenosis after liver transplantation with excellent midterm patency.

Sex-of-offspring-specific transmission ratio distortion on mouse chromosome X

During our study of the DDK syndrome, we observed sex ratio distortion in favor of males among the offspring of F(1) backcrosses between the C57BL/6 and DDK strains. We also observed significant and reproducible transmission ratio distortion in favor of the inheritance of DDK alleles at loci on chromosome X among female offspring but not among male offspring in (C57BL/6 x DDK)F(1) x C57BL/6 and (C57BL/6-Pgk1(a) x DDK)F(1) x C57BL/6 backcrosses. The observed transmission ratio distortion is maximum at DXMit210 in the central region of chromosome X and decreases progressively at proximal and distal loci, in a manner consistent with the predictions of a single distorted locus model. DXMit210 is closely linked to two distortion-controlling loci (Dcsx1 and Dcsx2) described previously in interspecific backcrosses. Our analysis suggests that the female-offspring-specific transmission ratio distortion we observe is likely to be the result of the death of embryos of particular genotypic combinations. In addition, we confirm the previous suggestion that the transmission ratio distortion observed on chromosome X in interspecific backcrosses is also the result of loss of embryos.

Circadian regulation of uroguanylin and guanylin in the rat intestine

Uroguanylin (UGN) and guanylin (GN) are the endogenous intestinal ligands for guanylyl cyclase C (GC-C). We examined the circadian expression of UGN, GN, and GC-C in the jejunum, ileum, and proximal colon of young adult rats by Northern blot analyses. These assays revealed that UGN is more abundant in the proximal small intestine, whereas GN and GC-C are more abundant in the proximal colon. mRNA levels showed significant circadian variation for UGN (3- to 18-fold peak/trough difference), GN (2.1- to 2.8-fold peak/trough difference), and GC-C (3- to 5-fold peak/trough difference). The maximal abundance occurred in the dark period for all three mRNAs, although peak UGN and GN expression occurred later in the dark period in the jejunum relative to the ileum and colon. Immunoblot analyses using monospecific polyclonal antibodies against UGN and GN prohormones confirmed the regional and circadian variation detected by Northern assays. Thus the expression of these genes is regulated not only by histological position but also by circadian time.

Dying enterocytes downregulate signaling pathways converging on Ras: rescue by protease inhibition

Organ and cell cultures of the small intestine serve as excellent in vitro models for programmed cell death (PCD). Cells cultured in serum-free, minimal medium rapidly died, as evidenced by histological changes, internucleosomal DNA cleavage, and TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling. Cell death was pervasive, although nonepithelial cells within the fibrovascular villus core were spared. PCD did not require a functional p53 gene. Serine and cysteine protease inhibitors, but not FCS, suppressed it. Relative to structural and functional proteins, dying enterocytes rapidly downregulated Ras-convergent proteins, including epidermal growth factor receptor, Erb-B2, and the son of sevenless guanine nucleotide exchangers. Reductions in the steady-state levels of both protein and mRNA were observed. These reductions were prevented by a combination of death-defying serine and caspase inhibitors, indicating a requirement for the initiation of death. Thus, during catastrophic PCD, intestinal epithelial cells delete cell surface signaling pathways responsible for Ras activation.

Confirmation of maternal transmission ratio distortion at Om and direct evidence that the maternal and paternal "DDK syndrome" genes are linked

The polar, preimplantation-embryo lethal phenotype known as the "DDK syndrome" in the mouse is the result of the complex interaction of genetic factors and a parental-origin effect. We previously observed a modest degree of transmission-ratio distortion in favor of the inheritance of DDK alleles in the Ovum mutant (Om) region of Chromosome (Chr) 11, among offspring of reciprocal F1-hybrid females and C57BL/6 males. In this study, we confirm that a significant excess of offspring inherit DDK alleles from F1 mothers and demonstrate that the preference for the inheritance of DDK alleles is not a specific bias against the C57BL/6 allele or a simple preference for offspring that are heterozygous at Om. Because none of the previous genetic models for the inheritance of the "DDK syndrome" predicted transmission-ratio distortion through F1 females, we reconsidered the possibility that the genes encoding the maternal and paternal components of this phenotype were not linked. We have examined the fertility phenotype of N2 females and demonstrate that the inter-strain fertility of these females is correlated with their genotype in the Om region. This result establishes, directly, that the genes encoding the maternal and paternal components of the DDK syndrome are genetically linked.

Treatment of chronic allograft rejection

Chronic renal allograft rejection at present the most important factor affecting long-term graft survival, and effective therapeutic method is still lacking. This article reports 43 cases of chronic renal rejection treated from January 1989 to April 1992. Effective result was obtained in 27 cases (62.8%). The authors believe that increasing dosage of the immunosuppressants is an effective method for the management of chronic renal rejection and the earlier the treatment is given the better the results would be. The selection and the regulation of the dosage of the immunosuppressants should be determined according to the individual situation.