Reforestation of Cunninghamia lanceolata changes the relative abundances of important prokaryotic families in soil

Over the past decades, many forests have been converted to monoculture plantations, which might affect the soil microbial communities that are responsible for governing the soil biogeochemical processes. Understanding how reforestation efforts alter soil prokaryotic microbial communities will therefore inform forest management. In this study, the prokaryotic communities were comparatively investigated in a secondary Chinese fir forest (original) and a reforested Chinese fir plantation (reforested from a secondary Chinese fir forest) in Southern China. The results showed that reforestation changed the structure of the prokaryotic community: the relative abundances of important prokaryotic families in soil. This might be caused by the altered soil pH and organic matter content after reforestation. Soil profile layer depth was an important factor as the upper layers had a higher diversity of prokaryotes than the lower ones (p < 0.05). The composition of the prokaryotic community presented a seasonality characteristic. In addition, the results showed that the dominant phylum was Acidobacteria (58.86%) with Koribacteraceae (15.38%) as the dominant family in the secondary Chinese fir forest and the reforested plantation. Furthermore, soil organic matter, total N, hydrolyzable N, and NH 4 + - N were positively correlated with prokaryotic diversity (p < 0.05). Also, organic matter and NO 3 - - N were positively correlated to prokaryotic abundance (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that re-forest transformation altered soil properties, which lead to the changes in microbial composition. The changes in microbial community might in turn influence biogeochemical processes and the environmental variables. The study could contribute to forest management and policy-making.

New insights on the association of weight loss with the reduction in carotid intima-media thickness among patients with obesity: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a noninvasive marker of atherosclerosis, a typical pathologic process underlying cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). It is essential to explore the relationships between weight loss and the reduction of CIMT.

STUDY DESIGN

This was an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted to collect relevant clinical trials. The pooled results of meta-analyses were assessed by weighted mean difference (WMD) and the corresponding 95 % confidence interval (95% CI).

RESULTS

Thirty-three articles involving 2273 participants were collected in this meta-analysis. Among all participants with obesity, the pooled mean of weight loss was -23.26 kg (95% CI: -27.71 to -18.81), and the pooled mean change of CIMT was -0.06 mm (95% CI: -0.08 to -0.04). Compared with Non-surgical interventions, Surgical ones could lead to much higher weight loss (Pbetween groups < 0.001). A more significant CIMT reduction was identified among Surgical intervention patients than among Non-surgical intervention participants (Pbetween groups < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Effective interventions, especially Surgical interventions, could reduce the weight of patients with obesity, followed by the decline of CIMT, which might further disturb atherosclerosis progression and lower CVD risk.

[Effectiveness of a whole-process health education model among inpatients with ascites type of advanced schistosomiasis]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of a whole-process health education model among inpatients with ascites type of advanced schistosomiasis.

METHODS

A "admission-hospitalization-discharge" whole-process health education model was created, 101 inpatients with ascites type of advanced schistosomiasis were given the whole-process health education. The scores of schistosomiasis control knowledge, attitudes towards schistosomiasis control and healthy behaviors, and awareness of schistosomiasis control knowledge, correct rate of attitudes towards schistosomiasis control and correct rate of healthy behaviors were compared among inpatients with ascites type of advanced schistosomiasis before and after implementation of the whole-process health education.

RESULTS

The scores of schistosomiasis control knowledge, schistosomiasis control attitudes and healthy behaviors were all significantly higher among inpatients with ascites type of advanced schistosomiasis after implementation of the whole-process health education than before implementation (Z = -7.688, -3.576 and -4.328, all P values < 0.01). In addition, the awareness of schistosomiasis control knowledge increased from 54.3% to 82.7% (χ² = 188.886, P < 0.01), and the correct rate of attitudes towards schistosomiasis control increased from 88.4% to 98.0% (χ² = 22.001, P < 0.01), while the correct rate of healthy behaviors increased from 48.2% to 59.7% (χ² = 11.767, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The whole-process health education model may remarkably improve the awareness of schistosomiasis control knowledge and promote the formation of positive attitudes towards schistosomiasis control and correct behaviors among inpatients with ascites type of advanced schistosomiasis, which is of great significance to facilitate patients' cure.

[Research progress of human coronaviruses and associated eye diseases]

Coronaviruses are RNA viruses. We should be alerted from the outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) in 2003, the discovery of the human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) in 2004 and the pneumonia outbreak caused by the novel coronavirus in 2019 (2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can adhere to mucous membranes of the eye, nose, mouth, respiratory tract and digestive tract through various media, which leads to inflammatory reaction, pulmonary fibrosis, kidney failure and death in severe cases. As an exposed organ, the eye can also be infected. With the progress of molecular technology and the in-depth research of coronaviruses, there have been seven known coronaviruses that can infect humans, among which HCoV-NL63, SARS-CoV and 2019-nCoV can cause eye diseases. This article summarizes and analyzes the latest research results at home and abroad concerning the structural characteristics, transmission routes, ocular pathogenic characteristics and treatment of HCoV-NL63, SARS-CoV and 2019-nCoV, in order to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 871-875).

[Establishment and validation of a predictive nomogram model for advanced gastric cancer with perineural invasion]

Objective: Peripheral nerve invasion (PNI) is associated with local recurrence and poor prognosis in patients with advanced gastric cancer. A risk-assessment model based on preoperative indicators for predicting PNI of gastric cancer may help to formulate a more reasonable and accurate individualized diagnosis and treatment plan. Methods: Inclusion criteria: (1) electronic gastroscopy and enhanced CT examination of the upper abdomen were performed before surgery; (2) radical gastric cancer surgery (D2 lymph node dissection, R0 resection) was performed; (3) no distant metastasis was confirmed before and during operation; (4) postoperative pathology showed an advanced gastric cancer (T2-4aN0-3M0), and the clinical data was complete. Those who had other malignant tumors at the same time or in the past, and received neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy or immunotherapy before surgery were excluded. In this retrospective case-control study, 550 patients with advanced gastric cancer who underwent curative gastrectomy between September 2017 and June 2019 were selected from the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University for modeling and internal verification, including 262 (47.6%) PNI positive and 288 (52.4%) PNI negative patients. According to the same standard, clinical data of 50 patients with advanced gastric cancer who underwent radical surgery from July to November 2019 in Qingdao Municipal Hospital were selected for external verification of the model. There were no statistically significant differences between the clinical data of internal verification and external verification (all P>0.05). Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine the independent risk factors for PNI in advanced gastric cancer, and the clinical indicators with statistically significant difference were used to establish a preoperative nomogram model through R software. The Bootstrap method was applied as internal verification to show the robustness of the model. The discrimination of the nomogram was determined by calculating the average consistency index (C-index). The calibration curve was used to evaluate the consistency of the predicted results with the actual results. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to examine the goodness of fit of the discriminant model. During external verification, the corresponding C-index index was also calculated. The area under ROC curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the predictive ability of the nomogram in the internal verification and external verification groups. Results: A total of 550 patients were identified in this study, 262 (47.6%) of which had PNI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that carcinoembryonic antigen level ≥ 5 μg/L (OR=5.870, 95% CI: 3.281-10.502, P<0.001), tumor length ≥5 cm (OR=5.539,95% CI: 3.165-9.694, P<0.001), mixed Lauren classification (OR=2.611, 95%CI: 1.272-5.360, P=0.009), cT3 stage (OR=13.053, 95% CI: 5.612-30.361, P<0.001) and the presence of lymph node metastasis (OR=4.826, 95% CI: 2.729-8.533, P<0.001) were significant independent risk factors of PNI in advanced gastric cancer (all P<0.05). Based on these results, diffused Lauren classification and cT4 stage were included to establish a predictive nomogram model. CEA ≥ 5 μg/L was for 68 points, tumor length ≥ 5 cm was for 67 points, mixed Lauren classification was for 21 points, diffused Lauren classification was for 38 points, cT3 stage was for 75 points, cT4 stage was for 100 points, and lymph node metastasis was for 62 points. Adding the scores of all risk factors was total score, and the probability corresponding to the total score was the probability that the model predicted PNI in advanced gastric cancer before surgery. The internal verification result revealed that the AUC of nomogram was 0.935, which was superior than that of any single variable, such as CEA, Lauren classification, cT stage, tumor length and lymph node metastasis (AUC: 0.731, 0.595, 0.838, 0.757 and 0.802, respectively). The external verification result revealed the AUC of nomogram was 0.828. The C-ndex was 0.931 after internal verification. External verification showed a C-index of 0.828 from the model. The calibration curve showed that the predictive results were good in accordance with the actual results (P=0.415). Conclusion: A nomogram model constructed by CEA, tumor length, Lauren classification (mixed, diffuse), cT stage, and lymph node metastasis can predict the PNI of advanced gastric cancer before surgery.

[Progress of schistosomiasis control in Dongting Lake regions]

As an ancient parasitic disease, schistosomiasis has been endemic in Dongting Lake areas for more than 2 100 years. In the early 20th century, the first human case of schistosomiasis in China was reported in Dongting Lake areas, which was paid extensive attention. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, large-scale schistosomiasis control activities were launched promptly in Dongting Lake areas, and great successes have been achieved following the three stages of control efforts, including the snail control-based stage, synchronous chemotherapy for humans and livestock-based control stage and infectious source control-based control stage. In 2015, transmission control of schistosomiasis was achieved in Hunan Province. This paper comprehensively describes the discovery and control of schistosomiasis, analyzes the challenges for the current schistosomiasis control programs and proposes the emphasis for future control activities in Dongting Lake areas, so as to provide insights into the schistosomiasis control program in this area.

[Application of the exponential smoothing model and ARIMA model in prediction of the endemic situation of schistosomiasis in Hunan Province]

OBJECTIVE

To predict the changes in the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in humans and livestock in Hunan Province using the exponential smoothing model and the ARIMA model.

METHODS

The data pertaining to S. japonicum infections in humans and livestock in Hunan Province from 1957 to 2015 were collected, and the exponential smoothing model and the ARIMA model were created using the software Eviews and PASW Statistics 18.0. In addition, the effectiveness of these two models for the prediction of S. japonicum infections in humans and livestock in Hunan Province from 2016 to 2018 was evaluated.

RESULTS

The exponential smoothing model and the ARIMA model had a high goodness of fit for prediction of S. japonicum infections in humans and livestock in Hunan Province from 1957 to 2015. There was a linear trend in the prevalence of S. japonicum infections in humans and livestock in Hunan Province from 1957 to 2015. The prevalence of S. japonicum infections in humans predicted with the Brown's linear trend and the prevalence of S. japonicum infections in livestock predicted with the Holt's linear trend in Hunan Province from 2016 to 2018 fitted better the actual data than the ARIMA model; however, prediction of the ARIMA model indicated that the endemic situation of schistosomiasis remained at a low level in Hunan Province.

CONCLUSIONS

At a low epidemic level, development of highly sensitive tools for monitoring schistosomiasis is urgently needed in Hunan Province to fit the current endemic situation, and the schistosomiasis control measures should be intensified to consolidate the control achievements.

Development and validation of single nucleotide polymorphism markers in Odontobutis potamophila from transcriptomic sequencing

Transcriptome sequencing technology has been applied in the development and discovery of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in fish. In this study, a panel of 120 expressed sequence tag (EST)-derived SNPs was selected by several selection filters from the resultant EST library of Odontobutis potamophila using Illumina Sequencing. In total, 37 SNPs from 120 putative SNPs were considered as the true SNPs using Sanger sequencing. For each SNP locus of 30 individuals of one wild population of O. potamophila that was successfully calculated, the number of alleles per locus was 2 with an observed heterozygosity of 0.0000-0.9000 and an expected heterozygosity of 0.1000-0.5263. A total of 33 loci conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE), and 4 loci deviated from HWE after Bonferroni correction. These 33 SNP markers will benefit the studies of population genetic structure, population evolution analysis, and construction of a high-density linkage map of O. potamophila.

Elevated expression of CX3C chemokine receptor 1 mediates recruitment of T cells into bone marrow of patients with acquired aplastic anaemia

OBJECTIVE

Acquired aplastic anaemia (AA) is a T-cell-mediated, organ-specific autoimmune disease characterized by haematopoietic stem cell destruction in the bone marrow. The exact molecular mechanism of T-cell trafficking into the bone marrow is unclear in AA. Very late activation antigen-4 (VLA-4) and CX3C chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) play active roles in many autoimmune diseases. Therefore, we investigated whether VLA-4 and CX3CR1 also contribute to T-cell migration into the bone marrow in acquired AA.

DESIGN, SETTING AND SUBJECTS

Expression levels of CX3CR1 and VLA-4 and their ligands [fractalkine (CX3CL1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)] were examined in 63 patients with AA and 21 healthy control subjects. T-cell chemotaxis and adhesion were analysed in 17 patients with severe AA. We also prospectively evaluated the expression pattern of CX3CR1 during treatment with antithymocyte globulin plus cyclosporine in 11 patients with severe AA.

RESULTS

The proportion of peripheral and bone marrow CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells expressing CX3CR1 and the level of CX3CL1 was increased in patients with AA. However, there was no significant difference in VLA-4 expression or VCAM-1 levels. Functional studies demonstrated that chemotaxis towards autologous bone marrow plasma or soluble CX3CL1 was significantly higher in T cells from AA patients and could be blocked by CX3CR1 inhibitors. CX3CR1-mediated T-cell adhesion was also upregulated in these patients. The expression of CX3CR1 was associated with the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy.

CONCLUSION

The present findings demonstrate that CX3CR1 plays a pivotal role in recruitment of T cells into the bone marrow in acquired AA and is a potential therapeutic target for treatment of this disorder.

Exciton dissociation in organic light emitting diodes at the donor-acceptor interface

Experimental in situ photoluminescence and transient photovoltage results show that the interface formed by N, N{'}-Bis(naphthalene-1-yl)-N, N{'}-bis(phenyl) benzidine (NPB) and tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq{3}) acts as an exciton dissociation site. Because of this dissociation effect, excitons formed in NPB at or within a diffusion length of the interface tend to dissociate before they radiatively decay to generate blue light. This suggests that the action of the "hole-blocking layer" used in indium tin oxide\NPB\hole-blocking layer\Alq{3}\aluminium to promote blue light emission from the NPB is more "exciton dissociation inhibition" than "hole blocking."

Field assessment of recombinant Schistosoma japonicum 26 kDa glutathione S-transferase in Chinese water buffaloes

We have shown previously that anti-fecundity immunity can be induced experimentally against recombinant 26 kDa glutathione S-transferase (reSjc26GST) in Chinese water buffaloes (Bos buffelus), important reservoir hosts for Schistosoma japonicum in China. In the field study described here, we immunized buffaloes with reSjc26GST to induce protective immunity against S. japonicum and to evaluate its effectiveness in controlling schistosomiasis japonica. We selected two villages as test and control groups in inside-embankment areas endemic for schistosomiasis japonica. The buffaloes in the test village were vaccinated with reSjc26GST, whereas those in the control village were not. The indicators of the effect of the vaccine included the generation of specific IgG antibodies in the vaccinated buffaloes, changes in the prevalence and infection intensity in buffaloes and village children, changes in the density of infected snails, and changes in the infectivity of water bodies (assessed by sentinel mice) in transmission areas adjacent to both villages. Twenty months after vaccination, the infection rate of buffaloes in the test village was decreased by 60.4% (from an initial prevalence of 13.5% to 5.4%), and 67.9% when compared with that in the control village (initial prevalence of 16.7%). However, the infection rate in village children remained unchanged. The density of infected snails decreased by 71.4%, from 0.0049/0.11 m2 to 0.0014/0.11m2 in the high transmission area outside the embankment in the test village. There was no change in the infectivity of the water body transmission areas between the test and control villages. The levels of specific antibodies to reSjc26GST showed a continuous increase after vaccination. These results indicate that protective immunity was induced and maintained in buffaloes after vaccination with reSjc26GST. The vaccine could thus play a significant role in reducing S. japonicum transmission caused by water buffaloes in the Lake region of China.

Physiological and symptomatic responses to cycling and walking in intermittent claudication

To shed light on the potential efficacy of cycling as a testing modality in the treatment of intermittent claudication (IC), this study compared physiological and symptomatic responses to graded walking and cycling tests in claudicants. Sixteen subjects with peripheral arterial disease (resting ankle: brachial index (ABI) < 0.9) and IC completed a maximal graded treadmill walking (T) and cycle (C) test after three familiarization tests on each mode. During each test, symptoms, oxygen uptake (VO2), minute ventilation (VE), respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and heart rate (HR) were measured, and for 10 min after each test the brachial and ankle systolic pressures were recorded. All but one subject experienced calf pain as the primary limiting symptom during T; whereas the symptoms were more varied during C and included thigh pain, calf pain and dyspnoea. Although maximal exercise time was significantly longer on C than T (690 +/- 67 vs. 495 +/- 57 s), peak VO2, peak VE and peak heart rate during C and T were not different; whereas peak RER was higher during C. These responses during C and T were also positively correlated (P < 0.05) with each other, with the exception of RER. The postexercise systolic pressures were also not different between C and T. However, the peak decline in ankle pressures from resting values after C and T were not correlated with each other. These data demonstrate that cycling and walking induce a similar level of metabolic and cardiovascular strain, but that the primary limiting symptoms and haemodynamic response in an individual's extremity, measured after exercise, can differ substantially between these two modes.

Stimulation of dopamine receptors inhibited Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II activity in rat striatal slices

AIM

To investigate the mechanism underlying dopaminergic neurotoxicity in the striatum during anoxia.

METHODS

Using rat striatal slices as an in vitro model, the activity of Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CCDPKII) was examined by the method of substrate phosphorylation 32P-incorporation.

RESULTS

Anoxia for 30 min greatly reduced CCDPKII activity by about 75 %. Reserpinization by repeated reserpine administration (1 mg . kg-1 . d-1 for 7 d, sc) preserved CCDPK II activity against the anoxia-induced decrease (about 40 % of control). The activity of CCDPKII was reduced significantly by exposure of rat striatal slices to micromolar concentrations of dopamine in the presence of extracellular Ca2+. Omission of Ca2+ in the incubation medium (with addition of 1 mmol/L egtazic acid) diminished the dopamine-induced decrease of the kinase activity. Application of apomorphine, a non-selective dopamine receptor agonist, produced a similar concentration-related decrease of CCDPKII activity. Exposure to SKF38393 (selective D1-like receptor agonist) or quinpirole (selective D2-like receptor agonist) also inhibited the kinase activity. The dopamine-induced decrease of CCDPKII activity was attenuated by preincubation with Sch-23390 (selective D1-like receptor antagonist) or domperidone (selective D2-like receptor antagonist).

CONCLUSION

Dopamine is involved in the anoxia-induced inhibition of CCDPKII activity by activation of both D1-like and D2-like receptors and influx of Ca2+, which may contribute to dopamine-mediated striatal neuronal damage.

Protection of dopaminergic antagonists against anoxia-induced inhibition of Ca(2+)-calmodulin dependent protein kinase II activity in rat brain

AIM

To study the effect of dopamine receptor antagonists on anoxia-induced inhibition of Ca(2+)-calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CCDPK II) activity in rat hippocampus and striatum.

METHODS

Using the rat hippocampal and striatal slices under 95% N2 + 5% CO2, the activity of CCDPK II was examined by 32P-incorporation.

RESULTS

Under anoxia for 30 min, the CCDPK II activity decreased to 29.2% and 27.0% of the control in rat hippocampal and striatal slices, respectively. Preincubation with Sch-23390 (a specific D1-like dopamine receptor antagonist), or domperidone (a specific D2-like dopamine receptor antagonist), resulted in a concentration-dependent attenuation of the anoxia-induced inhibition of CCDPK II activity which was preserved up to about 60%.

CONCLUSION

Dopamine receptor stimulation is involved in anoxia-induced inhibition of CCDPK II activity in rat hippocampus and striatum.

Inhibitory effect of dopamine on Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II activity in rat hippocampal slices

AIM

To study the effect of dopamine (DA) on Ca(2+)-calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CCDPK II) activity in rat hippocampus.

METHODS

Using rat hippocampal slices as an in vitro model, the activity of CCDPK II was examined by the method of 32P-incorporation.

RESULTS

Exogenous DA reduced CCDPK II activity in hippocampal slices in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Removal of extracellular calcium antagonized the DA-induced inhibition of CCDPK II activity, partially or completely. The activity of CCDPK II was markedly decreased by apomorphine (a nonselective DA receptor agonist), SKF38393 (a selective D1-like DA receptor agonist), or quinpirole (a selective D2-like DA receptor agonist). The inhibition of CCDPK II activity induced by exogenous DA was abolished by preincubation with Sch-23390, a selective D1-like DA receptor antagonist, or domperidone, a selective D2-like DA receptor antagonist.

CONCLUSION

DA has an inhibitory effect on CCDPK II activity in rat hippocampus, related to stimulation of D1-like and D2-like receptors and calcium influx.

[Mechanisms underlying dopaminergic neurotoxicity in ischemic cerebral damage]

Dopamine(DA) is a neurotransmitter, but it also serves as a neurotoxin under certain pathological conditions. Accumulating evidences indicate that DA plays an important role in ischemic cerebral damage. The mechanism by which DA exacerbates the neuronal damage remains unclear. Many mechanisms have been proposed to explain the DA neurotoxicity. One possibility is that DA leads to the formation of free radicals which are cytotoxic. Another possibility is that direct dopamine receptor stimulation may mediate dopaminergic neurotoxicity. It is also possible that DA modulates excitotoxicity of excitatory amino acid.

[Analysis of 50 cases of sexual dysfunction]

Fifty cases of male sexual dysfunction were analyzed in order to investigate the incidence and causes of the erectile dysfunction in the different injuries. The results showed that the incidence of erectile dysfunction of the patients with brevic fracture and urethra injury is 62.50%, main caused by the damage of pudendal nervous and arterial system. The incidence in the patients with the spinal fracture and light spinal cord injury is 50%, caused by the damage of nervous system. The erection in the 17 cases of the patients with only one testis injury is normal. Two cases with bilateral testis injury have suffered from erectile dysfunction.