Are vacuolar dynamics crucial factors for plant cell division and differentiation?

Vacuoles are the largest membrane-bound organelles in plant cells, critical for development and environmental responses. Vacuolar dynamics indicate reversible changes of vacuoles in morphology, size, or numbers. In this review, we summarize current understandings of vacuolar dynamics in different types of plant cells, biological processes associated with vacuolar dynamics, and regulators controlling vacuolar dynamics. Specifically, we point out the possibility that vacuolar dynamics play key roles in cell division and differentiation, which are controlled by the nucleus. Finally, we propose three routes through which vacuolar dynamics actively participate in nucleus-controlled cellular activities.

Dopant effect on the optical and thermal properties of the 2D organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite (HDA)2PbBr4

Lead-based two-dimensional organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites (2D HOIPs) are popular materials with various optical properties, which can be tuned through metal ion doping. Due to the size and valence misfit, metal ion dopants in 2D lead-based HOIPs are still limited. In this work, Mn2+, Sb3+ and Bi3+ are doped into 2D (HDA)2PbBr4 (HDA = protonated dopamine) successfully. As a result, the dopants in 2D (HDA)2PbBr4 can induce their characteristic optical spectra, which is studied at different temperatures and excitation powers. The temperature-dependent energy transfer in the Mn-doped sample has been clarified, in which abnormal phenomena including negative thermal quenching have been observed. In addition, the dopant ions can impact the phase transition temperatures of the samples, especially lowering their crystallization temperatures greatly. The mussel-inspired organic cation, feasible metal ion regulation, and superior stability provide (HDA)2PbBr4 potential for further applications.

[Effects of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome on myocardial work and prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction]

Objective: To investigate the influence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) on myocardial work and prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: Patients with complete follow-up data diagnosed with AMI who were admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University due to chest pain within 24 hours attacks from February 2020 to January 2022 were retrospective enrolled in the study and were split into two groups based on sleep apnea hypoventilation index (AHI): OSAS group (AHI≥5/h) and non-OSAS group (AHI<5/h). Follow up for (12.4±0.1) months. There were finally 210 AMI patients including 130 males and 80 females with (69.6±9.4) years, ranging from 36 to 83 years. The general characteristics, haematological index, echocardiographic parameters, myocardial work (MW) and the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in 1 year between the two groups were quantified. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to assess the risk of MACE in patients with AMI. Results: There were 50 cases in the OSAS group and 160 cases in the non-OSAS group. Compared with the non-OSAS group, OSAS group demonstrated higher BMI,neck circumference, Killip grade,GRACE score,ESS score,SYNTAX score, the number of diseased vessels and higher prevalence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and smoking history. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). There were also statistically significant differences in sleep study result and hematological indexesof of cTnT, NT-ProBNP, and creatinine between the two groups (P<0.05). The general work index (GWI) of the OSAS group was lower than that of the non-OSAS group [(870.1±435.6) vs (1 005.0±313.6) mmHg% (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), P=0.017]; The general myocardial active work (GCW) of the OSAS group was lower than that of the non-OSAS group [(1 046.7±472.2) vs (1 262.7±274.9) mmHg%, P=0.003]; The general work efficiency (GWE) of the OSAS group was lower than that of the non-OSAS group [(79.8±14.2)% vs (84.5±5.8)%, P=0.001]; The general reactive power (GWW) of the OSAS group was higher than that of the non-OSAS group [(312.2±163.2) vs (264.0±85.1) mmHg%, P=0.007]. There were 10 cases (20.0%) of MACE in the OSAS group and 13 cases (8.1%) in the non OSAS group, with a statistically significant difference (P=0.001).The combination of decreased OSAS (OR=4.039, 95%CI: 1.159-6.918), decreased myocardial work, including GCW [OR=0.850 (95%CI: 0.742-0.958)], GWE [OR=0.871 (95%CI: 0.818-0.924)], GWI (OR=0.862, 95%CI: 0.732-0.991), increased GWW (OR=2.425, 95%CI: 1.482-3.368), and increased GRACE score (OR=3.775, 95%CI: 2.314-5.236) increased the risk of MACE in AMI patients (all P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for predicting MACE in AMI using OSAS+myocardial work+GRACE score was 0.779 (95%CI: 0.717-0.834), with a sensitivity of 65.2% and a specificity of 84.5%. After the combination of the three, there were statistically significant differences compared to the AUC of combined OSAS, GRACE score, and myocardial work (all P<0.05). Conclusions: The MW of AMI patients with OSAS decreased compared to those without OSAS. The combination of OSAS and MW can improve the predictive value of MACE in patients with AMI.

Embryo sac development relies on symplastic signals from ovular integuments in Arabidopsis

Ovules are female reproductive organs of angiosperms, consisting of sporophytic integuments surrounding female gametophytes, that is, embryo sacs. Synchronization between integument growth and embryo sac development requires intracellular communication. However, signaling routes through which cells of the two generations communicate are unclear. We report that symplastic signals through plasmodesmata (PDs) of integuments are critical for the development of female gametophytes. Genetic interferences of PD biogenesis either by functional loss of CHOLINE TRANSPORTER-LIKE1 (CTL1) or by integument-specific expression of a mutated CALLOSE SYNTHASE 3 (cals3m) compromised PD formation in integuments and reduced fertility. Close examination of pINO:cals3m or ctl1 ovules indicated that female gametophytic development was either arrested at various stages after the formation of functional megaspores. In both cases, defective ovules could not attract pollen tubes, leading to the failure of fertilization. Results presented here demonstrate a key role of the symplastic route in sporophytic control of female gametophytic development.

Signaling between sporophytic integuments and developing female gametophyte during ovule development

Ovules are precursors of seeds and contain sporophytic integuments and gametophytic embryo sac. In Arabidopsis, embryo sac development requires highly synchronized morphogenesis of integument such that defects in integument growth often accompanies with a block in megagametogenesis, indicating that integument instructs the development of female gametophytes. In this mini review, we discuss signaling pathways through which integument cells mediate embryo sac development. We also propose ways to identify key signaling factors for the communication between integument and developing female gametophyte.

Combined effects of light pollution and vegetation height on behavior and body weight in a nocturnal rodent

At a global scale, organisms are under threat due to various kinds of environmental changes, such as artificial light at night (ALAN), noise, climatic change and vegetation destruction. Usually, these changes co-vary in time and space and may take effect simultaneously. Although impacts of ALAN on biological processes have been well documented, our knowledge on the combined effects of ALAN and other environmental changes on animals remains limited. In this study, we conducted field experiments in semi-natural enclosures to explore the combined effects of ALAN and vegetation height on foraging behavior, vigilance, activity patterns and body weight in dwarf striped hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis), a nocturnal rodent widely distributed in East Asia. We find that ALAN and vegetation height affected different aspects of behavior. ALAN negatively affected search speed and positively affected handling speed, while vegetation height negatively affected giving-up density and positively affected body weight. ALAN and vegetation height also additively shaped total time spent in a food patch. No significant interactive effect of ALAN and vegetation height was detected. C. barabensis exposed to ALAN and short vegetation suffered a significant loss in body weight, and possessed a much narrower temporal niche (i.e. initiated activity later but became inactive earlier) than those under other combinations of treatments. The observed behavioral responses to ALAN and changes in vegetation height may bring fitness consequences, as well as further changes in structure and functioning of local ecosystems.

Gastrodia elata BI.:A Comprehensive Review of Its Traditional Use, Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Pharmacokinetics

Materials and Methods

This article collects information from relevant documents, including scientific papers, books, and dissertations concerning Gastrodia elata BI.

Results

To date, research on Gastrodia elata BI. has identified about 100 active compounds. Many compounds in Gastrodia elata BI. have biological activities, such as sedation and hypnosis, anticonvulsion, improvement of learning and memory, protection of neurons, antidepressive effects, lowering of blood pressure, promotion of angiogenesis, protection of cardiomyocytes, antiplatelet aggregation, anti-inflammatory activity, and amelioration of labor pains.

Conclusion

Although many traditional uses of this plant have been confirmed, it is necessary to continue to study the relationship between its structure and function, clarify the mechanisms of pharmacological effects, and explore new clinical applications so as to better delineate the quality control standards for Gastrodia elata BI.

Mussel-Inspired Two-Dimensional Halide Perovskite Facilitated Dopamine Polymerization and Self-Adhesive Photoelectric Coating

Polydopamine (PDA) is a good adhesion agent for lots of gels inspired by the mussel, whereas hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites (HOIPs) usually exhibit extraordinary optoelectronic performance. Herein, mussel-inspired chemistry has been integrated with two-dimensional HOIPs first, leading to the preparation of new crystal (HDA)₂PbBr₄ (1) (DA = dopamine). The organic cation dopamine can be introduced into PDA resulting in a thin film of (HPDA)₂PbBr₄ (PDA-1). The dissolved inorganic components of layered perovskite in DMF solution together with H₂O₂ addition can facilitate DA polymerization greatly. More importantly, PDA-1 can inherit an excellent semiconductor property of HOIPs and robust adhesion of the PDA hydrogel resulting in a self-adhesive photoelectric coating on various interfaces.

[Predictive value of prognostic inflammatory and tumor score in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma]

Objective: To compare and analyze the predictive value of different inflammatory factors and tumor markers in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and to develop a new and effective preoperative prognostic scoring system. Methods: 102 and 72 cases with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who underwent radical surgery in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital and the Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University were selected as the experimental group and the validation group, respectively. Clinicopathological and follow-up data were collected. Cox proportional-hazards model was used to analyze the predictive value of different prognostic markers. The relationship between prognostic markers and clinicopathological data was analyzed by rank sum test, χ² or Fisher's exact test. Results: Among the direct inflammatory factors, tumor markers and combined inflammatory factors, prognostic inflammatory index (PII), carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 and systemic inflammation score (SIS) were the most significant predictive factors for postoperative survival outcomes in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. The prognostic inflammatory and tumor score (PITS) was proposed as a new prognostic scoring system for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. PII and CA19-9 were included into the scoring criteria for prognostic stratification of patients. PITS was an independent predictor of tumor-free survival and overall survival in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Patients with high-grade PITS had later tumor grade and higher frequency of vascular invasion. Conclusion: PITS is highly effective prognostic scoring system for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. In addition, PITS is recommended for preoperative prognostic stratification in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Arabidopsis RAN GTPases are critical for mitosis during male and female gametogenesis

The development of male and female gametophytes is a prerequisite for successful propagation of angiosperms. The small GTPases RAN play fundamental roles in numerous cellular processes. Although RAN GTPases have been characterized in plants, their roles in cellular processes are far from understood. We report here that RAN GTPases in Arabidopsis are critical for gametophytic development. RAN1 loss-of-function showed no defects in gametophytic development likely due to redundancy. However, the expression of a dominant negative or constitutively active RAN1 resulted in gametophytic lethality. Genetic interference of RAN GTPases caused the arrest of pollen mitosis I and of mitosis of functional megaspores, implying a key role of properly regulated RAN activity in mitosis during gametophytic development.

MAGCNSE: predicting lncRNA-disease associations using multi-view attention graph convolutional network and stacking ensemble model

Background

Many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have key roles in different human biologic processes and are closely linked to numerous human diseases, according to cumulative evidence. Predicting potential lncRNA-disease associations can help to detect disease biomarkers and perform disease analysis and prevention. Establishing effective computational methods for lncRNA-disease association prediction is critical.

Results

In this paper, we propose a novel model named MAGCNSE to predict underlying lncRNA-disease associations. We first obtain multiple feature matrices from the multi-view similarity graphs of lncRNAs and diseases utilizing graph convolutional network. Then, the weights are adaptively assigned to different feature matrices of lncRNAs and diseases using the attention mechanism. Next, the final representations of lncRNAs and diseases is acquired by further extracting features from the multi-channel feature matrices of lncRNAs and diseases using convolutional neural network. Finally, we employ a stacking ensemble classifier, consisting of multiple traditional machine learning classifiers, to make the final prediction. The results of ablation studies in both representation learning methods and classification methods demonstrate the validity of each module. Furthermore, we compare the overall performance of MAGCNSE with that of six other state-of-the-art models, the results show that it outperforms the other methods. Moreover, we verify the effectiveness of using multi-view data of lncRNAs and diseases. Case studies further reveal the outstanding ability of MAGCNSE in the identification of potential lncRNA-disease associations.

Conclusions

The experimental results indicate that MAGCNSE is a useful approach for predicting potential lncRNA-disease associations.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12859-022-04715-w.

The Rice Qa-SNAREs in SYP13 Subfamily Are Involved in Regulating Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis and Seed Fertility

Qa-SNARE gene SYP132 (isoform α) was previously reported to affect arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis in the legume species Medicago truncatula. In non-legumes especially monocots, it remains unknown whether certain SNARE genes are also involved in AM symbiosis. In this work, we studied a rice orthologous gene OsSYP132, which showed induced expression in mycorrhizal roots and two paralogous genes OsSYP131a and OsSYP131b, which were not induced by the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis. After employing CRISPR/Cas9 technique to generate their mutants, the Ossyp131a homozygous mutant T₀ plants exhibited a dwarf phenotype and produced no fertile seeds, indicating a required role of this gene in seed fertility. Unlike the case in legume, the Ossyp132 mutants exhibited normal mycorrhizal phenotype, so did the Ossyp131b mutants. In the Ossyp131b Ossyp132 double mutants, however, the colonization rate and arbuscule abundance level decreased markedly, indicating an impaired fungal proliferation ability in rice roots. Such a defect was further confirmed by the reduced expression levels of AM marker genes. Our results in rice therefore demonstrated that while SYP13II members showed evolutionary and induction patterns specific to symbiosis, AM symbiosis is in fact controlled by the combined action of both SYP13I and SYP13II clades, revealing a functional redundancy among SYNTAXIN genes in mutualism.

OsADK1, a novel kinase regulating arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in rice

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis relies on the formation of arbuscules for efficient nutrient exchange between plants and AM fungi. In this study, we identified a novel kinase gene in rice named OsADK1 (Arbuscule Development Kinase 1) that is required for arbuscule development. By obtaining OsADK1pro::GUS transgenic rice plants and also generating Osadk1 mutants via CRISPR/Cas9 technique, OsADK1 was revealed to be specifically induced in the arbusculated cortical cells and mutations in OsADK1 resulted in an extremely low colonisation rate (c. 3%) of rice roots by AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis. In the mutant roots, the very few observed arbuscules nearly all arrested at an early 'trunk-forming' phase without forming any branches. Increasing the inoculum strength of AM fungus or cocultivation with a wild-type nurse plant did not result in the rescue of the arbuscule phenotype. Transcriptome sequencing of both nursed and un-nursed Osadk1 mutants then revealed that the mutation of OsADK1 could greatly affect the AM symbiotic programme, including many key transcription factors such as RAM1 and WRI5. OsADK1 therefore represents a new rice kinase that is required for arbuscule branching. Its identification opens a new window to explore the elaborate signal transduction pathway that determines arbuscule development during plant-fungus symbiosis.

Deep learning based on biologically interpretable genome representation predicts two types of human adaptation of SARS-CoV-2 variants

Explosively emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants challenge current nomenclature schemes based on genetic diversity and biological significance. Genomic composition-based machine learning methods have recently performed well in identifying phenotype–genotype relationships. We introduced a framework involving dinucleotide (DNT) composition representation (DCR) to parse the general human adaptation of RNA viruses and applied a three-dimensional convolutional neural network (3D CNN) analysis to learn the human adaptation of other existing coronaviruses (CoVs) and predict the adaptation of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs). A markedly separable, linear DCR distribution was observed in two major genes—receptor-binding glycoprotein and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp)—of six families of single-stranded (ssRNA) viruses. Additionally, there was a general host-specific distribution of both the spike proteins and RdRps of CoVs. The 3D CNN based on spike DCR predicted a dominant type II adaptation of most Beta, Delta and Omicron VOCs, with high transmissibility and low pathogenicity. Type I adaptation with opposite transmissibility and pathogenicity was predicted for SARS-CoV-2 Alpha VOCs (77%) and Kappa variants of interest (58%). The identified adaptive determinants included D1118H and A570D mutations and local DNTs. Thus, the 3D CNN model based on DCR features predicts SARS-CoV-2, a major type II human adaptation and is qualified to predict variant adaptation in real time, facilitating the risk-assessment of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and COVID-19 control.

OsRAM2 Function in Lipid Biosynthesis Is Required for Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis in Rice

Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) is a mutualistic symbiosis formed between most land plants and Glomeromycotina fungi. During symbiosis, plants provide organic carbon to fungi in exchange for mineral nutrients. Previous legume studies showed that the required for arbuscular mycorrhization2 (RAM2) gene is necessary for transferring lipids from plants to AM fungi (AMF) and is also likely to play a "signaling" role at the root surface. To further explore RAM2 functions in other plant lineages, in this study, two rice (Oryza sativa) genes, OsRAM2 and OsRAM2L, were identified as orthologs of legume RAM2. Examining their expression patterns during symbiosis revealed that only OsRAM2 was strongly upregulated upon AMF inoculation. CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis was then performed to obtain three Osram2 mutant lines (-1, -2, and -3). After inoculation by AMF Rhizophagus irregularis or Funneliformis mosseae, all of the mutant lines showed extremely low colonization rates and the rarely observed arbuscules were all defective, thus supporting a conserved "nutritional" role of RAM2 between monocot and dicot lineages. As for the signaling role, although the hyphopodia numbers formed by both AMF on Osram2 mutants were indeed reduced, their morphology showed no abnormality, with fungal hyphae invading roots successfully. Promoter activities further indicated that OsRAM2 was not expressed in epidermal cells below hyphopodia or outer cortical cells enclosing fungal hyphae but instead expressed exclusively in cortical cells containing arbuscules. Therefore, this suggested an indirect role of RAM2 rather than a direct involvement in determining the symbiosis signals at the root surface.[Formula: see text] The author(s) have dedicated the work to the public domain under the Creative Commons CC0 "No Rights Reserved" license by waiving all of his or her rights to the work worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law, 2022.

Folate-modified triptolide liposomes target activated macrophages for safe rheumatoid arthritis therapy

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by synovial joint hyperplasia, joint inflammation, cartilage erosion and bone destruction. Macrophages play an essential role in the pathogenesis of RA, and folate receptor β (FR-β) is highly expressed on the surface of activated synovial macrophages in RA patients. Triptolide (TP) has anti-inflammatory properties, and it can protect the cartilage matrix, but its clinical application has been limited due to poor solubility, low bioavailability and systemic toxicity. Therefore, we constructed folate-modified triptolide liposomes (FA-TP-Lips) to target macrophages, thereby treating RA in a safe and effective way. The experiments indicated that FA-TP-Lips had properties of small particle size, uniform particle size distribution, high drug encapsulation and long circulation. Furthermore, FA-TP-Lips showed reduced cytotoxicity, increased cellular uptake and significant anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. It also inhibited osteoclastogenesis. In vivo experiments revealed that liposomes could prolong the circulation of TP in the body, as well as exhibit significant cartilage-protective and anti-inflammatory effects with lower toxicity compared with the free TP group, thereby providing a promising new approach for the treatment of RA.

A flow-through chromatography purification process for Vero cell-derived influenza virus (H7N9)

Immunization is the most effective way to respond to an influenza epidemic. To produce Vero cell-derived influenza vaccines, a more efficient, stable and economical purification process is required. In this study, we purified the H7N9 influenza virus grown in Vero cells that were cultured in a serum-free medium by using a combination of anion exchange chromatography (AEC) and ligand-activated core chromatography (LCC), which avoids the virus capture step. After purification, 99.95 % host cell DNA (hcDNA) (final concentration: 28.69 pg/dose) and 98.87 % host cell protein (HCP) (final concentration: 28.28 ng/dose) were removed. The albumin content was 11.36 ng/dose. All these remnants met the current Chinese Pharmacopoeia and WHO requirements. The final virus recovery rate was 58.74 %, with the concentration of hemagglutinin recorded at 132.12 μg/mL. The flow-through chromatography purification process represents an alternative to the existing processes for cell-derived influenza viruses and might be suitable for the purification of other viruses as well.

Transcriptional Regulation of PLETHORA1 in the Root Meristem Through an Importin and Its Two Antagonistic Cargos

Plant roots are sustained through meristem activity at the root tip. Two transcriptional pathways, one mediated by PLETHORAs (PLTs) and the other by SHORTROOT and SCARECROW, play major roles in root meristem development. The role of PLTs during root meristem development requires a concentration gradient, which is not only contributed by posttranslational regulation such as growth dilution and intercellular movement but also likely by a largely unknown fine-tuned transcriptional regulatory mechanism. We report here that Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) JANUS positively regulates PLT1 expression in the root meristem by recruiting RNA polymerase II (Pol II) to PLT1 and by interacting with PLT1. JANUS-dependent recruitment of Pol II is inhibited through the competitive binding of JANUS by GRF-INTERACTING FACTOR1 (GIF1)/ANGUSTIFOLIA3, a transcriptional cofactor that negatively regulates PLT1 expression. Finally, GIF1 and JANUS, the antagonistic regulators of PLT1, both depend on Arabidopsis IMPORTIN β4 for their nuclear accumulation. The combination of an importin and its two antagonistic cargos in PLT1 transcription may have logistic benefits in fine-tuning the transcription of PLT1 in root meristem.

[Effect of invisalign on anterior and posterior upper airway and maxillary bone changes in the treatment of high-angle skeletal Class Ⅱ malocclusion]

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of invisalign on anterior and posterior upper airway and maxillary bone changes in the treatment of high-angle skeletal Class II malocclusion.

METHODS

Thirty-seven patients with malocclusion undergoing invisible orthodontic treatment in Hospital of Stomatology of Xi'an Jiaotong University from June 2016 to June 2018 were enrolled. Before and 18 months after correction, the correction effect was evaluated. Cone-beam CT (CBCT) was performed to measure the upper airway volume and tongue position. Cephalometric examination was performed to determine the anteroposterious diameter of the upper airway and the position of hyoid bone. The pre-therapy and post-treatment facial profile images of patients and stars were graded by 0-10 numerical rating scale. SPSS 20.0 software package was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

After correction, oropharyngeal volume, glossopharyngeal volume and minimum cross-sectional area of upper airway significantly increased(P<0.05). Sagittal diameter of the upper airway at mandibular plane significantly increased after correction (P<0.05). After correction, ANB angle, GoGn-SN angle, OPP-SN angle, Y-axis angle, UI-SN angle, UI-PP angle, UI-AP angle, and UI-AP distance significantly decreased, SNB angle and UI- LI angle significantly increased(P<0.05). The aesthetics scores of facial profile images significantly increased after correlation(P<0.05), which was significantly lower than that of the stars(P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Invisalign can effectively correct open upper airway and malocclusion, achieving better treatment results and satisfactory facial aesthetics effect.

Hepatocytes paradoxically affect intrahepatic IFN-γ production in autoimmune hepatitis due to Gal-9 expression and TLR2/4 ligand release

Hepatocytes are the targets in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) that results in T cell-dependent liver injury. However, hepatocytes may also affect the hepatic T cells in AIH, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here we report that hepatocytes could secrete galectin-9 (Gal-9) to suppress the intrahepatic production of Th1 cytokine IFN-γ and restrict AIH development, but hepatocyte damage resulted in opposite effects due to release of TLR2/4 ligands that promoted the intrahepatic production of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12. Through Tim-3, Gal-9 could efficiently suppress the intrahepatic T cell activation despite presence of TLR2/4 ligands, thus attenuating Th1 response in AIH. Intriguingly, intrahepatic IL-6/IL-12 suppressed the effect of TGF-β on Treg cells. Therefore, in AIH, Gal-9 promoted Foxp3 expression and function of hepatic Treg cells through TL1A signaling, although Treg function was still impaired, compared with that in naive state. Due to its promoting effect on Treg function, together with its effect on T effector cells in a Tim-3-independent way, Gal-9 could attenuate intrahepatic IFN-γ production by hindering the increase of hepatic CD4⁺CD43⁺ T cells resulting from extrahepatic T cell activation. TLR2/4 ligands attenuated the effects of Gal-9 on Treg cells and CD4⁺CD43⁺ T cells by increasing intrahepatic IL-6 and IL-12. Blocking TLR2/4 ligands could efficiently suppress intrahepatic IFN-γ production, liver injury, and hepatic fibrosis. These findings suggest that hepatocytes paradoxically affect Th1 response in AIH due to Gal-9 expression and TLR2/4 ligands release, and that targeting TLR2/4 signaling may provide an important approach in the therapeutic strategy for AIH.

Nickel-catalyzed carboxylation of aryl iodides with lithium formate through catalytic CO recycling

A protocol for the Ni-catalyzed carboxylation of aryl iodides with formate has been developed with good functional group compatibility for the synthesis of a variety of aromatic carboxylic acids under mild conditions. The reaction tolerates other functionalities for cross-coupling, such as aryl bromide, aryl chloride, aryl tosylate, and aryl pinacol boronate. The reaction proceeds through a carbonylation process with in situ generated carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalytic amount of acetic anhydride and lithium formate, avoiding the use of gaseous CO. The strategy of CO recycling in catalytic amounts is critical for the success of the reaction.

Tyrosine Hydroxylase Gene Polymorphisms Contribute to Opioid Dependence and Addiction by Affecting Promoter Region Function

Mounting evidence shows that drug dependence involves the complex interplay between genetics and the environment. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is the rate-limiting enzyme in dopamine (DA) synthesis, which plays an essential role in the development of drug addiction. Noradrenergic dysfunction due to abnormalities TH expression has been implicated in the pathogenesis of drug addiction. We profiled thirteen single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and one VNTR (TCAT repeat, UniSTS:240,639) in 512 cases and 600 healthy Chinese subjects to evaluate the relationship between common variants within the TH gene and opioids dependence (OD) in the Chinese Han population. The single-marker analysis determined that rs10770141 (p < 0.001, OR 1.739, 95% CI 1.302 - 2.323) and rs10770140 (p = 0.002, OR 1.536, 95% CI 1.164 - 2.026) are risk variants for OD. The haplotype-association analyses determined that A-C-C-C was a risk factor (p = 0.006, OR 1.662, 95% CI 1.241 - 2.225) for OD. We also observed a significant association between (TACT)_9/9 and the duration of transition from the first time using opioids to the development of opioid dependence (DTFUD) (p = 0.002, OR 2.153, 95% CI 1.319 - 3.513). Taken together, this study suggests that TH gene polymorphisms may contribute to the risk of OD in the Chinese Han population.

Knowledge Domain and Emerging Trends in Vinegar Research: A Bibliometric Review of the Literature from WoSCC

Vinegar is one of the most widely used acidic condiments. In recent decades, rapid advances have been made in the area of vinegar research, and the intellectual structure pertaining to this domain has significantly evolved. Thus, it is important that scientists keep abreast of associated developments to ensure an appropriate understanding of this field. To facilitate this current study, a bibliometric analysis method was adopted to visualize the knowledge map of vinegar research based on literature data retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. In total, 883 original research and review articles from between 1998 and 2019 with 19,663 references were analyzed by CiteSpace. Both a macroscopical sketch and microscopical characterization of the whole knowledge domain were realized. According to the research contents, the main themes that underlie vinegar research can be divided into six categories, that is, microorganisms, substances, health functions, production technologies, adjuvant medicines, and vinegar residues. In addition to the latter analysis, emerging trends and future research foci were predicted. Finally, the evolutionary stage of vinegar research was discerned according to Shneider's four-stage theory. This review will help scientists to discern the dynamic evolution of vinegar research, as well as highlight areas for future research.

[The status and health risk assessment of dietary fipronil contamination among 20 provinces of China]

Objective: To understand the status and health risk assessment of dietary fipronil contamination among 20 provinces of China. Methods: A total of 13 kinds of dietary samples in Chinese total diet study include cereals, legumes, potatoes, meats, eggs, aquatics, dairies, vegetables, fruits, sugars, beverages and water, alcohols, condiments and their corresponding products. Among them, condiments were used in the preparation of 12 other sample categories; thus, the actual mixed dietary samples of each province covered 12 groups. A total of 240 mixed dietary samples were collected from 20 provinces in China from 2009 to 2013. After the sample extraction and cleanup, dietary samples were analyzed for the residues of fipronil and its metabolites to obtain the contamination levels of fipronil residues using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. The dietary intake of adult residents was estimated based on food consumption of general population of China. Results: Among the 240 dietary samples, the detection rate of fipronil was 10.4% (25 samples), and the detection rates of fipronil metabolites, i.e. fipronil desulfinyl, fipronil sulfone and fipronil sulfide were 20.4% (49 samples), 40.0% (96 samples) and 8.8% (21 samples), respectively. According to the dietary exposure analysis, the average lower and upper dietary exposure levels of fipronil residues in adult residents of China were 11.34 and 12.35 ng·kg(-1)·d(-1), accounting for 5.7% and 6.2% of acceptable daily intake (ADI), respectively. The highest adult dietary intake of fipronil residues was found in Hunan province, with a value of 72.98 ng·kg(-1)·d(-1), accounting for 36.5% of ADI. Vegetables were the main dietary source of fipronil residues, which contributed to 71.0% of the total intake dose. Conclusion: Fipronil residues were detected in varying degrees in dietary samples, yet the health risk caused by the dietary intake of adult residents among 20 provinces of China is low.

[Evaluation of hepatitis C virus infection based on big data of hospital]

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by survey methods based on big data of hospital. Methods: Inpatients data of anti-HCV was collected in 2016 and 2011. Patient's data related to Department of Liver Diseases were excluded. The research population was divided into Surgical and Non-surgical Department. The characteristics of the two groups were analyzed and the changing trends of anti -HCV positive rate in different years was compared and analyzed. Results: Patients in the surgical and non-surgical department of hospital were equally distributed across gender, urban and rural areas, and region, but the distribution of patients in surgical departments were relatively equal in all age groups. The positive rate of anti -HCV in hospitalized patients in 2016 was 0.82%, and anti -HCV positive rate was 0.58% in surgical department of 1~55 years old. Among them, anti-HCV was positive in 0.06% who underwent surgical procedure at the age of ≤25 (born after 1993 and screened for hepatitis C antibody), which was significantly lower than those in other age groups were. The anti -HCV positive rate of patients (all age groups) was lower in 2016 than that in 2011(0.75% vs. 0.97%). The anti-HCV positive rates of surgical department in both years had a decreasing trend with age. Conclusion: The prevalence rate of anti-HCV, among patients population of operation departments, might reflect the prevalence rate of HCV infection among general population. Using the convenience of hospital data acquisition, we might dynamically understand the change of HCV infection.

[A real-world study of paritaprevir/ritonavir-ombitasvir combined with dasabuvir in the treatment of genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C]

Objective: To recognize the efficacy and safety of paritaprevir/ritonavir-ombitasvir combined with dasabuvir (OBV/PTV/RTV+DSV) in the treatment of genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C. Methods: Patients with genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C who were admitted to the People's Hospital of Henan Province, Huashan Hospital of Shanghai and the Fifth Medical Center of the General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army of China between November 2017 to August 2018 were enlisted. All patients received OBV/PTV/RTV+DSV antiviral therapy. HCV RNA levels were measured at baseline, weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, and 24, then 12 weeks, and 24 weeks after completion of treatment; patients' comorbidity, concomitant medications, and clinical adverse events were recorded. Results: 108 patients were enrolled in the study, with an average age of 49.1 years, 44 patients were male (40.8%), 96.3% (104/108) were newly diagnosed, and four patients had previous treatment history, of whom three were treated with IFN and one with IFN + DAA. Ninety-eight cases completed 12 weeks treatment and 89 cases were in follow up for 12 weeks, after discontinuation of the drug. Overall, 89 cases (100%) achieved SVR12.One patient treated with PR and DAA had HCV RNA level of 869175 IU/mL at 4 weeks of treatment, which was significantly higher than the baseline HCV RNA level (301776IU/ML), and was judged as failure of treatment; and follow-up was discontinued. Of all enrolled patients, 19 (17.6%) had underlying diseases and 15 (13.9%) had combined medications. During treatment, adverse events (AE) occurred in 11 patients (10.1%). The main adverse events were pruritus and elevated bilirubin. Conclusion: Combined antiviral therapy (OBV/PTV/RTV+DSV) of 12 weeks are highly effective with good safety profile in the treatment of Chinese patients with genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C.

Importin β4 Mediates Nuclear Import of GRF-Interacting Factors to Control Ovule Development in Arabidopsis

Ovule development is critical for seed development and plant reproduction. Multiple transcription factors (TFs) have been reported to mediate ovule development. However, it is not clear which intracellular components regulate these TFs during ovule development. After their synthesis, TFs are transported into the nucleus a process regulated by karyopherins commonly known as importin alpha and β. Around half of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) importin β-coding genes have been functionally characterized but only two with specific cargos have been identified. We report here that Arabidopsis IMPORTIN β4 (IMB4) regulates ovule development through nucleocytoplasmic transport of transcriptional coactivator growth regulating factors-interacting factors (GIFs). Mutations in IMB4 impaired ovule development by affecting integument growth. imb4 mutants were also defective in embryo sac development, leading to partial female sterility. IMB4 directly interacts with GIFs and is critical for the nucleocytoplasmic transport of GIF1. Finally, functional loss of GIFs resulted in ovule defects similar to those in imb4 mutants, whereas enhanced expression of GIF1 partially restored the fertility of imb4 The results presented here uncover a novel genetic pathway regulating ovule development and reveal the upstream regulator of GIFs.

Antioxidant phenolic acids from the leaves of Armeniaca sibirica

Phytochemical investigation of the leaves of Armeniaca sibirica (L.) Lam. led to the isolation of two new phenolic acids (1-2), together with eight known compounds (3-10) from the ethanol extracts of this plant. Structures of these compounds were elucidated through detailed spectroscopic analyses, using 1D-NMR and 2D-NMR in combination with HR-EI-MS techniques. All the compounds were evaluated for their antioxidant capabilities in vitro using 2, 2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), 1, 1'-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assays, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods.

Effect of mannose on the lung function of rats with acute pancreatitis

The present study aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which mannose protects the lung injury induced in rats with acute pancreatitis (AP). An AP combined with Acute Lung Injury (ALI) model was established. A total of 90 healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (300±50g weight) were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation group (SO group), severe acute pancreatitis lung injury group (SAP group), and mannose intervention group (MT group). Subsequently, each group was divided into two subgroups based on the time passed from intervention, namely 6 and 12 h. Each subgroup comprised 15 rats. The ratio of wet/dry weight of the lung tissue exhibited no significant change at different time points in the SO group. This parameter was significantly increased in the SAP group compared with the SO group at each time point of the treatment (P less than 0.05) and it was significantly lower in the MT group than that in the AP group (P less than 0.05) and it was significantly increased in the AP group at each time (P less than 0.05) compared with the SO group. The levels of TNF-α in the lung tissue in the SO group exhibited no significant change at different time points, but they were significantly decreased in the MT group at each time point (P less than 0.05) compared with the SAP group. The mannose receptor (MR) mRNA and protein levels in the lung tissues exhibited no significant change at different time points. The mRNA and protein levels of MR in the SAP group were significantly decreased at each time point (P less than 0.05) compared with the SO group. The mRNA and protein levels of MR, in the lung tissue of the MT group were significantly increased at each time point compared with the SAP group (P less than 0.05). Mannose could reduce the injury caused to the lung tissue of rats with severe acute pancreatitis by up-regulation of the expression of MR mRNA and protein.

Stereoselective synthesis of sulfonated 1-indenones via radical-triggered multi-component cyclization of β-alkynyl propenones

New radical-triggered multi-component cyclizations of β-alkynyl propenones have been developed, leading to 50 examples of sulfonated 1-indenones with generally good yields and high levels of stereoselectivity.

Expression and clinical significance of rhubarb on serum amylase and TNF-alpha of rat model of acute pancreatitis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of rhubarb extract on acute pancreatitis. Ninety-six healthy Sprague Dawley rats, weighing 301±5.12 g were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham surgery (group A), acute pancreatitis model (group B), acute pancreatitis with normal saline (group C), and acute pancreatitis model with rhubarb (group D). The levels of serum amylase (AMY) and TNF-α were measured at 1st, 6th, 12th and 24th hour after modeling, and the pancreatic tissue were used to observe the pathologic changes. Compared to the sham group, the serum AMY and serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) levels were significantly increased in the other groups (p <0.05). Compared to the model group and the saline group, the serum AMY, serum TNF-α level and pathological changes of rats in the rhubarb group were significantly lower (p <0.05). The serum AMY and TNF-α levels increased in acute pancreatitis. The rhubarb reduced the serum AMY and TNF-α level in rats with acute pancreatitis and reduced the pathological changes of pancreas and other tissues.

[Cadmium burden and renal dysfunction among residents in cadmium-polluted areas: A 3-year follow-up study]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate dynamic change of cadmium body burden and renal dysfunction among residents living in cadmium-polluted areas.

METHODS

From April to July of 2011, the cadmium-polluted areas of northern Guangdong province in China was chosen as the study site. Based on the levels of cadmium pollution in soil and rice, the survey areas were divided into low exposed group (average concentration of cadmium was 0.15-0.40 mg/kg, 0.5-1.0 mg/kg in rice and soil, respectively) and high exposed group (average concentration of cadmium was >0.40 mg/kg, >1.0 mg/kg in rice and soil, respectively). Stratified random sampling and cluster sampling method of epidemiological investigations were carried out among 414 local residents who lived in cadmium exposure areas for more than 15 years, aged above 40, and without occupational cadmium exposure, including 168 and 246 residents in low and high exposed group, respectively. From March to June of 2014, 305 respondents of those who participated in 2011 were successfully traced, including 116 and 189 respondents in low and high exposed group, respectively. We used health questionnaires to acquire their health status. Home-harvested rice and vegetable samples were collected using quartering method for detection of cadmium level, including 190 rice samples, 161 vegetable samples in 2011 and 190 rice samples, 153 vegetable samples in 2014. Urine specimens of residents were collected for the detection of urinary cadmium and creatinine as well as renal dysfunction biomarkers, namely, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosamidase (NAG) and β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), respectively. In 2011 and 2014, Chi-square test was used to investigate the differences of abnormality of cadmium concentration in rice, vegetables and urinary cadmium, β2-MG, and NAG that were expressed as odds ratio(OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).

RESULTS

In 2011 and 2014, cadmium concentration P50 (P25-P75) in rice was 0.43 (0.17-1.10) mg/kg, and 0.42 (0.20-1.14) mg/kg, respectively (Z=-0.77,P=0.440). In 2011 and 2014, cadmium concentrations P50 (P25-P75) in vegetables were 0.13 (0.07-0.34) mg/kg, and 0.25(0.12-0.59) mg/kg, respectively, with abnormal rates of 38.5%(62/161) and 60.8%(93/153), respectively. In 2014, both average concentration and abnormal rate of cadmium in vegetables were higher than those in 2011 (Z=-4.69, P<0.001 and χ(2)=15.58,P<0.001). Concentrations of urinary cadmium P50 (P25-P75) in high exposed group were 7.90 (3.96-14.91) μg/g creatinine, 8.64 (4.56-17.60) μg/g creatinine in 2011 and 2014, respectively. Contrary to that in 2011, urinary cadmium of high exposed group was significantly increased in 2014 (Z=-2.80, P=0.005). In 2011 and 2014, concentrations of β2-MG, NAG P50 (P25-P75) were 0.15(0.07-0.29) μg/g creatinine, 0.15 (0.07-0.45) μg/g creatinine, and 7.12 (5.05-10.65) U/g creatinine, 13.55(9.1-19.84) U/g creatinine, respectively, with abnormal rates of 7.5% (23/305), 15.1% (46/305), 8.2% (25/305) , and 33.8% (103/305), respectively. Compared with baseline in 2011, average concentrations of β2-MG, NAG significantly increased in 2014 (Z=-2.263, P=0.024 and Z=-12.52, P<0.001), and abnormal rates of β2-MG, NAG were also higher in 2014 (χ(2)=15.61 , P<0.001 and χ(2)=64.72, P<0.001), with odds ratio(OR) of 2.00 (95%CI:1.23-3.24) and 4.12 (95%CI:2.87-5.92).

CONCLUSION

Environmental cadmium pollution of crops such as rice and vegetables in survey areas continued to remain high. Body burden of cadmium might kept at sustainably high levels and renal dysfunction was worsened after continuous, long-term cadmium exposure. Our results suggested that NAG might be more sensitive than β2-MG to serve as an indicator for an individual's future tubular function.

Natural terpenoid glycosides with in vitro/vivo antithrombotic profiles from the leaves of Crataegus pinnatifida

Two norditerpenoids (1–2) with unique carbon skeletons, four sesquiterpenoids (3–6) and nine nor-sesquiterpenoids (7–15) were isolated from the leaves of Crataegus pinnatifida and evaluated as possessing antithrombotic activities in vitro/vivo.

Effects of Chinese Medicinal Compound Jinmaitong on the Expression of Nitrotyrosine andNerve Growth Factor in the Dorsal Root Ganglia of Diabetic Rats

Objective To study the effects of Chinese medicinal compound Jinmaitong(JMT) on the expressions of nitrotyrosine (NT) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in dorsal root ganglia of diabetic rats. Methods Experimental rat diabetic models were established by the intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Rat models were then randomly divided into four groups including normal control group (Con group),diabetes mellitus group (DM group),Jinmaitong group(JMT group)(treated with JMT similar to the fifteen-fold dose of adult recommended dosage),and taurine group(Tau group)(treated with Taurine similar to the fifteen-fold dose of adult recommended dosage),with 10 rats in each group. The Con and DM groups were treated with distilled water at a daily dose of 1 ml/100 g. All rats were given intragastric administration for 16 weeks and then killed. Body weight and blood glucose were detected before and at the 4th,8th,12th,and 16th week after treatment. The pain threshold to mechanical stimulation with von Frey filament were carried out before death. The expressions of NT and NGF in dorsal root ganglion were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis,respectively. Results Immunohistochemistry showed that the average optical density (AOD) of NT expression in DM group were significantly higher than those in control group (P=0.000),and the AOD of NGF was significantly lower than the control group (P=0.006).The AOD of NT(P=0.000,P=0.000) in both treatment groups decreased significantly and the AOD of NGF(P=0.000, P=0.004)significantly increased compared with DM group. The AOD of NT in JMT group was significantly lower than Tau group (P=0.004). Western blot analysis showed that the protein level of NT in DM group was significantly higher than that in control group (P=0.000),and the protein level of NGF was significantly lower than that in control group (P=0.000). Compared with the DM group,the protein level of NT in both treatment groups significantly decreased (P=0.001,P=0.000),and the protein level of NGF increased significantly (P=0.000,P=0.001). Conclusion Traditional Chinese medicine JMT can obviously up-regulate the expressions of NGF and reduce the NT levels in dorsal root ganglia of diabetic rats.

[Comparison of the anterior corneal asphericity after small incision lenticule extraction and femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and compare the anterior corneal asphericity after small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)and femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis(FS-LASIK).

METHODS

In this case-control study, 45 subjects who underwent SMILE operation comprised the study group, and 33 subjects with FS-LASIK operation comprised the control group. The asphericity coefficient Q-value of the right eyes in both groups was measured at diameters of 6, 7, 8 and 9 mm, respectively, before surgery and at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 6 months following surgery. The correlation between the variation of Q-value and the central cutting depth was analyzed.

RESULTS

The Q-value of anterior corneal surface was 0.85 ± 0.31, 0.80±0.28, 0.69±0.25 and 0.51±0.23 after SMILE, and 1.13±0.56, 1.01±0.47, 0.80±0.39 and 0.51±0.31 after FS-LASIK at 1 week. In both groups, the Q-value was significantly different before and after surgery(P< 0.05); there were interaction effects between the operation method and time; the difference between the two groups at 6-mm and 7-mm diameters was statistically significant(P<0.05). The variation of the Q-value before and after operation(ΔQ)showed significant difference(P6mm=0.004, P7mm=0.014)between the two groups at 6-mm and 7-mm diameters. The cap diameter of the SMILE group was smaller than that of the FS-LASIK group, but the cutting depth was larger. There was no correlation between ΔQ and the cap/disc diameter. It showed a linear relationship(P<0.05)between ΔQ and the central cutting depth at all examined diameters in the two groups, and the relation degree in the FS-LASIK group was superior to the SMILE group.

CONCLUSIONS

Both SMILE and FS-LASIK operations can change the negative Q-value of the anterior corneal surface to the positive. The impact of SMILE on the asphericity is smaller than that of FS-LASIK. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2016, 52: 681-685).

Investigations of high order plasmonic resonance features of the nano hyper ring

A novel silver hyper ring and its complex nanostructures are designed and its plasmonic properties are investigated numerically. It is found that these hyper ring structures have relative stable optical features. The absorption cross section of the structure changes slightly when the direction and polarization of incident light is adjusting. For the complex structure, the position of each resonance peak does not present obvious change when the relative position of the inner hyper ring and outside larger ring changes. The result of the investigation has great significance for the production of practical nanostructures and the improvement of possible applications.

[An analysis of changes in posterior corneal elevation and relevant factors after small incision lenticule extraction]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate changes in posterior corneal elevation after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and related factors.

METHODS

Retrospective case series study. Eighty-three eyes of 44 myopic patients undergoing SMILE were examined with the Pentacam preoperatively, and at 1 day, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Posterior corneal elevation at the corneal apex and 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270° and 325° points of the 2 mm and 6 mm diameter (total, 17 points) was analyzed.

RESULTS

The changes in posterior corneal elevation at 1 day, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months were(-1.72±2.59), (-0.98±2.37), (-0.45±1.81) and (-0.25±2.20) μm, respectively, at the corneal apex. The results were statistically significant (t=6.07, 3.75, 6.07; P<0.05), except 6 months. The changes in posterior corneal elevation were (-1.42±2.06),(-0.69±1.86), (-0.30±1.50) and(-0.22±1.58) μm, respectively, in the 2 mm circle. The results of 1 day and 1 month were statistically significant (t=6.28, 6.28, P<0.05). The changes in posterior corneal elevation were (1.48±1.47),(0.98±1.32),(0.90±1.31) and (0.90±1.16) μm, respectively, in the 6 mm circle .The results were totally statistically significant (t=6.28, 6.28, P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences between 1 month and 1 day postoperatively in the corneal apex, 2 mm and 6 mm circles. The changes were (0.75±2.55),(0.73±1.97) and(-0.50±1.60) μm. There were statistically significant differences between 3 months and 1 month postoperatively in the corneal apex and 2 mm circle. The changes were (0.53±2.22) and (0.39±1.80) μm. No significant change was found in the 6 mm circle. Between postoperative 6 months and 3 months, there were no statistically significant differences. The spherical equivalent, intraocular pressure, ablation depth, residual bed thickness, corneal hysteresis, and corneal resistance factor had no obvious correlation with the changes in posterior corneal elevation.

CONCLUSIONS

After SMILE, the surrounding cornea was slightly forward, while the central posterior cornea was slightly backwards, and returned gradually. The spherical equivalent, intraocular pressure, ablation depth, residual bed thickness, corneal hysteresis, and corneal resistance factor had no obvious correlation with the changes in posterior corneal elevation. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2016, 52: 494-498).

Restoration of erectile function with intracavernous injections of endothelial progenitor cells after bilateral cavernous nerve injury in rats

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are bone marrow-derived endothelial cells capable of circulating, proliferating, and differentiating into mature endothelial cells. Circulating EPCs can be directly recruited to some extent at sites of injury, and their administration could accelerate repair or endothelialization of the damaged tissue. We investigated the effects of intracavernous injections of EPCs into the corpora cavernosa of rats with erectile dysfunction (ED) caused by bilateral cavernous nerve (CN) injury. Overall, 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: sham surgery, vehicle-only, or EPC treatment. Rats in the EPC treatment and vehicle-only groups were subjected to bilateral CN injury before injection of EPCs or vehicle, respectively, into the corpora cavernosa. Four weeks after surgery, erectile function was assessed by measuring maximum intracavernosal pressure (ICP), change in ICP, area under the ICP curve, and ratio of change in ICP and mean arterial pressure (MAP; ΔICP/MAP). Penile tissue was histomorphometrically analyzed for the expression of neural nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), neurofilament-1 (NF-1), von Willebrand factor (vWF), endothelial NOS (eNOS), and smooth muscle cell content. Maximum ICP and all other functional parameters of erectile function were significantly reduced in the vehicle-only group vs. the sham and EPC treatment groups (all p < 0.001). Smooth muscle cell content was decreased in the vehicle-only vs. the sham and EPC treatment groups (both p < 0.01). Expressions of vWF and eNOS in the dorsal artery were significantly higher in the EPC treatment than the vehicle-only group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, EPC treatment restored erectile function in a rat model of bilateral CN injury through recruitment of EPCs toward the dorsal artery and preservation of smooth muscle cells in the corpus cavernosum. These findings elucidate the therapeutic potential of EPCs for treating ED in humans.

[Determination of perfluorosulfonate and perfluorocarboxylate precursors in eggs by ultra-highperformance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry]

OBJECTIVE

To develop a method for the determination of 11 perfluorosulfonate and perfluorocarboxylate precursors in eggs using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem quadruple mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS).

METHODS

The target compounds of egg were extracted with 100 mmol/L NaOH-acetonitrile /water(90∶10, V/V) by ultrasonic. Then the extract was purified by solid phase extraction (Waters Oasis(@) WAX 6cc) and then eluted with 9% NH4OH in methanol. The target compounds were separated on a Waters ACQUITY(TM) BEH (18)C column (50 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) and detected by negative electrospray ionization (ESI(-)) mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring mode (MRM). All compounds were quantified with internal standards. The accuracy, precision and the limits of detection and quantification of the method were evaluated. Then we detected 7 different egg samples from the market.

RESULTS

The average recoveries for the eleven precursors at 3 levels were 74.09%-116.82% and the relative standard deviations were 2.37%-13.62%. The limits of detection (LOD) of the method were in the range of 0.06-1.50 pg/g (wet weight) and the limits of quantification (LOQ) were in the range of 0.15-3.00 pg/g (wet weight). And 5 target compounds were detected in the 7 market samples. 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) was detected in all of samples with the concentrations of 1.67-3.11 pg/g. 6:2 fluorotelomer unsaturated acid (FHUEA) and 6:2 disubstituted polyfluoroalkyl phosphate ester (6:2 diPAP) were detected in 6 samples and the concentrations were<LOD-5.11 pg/g and 3.78-9.16 pg/g, respectively. And the concentrations of 8:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (8:2 FTS) and N-methyl perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetic acid (N-Me FOSAA) founded in the same sample were 105.78, and 4.95 pg/g, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This method was simple, rapid, and suitable for determination of perfluorosulfonate and perfluorocarboxylate precursors in eggs with high accuracy and sensitivity. It could also be applied to human burden studies of these precursors.

[Adverse effects of low dose exposures to cadmium below renal damage level should be emphasized for human health effect studies]

Currently, the pollution of heavy metal, including lead, cadmium (Cd) and mercury, was one of the major environmental problems in China. Cd could cause adverse effects on kidney, bone, lung and reproductive system. Most of the past researches focused on renal damage effect, and some evidences suggestedadverse effects on bone, tumor, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and mineral elements, etc, which was occurred at low dose exposures to Cd below renal damage level. An important content of human health effect Studies on exposures to Cd is to follow up the development and consequences of adverse effects after long-term exposure to environmental Cd and then reduction or cessation of its exposure among this population. In this paper, the progress and development trend of long-term environmental exposure to Cd and its health damage effect were reviewed.

Metal-free C(sp(3))-H functionalization: oxidative carbo-oxygenation of α-diazo carbonyls via radical dediazotization

A novel three-component carbo-oxygenation of α-diazo carbonyls for flexible synthesis of unprecedented α-aminooxy-β-amino ketones has been established through metal-free C(sp(3))-H functionalization from readily accessible N,N-dimethylanilines and N-hydroxyphthalimide. The reaction pathway involves an in situ-generated phthalimide N-oxyl radical-triggered dediazotization/radical coupling sequence, leading to C-O and C-C bond formation.

Dual rhodium/copper catalysis: synthesis of benzo[b]fluorenes and 2-naphthalenylmethanones via de-diazotized cycloadditions

A novel synergistic rhodium/copper catalysis has been established, enabling de-diazotized cycloadditions toward the selective formation of benzo[b]fluorenes and 2-naphthalenylmethanones.

Sulfonyl radical-enabled 6-endo-trig cyclization for regiospecific synthesis of unsymmetrical diaryl sulfones

A new sulfonyl radical-triggered 6-endo-trig cyclization of unactivated 1,5-enynes under catalytic oxidation conditions for flexible synthesis of unprecedented unsymmetrical diaryl sulfones was established.

Synthesis of 3-Iminoindol-2-amines and Cyclic Enaminones via Palladium-Catalyzed Isocyanide Insertion-Cyclization

A palladium-catalyzed isocyanide insertion-cyclization using low-cost and readily accessible 2-haloanilines, 2-iodophenylethanones, and isocyanides for efficient synthesis of 3-iminoindol-2-amine and cyclic enaminone derivatives has been developed. The method features low-cost and readily accessible starting materials, reliable scalability, and bond-forming efficiency as well as simple one-pot operation, which makes this strategy highly attractive. A reasonable mechanism for forming 3-iminoindol-2-amine involved double isocyanide insertion/cyclization process is proposed.