Cast versus Kirschner wire fixation in type II paediatric phalangeal neck fractures.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of type II pediatric phalangeal neck fractures (PPNFs) treated with closed reduction and cast immobilization (CRCI) versus closed reduction percutaneous pinning (CRPP), and evaluated the clinical efficacy of conservative versus surgical treatment of type II PPNFs via meta-analysis. METHODS: Patients aged ≤ 14 years with type II PPNFs were divided into conservative (CRCI) and operative (CRPP) groups. Radiographs measured angulation and translation; hand function was assessed with total active range of motion (TAM) and Quick-DASH. Complication rates were also compared between the groups. A meta-analysis of conservative versus operative treatment confirmed the clinical results. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 and R studio 3.0 with two-tailed, chi-squared, and Mann-Whitney U or t-tests, P < 0.05. Meta-analysis used fixed or random effects models, calculating mean differences and odds ratios for outcomes, and assessing heterogeneity with I2 and Q tests. RESULTS: Final angulation (3.4° ± 3.7° and 4.9° ± 5.4° vs. 3.6° ± 3.7° and 4.2° ± 4.3°) and displacement (6.3% ± 5.8% and 5.7% ± 4.7% vs. 5.8% ± 5.5% and 3.2% ± 4.2%) in the coronal and sagittal planes were not different statistically between the conservative and surgical groups (P > 0.05), but improved significantly compared to preoperative values (P < 0.05). Although Quick-DASH scores were comparable in both groups (P = 0.105), conservatively treated patients had a significantly better TAM at the last follow-up visit (P = 0.005). The complication rates were 24.2% and 41.7% in the surgical and conservatively treated groups respectively (P = 0.162). However, the latter primarily experienced imaging-related complications, whereas the former experienced functional complications (P = 0.046). Our meta-analysis (n = 181 patients) also showed comparable functional (P = 0.49) and radiographic (P = 0.59) outcomes and complication rates (P = 0.21) between the surgical (94 patients) and conservative (87 patients) groups. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative and surgical treatments are both reliable and safe approaches for managing type II PPNF in children. However, conservatively treated patients generally experience similar radiographic outcomes, lower complication rates, and better functional outcomes than surgically treated ones.

[Research Progress on the Mechanism of PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Multiple Myeloma --Review].

PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is of great significance in the development and prognosis of tumors, and is closely related to the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM). PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway can participate in the regulation of MM through multichannel and multitarget, such as regulating the tumor microenvironment of MM cells survival, affecting tumor development and migration, regulating the proliferation, apoptosis and autophagy of MM cells. It have shown that after the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is inhibited, the apoptosis and autophagy of MM cells are activated, which promote the death of MM cells and inhibit the metastasis and recurrence of MM cells. Therefore, indepth study of the mechanism of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in MM is helpful to elucidate the pathogenesis and prognosis of MM.

[Research Progress on Effect of Bone Marrow Microenvironment Regulated by IL-6/IL-6R/JAK2/STAT3 Pathway on Biological Behavior of Multiple Myeloma--Review].

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant disease with abnormal proliferation of clonal plasma cells. The development of the disease shows a vast heterogeneity, which is closely related to the interaction between MM cells and bone marrow microenvironment (BMM). The interleukin-6 (IL-6)/interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R)/Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway can regulate the transcription of related soluble factors in BMM, promote the proliferation, anti-apoptosis, drug resistance and guide related bone destruction of MM cells. This article reviews the research progress on the effect of BMM regulated by IL-6/IL-6R/JAK2/STAT3 pathway on the biological behavior of MM, in order to provide new research ideas for targeted therapy and precise therapy of MM.

Epidemiological characteristics and distribution of pediatric supracondylar fractures in South China: a retrospective analysis of 760 cases.

To evaluate demographic characteristics and distribution of pediatric supracondylar fractures (SCFs) at a tertiary hospital in South China. A retrospective observational study was conducted on children aged 15 years or younger with a diagnosis of SCFs during the period from January 2016 to December 2018. Patients' medical records and radiographs were retrospectively analyzed for age at the time of injury, sex, site and mechanism of traumatic injury. A total of 760 patients with 761 SCFs were reviewed (453 males, 59.6%, and 307 females, 40.4%). There were 748 extension-type fractures (98.3%) and 13 flexion-type fractures (1.7%). Associated injuries were identified in 30/760 (3.9%) patients: associated fracture ( n  = 15; 2%), nerve injury ( n  = 12; 1.6%), open fracture ( n  = 2; 0.2%) and compartment syndrome ( n  = 1; 0.1%). Age at the time of fracture has a bimodal pattern with a first peak around the age of 1 year and a second peak around the age of 4-5 years. The fractures occurred mostly around 11 a.m. and between 4 and 9 p.m. in the evening. Most fractures occurred at home (50.7%), and falling down (62.2%) was the most frequent mechanism of injury. SCFs occurred most frequently in children aged 1 and 4-5 years, and during daylight hours. In about 96% of cases, these were isolated injuries, and falling down was found to be the most frequent traumatic mechanism. Based on our findings, targeted educational efforts and interventions can be set up in order to prevent the occurrence of SCFs in South China. Level of evidence: III.

Phytotoxic and Antimicrobial Terrein Derivatives and Butenolides Isolated from the Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus terreus HT5.

Two new terrein derivatives, aspergilethers A and B (1 and 2), two known analogues (3 and 4), and three known butenolides (5-7) were isolated from the endophyte Aspergillus terreus HT5. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis and ECD and NMR calculations. Interestingly, 1 and 2 had unpresented medium aliphatic side chains in terrein derivatives, with different absolute configurations at C-7, which was very scarce. (+)-Terrein (3) exhibited potent postemergence phytotoxicity toward Amaranthaceae, Portulacaceae, and Fabaceae, with MIC values of 250-1000 µg/mL. Transcriptome analysis and qRT-PCR suggested that (+)-terrein induced the transcriptional expression of aging-related genes to accelerate organ senescence and stimulated plant detoxification response. The conjugated system between keto carbonyl and double bonds in the cyclopentenone ring and side chain, and the configurations of C-2 and C-3, played critical roles in the phytotoxicity of terrein derivatives. Meanwhile, 3 was first reported to display moderate antioomycetes activity toward Phytophthora nicotiana.

Metabolomic and regular analysis reveal phytotoxic mechanisms of sterigmatocystin in Amaranthus retroflexus L.

Sterigmatocystin (STE) is a common hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic contaminant in cereals, however, its phytotoxicity and mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, the phytotoxic mechanisms of STE were investigated via the metabolomics of Amaranthus retroflexus L. A total of 140 and 113 differential metabolites were detected in the leaves and stems, respectively, among which amino acids, lipids, and phenolic compounds were significantly perturbed. Valine, leucine, isoleucine, and lysine biosynthesis were affected by STE. These metabolic responses revealed that STE might be toxic to plants by altering the plasma membrane and inducing oxidative damage, which was verified by measuring the relative electrical conductivity and quantification of reactive oxygen species. The elevated amino acids, as well as the decreased of D-sedoheptuiose-7-phosphate indicated increased proteolysis and carbohydrate metabolism restriction. Furthermore, the IAA level also decreased. This study provides a better understanding of the impacts of STE on the public health, environment and food security.

2E,4E-Decadienoic Acid, a Novel Anti-Oomycete Agent from Coculture of Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma asperellum.

Phytophthora nicotianae is an oomycete pathogen of global significance threatening many important crops. It is mainly controlled by chemosynthetic fungicides, which endangers ecosystem and human health; thus, there is an urgent need to explore alternatives for these fungicides. In this study, a new anti-oomycete aliphatic compound, 2E,4E-decadienoic acid (DDA), was obtained through coculture of Bacillus subtilis Tpb55 and Trichoderma asperellum HG1. Both in vitro and in vivo tests showed that DDA had a strong inhibitory effect against P. nicotianae. In addition, rhizosphere microbiome analysis showed that DDA reduced the relative abundance of Oomycota in rhizosphere soil. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis revealed that treatment of P. nicotianae with DDA resulted in significant downregulation of antioxidant activity and energy metabolism, including antioxidant enzymes and ATP generation, and upregulation of membrane-destabilizing activity, such as phospholipid synthesis and degradation. The metabolomic analysis results implied that the pathways influenced by DDA were mainly related to carbohydrate metabolism, energy metabolism, and the cell membrane. The biophysical tests further indicated that DDA produced oxidative stress on P. nicotianae, inhibited antioxidant enzyme and ATPase activity, and increased cell membrane permeability. Overall, DDA exerts inhibitory activity by acting on multiple targets in P. nicotianae, especially on the cell membrane and mitochondria, and can therefore serve as a novel environment-friendly agent for controlling crop oomycete disease. IMPORTANCE P. nicotianae is an oomycete pathogen that is destructive to crops. Although some oomycete inhibitors have been used during crop production, most are harmful to the ecology and lead to pathogen resistance. Alternatively, medium-chain fatty acids have been reported to exhibit antimicrobial activity in the medical field in previous studies; however, their potential as biocontrol agents has rarely been evaluated. Our in vivo and in vitro analyses revealed that the medium-chain fatty acid 2E,4E-decadienoic acid (DDA) displayed specific inhibitory activity against oomycetes. Further analysis indicated that DDA may acted on multiple targets in P. nicotianae, especially on the cell membrane and mitochondria. Our findings highlight the potential of DDA in controlling oomycete diseases. In conclusion, these results provide insights regarding the future use of green and environment-friendly anti-oomycete natural products for the prevention and control of crop oomycete diseases.

Phytotoxic Azaphilones From the Mangrove-Derived Fungus Penicillium sclerotiorum HY5.

Mangrove is a unique marine ecosystem growing in the intertidal zone of tropical and subtropical coast, with the characteristics of hypoxia tolerance, high salinity, and high humidity. In order to discover novel leading compounds with potent phytotoxicity, seven pairs of azaphilones E/Z isomers, isochromophilone H (1a/1b), sclerotiorins A and B (2a/2b and 3a/3b), ochlephilone (4a/4b), isochromophilone IV (5a/5b), isochromophilone J (6a/6b), and isochromophilone I (7a/7b), were isolated from the culture broth of the mangrove-derived fungus, the Penicillium sclerotiorum HY5, by various chromatographic methods. Among them, 1a, 1b, 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a, 6a, and 6b were new compounds. Their chemical structures and absolute configurations were elucidated based on high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (HRESIMS), 1D/2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analysis, and comparisons of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. Compounds 3, 4, and 7 exhibited potent phytotoxicity against the growth of radicle and plumule on Amaranthus retroflexus L., with EC50 values ranging from 234.87 to 320.84 µM, compared to the positive control glufosinate-ammonium, with EC50 values of 555.11 µM for radicle, and 656.04 µM for plumule. Compounds 4 and 7 also showed inhibitory effects on the growth of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medikus), with EC50 values ranging from 768.97 to 1,201.52 µM. This study provides new leading compounds for the research and development of marine-derived bioherbicides.

Decalintetracids A and B, two pairs of unusual 3-decalinoyltetramic acid derivatives with phytotoxicity from Fusarium equiseti D39.

The filamentous fungi Fusarium sp. are well-known for their ability to produce abundant specialised metabolites with attractive chemical structures and bioactivities. In this study, chemical analyses of the endophyte F. equiseti D39 led to the isolation and identification of two pairs of undescribed 3-decalinoyltetramic acids (3DTAs) E/Z diastereomers, decalintetracids A and B. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis and quantum-chemical calculations. Although 3DTAs were commonly reported from fungi, decalintetracid A possessed an unprecedented tricyclo [7.2.1.02,7] dodecane skeleton, which added the diversity of these fungal metabolites. In addition, decalintetracid B was featured by a unique 6/6/5 ring system core. A plausible biosynthetic pathway for decalintetracids A and B was proposed. Both compounds exhibited phytotoxicity toward Amaranthus retroflexus L. and Amaranthus hybrid, indicating their potential as natural herbicides.

Bacterial community in saline farmland soil on the Tibetan plateau: responding to salinization while resisting extreme environments.

BACKGROUND: Salinization damages the health of soil systems and reduces crop yields. Responses of microbial communities to salinized soils and their functional maintenance under high salt stress are valuable scientific problems. Meanwhile, the microbial community of the salinized soil in the plateau environment is less understood. Here, we applied metagenomics technology to reveal the structure and function of microorganisms in salinized soil of the Tibetan Plateau. RESULTS: The diversity of composition and function of microbial community in saline soil have changed significantly. The abundances of chemoautotrophic and acidophilic bacteria comprising Rhodanobacter, Acidobacterium, Candidatus Nitrosotalea, and Candidatus Koribacter were significantly higher in saline soil. The potential degradation of organic carbon in the saline soil, as well as the production of NO and N2O via denitrification, and the production of sulfate by sulfur oxidation were significantly higher than the non-saline soil. Both types of soils were rich in genes encoding resistance to environmental stresses (i.e., cold, ultraviolet light, and hypoxia in Tibetan Plateau). The resistance of the soil microbial communities to the saline environment is based on the absorption of K+ as the main mechanism, with cross-protection proteins and absorption buffer molecules as auxiliary mechanisms in our study area. Network analysis showed that functional group comprising chemoautotrophic and acidophilic bacteria had significant positive correlations with electrical conductivity and total sulfur, and significant negative correlations with the total organic carbon, pH, and available nitrogen. The soil moisture, pH, and electrical conductivity are likely to affect the bacterial carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the specific environment of the Tibetan Plateau and salinization jointly shape the structure and function of the soil bacterial community, and that the bacterial communities respond to complex and harsh living conditions. In addition, environmental feedback probably exacerbates greenhouse gas emissions and accelerates the reduction in the soil pH. This study will provide insights into the microbial responses to soil salinization and the potential ecological risks in the special plateau environment.

Herbicidal and Antifungal Xanthone Derivatives from the Alga-Derived Fungus Aspergillus versicolor D5.

Fungi have been proved as promising and prolific sources of functional secondary metabolites with potent agricultural applications. In this study, 14 xanthone derivatives (1-14), including six new ones, versicones I-N (1-4, 7, 11), and a biogenetically related derivative (15), were isolated from the alga-derived fungus Aspergillus versicolor D5. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic methods. Versicone L (4) exhibited a broad antifungal spectrum and prominent inhibitory effects on Botrytis cinerea at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 152 µM, 7-fold stronger than that of the positive control, carbendazim (MIC = 1.05 × 103 µM). Dihydrosterigmatocystin (13) showed strong antifungal activity toward B. cinerea at MIC = 38.3 µM, almost 30-fold stronger than that of carbendazim. Meanwhile, 13 exhibited potent herbicidal activity toward Amaranthus retroflexus L. with an MIC of 24.5 µM, approximately 4-fold stronger than that of the positive control, glyphosate (MIC = 94.7 µM). Additionally, 13 also displayed remarkable activity against other weeds belonging to Amaranth sp. Analysis of the structure-herbicidal activity relationship indicated that the bifuranic ring played an important role in xanthone phytotoxicity and the presence of a double bond in the furan ring could decrease phytotoxicity. This study indicated that xanthones can be served as promising candidates for lead compounds of agrochemicals.

Antifungal Nafuredin and Epithiodiketopiperazine Derivatives From the Mangrove-Derived Fungus Trichoderma harzianum D13.

A new polyketide derivative, nafuredin C (1), a novel heterocyclic dipeptide, trichodermamide G (3), together with four known biogenetically related compounds nafuredin A (2), trichodermamide A (4), aspergillazin A (5), and peniisocoumarin H (6), were isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Trichoderma harzianum D13. Their structures, including their absolute configurations, were determined by spectroscopic analysis and time-dependent density functional theory-electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Trichodermamide G was found to be a novel epithiodiketopiperazine derivative with an unprecedented cyclic system containing a sulfur bridge, and nafuredin C represented the third nafuredin derivative of these homologous compounds. The new compound nafuredin C exhibited obvious antifungal activity against Magnaporthe oryzae with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 8.63 µM, which is on the same order of magnitude as the positive control carbendazim (MIC = 3.27 µM).

Variation in Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Flos Chrysanthemi indici Essential Oil under Different Extraction Methods.

Flos Chrysanthemi indici, an important medicinal and aromatic plant in China, is considered to have many different preservative and pharmacological properties. Considering the capability of essential oils (EOs), the present study is conducted to compare different extraction methods in order to improve yield and biological activities. Hydro-distillation (HD), steam-distillation (SD), solvent-free microwave extraction (SFME), and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) are employed to prepare EOs from Flos Chrysanthemi indici. A total of 71 compounds are assigned by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in comparison with retention indices. These include 32 (HD), 16 (SD), 31 (SFME) and 38 (SFE) compounds. Major constituents of EOs differ according to the extraction methods were heptenol, tricosane, camphor, borneol, and eucalyptol. EOs extracted by SFME exhibit higher antioxidant activity. All EOs show varying degrees of antimicrobial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 0.0625 to 0.125 mg/mL and SFME and SFE prove to be efficient extraction methods. EOs alter the hyphal morphology of Alternaria alternata, with visible bumps forming on the mycelium. Overall, these results indicate that the extraction method can significantly influence the composition and biological activity of EOs and SFME and SFE are outstanding methods to extract EOs with high yield and antimicrobial activity.

Whole transcriptome analysis and gene deletion to understand the chloramphenicol resistance mechanism and develop a screening method for homologous recombination in Myxococcus xanthus.

BACKGROUND: Myxococcus xanthus DK1622 is a model system for studying multicellular development, predation, cellular differentiation, and evolution. Furthermore, it is a rich source of novel secondary metabolites and is widely used as heterologous expression host of exogenous biosynthetic gene clusters. For decades, genetic modification of M. xanthus DK1622 has mainly relied on kanamycin and tetracycline selection systems. RESULTS: Here, we introduce an alternative selection system based on chloramphenicol (Cm) to broaden the spectrum of available molecular tools. A chloramphenicol-resistant growth phase and a chloramphenicol-susceptible growth phase before and after chloramphenicol-induction were prepared, and later sequenced to identify specific genes related to chloramphenicol-repercussion and drug-resistance. A total of 481 differentially expressed genes were revealed in chloramphenicol-resistant Cm5_36h and 1920 differentially expressed genes in chloramphenicol-dormant Cm_8h. Moreover, the gene expression profile in the chloramphenicol-dormant strain Cm_8h was quite different from that of Cm5_36 which had completely adapted to Cm, and 1513 differentially expression genes were identified between these two phenotypes. Besides upregulated acetyltransferases, several transporter encoding genes, including ABC transporters, major facilitator superfamily transporters (MFS), resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) super family transporters and multidrug and toxic compound extrusion family transporters (MATE) were found to be involved in Cm resistance. After the knockout of the most highly upregulated MXAN_2566 MFS family gene, mutant strain DK-2566 was proved to be sensitive to Cm by measuring the growth curve in the Cm-added condition. A plasmid with a Cm resistance marker was constructed and integrated into chromosomes via homologous recombination and Cm screening. The integration efficiency was about 20% at different concentrations of Cm. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a new antibiotic-based selection system, and will help to understand antibiotic resistance mechanisms in M. xanthus DK1622.

Traction does not decrease failure of reduction and femoral head avascular necrosis in patients aged 6-24 months with developmental dysplasia of the hip treated by closed reduction: a review of 385 patients and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of preliminary traction on the rate of failure of reduction and the incidence of femoral head avascular necrosis (AVN) in patients with late-detected developmental dysplasia of the hip treated by closed reduction. A total of 385 patients (440 hips) treated by closed reduction satisfied the inclusion criteria. Patients were divided in two groups according to treatment modality: a traction group (276 patients) and a no-traction group (109 patients). Tönnis grade, rate of failure reduction, AVN rate, acetabular index, center-edge angle of Wiberg, and Severin's radiographic grade were assessed on plain radiographs, and the results were compared between the two groups of patients. In addition, a meta-analysis was performed based on the existing comparative studies to further evaluate the effect of traction on the incidence of AVN. Tönnis grade in the traction group was significantly higher than in the no-traction group (P = 0.021). The overall rate of failure reduction was 8.2%; no significant difference was found between the traction (9.2%) and no-traction groups (5.6%) (P = 0.203). The rates of failure reduction were similar in all Tönnis grades, regardless of treatment modality (P > 0.05). The rate of AVN in the traction group (14%) was similar to that of the no-traction group (14.5%; P = 0.881). Moreover, the rates of AVN were similar in all Tönnis grades, regardless of treatment modality (P > 0.05). The meta-analysis did not identify any significant difference in the AVN rate whether preliminary traction was used or not (odds ratio = 0.76, P = 0.32). At the last follow-up visit, the two groups of patients had comparable acetabular indices, center-edge angles, and Severin's radiographic grades (P > 0.05). In conclusion, preliminary traction does not decrease the failure of reduction and the incidence of AVN in developmental dysplasia of the hip treated by closed reduction between 6 and 24 months of age.

Genome Editing in Model Strain Myxococcus xanthus DK1622 by a Site-Specific Cre/loxP Recombination System.

Myxococcus xanthus DK1622 is a rich source of novel secondary metabolites, and it is often used as an expression host of exogenous biosynthetic gene clusters. However, the frequency of obtaining large genome-deletion variants by using traditional strategies is low, and progenies generated by homologous recombination contain irregular deletions. The present study aims to develop an efficient genome-engineering system for this bacterium based on the Cre/loxP system. We first verified the functionality of the native cre system that was integrated into the chromosome with an inducible promoter PcuoA. Then we assayed the deletion frequency of 8-bp-spacer-sequence mutants in loxP by Cre recombinase which was expressed by suicide vector pBJ113 or self-replicative vector pZJY41. It was found that higher guanine content in a spacer sequence had higher deletion frequency, and the self-replicative vector was more suitable for the Cre/loxP system, probably due to the leaky expression of inducible promoter PcuoA. We also inspected the effects of different antibiotics and the native or synthetic cre gene. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of new genome joints confirmed that the Cre/loxP system was able to delete a 466 kb fragment in M. xanthus. This Cre/loxP-mediated recombination could serve as an alternative genetic manipulation method.

Anti-Phytopathogenic and Cytotoxic Activities of Crude Extracts and Secondary Metabolites of Marine-Derived Fungi.

Thirty-one isolates belonging to eight genera in seven orders were identified from 141 strains that were isolated from several marine plants. Alternaria sp. and Fusarium sp. were found to be the predominant fungi. Evaluation of the anti-phytopathogenic bacterial and fungal activities, as well as the cytotoxicity of these 31 extracts, revealed that most of them displayed different levels of bioactivities. Due to their interesting bioactivities, two fungal strains-Fusarium equiseti (P18) and Alternaria sp. (P8)-were selected for chemical investigation and compounds 1-4 were obtained. The structure of 1 was elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR analysis, as well as high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (HRESIMS), and the absolute configuration of its stereogenic carbon (C-11) was established by comparison of the experimental and calculated electronic circular-dichroism (ECD) spectra. Moreover, alterperylenol (4) exhibited antibacterial activity against Clavibacter michiganensis with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.95 µg/mL, which was 2-fold stronger than that of streptomycin sulfate. Additionally, an antibacterial mechanism study revealed that 4 caused membrane hyperpolarization without evidence of destruction of cell membrane integrity. Furthermore, stemphyperylenol (3) displayed potent antifungal activity against Pestallozzia theae and Alternaria brassicicola with MIC values equal to those of carbendazim. The cytotoxicity of 1 and 2 against human lung carcinoma (A-549), human cervical carcinoma (HeLa), and human hepatoma (HepG2) cell lines were also evaluated.

Phytotoxicity and anti-phytopathogenic activities of marine-derived fungi and their secondary metabolites.

To find new pesticides for agricultural use, 133 fungal strains were isolated from coastal marine habitats, from which 37 independent isolates were identified, belonging to 20 genera in nine orders, and the diversity of the isolated fungi were discussed. The phytotoxicity and anti-phytopathogenic fungal and bacterial activities of these 37 extracts, and two previously isolated fungal extracts were evaluated, displaying different levels of bioactivity. Based on the bioactive and chemical screening, an Alternaria sp. (P8) strain, which showed prominent bioactivity and contained abundant secondary metabolites was selected for further chemical investigation; one new compound, a benzopyranone (1), and seven known compounds (2-8) were obtained. Their structures were determined by analysing extensive NMR spectroscopic data and ECD comparisons. Compounds 1, 2, and 6-8 showed obvious phytotoxicity, especially against amaranth, and compound 1 also showed potent antifungal activity toward Alternaria brassicicola. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the phytotoxicity of marine-derived fungi and their secondary metabolites. These studies should provide the foundation for future research into the use of such fungal extracts to combat weeds and diseases in agriculture.

Systematic back muscle exercise after percutaneous vertebroplasty for spinal osteoporotic compression fracture patients: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical significance of postoperative back muscle exercises after percutaneous vertebroplasty for spinal osteoporotic compression fracture patients. DESIGN: Clinical randomized controlled trials of parallel group nonpharmacologic study. SETTING: Patients practised back muscle exercises in the spinal surgery department, rehabilitation department and at their residences. SUBJECTS: Osteoporotic compression fracture patients who had undergone percutaneous vertebroplasty and processed sufficient muscle strength to participate in the training were studied. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized into two groups, which were titled A and B. General postoperation therapy, including antiosteoporotic medications and education, was offered to all patients. Group B patients received additional systematic back muscle exercise. MAIN MEASURES: Both Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively at three-day, one-month, six-month, one-year and two-year follow-up. RESULTS: From January 2006 to January 2009, a total of 82 patients were assessed for eligibility, 60 patients were enrolled and randomized into two groups. Forty-two (70%) patients (20 of 30 in Group A and 22 of 30 in Group B) were successfully followed-up for two years. Systematic back muscle exercises resulted in a significant advantage in both measurements. The ODI of Group B was significantly better than Group A at the six-month, one-year and two-year follow-ups (P < 0.05). The pain level of Group B was significantly lower than in Group A at the one- and two-year follow-ups (P < 0.05). At the end of our study, the mean (SD) of the ODI in Groups A and B were 39.1 (9.14) and 23.4 (5.62); the mean (SD) of the VAS in Groups A and B were 3.4 (1.15) and 2.1 (0.84), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the benefit of the exercises required at least six months to be observed; however, the favourable effects could last for two years. Therefore, systematic back muscle exercise should be recommended as one of the treatment guidelines for postpercutaneous vertebroplasty patients.

Blocking TNF-α with infliximab alleviates ovariectomy induced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in rats.

Studies have proved an increased expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in estrogen deficiency animals, and TNF-α also plays a role in inflammation and neuropathic pain. This study aimed to explore the relationship between TNF-α and ovariectomy induced hyperalgesia. 36 female Sparague-Dawley were included, estrogen depletion models were established by ovariectomy. Then infliximab (a TNF-α blocker) was administrated to the ovariectomized rats for 8 weeks. Pain behavioral tests were performed once a week. The bone mineral density (BMD), serum estradiol and TNF-α level were determined at the 8th week after ovariectomy. The expression of TNF-α in lumbar 5 dorsal root ganglions (L5 DRGs) was examined by immunofluorescence method. Significant hyperalgesia to mechanical and thermal stimuli in groups Ovx-1 and Ovx-2 was observed 1 week after the operation. After treated with infliximab, the pain threshold of Ovx-2 was partially restored, although still lower than the Sham group. The serum TNF-α level of Ovx-1 was significantly higher than Sham and Ovx-2. TNF-α immunofluorescence indicated a significant increase in the expression of TNF-α at L5 DRGs in group Ovx-1 when compared with groups Sham and Ovx-2. The BMD of group Ovx-2 was significantly higher than group Ovx-1 and lower than group Sham. In conclusion, TNF-α plays an important role in estrogen deficiency induced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, and DRG may be one site on which TNF-α acts to cause hyperalgesia. Blocking the effect of TNF-α could partially alleviate the estrogen deficiency induced hyperalgesia in rats. Thus, TNF-α may contribute to chronic pain in postmenopausal women.