Transcription factor PagMYB31 positively regulates cambium activity and negatively regulates xylem development in poplar.

Wood formation involves consecutive developmental steps, including cell division of vascular cambium, xylem cell expansion, secondary cell wall (SCW) deposition, and programmed cell death. In this study, we identified PagMYB31 as a coordinator regulating these processes in Populus alba × Populus glandulosa and built a PagMYB31-mediated transcriptional regulatory network. PagMYB31 mutation caused fewer layers of cambial cells, larger fusiform initials, ray initials, vessels, fiber and ray cells, and enhanced xylem cell SCW thickening, showing that PagMYB31 positively regulates cambial cell proliferation and negatively regulates xylem cell expansion and SCW biosynthesis. PagMYB31 repressed xylem cell expansion and SCW thickening through directly inhibiting wall-modifying enzyme genes and the transcription factor genes that activate the whole SCW biosynthetic program, respectively. In cambium, PagMYB31 could promote cambial activity through TRACHEARY ELEMENT DIFFERENTIATION INHIBITORY FACTOR (TDIF)/PHLOEM INTERCALATED WITH XYLEM (PXY) signaling by directly regulating CLAVATA3/ESR-RELATED (CLE) genes, and it could also directly activate WUSCHEL HOMEOBOX RELATED4 (PagWOX4), forming a feedforward regulation. We also observed that PagMYB31 could either promote cell proliferation through the MYB31-MYB72-WOX4 module or inhibit cambial activity through the MYB31-MYB72-VASCULAR CAMBIUM-RELATED MADS2 (VCM2)/PIN-FORMED5 (PIN5) modules, suggesting its role in maintaining the homeostasis of vascular cambium. PagMYB31 could be a potential target to manipulate different developmental stages of wood formation.

Flurbiprofen axetil alleviates the effect of formalin-induced inflammatory pain on the cognitive function of rats with mild cognitive impairment through the AMPKα/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as a prestage of dementia shares the most risk factors with dementia. In the present study, we explored the effect of flurbiprofen axetil on reducing the response of the central nervous system to inflammatory factors and anti-inhibiting apoptosis with the aim of developing a formalin-induced inflammatory pain model using MCI rats. Methods: Rats were subjected to sham operation (Sham group) or formalin-induced inflammatory pain, with or without flurbiprofen axetil (10 mg/kg). MCI rats were administered D-galactose (1,000 mg/kg) for 7 days subcutaneously. Thereafter, formalin was injected subcutaneously into the hind paws of rats, while sham group was injected with only normal saline. In the formalin/flurbiprofen group (F/F group), flurbiprofen axetil was injected into the tail vein 15 min before formalin was given, and the formalin/saline group (F/S group) used normal saline instead of the drug for injection. The pain score was recorded, and the time-score curve was drawn. The escape latency time and the number of times crossing the platform were recorded. The expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), AMP-activated protein kinase-α (AMPKα), and nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) in hippocampal tissue was determined. Varying degrees of pathological changes in the hippocampal CA1 region were observed. Results: The II phase pain score of rats in the F/F group was lower than that of the F/S group rats (P<0.05). The evasion incubation period and the number of platform crossings increased in both the F/F group and the F/S group (P<0.05), and were more significant in the F/S group. The relative content of AMPKα increased sequentially in the 3 groups, and the difference between the two comparisons of each group was statistically significant (P<0.05). The relative content of IL-6, TNF-α and NF-κB in the F/S group was greater than that of the F/F group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Pathological morphological observations can be seen that the phenomena of nuclear consolidation, deep staining, and neuronal apoptosis occur, and the F/S group is more obvious. Conclusions: Flurbiprofen axetil can reduce the inflammatory response and cognitive function of an inflammatory pain model using MCI rats through the AMPKα/NF-κB signaling pathway.

The effects of dexmedetomidine on the cognitive function of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) rats.

Background: The study sought to investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on cognitive function after anesthesia and to examine its actual mechanism. Methods: A total of 48 rats were injected with d-galactose (D-gal) 1,000 mg·kg-1·d-1 and normal saline at the neck and back for 1 week to establish rats with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and conduct behavioral tests. Sevoflurane was inhaled and DEX was pumped into each group respectively. Morris water maze (MWM) test was conducted 24 hours later. The inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1, interleukin (IL)-6, and a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in brain homogenate were quantitatively measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on the next day. The apoptosis of hippocampal cells was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE staining). Results: In relation to the model establishment, we found that there was no significant difference in body weight and swimming speed before and after modeling. There was no statistically significant difference in the escape latency between Groups A, B, C, and D before modeling. After modeling, there was no statistical difference in the escape latency between Groups A, B, and C, but the difference was statistically significant when compared to Group D (P<0.05). In relation to the DEX intervention, we found that compared to Group C, MWM test performance in Groups A and B was considerably worse longer escape latencies and fewer platform crossings within 90 seconds), and were more significant in Group A. Compared with Group D, the levels of inflammatory cytokines of the brain homogenates were elevated, and this elevation was highest in Group A, followed by Group B; the pathological changes were consistent with changes in behavioral tests. In Group A, there were obvious disorders of glial cell arrangement, apoptosis and deletion. There was no significant change in Group D. And the changes of vertebral cells in Group B and Group C were slight, with orderly arrangement and intact cell structure. Conclusions: DEX inhibits the apoptosis of hippocampal cells and reduces the cognitive dysfunction of rats with MCI induced by D-gal via the inhibition of the release of inflammatory cytokines.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of the ultra-pulse CO2 fractional laser in the treatment of depressed acne scars.

BACKGROUND: Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs in the sebaceous glands of the hair follicles. Depressed acne scars, also known as depressed scars, remain after recovery. Clinical treatments of depressed scars include chemical peels, surgical treatments, radio frequency treatments, and laser treatments. Ultra-pulse carbon dioxide (CO2) fractional laser treatment has become the main method for treating depressed scars in recent years, but there are no systematic reports on the effectiveness and safety of this treatment. METHODS: English databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Ovid-Medline, were searched to retrieve relevant articles. The search period ran from the establishment of the databases to April 2021. The search terms included CO2 lattice laser, depressed acne scars, depressed scars, and effectiveness. RESULTS: A total of 6 articles comprising 467 patients with depressed acne scars were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that patients treated with ultra-pulsed CO2 fractionated laser scored higher in skin smoothness compared to other methods [standard mean difference (SMD) =0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.13-0.84; P=0.008], and significantly higher total skin lesion scores (SMD =0.35, 95% CI: -0.00 to 0.70; P=0.05). DISCUSSION: A total of 6 articles were included in this study on the clinical efficacy of the ultra-pulse CO2 fractional laser in the treatment of depressed acne scars. The study found that compared to other treatments, this laser had a better curative effect in terms of the effective rate and patient skin smoothness score.

The method and effect of rapid establishment of a mild cognitive impairment model.

BACKGROUND: To further the exploration of the pathogenesis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), we aimed to determine the appropriate dose for a rapidly established MCI rat model using D-galactose (D-gal), with lasting cognitive effects. METHODS: In Experiment 1, we evaluated various D-gal concentrations (100-2,000 mg/kg/day), and determined that, compared with saline injections of the same volume. In Experiment 2, we evaluated the duration of the effect of 1,000 mg/kg/day D-gal injections for 1 week, with MWM testing initiated at 1 day, 1 month, and 3 months after completion of the injection regime in three model groups, respectively. RESULTS: In Experiment 1, D-gal injections at a concentration of 1,000 mg/kg/day for 1 week was adequate to induce a significantly worse Morris water maze (MWM) test performance and pathomorphologic changes in the hippocampus, with MWM testing initiated 1 day after completion of the injection regime. In Experiment 2, Before modeling, the overall condition (fur, mental state, foraging behavior, and activity level), body weight, swimming speed, and swimming time did not significantly differ between the control (saline injections) and model groups (D-gal injections). After modeling, MWM test performance was considerably worse (longer escape latencies and fewer platform crossings within 90 seconds) in the model groups than in the control group, without significant differences among model groups. Furthermore, movement trajectories were similar among model groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that subcutaneous injections of D-gal 1,000 mg/kg/day for 1 week produce changes consistent with the characteristics and pathological processes of MCI. Thus, high-dose D-gal injection allows the rapid establishment of an MCI model that is effective and sustainable.

The protective effect of PK11195 on D-galactose-induced amnestic mild cognitive impairment in rats.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the preventive effect of translocator protein 18kDa (TSPO) ligand PK11195 on amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), as well as its influence on astrocytes, in order to identify effective ways to prevent aMCI. METHODS: Male SD rats were randomly divided into control group (n=10), aMCI group (n=10), PK11195 group (n=10), PK11195 + D-gal group (n=10). The preventive effect of PK11195 on aMCI in rats was evaluated. The cognitive function of rats in four different treatment groups was determined using the Morris water maze (MWM), as well as whole-brain pathology and immunofluorescence of rat brain tissue. RESULTS: The results of the MWM behavioral test showed that rats pre-treated with PK11195 had improved escape latency and a higher number of platform crossings compared with the aMCI model rats. PK11195 was also shown to prevent the D-galactose (D-gal)-induced senescence of pyramidal cells in the hippocampal CA1 region and to inhibit the apoptosis of astrocytes. At the same time, compared with the aMCI model rats, the TSPO in the brain tissue of rats pretreated with PK11195 had a lower distribution density. CONCLUSIONS: Our results prove that PK11195 can effectively prevent D-gal-induced decline of learning and memory function as well as inhibit abnormal changes of related cells.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy cognitive function in a rat model of mild cognitive impairment via ERK signaling.

BACKGROUND: The development of novel treatment strategies to reverse or impede cognitive dysfunction associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has gained attention in recent times. Meanwhile, hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) has been widely used as a neuroprotective therapy that can promote recovery of damaged neurons. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of HBO on cognitive function in rats with MCI and to clarify the associated mechanisms. METHODS: We established a D-galactose-induced MCI rat model and evaluated the role of extracellularregulated kinase (ERK) signaling in HBO therapy for cognitive function using a specific inhibitor, U0126. All Rats were randomly assigned to four groups with 12 rats per group: normal control group; D-gal model group (group MCI); D-gal + HBO group (group HBO); D-gal + HBO + U0126 group (group U0126). We evaluated cognitive function by Morris water maze and pathological changes by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining of hippocampal slices. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of caspase 3, while total ERK1/2 and phospho-ERK1/2 were assessed by Western blotting. RESULTS: Shorter escape latency was observed in the HBO group as compared to the MCI group, which was to some extent reversed by U0126. Similarly, the HBO group showed the highest number of platform crossings as compared to the MCI and U0126 groups. Pathological analysis also showed less apoptosis and better hippocampal cell morphology in the HBO group. Caspase 3 levels also differed significantly, with lowest expression in the HBO group as compared to the MCI and U0126 groups. The levels of total ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2 were more elevated in the HBO group as compared to the MCI group. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that HBO treatment has a protective effect on early cognitive dysfunction in rats with MCI. HBO therapy may act through ERK signaling, which inhibits apoptosis and protects cognitive function.

Improvement of Mechanical, Hydrophobicity and Thermal Properties of Chinese Fir Wood by Impregnation of Nano Silica Sol.

In this paper, a wood-SiO2 composite material was prepared via in-situ polymerization using vacuum/pressure impregnation technology using commercial scale nano silica sol and Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolate (Lamb.) Hook.). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and water contact angle were used to study the changes in the microstructure and physical and mechanical properties of this composite. The results showed that silica sol can penetrate and distribute into the wood cell cavities and surface of cell walls and hence combine with the substances of wood materials. FTIR results indicated that the -OH groups of wood can polycondense in-situ with silica sol to form Si-O-C covalent bonds, and amorphous SiO2 formed from Si-O-Si bonds between the -OH groups of silica sol did not change the crystalline structure of wood cell walls. This in-situ formulating composite significantly improved the compact microstructure, thermal and mechanical properties, and hydrophobicity of the composites.

3D Microscale Heat Transfer Model of the Thermal Properties of Wood-Metal Functional Composites Based on the Microstructure.

This study presents a model for simulating the microscopic heat transfer processes in a wood-metal composite material. The model was developed by analyzing the microstructure of experimental samples comprising a melted alloy impregnated in a wood matrix. According to the thermal parameters of the materials and the boundary conditions, an analytical model of microscale heat transfer was established using Abaqus finite element analysis software. The model was validated experimentally by comparing temperature curves obtained via simulation and experiments; the resulting correlation coefficient was 0.96557. We then analyzed the temperature distribution of the composite material with different cell geometries and heat transfer conditions (heat transfer direction and applied temperature). The thermal properties of the unit cell models were in good agreement with the general trends predicted by several heat transfer equations. This study provides a method for analyzing the microscale heat transfer process in wood-based composites. In addition, the model framework characteristics can be used to evaluate the heat transfer mechanism of impregnated modified wood.

Silencing KRT16 inhibits keratinocyte proliferation and VEGF secretion in psoriasis via inhibition of ERK signaling pathway.

Psoriasis is a multisystem disease affecting about 2% of the population, while keratin16 (KRT16) has been reported to participate in psoriasis. However, the specific mechanism of KRT16 in psoriasis was inadequately investigated. The objective of the study was to elucidate the mechanism by which siRNA-mediated silencing of KRT16 affects keratinocyte proliferation and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion in psoriasis through the extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. Psoriasis-related core gene KRT16 was screened out. Then, the expression of KRT16, VEGF, and ERK signaling pathway-related genes was detected in psoriatic patients. To further investigate the mechanism of KRT16, keratinocytes in psoriatic patients were treated with KRT16 siRNA or/and ERK inhibitor (PD98059) to detect the changes in related gene expression and cell survival. KRT16 was involved in psoriasis development. The expression levels of KRT16, p-ERK1/2, and VEGF in lesion tissues are significantly elevated. Keratinocytes treated with KRT16-siRNA and KRT16-siRNA + PD98059 exhibited reduced KRT16, p-ERK1/2, and VEGF expression. The cell survival rate in cells treated with KRT16-siRNA, PD98059, and KRT16-siRNA + PD98059 reduced significantly. These findings indicate that silencing KRT16 inhibits keratinocyte proliferation and VEGF secretion in psoriasis via inhibition of ERK signaling pathway, which provides a basic theory in the treatment of psoriasis.

Comparison of Remifentanil-Based Fast-Track and Fentanyl-Based Routine Cardiac Anesthesia for Intraoperative Device Closure of Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) in Pediatric Patients.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of remifentanil-based fast-track anesthesia for intraoperative device closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs). MATERIAL AND METHODS The clinical data of 152 pediatric patients who received intraoperative device closure of ASD in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group F (remifentanil-based fast-track anesthesia group, n=72) and group C (fentanyl-based routine anesthesia group, n=80). The relevant data from 2 groups were collected and analyzed. RESULTS No significant differences were found in the preoperative data or intraoperative hemodynamic index between these 2 groups. Group C was significantly inferior to group F regarding the duration of mechanical ventilation, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, length of hospital stay, and hospitalization expenses (P<0.05). In terms of postoperative complications, no death, third-degree atrioventricular block, occluder detachment, or residual leakage was reported in either group. The incidence of lung infections and bronchospasm was significantly higher in group C than in group F. There were no anesthetic-related complications. CONCLUSIONS The application of remifentanil-based fast-track anesthesia for intraoperative device closure of ASD is as effective and safe as fentanyl-based routine anesthesia. Moreover, remifentanil-based fast-track anesthesia has the advantages of shorter duration of mechanical ventilation, shorter length of hospital and ICU stay, fewer postoperative complications, and lower hospitalization expenses, and is therefore worthy of promotion in clinical practice.

Microstructure and Quantitative Micromechanical Analysis of Wood Cell-Emulsion Polymer Isocyanate and Urea-Formaldehyde Interphases.

Emulsion polymer isocyanate (EPI) and urea-formaldehyde (UF) were selected as typical resin systems to investigate the microstructure of wood-adhesive interphases by fluorescence microscopy (FM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Further, a quantitative micromechanical analysis of the interphases was conducted using nanoindentation. The FM results showed that the UF resin could penetrate the wood to a greater extent than the EPI resin, and that the average penetration depth for these two resin systems was higher in the case of latewood. CLSM allowed visualization of the resin distribution with contrasting colors, showing that the EPI resin could not penetrate the cell wall, whereas UF resin could enter the cell walls. The micromechanical properties of the cell walls were almost unaffected by EPI penetration but were significantly affected by UF penetration, especially in the first cell wall from the glueline. This further confirmed that only cell walls with resin penetration can improve the mechanical properties of the interphase regions.

Pretreatment thrombocytosis as a significant prognostic factor in malignant mesothelioma: a meta-analysis.

The current meta-analysis analyzed the prognostic impact of elevated platelet count before the treatment of malignant mesothelioma (MM). We performed a search for articles published up to April 15, 2016 in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science, which evaluated elevated platelet count and survival outcome of MM. STATA version 12 was used for statistical analysis. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were combined to calculate overall effects. The assessment of heterogeneity was tested by the Cochran Q and I2 statistics. The sensitivity and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore the origin of heterogeneity. We analyzed 18 eligible studies (3602 patients) that evaluated the correlation between pretreatment platelet count and overall survival (OS). Elevated platelet count was a prognostic factor of poor OS, with a pooled HR of 1.56 (95% CI = 1.36-1.77). However, significant heterogeneity was observed in the included studies (I2 = 86.0%, p < 0.001). Sensitivity and meta-regression analyses were performed to trace the origin of heterogeneity. Only the variable type (multivariable or univariate model) was traced as the origin of heterogeneity. Hence, we conducted a subgroup analysis of variable type. The HR was 1.66 (95% CI = 1.41-1.91) in the multivariable group and no significant heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.476). In conclusion, high pretreatment platelet count resulted in poor OS in MM. Therefore, platelet count could be an adequate and useful factor of prognosis for MM.

Pretreatment elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase as a significant prognostic factor in malignant mesothelioma: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as a hypoxia-regulator plays a vital role in alternative metabolic pathways of cancer cells. Numerous studies have assessed the prognostic value of elevated pretreatment LDH in malignant mesothelioma (MM). However, the results have been largely inconsistent. Hence, the aim of current study was to investigate the prognostic value of pretreatment LDH levels in patients with MM by performing a meta-analysis of relevant studies. METHODS: A literature search for English language studies, which investigated the association of LDH levels with overall survival (OS) in malignant mesothelioma, was performed in the electronic databases, PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran Q and I statistics. Sensitivity analysis, meta-regression model, and subgroup analysis were performed to trace the source of heterogeneity, if applicable. RESULTS: A total of 9 studies with a combined study population of 1977 patients came within the purview of this meta analysis. Pooled HR for OS in patients with high LDH level was 1.68 (95% CI = 1.36-2.00). Significant heterogeneity was observed in the included studies (I = 54.1%, P = 0.026). Sensitivity analysis after sequential exclusion of 1 study at a time, and meta-regression with inclusion of 6 confounding factors failed to identify the source of heterogeneity. However, in the subgroup analysis, it was found that the publication of Nojiri et al was the origin of heterogeneity. When omitted the publication of Nojiri et al, the pooled HR of the rest 8 studies was 1.83 (95% CI = 1.45-2.20, I = 0.0%, P = 0.723). Egger test and funnel plots excluded the possibility of publication bias affecting the results of the current meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: A negative association was observed between high LDH levels and poor overall survival in the current study. Our findings suggest that pretreatment LDH level could serve as a useful predictor of prognosis in patients with malignant mesothelioma.