[Analysis of fast-growing culturable bacteria and pathogenic bacteria in the surface water of the northeast coast of Hainan Island in China].

Objective: To obtain the diversity and abundance of fast-growing bacteria in the surface water of the northeast coast of Hainan Island in China, different cultivation methods were employed. This study also aims to provide a reference for isolating bacterial samples from seawater sources and preventing marine-derived pathogens. Methods: Based on the principles of taxonomic design, surface seawater samples were collected from six locations along the northeast coast of Hainan Island in China in March, June, October, and December 2021. Then, bacterial enrichment was performed based on traditional cultivation methods for Salmonella, Vibrio, Burkholderia pseudomallei, Actinomycetes, and general marine bacteria. After that, bacterial species identification was conducted by 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing and metagenomic sequencing. Results: A total of 1 151 fast-growing cultivable bacteria belonging to 66 genera and 213 species were identified using five different culture protocols. In different cultivation protocols, Bacillus and Klebsiella demonstrated extensive discriminatory advantages and ranked among the top genera in terms of abundance. Protocol 1 had Escherichia, Klebsiella, and Citrobacter as dominant genera. Pathogenic bacteria detected by protocol 1 included Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli, with 37 and 29 strains respectively, while Salmonella enterica was uniquely detected with seven isolates. Proteus, Enterococcus, and Providencia were the dominant genera in protocol 2, and Proteus mirabilis was the most abundant pathogenic bacteria detected with 66 isolates. Vibrio cholerae was uniquely detected with six isolates at a higher abundance. Klebsiella, Escherichia, and Acinetobacter were the dominant genera in protocol 3, and Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most abundant pathogenic bacteria detected with 53 isolates, while Acinetobacter nosocomialis was uniquely detected with seven isolates. Vibrio and Pseudoalteromonas were the dominant genera in protocol 4, and they showed advantages in isolating and cultivating Marine-derived Vibrio. Exiguobacterium, Staphylococcus, and Bacillus were the dominant genera in protocol 5. Bacillus cereus and Lactococcus lactis were the most abundant pathogenic bacteria detected with 20 and 15 isolates, respectively, while Lactococcus lactis was uniquely detected at higher abundance. Metagenomic sequencing showed that Klebsiella pneumoniae was significantly dominant with a gene abundance of 51.11%, followed by Alcanivorax sp. at 12.57%. Conclusion: The surface water of the northeast coast of Hainan Island in China exhibits a rich diversity of bacteria, with Klebsiella pneumoniae being highly abundant in the studied area. Different cultivation methods demonstrate distinct selective advantages in culturing bacterial genera and pathogens. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize cultivation conditions for specific marine bacteria.

[Identification of Stigma Specific Expression Fragment in the Promoter of a Soybean Chitinase Class I Gene].

The expression level of heterologous genes in transgenic plants serves as an important indicator of gene efficiency. The small number of currently known effective promoters, limits the possibilities in fine-tuning the expression of transgenes. We cloned and characterized a tissue-specific promoter fragment of the soybean chitinase class I gene (GmChi1). The GmChi1 promoter (GmChi1P) was cloned from Jungery soybean. The promoter sequence contains a number of putative cis-acting elements, including tissue-specific and stress-regulated motifs. By histochemical analysis, the GmChi1P-controlled ß-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter enzyme activity was shown to be highest in the roots of transgenic Nicotiana tabacum cv. NC89 at the four-leaf sprout formation stage. Interestingly, the high GUS activity in transgenic tobacco roots was effectively suppressed by salicylic acid (SA) treatment. Deletion analysis of GmChi1P revealed that the sequences located between positions -719 and -382 contain key cis-elements responsible for the reporter uidA gene expression (encoding GUS) in leaves, roots, and wounds of Nicotiana tabacum. In addition, fluorometric analysis showed that the activity of the shortened ChiP(-1292) to ChiP(-719) promoters in the roots of transgenic tobacco was significantly suppressed by abscisic acid and completely suppressed by SA. The ChiP(-382) promoter was also found to be expressed exclusively in the stigma of transgenic tobacco flowers. Using the GUS reporter enzyme, no staining was detected in other flower organs in transgenic Nicotiana tabacum, including sepals, petals, anthers, filaments, and ovaries, or in any vegetative tissues. The results indicate that the promoter fragment ChiP(-382) can be used in tissue-specific regulation of gene expression and plant genetic engineering.

[Effects of porcine acellular dermal matrix combined with human epidermal stem cells on wound healing of full-thickness skin defect in nude mice].

Objective: To explore the effects of porcine acellular dermal matrix (ADM) combined with human epidermal stem cells (ESCs) on wound healing of full-thickness skin defect in nude mice. Methods: The morphology of porcine ADM was analyzed by photograph of digital camera, the cell residues in porcine ADM were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, the surface structure of porcine ADM was observed by scanning electron microscope, the secondary structure of porcine ADM was analyzed by infrared spectrometer, the porcine ADM particle size was analyzed by dynamic light scattering particle size analyzer, and the porcine ADM potential was analyzed by nano-particle size potentiometer. The morphology of porcine ADM was observed by inverted fluorescence microscope when it was placed in culture medium for 30 min, 1 d, and 5 d (n=2). The porcine ADM was divided into 5 min group, 10 min group, 20 min group, 30 min group, 60 min group, and 120 min group according to the random number table (the same grouping method below) in static state at normal temperature for the corresponding time to calculate the water absorption by weighing method (n=3). Swiss white mouse embryonic fibroblasts (Fbs) were divided into blank control group (culture medium only), and 50.0 g/L ADM extract group, 37.5 g/L ADM extract group, 25.0 g/L ADM extract group, 12.5 g/L ADM extract group, and 6.5 g/L ADM extract group which were added with the corresponding final concentrations of ADM extract respectively. At post culture hour (PCH) 24, 48, and 72, the cell survival rate was detected by cell counting kit 8 and the cytotoxicity was graded (n=5). The erythrocytes of a 6-week-old male Sprague-Dawley male rat were divided into normal saline group, ultra-pure water group, and 5 mg/mL ADM extract group, 10 mg/mL ADM extract group, and 15 mg/mL ADM extract group which were treated with the corresponding final concentrations of porcine ADM extract respectively. After reaction for 3 h, the absorbance value of hemoglobin was detected by microplate reader to represent the blood compatibility of porcine ADM (n=3). ESCs were isolated and cultured from the discarded prepuce of a 6-year-old healthy boy who was treated in the Department of Urology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (the Third Military Medical University) in July 2020, and then identified by flow cytometry. The porcine ADM particles of composite ESC (hereinafter referred to as ESC/ADM) were constructed by mixed culture. After 3 days of culture, the composite effect of ESC/ADM was observed by HE staining and laser scanning confocal microscope. Thirty-six 7-8-week-old male non-thymic nude mice were divided into phosphate buffer solution (PBS) alone group, ADM alone group, ESC alone group, and ESC/ADM group, with 9 mice in each group, and the wound model of full-thickness skin defect was established. Immediately after injury, the wounds were treated with the corresponding reagents at one time. On post injury day (PID) 1, 7, 11, and 15, the wound healing was observed and the wound healing rate was counted (n=3). On PID 7, the epithelialization of wounds was observed by HE staining and the length of un-epithelialized wound was measured (with this and the following sample numbers of 4). On PID 11, the dermal area and collagen deposition of wounds were observed by Masson staining and the dermal area of wound section was calculated, the number of cells expressing CD49f, a specific marker of ESC, was calculated with immunofluorescence staining, the mRNA expression of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) in ESC after wound transplantation was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test, one-way analysis of variance, analysis of variance for repeated measurement, and least significant difference t test. Results: The porcine ADM was white particles and composed of reticular structure, with no cells inside, disordered structure, and rough surface. The absorption peak of porcine ADM appeared at the wave numbers of 1 659, 1 549, and 1 239 cm-1, respectively. The main particle size distribution of porcine ADM in solution was 500 to 700 nm, with negative charge on the surface. The morphology of porcine ADM in static state at 30 min and on 1 and 5 d was relatively stable. The water absorption of porcine ADM remained relatively high level in static state from 30 min to 120 min. The cytotoxicity of mouse embryonic Fbs in 6.5 g/L ADM extract group, 12.5 g/L ADM extract group, and 25.0 g/L ADM extract group was grade 1 at PCH 24, and the cytotoxicity of the other groups was 0 grade at each time point. After reaction for 3 h, the absorbance value of hemoglobin of erythrocytes in ultra-pure water group was significantly higher than the values in normal saline group and 15 mg/mL ADM extract group (with t values of 8.14 and 7.96, respectively, P<0.01). After 3 days of culture, the cells of the fourth passage showed pebble-like morphology, with low expression of CD71 and high expression of CD49f, which were identified as ESCs. There was ESC attachment and growth on porcine ADM particles. On PID 1, the wound sizes of nude mice were almost the same in PBS alone group, ADM alone group, ESC alone group, and ESC/ADM group. On PID 7, 11, and 15, the wound contraction of nude mice in each group was observed, especially in ADM alone group, ESC alone group, and ESC/ADM group. On PID 7, the wound healing rates of nude mice in ESC alone group and ESC/ADM group were significantly higher than the rate in PBS alone group (with t values of 2.83 and 4.72 respectively, P<0.05 or P<0.01). On PID 11, the wound healing rate of nude mice in ESC/ADM group was significantly higher than that in PBS alone group (t=4.86, P<0.01). On PID 15, the wound healing rates of nude mice in ADM alone group, ESC alone group, and ESC/ADM group were significantly higher than the rate in PBS alone group (with t values of 2.71, 2.90, and 3.23 respectively, P<0.05). On PID 7, the length of un-epithelialized wound of nude mice in ADM alone group, ESC alone group, and ESC/ADM group was (816±85), (635±66), and (163±32) µm, respectively, which were significantly shorter than (1 199±43) µm in PBS alone group (with t values of 5.69, 10.19, and 27.54 respectively, P<0.01). On PID 11, the dermal areas of wound section of nude mice in ADM alone group, ESC alone group, and ESC/ADM group were significantly larger than the area in PBS alone group (with t values of 27.14, 5.29, and 15.90 respectively, P<0.01); the collagen production of nude mice in ADM alone group and ESC/ADM group was more obvious than that in PBS alone group, and the collagen production of nude mice in ESC alone group and PBS alone group was similar. On PID 11, in the wounds of nude mice in ESC alone group and ESC/ADM group, the cells with positive expression of CD49f were respectively 135±7 and 185±15, and the mRNA expressions of GAPDH were positive; while there were no expressions of CD49f nor mRNA of GAPDH in the wounds of nude mice in PBS alone group and ADM alone group. Conclusions: ESC/ADM particles can promote the wound healing of full-thickness skin defects in nude mice, which may be related to the improved survival rate of ESCs after transplantation and the promotion of dermal structure rearrangement and angiogenesis by ADM.

[Comparison of pulse pressure variation, stroke volume variation, and plethysmographic variability index in pediatric patients undergoing craniotomy].

OBJECTIVE: To compare well-known preload dynamic parameters intraoperatively including stroke volume variation (SVV), pulse pressure variation (PPV), and plethysmographic variability index (PVI) in children who underwent craniotomy for epileptogenic lesion excision. METHODS: A total of 30 children aged 0 to 14 years undergoing craniotomy for intracranial epileptogenic lesion excision were enrolled. During surgery, we measured PPV, SVV (measured by the Flotrac/Vigileo device), and PVI (measured by the Masimo Radical-7 monitor) simultaneously and continuously. Preload dynamic parameter measurements were collected at predefined steps: after induction of anesthesia, during opening the skull, intraoperative electroencephalogram monitoring, excision of epileptogenic lesion, skull closure, at the end of the operation. After exclusion of outliers, agreement among SVV, PPV, and PVI was assessed using repeated measures of Bland-Altman approach. The 4-quadrant and polar plot techniques were used to assess the trending ability among the changes in the three parameters. RESULTS: The mean SVV, PPV, and PVI were 8%±2%, 10%±3%, and 15%±7%, respectively during surgery. We analyzed a total of 834 paired measurements (3 to 8 data sets for each phase per patient). Repeated measures Bland-Altman analysis identified a bias of -2.3 and 95% confidence intervals between -1.9 and -2.7 (95% limits of agreement between -6.0 and 1.5) between PPV and SVV, showing significant correlation at all periods. The bias between PPV and PVI was -5.0 with 95% limits of agreement between -20.5 and 10.5, and that between SVV and PVI was -7.5 with 95% limits of agreement between -22.7 and 7.8, both not showing significant correlation. Reflected by 4-quadrant plots, the con-cordance rates showing the trending ability between the changes in PPV and SVV, PPV and PVI, SVV and PVI were 88.6%, 50.4%, and 50.1%, respectively. The concordance rate between PPV and SVV was higher (92.7%) in children aged less than 3 years compared with those aged 3 and more than 3 years. The mean angular bias, radial limits of agreement, and angular concordance rate in the polar analysis were not clinically acceptable in the changes between arterial pressure waveform-based parameters and volume-based PVI (PPV vs. PVI: angular mean bias 8.4°, angular concordance rate 29.9%; SVV vs. PVI: angular mean bias 2.4°, angular concordance rate 29.1%). There was a high concordance between the two arterial pressure waveform-based parameters reflected by the polar plot (angular mean bias -0.22°, angular concordance rate 86.6%). CONCLUSION: PPV can be viewed as a surrogate for SVV, especially in children aged less than 3 years. The agreement between arterial pressure waveform-based preload parameters (PPV and SVV) and PVI is poor and these two should not be considered interchangeable. Attempt to combine PVI and PPV for improving the anesthesiologist's ability to monitor cardiac preload in major pediatric surgery is warranted.

Exchange bias and Verwey transition in Fe5C2/Fe3O4 core/shell nanoparticles.

This report presents new findings of exchange bias and related structural and magnetic properties in iron carbide/magnetite (Fe5C2/Fe3O4) core/shell nanoparticles. The exchange bias emerges from an energetic landscape, namely a first-order phase transition-the Verwey transition at 125 K, during which the Fe3O4 shell changes from the cubic to monoclinic structure. The phase transition leads to the exchange bias because it results in abrupt changes in magnetocrystalline anisotropy and exchange coupling. Another unique phenomenon identified in this composite system is enhanced magnetic coercivity due to the uniaxial anisotropy of the monoclinic phase. An analysis of the correlations between the observed phenomena is given based on the temperature dependence of the coercivity, the exchange bias field values, and the Verwey transition temperature.

[Serological study of Lyme disease antibody in 2 311 patients with arthritis symptoms in Hainan Province].

Objective: To understand the infectious status of Lyme disease among patients with arthritis symptoms in Hainan Province, and to provide a theoretical basis for prevention and control of Lyme disease. Methods: From 2013 to 2018, sampling surveys had been conducted in medical institutions in 8 cities in Hainan Province(Haikou, Sanya, Danzhou, Dongfang, Wenchang, Qionghai, Qiongzhong, Wuzhishan), 2 311 patients serum samples were collected with arthritis symptoms, and descriptive research were conducted base on the collected clinical data. The Indirect Fluorescent-Antibody Test (IFA) method was used for preliminary screening of Lyme disease antibody, the Western Blot (WB) method was used for IFA positive samples confirmation. Statistical analysis using χ2 test. Results: 2 311 serum samples were tested by IFA, and 166 were positive with the positive rate of 7.18%. Further confirmed by WB method, 62 samples were positive, the positive rate of Lyme disease antibody was 2.68%(62/2 311). The positive rate of Lyme disease antibody among patients with arthritis in different regions of Hainan was statistically significant (χ²=40.636,P<0.001), and the positive rate in Qiongzhong city was the highest (8.81%, 14/159). Danzhou's positive rate was the second highest, 5.62%(5/89). Dongfang city had the lowest positive rate (0.51%, 2/394). The positive rates of Lyme disease serum antibody in men and women were 2.79% (33/1 182) and 2.57% (29/1 129), respectively; the positive rates of antibodies between each age groups were in the range of 1.74% to 3.64%. The antibody positive rate of Lyme disease showed no significant difference between gender and age (χ²=0.110,P=0.740 ;χ²=1.938,P=0.747). Conclusion: Patients with arthritis symptoms caused by Borrelia burgdorferi infection were found in 8 cities in Hainan province, but the Lyme disease antibody positive rate was different among cities, with Qiongzhong County being the highest.

Magnetic-field-induced self-assembly of FeCo/CoFe2O4 core/shell nanoparticles with tunable collective magnetic properties.

Self-assembly of nanoparticles into ordered patterns is a novel approach to build up new consolidated materials with desired collective physical properties. Herein, nanoparticle assemblies of composition-modulated bimagnetic nanoparticles have been produced via slow evaporation of their colloidal suspension in the absence or presence of magnetic fields. The assemblies obtained in the presence of the magnetic fields exhibit oriented nanoparticle chains in face-centered cubic superlattice structures, compared with the hexagonal closed-packed superlattice obtained without the magnetic field. The oriented structure has an alignment of the easy magnetization axis along the chains. This alignment leads to enhanced intra-superlattice interactions. As a result, the field-induced assembly displays collective magnetic properties with significantly enhanced magnetic anisotropy, remanent magnetization and coercivity. It is also found that the bimagnetic FeCo/CoFe2O4 core/shell nanostructure enhances the intra-particle interaction and thus is beneficial for the growth of oriented assembly of nanoparticles. Furthermore, the collective magnetic behavior is evidenced by the observation of a superferromagnetic-like magnetization relaxation in the ac-susceptibility curves.

Postoperative Imaging Appearance of Iliac Crest Free Flaps Used for Palatomaxillary Reconstructions.

The osteomyocutaneous iliac crest free flap is a reconstructive option for segmental mandibular or complex palatomaxillary defects. Familiarity with the radiographic appearance of free flaps such as the iliac crest is necessary for the postoperative evaluation of patients after mandibular, maxillary, or palatal reconstructions because it allows radiologists to properly monitor and interpret the appearance of the flap over time. This study presents a retrospective review of 5 patients who underwent palatomaxillary reconstruction with an iliac crest free flap at our institution. The imaging appearances of the 5 patients were analyzed to determine the key radiographic characteristics of a healthy and successful iliac crest free flap. Radiographic fluency with the imaging appearance of the iliac crest free flap, as well as the new anatomy of the region in the postoperative period, will allow for better interpretation of the flap appearance on imaging and will prevent false identification of tumor recurrence.

The glucocorticoid receptor in osteoprogenitors regulates bone mass and marrow fat.

Excess fat within bone marrow is associated with lower bone density. Metabolic stressors such as chronic caloric restriction (CR) can exacerbate marrow adiposity, and increased glucocorticoid signaling and adrenergic signaling are implicated in this phenotype. The current study tested the role of glucocorticoid signaling in CR-induced stress by conditionally deleting the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in bone marrow osteoprogenitors (Osx1-Cre) of mice subjected to CR and ad libitum diets. Conditional knockout of the GR (GR-CKO) reduced cortical and trabecular bone mass as compared to wildtype (WT) mice under both ad libitum and CR conditions. No interaction was detected between genotype and diet, suggesting that the GR is not required for CR-induced skeletal changes. The lower bone mass in GR-CKO mice, and the further suppression of bone by CR, resulted from suppressed bone formation. Interestingly, treatment with the -adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol mildly but selectively improved metrics of cortical bone mass in GR-CKO mice during CR, suggesting interaction between adrenergic and glucocorticoid signaling pathways that affects cortical bone. GR-CKO mice dramatically increased marrow fat under both ad libitum and CR-fed conditions, and surprisingly propranolol treatment was unable to rescue CR-induced marrow fat in either WT or GR-CKO mice. Additionally, serum corticosterone levels were selectively elevated in GR-CKO mice with CR, suggesting the possibility of bone-hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal crosstalk during metabolic stress. This work highlights the complexities of glucocorticoid and ß-adrenergic signaling in stress-induced changes in bone mass, and the importance of GR function in suppressing marrow adipogenesis while maintaining healthy bone mass.

The apoptosis in arsenic-induced oxidative stress is associated with autophagy in the testis tissues of chicken.

The aim of this study is to investigate whether arsenic (As) could induce testicular poisoning and influence the oxidative stress, apoptosis and autophagy in chickens. Seventy-two 1-day-old male Hy-line chickens were divided into 4 groups which were exposed to 0, 0.625, 1.25, and 2.5 mg/kg body weight (BW) of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) for 30, 60 and 90 days, respectively. Histological and ultrastructural changes, antioxidant enzyme activity, mRNA and protein levels of apoptosis and autophagy-related genes were detected. Oxidative stress injuries were obvious in the testes exposure to As2O3, which resulted in the decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutases (SOD). Meanwhile, the changes of mRNA and protein levels of apoptosis and autophagy-related genes showed that As2O3 exposure induced enhanced testicular apoptosis and increased the levels of autophagy markers such as Microtubule associated protein light chains 3-II (LC3-II), dynein, Beclin-1, Autophagy associated gene 5 (ATG5) and ATG4B but not LC3-I and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and demonstrated the cross-talk between apoptosis and autophagy. Histological and ultrastructural abnormalities confirm the changes of the above indicators. Taken together, our findings provide deeper insights into roles of excessive apoptosis and autophagy in the aggravation of testicular damage, which could contribute to a better understanding of As2O3-induced testicular poisoning in chickens.

Carvacrol and eugenol effectively inhibit Rhizopus stolonifer and control postharvest soft rot decay in peaches.

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the antifungal mechanism of carvacrol and eugenol to inhibit Rhizopus stolonifer and the control of postharvest soft rot decay in peaches. METHODS AND RESULTS: To investigate the antifungal mechanism, the effects of carvacrol and eugenol on the mycelium growth, leakages of cytoplasmic contents, mycelium morphology, cell membrane and membrane composition of R. stolonifer were studied. Carvacrol and eugenol both exhibited dose-dependent antifungal activity against R. stolonifer, carvacrol at a concentration of 2 µl per plant and eugenol at a concentration of 4 µl per plant inhibited fungal growth completely. The two essential oils (EOs) increased cell membrane penetrability and caused the leakage of cytoplasm, nucleic acid and protein content. The observation using scanning electron microscopy and fluorescent microscopy showed modification of the hyphal morphology and breakage of the cell plasma membrane. Decreased ergosterol contents confirmed that the two EOs could destroy the membrane of R. stolonifer. For the in vivo test, the inhibition of soft rot disease and the induction of defence-related enzymes were investigated. Carvacrol and eugenol significantly reduced the incidence and severity of soft rot decay in inoculated peaches. The best treatments for controlling soft rot decay were obtained at 0·5 µl l-1 for carvacrol and 1 µl l-1 for eugenol. The activities of defence-related enzymes in peaches were also enhanced by fumigation with two EOs. CONCLUSION: This study showed that carvacrol and eugenol could effectively inhibit the growth of R. stolonifer in vitro and successfully control the incidence of soft rot decay in honey peaches. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The above findings may be the main antifungal mechanism of carvacrol and eugenol on R. stolonifer. Furthermore, carvacrol and eugenol are helpful for their commercial application on the preservation of fresh fruit.

Conditional Knockout of the MicroRNA 17-92 Cluster in Type-I Collagen-Expressing Cells Decreases Alveolar Bone Size and Incisor Tooth Mechanical Properties.

To test the role of the miR17-92 (miR) cluster in dental bones, we evaluated the incisor tooth phenotype by micro-CT in 5- and 12-week-old conditional knockout (CKO) mice deficient in the miR17-92 cluster in type-I collagen-expressing cells and bone strength by finite element analysis. The incisor teeth of CKO mice showed a 23-30 % reduction in tissue volume and bone volume. Accordingly, the stiffness and failure load of incisor teeth assessed by finite element analysis showed an 18-40 % decrease in CKO compared to wild-type mice. A positive correlation between bone parameters and strength data suggests that the decreased mechanical properties of incisor teeth are due to decreased tissue volume and bone volume. Subsequently, we found that the width of alveolar bone was reduced by 25 % with a 16 % increase in periodontal ligament space, suggesting that the CKO mice are more susceptible to tooth movement. Since alveolar bone is populated primarily by osteoblast lineage cells, it is likely that the reduction in periosteal expansion of alveolar bone in the lower jaw of CKO mice results from decreased periosteal bone formation. Overall, our phenotype analysis demonstrates that the miR17-92 cluster is essential for development and maintenance of tooth strength by regulating its tooth size.

[Cross-sectional study of family drug stockpile and children medication in China].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the current situation of family medicine stockpile and children medication in China, analyze the existing problems and provide the rationalized suggestions. METHODS: The questionnaire was designed and convenient sampling survey was performed in 20 children hospitals in China. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the survey results. RESULTS: A total of 13 940 completed questionnaires were returned, 98.33% of the families had medicine stockpile, the top three types of the medicine for children were cold medicine(73.95%), oral paregoric/febrifuge(48.01%)and external used drugs for skin disease(wound)(41.10%). The medicine was bought according to physician's prescription and guide(71.18%). Drug poisoning occurred in children of 238 families(1.71%), overdose use was the first cause(44.96%). 22.33% of the parents didn't read the specification carefully before medicine use. The non-appropriate medication for children were mainly the use of adult medicine(32.70%), untimely medication(30.90%), non-rational or unneeded use of febrifuge(26.35%). CONCLUSIONS: In China, the families mainly store common medicine for their children. The parents bought medicine mainly according to physician' s prescription and paid attention to the safety and efficiency of the medicine, but non-appropriate use of medicine was still common. It is necessary to improve the rational use of medicine for children through expert counsel and guidance.

Clinical significance of sCIP2A levels in breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: It has previously found that human oncoprotein cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (CIP2A) was overexpressed in breast cancer, and was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis of the patients. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum CIP2A and prognosis of breast cancer. Then, we investigated whether CIP2A could be as a therapeutic target in breast cancer treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Preoperative CIP2A levels of 240 patients with breast cancer and 480 cases of controls were measured by ELISA method. The association of CIP2A levels with clinicopathological outcomes was investigated by univariate and multivariate analyses. The effect of CIP2A on breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells was evaluated by CIP2A siRNA-mediated depletion of the CIP2A protein followed by an analysis of cell proliferation, invasion, colony growth, and xenograft growth and metastasis. RESULTS: The serum CIP2A levels in patients with breast cancer were (79.0 ± 74.2) ng/mL, which was significantly higher than that in those controls (25.6 ± 21.4) ng/mL for male and (24.8 ± 20.6) ng/mL for female control. Higher preoperative CIP2A levels were significantly associated with the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, histological grade and lymph node metastasis. Patients with elevated CIP2A levels showed worse survival. In multivariate analysis, elevated preoperative CIP2A levels were independent prognostic factors. Patients with high CIP2A levels had significantly shorter overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) times. Knockdown of CIP2A by stable CIP2A siRNA transfection inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation, invasion, colony growth in vitro, and xenograft growth and metastasis in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that serum CIP2A is significantly higher in patients with breast cancer, which is a potential biomarker to make a distinction between breast cancer patients and healthy controls. Higher serum CIP2A levels positively associated with the aggressive phenotype of breast cancer, and forecasts poor prognosis for patients with breast cancer. Knockdown of CIP2A may be a novel target for prevention and treatment of breast cancer.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation enhances spatial learning and synaptic plasticity via the VEGF and BDNF-NMDAR pathways in a rat model of vascular dementia.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on learning and memory in a rat model of vascular dementia (VaD) and to analyze the associated mechanisms. Bilateral carotid artery occlusion (2-VO) was used to establish a rat model of VaD. High-frequency (5Hz) rTMS was performed on rats for four weeks. Spatial learning and memory abilities were evaluated using the Morris water maze (MWM), and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus was assessed via long-term potentiation (LTP). Hippocampal expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and three subunits of the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR), NR1, NR2A and NR2B, was analyzed by Western blotting. Compared with the VaD group, escape latency was decreased (P<0.05) and the time spent in the target quadrant and the percentage of swimming distance within that quadrant were increased (P<0.05) in the rTMS group. LTP at hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses was enhanced by rTMS (P<0.05). VEGF expression was up-regulated following 2-VO and was further increased by rTMS (P<0.05). BDNF, NR1 and NR2B expression was decreased in the VaD group and increased by rTMS (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in NR2A expression among the three groups. These results suggest that rTMS improved learning and memory in the VaD model rats via the up-regulation of VEGF, BDNF and NMDARs. In addition, NR2B may be more important than NR2A for LTP induction in the hippocampus during rTMS treatment of VaD.

Mating system patterns of natural populations of Pinus koraiensis along its post-glacial colonization route in northeastern China.

To understand the genetic mechanisms underlying the endangerment of Pinus koraiensis, we studied the mating system of 49 families of this species in 3 natural populations along its post-glacial colonization route across ~1500 km in northeastern China using the chloroplast simple sequence repeat technique. We analyzed 11 polymorphic loci with clear and repeating bands, and we calculated the multi-locus outcrossing rate (tm), single-locus outcrossing rate, inbreeding index, and fixation index (F). Intra-population variation was not observed, but a large inter-population variation was observed in the outcrossing rate, and the tm increased from 0.767 (the south population) to 0.962 (the north population) along the post-glacial colonization route. The tm values within a population did not change with time over 2 consecutive years. The F values for the 3 populations were <0, which indicates an excess of heterozygotes. The mean effective number of alleles, Shannon diversity index, and Nei's genetic diversity index did not show a south-north pattern. The north population had the highest outcrossing rate but the lowest genetic diversity. The average genetic differentiation of P. koraiensis populations was 0.1251, which was within the average range of woody plants with outcrossing and wind pollination. This study suggests that the current endangerment of P. koraiensis is not related to its genetic structure; perhaps it is mainly caused by man-made and natural disturbances such as deforestation and fire. Therefore, reducing disturbances and enhancing habitats, rather than the genetic aspects, play more important roles in the long-term protection of P. koraiensis.

Mussel-inspired nanofibrous sheet for suture-less stomach incision surgery.

We report a dopamine-based crosslinker-conjugated gelatin/polycaprolactone nanofibrous sheet. The nanosheet was then employed to treat stomach incisions without sutures during surgery. The mussel-inspired nanosheets, combining the advantages adhesion and tissue repair, show promise for use in treatments of fragile tissues and to avoid suture-caused stress concentration.

Infection of Plasmodiophora brassicae in Chinese cabbage.

Brassica crops infected by Plasmodiophora brassicae can produce root galls (clubroots) and be prevented from growing normally. To understand the series of changes that occur in the host root during root gall production, the resistance character of 21 Chinese cabbage lines were identified and then resistant and susceptible lines were used for infection observation. Hydroponic technology system was used for plants growing, and the infection process of P. brassicae in the roots of resistant and susceptible Chinese cabbage was examined based on morphology and microscopic characteristics using micoscope. In susceptible Chinese cabbage, the root hair infection stage occurred over approximately 7 days after inoculation, the cortical infection happened over approximatly 14 days after inoculation, and clubroots formed in approximately 30 days after inoculation. However, in resistant Chinese cabbage, the pathogen could be prevented and maintained in the root hair infection stage. This research provides a foundation for the subsequent studies of cabbage resistance of P. brassicae.

Radiological and clinical characterization of the lysosomal storage disorders: non-lipid disorders.

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a large group of genetic metabolic disorders that result in the accumulation of abnormal material, such as mucopolysaccharides, glycoproteins, amino acids and lipids, within cells. Since many LSDs manifest during infancy or early childhood, with potentially devastating consequences if left untreated, timely identification is imperative to prevent irreversible damage and early death. In this review, the key imaging features of the non-lipid or extralipid LSDs are examined and correlated with salient clinical manifestations and genetic information. Disorders are stratified based on the type of excess material causing tissue or organ dysfunction, with descriptions of the mucopolysaccharidoses, mucolipidoses, alpha-mannosidosis, glycogen storage disorder II and cystinosis. In addition, similarities and differences in radiological findings between each of these LSDs are highlighted to facilitate further recognition. Given the rare and extensive nature of the LSDs, mastery of their multiple clinical and radiological traits may seem challenging. However, an understanding of the distinguishing imaging characteristics of LSDs and their clinical correlates may allow radiologists to play a key role in the early diagnosis of these progressive and potentially fatal disorders.