Abnormal microstructure of corpus callosum in children with primary nocturnal enuresis: a DTI study.

Primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) is a common childhood disorder with abnormal sleep or arousal. The corpus callosum (CC) continues to develop into adulthood and plays an important role in sleep arousal. This study aimed to evaluate the microstructure of the CC in children with PNE. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) indices were extracted throughout the CC and its seven subregions were compared between the children with PNE and healthy children (HC). The correlation between abnormal DTI indices of the CC and cognitive condition was also tested. Compared to HC, decreased fiber number (NF) (F = 8.492, PFDR = 0.032) and fractional anisotropy (FA) value (F = 8.442, PFDR = 0.040) were found in the posterior midbody of the CC, increased RD was found in the posterior midbody (F = 6.888, PFDR = 0.040) and isthmus (F = 7.967, PFDR = 0.040) in children with PNE. The reduction of FA value was more obvious in boys than girls with PNE. In children with PNE, there was a significant positive correlation between the NF of the posterior midbody and full IQ (r = 0.322, P = 0.025) and between the FA value and the general knowledge memory (r = 0.293, P = 0.043). This study provides imaging evidence for abnormalities in the microstructure of the CC in children with PNE, especially in male PNE, which might affect the children's cognitive performance.

Rosavin Alleviates LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injure by Modulating the TLR-4/NF-κB/MAPK Singnaling Pathways.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a serious inflammatory disease with high morbidity and mortality. Rosavin is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant phenylpropanoid and glucoside, which is isolated from Rhodiola rosea L. However, its potential molecular mechanisms and whether it has protective effects against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI remain to be elucidated. To assess the in vitro anti-inflammatory effects and anti-lung injury activity of rosavin, RAW264.7 and A549 cells were stimulated using 1 µg/mL LPS. Rosavin attenuated LPS-induced activation of the TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathway in RAW264.7 cells and inhibited LPS-induced release of inflammatory factors in A549 cells. A mouse model of acute lung injury was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of 5 mg/kg LPS to observe the therapeutic effect of rosavin. Transcriptomics analysis and Western blot assays were utilized to verify the molecular mechanism, rosavin (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) dose-dependently ameliorated histopathological alterations, reduced the levels of inflammatory factors, and inhibited the TLR-4/NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway and apoptosis activation. Rosavin is a promising therapeutic candidate for acute lung injury by inhibiting the TLR-4/NF-κB/MAPK pathway.

Total glycosides of Rhodiola rosea L. attenuate LPS-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common respiratory disease in clinics, which is characterized by alveolar-capillary membrane loss, plasma protein leakage, pulmonary edema, massive neutrophil infiltration, and the release of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators. Rhodiola rosea L. an adaptogenic plant rich in phenylethanoloids, phenylpropanoids, monoterpenes, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. We hope to verify the relieving effect of total glycosides of Rhodiola rosea L. (RTG) on ALI in mice and clarify its mechanism through this study. In this study, we identified the effect and mechanism of RTG on ALI through LPS-induced ALI mice. After RTG treatment, the pathological structure of lung tissue in ALI mice induced by LPS was significantly improved, and the infiltration of inflammatory cells was reduced. In addition, RTG reduced the production of IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α in the serum of ALI mice and reduced the content or activity of MPO, T-SOD, GSH, and MDA in lung tissue. RNAseq analysis showed that RTG ameliorated LPS-induced ALI through anti-inflammatory, reduced immune response, and anti-apoptotic activities. The western blotting analysis confirmed that RTG could down-regulate the expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p65, and p-IκBα/IκBα. These results suggest that RTG can attenuate LPS-induced ALI through antioxidants and inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

How Perceived Sensory Dimensions of Forest Park Are Associated with Stress Restoration in Beijing?

A growing number of studies suggest that the perceived sensory dimensions (PSDs) of green space are associated with stress restoration offered by restorative environment. However, there is little known about PSDs and stress restoration as well as their relationship to forest park. To fill this gap, an on-site questionnaire survey was conducted in three forest parks in Beijing, as a result of which a total number of 432 completed responses were collected and analyzed. The mean values of PSDs were used to represent PSDs of forest park. Using independent sample t-test and ANOVA, this study analyzed the individual characteristics that affected PSDs and stress restoration. Linear mixed model was used to identify the relationship between PSDs and stress restoration of forest park, which took into account the interactions of stress level and PSDs. The results showed that: (1) the perceived degree of PSDs in forest park from strong to weak was Serene, Space, Nature, Rich in species, Prospect, Refuge, Social and Culture, which varied with visitors' gender, age, level of stress, visit frequency, activity intensity, visit duration and commuting time; (2) in PSDs, Refuge, Serene, Social and Prospect had significantly positive effects on the stress restoration of forest parks (3) there was no significant difference in the effect of the eight PSDs on the stress restoration between different stress groups; (4) stress restoration was influenced by visitors' gender, age, visit frequency and visit duration. These findings can offer references for managers to improve the health benefits of forest park for visitors, and can enrich the knowledge about PSDs and stress restoration.

The Relationship between the Restorative Perception of the Environment and the Physiological and Psychological Effects of Different Types of Forests on University Students.

Short-term exposure to a forest environment is beneficial to human physiological and psychological health. However, there is little known about the relationship between the restorative perception of environment and physiological and psychological restoration achieved by experiencing the forest environment. This study evaluated the relationship between the restorative perception of different types of forests and human physiological and psychological effects. A sample of 30 young adult students from Beijing Forestry University was exposed to coniferous, deciduous, and mixed forests as well as an urban site. Restorative perception of the environment was measured using the PRS questionnaire. Restorative effects were measured using physiological indicators (blood pressure and heart rate) and three psychological questionnaires (Restorative Outcome Scale; Subjective Vitality Scale; Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale). The results demonstrated the following: (1) There were significant differences in the perceived restorative power of the three types of forests, with the highest level in the mixed forest, followed by the coniferous forest and the deciduous forest. (2) All types of forests were beneficial to physiological and psychological restoration. The mixed forest had the greatest effect in lowering blood pressure and heart rate as well as increasing vitality, while the coniferous forest had the strongest increases in psychological restoration and positive mental health. (3) The level of perceived restorative power of environment was positively related to the physiological and psychological restoration. These findings provide practical evidence for forest therapy that can maximize the restorative potential of forests.

Postoperative malrotation of humerus shaft fracture causes degeneration of rotator cuff and cartilage.

We hypothesized that postoperative malrotation of humeral shaft fractures can alter the bio-mechanical environment of the shoulder; thus, rotator cuff and cartilage degeneration could be induced. Therefore, we designed an animal experiment to evaluate the impact of malrotation deformities after minimally invasive surgery for humeral fractures on the rotator cuff and cartilage, which has rarely been described in previous studies. Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into the sham control group (A), negative control group (B) and malrotated group (C). A sham operation with surgical exposure alone was performed in group A. Humeral shaft osteotomy was performed in Group B and C. In Group B, the fractures were fixed in situ with plate -screw system. While in Group C, iatrogenic rotational deformity was created after the proximal end of the fracture being internally rotated by 20 degrees and then subsequently fixed. The animals with bone healing were sacrificed for pathological and biochemical examination. In group C, the modified Mankin scale for cartilage pathology evaluation and the modified Movin scale for tendon both showed highest score among groups with statistical significance (P < 0.05); Disordered alignment and proportion of collagen I/III of rotator cuff were confirmed with picrosirius red staining; Transmission electron microscopy also showed ultrastructural tendon damage. Immunohistochemistry showed that both MMP-1 and MMP-13 expression were significantly higher in group C than groups A and B(P < 0.05). Minimally invasive techniques for humerus shaft fracture might be cosmetically advantageous, but the consequent postoperative malrotation could increase the risk of rotator cuff and cartilage degeneration. This conclusion is supported here by primary evidence from animal experiments.

Effect of unilateral pulsed jet lavage prior to vertebroplasty on the intravertebral pressure and cement distribution.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous vertebroplasty is the most common treatment for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. However, the morbidity of vertebroplasty-related complications, such as cement leakage, remains high. We tested a new technique of unilateral pulsed jet lavage and investigated its effect on the intravertebral pressure and bone cement distribution. METHODS: Thirty lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5) from six cadaver spines were randomly allocated into two groups (with and without irrigation). Prior to vertebroplasty, pulsed jet lavage was performed through one side of the pedicle by using a novel cannula with two concentric conduits to remove the fat and bone marrow of the vertebral bodies in the group with irrigation. The control group was not irrigated. Then, standardized vertebroplasty was performed in the vertebral bodies in both groups. Changes in the intravertebral pressure during injection were recorded. Computed tomography (CT) was performed to observe the cement distribution and extravasations, and the cement mass volume (CMV) was calculated. RESULTS: During cement injection, the average maximum intravertebral pressure of the unirrigated group was higher than that of the irrigated group (4.92 kPa versus 2.22 kPa, P < 0.05). CT scans showed a more homogeneous cement distribution with less CMV (3832 mm3 vs. 4344 mm3, P < 0.05) and less leakage rate (6.7% vs. 46.7%, P < 0.05) in the irrigated group than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral pulsed jet lavage can reduce intravertebral pressure and lower the incidence of cement leakage during vertebroplasty. An enhanced bone cement distribution can also be achieved through this lavage system.

IL-38 alleviates the inflammatory response and the degeneration of nucleus pulposus cells via inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway in vitro.

Previous studies have suggested that the inflammatory response contributes to the onset of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Interleukin (IL)-38, a newly discovered cytokine of the IL-1 family, has been demonstrated to play an anti-inflammatory role in autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. However, whether IL-38 participates in the pathogenesis of IVDD remains unknown. In this study, human disc tissues from IVDD patients and rat disc tissues from an IVDD model were collected to measure the expression of IL-38 in the IVDD groups and the control groups by western blot and immunohistochemical staining. To further determine the role of IL-38 in IVDD, human nucleus pulposus cells (HNPCs) were stimulated with TNF-α to generate an in vitro model of inflammation to mimic the local inflammatory environment of the lumbar disc. The inflammatory response and HNPC degeneration markers were measured after stimulation with TNF-α and IL-38. IL-38 was upregulated in both the human and rat degenerated disc tissues compared with the control tissues. In vitro, IL-38 significantly decreased the TNF-α-induced expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, COX-2, MMP-13 and ADAMTS-5 in the HNPCs, and IL-38 also alleviated the TNF-α-induced reductions in type II collagen and aggrecan. Moreover, IL-38 inhibited the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in the HNPC-based model of inflammation by reducing the expression level of the NF-κB P-P65 protein. In conclusion, IL-38 could alleviate the inflammatory response and HNPC degeneration in vitro via the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway. These results suggest that IL-38 may be a new strategy for the treatment of IVDD.

Clinical utility of serum cystatin C for prediction of multi-vessel disease by coronary angiography in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with normal renal function.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether serum cystatin C could serve as a predictor of multivessel coronary artery disease identified by coronary angiography in type 2 diabetes patients with normal renal function and to suggest the cutoff point of serum cystatin C for predicting multivessel disease. METHODS: Serum cystatin C concentrations were measured by using particle-enhanced immunonephelometric assays before coronary angiography in 135 consecutive type 2 diabetes patients and 179 nondiabetic patients with normal renal function. Routine anthropometric and serologic data were collected. The severity of multivessel disease was assessed with the Gensini score after coronary angiography. The associations of serum cystatin C with the Gensini score were investigated, and the independent risk factors associated with multivessel disease were assessed. RESULTS: Serum cystatin C and the Gensini score were significantly elevated in diabetes patients. Cystatin C had a positive correlation with Gensini score. A multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that cystatin C was independently associated with the presence of multivessel disease (the OR score is 2.21, P = 0.003). Based on the ROC curve, a cystatin C level of 0.865 mg/L showed 67.7% sensitivity and 76.3% specificity with an AUC of 0.748 in diabetes patients for detecting multivessel disease. CONCLUSION: Serum cystatin C is significantly correlated with the presence of multivessel disease, suggesting that cystatin C might be utilized as a screening tool for predicting multivessel disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with normal renal function.

Application of thrombelastography in primary total knee and total hip replacement: a prospective 87 patients study.

: Thrombelastography (TEG) parameters and prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) are compared and analysed. According to change of TEG parameters and assessment of haemostatic state of each patient, we try to explore the feasibility of individualized anticoagulant therapies. 87 people with hip or knee diseases awaiting arthroplasty were recruited. Haemoglobin levels and TEG parameters including R, K, α-angle, maximum amplitude, coagulation index were assessed in perioperative period. PT and APTT were assessed preoperatively. For 65 patients with normal TEG parameters, PT and APTT, we use tranexamic acid (TXA) to reduce blood loss during operation. As hypercoagulability group, 12 patients awaiting unilateral total knee arthroplasty with hypercoagulable state assessed by TEG parameters or risks for venous thromboembolism received daily 10-mg rivaroxaban until 24 h preoperatively and did not receive TXA during operation. All patients received intravenous administration of argatroban after 8 h postoperatively until day 3 and oral administration of rivaroxaban (10 mg) subsequently to prevent deep vein thrombosis or/and pulmonary embolism until 35 days postoperatively. TEG parameters have significant relationships with fibrinogen, platelet and APTT. The number of patients with abnormal haemostatic state assessed by TEG parameters is higher than that assessed by PT, APTT. TEG show hypercoagulability develops throughout perioperative period. There was no significant difference in haemoglobin concentration between hypercoagulability group and normal group in patients receiving unilateral total knee arthroplasty. TEG have higher sensitivity of perioperative abnormal haemostatic state than PT, APTT in primary arthroplasty. For patients with hypercoagulability, individualized anticoagulant therapies such as preoperative administration of rivaroxaban and not using TXA in operation is safe and effective.

[Factors influencing the spatial variability in soil respiration under different land use regimes].

In order to investigate the factors influencing the spatial variability in soil respiration under different land use regimes, field experiments were performed. Soil respiration and relevant environment, vegetation and soil factors were measured. The spatial variability in soil respiration and the relationship between soil respiration and these measured factors were investigated. Results indicated that land use regimes had significant effects on soil respiration. Soil respiration varied significantly (P < 0.001) among different land use regimes. Soil respiration rates ranged from 1.82 to 7.46 micromol x (m2 x s)(-1), with a difference of 5.62 micromol x (m2 x s)(-1) between the highest and lowest respiration rates. Soil organic carbon was a key factor controlling the spatial variability in soil respiration. In all, ecosystems studied, the relationship between soil respiration and soil organic carbon content can be described by a power function. Soil respiration increased with the increase of soil organic carbon. In forest ecosystem, the relationship between soil respiration and diameter at breast height (DBH) of trees can be explained by a natural logarithmic function. A model composed of soil organic carbon (C, %), available phosphorous (AP, g x kg(-1)) and diameter at breast height (DBH, cm) explained 92.8% spatial variability in soil respiration for forest ecosystems.

Fe(III) fertilization mitigating net global warming potential and greenhouse gas intensity in paddy rice-wheat rotation systems in China.

A complete accounting of net greenhouse gas balance (NGHGB) and greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) affected by Fe(III) fertilizer application was examined in typical annual paddy rice-winter wheat rotation cropping systems in southeast China. Annual fluxes of soil carbon dioxide (CO(2)), methane (CH(4)) and nitrous oxide (N(2)O) were measured using static chamber method, and the net ecosystem exchange of CO(2) (NEE) was determined by the difference between soil CO(2) emissions (R(H)) and net primary production (NPP). Fe(III) fertilizer application significantly decreased R(H) without adverse effects on NPP of rice and winter wheat. Fe(III) fertilizer application decreased seasonal CH(4) by 27-44%, but increased annual N(2)O by 65-100%. Overall, Fe(III) fertilizer application decreased the annual NGHGB and GHGI by 35-47% and 30-36%, respectively. High grain yield and low greenhouse gas intensity can be reconciled by Fe(III) fertilizer applied at the local recommendation rate in rice-based cropping systems.

Effects of water regime during rice-growing season on annual direct N(2)O emission in a paddy rice-winter wheat rotation system in southeast China.

Annual paddy rice-winter wheat rotation constitutes one of the typical cropping systems in southeast China, in which various water regimes are currently practiced during the rice-growing season, including continuous flooding (F), flooding-midseason drainage-reflooding (F-D-F), and flooding-midseason drainage-reflooding and moisture but without waterlogging (F-D-F-M). We conducted a field experiment in a rice-winter wheat rotation system to gain an insight into the water regime-specific emission factors and background emissions of nitrous oxide (N(2)O) over the whole annual cycle. While flooding led to an unpronounced N(2)O emission during the rice-growing season, it incurred substantial N(2)O emission during the following non-rice season. During the non-rice season, N(2)O fluxes were, on average, 2.61 and 2.48 mg N(2)O-Nm(-)(2) day(-1) for the 250 kg N ha(-1) applied plots preceded by the F and F-D-F water regimes, which are 56% and 49% higher than those by the F-D-F-M water regime, respectively. For the annual rotation system experienced by continuous flooding during the rice-growing season, the relationship between N(2)O emission and nitrogen input predicted the emission factor and background emission of N(2)O to be 0.87% and 1.77 kg N(2)O-Nha(-1), respectively. For the plots experienced by the water regimes of F-D-F and F-D-F-M, the emission factors of N(2)O averaged 0.97% and 0.85%, with background N(2)O emissions of 2.00 kg N(2)O-Nha(-1) and 1.61 kg N(2)O-Nha(-1) for the annual rotation system, respectively. Annual direct N(2)O-N emission was estimated to be 98.1 Gg yr(-1) in Chinese rice-based cropping systems in the 1990s, consisting of 32.3 Gg during the rice-growing season and 65.8 Gg during the non-rice season, which accounts for 25-35% of the annual total emission from croplands in China.

The validity of osteoarthritis model induced by bilateral ovariectomy in guinea pig.

To evaluate the validity of osteoarthritis model induced by bilateral ovariectomy in guinea pig, 32-month-old female guinea pigs were randomly divided into two groups: a sham operation group (control group) and an ovariectomized group (OVX group). The animals were killed 6 or 12 weeks after the operation and the degeneration of the knees were assessed microscopically and histologically by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and light microscope. The serum levels of estrogen and progesterone were detected by immune contest assay. The scoring of articular cartilage histopathology of tibial plateau was performed by histopathological examination. The blood serum levels of estrogen and progesterone were decreased significantly in the OVX group as compared with the control group 6 or 12 weeks after the operation. Joint cartilage degeneration as detected by SEM and TEM could be found at the 6th week, but severe degenerative lesions were observed at the 12th week in the OVX group as compared with the control group (P<0.01). The histopathological score of articular cartilage in tibial plateau in OVX group was higher than that of control group, which was coincident with the changes of estrogen and the ultrastructure (P<0.01). The findings suggested that bilateral ovariectomy in guinea pig can induce the severe osteoarthritis that is similar to the aging-induced OA in human. Therefore, the model of the osteoarthritis by bilateral ovariectomy in guinea pig in this study is valid.

The relationship of the expression of estrogen receptor in cartilage cell and osteoarthritis induced by bilateral ovariectomy in guinea pig.

To investigate the estrogen receptor (ER) expression in cartilage cell in the development of osteoarthritis induced by bilateral ovariectomy in guinea pig and to find their relationship. 30 two-month-old female guinea pigs were randomly divided into two groups (n = 15 each): sham operation (control) group and ovariectomized group (OVX); Scanning electorne microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were obtained to analysis the cartilage degeneration of the hind limb knee joint after 6 and 12 weeks of ovariectomy. Dextran-Coated-Charcoal (DCC) was taken to quantitively detect the expression of ER. The serum levels of estrogen and gestone were detected by immune contest assay. The results showed that ER do exist in the cartilages of the guinea pigs, with higher expression in the control group than in OVX group at the same time point (P < 0.05). It was increased also at 12 th week after operation than that of preoperation. The blood serum levels of estrogen and gestone showed a similar tendency to the expression of ER. Joint cartilage degeneration detected by SEM and TEM could be found at 6 th week, but severe degenerative lesions at 12 th week in the OVX group compared with the control group (P < 0.01). The data suggested that bilateral ovariectomy in guinea pig lead to severe osteoarthritis which mighgt be related to the lower serum level of estrogen and the downregulation of the expression of ER in the cartilage also.