Root distribution characteristics of monoculture and mixture of Pinus tabuliformis and Robinia pseudoacacia plantation.

In this study, we analyzed the vertical distribution characteristics of root biomass density, root length density, root surface area density in monoculture and mixture of Pinus tabuliformis and Robinia pseudoacacia plantations in Caijiachuan small watershed of Jixian County, Shanxi. We examined their relationships with soil physical and chemical properties in different stand types. The results showed that the total root biomass density of P. tabuliformis and R. pseudoacacia in mixture was more than 75% higher than that in monoculture. Root system of P. tabuli-formis mainly distributed in shallow layer (0-40 cm), while that of R. pseudoacacia was deeper (40-80 cm). Fine roots were predominant in different diameter classes. Length density and surface area density of fine roots were in the order of R. pseudoacacia in mixture > P. tabuliformis in mixture > R. pseudoacacia stand > P. tabuliformis stand. Root biomass density of fine roots was in the order of P. tabuliformis in mixture ＞ R. pseudoacacia in mixture ＞ P. tabuliformis stand ＞ R. pseudoacacia stand. In vertical profile, the total root and fine root biomass, root length and root surface area density of P. tabuliformis stand, R. pseudoacacia stand, P. tabuliformis in mixture and R. pseudoacacia in mixture showed a rule of decreasing with the increases of soil depth. Under different stand types, fine root length density, root biomass density and total root length density were positively correlated with soil total nitrogen, soil organic carbon, and soil water contents. Total root surface area density was significantly positively correlated with soil organic carbon, soil water content, and soil total nitrogen. The distribution of roots in pure and mixed stands of P. tabuliformis and R. pseudoacacia showed different patterns. Compared with the pure stand, the mixed stand had higher root biomass, soil nutrient contents, and soil water content.

Two galactinol synthases contribute to the drought response of Camellia sinensis.

MAIN CONCLUSION: CsGolS2-1 and CsGolS2-2 are involved in the transcriptional mechanism and play an important role in the drought response of tea plants. GolS is critical for the biosynthesis of galactinol and has been suggested to contribute to drought tolerance in various plants. However, whether GolS plays a role in drought response and the underlying transcriptional mechanism of GolS genes in response to drought stress in tea plants is still unclear. In this study, we found that drought stress promotes the accumulation of galactinol in tea leaves and that the expression of CsGolS2-1 and CsGolS2-2, which encode proteins capable of catalyzing galactinol biosynthesis, is continuously and dramatically induced by drought stress. Moreover, transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing CsGolS2-1 and CsGolS2-2 were more drought-tolerant than WT plants, as evidenced by increased cell membrane stability. In addition, the drought-responsive transcription factor CsWRKY2 has been shown to positively regulate the expression of CsGolS2-1 and CsGolS2-2 by directly binding to their promoters. Furthermore, CsVQ9 was found to interact with CsWRKY2 and promote its transcriptional function to activate CsGolS2-1 and CsGolS2-2 expression. Taken together, our findings provide insights not only into the positive role played by CsGolS2-1 and CsGolS2-2 in the drought response of tea plants but also into the transcriptional mechanisms involved.

Determination of Tea Aroma Precursor Glycosides: An Efficient Approach via Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Tea aroma components are often stored as glycosidically bound forms in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). However, the determination of these glycosides in tea samples is far from optimal. In the present study, we developed a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method for simultaneous quantification of eight primary aroma glycosides within 10 min. After systematic optimization of multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) parameters, the proposed method was highly sensitive and accurate. Optimization of the method permitted the efficient extraction of aroma glycosides. The developed method was applied to analyze the contents of aroma glycosides in different organs of tea plants, including the bud, leaves, and stem. Contents of aroma glycosides in the harvested 'Shaancha 1' ranged from 36.1 to 40454.4 µg kg-1. Geranyl glucoside and primeveroside mainly accumulated in young leaves, while other glycosides mainly accumulated in mature leaves. The findings document a rapid, reliable, and efficient analysis method. This method will be helpful in elucidating the biosynthesis and biotransformation mechanism of tea aroma glycosides and in promoting the development of the tea industry using advanced technological control approaches during the cultivation of tea plants and tea manufacture.

Electroacupuncture alleviates traumatic brain injury by inhibiting autophagy via increasing IL-10 production and blocking the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway in rats.

Autophagy, switched by the AMPK/mTOR signaling, has been revealed to contribute greatly to traumatic brain injury (TBI). Electroacupuncture (EA) is a promising therapeutic method for TBI, however, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Herein, we hypothesize that the therapeutic effect of EA on TBI is associated with its inhibition on AMPK/mTOR-mediated autophagy. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham, TBI, and TBI + EA. TBI model was established by using an electronic controlled cortical impactor. Rats were treated with EA at 12 h after modeling, 15 min daily for 14 consecutive days. EA was applied at the acupuncture points Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI4), Baihui (GV20), Guanyuan (CV4), Zusanli (ST36) and Yongquan (KI1), using dense-sparse wave, at frequencies of 1 Hz, and an amplitude of 1 mA. After 3, 7 and 14 days of modeling, the modified neurological severity scale (mNSS), rota rod system, and Morris Water Maze (MWM) test showed that EA treatment promoted neurological function recovery in TBI rats. Moreover, EA treatment alleviated brain edema, pathological damage, neuronal apoptosis in TBI rats. EA improved abnormal ultrastructure, including abnormal mitochondrial morphology and increased autophagosomes, in the brain neurons of TBI rats, as measured by transmission electron microscopy, and the concentration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and adenosine monophosphate (AMP). Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays were performed to measure the protein levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10), autophagy-related proteins and key proteins in the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. EA treatment increased IL-10 production, inhibited the AMPK/mTOR signaling, and inhibited excessive autophagy in TBI rats. Additionally, AMPK inhibitor Compound C treatment had similar effects to EA. Both AMPK agonist AICAR and IL-10 neutralizing antibody treatments reversed the effects of EA on the related protein levels of autophagy and the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway, and abolished the protective effects of EA on TBI rats. In conclusion, EA treatment promoted neurological function recovery and alleviated pathological damage and neuronal apoptosis in TBI rats through inhibiting excessive autophagy via increasing IL-10 production and blocking the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.

Suxiao Jiuxin Pills Prevent Ventricular Fibrillation from Inhibiting L-type Calcium Currents CaV1.2 in vivo and in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether Suxiao Jiuxin Pills (SJP), a Chinese herbal remedy, is an anti-ventricular fibrillation (VF) agent. METHODS: VF was induced by isoproterenolol (ISO) intraperitoneal injection followed by electrical pacing in mice and rabbits. The effects of SJP on the L-type calcium channel current (CaV1.2), voltage-dependent sodium channel current (INa), rapid and slow delayed rectifier potassium channel current (IKr and IKs, respectively) were studied by whole-cell patch-clamp method. Computer simulation was implemented to incorporate the experimental data of SJP effects on the CaV1.2 current into the action potential (AP) and pseudo-electrocardiography (pseudo-ECG) models. RESULTS: SJP prevented VF induction and reduced VF durations significantly in mice and rabbits. Patch-clamp experiments revealed that SJP decreased the peak amplitude of the CaV1.2 current with a half maximal concentration (IC50) value of 16.9 mg/L (SJP-30 mg/L, -32.8 ± 6.1 pA; Verapamil, -16.2 ±1.8 pA; vs. control, -234.5 ±16.7 pA, P<0.01, respectively). The steady-state activation curve, inactivation curve, and the recovery from inactivation of the CaV1.2 current were not shifted significantly. Specifically, SJP did not altered INa, IKr, and IKs currents significantly (SJP vs. control, P>0.05). Computer simulation showed that SJP-reduced CaV1.2 current shortened the AP duration, transiting VF into sinus rhythm in pseudo-ECG. CONCLUSION: SJP reduced VF via inhibiting the CaV1.2 current with in vivo, in vitro, and in silico studies, which provide experimental basis for SJP anti-VF clinical application.

Suxiao Jiuxin Pills Prevent Ventricular Fibrillation from Inhibiting L-type Calcium Currents CaV1.2 in vivo and in vitro / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate whether Suxiao Jiuxin Pills (SJP), a Chinese herbal remedy, is an anti-ventricular fibrillation (VF) agent.@*METHODS@#VF was induced by isoproterenolol (ISO) intraperitoneal injection followed by electrical pacing in mice and rabbits. The effects of SJP on the L-type calcium channel current (CaV1.2), voltage-dependent sodium channel current (INa), rapid and slow delayed rectifier potassium channel current (IKr and IKs, respectively) were studied by whole-cell patch-clamp method. Computer simulation was implemented to incorporate the experimental data of SJP effects on the CaV1.2 current into the action potential (AP) and pseudo-electrocardiography (pseudo-ECG) models.@*RESULTS@#SJP prevented VF induction and reduced VF durations significantly in mice and rabbits. Patch-clamp experiments revealed that SJP decreased the peak amplitude of the CaV1.2 current with a half maximal concentration (IC50) value of 16.9 mg/L (SJP-30 mg/L, -32.8 ± 6.1 pA; Verapamil, -16.2 ±1.8 pA; vs. control, -234.5 ±16.7 pA, P<0.01, respectively). The steady-state activation curve, inactivation curve, and the recovery from inactivation of the CaV1.2 current were not shifted significantly. Specifically, SJP did not altered INa, IKr, and IKs currents significantly (SJP vs. control, P>0.05). Computer simulation showed that SJP-reduced CaV1.2 current shortened the AP duration, transiting VF into sinus rhythm in pseudo-ECG.@*CONCLUSION@#SJP reduced VF via inhibiting the CaV1.2 current with in vivo, in vitro, and in silico studies, which provide experimental basis for SJP anti-VF clinical application.

Demonstration of polarization-insensitive optical filters on silicon photonics platform.

We experimentally demonstrate a polarization-insensitive optical filter (PIOF) using polarization rotator-splitters (PRSs) and microring resonators (MRRs) on the silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) compatible fabrication process. The PRS consists of a tapered-rib waveguide and an asymmetrical directional coupler (ADC), which realize the polarization rotation and splitting, to ensure the connected MRRs-based optical filter operating at one desired polarization when light with different polarizations are launched into the device. The measured results show that the optical transmission spectra of the device are identical for TE and TM polarization input. The box-like filtering spectra are also achieved with a 3-dB bandwidth of ∼0.15 nm and a high extinction ratio (ER) over 30 dB.

Accumulation of Galactinol and ABA Is Involved in Exogenous EBR-Induced Drought Tolerance in Tea Plants.

Drought stress severely limits growth and causes losses in the yield of tea plants. Exogenous application of 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) positively regulates drought responses in various plants. However, whether EBR could contribute to drought resistance in tea plants and the underlying mechanisms has not been investigated. Here, we found that EBR application is beneficial for the drought tolerance of tea plants. The transcriptome results revealed that EBR could contribute to tea plant drought resistance by promoting galactinol and abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis gene expression. The content of galactinol was elevated by EBR and EBR-responsive CsDof1.1 positively regulated the expression of the galactinol synthase genes CsGolS2-1 and CsGolS2-2 to contribute to the accumulation of galactinol by directly binding to their promoters. Moreover, exogenous EBR was found to elevate the expression of genes related to ABA signal transduction and stomatal closure regulation, which resulted in the promotion of stomatal closure. In addition, EBR-responsive CsMYC2-2 is involved in ABA accumulation by binding to the promoters CsNCED1 and CsNCED2 to activate their expression. In summary, findings in this study provide knowledge into the transcriptional regulatory mechanism of EBR-induced drought resistance in tea plants.

Compound Ipratropium Bromide plus Budesonide Inhalation in the Treatment of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Its Effect on Heparin-Binding Protein.

Objective: To analyze the clinical effect of compound ipratropium bromide combined with budesonide atomization inhalation on acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and its effect on the heparin-binding protein. Methods: A total of 110 patients with AECOPD who were admitted to our hospital between January 2020 and January 2021 were enrolled and assigned into control group (conventional treatment + compound ipratropium bromide) and combined group (conventional treatment + compound ipratropium bromide + budesonide) in a 1 : 1 ratio according to different treatment methods. The clinical effects, pulmonary function indexes, and heparin-binding protein levels before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. Results: The treatment with oxygen-driven nebulization of ipratropium bromide combined with budesonide led to a significantly higher total effective rate versus the treatment with ipratropium bromide alone (P < 0.001). After treatment, remarkably higher arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC in the combined group vs. the control group were observed (P < 0.001). The carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO2) levels in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment, and the decrease in the combined group was greater (P < 0.001). A significantl reduction was observed in heparin-binding protein in both groups after treatment, and the decrease in the combined group was greater versus the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Compound ipratropium bromide plus budesonide via aerosol inhalation therapy might be a preferable approach for AECOPD patients. It exhibits a synergistic effect on inhibiting inflammatory mediators and cytokine networks, significantly reduces airway hyperresponsiveness, and improves blood gas indicators and lung function.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and risk of cancer in a large community population under investigation for cardiovascular disease: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: It remains unclear whether vitamin D status is related to cancer risk. We examined this relationship using laboratory, administrative and survey data. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: All care settings within Calgary, Alberta, Canada and surrounding rural communities. PARTICIPANTS: Patients tested for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D from 2009 to 2013 without a past cancer diagnosis but with an ECG and body mass index ±3 months from testing were included. Age, sex, mean hours of daylight during month of testing were linked to census dissemination area-level indicators of socioeconomic status measured in 2011. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Hospital discharge diagnoses for any cancer, major cancer (colorectal, breast, lung, prostate, skin) and other cancers >3 months from testing from 2009 to 2016. Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine associations with incident cancer after adjusting for potential confounders. Interactions were tested using multiplicative terms. RESULTS: Among 72 171 patients, there were 3439 cancer diagnoses over a median of 5.9 years. After adjustment, increasing quartile of serum 25-OH vitamin D was significantly associated with an increased risk of any cancer and major cancer, however this was completely driven by an increased risk of skin cancer (Q4 vs Q1: HR=2.56, 95% CI 1.70 to 3.86, p for linear trend <0.01). This association was strengthened among individuals residing in communities with higher proportions of non-citizens, recent immigrants, visible (non-white) minorities and those not speaking an official Canadian language (English or French) at home. CONCLUSIONS: Higher vitamin D status was associated with a greater risk of skin cancer in a large community population under investigation for cardiovascular disease. This association was likely due to sun exposure and may be modified by community variation in vitamin D supplementation.

Hormone Orchestrates a Hierarchical Transcriptional Cascade That Regulates Al-Induced De Novo Root Regeneration in Tea Nodal Cutting.

The aluminum in acid soils is very rhizotoxic to most plant species, but it is essential for root growth and development in Camellia sinensis. However, the molecular basis of Al-mediated signaling pathways in root regeneration of tea plants is largely unclear. In this study, we profiled the physiological phenotype, transcriptome, and phytohormones in the process using stems treated with Al (0.3 mM) and control (0.02 mM). The anatomical analysis showed that the 0.3 mM Al-treated stem began to develop adventitious root (AR) primordia within 7 days, ARs occurred after 21 days, while the control showed a significant delay. We further found that the expression patterns of many genes involved in the biosynthesis of ZT, ACC, and JA were stimulated by Al on day 3; also, the expression profiles of auxin transporter-related genes were markedly increased under Al during the whole rooting process. Moreover, the expression of these genes was strongly correlated with the accumulation of ZT, ACC, JA, and IAA. CsERFs, CsMYBs, and CsWRKYs transcription factor genes with possible crucial roles in regulating AR regeneration were also uncovered. Our findings suggest that multiple phytohormones and genes related to their biosynthesis form a hierarchical transcriptional cascade during Al-induced de novo root regeneration in tea nodal cuttings.

Inhibition of Drp1 SUMOylation by ALR protects the liver from ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Hepatic ischemic reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common complication of liver surgery. Although an imbalance between mitochondrial fission and fusion has been identified as the cause of IRI, the detailed mechanism remains unclear. Augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) was reported to prevent mitochondrial fission by inhibiting dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) phosphorylation, contributing partially to its liver protection. Apart from phosphorylation, Drp1 activity is also regulated by small ubiquitin-like modification (SUMOylation), which accelerates mitochondrial fission. This study aimed to investigate whether ALR-mediated protection from hepatic IRI might be associated with an effect on Drp1 SUMOylation. Liver tissues were harvested from both humans and from heterozygous ALR knockout mice, which underwent IRI. The SUMOylation and phosphorylation of Drp1 and their modulation by ALR were investigated. Hepatic Drp1 SUMOylation was significantly increased in human transplanted livers and IRI-livers of mice. ALR-transfection significantly decreased Drp1 SUMOylation, attenuated the IRI-induced mitochondrial fission and preserved mitochondrial stability and function. This study showed that the binding of transcription factor Yin Yang-1 (YY1) to its downstream target gene UBA2, a subunit of SUMO-E1 enzyme heterodimer, was critical to control Drp1 SUMOylation. By interacting with YY1, ALR inhibits its nuclear import and dramatically decreases the transcriptional level of UBA2. Consequently, mitochondrial fission was significantly reduced, and mitochondrial function was maintained. This study showed that the regulation of Drp1 SUMOylation by ALR protects mitochondria from fission, rescuing hepatocytes from IRI-induced apoptosis. These new findings provide a potential target for clinical intervention to reduce the effects of IRI during hepatic surgery.

Effect of moxibustion on renal function and hypercoagulable state in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy of low to medium risk with spleen-kidney deficiency and blood stasis / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the effect of moxibustion combined with basic treatment and simple basic treatment on the clinical symptoms, renal function and hypercoagulable state in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) of low to medium risk with spleen-kidney deficiency and blood stasis.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 patients with IMN of low to medium risk with spleen-kidney deficiency and blood stasis were randomized into an observation group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (30 cases, 1 case dropped off). In the control group, the conventional basic treatment of anti-hypertension, regulating blood lipid and anti-coagulation was adopted. On the basis of the control group, moxibustion was applied at Shenshu (BL 23), Pishu (BL 20), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) in the observation group, once a day, 5 days a week continuously with 2 day interval. The treatment of 6 months was required in the both groups. Before treatment and 3 and 6 months into treatment, the total TCM syndrome score, the renal function indexes (24-hour urinary protein quantity [UTP], albumin [ALB], urea nitrogen [BUN] and creatinine [Scr]), the blood coagulation indexes (fibrinogen [FIB], D-Dimer [D-D], p-selection and von Willebrand factor [vWF]), total cholesterol (TC) and triacylglycerol (TG) levels were observed, and the therapeutic efficacy was evaluated on 3 and 6 months into treatment in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#The effective rates of 3 and 6 months into treatment were 78.6% (22/28) and 89.3% (25/28) in the observation group, which were higher than 62.1% (18/29) and 75.9% (22/29) in the control group respectively (@*CONCLUSION@#Moxibustion combined with basic treatment can effectively improve the clinical symptoms, renal function and renal microcirculation in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy of low to medium risk with spleen-kidney deficiency and blood stasis, the therapeutic effect is superior to the simple basic treatment.

[Bioinformatics analysis of safflower WD40 transcription factor family genes].

The WD40 transcription factor family is a gene superfamily widely found in eukaryotes, which is closely related to plant growth and development regulation. It has been reported that the WD40 transcription factor was involved in the synthesis of anthocyanins, which is one of the vital components of safflower flavonoid compounds. In this study, 40 CtWD40 members in the safflower genome were identified though bioinformatics tools and gene expression analysis methods. According to the WD40 protein sequence and phylogenetic characteristics of Arabidopsis and other plants, the safflower CtWD40 family was classified into 7 subfamilies. Conservative motif analysis was used to reveal the specific conserved motifs and gene structures of each subfamily member, and there exist a certain degree of similarities in the conserved motifs and gene structure between the closely related family members. Subsequently, the search for cis-acting elements of gene promoters found CtWD40-specific promoter elements, revealing the metabolic pathways which may involve. Next, enrichment of function analysis was employed to analyze the functional categories and cellular localization of the CtWD40 protein. Furthermore, the interactions between CtWD40 proteins predicted its potential regulatory function. Finally, 19 members of the safflower CtWD40 subfamily were analyzed by qRT-PCR, the result showed the expression patterns of these members were different in diverse tissue and flowering period. This study provides a basis for the functional and expression research of the CtWD40 genes.

Effect and Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Pathological Scar / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Pathological scar is a kind of skin fibrotic disease caused by abnormal wound healing, including hypertrophic scar and keloid. Pathological scar may lead to aesthetic flaws, limb dysfunction and local discomfort in patients. Due to the complexity of the wound healing process, the formation of scar is affected by many factors. In addition to traditional surgical, laser, cryostatic and hormone injection methods for the treatment of pathological scar, there are new therapies, such as mesenchymal stem cell therapy, fat transplantation, interferon, and botulinum toxin. They are widely used in clinical practice, but with such problems as high prices and many side effect. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history in treating pathological scar. In recent years, in vivo and in vitro studies have shown that TCM has effect IN reducing inflammation, inhibiting fibroblast proliferation, regulating fibroblast activation and migration, inducing fibroblast apoptosis and autophagy, promoting the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and reducing angiogenesis in general. Besides, TCM has also a certain regulatory role in the signaling pathways, such as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smads, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) and sonic hedgehog (Shh). There are still some contradictions in relevant studies, and specific mechanisms remain to be further improved. This paper summarizes the study content, findings and relevant mechanisms of different TCM based on in vivo and in vitro experiments, analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of TCM in the prevention and treatment of pathological scar, and its prospects in clinical application, so as to provide basis and ideas for future scar studies.

Reporting preclinical anesthesia study (REPEAT): Evaluating the quality of reporting in the preclinical anesthesiology literature.

Poor reporting quality may contribute to irreproducibility of results and failed 'bench-to-bedside' translation. Consequently, guidelines have been developed to improve the complete and transparent reporting of in vivo preclinical studies. To examine the impact of such guidelines on core methodological and analytical reporting items in the preclinical anesthesiology literature, we sampled a cohort of studies. Preclinical in vivo studies published in Anesthesiology, Anesthesia & Analgesia, Anaesthesia, and the British Journal of Anaesthesia (2008-2009, 2014-2016) were identified. Data was extracted independently and in duplicate. Reporting completeness was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Principles and Guidelines for Reporting Preclinical Research. Risk ratios were used for comparative analyses. Of 7615 screened articles, 604 met our inclusion criteria and included experiments reporting on 52 490 animals. The most common topic of investigation was pain and analgesia (30%), rodents were most frequently used (77%), and studies were most commonly conducted in the United States (36%). Use of preclinical reporting guidelines was listed in 10% of applicable articles. A minority of studies fully reported on replicates (0.3%), randomization (10%), blinding (12%), sample-size estimation (3%), and inclusion/exclusion criteria (5%). Statistics were well reported (81%). Comparative analysis demonstrated few differences in reporting rigor between journals, including those that endorsed reporting guidelines. Principal items of study design were infrequently reported, with few differences between journals. Methods to improve implementation and adherence to community-based reporting guidelines may be necessary to increase transparent and consistent reporting in the preclinical anesthesiology literature.

Orexin Receptor-1 in the Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla Mediates the Antihypertensive Effects of Electroacupuncture.

Electroacupuncture (EA) has been used to treat numerous diseases, including hypertension. This study aimed to investigate the long-term effect and underlying mechanisms of EA stimulation at the LI11 point on the hypertension and sympathetic nerve activity in two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) hypertensive rats. EA (0.1-0.4 mA, 2 and 15 Hz) was applied to the acupoints LI11 overlying the deep radial nerve once a day for 6 weeks. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were determined by radiotelemetry, and the sympathetic nerve activity was evaluated by telemetric analyses of the low-frequency component of blood pressure (BP) and by plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine levels. The results showed 6 weeks of EA significantly lowered the increased BP effectively, inhibited the enhanced sympathetic nerve activities and attenuated cardiac hypertrophy in 2K1C hypertensive rats. The level of orexin receptor-1 (OX1R) in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) after EA treatment was markedly reduced in 2K1C rats, while there was no difference in the RVLM expression of orexin receptor-2 (OX2R) in 2K1C and 2K1C+EA rats. Moreover, the increased pressor and depressor responses to microinjection of orexin A or OX1R antagonist SB408124 into the RVLM of 2K1C rats were significantly blunted by the EA treatment. These findings suggest that BP-lowering effect of EA on renovascular hypertension may be through inhibition of central sympathetic activities and modulation of functional orexin receptors in the RVLM.

[Cloning and expression analysis of CtbHLH transcription factor gene from Carthamus tinctorius and construction of plant expression vector].

To clone bHLH( basic helix-loop-helix) gene from Carthamus tinctorius,analyze the expression level in different plant tissues and construct the plant expression vector. The bHLH1 gene was cloned by RT-PCR techniques,and the protein characteristics were analyzed by bioinformatics,and phylogenetic tree was constructed. The expression of bHLH1 gene in different tissues and the roots after inoculated by Fusarium oxysporum were analyzed using real time-PCR,and the plant expression vector p BASTA-bHLH1 was constructed. The obtained ORF sequence of bHLH1 gene was 897 bp,encoded a protein of 298 amino acids. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree analyses showed that C. tinctorius bHLH1 had a certain homology with other species of amino acids,and was the most similar to the amino acid sequence of tobacco. Real-time PCR results showed significant differences,CtbHLH1 gene in red flower petals in different tissues and different flowering period had remarkable difference in expression level,its high amount expressed in petals,flowers third day after blossom expressed the highest quantity,at the end of the flowering the expression quantity is low. In addition,it is expressed in the root,and the expression in the stem and leaves is extremely low. The bHLH1 gene of C. tinctorius is successfully cloned,and the expression is analyzed. The plant expression vector p BASTA-bHLH is constructed.

Genomic Signature of Driver Genes Identified by Target Next-Generation Sequencing in Chinese Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common human malignancies and the leading cause of cancer-related death. Over the past few decades, genomic alterations of cancer driver genes have been identified in NSCLC, and molecular testing and targeted therapies have become standard care for lung cancer patients. Here we studied the unique genomic profile of driver genes in Chinese patients with NSCLC by next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,200 Chinese patients with NSCLC were enrolled in this study. The median age was 60 years (range: 26-89), and 83% cases were adenocarcinoma. NGS-based genomic profiling of major lung cancer-related genes was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples and matched blood. RESULTS: Approximately 73.9% of patients with NSCLC harbored at least one actionable alteration recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), ALK, ERBB2, MET, BRAF, RET, and ROS1. Twenty-seven patients (2.2%) harbored inherited germline mutations of cancer susceptibility genes. The frequencies of EGFR genomic alterations (both mutations and amplification) and ALK rearrangement were identified as 50.1% and 7.8% in Chinese NSCLC populations, respectively, and significantly higher than the Western population. Fifty-six distinct uncommon EGFR mutations other than L858R, exon19del, exon20ins, or T790M were identified in 18.9% of patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC. About 7.4% of patients harbored both sensitizing and uncommon mutations, and 11.6% of patients harbored only uncommon EGFR mutations. The uncommon EGFR mutations more frequently combined with the genomic alterations of ALK, CDKN2A, NTRK3, TSC2, and KRAS. In patients <40 years of age, the ALK-positive percentage was up to 28.2%. Moreover, 3.2% of ALK-positive patients harbored multi ALK rearrangements, and seven new partner genes were identified. CONCLUSION: More unique features of cancer driver genes in Chinese NSCLC were identified by next-generation sequencing. These findings highlighted that NGS technology is more feasible and necessary than other molecular testing methods, and suggested that the special strategies are needed for drug development and targeted therapy for Chinese patients with NSCLC. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Molecular targeted therapy is now the standard first-line treatment for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Samples of 1,200 Chinese patients with NSCLC were analyzed through next-generation sequencing to characterize the unique feature of uncommon EGFR mutations and ALK fusion. The results showed that 7.4% of EGFR-mutant patients harbored both sensitizing and uncommon mutations and 11.6% harbored only uncommon mutations. Uncommon EGFR mutations more frequently combined with the genomic alterations of ALK, CDKN2A, NTRK3, TSC2, and KRAS. ALK fusion was more common in younger patients, and the frequency decreased monotonically with age. 3.2% of ALK-positive patients harbored multi ALK rearrangement, and seven new partner genes were identified.

Effect of Modified Shengjiangsan on Renal Protection for Membranous Nephropathy Rats and Expression of ROS / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To detect the effect of modified Shengjiangsan on the expression of reactive oxygen species(ROS) in mitochondria of renal foot cells of rats, in order to study the mechanism of modified Shengjiangsan. Method: After be fed for 7 days,the 60 SD male rats were randomly divided into four groups:blank control group, model group, positive medicine group and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) treatment group. After establishment of the rat model of membranous nephropathy, model group, positive medicine group and TCM treatment group were treated differently. After 4 weeks, all of the rats were put to death, and the expressions of ROS, 24-hour urinary protein quantity,total cholesterol,triglyceride,total protein,albumin,urea nitrogen,creatinine were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction Real-time PCR. Result: The expression of 24-hour urinary protein quantity,total cholesterol,triglyceride in positive medicine group and TCM treatment group were reduced,and the expressions of total protein,albumin in positive medicine group and TCM treatment group were reduced compared with those of model group (PPConclusion: Modified Shengjiangsan can effectively control the development of ROS in mitochondria of renal foot cells of rats, and repair the renal function of membranous nephropathy rats by recovering foot cells.