Metabolome and Transcriptome Reveal Chlorophyll, Carotenoid, and Anthocyanin Jointly Regulate the Color Formation of Triadica sebifera.

The Chinese tallow tree (Triadica sebifera) is an economically important plant on account of its ornamental value and oil-producing seeds. Leaf colour is a key characteristic of T. sebifera, with yellow-, red- and purple-leaved varieties providing visually impressive displays during autumn. In this study, we performed metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying leaf colour development in purple-leaved T. sebifera at three stages during the autumnal colour transition, namely, green, hemi-purple, and purple leaves. We accordingly detected 370 flavonoid metabolites and 10 anthocyanins, among the latter of which, cyanidin-3-xyloside and peonidin-3-O-glucoside were identified as the predominant compounds in hemi-purple and purple leaves. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that structural genes associated with the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway, chlorophyll synthesis pathway and carotenoid synthesis pathway were significantly differential expressed at the three assessed colour stages. Additionally, transcription factors associated with the MYB-bHLH-WD40 complex, including 22 R2R3-MYBs, 79 bHLHs and 44 WD40 genes, were identified as candidate regulators of the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway. Moreover, on the basis of the identified differentially accumulated anthocyanins and key genes, we generated genetic and metabolic regulatory networks for anthocyanin biosynthesis in T. sebifera. These findings provide comprehensive information on the leaf transcriptome and three pigments of T. sebifera, thereby shedding new light on the mechanisms underlying the autumnal colouring of the leaves of this tree.

Coronary thrombosis and myocardial ischemia in Kawasaki disease: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery thrombosis and myocardial ischemia caused by giant coronary aneurysms are the main causes of death in children with Kawasaki disease. The use of thrombolytic therapy in children with Kawasaki disease who have coronary thrombosis is a controversial topic, especially with respect to the timing of treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: In this article, we report a case of a child aged two years and nine months with Kawasaki disease whose coronary arteries had no involvement in the acute phase. However, by only one week after discharge, the patient returned because we found giant coronary aneurysms complicated by thrombosis via echocardiography. Despite aggressive thrombolytic therapy, the child developed myocardial ischemia during thrombolytic therapy. Fortunately, because of timely treatment, the child's thrombus has dissolved, and the myocardial ischemia has resolved. CONCLUSIONS: This case suggests that for patients at high risk of coronary artery aneurysms, echocardiography may need to be reviewed earlier. Low-molecular-weight heparin should be added to antagonize the early procoagulant effects of warfarin when warfarin therapy is initiated. In the case of first-detected coronary thrombosis, aggressive thrombolytic therapy may be justified, particularly during the acute and subacute phases of the disease course.

The impact of glucocorticoids therapy on cutaneous wounds in Kawasaki disease: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Kawasaki disease (KD) is one of the most challenging diseases that is defined as an acute vasculitis that affects the coronary arteries primarily in children. It causes complications if left untreated at early stages, ultimately leading to death. Corticosteroids have been recognized to treat and cause great impact on the patients with KD. Glucocorticoid is one of the main corticosteroids that are being used to treat KD and cutaneous wounds. However, ineffectiveness of a few glucocorticoids can limit the efficacy of this treatment. This study particularly aimed to elucidate the impact of glucocorticoids on cutaneous wounds in KD. To perform the meta-analysis, a comprehensive literature survey was conducted to unveil the studies and research conducted on Kawasaki patients that revealed different glucocorticoids in the form of specific interventions influencing KD. The literature was searched using numerous keywords, screened and data was extracted to perform the meta-analysis and then it was conducted using the metabin function of R package meta. A total of 2000 patients from both intervention and control groups were employed to carry out the meta-analysis to analyse and evaluate the impact of glucocorticoids on curing KD and cutaneous wounds in patients. The results disclosed that glucocorticoids along with other steroids, mainly IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin), was an effective intervention to patients suffering from Kawasaki. The results depicted significant outcomes with the values (risk ratio [RR]: 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58-2.00, p < 0.01) and enlightened the fact that adopting different glucocorticoids may significantly improve the efficacy of skin lesions along with KD. Hence, interventions of glucocorticoids must be utilized in the clinical practice to reduce the incidence of skin wounds and adverse effects caused due to KD.

The activation of CaN/NFAT signaling pathway in macrophages aggravated Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract-induced Kawasaki disease vasculitis.

OBJECTIVES: By using GWAS(genome-wide association studies) and linkage disequilibrium analysis to investigate the susceptibility genes of KD(Kawasaki disease), previous studies have identified that the CaN(calcineurin)-NFAT(the nuclear factor of activated T cell) signal pathway were significantly associated with susceptibility to KD. However, little is known about the molecular basis of the CaN/NFAT pathway involved in KD. Therefore, in our study we investigate the role of Ca2+/CaN/NFAT signaling pathway in macrophages in vitro and in vivo on coronary artery lesions induced by LCWE (Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract). METHODS AND RESULTS: We observed that LCWE could increase the expression of NFAT1 and NFAT2 in macrophages in vitro, and also enhance the transcriptional activity of NFAT by promoting the nucleus translocation. Similarly, in LCWE-induced mice model, the expression of NFAT1 and NFAT2 and associated proinflammatory factors were increased significantly. In addition, by knocking down or overexpressing NFAT1 or NFAT2 in macrophages, the results indicated that NFAT signaling pathway mediated LCWE-induced immune responses in macrophages and regulated the synthesis of IL(interleukin)-6, IL-1ß and TNF(tumor necrosis factor)-α in LCWE-induced macrophage activation. As well, we found that this process could be suppressed by CaN inhibitor CsA(cyclosporinA). CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, the CaN/NFAT signaling pathway mediated LCWE-induced immune responses in macrophages, and also participated in the LCWE-induced CALs(coronary artery lesions). And also the inhibitory effect of CsA in LCWE-induced cell model towards a strategy to modulate the CaN/NFAT pathway during the acute course of KD might be helpful in alleviate KD-induced CALs.

A severe complication of J-tip guide wire during catheterization: A case report and discussion.

J-tip guide wire entrapment within the heart is a serious and dangerous complication that is rarely mentioned. We present a case in which the J-tip guide wire was entrapped in the right atrium during tunneled cuffed venous catheterization. We were unable to remove the guide wire using previously reported methods and concluded with surgery. Owing to the special structure of the guide wire itself, a safe removal process needs to be discussed. Patient consent for publication was obtained prior to the submission of the manuscript.

Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of non-structural carbohydrates in red maple leaves.

Plant sugars serve to balance nutrition, regulate development, and respond to biotic and abiotic stresses, whereas non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) are essential energy sources that facilitate plant growth, metabolism, and environmental adaptation. To better elucidate the mechanisms of NSCs in red maple, ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatograph Q extractive mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QE-MS) and high-throughput RNA-sequencing were performed on green, red, and yellow leaves from a selected red maple mutant. In green leaves, the fructose phosphorylation process exhibited greater flux. In yellow leaves, sucrose and starch had a stronger capacity for synthesis and degradation, whereas in red leaves, there was a greater accumulation of trehalose and manninotriose. ArTPS5 positively regulated amylose, which was negatively regulated by ArFBP2, whereas ArFRK2 and ArFBP13 played a positive role in the biosynthesis of Sucrose-6P. Sucrose-6P also regulated anthocyanins and abscisic acid in red maple by affecting transcription factors. The results of this paper can assist with the control and optimization of the biosynthesis of NSCs in red maple, which may ultimately provide the foundation for influencing sugar production in Acer.

Transcriptome analysis based on a combination of sequencing platforms provides insights into leaf pigmentation in Acer rubrum.

BACKGROUND: Red maple (Acer rubrum L.) is one of the most common and widespread trees with colorful leaves. We found a mutant with red, yellow, and green leaf phenotypes in different branches, which provided ideal materials with the same genetic relationship, and little interference from the environment, for the study of complex metabolic networks that underly variations in the coloration of leaves. We applied a combination of NGS and SMRT sequencing to various red maple tissues. RESULTS: A total of 125,448 unigenes were obtained, of which 46 and 69 were thought to be related to the synthesis of anthocyanins and carotenoids, respectively. In addition, 88 unigenes were presumed to be involved in the chlorophyll metabolic pathway. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the pigment gene expression network, the mechanisms of leaf color were investigated. The massive accumulation of Cy led to its higher content and proportion than other pigments, which caused the redness of leaves. Yellow coloration was the result of the complete decomposition of chlorophyll pigments, the unmasking of carotenoid pigments, and a slight accumulation of Cy. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a systematic analysis of color variations in the red maple. Moreover, mass sequence data obtained by deep sequencing will provide references for the controlled breeding of red maple.

Inhibition of endogenous hydrogen sulfide production improves viral elimination in CVB3-infected myocardium in mice.

BACKGROUND: To find whether administration of hydrogen sulfide has interaction with coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3) replication and spread. METHODS: Six-week-old inbred male Balb/c mice were injected intraperitoneally with CVB3. Mice were randomized to four groups (n = 10 for each group): group N (sham infection + vehicle), group C (virus + vehicle), group P (virus + DL-proparglygylcine (PAG)), and group S (virus + sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS)). PAG and NaHS were administered intraperitoneally daily and mice were killed on day 4 after viral inoculation. Serum specimens were obtained to assay tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) level, and heart specimens were harvested for histological examination, 50% tissue culture infection dose (TCID50) assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: The ratio of heart-weight to body-weight and inflammatory scores showed no significant difference between infected groups. The circulatory and local concentrations of TNFα, nitric oxide synthase 2 messenger RNA, and protein were higher in group P, and were lower in group S compared to those in group C. Mice treated with PAG and NaHS had significantly lower and higher viral stocks than those inoculated with CVB3 only, respectively. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of endogenous hydrogen sulfide production contributed to viral clearance in acute viremia of CVB3-induced myocarditis.

Overexpression of the Stress-Inducible SsMAX2 Promotes Drought and Salt Resistance via the Regulation of Redox Homeostasis in Arabidopsis.

Recent studies have demonstrated that strigolactones (SLs) also participate in the regulation of stress adaptation; however, the regulatory mechanism remains elusive. In this study, the homolog of More Axillary Branches 2, which encodes a key component in SL signaling, in the perennial oil plant Sapium sebiferum was identified and functionally characterized in Arabidopsis. The results showed that the expression of SsMAX2 in S. sebiferum seedlings was stress-responsive, and SsMAX2 overexpression (OE) in Arabidopsis significantly promoted resistance to drought, osmotic, and salt stresses. Moreover, SsMAX2 OE lines exhibited decreased chlorophyll degradation, increased soluble sugar and proline accumulation, and lower water loss ratio in response to the stresses. Importantly, anthocyanin biosynthesis and the activities of several antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), were enhanced in the SsMAX2 OE lines, which further led to a significant reduction in hydrogen peroxide levels. Additionally, the SsMAX2 OE lines exhibited higher expression level of several abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis genes, suggesting potential interactions between SL and ABA in the regulation of stress adaptation. Overall, we provide physiological and biochemical evidence demonstrating the pivotal role of SsMAX2 in the regulation of osmotic, drought, and salt stress resistance and show that MAX2 can be a genetic target to improve stress tolerance.

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals the regulatory networks of cytokinin in promoting the floral feminization in the oil plant Sapium sebiferum.

BACKGROUND: Sapium sebiferum, whose seeds contain high level of fatty acids, has been considered as one of the most important oil plants. However, the high male to female flower ratio limited the seed yield improvement and its industrial potentials. Thus, the study of the sex determination in S. sebiferum is of significant importance in increasing the seed yield. RESULTS: In this study, we demonstrated that in S. sebiferum, cytokinin (CK) had strong feminization effects on the floral development. Exogenous application with 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) or thidiazuron (TDZ) significantly induced the development of female flowers and increased the fruit number. Interestingly, the feminization effects of cytokinin were also detected on the androecious genotype of S. sebiferum which only produce male flowers. To further investigate the mechanism underlying the role of cytokinin in the flower development and sex differentiation, we performed the comparative transcriptome analysis of the floral buds of the androecious plants subjected to 6-BA. The results showed that there were separately 129, 352 and 642 genes differentially expressed at 6 h, 12 h and 24 h after 6-BA treatment. Functional analysis of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed that many genes are related to the hormonal biosynthesis and signaling, nutrients translocation and cell cycle. Moreover, there were twenty one flowering-related genes identified to be differentially regulated by 6-BA treatment. Specifically, the gynoecium development-related genes SPATULA (SPT), KANADI 2 (KAN2), JAGGED (JAG) and Cytochrome P450 78A9 (CYP79A9) were significantly up-regulated, whereas the expression of PISTILLATA (PI), TATA Box Associated Factor II 59 (TAFII59) and MYB Domain Protein 108 (MYB108) that were important for male organ development was down-regulated in response to 6-BA treatment, demonstrating that cytokinin could directly target the floral organ identity genes to regulate the flower sex. CONCLUSIONS: Our work demonstrated that cytokinin is a potential regulator in female flower development in S. sebiferum. The transcriptome analysis of the floral sex transition from androecious to monoecious in response to cytokinin treatment on the androecious S. sebiferum provided valuable information related to the mechanism of sex determination in the perennial woody plants.

Exogenous Melatonin Confers Cadmium Tolerance by Counterbalancing the Hydrogen Peroxide Homeostasis in Wheat Seedlings.

Melatonin has emerged as a research highlight regarding its important role in regulating plant growth and the adaptation to the environmental stresses. In this study, we investigated how melatonin prevented the cadmium toxicity to wheat seedlings. The results demonstrated that cadmium induced the expression of melatonin biosynthesis-related genes and cause a significant increase of endogenous melatonin level. Melatonin treatment drastically alleviated the cadmium toxicity, resulting in increased plant height, biomass accumulation, and root growth. Cadmium and senescence treatment significantly increased the endogenous level of hydrogen peroxide, which was strictly counterbalanced by melatonin. Furthermore, melatonin treatment caused a significant increase of GSH (reduced glutathione) content and the GSH/GSSG (oxidized glutathione) ratio. The activities of two key antioxidant enzymes, ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), but not catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD), were specifically improved by melatonin. Additionally, melatonin not only promoted the primary root growth, but also drastically enhanced the capacity of the seedling roots to degrade the exogenous hydrogen peroxide. These results suggested that melatonin played a key role in maintaining the hydrogen peroxide homeostasis, via regulation of the antioxidant systems. Conclusively, this study revealed a crucial protective role of melatonin in the regulation of cadmium resistance in wheat.

Notch4 Signaling Pathway of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in a Kawasaki Disease Model Induced by Lactobacillus casei Cell Wall Extract.

The Notch4 signaling pathway of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) may play a crucial role in Kawasaki disease (KD). We investigated the proliferation, adhesion, migration, angiogenesis, and expression levels of Notch4, recombination signal-binding protein-Jκ (RBP-Jκ), P-selectin, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) of bone marrow (BM) EPCs in a KD model induced by Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract. The numbers of BM EPCs decreased significantly in the KD models. The Notch4 expression level on the EPC surface was higher in the KD models than in the controls. The proliferative, adhesive, migratory, and angiogenic properties, and double immunofluorescence-binding rate of BM EPCs were significantly impaired in the KD models. The levels of Notch4 and P-selectin mRNA were lower in the KD models than in the controls on day 3. The RBP-Jκ mRNA levels were lower in the KD models than in the controls on days 3 and 7. The levels of RBP-Jκ and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 proteins decreased in the early stage. In conclusion, the BM EPC functions and bioactivities in the KD models were impaired, and the Notch4 signaling pathway is associated with KD.

Predictive value of red blood cell distribution width for coronary artery lesions in patients with Kawasaki disease.

Recent studies have shown that elevated red blood cell distribution width is associated with poor outcome in cardiovascular diseases. In order to assess the predictive value of red blood cell distribution width, before treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins, for coronary artery lesions in patient with Kawasaki disease, we compared 83 patients with coronary artery lesions and 339 patients without coronary artery lesions before treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin. Clinical, echocardiographic, and biochemical values were evaluated along with red blood cell distribution width. A total of 422 consecutive patients with Kawasaki disease were enrolled into our study. According to receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal red blood cell distribution width cut-off value for predicting coronary artery lesions was 14.55% (area under the curve was 0.721; p=0.000); eighty-three patients (19.7%) had coronary artery lesions, and 70% of the patients with coronary artery lesions had red blood cell distribution width level >14.55%. Logistic regression analysis revealed that fever duration >14 days (odds ratio was 3.42, 95% confidence interval was 1.27-9.22; p=0.015), intravenous immunoglobulin resistance (odds ratio was 2.33, 95% confidence interval was 1.02-5.29; p=0.04), and red blood cell distribution width >14.55% (odds ratio was 3.49, 95% confidence interval was 2.01-6.05; p=0.000) were independent predictors of coronary artery lesions in patients with Kawasaki disease. In Conclusion, red blood cell distribution width may be helpful for predicting coronary artery lesions in patients with Kawasaki disease.

Evaluation of intravenous immunoglobulin resistance and coronary artery lesions in relation to Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles in patients with Kawasaki disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the roles of serum Th1 and Th2 cytokines in Kawasaki disease (KD) and determine whether the Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles in children with KD may be involved in intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance and development of coronary artery lesions (CALs). METHODS: Serum Th1 and Th2 cytokines, including interferon-γ (IFNγ), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-6, IL-4, and IL-2, were measured using a cytometric bead array in the serum of 143 patients with KD before and after treatment with IVIG (pre-IVIG, at 3 days after temperature normalization following IVIG treatment [post-IVIG], and 1 month posttreatment). RESULTS: Levels of IL-6, IL-10, TNFα, and IFNγ were significantly increased in KD patients pre-IVIG. Post-IVIG, the levels of IL-6, IL-10, and IFNγ quickly decreased. The levels of TNFα decreased significantly after IVIG treatment in KD patients without CALs post-IVIG and in KD patients who were IVIG responders, but increased slightly in KD patients with CALs post-IVIG and in KD patients who were IVIG nonresponders. Before IVIG treatment, the levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IFNγ were significantly higher in KD patients with CALs than in those without CALs. The post-IVIG levels of IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly higher in IVIG nonresponders than in IVIG responders. Pre-IVIG, an IL-10 level >8 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 75.0% and a specificity of 64.4% for predicting CALs, while a TNFα level <2 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 66.7% and a specificity of 74.2% for predicting IVIG resistance. Post-IVIG, an IL-6 level >10 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 67.9% and a specificity of 81.7% for predicting CALs, while an IL-10 level >6 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 53.6% and a specificity of 86% for predicting CALs. CONCLUSION: Determination of the serum Th1/Th2 cytokine profile may be helpful for predicting the disease prognosis and targeting treatment strategies in patients with KD.

Analyzing the impact of storage shortage on data availability in decentralized online social networks.

Maintaining data availability is one of the biggest challenges in decentralized online social networks (DOSNs). The existing work often assumes that the friends of a user can always contribute to the sufficient storage capacity to store all data. However, this assumption is not always true in today's online social networks (OSNs) due to the fact that nowadays the users often use the smart mobile devices to access the OSNs. The limitation of the storage capacity in mobile devices may jeopardize the data availability. Therefore, it is desired to know the relation between the storage capacity contributed by the OSN users and the level of data availability that the OSNs can achieve. This paper addresses this issue. In this paper, the data availability model over storage capacity is established. Further, a novel method is proposed to predict the data availability on the fly. Extensive simulation experiments have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the data availability model and the on-the-fly prediction.

Expansion of a Novel Subset of L-Selectin+ Classical Monocytes in Kawasaki Disease.

Purpose: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis that is associated with dysregulated immune responses. Monocytes play a central role in innate immunity. Our previous single-cell RNA sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) revealed a new subset of monocytes in children with KD called L-Selectin+ classical monocytes (SELL+ CM). Therefore, we aimed to investigate the correlation between KD and SELL+ CM. Patients and Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 81 KD patients, 18 febrile patients and 36 healthy children before treatment. Among them, ten KD patients were followed up, and samples were obtained before and after intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment. Analysis of SELL+ CM was performed using flow cytometry. Additionally, ROC curve analysis was conducted to assess the diagnostic value of SELL+ CM for KD. Results: Classical monocytes (CM) expressed the highest levels of L-selectin in children with KD. The ratio of SELL+ CM in CM was significantly higher in KD patients than in febrile and healthy children. Following IVIG treatment, the ratio of SELL+ CM in CM showed a downward trend. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis (the area under the curve, AUC = 0.71) indicated the potential diagnostic value of SELL+ CM in KD. The correlation analysis suggested that SELL+ CM may serve as a new clinical index for patients with KD. Conclusion: In KD, the ratio of SELL+ CM in CM significantly increases during the acute phase, which may become a potential biomarker and help facilitate KD diagnosis based on clinical features.

The safety and effectiveness of clopidogrel versus aspirin in Kawasaki disease with mild-to-moderate liver injury.

Kawasaki disease can be combined with liver injury. As a mainstay treatment for Kawasaki disease, aspirin may cause liver injury. This study aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of clopidogrel versus aspirin in Kawasaki disease with mild-to-moderate liver injury. This study retrospectively analysed 166 children with Kawasaki disease combined with mild-to-moderate liver injury. The children treated with clopidogrel were less likely to have aggravated liver injury than those treated with aspirin (n = 2/100 vs. n = 13/66, P < 0.001). The initial alanine aminotransferase value of the clopidogrel group was higher (131.5 [98.5, 167.5] vs. 96 [72, 133], P < 0.001), while the time of alanine aminotransferase recovery to normal was similar (5 [4, 7] vs. 4 [3, 7], P = 0.179). No significant fever differences observed between groups: 7.5 [6, 9] for aspirin vs. 7 [6, 8] for clopidogrel group, P = 0.064. The probability of nonresponse to intravenous immunoglobulin (n = 29/100 vs. n = 30/66, P = 0.030) and the days of hospitalization (n = 6 [4, 9] vs. n = 7 [5, 10], P = 0.007) in the clopidogrel group were less than those in the aspirin group. In conclusion, the application of clopidogrel is potentially superior to aspirin in Kawasaki disease combined with mild-to-moderate liver injury.

Long-term intensive management reduced the soil quality of a Carya dabieshanensis forest.

The evaluation of soil quality can provide new insights into the sustainable management of forests. This study investigated the effects of three types of forest management intensities (non-management (CK), extensive management (EM), and intensive management (IM)), and five management durations (0, 3, 8, 15, and 20 years) on the soil quality of a Carya dabieshanensis forest. Further, minimum data sets (MDS) and optimized minimum data sets (OMDS) were established to evaluate the soil quality index (SQI). A total of 20 soil indicators representing its physical, chemical, and biological properties were measured for the 0-30 cm layer. Using one-way ANOVA and principal component analysis (PCA), the total data set (TDS), the minimum data set (MDS), and optimized minimum data set (OMDS) were established. The MDS and OMDS contained three (alkali hydrolyzed nitrogen (AN), soil microbial biomass nitrogen (SMBN), and pH) and four (total phosphorus (TP), soil organic carbon (SOC), AN, and bulk density (BD)) soil indicators, respectively. The SQI derived from the OMDS and TDS exhibited a stronger correlation (r = 0.94, p < 0.01), which was suitable for evaluating the soil quality of the C. dabieshanensis forest. The evaluation results revealed that the soil quality was highest during the early stage of intensive management (IM-3), and the SQI of each soil layer was 0.81 ± 0.13, 0.47 ± 0.11, and 0.38 ± 0.07, respectively. With extended management times, the degree of soil acidification increased, and the nutrient content decreased. Compared with the untreated forest land the soil pH, SOC, and TP decreased by 2.64-6.24%, 29.43-33.04%, and 43.63-47.27%, respectively, following 20 years of management, while the SQI of each soil layer decreased to 0.35 ± 0.09, 0.16 ± 0.02 and 0.12 ± 0.06, respectively. In contrast to extensive management, the soil quality deteriorated more rapidly under longer management and intensive supervision. The OMDS established in this study provides a reference for the assessment of soil quality in C. dabieshanensis forests. In addition, it is suggested that the managers of C. dabieshanensis forests should implement measures such as increasing the amount of P-rich organic fertilizer and restoring vegetation to increase soil nutrient resources for the gradual restoration of soil quality.

Expression of receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) on the surface of circulating endothelial cells is upregulated in Kawasaki disease.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) on the surface of circulating endothelial cells (CECs) in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD). METHODS: The positive rate of RAGE on the surface of CECs (CECs-RAGE/CECs) and the fluorescence intensity of RAGE on the surface of CECs (FI-RAGE-CECs) were evaluated in 89 patients with KD in the acute stage (A-KD), subacute stage (SA-KD), or convalescent stage (C-KD). RESULTS: CECs-RAGE/CECs and the FI-RAGE-CECs increased significantly in patients with KD. The CECs-RAGE/CECs was significantly higher in C-KD patients with coronary artery lesions (CALs) than in those without CALs. The FI-RAGE-CECs level was significantly higher in SA-KD and C-KD patients with CALs than in A-KD patients. In SA-KD and C-KD patients, the CECs-RAGE/CECs and FI-RAGE-CECs levels decreased in intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)-respondent patients but increased progressively in IVIG-resistant patients and were significantly higher in IVIG-resistant patients than in IVIG-respondent patients. DISCUSSION: The results suggest that the expression levels of RAGE on the surface of CECs are upregulated in KD patients, and that the upregulated expression levels of RAGE on the surface of CECs can be aggravated in SA-KD and C-KD patients with CALs, and also in IVIG-resistant SA-KD and C-KD patients. The RAGE expression on CECs is involved in the pathophysiology of KD.

Cardiogenic shock: do not forget the possibility of Kawasaki disease.

We report the case of a six-year-old boy who presented with cardiogenic shock due to Kawasaki disease (KD). He was misdiagnosed at first as septic shock. After careful examination, he was diagnosed as KD complicated with acute coronary syndrome, which leads to cardiogenic shock. Cardiogenic shock is often neglected as a complication of KD, and it tends to be misdiagnosed. We hereby call attention to KD, in some cases of which, it can lead to acute coronary syndrome in the acute phase.