Randomized controlled trial on the efficacy and safety of autologous serum eye drops in dry eye syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Autologous serum eye drops (ASEDs), a novel treatment derived from blood serum, have emerged as a groundbreaking solution for managing dry eye syndrome (DES). These drops have shown significant promise in relieving the distressing symptoms of DES. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ASEDs compared to traditional treatments, which often prove inadequate or result in unwanted side effects, particularly in individuals with moderate-to-severe DES. AIM: To evaluate whether ASEDs are safer and more effective than conventional artificial tears in the treatment of moderate-to-severe DES. METHODS: This multi-centered randomized controlled trial included 240 patients with moderate-to-severe DES from three ophthalmology clinics in China. They were randomly assigned to receive either ASEDs or artificial tears for 12 wk. The primary outcome was the change in the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score, with secondary outcomes including tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer I test, corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), and conjunctival impression cytology (CIC). Statistics analysis was performed using an analysis of covariance with adjustments made for baseline values. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that both ASEDs and artificial tears significantly improved the OSDI score, TBUT, Schirmer I test, CFS, and CIC from baseline to week 12. The ASEDs group showed significantly greater improvement in all these measures than the artificial tears group (all P values < 0.05). The average difference in the OSDI score between the two cohorts was -10.3 (95% confidence interval: -13.6 to -7.0), indicating a substantial improvement in the ASEDs group. The occurrence of adverse events was comparable between cohorts, with no reports of severe adverse events. CONCLUSION: ASEDs are more effective and safer than artificial tears for mitigating symptoms of moderate-to-severe DES. ASEDs could be an alternative/supplementary therapy for patients with DES less responsive to traditional treatments.

Effect of long-term application of bioorganic fertilizer on the soil property and bacteria in rice paddy.

The application of novel bioorganic fertilizer (BIO) has been established as a weed biocontrol strategy, and reduce herbicides pollution and negatively effects on agricultural ecosystems. However, its long-term influences on soil bacterial communities are unknown. Here, 16 S rRNA sequencing to identify the changes that occur in soil bacterial community and enzyme under BIO treatments after five years in a field experiment. BIO application effectively controlled weeds, however no obvious differences between treatments were observed under BIO-50, BIO-100, BIO-200 and BIO-400 treatment. Anaeromyxobacter and Clostridium_ sensu_ stricto_1 were the two dominant genera among BIO-treated soil samples. The BIO-800 treatment had a slight influence on the species diversity index, which was more remarkable after five years. The seven significantly-different genera between BIO-800 treatment and untreated soils included C._sensu_stricto_1, Syntrophorhabdus, Candidatus_Koribacter, Rhodanobacter, Bryobacter, Haliangium, Anaeromyxobacter. In addition, BIO application had different effects on soil enzymatic activities and chemical properties. The extractable P and pH saliency correlated with Haliangium and C._Koribacter, and C._sensu_stricto_1 observably correlated with exchangeable K, hydrolytic N and organic matter. Taken together, our data suggest that BIO application effectively controlled weeds and a slight influence on soil bacterial communities and enzymes. These findings expand our knowledge of the application of BIO as widely used as a sustainable weed control in rice paddy.

Formation characteristics of long-term memory in Bactrocera dorsalis.

Studies on insects have contributed significantly to a better understanding of learning and memory, which is a necessary cognitive capability for all animals. Although the formation of memory has been studied in some model insects, more evidence is required to clarify the characteristics of memory formation, especially long-term memory (LTM), which is important for reliably storing information. Here, we explored this question by examining Bactrocera dorsalis, an agricultural pest with excellent learning abilities. Using the classical conditioning paradigm of the olfactory proboscis extension reflex (PER), we found that paired conditioning with multiple trials (>3) spaced with an intertrial interval (≥10 min) resulted in stable memory that lasted for at least 3 d. Furthermore, even a single conditioning trial was sufficient for the formation of a 2-d memory. With the injection of protein inhibitors, protein-synthesis-dependent memory was confirmed to start 4 h after training, and its dependence on translation and transcription differed. Moreover, the results revealed that the dependence of memory on protein translation exhibited a time-window effect (4-6 h). Our findings provide an integrated view of LTM in insects, suggesting common mechanisms in LTM formation that play a key role in the biological basis of memory.

[Environmental Process, Effects and Risks of Emerging Contaminants in the Estuary-Coastal Environment].

Human activities and global climate change have contributed substantially to the input of land-sourced pollutants into the aquatic environment, especially for emerging or newly identified contaminants, such as microplastics, emerging persistent organic pollutants, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. The prevalence and toxicity of these emerging pollutants has raised continued concern for the health and safety of the public worldwide. A review of sources, distribution, interfacial transport processes of microplastics, per-and polyfluorinated compounds, antibiotics, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals and factors that influence their environmental behavior in the estuary-coastal environment have been included. The adverse ecological effects and health risks of these emerging contaminants to humans were also reviewed. Lastly, the direction of future research was provided regarding the environmental behavior of multiple emerging pollutants in the coastal environment and the health risks resulting from their interactions, supporting the prevention and control of marine pollution and the healthy development of the marine economy.

Therapeutic potential of pupilloplasty combined with phacomulsification and intraocular lens implantation against uveitis-induced cataract.

AIM: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of pupilloplasty combined with phacomulsification and intraocular lens implantation (PPI) in uveitis-induced cataract. METHODS: Total 28 patients with uveitis-induced cataract were enrolled. Within 3mo before the PPI, 7 cases accompanied with glaucoma maintained carteolol hydrochloride for lowering intraocular pressure, and 1 case maintained glucocorticoid for anti-inflammation. The baseline characteristics, treatment processes, and outcomes of enrolled cases were retrospectively analyzed. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed to reveal the histopathological changes of iris tissues. RESULTS: Iris hemorrhage was the only intraoperative complication observed in 2 cases. After the surgery, normal intraocular pressure, right position of intraocular lens, and improved visual gain [best corrected visual acuity (BCVA)>0.5] were achieved. Postoperative keratic precipitates was observed in 2 cases, which was recovered within 1wk. During the follow-up of 5-10y, no recurrence of uveitis was found in 27 cases (96.43%). Uveitis only recurred in one case with the onset of ankylosing spondylitis. HE staining showed iris stroma (all samples), pigment cell hyperplasia in pigment epithelium (n=9) and stroma (n=19), inflammatory cell infiltration in iris (n=7), and neovascularization in iris surface (n=2). CONCLUSION: PPI improves the visual gain and prevents the long-term recurrence of uveitis in patients with uveitis-induced cataract, including those with preoperative intraocular pressure abnormality (glaucoma) and inflammation (active uveitis). Uveitis presents stroma atrophy, pigment cell hyperplasia, and inflammatory cell infiltration, even in a quiet state.

Vancomycin therapeutic drug monitoring in patients on continuous renal replacement therapy: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate vancomycin therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in patients on continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and explore the risk factors for exceeding the target concentration. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled patients aged ≥18 years who were admitted to the intensive care unit and treated with ≥3 intravenous vancomycin doses during CRRT, and who underwent vancomycin TDM. Demographic and other information were collected. Multivariate logistic regression was used assess the risk factors for exceeding the target concentration. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients were included, and 40.6% patients underwent TDM. Additionally, 14.5% of patients reached the optimal concentration, and 87.5% of patients who exceeded the target received a daily dose adjustment. The cumulative dose of vancomycin and serum albumin were risk factors for exceeding the target concentration in patients on CRRT. CONCLUSIONS: Patients on CRRT did not meet the optimal vancomycin management; <50% of the patients routinely received vancomycin TDM, and <15% achieved the optimal concentration. Fewer patients in the subtherapeutic group received a daily dose adjustment than those who exceeded the target concentration. Cumulative vancomycin and serum albumin doses before TDM were the risk factors for exceeding the target concentration in CRRT patients.

Insecticidal and P450 mediate metabolism of fluralaner against red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), a worldwide invasive and polyphagous pest, and often nests in residential areas. Finding an alternative pesticide that is both effective on S. invicta and environmentally friendly is urgent and crucial. Fluralaner, a novel isoxazoline insecticide, has been proven to possess selective toxicity for insects versus mammals and has been safe for mammals and non-target organisms, suggesting its potential in pest management. However, little toxicity information is available for the controlment of S. invicta. In this article, we studied the toxicity of fluralaner against S. invicta systematically, and the roles of metabolism-related enzymes in the metabolism process of fluralaner. The toxicity results showed that the topical application and feeding application were all effective for S. invicta. Moreover, fluralaner can be transmitted among workers by contacting and feeding which leads to a toxic reaction among nestmates. By exploring the biochemistry change, we found cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (P450) may be involved in the detoxification of fluralaner as well as carboxylesterase (CarE), but not glutathione S-transferase (GST). Synergism assays gave solid evidence in which piperonyl butoxide, an activity inhibitor of P450, increased the toxicity of fluralaner to S. invicta. Importantly, with the RNAi treatment, four of S.invicta P450 genes were significantly inhibited and showed more sensitivity to fluralaner at LC50 concentration. Our result indicated that fluralaner could be a potential alternative pesticide in S. invicta control. And CYP9AS16, CYP6AS161, CYP6SQ20, and CYP336A45 genes were closely associated with the metabolism process of fluralaner.

Serum Lipid Profiles and All-Cause Mortality: A Retrospective Single Center Study on Chinese Inpatient Centenarians.

Objectives: To analyze the serum lipid profiles and investigate the relationship between the lipoprotein cholesterol levels and all-cause mortality in Chinese inpatient centenarians. Design: Retrospective study. Methods: Centenarians aged 100 years and older were admitted from January 2010 to January 2021 in our hospital. All centenarians completed a follow up visit till April 2021 of all-cause mortality and serum lipid profiles, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association between lipid profiles and all-cause mortality. Results: (1) These 121 centenarians on average were 100.85 ± 1.37 years old (100~107 years), including 114 males and 7 females. (2) The rate of treatment with lipid-lowering drugs was 69.4%, and the lipid-lowering drugs were mainly statins (63.6%). (3) The results of serum lipid profiles were as follows: TC 3.90 ± 0.69 mmol/L, TG 1.36 ± 0.55 mmol/L, HDL-C 1.14 ± 0.24 mmol/L, and LDL-C 2.05 ± 0.46 mmol/L. (4) The median follow-up time was 589 days (95% CI: 475, 703), and the all-cause mortality rate was 66.1%. (5) Multivariable analysis showed that higher TC level (HR = 1.968, 95% CI = 1.191-3.253, P = 0.008), lower LDL-C level (HR = 0.379, 95% CI = 0.212-0.677, P = 0.001) was independent factors contributed to all-cause mortality. Sensitivity analysis showed that the above results were stable. The therapy and complication morbidity did not present significant publication bias. Conclusions: The serum lipid profiles of Chinese inpatient centenarians were lower than those of the previous studies. Low LDL-C level was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, which may indicate that more intensive lowering of LDL-C had a potential adverse effect on all-cause mortality for centenarians.

Fracture Behavior of Steel Slag Powder-Cement-Based Concrete with Different Steel-Slag-Powder Replacement Ratios.

The influence of different replacement ratios of steel-slag powder as cement-replacement material on the fracture performance of concrete is studied in this paper. A three-point bending fracture test is carried out on slag powder-cement-based concrete (SPC)-notched beams with steel-slag powder as cementitious materials, partially replacing cement (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%). Load-deflection curves and load-crack-opening displacement curves of SPC-notched beams with five different replacement ratios of steel-slag powder were obtained. The effects of different steel-slag-powder replacement ratios on the fracture properties (fracture energy, fracture toughness, and double-K fracture parameters) of the SPC were analyzed and discussed. The results showed that the incorporation of appropriate steel-slag powder can affect the fracture performance of SPC. Compared with concrete without steel-slag powder, adding appropriate steel-slag powder can effectively improve the bond performance between aggregate and matrix because the steel-slag powder contains hydration activity substances such as calcium oxide and aluminium trioxide. The fracture energy and fracture toughness of SPC increased and then decreased with the increase in steel-slag-powder replacement ratios, and the SPC concrete showed best fracture performance with a 5% steel slag powder replacement ratio. Its fracture energy increases by 13.63% and fracture toughness increases by 53.22% compared with NC.

Spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome: a review of potential pathogenesis and intervention.

With the continuing progress in space exploration, a new and perplexing condition related to spaceflight ocular syndrome has emerged in the past four decades. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has named this condition "spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome" (SANS). This article gives an overview of the current research about SANS and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) by analyzing the existing publications on PubMed and CNKI and reports from NASA about SANS, summarizing the potential pathogenesis of SANS and physical interventions for treating SANS, and discussing the feasibility of treating SANS with TCM. Due to the unique characteristics of the space environment, it is infeasible to conduct large-scale human studies of SANS. SANS may be the result of the interaction of multiple factors, including inflammation and fluid displacement in the optic nerve sheath and cerebrospinal fluid. We should pay attention to SANS. Visual function is not only related to the health of astronauts but also closely related to space operations. TCM has antioxidative stress and antiapoptotic effects and is widely used for optic nerve diseases. TCM has great potential to prevent SANS.

Inhibition of LncRNA Vof-16 expression promotes nerve regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord injury.

Our previous RNA sequencing study showed that the long non-coding RNA ischemia-related factor Vof-16 (lncRNA Vof-16) was upregulated after spinal cord injury, but its precise role in spinal cord injury remains unclear. Bioinformatics predictions have indicated that lncRNA Vof-16 may participate in the pathophysiological processes of inflammation and apoptosis. PC12 cells were transfected with a pHBLV-U6-MCS-CMV-ZsGreen-PGK-PURO vector to express an lncRNA Vof-16 knockdown lentivirus and a pHLV-CMVIE-ZsGree-Puro vector to express an lncRNA Vof-16 overexpression lentivirus. The overexpression of lncRNA Vof-16 inhibited PC12 cell survival, proliferation, migration, and neurite extension, whereas lncRNA Vof-16 knockdown lentiviral vector resulted in the opposite effects in PC12 cells. Western blot assay results showed that the overexpression of lncRNA Vof-16 increased the protein expression levels of interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and Caspase-3 and decreased Bcl-2 expression levels in PC12 cells. Furthermore, we established rat models of spinal cord injury using the complete transection at T10. Spinal cord injury model rats were injected with the lncRNA Vof-16 knockdown or overexpression lentiviral vectors immediately after injury. At 7 days after spinal cord injury, rats treated with lncRNA Vof-16 knockdown displayed increased neuronal survival and enhanced axonal extension. At 8 weeks after spinal cord injury, rats treated with the lncRNA Vof-16 knockdown lentiviral vector displayed improved neurological function in the hind limb. Notably, lncRNA Vof-16 knockdown injection increased Bcl-2 expression and decreased tumor necrosis factor-α and Caspase-3 expression in treated animals. Rats treated with the lncRNA Vof-16 overexpression lentiviral vector displayed opposite trends. These findings suggested that lncRNA Vof-16 is associated with the regulation of inflammation and apoptosis. The inhibition of lncRNA Vof-16 may be useful for promoting nerve regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord injury. The experiments were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Guangdong Medical University, China.

[Heterogeneity of growth and maturity of Larimichthys polyactis in the offshore waters of southern Zhejiang, China]. / 浙江南部近海小黄鱼生长和性成熟特征的异质性.

The variations of life history traits have been observed for many fish species, which gains much concerns in the study of aquatic biology and ecology. In this study, the biological characteristics were explored for yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) in the offshore waters of southern Zhejiang, based on 4920 individuals collected from 13 fishery-independent seasonal surveys from autumn 2015 to autumn 2018. Linear mixed effects models were used to estimate the growth, maturity characteristics, and their heterogeneity. The body length of yellow croaker samples ranged from 13 to 215 mm with the dominant body of 110 to 154 mm. The body weight ranged from 0.5 to 182.2 g, with the dominant body weight from 20 to 55 g. The results showed that the linear mixed effects models with random effects from season, gender, and year performed best for length-weight relationship, with the lowest AIC and RMSE values. The effects of season were much larger than those of genders and years. When the length exceeded 160 mm, the weight gain rate of yellow croaker was faster in spring and summer, lower in autumn and winter, while the male individuals gained more weight than the females with the same body length. Among 4841 individuals of specimens with gonadal data, the individuals at maturity Ⅱ stage occupied 50.4%, and the individuals at maturity stage contributed to 19.6%. The results from the best linear mixed effects model showed that season had the most significant influence on the maturity of yellow croaker. The 50% maturity length (L50%) was much lower in winter (124.6 mm) with no much difference between other seasons, indicating that yellow croaker matures earlier in winter. Our results indicated that linear mixed effect model could reflect the biological heterogeneity of yellow croaker conveniently and that the growth and maturity of yellow croaker had significantly sexual and temporal variations, which should be considered in the stock assessment and fishery management for yellow croaker.

[Analysis of the Related Risk Factors of Cerebral AVM Hemorrhage and the Relationship Between EPCs and SDF-1 in Brain AVM].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the related risk factors of hemorrhage in human brain cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVM) and the relationship between endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) content and stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) in different ages. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 130 patients with cerebral AVM who underwent surgical treatment from May 2012 to October 2018. Univariate and multivariate logistic analysis was used to investigate the related risk factors of cerebral AVM hemorrhage. Forty paraffin specimens of human brain AVM were harvested from 24 cases of cerebral hemorrhage patients and 16 cases of non-cerebral hemorrhage patients Paraffin samples of cerebral cortex from 8 patients with epilepsy during the same period were selected as control. Positive expression of CD34 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (KDR2) in brain tissue samples of both groups were used to identify EPCs. Immunofluorescence double staining was used for KDR2 and CD34 positive localization to determine EPCs localization, and SDF-1 expression detection was performed. RESULTS: The size of brain AVM<3 cm, deep brain AVM and single venous drainage are independent risk factors for cerebral AVM hemorrhage. Immunohistochemical results showed that CD34 and KDR2 were expressed in cerebral AVM group, but not in the control group. Double immunofluorescence staining showed that EPCs mainly existed at the edge of vascular wall, while SDF-1 could co-stain with alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) positive cells and CD31 positive cells. SDF-1 expression in brain AVM tissue was higher than that in control group. There were significant differences in the number of EPCs among the patients of different ages ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in EPCs between cerebral hemorrhage group and non-hemorrhage group ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Brain AVM (<3 cm), single venous drainage and deep brain AVM are independent risk factors for cerebral AVM hemorrhage. In human brain AVM, EPC appears high level but decrease with age, which may play a role in vascular remodeling in AVM.

Effects of botanical pesticide itol A against the tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura (Fab.).

Itol A, an isoryanodane diterpene derived from Itoa orientalis Hemsl. (Flacourtiaceae), is a potential plant-based insecticide. However, the effect of itol A on the tobacco cutworm [Spodoptera litura (Fab.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)], an important and widely distributed insect pest, remains unclear. In this study, the toxicity and inhibitory potency of itol A on S. litura were evaluated. The results indicated that itol A exhibited larvicidal activity against the third instar larvae in a concentration-dependent manner (LC50 875.48 mg/L at 96 h). Antifeedant activity also was observed, and the 24-h AFC50 values were 562.05 and 81.47 mg/L in the no-choice and choice experiments, respectively. The insect growth was inhibited after treatment of itol A, as reflected by long developmental periods, low-quality pupae, and various abnormalities. Itol A exerted ovicidal effect on S. litura, with an estimated LC50 of 759.30 mg/L. Itol A deterred oviposition in the choice experiment (ODI50 909.60 mg/L). Besides, the activities of α-amylase, general protease, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) were inhibited after itol A treatment over time compared to controls, which may be a relevant mechanism underlying the toxicity of itol A toward S. litura. However, the activities of lipase, carboxylesterase (CarE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (P450) were increased. Taken together, these results suggest that itol A could be a good botanical pesticide to reduce the population of S. litura in integrated pest management programs.

Characterization of a p.R76H mutation in Cx50 identified in a Chinese family with congenital nuclear cataract.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: A three-generation Chinese family with autosomal dominant congenital nuclear cataract was recruited. This study aimed to identify the disease-causing gene for nuclear cataract with functional dissections of the identified mutant. METHODS: Detailed clinical data and family history were recorded. Candidate gene sequencing was performed to identify the disease-causing mutation. Recombinant connexin50 (Cx50) wild type and mutant constructs were synthesized. Triton X-100 solubility and subcellular localization of the recombinant Cx50 proteins were analyzed in HeLa cells. Apoptosis was assayed as the percentage of fragmented nuclei in transfected cells. RESULTS: All affected individuals in the family displayed clear phenotypes of dense nuclear cataracts. A c.227 G > A variation was found in the coding region of Cx50, which arginine residue at position 76 was substituted by histidine (p.R76H). This mutation was co-segregated with the disease in the family, and was not observed in 110 unrelated Chinese controls. No statistically significant differences were found in the Triton X-100 solubility and apoptosis rate between wild type and mutant Cx50 in HeLa cells. However, Cx50 mutant was unable to form gap junctional plaques between adjacent cells as the wild type proteins did. CONCLUSION: This study identified a novel cataract phenotype caused by the p.R76H mutation in Cx50, providing evidence of further phenotypic heterogeneity associated with this mutation. Functional analysis showed that the mutation affected the formation of gap junction channels and led to opacity in the lens.

Recurrent PAX 6 mutation in a Chinese family with congenital aniridia, progressive cataracts and mental retardation.

BACKGROUND: One prominent pathological feature of congenital aniridia is hypoplasia of the iris, often accompanied by other eye abnormalities. The objective of this study is to identify gene mutations responsible for autosomal dominance in a Chinese family with congenital aniridia, progressive cataracts and mental retardation. METHODS: A total of 11 family members, including 6 affected and 5 unaffected individuals were recruited. Whole exome sequencing was performed on the proband and Sanger sequencing was applied to identify the causal mutation in the other family members and control samples. RESULTS: A heterozygous mutation, c. 112delC (p. Arg38fs) in PAX 6, was identified in the family that was associated with congenital aniridia, progressive cataracts and mental retardation. The mutation was exclusively observed in all affected individuals but not in unaffected family members or unrelated healthy controls without aniridia recruited from Beijing Tongren Hospital. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the mutation c. 112delC (p. Arg38fs) in PAX 6 affected sugar phosphate backbone construction, leading to half reduction of the full-length protein. Other symptoms such as lens opacity, keratitis, lens dislocation, ciliary body hypoplasia, foveal hypoplasia and mental development retardation were also observed in this family. CONCLUSION: These results provided a new insight into the effects of PAX 6 as a mutational hotspot, with a symptom complex that includes congenital aniridia, progressive cataracts and mental retardation. These findings suggested the cognitive treatment of PAX 6-mutated individuals could be considered earlier clinically, combined with medication or surgery of congenital aniridia and progressive cataracts.

[Niches and interspecific association of dominant shrimp species in the offshore waters of southern Zhejiang Province, China]. / 浙江南部近海主要虾类的时空生态位及种间联结性.

Based on data from November of 2015 (autumn), February (winter), May (spring), and August (summer) of 2016 in the offshore waters of southern Zhejiang Province, the relationships between major shrimps species were examined by niche breadth, niche overlap, variance ratio, chi-square test, association coefficient and species pair co-occurrence percentage. The results showed that temporal niche breadth of Atypopenaeus stenodactylu was the largest, spatial niche breadth of Solenocera crassicornis was the largest, and A. stenodactylu had the largest spatio-temporal niche breadth. The temporal niche overlap between Parapenaeus fissuroides and Parapenaeopsis tenella was the highest. The spatial niche overlap between Solenocera koelbeli and Penaeus chinensis, P. fissuroides and Heterocarpoides laevicarina were the highest. The spatio-temporal niche overlap between S. koelbeli and P. chinensis was the highest. The analysis of variance ratio showed that the main shrimp species were significantly positively correlated. Positive correlation existed in 13 pairs (χ2≥3.841). Results from the association coefficient (AC) and co-occurrence percentage (PC) indicated that the interspecific association tended to be positive. Our results provide supports for exploring niche breadth and niche overlap of major shrimp species and improving niche differentiation.

In vivo transplantation of stem cells with a genipin linked scaffold for tracheal construction.

To establish the procedures of genipin-linked scaffold for in situ tracheal reconstruction in a rabbit model, and to demonstrate whether stem cells can be further differentiated in the bioreactor in vivo. It will further provide an experimental and theoretical foundation for clinical application. Previously, in vitro evaluation proved the detergent­enzymatic method effectively removed stromal epithelial cells, and the number of nuclei was reduced significantly (p < 0.05). The content of type II collagen was not statistically reduced (p > 0.05). Plasmids with green fluorescence protein were transfected into 293T cells, and these cells subsequently synthesized lentivirus with green fluorescence protein that could infect other cells. After in vivo experiments, macroscopic specimen observation and hematoxylin and eosin staining comparison showed that the genipin cross-linked decellularized scaffold had low immunological rejection. Blood routine proved the progenitor cells (such as mononuclear cells) can be mobilized from the bone marrow by the growth factors, to allow their circulation into the peripheral blood. The immunohistochemistry of Type II collagen after surgery showed the expression level of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells transplantated group was statistically higher than the autologous transplantated group (p < 0.05). The fluorescences of Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMNCs) were traced after the specimens harvested. It successfully demonstrated that the procedures combining stem cells with the genipin cross-linked decellularized scaffold could apply to in situ airway construction. Compared to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, BMNCs can also be used to achieve chondrocyte differentiation; this procedure will avoid in vitro cell culture, shortening the time and economic costs.