Morphological diversity of single neurons in molecularly defined cell types.

Dendritic and axonal morphology reflects the input and output of neurons and is a defining feature of neuronal types1,2, yet our knowledge of its diversity remains limited. Here, to systematically examine complete single-neuron morphologies on a brain-wide scale, we established a pipeline encompassing sparse labelling, whole-brain imaging, reconstruction, registration and analysis. We fully reconstructed 1,741 neurons from cortex, claustrum, thalamus, striatum and other brain regions in mice. We identified 11 major projection neuron types with distinct morphological features and corresponding transcriptomic identities. Extensive projectional diversity was found within each of these major types, on the basis of which some types were clustered into more refined subtypes. This diversity follows a set of generalizable principles that govern long-range axonal projections at different levels, including molecular correspondence, divergent or convergent projection, axon termination pattern, regional specificity, topography, and individual cell variability. Although clear concordance with transcriptomic profiles is evident at the level of major projection type, fine-grained morphological diversity often does not readily correlate with transcriptomic subtypes derived from unsupervised clustering, highlighting the need for single-cell cross-modality studies. Overall, our study demonstrates the crucial need for quantitative description of complete single-cell anatomy in cell-type classification, as single-cell morphological diversity reveals a plethora of ways in which different cell types and their individual members may contribute to the configuration and function of their respective circuits.

Cross-modal coherent registration of whole mouse brains.

Recent whole-brain mapping projects are collecting large-scale three-dimensional images using modalities such as serial two-photon tomography, fluorescence micro-optical sectioning tomography, light-sheet fluorescence microscopy, volumetric imaging with synchronous on-the-fly scan and readout or magnetic resonance imaging. Registration of these multi-dimensional whole-brain images onto a standard atlas is essential for characterizing neuron types and constructing brain wiring diagrams. However, cross-modal image registration is challenging due to intrinsic variations of brain anatomy and artifacts resulting from different sample preparation methods and imaging modalities. We introduce a cross-modal registration method, mBrainAligner, which uses coherent landmark mapping and deep neural networks to align whole mouse brain images to the standard Allen Common Coordinate Framework atlas. We build a brain atlas for the fluorescence micro-optical sectioning tomography modality to facilitate single-cell mapping, and used our method to generate a whole-brain map of three-dimensional single-neuron morphology and neuron cell types.

Epigenetic upregulation of spleen tyrosine kinase in cancer cells through p53-dependent downregulation of DNA methyltransferase.

Syk is a tumor suppressor gene in some solid tumors. Currently, it remains unknown how Syk gene hypermethylation is controlled by DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and p53. In colorectal cancer HCT116 cells, we found that protein and mRNA levels of Syk were much higher in WT than in p53-/- cells. Both p53 inhibitor PFT-α and p53 silencing can reduce the protein and mRNA expression of Syk in WT cells, while DNMT inhibitor 5-Aza-2'-dC can increase Syk expression in p53-/- cells. Interestingly, the DNMT expression in p53-/- HCT116 cells was higher than that in WT cells. PFT-α can not only enhance Syk gene methylation but also increase DNMT1 protein and mRNA levels in WT HCT116 cells. In metastatic lung cancer cell lines A549 and PC9, which express WT p53 and gain function of p53, respectively, PFT-α can also downregulate Syk mRNA and protein expression. However, the Syk methylation level was increased by PFT-α in A549 but not in PC9 cells. Likewise, 5-Aza-2'-dC transcriptionally increased Syk gene expression in A549 cells, but not in PC9 cells. In summary methylation of Syk promoter requires DNMT1, and p53 can upregulate Syk expression via downregulation of DNMT1 at the transcriptional level.

Perioperative corticosteroids for reducing postoperative complications following esophagectomy: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This updated systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of perioperative corticosteroid administration versus placebo for esophageal cancer patients following scheduled esophagectomy. METHODS: We searched databases through June 30, 2023. We included articles on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing perioperative corticosteroid administration with placebo in esophageal cancer patients with esophagectomy. The outcomes were the death rate during hospitalization, length of hospital stay, and short-term complications. Risk ratios (RRs) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CIs) for each estimated effect size were applied for dichotomous outcomes, and the mean difference (MD) and corresponding 95% CIs for each estimated effect size were applied for continuous outcomes. We used GRADE to evaluate the quality of each of the outcome and the level of recommendations. RESULTS: Nine RCTs with 508 participants were included in this study. Severe outcomes, including the length of hospital stay, leakage, mortality during the hospitalization period in the corticosteroid group was comparable to that in the control group, but positive effects of corticosteroid administration were observed on the length of intensive care unit stay (MD -3.1, 95% CI - 5.43 to - 0.77), cardiovascular disorders (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.21-0.94) and other general complications (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.29-0.85). CONCLUSIONS: Peri-operative intravenous corticosteroid administration may reduce cardiovascular disorders, other general complications and the length of ICU stay without carrying severe outcomes. More high quality RCTs are warranted to further investigate the effects of corticosteroids on postoperative mortality and complications for esophageal cancer patients with esophagectomy. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: Cochrane, registration number: 196.

Spatiotemporal roles of AMPK in PARP-1- and autophagy-dependent retinal pigment epithelial cell death caused by UVA.

BACKGROUND: Although stimulating autophagy caused by UV has been widely demonstrated in skin cells to exert cell protection, it remains unknown the cellular events in UVA-treated retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. METHODS: Human ARPE-19 cells were used to measure cell viability, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial mass and lysosomal mass by flow cytometry. Mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was recorded using Seahorse XF flux analyzer. Confocal microscopic images were performed to indicate the mitochondrial dynamics, LC3 level, and AMPK translocation after UVA irradiation. RESULTS: We confirmed mitochondrial ROS production and DNA damage are two major features caused by UVA. We found the cell death is prevented by autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine and gene silencing of ATG5, and UVA induces ROS-dependent LC3II expression, LC3 punctate and TFEB expression, suggesting the autophagic death in the UVA-stressed RPE cells. Although PARP-1 inhibitor olaparib increases DNA damage, ROS production, and cell death, it also blocks AMPK activation caused by UVA. Interestingly we found a dramatic nuclear export of AMPK upon UVA irradiation which is blocked by N-acetylcysteine and olaparib. In addition, UVA exposure gradually decreases lysosomal mass and inhibits cathepsin B activity at late phase due to lysosomal dysfunction. Nevertheless, cathepsin B inhibitor, CA-074Me, reverses the death extent, suggesting the contribution of cathepsin B in the death pathway. When examining the role of EGFR in cellular events caused by UVA, we found that UVA can rapidly transactivate EGFR, and treatment with EGFR TKIs (gefitinib and afatinib) enhances the cell death accompanied by the increased LC3II formation, ROS production, loss of MMP and mass of mitochondria and lysosomes. Although AMPK activation by ROS-PARP-1 mediates autophagic cell death, we surprisingly found that pretreatment of cells with AMPK activators (A769662 and metformin) reverses cell death. Concomitantly, both agents block UVA-induced mitochondrial ROS production, autophagic flux, and mitochondrial fission without changing the inhibition of cathepsin B. CONCLUSION: UVA exposure rapidly induces ROS-PARP-1-AMPK-autophagic flux and late lysosomal dysfunction. Pre-inducing AMPK activation can prevent cellular events caused by UVA and provide a new protective strategy in photo-oxidative stress and photo-retinopathy.

Base-Promoted Decarboxylative Annulation of Methyl 2-(2-Bromophenyl)acetates and Ynones to Access Benzoxepines.

A simple and efficient base-mediated decarboxylative annulation of ynones with methyl 2-(2-bromophenyl)acetates has been developed. A broad range of benzoxepines were prepared with a broad substrate scope and high regioselectivity in moderate to excellent yields under transition-metal-free conditions. This method proceeds through a tandem [2 + 4] annulation, ring-opening decarboxylative reaction, and the intramolecular nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction. Additionally, the key intermediates were successfully obtained and characterized unambiguously by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, which could favorably support a decarboxylative annulation mechanism. Furthermore, gram-scale reaction and synthetic applications for the further functionalization are also studied.

PARP-1 regulates inflammasome activity by poly-ADP-ribosylation of NLRP3 and interaction with TXNIP in primary macrophages.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) plays an essential role in DNA repair by catalyzing the polymerization of ADP-ribose unit to target proteins. Several studies have shown that PARP-1 can regulate inflammatory responses in various disease models. The intracellular Nod-like receptor NLRP3 has emerged as the most crucial innate immune receptor because of its broad specificity in mediating immune response to pathogen invasion and danger signals associated with cellular damage. In our study, we found NLRP3 stimuli-induced caspase-1 maturation and IL-1ß production were impaired by PARP-1 knockout or PARP-1 inhibition in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). The step 1 signal of NLRP3 inflammasome activation was not affected by PARP-1 deficiency. Moreover, ATP-induced cytosolic ROS production was lower in Parp-1-/- BMDM, resulting in the decreased inflammasome complex assembly. PARP-1 can translocate to cytosol upon ATP stimulation and trigger the PARylation modification on NLRP3, leading to NLRP3 inflammasome assembly. PARP-1 was also a bridge between NLRP3 and thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and participated in NLRP3/TXNIP complex formation for inflammasome activation. Overall, PARP-1 positively regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation via increasing ROS production and interaction with TXNIP and NLRP3, leading to PARylation of NLRP3. Our data demonstrate a novel regulatory mechanism for NLRP3 inflammasome activation by PARP-1. Therefore, PARP-1 can serve as a potential target in the treatment of IL-1ß associated inflammatory diseases.

Disparities in Radiologist Fee-For-Service Payments by Gender in Canada.

Objective: To examine differences in fee-for-service (FFS) payments to men and women radiologists in Canada and evaluate potential contributors. Methods: Publicly available FFS radiology billing data was analyzed from British Columbia (BC), Ontario (ON), Prince-Edward Island (PEI) and Nova Scotia (NS) between 2017 and 2021. Data was analyzed by gender on a per-province and national level. Variables evaluated included year, province, procedure billings, and days worked (BC and ON only). The gender pay gap was expressed as the difference in mean billing payments between men and women divided by mean payments to men. Results: Data points from 8478 radiologist years were included (2474 [29%] women and 6004 [71%] men). The unadjusted difference in annual FFS billings between men and women was $126,657. Overall, payments to women were 81% of payments to men with a 19% gender pay gap. The difference in billings between men and women did not change significantly between 2017 and 2021 (range in gender pay gap, 17-21%) but did vary by province (highest gap NS). Compared to men, women worked fewer days per year (weighted mean 218 ± 29 vs 236 ± 25 days/year, P < .001, 8% difference). Conclusion: In an analysis of fee-for-service payments to radiologists in 4 Canadian provinces between 2017 and 2021, payments to women were 81% of payments to men with a 19% gender pay gap. Payments were lower to women across all years evaluated. Women worked 8% fewer days per year on average than men, which did not fully account for the difference in FFS billing payments between men and women. Summary Statement: In an analysis of fee-for-service payments to Canadian radiologists between 2017 and 2021, payments to women were 81% of payments to men with a 19% gender pay gap which is not fully accounted for by time spent working.

[Comparison of Disease Burden Factors of Thyroid Cancer Between China and the World From 1990 to 2019].

Objective To compare the prevalence and disease burden of thyroid cancer and their trends between China and the globe from 1990 to 2019.Methods With the global disease burden data in 2019,Joinpoint was used to predict the trends of the disease burden of thyroid cancer in China and the globe from 1990 to 2019,and logarithmic linear model was used to test the predicted trends.The R language was used for predictive analysis and graphic plotting of the disease burden from 2020 to 2035.Results From 1990 to 2019,the standardized incidence rate and the standardized mortality rate of thyroid cancer in China were lower than those in the globe.The standardized incidence rate in China and the globe showed an increasing trend(with the increases of 102.65% and 40.65%,respectively),while the standardized mortality rate showed a decreasing trend(with the decreases of 7.63% and 4.91%,respectively).Compared with those of the female population,the standardized incidence and mortality rates of the Chinese male population increased significantly from 1990 to 2019(the rates of change in the male population were 48.65% and 214.60%,respectively;and the rates of change in the female population were -39.01% and 60.44%,respectively).China's overall standardized years of life lost(YLL),years lived with disability(YLD),and disability-adjusted life years(DALY)rates during the 30-year period were lower than the global average.The Chinese and global populations showed the standardized YLL rate decreasing by 16.61% and 6.88% and the standardized DALY rate decreasing by 10.77% and 3.65%,respectively,while the rates of standardized YLD increased by 128.91% and 46.89%,respectively.The magnitude of DALY in China and the world was mainly influenced by YLL.The standardized incidence,mortality,and DALY rates of the Chinese male population were gradually approaching the global levels.From 1990 and 2019,thyroid cancer showed a higher mortality rate in the population with the age ≥ 75 years and a higher incidence rate in the population with the age <75 years.It is projected that from 2020 to 2035,the standardized incidence rates in China and the world will increase by 36.66% and 21.15%,respectively;the standardized mortality rates will decrease by 20.19% and 3.46%,respectively;and the standardized DALY rate is expected to decrease by 7.08% in China and increase by 4.35% in the world.Conclusions From 1990 to 2019,China's standardized incidence rate of thyroid cancer increased and had a higher increase than the global level,and the standardized mortality rate decreased,with a slightly higher decrease than the global level.However,the increases in the standardized incidence rate and mortality rate of this disease in China's ≥75 years male population were severe.Although China's disease burden of thyroid cancer showed a decreasing trend in line with the global trend as a whole,the disease burden in the Chinese males was higher than that in the females.Specifically,the disease burden due to premature death was predominant,and the burden in specific populations requires policy attention.

PARP-1 involves in UVB-induced inflammatory response in keratinocytes and skin injury via regulation of ROS-dependent EGFR transactivation and p38 signaling.

UV irradiation can injure the epidermis, resulting in sunburn, inflammation, and cutaneous tissue disorders. Previous studies demonstrate that EGFR in keratinocytes can be activated by UVB and contributes to inflammation. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is a nuclear enzyme and plays an essential role in DNA repair under moderate stress. In this study, we set out to understand how PARP-1 regulates UVB irradiation-induced skin injury and interplays with EGFR to mediate the inflammation response. We found that PARP-1 deficiency exacerbated the UVB-induced inflammation, water loss, and back skin damage in mice. In human primary keratinocytes, UVB can activate PARP-1 and enhance DNA damage upon PARP-1 gene silencing. Moreover, PARP-1 silencing and PARP inhibitor olaparib can suppress UVB-induced COX-2 and MMP-1 expression, but enhance TNF-α and IL-8 expression. In addition, EGFR silencing or EGFR inhibition by gefitinib can decrease UVB-induced COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-8 expression, suggesting EGFR activation via paracrine action can mediate UVB-induced inflammation responses. Immunoblotting data revealed that PARP-1 inhibition decreases UVB-induced EGFR and p38 activation. Pharmacological inhibition of p38 also dramatically led to the attenuation of UVB-induced inflammatory gene expression. Of note, genetic ablation of PARP-1 or EGFR can attenuate UVB-induced ROS production, and antioxidant NAC can attenuate UVB-induced EGFR-p38 signaling axis and PARP-1 activation. These data suggest the regulatory loops among EGFR, PARP-1, and ROS upon UVB stress. PARP-1 not only serves DNA repair function but also orchestrates interactions to EGFR transactivation and ROS production, leading to p38 signaling for inflammatory gene expression in keratinocytes.

Effect of Body Composition on Outcomes in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Retrospective Study.

Computed tomography (CT)-assessed body composition is considered a novel prognostic factor for cancer patients. Owing to the need for new prognostic markers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients undergoing radiotherapy, we investigated the impact of body composition on outcomes in this patient population. We retrospectively evaluated 109 HCC patients receiving radiotherapy. The skeletal muscle index, subcutaneous adipose tissue index (SATI), and visceral adipose tissue index within 1 mo, before radiotherapy were assessed based on a single CT image slice at the level of the third lumbar (L3) vertebra. The impact of body composition parameters on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was assessed. Overall, 62 (56.9%) patients died, and 47 (43.1%) patients experienced recurrence during a median follow-up period of 20.5 mo. Multivariate analysis revealed that SATI was an independent prognostic factor for both PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.542, P = 0.025) and OS (HR 0.385, P = 0.005). Patients with high SATI (n = 43) had significantly better PFS (P = 0.0093) and OS (P = 0.032) than those with low SATI (n = 66). CT-assessed SATI is an independent prognostic factor in HCC patients receiving radiotherapy. Further validation is warranted to determine whether this finding can be translated into other study populations.

Base-Promoted Divergent Annulation of Conjugated Ynones and Methyl 2-(Cyanomethyl)benzoates to Access 1-Naphthols and Xanthones.

A facile and efficient base-mediated divergent annulation of methyl 2-(cyanomethyl)benzoates and conjugated ynones has been described. A broad range of 1-naphthols and xanthones were formed in moderate to excellent yields. The notable features of this protocol include readily available precursors, broad substrate scope, complete regioselectivity, and substrate-controlled divergent synthesis. The gram-scale preparation and synthetic transformations of the resulting 1-naphthols and xanthones demonstrate their utility.

Phosphine-Catalyzed Synthesis of 3-Allyl-4-pyrones by the Tandem Reaction of Diynones and Allylic Alcohols.

A simple and effective tandem reaction of diynones and allylic alcohols was developed to afford functionalized 3-allyl-4-pyrones in moderate to excellent yields. This protocol underwent a Michael addition─Claisen rearrangement─O-cyclization process, which exhibited broad substrate tolerance, high regioselectivity, and atom economy under a metal-free condition. Moreover, functional transformation of the products was also further studied.

Catalyst- and Additive-Free Annulation of Ynediones and (Iso)Quinoline N-Oxides: An Approach to Synthesis of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]Isoquinolines and Pyrrolo[1,2-a]Quinolines.

A simple and effective annulation of ynediones and (iso)quinoline N-oxides was developed to afford various functionalized pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines and pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinolines in moderate to excellent yields. This protocol underwent a tandem [3 + 2] cycloaddition/ring-opening/N-nucleophilic addition, which exhibited high regioselectivity, broad substrate tolerance, and atom economy under catalyst-, additive-free, and air conditions. Moreover, indolizine was also successfully prepared using pyridine N-oxide.

A Semiconductive Nature of Bis(dithiolato)nickelate Radical Salt Exhibiting Broadband Photoconduction.

The fractional oxidation state [M(dmit)2] (dmit2- = 2-thioxo-1, 3-dithiole-4, 5-dithiolate) salts have long attracted attention in the molecular metal area owing to high conductivity and even superconductivity. In this study, we achieved a mixed-valence salt (1) of [Ni(dmit)2]0.5- with monovalent 1,3-N,N-dimethyl-imidazolium (DiMIm+) by a solvent evaporation approach under ambient conditions. The mixed valence of [Ni(dmit)2]0.5- has been characterized by an analysis of the IR spectrum and crystal structure. In the crystal structure of 1, two [Ni(dmit)2]0.5- anions overlap in an eclipsed mode to form a [Ni(dmit)2]21- dimer, featuring a radical bearing an S = 1/2 spin; the dimeric radicals stack into a column along the b axis, and the adjacent columns connect together via the lateral-to-lateral S···S contacts along the a axis, and through the head-to-head S···S contacts along the [101] direction. Salt 1 shows the magnetic behavior of an S = 1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnetic uniform linear chain with J/kB = -47.5(4) K and a semiconducting feature with σ = 2.52 × 10-3 S cm-1 at 293 K, 2.32 × 10-2 S cm-1 at 373 K, and Ea = 0.22 eV, as well as broadband photoconductivity under irradiation of green and white lights. This study suggests the possibility of designing new photoconductors based on the mixed-valence [Ni(dmit)2]0.5- salt.

Electrochemical synthesis of sulfonated benzothiophenes using 2-alkynylthioanisoles and sodium sulfinates.

Electrochemical sulfonylation/cyclization of 2-alkynylthioanisoles with sodium sulfinates was developed under catalyst-, external oxidant- and metal-free conditions. The electrosynthesis provides sustainable and efficient access to 3-sulfonated benzothiophenes with good substrate scope and functional group tolerance. This cascade radical process has been triggered through a sulfonyl radical addition to alkynes using sodium sulfinates under electrochemical conditions.

Virulence properties and pathogenicity of multidrug-resistant Vibrio harveyi associated with luminescent vibriosis in Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei.

Global high demand for Pacific white shrimp Penaeus vannamei has led to intensified cultivation and a wide range of disease problems, including bacterial diseases due to vibrios. Three presumptive luminescent Vibrio harveyi strains (Vh5, Vh8 and Vh10) were isolated from the hepatopancreas (Vh5) and haemolymph (Vh8 and Vh10) of diseased growout Pacific white shrimp from a farm in Setiu, Terengganu, Malaysia, using Vibrio harveyi agar (VHA) differential medium. All three strains were identified as V. harveyi by biochemical characteristics. 16S rRNA gene-based phylogenetic analyses by neighbour-joining, maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony methods showed all three strains in the V. harveyi cluster. All three strains were ß-haemolytic and positive for motility, biofilm formation and extracellular products (caseinase, gelatinase, lipase, DNase, amylase and chitinase). Vh10 was subjected to pathogenicity test in Pacific white shrimp by immersion challenge and determined to have a LC50 of 6.0 × 108 CFU mL-1 after 168 h of exposure. Antibiotic susceptibility tests showed that all strains were resistant to oxytetracycline (OXT30), oleandomycin (OL15), amoxicillin (AML25), ampicillin (AMP10) and colistin sulphate (CT25) but sensitive to doxycycline (DO30), flumequine (UB30), oxolinic acid (OA2), chloramphenicol (C30), florfenicol (FFC30), nitrofurantoin (F5) and fosfomycin (FOS50). Each strain was also resistant to a slightly different combination of eight other antibiotics, with an overall multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of 0.40, suggesting prior history of heavy exposure to the antibiotics. Vh10 infection resulted in pale or discoloured hepatopancreas, empty guts, reddening, necrosis and luminescence of uropods, as well as melanised lesions in tail muscle. Histopathological examination showed necrosis of intertubular connective tissue and tubule, sloughing of epithelial cells in hepatopancreatic tubule, haemocytic infiltration, massive vacuolation and loss of hepatopancreatic tubule structure.

Extensive reticulate evolution within Fargesia (s.l.) (Bambusoideae: Poaceae) and its allies: Evidence from multiple nuclear markers.

Reticulate evolution resulting from hybridization and introgression has been recognized as a creative source of species and diversification in bamboos. Previous phylogenetic studies revealed that Fargesia (s.l.) (Fargesia and Yushania) was divided into the Fargesia spathe clade and the non-spathe clade. Interestingly, the Fargesia spathe clade may have originated from hybridization among other clades within Fargesia (s.l.). Understanding the hybrid origin of this clade requires a robust phylogenetic framework in which major clades within Fargesia (s.l.) are resolved. Here, we used three nuclear genes to reconstruct the evolutionary history of Fargesia (s.l.) and its allies to identify putative patterns in the origin of the Fargesia spathe clade and to examine the extent to which reticulate evolution has occurred at the interspecific level in bamboos. Bashania species form a clade with Fargesia (s.l.), which is further divided into Group I and Group II. The Fargesia spathe clade, the Alpine Bashania clade, and Fargesia yajiangensis comprise Group I, while the Bashania fargesii clade and the remaining Fargesia (s.l.) species form Group II. Incongruence between the current nuclear-based and previous plastid phylogenies demonstrate several possible hybridization events among Fargesia (s.l.) species and related taxa, which have given rise to the Fargesia spathe clade, the Phyllostachys clade, and the Ampelocalamus clade. We also detected several putative hybrid species of Fargesia (s.l.). Our results show that reticulate evolution has played a prominent role in Fargesia (s.l.) evolution, which could, in part, account for the taxonomic difficulty associated with Fargesia (s.l.) and the alpine bamboos. The study also underscores the importance of hybridization in the evolution of bamboos, at both intergeneric and intrageneric levels.

Observation on the effects of 595- nm pulsed dye laser and 755- nm long-pulsed alexandrite laser on sequential therapy of infantile hemangioma.

BACKGROUND: Infantile hemangioma (IH) can lead to severe complications. The 595-nm pulsed dye laser is poorly effective on thick and deep IH. Long-pulsed alexandrite laser has the proper wavelength of 755 nm and a relatively deep penetration. Thus, this may be a safe and effective treatment method for relatively deep or thick IH. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine whether 595-nm pulsed dye laser and 755-nm long-pulsed alexandrite laser in sequential therapy are safer and more effective for relatively deep or thick hemangioma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study. A total of 194 infantile IH patients (thickness greater than 2 mm and less than 8 mm) were randomly divided into two groups: control group (treated using 595-nm pulsed dye laser) and experimental group (treated by sequential therapy with 755-nm long-pulsed alexandrite laser and 595-nm dye laser). RESULTS: The control group had a total effective rate of 36.1%, while the experimental group had a total effective rate of 76.3%. Enumeration data were compared by X2 -test. The results were considered statistically significant at P < .05. CONCLUSION: Sequential therapy with 755-nm pulsed dye laser and 595-nm long-pulsed alexandrite laser is a safe and effective treatment approach for relatively deep or thick hemangioma.

[Effect of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) in improving stability of essential oils and its application].

Essential oils are easy to cause oxidative damage, chemical transformation or polymerization, and have some intrinsic problems, such as instability, low water solubility and low bioavailability, which restrict their application in the fields of product development. Nanostructured lipid carriers(NLCs) can overcome some of the restrictions of other colloidal carriers, such as emulsions, liposomes, polymer nanoparticles and solid lipid nanoparticles. NLC is an efficient and stable delivery system for bioactive substances. With unique lipid properties(mixture of solid and liquid lipid), it can overcome the disadvantages of essential oils and protect them from adverse environments, thus improving the stability, bioavailability and safety of essential oils, and achieve sustained release and controlled release. In EOs-NLCs system, essential oils, as special liquid lipid with biological activities and medicinal properties, can fully play the role of medicine-adjuvant integration by changing the structural characteristics of mixed lipid. Based on the development of nanocarriers system, this paper introduces the composition and structural characteristics of EOs-NLCs, and clarifies how to improve the stability of essential oils based on the effects of NLCs on physical and chemical properties, physical stability and release of active components of essential oils. In addition, it also introduces the application of the system in the fields of pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics and skin care products. This review aims to provide some references for improving the stability of essential oils and their applications by using NLCs.