Relationship between negative air ion and PM2.5 in Quercus variabilis under natural conditions.

In recent years, PM2.5 pollution has become a most important source of air pollution. Prolonged exposure to high PM2.5 concentrations can give rise to severe health issues. Negative air ion (NAI) is an important indicator for measuring air quality, which is collectively known as the 'air vitamin'. However, the intricate and fluctuating meteorological conditions and vegetation types result in numerous uncertainties in the correlation between PM2.5 and NAI. In this study, we collected data on NAI, PM2.5, and meteorological elements through positioning observation during the period of June to September in 2019 and 2020 under the condition of relatively constant leaf area in Quercus variabilis forest, a typical forest in warm temperate zones. We investigated the spatiotemporal variation of PM2.5 and NAI under consistent meteorological conditions, established the correlation between PM2.5 and NAI, and explicated the impact mechanism of PM2.5 on NAI in natural conditions. The results showed that NAI decreased exponentially with the increases in natural PM2.5, with a significant negative correlation (y=1148.79x-0.123). The decrease rates of NAI in PM2.5 concentrations of 0-20, 20-40, 40-80, 80-100 and 100-120 µg·m-3 were 40.1%, 36.2%, 9.4%, 2.4%, 5.1% and 6.8%, respectively. Results of the sensitivity analysis showed that the PM2.5 concentration range of 0-40 µg·m-3 was the sensitive range that affected NAI. Our findings could provide a scientific basis for better understanding the response mechanisms of NAI to environmental factors.

Effect of light intensity on negative air ion under phytotron control.

Negative air ion (NAI) is an important index for measuring air quality and has been widely recognized to be influenced by photosynthesis processes. However, vegetation type and light intensity are also known to impact NAI, contributing to significant uncertainties in the relationship between light and NAI. In this paper, we selected Pinus bungeana, Platycladus orientalis and Buxus sinica as research subjects and obtained their NAI, light intensity, and meteorological data through synchronous observation under the relatively stable condition of the phytotron. We analyzed the change characteristics of NAI and the difference of NAI production ability in needle and broadleaf vegetation under different light intensities. Finally, we determined the relationship and underlying mechanism governing light intensity and NAI using diverse tree species. The results showed that the influence of light on NAI was significant. In the environment without vegetation, the influence of different light intensities on NAI was not significant, and the mean NAI concentration was 310 ions·cm-3. Conversely, in the presence of vegetation, NAI showed a "single-peak" trend with increasing light intensity. The NAI concentration of the three tree species was significantly higher than under different light intensities when vegetation was not present. The NAI promoting ability of P. bungeana was the highest (675 ions·cm-3), followed by P. orientalis (478 ions·cm-3) and B. sinica (430 ions·cm-3), which increased by 117.5%, 53.9% and 38.6% compared to the environment without vegetation. The NAI growth rate was significantly different between needle and broadleaf vegetation based on the specific tridimensional green biomass. Additionally, the NAI growth rates of P. bungeana and P. orientalis were 647 and 295 ions·cm-3·m-3, respectively, which were 3.06 and 1.39 times that of B. sinica (211 ions·cm-3·m-3). The piecewise equation fitting effect of NAI and light intensity was better for different tree species, the determination coefficients (R2) of P. bungeana, P. orientalis and B. sinica were 0.926, 0.916 and 0.880, and the root mean square errors (RMSE) were 7.157, 6.008 and 5.389 ion·cm-3, respectively. Altogether, our study provides a theoretical basis as well as technical support for the construction of healthy vegetation stands, the selection of preferred tree species, and the optimization of vegetation models, and promotes air quality and the provision of ecosystem functions and services.

[Variation characteristics of plant electrical signal and their relationship with negative air ion under different light intensities.] / ä¸åŒå ‰ç §å¼ºåº¦ä¸‹æ¤ç‰©ç”µä¿¡å·å˜åŒ–ç‰¹å¾åŠå ¶ä¸Žç©ºæ°”è´Ÿç¦»å­çš„å ³ç³».

Negative air ion (NAI) is an essential indicator for measuring air cleanliness of a given area, with vital role in regulating psychological and physiological functions of human body. The photoelectric effect is an important source and influencing factor for the generation of NAI during photosynthesis, but the photoelectric effect is extremely weak and difficult to monitor. Plant electrical signal is an important indicator that indirectly reflects photoelectric effect. Previous studies mostly focused on the spatiotemporal variation of NAI in different forest communities and its relationship with meteorological factors. At present, there is little research on NAI and plant electrical signal. In this study, we explored the effect of different light intensities (0, 150, 300, 500, 700, 800, 1000 and 1200 µmol·m-2·s-1) on characteristics of the plant electrical signal and its relationship with negative air ion, with Pinus bungeana as the research object. The results showed that the intensity of plant electrical signal increased significantly with the increases of light intensity in the illumination range of 0-700 µmol·m-2·s-1. When light intensity reached 700 µmol·m-2·s-1, plant electrical signal activity reached the highest level, and plant was inhibited by light when light intensity increased further, with plant electrical signal activity decreased. The frequency-domain parameters (edge frequency, gravity frequency, power spectrum entropy and power spectrum peak) of plant electrical signals were significantly correlated with NAI. The correlation coefficient between edge frequency (E) and NAI was the highest, the relationship between them was NAI=30.981E+168.814 (R2=0.54), and the mean square error was 52.203. There was a significant correlation between plant electrical signals and NAI, which could characterize the change rule of NAI, and provide scientific evidence for further understanding the contribution potential and production mechanism of forest to NAI.

Ginsenoside Rb1 Protects Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells against High Glucose-Induced Mitochondria-Related Apoptosis through Activating SIRT3 Signalling Pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) can protect human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) against high glucose-induced apoptosis and examine the underlying mechanism. METHODS: HUVECs were divided into 5 groups: control group (5.5 mmol/L glucose), high glucose (HG, 40 mmol/L) treatment group, Rb1 (50 µ mol/L) treatment group, Rb1 plus HG treatment group, and Rb1 and 3-(1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl) pyridine (3-TYP, 16 µ mol/L) plus HG treatment group. Cell viability was evaluated by cell counting kit-8 assay. Mitochondrial and intracellular reactive oxygen species were detected by MitoSox Red mitochondrial superoxide indicator and dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate assay, respectively. Annexin V/propidium iodide staining and fluorescent dye staining were used to measure the apoptosis and the mitochondrial membrane potential of HUVECs, respectively. The protein expressions of apoptosis-related proteins [Bcl-2, Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and cytochrome c (Cyt-c)], mitochondrial biogenesis-related proteins [proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha, nuclear respiratory factor-1 and mitochondrial transcription factor A)], acetylation levels of forkhead box O3a and SOD2, and sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) signalling pathway were measured by immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation. RESULTS: Rb1 ameliorated survival in cells in which apoptosis was induced by high glucose (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Upon the addition of Rb1, mitochondrial and intracellular reactive oxygen species generation and malondialdehyde levels were decreased (P<0.01), while the activities of antioxidant enzymes were increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Rb1 preserved the mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced the release of Cyt-c from the mitochondria into the cytosol (P<0.01). In addition, Rb1 upregulated mitochondrial biogenesis-associated proteins (P<0.01). Notably, the cytoprotective effects of Rb1 were correlated with SIRT3 signalling pathway activation (P<0.01). The effect of Rb1 against high glucose-induced mitochondria-related apoptosis was restrained by 3-TYP (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Rb1 could protect HUVECs from high glucose-induced apoptosis by promoting mitochondrial function and suppressing oxidative stress through the SIRT3 signalling pathway.

Ginsenoside Rb1 Ameliorates Age-Related Myocardial Dysfunction by Regulating the NF-[Formula: see text]B Signaling Pathway.

Age-related myocardial dysfunction is a very large healthcare burden. Here, we aimed to investigate whether ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) improves age-related myocardial dysfunction and to identify the relevant molecular mechanism. Young mice and aged mice were injected with Rb1 or vehicle for 3 months. Then, their cardiac function was inspected by transthoracic echocardiography. Serum and myocardium tissue were collected from all mice for histological or molecular expression analyses, including aging-related proteins, markers relevant to fibrosis and inflammation, and markers indicating the activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-[Formula: see text]B) pathway. Compared with the control condition, Rb1 treatment significantly increased the ejection fraction percentage and significantly decreased the internal diameter and volume of the left ventricle at the end-systolic and end-diastolic phases in aged mice. Rb1 treatment reduced collagen deposition and collagen I, collagen III, and transforming growth factor-[Formula: see text]1 protein expression levels in aged hearts. Rb1 also decreased the aging-induced myocardial inflammatory response, as measured by serum or myocardial interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-[Formula: see text] levels. Furthermore, Rb1 treatment in aged mice increased cytoplasmic NF-[Formula: see text]B but decreased nuclear NF-[Formula: see text]B, which indicated the suppression of the NF-[Formula: see text]B signaling pathway by regulating the translocation of NF-[Formula: see text]B. Rb1 could alleviate aging-related myocardial dysfunction by suppressing fibrosis and inflammation, which is potentially associated with regulation of the NF-[Formula: see text]B signaling pathway.

Prognostic and predictive blood biomarkers in gastric cancer and the potential application of circulating tumor cells.

Gastric cancer (GC), with its high incidence and mortality rates, is a highly fatal cancer that is common in East Asia particularly in China. Its recurrence and metastasis are the main causes of its poor prognosis. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) or other blood biomarkers that are released into the circulating blood stream by tumors are thought to play a crucial role in the recurrence and metastasis of gastric cancer. Therefore, the detection of CTCs and other blood biomarkers has an important clinical significance; in fact, they can help predict the prognosis, assess the staging, monitor the therapeutic effects and determine the drug susceptibility. Recent research has identified many blood biomarkers in GC, such as various serum proteins, autoantibodies against tumor associated antigens, and cell-free DNAs. The analysis of CTCs and circulating cell-free tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the peripheral blood of patients with gastric cancer is called as liquid biopsy. These blood biomarkers provide the disease status for individuals and have clinical meaning. In this review, we focus on the recent scientific advances regarding CTCs and other blood biomarkers, and discuss their origins and clinical meaning.

Genotyping for Kidd, Kell, Duffy, Scianna, and RHCE blood group antigens polymorphisms in Jiangsu Chinese Han.

BACKGROUND: Molecular testing is more precise compared to serology and has been widely used in genotyping blood group antigens. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of blood group antigens can be determined by the polymerase chain reaction with sequence specific priming (PCR-SSP) assay. Commercial high-throughput platforms can be expensive and are not approved in China. The genotype frequencies of Kidd, Kell, Duffy, Scianna, and RhCE blood group antigens in Jiangsu province were unknown. The aim of this study is sought to detect the genotype frequencies of Kidd, Kell, Duffy, Scianna, and RhCE antigens in Jiangsu Chinese Han using molecular methods with laboratory developed tests. METHODS: DNA was extracted from EDTA-anticoagulated blood samples of 146 voluntary blood donors collected randomly within one month. Standard serologic assay for red blood cell antigens were also performed except the Scianna blood group antigens. PCR-SSP was designed to work under one PCR program to identify the following SNPs: JK1/JK2, KEL1/KEL2, FYA/FYB, SC1/SC2, C/c and E/e. RESULTS: Serologic antigen results were identical to the phenotypes that were predicted from genotyping results. The allele frequencies for Jk*01 and Jk*02 were 0.51 and 0.49, respectively; for Fy*A and Fy*B 0.94 and 0.06; for RHCE*C and RHCE*c 0.68 and 0.32; and for RHCE*E and RHCE*e 0.28 and 0.72. Among 146 blood donors, all were KEL*02/KEL*02 and SC*01/SC*01, indicating allele frequencies for KEL*02 and SC*01 close to 1.00. CONCLUSIONS: The use of PCR-SSP working under the same condition for testing multiple antigens at the same time is practical. This approach can be effective and cost-efficient for small-scale laboratories and in developing counties. These molecular tests can be also used for identifying rare blood types.

[Responses of rice growth and development to elevated near-surface layer ozone (O3) concentration: a review].

Ozone (O3) is recognized as one of the most important air pollutants. At present, the worldwide average tropospheric O3 concentration has been increased from an estimated pre-industrial level of 38 nl L(-1) (25-45 nl L(-1), 8-h summer seasonal average) to approximately 50 nl L(-1) in 2000, and to 80 nl L(-1) by 2100 based on most pessimistic projections. Oryza sativa L. (rice) is the most important grain crop in the world, and thus, to correctly evaluate how the elevated near-surface layer O3 concentration will affect the growth and development of rice is of great significance. This paper reviewed the chamber (including closed and open top chamber)-based studies about the effects of atmospheric ozone enrichment on the rice visible injury symptoms, photosynthesis, water relationship, phenology, dry matter production and allocation, leaf membrane protective system, and grain yield and its components. Further research directions in this field were discussed.

[Effects of platelet-derived membrane microparticles on angiogenesis in chick chorioallantoic membranes].

This study was purposed to investigate the angiogenesis effect of platelet-derived membrane microparticles (PMPs) in chick chorioallantoic membranes (CAM). Thrombin were adopted to activate the platelets and then PMPs were obtained. PMPs were isolated by high speed centrifugation. Flow cytometry (FCM) was adopted to evaluate the efficiency of thrombin to produce PMPs and BCA method was adopted to evaluate the content of PMPs. PMPs were put into CAM and the effects of PMPs on angiogenesis in CAM were observed. The results indicated that after incubation for 72 hours at the concentration of 80 microg/ml PMPs, the vessel nets in a 'spoked-wheel' pattern were shown around mixed fibrous filter membranes, number of vessel ramification was 112.5 +/- 11.31 and ratio of vessel area/CAM area was 6.19 +/- 1.29%, but there were not localized allantoic vessels developing in the control group, the number of vessel ramification and ratio of vessel area/CAM area in control group were 82.6 +/- 8.05 and 1.78 +/- 0.33 respectively, so there was significant difference between PMP and control groups. In above mentioned conditions, the number of vessel ramification and ratio of vessel area/CAM area in VEGF group were 128.4 +/- 10.02 and 7.44 +/- 1.36 respectively, so there was no difference between PMP and VEGF groups. It is concluded that PMPs show promotive effect on the formation of capillaries in chick chorioallantoic membranes.

[Test of activated plasma clotting time to assess efficacy of platelet transfusion].

The study was aimed to investigate the value of activated plasma clotting time (APCT) for estimating the efficacy of platelet transfusion therapy. There were twenty patients with hematological diseases, who received transfusion of platelet, involved in the test. APCT was determined before and after transfusion of these patients, then APCT was contrasted with corresponding CCI and PPR. The results showed that 1 hour and 24 hour APCTs were shortened obviously. APCT before transfusion was (103.7 +/- 11.3) seconds, but the 1 hour and 24 hour APCTs were shortened to (60.0 +/- 9.7) seconds and (68.5 +/- 9.8) seconds respectively (P < 0.01). According to the judging criteria of CCI and PPR (CCI and PPR values at 1 and 24 hours after transfusion are < 7500, < 5000 and < 30%, < 20% respectively, the transfusion is invalid), two patients received invalid transfusion. Their 1 and 24 hour CCIs were 7415, 2966 and 6913, 4988 respectively. Their 1 and 24 hour PPRs were 28.0%, 11.2% and 25.2%, 14.1% respectively. One patient's PPR reached the standard of invalid transfusion, but his CCI showed a valid transfusion he received. Two patients' PPR reached the standard of invalid transfusion, but their 1 hour CCI reached the standard of valid transfusion, and their 24 hour CCI reached the standard of invalid transfusion. It is concluded that APCT reflects the variations of quantity and quality of platelet simultaneously, and can evaluate precisely the efficacy of platelet transfusion.

[Cold storage of rabbit platelet suspension by adding uridine diphosphate galactose].

This study was aimed to investigate the method to cold-store platelets with uridine diphosphate galactose (UDP-Gal). Rabbit heart blood was prepared for concentrated platelet suspension to which UDP-Gal was added, and then stored for ten days in 4 degrees C refrigerator. Thereafter, platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distributing width (PDW), platelet aggregation function, platelet activity to urge coagulation including PF3aT and APCT and apoptosis were determined. Meanwhile, survival time in vivo was tested after cold-stored rabbit platelets labeled with Cr51 were transfused into rabbits. The results showed that there was not significant difference for Plt count, MPV, PDW, PF3aT and APCT between UDP-Gal cold-stored platelet group and fresh platelet group (P > 0.05). On the contrary, platelet count decreased significantly, MPV, PDW jumped and PF3aT and APCT went down in cold control group as compared with fresh platelet group (P < 0.01). Apoptosis increased in UDP-Gal cold-stored platelet group as compared with fresh platelet group (P < 0.05), but was significantly lower than that in cold control group (P < 0.01). Although PagT (inducing reagent: C-PG) decreased, it could still be above 50% of fresh platelet. Survival time in rabbit in vivo was close between UDP-Gal cold-stored platelet group and fresh platelet group (P < 0.05). Survival rate in seventy-two hours after transfusion in the fresh platelet group, UDP-Gal cold-stored platelet group and cold control group was 57.5% +/- 7.2%, 50.3% +/- 6.3% and 0.1% +/- 0.5% respectively. It is concluded that the UDP-Gal can well protect cold-stored rabbit platelets and prolong the survival time of cold-stored platelets in vivo.

[Application of cationic propyl gallate as inducer of thrombocyte aggregation for evaluating the platelet function of platelet donors].

The purpose of study was to investigate the feasibility of the application of cationic propyl gallate (C-PG) as inducer of platelet aggregation for evaluating the platelet function of single-donor plateletpheresis and identifying the incidence of defective platelet function among donors. Experiments were as follows: 3 healthy volunteers' platelet aggregation induced by 100-300 micromol/L C-PG was determined by LG-PABER analyzer to observe the effect of C-PG concentration on platelet aggregation; 30 healthy volunteers' platelet aggregation before and 24 hours after administration of 200-400 mg acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was examined after induction by 200 micromol/L C-PG for determining the cut-off value to discriminate platelet dysfunction donors; the platelet aggregation of 483 platelet donors was detected and the activated plasma clotting time (APCT) of donors who have deficiency in platelet aggregation was examined for investigating the incidence of defective platelet function among donors. The results showed that platelets were activated by C-PG induction in a dose dependent manner, when concentration of C-PG reached 200 micromol/L, the percentage of platelet aggregation was highest. It significantly decreased after 24 hours with ASA than that before the administration (P < 0.001), especially in 180 seconds induced by C-PG. If cut-off point was fixed on the platelet aggregation < 20% in 180 seconds, donors of platelet dysfunction can be selected effectively. 25 of defective platelet aggregation function among 483 donors were detected, and 11 out of 25 platelet dysfunction donors had the deficiency in procoagulant activity with prolonged APCT. It is concluded that C-PG as inducer of platelet aggregation is feasible to screen the platelet function of donors. Five percent of platelet donors has function defect examined by C-PG as inducer of platelet aggregation.

[Evaluation of the effects of glycosylation on in vivo survival of cold-storage human platelets by using rabbit model].

To study the effects of glycosylation on survival of cold-storage human platelets by using rabbit model. (51)Cr-labeling platelets were used to detect the platelet storage survival. The human platelets (2.0 x 10(12)/L) treated with 5 g/L uridine diphosphate galactose (UDP-Gal) were stored in 4 degrees C refrigeratory up to 10 days. The survival of human platelets in rabbits whose reticuloendothelial system was inhibited by the administration of ethyl palmitate was monitored in blood drawn at various times after the platelet transfusion. The results showed that the survival rate of platelets was significantly increased in cold-storage human platelets by UDP-Gal treatment. The survival rates of platelets at 2 hours after transfusion into rabbits in groups of fresh platelets group, UDP-Gal + cold platelets group and cold platelets group were (68.9 +/- 8.5)%, (65.4 +/- 8.0)% and (5.0 +/- 2.6)%, respectively. Compared with cold platelets group, significant differences were seen among all groups (P < 0.01). UDP-Gal + cold platelets group had no significant differences compared with fresh platelets group (P > 0.05). It is concluded that UDG-Gal can provide the protective effect on cold-storage human platelets and prolong the survival time of refrigerated human platelets in rabbit model.