Citrus pectin protects mice from burn injury by modulating intestinal microbiota, GLP-1 secretion and immune response.

Water-soluble rhamnogalacturonan-I enriched citrus pectin (WRP) has promising effect on antimicrobial defense. We aim to determine whether the modified acidic (A) or neutral (B) WRP solutions can improve intestinal microbial dysbiosis in burn-injured mice. Male Balb/c mice were gavaged with WRPs at 80, 160, 320 mg/kg. Body weight daily for 21 days before exposed to thermal injury of 15 % total body surface area and mortality was monitored. Mice with 80 mg/kg WRPs were also subjected to fecal DNAs and T cell metabonomics analysis, intestinal and plasma glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) detection, plasma defensin, immunoglobin and intestinal barrier examinations at 1 and 3d postburn (p.b.). Burn-induced mortality was only improved by low dose WRP-A (P = 0.039). Both WRPs could prevent the dysbiosis of gut microbiota in burn injury by reducing the expansion of inflammation-promoting bacteria. Both WRPs suppressed ileum GLP-1 production at 1d p.b. (P = 0.002) and plasma GLP-1 levels at 3d p.b. (P = 0.013). Plasma GLP-1 level correlated closely with ileum GLP-1 production (P = 0.019) but negatively with microbiota diversity at 1d p.b. (P = 0.003). Intestinal T cell number was increased by both WRPs in jejunum at 3d p.b. However, the exaggerated splenic T cell metabolism in burn injury was reversed by both WRPs at 1d p.b. The burn-increased plasma defensin ß1 level was only reduced by WRP-B. Similarly, the intestinal barrier permeability was only rescued by WRP-B at 1d p.b. WRP-A rather than WRP-B could reduce burn-induced mortality in mice by suppressing intestinal GLP-1 secretion, restoring gut microbiota dysbiosis and improving adaptive immune response.

Exploring flatfeet morphology in children aged 6-12 years: relationships with body mass and body height through footprints and three-dimensional measurements.

The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between flatfoot morphology and body mass and height in children aged 6-12 years. A total of 6471 Chinese children (mean age 9.0 ± 1.9 years, 41% female) were assessed for foot morphometry, body height, and body mass index. Foot morphology, including foot length, width, girth, arch height, hallux valgus angle, and rearfoot valgus angle, was measured using a 3D laser scanner. Flatfoot evaluations were conducted using the Sztriter-Godunov index (KY) from footprints. All measurements were analyzed by age and sex using the mean values of the left and right sides. Comparisons were performed between flatfoot groups, between body mass index (BMI) groups, and between body height groups. The study revealed a significant decrease in the incidence of bipedal flatfoot with age (p < 0.001), whereas the prevalence of obesity remained consistent (p > 0.05). Bipedal flatfoot was associated with distinct morphological changes, including lower arches, reduced instep height, diminished ankle heights and a greater rearfoot valgus angle (p < 0.05). When comparing the BMI groups, overweight children had larger and thicker feet (p < 0.05), but no differences were found in arch height and ankle height (p > 0.05). When comparing the body height groups, short-statured children had a shorter feet girth, shorter arches, and shorter ankle height (p < 0.05), but no differences were found in the rearfoot valgus angle (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The main characteristics of flat feet include lower arches and instep heights and ankle heights but higher rearfoot valgus angles. In general, overweight children's feet do not have the common features of flat feet. In contrast, short children had similar features of flatfoot except for rearfoot valgus. Assessment of posture, such as rearfoot valgus, can be critical in identifying children with flat feet. WHAT IS KNOWN: • The morphology of children's feet is associated with body growth, but the relationship between flatfeet and body mass and height remains controversial. WHAT IS NEW: • Three-dimensional foot measurement shows that body mass is generally not associated with flatfeet, while short children have lower arches but no rearfoot valgus.

Differentiated expressed miRNAs in splenic monocyte induced by burn injury in mice.

To find potential biomarkers based on miRNA and their potential targets in splenic monocytes in burn-injured mice. Male Balb/c mice were subjected to sham or scalding injury of 15% total body surface area. Spenic CD11b+ monocytes were purified with magnetic beads. The monocytes were cultured in the presence of lipopolysaccharide. The proliferation of monocytes was detected by MTT assay, and the cytokines in the supernatant were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The purified monocytes were also under total RNA extraction. The differential monocytic miRNAs expression between the sham and burn-injured mice was analysed by miRNA microarray. The activity of monocytes was comparable between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, monocytes from burn-injured mice secreted higher levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and transforming growth factor-ß, but lower level of monocyte chemoattratctant protein-1. A total of 54 miRNAs were differentially expressed in monocytes from burn relative to sham-injured mice (fold >3). Further quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction confirmed that the expression of miR-146a was significantly down-regulated, while miR-3091-6p was up-regulated after burn injury. Using the combination of Miranda and TargetScan softwares, we found that mir-146a may regulate 180 potential target genes including TNF receptor related factor 6 (TRAF6), interleukin-1 receptor related kinase 1 (IRAK1) and CD28. Mir-3091-6p may regulate 39 potential targets, including SOCS7 (cytokine signal transduction inhibitor 7) and ARRB2 (arrestin, ß 2). The miRNAs expressed by monocytes after burn injury may be involved in the regulation of innate immune response in burn injury.

[Clinical Characteristics of 30-day Unplanned Reoperations after Thoracic Surgery].

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics of 30-day unplanned reoperations after thoracic surgery. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with unplanned reoperations within 30 days after thoracic surgery in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from May 2016 to May 2021. Results The 30-day unplanned reoperations showed the incidence of 0.75%(79/10 543),the median hospital stay of 19(12,37) days,and the median hospitalization cost of 109 929.11(80 549.46,173 491.87) yuan.Twenty-two(27.85%) patients received blood transfusion and 26(32.91%) underwent intensive care.The period between May 2016 and May 2017 witnessed the most unplanned reoperations.The main causes of unplanned reoperations after thoracic surgery were bleeding(21.52%),chylothorax(17.72%),pulmonary air leakage(16.46%),atelectasis(13.92%),and gastroesophageal fistula(11.39%).Specifically,the main causes of unplanned reoperations in the patients of non-esophagus/cardia group were bleeding,pulmonary air leakage,atelectasis,and chylothorax,and those in the patients of esophagus/cardia group were gastroesophageal fistula,incision infection and poor healing,bleeding,and chylothorax.Among all the patients with unplanned reoperations,4 patients died,17 improved,and 58 recovered. Conclusions The patients who underwent unplanned reoperations after thoracic surgery had a long hospital stay and high hospitalization costs. Bleeding,chylothorax,pulmonary air leakage,atelectasis,and gastroesophageal fistula were the main reasons for the unplanned reoperations.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of thymic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma.

Background: Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of the thymus is a rare disease. The present meta-analysis aims at accumulating current evidence to explore the clinical characteristics, treatments, and prognoses of thymic MALT lymphoma. Methods: We searched seven databases for studies published between the start date of database establishment and September 15, 2021. We included studies of patients with histological diagnoses and excluded those without data specifically on thymic MALT lymphoma. The quality was analyzed using an assessment tool. All data were tabulated. Pooled proportion was obtained using random-effects model. Statistical analysis was performed on R statistic software. Results: Overall, 52 case reports and 13 case series were eligible. The quality of case reports was inferior to that of case series in terms of selection (P<0.001). Based on the analysis of patients in the case reports, age, gender, concurrent diseases, and tumor size did not differ between limited-stage and advanced-stage cases. Surgery is the mainstay to treat thymic MALT lymphoma. The surgical approach and extent did not influence the occurrence of events. Patients at Ann Arbor stage I were prone to not receiving postoperative therapy (P=0.011), though it may not reduce the occurrence of events (P=0.637). The five-year overall survival (OS) rate and five-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate were 97.2% and 88.4%, respectively. Patients with advanced-stage disease were more likely to suffer events (P=0.009). Conclusions: Thymic MALT lymphoma is an extremely rare disease with a favorable prognosis. Currently available evidence is insufficient to draw solid judgments about treatment and prognosis. However, patients may benefit if thymectomy is chosen as the primary treatment. In some patients, lymph node sampling or dissection should be considered. In addition, if the patient is at an advanced-stage, postoperative therapy should be considered.

Exendin-4 Exacerbates Burn-Induced Mortality in Mice by Switching to Th2 Response.

INTRODUCTION: To determine if Exendin-4 could be a therapeutic agent for burn-induced hyperglycemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Balb/c mice received a bolus of Exendin-4 intraperitoneally immediately after 15% total body surface area scald injury. Tail glucose levels were recorded and T-cell functions were analyzed at 4 h and 24 h postburn (pb). Pancreatic pathology was observed consecutively. The secretions of cytokines were detected in serum, spleen, and lung. Apoptosis of splenic CD3+ T-cells was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling and flow cytometry. RESULTS: Although Exendin-4 could attenuate burn-induced hyperglycemia in mice at 4 h pb, it accelerated their survival dose dependently with progressive depletion of splenocyte number. T-cell function underwent two-phasic changes following Exendin-4 treatment. Compared to placebo mice, T-cell from Exendin-4-treated mice was manifested with increased proliferation, while decreased IL-2 secretion and lower ratio of IL-4/IFN-γ at 4 h pb. However, at 24 h pb, it showed decreased proliferation, while increased IL-2 secretion and higher ratio of IL-4/IFN-γ. Exendin-4 could elicit higher circulating IL-6 and IL-10 levels at 4 h pb, which were pronounced in the lung at 24 h pb. In the meanwhile, severe inflammation could be found in the pancreas. At 24 h pb, the numbers of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling or caspase-3 positive cells and the apoptosis of CD3+ T-cells were significantly increased in the spleens of Exendin-4 mice relative to placebo mice. CONCLUSIONS: These data support a pathogenic role of Exendin-4 signaling during thermal injury, warning against its clinical application in acute insults.

Protective effects of Liensinine, Isoliensinine, and Neferine on PC12 cells injured by amyloid-ß.

Excessive accumulation of amyloid-ß (Aß) is the leading cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Liensinine, Isoliensinine, and Neferine are main alkaloids in lotus seed embryos. In this paper, the protective effects of Liensinine, Isoliensinine, and Neferine on Aß25-35 -injured PC12 cells were studied. It was found that Liensinine, Isoliensinine, and Neferine could improve the viability and reduce the apoptosis of PC12 cell induced by Aß25-35 . These three alkaloids could also reduce the level of intracellular free Ca2+ and CaM expression in Aß25-35 -treated cells, thereby inhibiting the phosphorylation of CaMKII and tau. In addition, these three compounds can inhibit the production of ROS in PC12 cells injured by Aß25-35 . Our results suggest for the first time that Liensinine, Isoliensinine, and Neferine can inhibit hyperphosphorylation of tau protein by inhibiting the Ca2+ -CaM/CaMKII pathway, thereby reducing the apoptosis and death of PC12 cells damaged by Aß25-35 . PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study highlighted the protective effects and mechanisms of three main active ingredients (Liensinine, Isoliensinine, and Neferine) in the lotus embryo on a typical cell model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The results revealed that three alkaloids in this healthy food might exert therapeutic potential for AD.

Cystic teratoma of the parotid gland: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Teratoma is a common tumor, but rarely occurs in the parotid region. Only nine cases have been reported in the current literature. Although it is generally detected in infancy or childhood, it is commonly asymptomatic. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have important roles in the diagnosis of teratoma. CASE SUMMARY: A 36-year-old man developed a lump located below the left auricular lobule 3 years ago. Physical examination revealed a nearly-circular tumor in the left parotid gland region with a defined border, firm texture, and significant movement. Calcification, fat, keratinized substances, and typical fat-liquid levels was observed on CT and MRI. A diagnosis of cystic teratoma of the parotid gland was established preoperatively and confirmed by postoperative pathology. Following surgery, the patient developed temporary facial paralysis. There was no recurrence of teratoma during the 15-mo follow-up period. CONCLUSION: When an asymptomatic mass in the parotid region is identified, parotid gland teratoma should be included in the differential diagnosis. Imaging examinations are helpful in the diagnosis.

The preparation of polyclonal antibody against chlordimeform and establishment of detection by indirect competitive ELISA.

Objective: Chlordimeform is a chemical pesticide that is highly carcinogenic and toxic. The purpose of this study was to establish an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method for the detection of chlordimeform in aquaculture and fish farming. METHODS: Chlordimeform was coupled with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and ovalbumin (OVA) as carrier proteins. A chlordimeform-BSA conjugate was used as an immunogen, and chlordimeform-OVA was used as a coating antigen. Chlordimeform-BSA was used to immunize rabbits, and a polyclonal antibody was prepared. An indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IC-ELISA) was established to detect chlordimeform. RESULTS: The working range of the established IC-ELISA method for chlordimeform detection was 1-20 ng/mL. The IC50 was 3.126 ng/mL, and the lower limit of detection (LOD) of chlordimeform was 0.637 ng/mL. The recovery of chlordimeform from spiked water samples ranged from 81% to 107%. CONCLUSION: An anti-chlordimeform polyclonal antibody was successfully developed, and a novel IC-ELISA was established to detect chlordimeform in aquaculture.

The Protective Effect of Panax notoginseng Mixture on Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Mice via Regulating NR3C2, SRC, and GAPDH.

Panax notoginseng mixture (PNM) has the characteristics of multicomponent, multitarget, and multieffect, which can cope with the multidirectional and multidimensional complex pathological process caused by hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (HIRI). Our animal experiments showed that PNM composed of notoginseng, dogwood, and white peony root could significantly reduce the level of aspartate transaminase and alanine aminotransferase in the blood of mice with HIRI, indicating that this preparation had a protective effect on HIRI in mice. Therefore, on this basis, the molecular mechanism of PNM intervention in HIRI was further explored by network pharmacology. First, target genes corresponding to active components and HIRI were obtained through databases such as TCMSP, Pharm Mapper, Swiss Target Prediction, GeneCards, and so on. All target genes were standardized by Uniprot database, and a total of 291 target genes with their intersection were obtained. Then, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways and biological processes (BPs) of 291 target genes were obtained through the online public platform of DAVID. A total of 177 KEGG pathways and 337 BPs were obtained by setting p < 0.01 and false discovery rate <0.05. The network mapping map of components and disease targets was drawn by Cytoscape, and the top 10 Hub target genes related to HIRI were obtained. At the same time, the String database was used to obtain the protein-protein interaction dataset, which was imported into Cytoscape, and the first 10 Hub target genes were obtained. The Hub target genes obtained by the above two methods were molecular docking with their corresponding small molecule compounds through DockThor online tool. The results showed that the docking of paeoniflorin with glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), paeoniflorin and loganin with SRC, ginsenoside Rb1 with NR3C2, ursolic acid and oleanolic acid with IL-6, paeoniflorin docking VEGFA, and MMP9. Finally, NR3C2, SRC, and GAPDH were identified as target genes in this study by referring to relevant literature reports. After verification by immunohistochemical experiments, compared with the sham group, the above three target genes were highly expressed in the HIRI group (p < 0.01). Compared with the HIRI group, the expression of three target genes in the PNM + HIRI group was significantly decreased (p < 0.01). The results showed that PNM could protect mouse HIRI by decreasing the expression of NR3C2, SRC, and GAPDH.

MiR-22-3p Expression is down-regulated in lung adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Our current study was performed with an attempt to detect the expression of microRNA-22-3p (miR-22-3p) in lung adenocarcinoma, as well as to analyze its role in clinical practice. In addition, its relationship with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and metastasis related indexes was focused. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The trials in which 62 cases of lung adenocarcinoma were received to collect tumor tissue (study group) and normal lung tissue (control group) were eligible for this study. The expression of miR-22-3p in the two groups was detected through RT-PCR. Immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of VEGF and leukocyte differentiation antigen 31 (CD31) marked microvessel density (MVD) in lung adenocarcinoma. The expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) in lung adenocarcinoma were also detected through the use of Western Blot. RESULTS: The present study revealed significant difference in the expression of miR-22-3p between the two groups. No significant difference in the expression of gender, age, neural invasion and the number of lesions were observed between groups. There was significant difference in the expression of miR-22-3p in the maximum diameter of tumor, pleural recidivism, vascular recidivism, lymph node metastasis and different TNM stages. Based on survival analysis, miR-22-3p was linked to survival time. Correlation analysis indicated that there was negative correlation between miR-22-3p and VEGF, miR-22-3p and MVD, miR-22-3p and MMP-3, and miR-22-3p and MMP-7 in lung adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide evidence that miR-22-3p is low expressed in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and the low expression of miR-22-3p is closely associated with clinicopathological characteristics and the prognosis. MiR-22-3p may be involved in the tumor progression of lung adenocarcinoma and may serve as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma.

Family Dynamics and Grandparents' Anxiety and Depression in Intergenerational Rearing Families: A Correlational Study.

Background: In China, intergenerational rearing is a ubiquitous phenomenon based on unique national conditions. This study aimed to explore family dynamics in intergenerational rearing families as well as their correlation with older household members' anxiety and depression. Methods: The elderly from intergenerational (n = 141) and non-intergenerational rearing families (n = 266) were investigated using the following scales: the general information questionnaire, Self-Rating Scale of Systemic Family Dynamics, Geriatric Depression Scale, and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale. Results: Scores from the four dimensions (family atmosphere, system logic, individuation, and the concept of disease) of the structure of family dynamics were computed. The comparison of these dimensions scores and the total scores of grandparents' anxiety and depression for the two groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In Pearson's correlation analysis, no significant correlation between the family atmosphere dimension and the total score of the grandparents' depression and anxiety scales was observed. The system logic aspect was negatively correlated with depression and anxiety scale scores. The individual dimension was positively correlated with the anxiety scale scores. The disease concept dimension was positively correlated with depression and anxiety scale scores. Hence, the results were statistically significant. Conclusion: There were no significant differences in terms of family dynamics and risk of anxiety and depression among grandparents between the two family types. The system logic, individuation, and disease concept dimensions were correlated with their anxiety and depression.

Circulating activated lymphocyte subsets as potential blood biomarkers of cancer progression.

The objective of this study was to predict the value of lymphocyte subsets in cancer progression. Peripheral blood was obtained from 327 untreated patients with cancer and 158 healthy volunteers. Levels of lymphocyte subsets were determined by flow cytometry. There were decreased levels of natural killer (NK) cells, CD8+ T cells, and naïve CD4+ /CD4+ T cells in untreated patients with cancer compared to those in healthy controls. Inversely, there were elevated levels of the following T-cell percentages in cancer patients compared to those in healthy controls: memory CD4+ /CD4+ , CD8+ T cells, HLA-DR/CD8+ , CD8+ CD38+ /CD8+ , and CD4+ /CD8+ . In addition, there are a decreasing trend in terms of CD4+ T-cell counts and an increase CD8+ HLA-DR/CD8+ T-cell and CD8+ CD38+ /CD8+ T-cell percentages in the advanced stage. An increasing trend with advanced tumor stage and the percentages of CD8+ HLA-DR/CD8+ T cells and CD8+ CD38+ /CD8+ T cells was shown in this study. There are a negative correlation for CD4+ T-cell counts and positive correlation for percentages of CD8+ HLA-DR/CD8+ T cell and CD8+ CD38+ /CD8+ T cells with the lymph node metastasis. In the presence of distant metastatic spread, we observed higher NK-cell counts, CD8+ HLA-DR/CD8+ T-cell percentages, CD8+ CD38+ /CD8+ T-cell percentages, as well as lower CD4+ T-cell counts than those in the absence of distant metastases spread. Abnormal levels of NK cell, CD8+ T cells, memory CD4+ /CD4+ , naïve CD4+ / CD4+ , CD8+ HLA-DR/CD8+ , CD8+ CD38+ /CD8+ , and CD4+ /CD8+ can be a potential blood biomarkers of cancer development. CD4+ T-cell counts and percentages of CD8+ HLA-DR/ CD8+ and CD8+ CD38+ / CD8+ can predict the cancer progression.

Correction: An NIR-responsive mesoporous silica nanosystem for synergetic photothermal-immunoenhancement therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Correction for 'An NIR-responsive mesoporous silica nanosystem for synergetic photothermal-immunoenhancement therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma' by Han Yang et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2020, 8, 251-259.

Brainstem folding in an influenza child with Dandy-Walker variant.

BACKGROUND: Influenza in children is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Nervous system diseases are a factor relating to increased mortality rate. However, reports of how these underlying diseases contribute to the death of children with influenza are rare. CASE SUMMARY: A 4-year-old-girl developed type A influenza-related encephalopathy (IAE) with seizures, acute disorder of consciousness, and intracranial hypertension (cerebrospinal fluid pressure: 250 mmH2O), and the Dandy-Walker variant was found by her first magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) when admission. Three days later, she suddenly presented anisocoria, acute pulmonary edema, and coma, and the later MRI found that she had compressed brainstem, oblongata "Z-like folding", and swelling bilateral basal ganglia. After admission, the patient were tested for routine and special biomarkers and underwent neuroimaging and neuroelectrophysiology examinations as well as Oseltamivir and intravenous immunogloblin treatments. When predicting that unstable intracranial structures detected by MRI might have disastrous consequences in the progression of IAE, she was transferred into the pediatric intensive care unit and underwent continuous assessment of clinical condition while she did not have instability of basic vital signs; at the same time, her parents were fully informed about the risk and prognosis. Although she was ultimately dead from brain stem failure, the parents expressed understanding and did not trigger a doctor-patient conflict. CONCLUSION: In case of finding an unstable intracranial structure, intensive care should be given to IAE patient and their clinical condition should be monitored continuously.

An NIR-responsive mesoporous silica nanosystem for synergetic photothermal-immunoenhancement therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma.

To create a more precise, efficient imaging and therapeutic strategy is a big challenge for the current treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Photothermal therapy (PTT) has attracted enormous attention due to its non-invasive property and precise spatial and temporal control. Here, we developed a strategy to realize superior imaging performance and treatment, utilizing an indocyanine green (ICG) and sorafenib (S) co-loaded mesoporous silica nanosystem for synergetic PTT/immuno-enhanced therapy. We proved that (ICG+S)@mSiO2 could be easily endocytosed by H22 cells, carried out outstanding real-time fluorescence imaging, and enhanced cytotoxicity abilities by near-infrared radiation (NIR) in vitro. Moreover, (ICG+S)@mSiO2 also had excellent fluorescence imaging ability, displayed a remarkable photothermal tumor killing effect and immune enhancement capability under 808 nm irradiation in an H22 tumor-bearing mice model, without apparent adverse effects in other organs. This study provides a new strategy for the development of a PTT/immuno-enhanced synergistic theranostic nanosystem of HCC.

[Responses of water consumption characteristics and grain yield of maize to different nitrogen form ratios with full film mulching on double ridges and planting in furrows]. / å ¨è†œåŒåž„æ²Ÿæ’­çŽ‰ç±³è€—æ°´ç‰¹æ€§å’Œç±½ç²’äº§é‡å¯¹ä¸åŒæ°®ç´ å½¢æ€é æ¯”çš„å“åº”.

To optimize the effects of nitrate (NO3--N) to ammonium (NH4+-N) ratios on water consumption characteristics, grain yield and water use efficiency (WUE) of maize under full film mulching on double ridges, a field experiment was conducted at semi-arid Loess Plateau of Gansu Province, China during 2015 to 2017 cropping seasons. The treatments with different ratios of NO3--N to NH4+-N included: N1 (1:0), N2 (1:1), N3 (1:3) and N4 (3:1). The results showed that different NO3--N/NH4+-N ratios had significant impacts on soil water storage in 0-200 cm soil layer. Treatment N3 had the lowest soil water storage. Treatment N4 significantly increased total water consumption by 2.9%, 1.9% and 0.9% in 2015, and 2.3%, 1.4%, and 2.2% in 2017, compared with N1, N2 and N3 treatments, respectively. Compared with the other treatments, treatment N4 increased grain yield by 3.3%-9.9%, 3.5%-24.2% and 8.3%-36.1% and improved WUE by 1.6%-6.8%, 4.9%-21.8%, and 6.6%-32.9% in 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. Treatment N4 had the highest partial productivity of nitrogen fertilizer, followed by N2, N3 and N1, respectively. We recommended treatment N4 as the best nitrate and ammonium ratio to improve water use efficiency, N partial productivity, and grain yield of maize in arid and semi-arid Loess Plateau.

Selenoprotein SELENOK Enhances the Migration and Phagocytosis of Microglial Cells by Increasing the Cytosolic Free Ca2+ Level Resulted from the Up-Regulation of IP3R.

Enhancing the migration and phagocytosis of microglial cells is of great significance for the reducing of the risk of the neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The effect of mouse selenoprotein K (mSELENOK) on the migration and phagocytosis of BV2 microglial cells and its mechanism were studied. The results showed that the over-expression of mSELENOK can increase the migratory and phagocytic abilities of the microglial cells, while the knockdown of mSELENOK can decrease the migratory and phagocytic abilities of the cells. The cytosolic free Ca2+ level and inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) mRNA transcript and protein expression were also increased significantly as the consequence of the over-expression of mSELENOK in the microglial cells. On the contrary, the level of cytosolic free Ca2+ and the mRNA transcript and protein expression of IP3R in mSELENOK knockdown cells were decreased significantly. 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB), an antagonist of IP3R, could prevent the increased migration, phagocytosis, and cytosolic free Ca2+ level of mSELENOK over-expressed microglial cells, and knockdown of IP3R3 could reduce the increased cytosolic Ca2+ level in mSELENOK over-expressed microglial cells. Further studies revealed that selenium supplement (Na2SeO3) can increase the expression of mSELENOK in microglial cells significantly. In summary, these data suggest that mSELENOK can increase cytosolic free Ca2+ level of microglial cells by up-regulating the expression of IP3R, thus enhancing the migration and phagocytosis of microglial cells. Our results indicated that mSELENOK is an important selenoprotein, which plays a role in trace element selenium's functions and can enhance the migration and phagocytosis of microglial cells.

IL-33 Protects Mice against DSS-Induced Chronic Colitis by Increasing Both Regulatory B Cell and Regulatory T Cell Responses as Well as Decreasing Th17 Cell Response.

BACKGROUND: Previously, we have reported that IL-33 functioned as a protective modulator in dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced chronic colitis by suppressing Th17 cell response in colon lamina propria and IL-33 induced both regulatory B cells (Bregs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) of mice with DSS-induced acute colitis. Moreover, we speculated that IL-33 would promote the Treg or Breg responses leading to the attenuation of DSS-induced chronic colitis. So, we investigated the role of IL-33 on Bregs and Tregs in the MLN of DSS-induced chronic colitis mice. METHODS: IL-33 was administered by intraperitoneal injection to mice with DSS-induced chronic colitis. Clinical symptoms, colon length, and histological changes were determined. The production of cytokines was measured by ELISA. The T and B cell subsets were measured by flow cytometry. The expression of mRNA of transcription factors was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS: We show that IL-33 treatment increases both Breg and Treg responses in the MLN of mice with DSS-induced chronic colitis. Moreover, IL-33 treatment also decreases Th17 cell response in the MLN of mice with DSS-induced chronic colitis. CONCLUSION: Our data provide clear evidence that IL-33 plays a protective role in DSS-induced chronic colitis, which is closely related to increasing Breg and Treg responses in the MLN of mice as well as suppressing Th17 cell responses.

Effects of different mulching modes on soil nitrate concentration and grain yield of Linum usitatissimum in dry land.

To investigate soil NO3--N dynamics and yield increasing effect of mulching planting for Linum usitatissimum (oil flax) in semi-arid Loess Plateau, we examined the effects of three mul-ching modes (whole field plastic mulching and micro ridges with soil cover and bunch-seeding; whole field plastic mulching with soil cover and bunch-seeding; and straw mulching with strips) on seed yield and distribution of soil NO3--N during the main growth periods of oil flax, with the conventional planting model as control (CK) in 2015 and 2016. Results showed that the average yield under mulching modes was increased by 56.1% (2015) and 22.7% (2016). The treatment of whole field plastic mulching with soil cover and bunch-seeding had the highest grain yield. Mulching treatments significantly increased soil water content. Soil water content was increased first and then reduced in the whole growth stage of oil flax. The soil NO3--N content was gradually decreased during the oil flax growth process. In both years, NO3--N content in 0-40 cm soil depth under mul-ching treatments were increased by 3.1%-18.6% (2015) and 5.1%-16.4% (2016) at budding stage of oil flax, respectively. The whole field plastic mulching with soil cover and bunch-seeding treatment showed the larges increases across all treatments. In 2015, NO3--N accumulation in 0-100 cm soil depth between the flowering and maturity stages of oil flax were increased by 10.2%-22.2% and 8.6%-21.4%, respectively. Especially during the more rainfall period of maturity stage, NO3--N accumulation in 0-40 cm soil depth was significantly enhanced by 3.3%-4.9% than that in 40-100 cm soil depth. It indicated that more rainfall could slow down the migration of NO3--N to the lower layer under the mulching modes in the maturity stage. In 2016, high temperature and drought at late growth stages had a great influence on oil flax growth. The NO3--N accumulation in 0-100 cm soil depth at the maturity stage was increased by 6.6%-18.0%. There was significant correlation between NO3--N content and grain yield during the main growth stages of oil flax. In conclusion, the whole field plastic mulching with soil cover and bunch-seeding treatment was the most appropriate way of oil flax production in arid and semi-arid area.