Quantitative Evaluation of Spatial Accessibility of Various Urban Medical Services Based on Big Data of Outpatient Appointments.

Equity of urban medical services affects human health and well-being in cities and is important in building 'just' cities. We carried out a quantitative analysis of the spatial accessibility of medical services considering the diverse demands of people of different ages, using outpatient appointment big data and refining the two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method. We used the traditional 2SFCA method to evaluate the overall spatial accessibility of medical services of 504 communities in Xiamen city, considering the total population and the supply of medical resources. Approximately half the communities had good access to medical services. The communities with high accessibility were mainly on Xiamen Island, and those with low accessibility were further from the central city. The refined 2SFCA method showed a more diverse and complex spatial distribution of accessibility to medical services. Overall, 209 communities had high accessibility to internal medicine services, 133 to surgery services, 50 to gynecology and obstetrics services, and 18 to pediatric services. The traditional method may over-evaluate or under-evaluate the accessibility of different types of medical services for most communities compared with the refined evaluation method. Our study can provide more precise information on urban medical service spatial accessibility to support just city development and design.

Anti-aging effects of polysaccharides from ginseng extract residues in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Aging is a process of progressive deterioration of multiple physiological functions within an organism. This study investigated the anti-aging effects of polysaccharides extracted from ginsenoside residues (GRP) in Caenorhabditis elegans using physiological, microbiomic, and transcriptomic approaches. GRP treatment prolonged the mean lifespan of C. elegans by 58.60 % (19.64 days) and did not affect locomotive behaviors. It reduced levels of lipofuscin and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and increased superoxide dismutase activity, which prevented oxidative damage caused by aging. Microbiomic data indicated that GRP administration significantly altered the composition of gut flora and increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria. Transcriptomic analyses identified 201 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). GRP treatment may enhance fatty acid degradation and induce preferential synthesis of beneficial fatty acids. It may also activate the metabolism of certain amino acids. The transcriptomic data were reliably reproduced using seven vital DEGs, which were confirmed by qRT-PCR analysis. These findings show that GRP has positive effects that prolong lifespan and alleviate aging in C. elegans. GRP should be explored as an effective dietary supplement for the development of functional foods. We propose a potentially novel mechanism that more fully describes the anti-aging mechanisms induced by GRP.

Gut Microbiome Differences in Rescued Common Kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) Before and After Captivity.

Gut microbes significantly impact animal health, yet research on the gut microbiota of most birds, especially raptors, is lacking. This study investigated the effects of dietary and environmental changes on the composition and abundance of gut microbiota in 17 rescued common kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) through 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing of microorganisms in the feces of the birds. Firmicutes (relative abundance, 43.63%), Proteobacteria (37.26%), Actinobacteria (7.31%), and Bacteroidetes (5.48%) were the dominant phyla in the gut microbiota of the common kestrels. A comparison of the gut microbiota before and after captivity revealed that community composition and abundance of the common kestrel gut microbiota differed among different living conditions including diet and environment. At the phylum level, the abundance of Firmicutes was higher (P < 0.05), and that of Proteobacteria was lower (P < 0.05), after captivity (54.62 and 27.16%, respectively) compared with before captivity (33.67 and 46.41%, respectively), but no significant differences were found among other phyla. At the genus level, the abundance of Lactobacillus was higher (P < 0.05) after captivity (15.77%) compared with the abundance before captivity (5.02%). Hierarchical clustering and principal component analyses showed that common kestrels in different living conditions exhibited differences (P < 0.05) in gut microbiota at phylum and genus levels. Functional prediction of gene sequences using PICRUSt2 further revealed that pathways related to glucose metabolism and amino acid metabolism were enhanced (P < 0.05) after captivity. Collectively, the findings from this study demonstrated that the relative abundance of specific microbes in the gut of the rescued common kestrels either increased or decreased, and that dietary and environment changes might be the predominant factors affecting the gut microbiota of these birds during rescue or captivity.

Integration of transcriptomics and metabolomics confirmed hepatoprotective effects of steamed shoot extracts of ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) on toxicity caused by overdosed acetaminophen.

The study aimed, by integrating transcriptomics and metabolomics, to reveal novel biomarkers caused by overdosed acetaminophen (APAP) and liver protection substances procured by pre-administration of ginseng shoots extract (GSE). Totally 4918 genes and 127 metabolites were identified as differentially expressed genes and differential metabolites, respectively. According to KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) enrichment, such pathways as primary bile acid biosynthesis, bile secretion, retinol metabolism, histidine and several other amino-related metabolism were significantly altered by GSE and disturbed by subsequent overdosed APAP at the transcriptomic as well as metabolomic levels. Fifteen key biomarker metabolites related to these pathways were up-regulated in APAP-treated vs GSE-pretreated liver tissues, and were reported exerting anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and/or immunomodulate functions, three of which even possessed direct hepatoprotection effects. Twenty five vital unigenes modulating these metabolites were further verified by correlation analysis and expression levels of fifteen of them were examined by qRT-PCR. Our findings indicate that GSE may be an effective dietary supplement for preventing the liver damage caused by the overdosed APAP.

Investigation of cognitive mechanisms and strategy on solving multiple string-pulling problems in Azure-winged magpie (Cyanopica cyanus).

String-pulling tasks are a widely used paradigm in animal cognition research. The present study tested whether ten azure-winged magpies (Cyanopica cyanus) could solve a series of multiple-strings problems with the aim of systematically investigating which rules this species uses to solve different-patterned string tasks, i.e., tasks in which subjects have to choose between two strings only one of which is connected to bait. When the subjects faced the parallel strings task (T1), five birds (C3, C5, C8, C9, and C10) were able to solve the task and acted in a goal-directed manner. Three birds (C5, C8, and C9) successfully solved the oblique parallel strings task (T3). The azure-winged magpies exhibited proximity selection in the oblique parallel strings task (C1 and C4 in T2), and the task with one string folded at a right angle (C3, C6 and C8 in T5). Several subjects also performed simple strategies in other unresolved tasks, e.g., random selection, trial-and-error learning, and side bias strategies (i.e., a certain degree of "left-handed" tendency). These results demonstrated that the azure-winged magpie possesses the potential to solve simple multiple-string tasks, although when faced with more difficult problems they could not solve them.

The ability of oriental magpies (Pica serica) to solve baited multiple-string problems.

BACKGROUND: Baited multiple-string problems are commonly used in avian laboratory studies to evaluate complex cognition. Several bird species possess the ability to use a string pull for obtaining food. METHODS: We initially tested and trained 11 magpies to determine whether the oriental magpie (Pica sericia) possesses the ability to solve baited multiple-string problems. Eight of the birds obtained the bait by pulling, and were selected for formal multiple-string tasks in the second stage. Second stage tests were divided into seven tasks based on string configurations. RESULTS: Only two magpies were able to solve two tasks: one solved the task of parallel strings, and the other solved the task of slanted strings with the bait farther from the middle point between the two strings and selected the short string in the task of long-short strings. When faced with more difficult tasks (i.e., the task of slanted strings with the bait closer to the middle point between the two strings, the task with two crossing strings, and the task of continuity and discontinuity), the birds initially observed the tasks and chose instead to adopt simpler strategies based on the proximity principle, side bias strategies and trial-and-error learning. Our results indicate that the oriental magpie had a partial understanding of the principle of multiple-string problems but adopted simpler strategies.

[Sunshine environment in different forms of communities in Guiyang, China.] / è´µé˜³å¸‚ä¸åŒå½¢æ€ä½åŒºçš„æ—¥ç §çŽ¯å¢ƒ.

In this study, six different types of residential areas in Guiyang were selected as the research objects, including high-rise high-density, high-rise low-density, middle-rise high-density, middle-rise low-density, low-rise high-density and low-rise low-density. The indices of sunshine compliance rate and the building's sunshine hour ratio were constructed to compare and analyze sunshine environment across those six different residential areas. The factors influencing sunshine environment in different residential areas were studied. The results showed that the average sunshine compliance rates of the six types of residential areas were 36.9%, 61.9%, 20.6%, 69.6%, 26.5% and 45.0%, respectively. The average sunshine compliance rate of low-density residential areas was 2.25 times higher than that of high-density residential areas within the same type, among which the sunshine environment of low-density residential areas was better. The sunshine environment of different types of low-density residential areas was different. The sunshine hours for high-rise low-density and middle-rise low-density forms were concentrated in 5-6 hours, while the building's sunshine hour ratio was 0.24 and 0.32, respectively. The sunshine hours for low-rise low-density forms were mainly 6-7 hours, with a building's sunshine hour ratio of 0.28. Compared with other types of residential areas, the low-rise low-density type of sunlight environment was the best. The plot ratio was significantly positively correlated with the building's sunlight ratio of 0-1 h sunlight hours in the residential area.

Transcriptome analysis revealed potential mechanisms of differences in physiological stress responses between caged male and female magpies.

BACKGROUND: Under caged conditions, birds are affected more severely by environmental stressors such as dietary structure, activity space, human disturbances, and pathogens, which may be reflected in the gene expression in peripheral blood or other tissues. Elucidating the molecular mechanism of these stress responses will help improve animal welfare. RESULTS: In the present study, the blood transcriptomes of six male and five female caged magpies (Pica pica) were sequenced, and a total of ~ 100 Gb in clean reads were generated using the Illumina HiSeq 2000 sequencer. A total of 420,291 unigenes were identified after assembly, of which 179,316 were annotated in five databases, 7471 were assigned to 269 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, and 566 were assigned to the Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG) functional classification "defense mechanisms". Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed that 2657 unigenes were differentially expressed between males and females (q < 0.1), and these DEGs were assigned to 45 KEGG pathways involving stress resistance, immunity, energy metabolism, reproduction, lifespan regulation, and diseases. Further analysis revealed that females might be more sensitive to stress through upregulation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) and 5'AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and were also possibly more sensitive to dynamic changes in energy. Females expressed higher major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II levels than males, enhancing resistance to pathogens, and the DEGs related to reproduction included MAPK, CaMK, CPEB, and Cdc25. The genes related to stress, energy, and immunity were also likely related to the regulation of longevity. The upregulated JNKs in females might prolong lifespan and relieve antioxidant stress. Females may also activate the AMPK pathway and implement dietary restrictions to prolong lifespan, whereas males may upregulate SIRT1 and CRAB to increase lifespan. CONCLUSIONS: Female magpies might be more sensitive to stress and dynamic changes in energy thus enhanced resistance to pathogens, and the genes related to stress, energy, and immunity were also possibly related to the regulation of longevity. Further confirmations with techniques such as RT-qPCR and western blot are necessary to validate the above arguments.

Simultaneous Preparation of Salidroside and p-Tyrosol from Rhodiola crenulata by DIAION HP-20 Macroporous Resin Chromatography Combined with Silica Gel Chromatography.

The Rhodiola species have a long history of utilization in traditional medicine and have been considered as a source of adaptation to environmental challenges; salidroside and p-tyrosol are the major responsible compounds. Here we propose a novel UPLC-guided two-step method consisting of a DIAION HP-20 adsorption and silica gel column chromatographies, which can simultaneously prepare high purities of salidroside and p-tyrosol with noticeable yields from the rhizome of Rhodiola crenulata. Results demonstrated that DIAION HP-20 could successfully remove all impurities except crenulatin during a gradient elution with 5⁻20% ethanol, which could achieve an optimal purification of salidroside and p-tyrosol with increasing rates of 29.19% and 33.44%, respectively. Furthermore, chloroform was selected as an ideal solvent for separating p-tyrosol with salidroside, and thus crenulatin was subsequently applied in the silica gel chromatography, and the separation of salidroside with crenulatin could be achieved using silica gel chromatography with a mixture of chloroform and methanol at a volume ratio of 4:1. High purity rates of 94.17% and 97.29% and overall yields of 39.09% and 43.73% for salidroside and p-tyrosol were simultaneously achieved. Our method provides a new way to simultaneously obtain salidroside and p-tyrosol from R. Crenulata, as well as other related plant species.

Hypoglycemic Effects in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats of the Phenolic Extract from Mongolian Oak Cups Enriched in Ellagic Acid, Kaempferol and Their Derivatives.

Our previous reports showed that crude extract prepared with 50% ethanol (ethanol crude extract, ECE) from Mongolian oak cups possessed excellent in vitro antioxidant capacities as well as inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase, α-amylase and protein glycation caused by its enrichment in phenolics, including mainly ellagic acid, kaempferol and their derivatives. Nevertheless, few in vivo studies on antidiabetic activities of these phenolics were conducted. The present study investigated hypoglycemic effects with normal and diabetic rats being administrated orally without or with ECE at 200 and 800 mg/kg for 15 days. In normal rats, no significant differences were exhibited after ECE administration in body weight, fasting blood glucose level, levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and AST in serum, organ indexes, and levels of GSH and MDA in organs. In diabetic rats, the fasting blood glucose level, indexes of heart and liver, and levels of cholesterol and triglyceride in serum and MDA in heart tissue were significantly decreased. Moreover, HDL levels in serum and SOD activities in the four organs of diabetic rats were significantly improved after ECE administration at 800 mg/kg. Thus, in addition to inhibiting α-glucosidase, α-amylase and protein glycation reported previously, oak cups might contain novel dietary phytonutrients in preventing abnormal changes in blood glucose and lipid profile and attenuating oxidant stress in vivo. The results also implied that it is ellagic acid, kaempferol and their derivatives enriched in ECE that might play vital roles in managing type 1 as well as type 2 diabetes.

[Hydroxyapatite bioactive coating on carbon/carbon composites].

A simple plasma spraying method was employed in coating hydroxyapaptite (HA) on to carbon/carbon composites (C/C composites). The morphology of the coating was examined under scanning electron microscope (SEM). The phase constitutions of the HA coating were determined by X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The shear strength of the HA coating-C/C composite substrates was detected. A hydroxyapatite coating with rough surface was observed. A considerable amount of amorphous phase appeared as a result from the coating process, which could be transformed into the morphous phase crystalline HA after subsequent heat treatment. The shear strength between the HA coating and C/C composite substrates was 7.15 MPa.

[Progress of researches on carbon/carbon composites used in human loaded bones].

Carbon/carbon composites have excellent biocompatibility with human hard tissue and elasticity modulus similar with that of human bones, which endow them great potential applications in substitution for human loaded bones. The current research situations and applications of carbon/carbon composites in human loaded bones are reviewed. The coating technologies of bioactive layers on carbon/carbon composites are discussed. The problems to be solved and the prospects of carbon/carbon composites in human loaded bones are analyzed and predicted. It is believed that bioactive layers coating on carbon/carbon composites should play an important role in human loaded bones.