Effects of tail nerve electrical stimulation on the activation and plasticity of the lumbar locomotor circuits and the prevention of skeletal muscle atrophy after spinal cord transection in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Severe spinal cord injury results in the loss of neurons in the relatively intact spinal cord below the injury area and skeletal muscle atrophy in the paralyzed limbs. These pathological processes are significant obstacles for motor function reconstruction. OBJECTIVE: We performed tail nerve electrical stimulation (TNES) to activate the motor neural circuits below the injury site of the spinal cord to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of the excitatory afferent neurons in promoting the reconstruction of locomotor function. METHODS: Eight days after T10 spinal cord transection in rats, TNES was performed for 7 weeks. Behavioral scores were assessed weekly. Electrophysiological tests and double retrograde tracings were performed at week 8. RESULTS: After 7 weeks of TNES treatment, there was restoration in innervation, the number of stem cells, and mitochondrial metabolism in the rats' hindlimb muscles. Double retrograde tracings of the tail nerve and sciatic nerve further confirmed the presence of synaptic connections between the tail nerve and central pattern generator (CPG) neurons in the lumbar spinal cord, as well as motor neurons innervating the hindlimb muscles. CONCLUSION: The mechanisms of TNES induced by the stimulation of primary afferent nerve fibers involves efficient activation of the motor neural circuits in the lumbosacral segment, alterations of synaptic plasticity, and the improvement of muscle and nerve regeneration, which provides the structural and functional foundation for the future use of cutting-edge biological treatment strategies to restore voluntary movement of paralyzed hindlimbs.

Composite formation of whey protein isolate and OSA starch for fabricating high internal phase emulsion: A comparative study at different pH and their application in biscuits.

The composites formed by whey protein isolate (WPI) and octenyl succinate anhydride (OSA)-modified starch were characterized with a focus on the effect of pH, and their potential in fabricating high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) as fat substitutes was evaluated. The particles obtained at pH 3.0, 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0 presented a nanosized distribution (122.04 ± 0.84 nm-163.24 ± 4.12 nm) while those prepared at pH 4.0 and 5.0 were remarkably larger. Results from the shielding agent reaction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) showed that the interaction between WPI and OSA starch was mainly hydrophobic at pH 3.0-5.0, while there was a strong electrostatic repulsion at pH 6.0-8.0. A quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) study showed that remarkably higher ΔD and lower Δf/n were observed at pH 3.0-5.0 after successive deposition of WPI and OSA starch, whereas slight changes were noted for those made at higher pH values. The WPI-OSA starch (W-O) composite-based HIPEs made at pH 3.0 and 6.0-8.0 were physically stable after long-term storage, thermal treatment, or centrifugation. Incorporation of HIPE into the biscuit formula yielded products with a desirable sensory quality.

Steroidal Saponins from Solanum lyratum Thunb.

Four undescribed steroidal compounds along with twenty known compounds were isolated from n-butanol extracted fraction of the whole plants of Solanum lyratum Thunb (SLNF). Their structures were assigned based on analyses of the extensive spectroscopic data (including MS, 1D/2D NMR, and ECD) or comparisons of the NMR data with those reported. Among the knowns, three compounds were isolated from Solanum plants for the first time, while one compound was isolated from S. lyratum for the first time. In addition, the cytotoxicities of these isolates against human colon SW480 and hepatoma Hep3B cells were evaluated by a MTT assay. And, nine of them and SLNF exhibited significant activities against both SW480 and Hep3B cells, while twelve of them significantly inhibited the activities of SW480 cells. This study allows for the exploitation of chemical markers with potential significance in discrimination of Solanum plants, and uncovers the diverse steroidal constituents from S. lyratum dedicated for its future application in cancer treatment.

Clinical Characteristics and Intraoperative Reduction Technique of Thoracolumbar Fractures Combined with Posterior Column Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the clinical characteristics of thoracolumbar fractures combined with posterior column injury, and explore its intraoperative reduction technique with clinical efficacy. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study.                                   Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Orthopaedics, Fuyang People's Hospital, Anhui, China, from December 2017 to 2021. METHODOLOGY: A total of 60 patients met the inclusion criteria, they were divided into two categories according to injury mechanism and imaging characteristics: flexion-distraction injury (FDI) and burst fracture with lamina fracture (BFLF), and their clinical characteristics were analysed. All patients were treated with posterior pedicle screw internal fixation, and different intraoperative reduction methods were adopted for reduction. Measurements of anterior vertebral heights (AVH), local kyphotic angles (LKA), visual analog scale (VAS) and oswestry disability index (ODI) were evaluated preoperative, after operation, and the last follow-up. RESULTS: The two groups of thoracolumbar fractures combined with posterior column injury had different clinical characteristics, and there were significant differences in preoperative imaging related parameters (p<0.05). All patients in the two groups successfully completed the operation, and there were no direct complications related to the operation. The patients were followed up for 12-24 months. Compared with those before the operation, the AVH, LKA, VAS, and ODI immediately after the operation and at the last follow-up were significantly improved (p<0.05). Bone fusion was achieved in all patients. CONCLUSION: Careful and comprehensive preoperative clinical data analysis is the key to diagnosis of thoracolumbar fractures combined with posterior column injury. According to the type of fracture, reasonable selection of intraoperative reduction technique can obtain satisfactory clinical results. KEY WORDS: Burst fracture, Pedicle screw, Internal fixation, Thoracic, Lumbar.

Steroidal constituents from Solanum nigrum.

Three previously undescribed steroidal constituents including two sterols (1-2) and one pregnane-type steroidal glycoside (6), along with nineteen known ones (3-5, 7-22), were isolated from the 80% alcohol extraction of Solanum nigrum L. Their structures and the absolute configurations were established by analysis of the extensive spectroscopic data (1H/13 NMR, 1H1H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY), and/or by comparisons of the experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra with those calculated ones by TDDFT method. Further, a MTT assay was applied to demonstrate that compounds 1-4, 6-12, 18, and 22 exhibited significant cytotoxic activities against SW480 cells, and compounds 1-4, 6-14, and 16-22 showed significant cytotoxic activities against Hep3B cells.

The therapeutic mechanism of transcranial iTBS on nerve regeneration and functional recovery in rats with complete spinal cord transection.

Background: After spinal cord transection injury, the inflammatory microenvironment formed at the injury site, and the cascade of effects generated by secondary injury, results in limited regeneration of injured axons and the apoptosis of neurons in the sensorimotor cortex (SMC). It is crucial to reverse these adverse processes for the recovery of voluntary movement. The mechanism of transcranial intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) as a new non-invasive neural regulation paradigm in promoting axonal regeneration and motor function repair was explored by means of a severe spinal cord transection. Methods: Rats underwent spinal cord transection and 2 mm resection of spinal cord at T10 level. Four groups were studied: Normal (no lesion), Control (lesion with no treatment), sham iTBS (lesion and no functional treatment) and experimental, exposed to transcranial iTBS, 72 h after spinal lesion. Each rat received treatment once a day for 5 days a week; behavioral tests were administered one a week. Inflammation, neuronal apoptosis, neuroprotective effects, regeneration and synaptic plasticity after spinal cord injury (SCI) were determined by immunofluorescence staining, western blotting and mRNA sequencing. For each rat, anterograde tracings were acquired from the SMC or the long descending propriospinal neurons and tested for cortical motor evoked potentials (CMEPs). Regeneration of the corticospinal tract (CST) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) nerve fibers were analyzed 10 weeks after SCI. Results: When compared to the Control group, the iTBS group showed a reduced inflammatory response and reduced levels of neuronal apoptosis in the SMC when tested 2 weeks after treatment. Four weeks after SCI, the neuroimmune microenvironment at the injury site had improved in the iTBS group, and neuroprotective effects were evident, including the promotion of axonal regeneration and synaptic plasticity. After 8 weeks of iTBS treatment, there was a significant increase in CST regeneration in the region rostral to the site of injury. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the number of 5-HT nerve fibers at the center of the injury site and the long descending propriospinal tract (LDPT) fibers in the region caudal to the site of injury. Moreover, CMEPs and hindlimb motor function were significantly improved. Conclusion: Neuronal activation and neural tracing further verified that iTBS had the potential to provide neuroprotective effects during the early stages of SCI and induce regeneration effects related to the descending motor pathways (CST, 5-HT and LDPT). Furthermore, our results revealed key relationships between neural pathway activation, neuroimmune regulation, neuroprotection and axonal regeneration, as well as the interaction network of key genes.

Nitrous oxide emissions from tea plantations: A review.

Tea plantations are an important N2O source. Fertilizer-induced N2O emission factors of tea plantations are much higher than other upland agricultural ecosystems. According to the basic information on characteristics and knowledge of N2O emissions from tea plantations around the world, we comprehensively reviewed N2O emission characteristics, production process, influencing factors, and reduction measures from tea plantations. The global means of ambient N2O emission and N2O emission stimulated by nitrogen fertilizer application from tea plantations were (2.68±2.92) kg N·hm-2 and (11.29±9.45) kg N·hm-2, respectively. The fertilizer-induced N2O emission factor in tea plantations (2.2%±2.1%) was much higher than the IPCC-estimated N2O emission factor for agricultural land (1%). N2O emission from tea plantation soil (a typical acid soil) were mainly produced during nitrification and denitrification, with denitrification being dominant. N2O emission from tea plantations were significantly related to the amount of fertilizer application. Other factors, such as fertilizer type, could also affect soil N2O emissions in tea plantations. The main reduction methods of N2O emission from tea plantations included optimizing the amount and type of fertilizer, amending biochar, and rationally using nitrification inhibitors. In future, we should strengthen in-situ observations of soil N2O emission from tea plantations at both temporal and spatial scales, combine lab incubation and field studies to elucidate the mechanisms underling tea plantation soil N2O emissions, and use a data-model fusion approach to reduce uncertainties in the estimation of global N2O emission. These would provide theoretical support and practical guidance for reasonable N2O emission reduction in tea plantations.

Tail nerve electrical stimulation promoted the efficiency of transplanted spinal cord-like tissue as a neuronal relay to repair the motor function of rats with transected spinal cord injury.

Following transected spinal cord injury (SCI), there is a critical need to restore nerve conduction at the injury site and activate the silent neural circuits caudal to the injury to promote the recovery of voluntary movement. In this study, we generated a rat model of SCI, constructed neural stem cell (NSC)-derived spinal cord-like tissue (SCLT), and evaluated its ability to replace injured spinal cord and repair nerve conduction in the spinal cord as a neuronal relay. The lumbosacral spinal cord was further activated with tail nerve electrical stimulation (TNES) as a synergistic electrical stimulation to better receive the neural information transmitted by the SCLT. Next, we investigated the neuromodulatory mechanism underlying the action of TNES and its synergism with SCLT in SCI repair. TNES promoted the regeneration and remyelination of axons and increased the proportion of glutamatergic neurons in SCLT to transmit brain-derived neural information more efficiently to the caudal spinal cord. TNES also increased the innervation of motor neurons to hindlimb muscle and improved the microenvironment of muscle tissue, resulting in effective prevention of hindlimb muscle atrophy and enhanced muscle mitochondrial energy metabolism. Tracing of the neural circuits of the sciatic nerve and tail nerve identified the mechanisms responsible for the synergistic effects of SCLT transplantation and TNES in activating central pattern generator (CPG) neural circuits and promoting voluntary motor function recovery in rats. The combination of SCLT and TNES is expected to provide a new breakthrough for patients with SCI to restore voluntary movement and control their muscles.

Risk of asthma in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the available literature on the association between preterm infant bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and pre-adulthood asthma. METHODS: Studies examining the association between BPD and asthma in children and adolescents were systematically reviewed, and a meta-analysis was conducted. We searched Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane Library from the database inception to March 26, 2022. The pooled odds ratio (OR) estimate was used in our meta-analysis to calculate the correlation between BPD and the probability of developing asthma before adulthood. Stata 12.0 was used to conduct the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The correlation between asthma and BPD in preterm newborns was examined in nine studies. We used a random effect model to pool the OR estimate. Our results indicated a marked increase in the risk of subsequent asthma in preterm infants with BPD [OR = 1.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.43-2.09]. Moreover, there was no obvious heterogeneity across the studies (P = 0.617, I2 = 0%). The pooled OR remained stable and ranged from 1.65 (95% CI = 1.35-2.01) to 1.78 (95% CI = 1.43-2.21). Regarding publication bias, the funnel plot for asthma risk did not reveal any noticeable asymmetry. We further performed Begg's and Egger's tests to quantitatively evaluate publication bias. There was no evidence of a publication bias for asthma risk (P > |Z| = 0.602 for Begg's test, and P > |t| = 0.991 for Egger's test). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that preterm infants with BPD have a much higher risk of developing asthma in the future (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.43-2.09). Preterm infants with BPD may benefit from long-term follow-up.

Xanthones from Gentianella acuta (Michx.) Hulten Ameliorate Colorectal Carcinoma via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway.

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is a kind of malignant tumor closely related to ulcerative colitis. Xanthone derivatives are one of the most promising therapeutic drugs which have been used in phase I/II clinical trials for cancer therapy. Our previous study indicated that the aerial parts of Gentianella acuta Michx. Hulten (GA) was rich in xanthones and showed a good therapeutic effect on ulcerative colitis in mice, suggesting that GA xanthones might have some therapeutic or ameliorative effects on CRC. However, no relevant study has been reported. This study aims to find the effective substances of GA inhibiting CRC and clarify their mechanism. Solvent extraction, column chromatographic separation, and LC-MS analysis were used to characterize the 70% EtOH extract of GA and track xanthones abundant fraction XF. MTT assay was carried out to clarify the activity of GA fractions; the result showed XF to be the main active fraction. LC-MS analysis was executed to characterize XF, 38 xanthones were identified. Network pharmacology prediction, in vitro activity screening, and molecular docking assay were combined to predict the potential mechanism; the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway was found to be most important. Western blot assay on the main active xanthones 1,3,5-trihydroxyxanthone (16), 1,3,5,8-tetrahydroxyxanthone (17), 1,5,8-trihydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone (18), and 1,7-dihydroxy-3,8-dimethoxyxanthone (19) was used to verify the above prediction; these xanthones were found to inhibit the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, and 17 played a significant role among them through Western blot assay using PI3K/AKT/mTOR agonist IGF-1. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that GA xanthones were effective compounds of GA inhibiting CRC by regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway transduction, at least. Importantly, 1,3,5,8-tetrahydroxyxanthone (17), the most abundant active xanthone in GA, might be a candidate drug for CRC.

Exendin-4 and linagliptin attenuate neuroinflammation in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease.

Use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist or dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor has been shown to lower the incidence of Parkinson's disease in patients with diabetes mellitus. Therefore, using these two treatments may help treat Parkinson's disease. To further investigate the mechanisms of action of these two compounds, we established a model of Parkinson's disease by treating mice with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine and then subcutaneously injected them with the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist exendin-4 or the dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor linagliptin. We found that both exendin-4 and linagliptin reversed motor dysfunction, glial activation, and dopaminergic neuronal death in this model. In addition, both exendin-4 and linagliptin induced microglial polarization to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. Moreover, in vitro experiments showed that treatment with exendin-4 and linagliptin inhibited activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain- and leucine-rich-repeat- and pyrin-domain-containing 3/caspase-1/interleukin-1ß pathway and subsequent pyroptosis by decreasing the production of reactive oxygen species. These findings suggest that exendin-4 and linagliptin exert neuroprotective effects by attenuating neuroinflammation through regulation of microglial polarization and the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain- and leucine-rich-repeat- and pyrin-domain-containing 3/caspase-1/interleukin-1ß pathway in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. Therefore, these two drugs may serve as novel anti-inflammatory treatments for Parkinson's disease.

Cell cycle kinases (AUKA, CDK1, PLK1) are prognostic biomarkers and correlated with tumor-infiltrating leukocytes in HBV related HCC.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the high incidence cancers and third leading cause of cancer-related mortality. HBV is the top most risk factor accounting for 50-80% of the HCC cases. Kinases: Aurora kinase A (AURKA), cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK1) and Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), the key regulators of cell mitosis are overexpressed in varieties of cancers including HCC. However, the exact role of these genes in prognosis of HCC is not fully unveiled. In addition, there is no such an accurate prognostic biomarker for HBV-related HCC. To address this issue, we performed a multidimensional analysis of AURKA, CDK1 and PLK1 with a series of publicly available databases in multiple cancers and with experimental validation in HBV-related HCC tissues. Overexpression of AURKA, CDK1 and PLK1 was found in multiple cancers including HCC. Elevated expression of these genes could result from lowered DNA methylation and genomic alterations. Transcriptional overexpression was significantly correlated with poor prognosis of HCC patients. The expression levels were also significantly positively associated with tumor grades and stages. Furthermore, the expression levels of these genes had a strong correlation with infiltration of immune cells. Our analysis shows that AURKA, CDK1 and PLK1 are correlated with immune infiltration and are the prognostic biomarkers for HBV-induced HCC.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Emodin attenuates inflammation and demyelination in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Emodin, a substance extracted from herbs such as rhubarb, has a protective effect on the central nervous system. However, the potential therapeutic effect of emodin in the context of multiple sclerosis remains unknown. In this study, a rat model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis was established by immune induction to simulate multiple sclerosis, and the rats were intraperitoneally injected with emodin (20 mg/kg/d) from the day of immune induction until they were sacrificed. In this model, the nucleotide-binding domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and the microglia exacerbated neuroinflammation, playing an important role in the development of multiple sclerosis. In addition, silent information regulator of transcription 1 (SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha coactivator (PGC-1α) was found to inhibit activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, and SIRT1 activation reduced disease severity in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Furthermore, treatment with emodin decreased body weight loss and neurobehavioral deficits, alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration and demyelination, reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines, inhibited microglial aggregation and activation, decreased the levels of NLRP3 signaling pathway molecules, and increased the expression of SIRT1 and PGC-1α. These findings suggest that emodin improves the symptoms of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, possibly through regulating the SIRT1/PGC-1α/NLRP3 signaling pathway and inhibiting microglial inflammation. These findings provide experimental evidence for treatment of multiple sclerosis with emodin, enlarging the scope of clinical application for emodin.

Time-resolved EPR revealed C(sp3)-H activation through a photo-enhanced phthalimide-N-oxyl (PINO) radical.

The time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) technique under operando photochemical conditions as an efficient strategy to investigate the fast formation of abundant long-lived PINO radicals (t1/2 = 204 s) and their activation of the C(sp3)-H process has been researched. This developed method offers a pathway for investigating the properties and tracking the transformations of radical species in the photoredox reaction process.

Phytochemical and pharmacological studies on Solanum lyratum: a review.

Solanum lyratum is one of the temperate plants, broadly distributed in Korea, China, Japan, India, and South-East Asia and well-documented in those oriental ethnic medicine systems for curing cancers, jaundice, edema, gonorrhea, cholecystitis, phlogosis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. This review systematically summarized the research progress on S. lyratum respecting the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology to increase people's in-depth understanding of this plant, by data retrieval in a series of online or off-line electronic databases as far as we can reach. Steroidal saponins and alkaloids, terpenoids, nitrogenous compounds, and flavonoid compounds are the main chemical constituents in S. lyratum. Among them, steroidal alkaloids and saponins are the major active ingredients ever found in S. lyratum, exerting activities of anti-cancer, anti-inflammation, anti-microbial, anti-allergy, and anti-oxidation in vivo or in vitro. As a result, S. lyratum has been frequently prescribed for the abovementioned therapeutic purposes, and there are substantial traditional and modern shreds of evidence of its use.

Astramalabaricosides A-T, Highly Oxygenated Malabaricane Triterpenoids with Migratory Inhibitory Activity from Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus.

Twenty new malabaricane triterpenoids, astramalabaricosides A-T (1-20), were isolated from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (Astragali Radix). Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis, and the use of the circular dichroism exciton chirality method, quantum chemical calculations, and chemical methods. Malabaricane triterpenoids, an unusual group with the 6-6-5-tricyclic core, are distributed in plants (e.g., Simaroubaceae, Polypodiaceae, and Fabaceae), a marine sponge, and fungi, and their number obtained to date is limited. Compounds 1-20 were characterized as glycosides with a highly oxygenated side chain, and 13-20 were the first cyclic carbonate derivatives among the malabaricane triterpenoids. The stereocluster formed from the continuous hydroxylated chiral carbons in each highly oxygenated side chain and the 6-6-5-tricyclic core system were entirely segregated, and the independent identification of their stereoconfigurations required considerable effort. The migratory inhibitory and antiproliferative activities of 1-20 were evaluated by wound-healing and cell-viability assays, respectively. Most compounds showed significant migratory inhibitory activity, and a preliminary structure-activity relationship was developed. Malabaricane triterpenoids are being reported in the genus Astragalus for the first time.

Biomimetic catalytic aerobic oxidation of C-sp(3)-H bonds under mild conditions using galactose oxidase model compound CuIIL.

Developing highly efficient catalytic protocols for C-sp(3)-H bond aerobic oxidation under mild conditions is a long-desired goal of chemists. Inspired by nature, a biomimetic approach for the aerobic oxidation of C-sp(3)-H by galactose oxidase model compound CuIIL and NHPI (N-hydroxyphthalimide) was developed. The CuIIL-NHPI system exhibited excellent performance in the oxidation of C-sp(3)-H bonds to ketones, especially for light alkanes. The biomimetic catalytic protocol had a broad substrate scope. Mechanistic studies revealed that the CuI-radical intermediate species generated from the intramolecular redox process of CuIILH2 was critical for O2 activation. Kinetic experiments showed that the activation of NHPI was the rate-determining step. Furthermore, activation of NHPI in the CuIIL-NHPI system was demonstrated by time-resolved EPR results. The persistent PINO (phthalimide-N-oxyl) radical mechanism for the aerobic oxidation of C-sp(3)-H bond was demonstrated.

HbMYB44, a Rubber Tree MYB Transcription Factor With Versatile Functions in Modulating Multiple Phytohormone Signaling and Abiotic Stress Responses.

The vital roles of R2R3-MYB transcription factors (TFs) in regulating stress response and phytohormone signaling have been thoroughly studied in numerous plant species, but the functions of these TFs in rubber tree are poorly understood. Rubber tree is the most important source of natural rubber but often suffers from various abiotic and biotic stresses that cause severe yield losses each year. In this study, we reported a novel MYB44 gene in rubber tree (named HbMYB44) and revealed its biological function. HbMYB44 was highly similar to AtMYB44 and clustered into subgroup 22. Transient expression indicated that HbMYB44 is a nuclear localized protein and displays transactivation activity at the C-terminus. HbMYB44 was ubiquitously expressed in rubber tree, and its expression was strongly induced by multiple phytohormones, drought stress, wounding, and H2O2 treatments. Furthermore, overexpression of HbMYB44 in Arabidopsis (OE) demonstrated that OE plants significantly enhanced stress tolerance, i.e., salt stress, osmotic stress, and drought stress. Additionally, HbMYB44 promoted recovery from root growth inhibition of OE plants caused by exogenous phytohormones (including abscisic acid, methyl jasmonic acid, gibberellic acid 3, and salicylic acid), but the opposite effect was present in response to ethephon. Interestingly, HbMYB44 increased the expression of its homologous genes and interacting protein-encoding genes in OE plants. Overall, HbMYB44 plays versatile functions in modulating multiple phytohormone signaling pathways and stress tolerance.

[Progress in the research of medial column reconstruction of proximal humerus fractures in the elderly].

The proximal medial column of the humerus is a continuous cortical region in the inner and lower part of the humerus head, which has attracted more and more attention in clinical and scientific research since it was proposed. It has been shown to increase the stability of internal fixation, maintain the height of the humeral head to prevent varus, and reduce the risk of screw penetration. Biomechanical studies have also shown that the medial column has an outstanding performance in increasing the stiffness, torsion resistance, and shear resistance of the locking plate. Although it has many benefits, there is no unified definition of its concept and specific region, and the existing classification does not include the medial column, therefore more researches are required to provide supporting information. The methods of medial column reconstruction mainly include locking plate combined with talus screw, locking plate combined with bone grafting, internal and external double plate combined support, locking plate combined with bone cement, and humeral cage. These methods have their own characteristics, however they will increase the cost of surgery and bring new complications. How to determine the best way of reconstruction is one of the focuses of future research. In this review, the concept of the proximal medial humerus column, the role of maintaining internal fixation, the role of biomechanics and the reconstruction methods are reviewed.

Baicalin attenuates amyloid ß oligomers induced memory deficits and mitochondria fragmentation through regulation of PDE-PKA-Drp1 signalling.

RATIONALE: Mitochondrial fragmentation contributes to the initiation of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Baicalin plays a significant role in rescuing mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the effect of baicalin treatment on the modulation of mitochondrial fragmentation has not yet been assessed. OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of baicalin on memory and understand its mechanism of action. RESULTS: Baicalin treatment significantly reversed the altered learning and memory behaviours in AD mouse model. We found that baicalin treatment significantly improved the levels of microtubule association protein-2 and enhanced the expression of synaptophysin and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95). Moreover, treatment with baicalin reversed amyloid-ß oligomer (AßO)-induced abnormalities in the succinate dehydrogenase complex iron sulphur subunit B (SDHB) and cytochrome c oxidase components I (COXI) and mitochondrial fragmentation in the hippocampus. Further, we found that baicalin decreased the PDE4 levels and upregulated the levels of phosphorylated Ser157 site of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (pVASPs157) and phosphorylated Ser637 site of mitochondrial dynamin-related protein 1 (pDrp1S637). Moreover, in AßO-treated HT-22 cells, H89 inhibited the effect of baicalin on PSD95, mitochondrial fragmentation, SDHB and COXI, PDE4, pVASPs157, and pDrp1S637. CONCLUSION: The effect of baicalin on memory improvement may be due to improved synaptic plasticity, mitochondrial fragmentation, and rescue of dysfunction via the inhibition of PDE4, which leads to activation of pDrp1S637 in the AßO-induced model.