A novel integrated Urban flood risk assessment approach coupling GeoDetector-Dematel and clustering method.

Urban flood risk assessment plays a crucial role in disaster prevention and mitigation. A scientifically accurate assessment and risk stratification method are of paramount importance for effective flood risk management. This study aims to propose a comprehensive urban flood risk assessment approach by coupling GeoDetector-Dematel and Clustering Method to enhance the accuracy of urban flood risk evaluation. Based on simulation results from hydraulic models and existing literature, the research established a set of urban flood risk assessment indicators comprising 10 metrics across two dimensions: hazard factors and vulnerability factors, among which vulnerability factors include exposure factors, sensitivity factors, and adaptability factors. Subsequently, the research introduced the GeoDetector-Dematel method to determine indicator weights, significantly enhancing the scientific rigor and precision of weight calculation. Finally, the research employed the K-means clustering method to risk zonation, providing a more scientifically rational depiction of the spatial distribution of urban flood risks. This novel comprehensive urban flood risk assessment method was applied in the Fangzhuang area of Beijing. The results demonstrated that this integrated approach effectively enhances the accuracy of urban flood risk assessment. In conclusion, this research offers a new methodology for urban flood risk assessment and contributes to decision-making in disaster prevention and control measures.

Modulation recognition method of mixed signals based on cyclic spectrum projection.

The signal in the receiver is mainly a combination of different modulation types due to the complex electromagnetic environment, which makes the modulation recognition of the mixed signal a hot topic in recent years. In response to the poor adaptability of existing mixed signals recognition methods, this paper proposes a new recognition method for mixed signals based on cyclic spectrum projection and deep neural network. Firstly, through theoretical derivation, we prove the feasibility of using cyclic spectrum for mixed communication signal identification. Then, we adopt grayscale projections on the two-dimensional cyclic spectrum as identifying representation. And a new nonlinear piecewise mapping and directed pseudo-clustering method are used to enhance the above-mentioned grayscale images, which reduces the impact of energy ratios and symbol rates on signal identification. Finally, we use deep neural networks to extract deep abstract modulation information to achieve effective recognition of mixed signals. Simulation results show that the proposed method is robust against noise. When signal-to-noise ratio is not less than 0 dB, the average recognition rate is greater than 95%. Furthermore, this method exhibits good robustness towards the changes in signal symbol rates and energy ratios between mixed signals.

Location decision of low-altitude service station for transfer flight based on modified immune algorithm.

The location of Low-Altitude Flight Service Station (LAFSS) is a comprehensive decision work, and it is also a multi-objective optimization problem (MOOP) with constraints. As a swarm intelligence search algorithm for solving constrained MOOP, the Immune Algorithm (IA) retains the excellent characteristics of genetic algorithm. Using some characteristic information or knowledge of the problem selectively and purposefully, the degradation phenomenon in the optimization process can be suppressed and the global optimum can be achieved. However, due to the large range involved in the low-altitude transition flight, the geographical characteristics, economic level and service requirements among the candidate stations in the corridor are quite different, and the operational safety and service efficiency are interrelated and conflict with each other. And all objectives cannot be optimal. Therefore, this article proposes a Modified Immune Algorithm (MIA) with two-layer response to solve the constrained multi-objective location mathematical model of LAFSS. The first layer uses the demand track as the cell membrane positioning pattern recognition service response distance to trigger the innate immunity to achieve the basic requirements of security service coverage. In the second layer, the expansion and upgrading of adjacent candidate sites are compared to the pathogen's effector, and the adaptive immunity is directly or indirectly triggered again through the cloning, mutation and reproduction between candidate sites to realize the multi-objective equilibrium of the scheme. Taking 486,000 km2 of Sichuan Province as an example, MIA for LAFSS is simulated by the MATLAB platform. Based on the Spring open source application framework of Java platform, the cesiumjs map data is called through easyui, and the visualization of site selection scheme is presented with the terrain data of Map World as the background. The experimental results show that, compared with dynamic programming and ordinary immunization, the immune trigger mode of double response and the improved algorithm of operation parameter combination designed by the Taguchi experiment, the total economic cost of location selection is reduced by 26.4%, the service response time is reduced by 25%, the repeat coverage rate is reduced by 29.5% and the effective service area is increased by 17.5%. The security risk, service efficiency and location cost are balanced. The present work is to provide an effective location method for the layout number and location of local transfer flight service stations. For complex scenes with larger scale of low-altitude flight supply and demand and larger terrain changes in the region, the above research methods can be used to effectively split and reduce the dimension.

Exogenous 2-keto-L-gulonic Acid Supplementation as a Novel Approach to Enhancing L-ascorbic Acid Biosynthesis in Zebrafish (Danio rerio).

L-ascorbic acid (ASA) is a micronutrient that is essential for reproduction, growth, and immunity in animals. Due to the loss of enzyme L-gulono-1,4-lactone oxidase (GLO), most aquatic animals lack the capacity for ASA biosynthesis and therefore require supplementation with exogenous ASA. Recent studies have shown that 2-keto-L-gulonic acid (2KGA), a novel potential precursor of ASA, can enhance plant growth and improve stress resistance by promoting the synthesis and accumulation of ASA. Our hypothesis is that 2-keto-L-gulonic acid (2KGA) plays a similar role in aquatic animals. To investigate this, we conducted an in vivo trial to examine the effects of exogenous 2KGA supplementation on ASA metabolism and growth of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Zebrafish were categorized into groups based on their dietary intake, including a basal diet (CK group), a basal diet supplemented with 800 mg/kg ASA (ASA group), and 800 mg/kg 2KGA-Na (2KGA group) for a duration of three weeks. The results demonstrated a significant increase in ASA content in zebrafish treated with 2KGA (34.82% increase, p < 0.05) compared to the CK group, reaching a consistent level with the ASA group (39.61% increase, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the supplementation of 2KGA significantly improved growth parameters relevant to zebrafish (specific growth rate increased by 129.04%, p < 0.05) and enhanced feed utilization (feed intake increased by 15.65%, p < 0.05). Positive correlations were observed between growth parameters, feed utilization, whole-body chemical composition, and ASA content. Our findings suggest that supplementation with exogenous 2KGA can serve as a novel approach for elevating ASA synthesis in aquatic animals, and further investigation of its underlying mechanism is required.

Increased glymphatic system activity in patients with mild traumatic brain injury.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the glymphatic system activity changes in patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), particularly in MRI-negative patients, using analysis along the perivascular space (ALPS) technology. Methods: A total of 161 mTBI patients (age: 15-92 years old) and 28 healthy controls (age: 15-84 years old) were included in this retrospective study. The mTBI patients were divided into MRI-negative and MRI-positive groups. ALPS index was calculated automatically using whole-brain T1-MPRAGE imaging and diffusion tensor imaging. The Student's t and chi-squared tests were performed to compare the ALPS index, age, gender, course of disease, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score between groups. Correlations among ALPS index, age, course of disease and GCS score were computed using Spearman's correlation analysis. Results: Increased activity of the glymphatic system was suggested in mTBI patients based on ALPS index analysis, including the MRI-negative patients. There was a significant negative correlation between the ALPS index and age. In addition, a weak positive correlation between the ALPS index and course of disease was also observed. On the contrary, there was no significant correlation between the ALPS index and sex nor between the ALPS index and GCS score. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that the activity level of the glymphatic system was enhanced in mTBI patients, even when their brain MRI scans were negative. These findings may provide novel insights for understanding the pathophysiology of mild TBI.

Study on the Thermogravimetric Kinetics of Dehydrated Sewage Sludge Regulated by Cationic Polyacrylamide and Sawdust.

With the continuous increase in sewage-sludge production worldwide, the pyrolytic disposal of sludge has received great attention. To build knowledge on the kinetics of pyrolysis, first, sludge was regulated using appropriate amounts of cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) and sawdust to study their enhancing effect on dehydration. Due to the effects of the charge neutralization and skeleton hydrophobicity, a certain dose of CPAM and sawdust reduced the sludge's moisture content from 80.3% to 65.7%. Next, the pyrolysis characteristics of the dehydrated sludge regulated by CPAM and sawdust were investigated at a heating rate of 10~40 °C/min by using TGA method. The addition of sawdust enhanced the release of volatile substances and reduced the apparent activation energy of the sample. The maximum weight-loss rate decreased with the heating rate, and the DTG curves moved in the direction of high temperature. A model-free method, namely the Starink method, was adopted to calculate the apparent activation energies, which ranged from 135.3 kJ/mol to 174.8 kJ/mol. Combined with the master-plots method, the most appropriate mechanism function ultimately obtained was the nucleation-and-growth model.

Single-cell RNA landscape of osteoimmune microenvironment in osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture and Kümmell's disease.

Background: Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) enables specific analysis of cell populations at single-cell resolution; however, there is still a lack of single-cell-level studies to characterize the dynamic and complex interactions between osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) and Kümmell's disease (KD) in the osteoimmune microenvironment. In this study, we used scRNA-seq analysis to investigate the osteoimmune microenvironment and cellular composition in OVCFs and KD. Methods: ScRNA-seq was used to perform analysis of fractured vertebral bone tissues from one OVCF and one KD patients, and a total of 8,741 single cells were captured for single-cell transcriptomic analysis. The cellularity of human vertebral bone tissue was further analyzed using uniform manifold approximation and projection. Pseudo-time analysis and gene enrichment analysis revealed the biological function of cell fate and its counterparts. CellphoneDB was used to identify the interactions between bone cells and immune cells in the osteoimmune microenvironment of human vertebral bone tissue and their potential functions. Results: A cellular profile of the osteoimmune microenvironment of human vertebral bone tissue was established, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), pericytes, myofibroblasts, fibroblasts, chondrocytes, endothelial cells (ECs), granulocytes, monocytes, T cells, B cells, plasma cells, mast cells, and early erythrocytes. MSCs play an immunoregulatory function and mediate osteogenic differentiation and cell proliferation. The differentiation trajectory of osteoclasts in human vertebral bone tissue was also revealed. In addition, ECs actively participate in inflammatory infiltration and coupling with bone cells. T and B cells actively participate in regulating bone homeostasis. Finally, by identifying the interaction of ligand-receptor pairs, we found that immune cells and osteoclasts have bidirectional regulatory characteristics, have the effects of regulating bone resorption by osteoclasts and promoting bone formation, and are essential for bone homeostasis. It is also highlighted that CD8-TEM cells and osteoclasts might crosstalk via CD160-TNFRSF14 ligand-receptor interaction. Conclusion: Our analysis reveals a differential landscape of molecular pathways, population composition, and cell-cell interactions during OVCF development into KD. OVCFs exhibit a higher osteogenic differentiation capacity, owing to abundant immune cells. Conversely, KD results in greater bone resorption than bone formation due to depletion of MSCs and a relatively suppressed immune system, and this immune imbalance eventually leads to vertebral avascular necrosis. The site of action between immune cells and osteoclasts is expected to be a new therapeutic target, and these results may accelerate mechanistic and functional studies of osteoimmune cell types and specific gene action in vertebral avascular necrosis and pathological bone loss diseases, paving the way for drug discovery.

Effects of running combined with muscular training of the abdominal core / Efeitos da corrida aliada ao treinamento muscular do centro abdominal / Efectos de la carrera combinada con el entrenamiento muscular del núcleo abdominal

ABSTRACT Introduction: Running has specific effects on different areas of the human body, and the sagittal angular variation of the hip, knee, and ankle joints is widely explored. In addition to accelerating body metabolism, it can also improve body shape. Recent studies have revealed that running can also improve athletes' muscular strength of the abdominal core. Objective: Explore the effects of running combined with muscle training on the abdominal center strength of athletes. Methods: It investigated the effects of 3 different running intensities on athletes' abdominal core muscle strength. Computerized kinematic motion capture technology was used to measure the impacts of running on 18 young volunteers. The sagittal planes of the hip, knee, and ankle joints were evaluated. Abdominal center muscle strength was assessed during running. Results: Running particularly affected the combined contraction rate of the tibial, gluteal, and soleus muscles. The correlation between speed, muscle activation, and joint angle was also analyzed. Conclusion: Athletes tend to adjust the angle and frequency of joint movements to reduce fatigue. It was noted can have the ability to control muscle strength in different regions of the abdominal core. The research results establish a theoretical basis for the effectiveness of abdominal core muscle strength performance in athletes. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: A corrida tem efeitos específicos em distintas áreas do corpo humano e a variação angular sagital das articulações do quadril, joelho e tornozelo são amplamente exploradas. Além de acelerar o metabolismo corporal, também pode melhorar a forma corporal e alguns estudos recentes revelaram que a corrida também pode melhorar a força muscular do centro abdominal dos atletas. Objetivo: Explorar os efeitos da corrida aliada ao treinamento muscular sobre a força do centro abdominal dos atletas. Métodos: Investigou-se os efeitos de 3 diferentes intensidades de corrida sobre a força muscular do centro abdominal dos atletas. Foi utilizada a tecnologia de captura de movimento cinemática computadorizada para medir os impactos da corrida sobre 18 jovens voluntários. Os planos sagitais das articulações do quadril, joelho e tornozelo foram avaliados. A força muscular do centro abdominal foi avaliada durante a corrida. Resultados: A corrida afetou particularmente o índice combinado de contração dos músculos tibial, glúteo e sóleo. A correlação entre velocidade, ativação muscular e ângulo articular também foi analisada. Conclusão: Os atletas tendem a ajustar o ângulo e a frequência de movimentos articulares para reduzir a fadiga. Notou-se que os atletas também tem a capacidade de controlar a força muscular em diferentes regiões do centro abdominal. Os resultados da pesquisa estabelecem uma base teórica para a eficácia do desempenho de força muscular do centro abdominal nos atletas. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: Correr tiene efectos específicos en diferentes áreas del cuerpo humano y la variación angular sagital de las articulaciones de la cadera, la rodilla y el tobillo son ampliamente exploradas. Además de acelerar el metabolismo, también puede mejorar la forma del cuerpo y algunos estudios recientes revelaron que correr también puede mejorar la fuerza muscular del núcleo abdominal en los atletas. Objetivo: Explorar los efectos de la carrera combinada con el entrenamiento muscular en la fuerza del núcleo abdominal de los atletas. Métodos: Investigamos los efectos de 3 intensidades de carrera diferentes en la fuerza muscular del centro abdominal de los atletas. Se utilizó la tecnología de captura del movimiento cinemático por ordenador para medir los impactos de la carrera en 18 jóvenes voluntarios. Se evaluaron los planos sagitales de las articulaciones de la cadera, la rodilla y el tobillo. Se evaluó la fuerza muscular del núcleo abdominal durante la carrera. Resultados: Correr afectó especialmente a la tasa de contracción combinada de los músculos tibiales, glúteos y sóleo. También se analizó la correlación entre la velocidad, la activación muscular y el ángulo articular. Conclusión: Los deportistas tienden a ajustar el ángulo y la frecuencia de los movimientos articulares para reducir la fatiga. Se observó que los atletas también tienen la capacidad de controlar la fuerza muscular en diferentes regiones del núcleo abdominal. Los resultados de la investigación establecen una base teórica para la eficacia del rendimiento de la fuerza muscular del núcleo abdominal en los atletas. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Effects of animal manure and nitrification inhibitor on N2O emissions and soil carbon stocks of a maize cropping system in Northeast China.

The incorporation of animal manure (AM) in soil plays an essential role in soil carbon sequestration but might induce higher soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. The use of nitrification inhibitors (NI) is an effective strategy to abate N2O emission in agro-ecosystems. However, very few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of applying NI under the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers for increasing soil carbon sequestration and reducing N2O emissions simultaneously in Northeast China. Here, a four-year field experiment was conducted with three treatments [inorganic fertilizer (NPK), inorganic fertilizer + manure (NPKM), and inorganic fertilizer with NI + manure (NPKI + M)], in a rainfed maize cropping system in Northeast China. Plots of different treatments were kept in the same locations for 4 years. Gas samples were collected using the static closed chamber technique, and nitrous oxide (N2O) concentration in gas samples was quantified using a gas chromatograph. Soil organic carbon sequestration rate (SOCSR) was calculated based on the changes in SOC from April 2012 to October 2015. Averaged over the four years, AM incorporation significantly increased soil N2O emissions by 25.8% (p < 0.05), compared to NPK treatment. DMPP (3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate) significantly decreased N2O emissions by 32.5% (p < 0.05) relative to NPKM treatment. SOC content was significantly elevated by 24.1% in the NPKI + M treatment than the NPK treatment after four years of manure application (p < 0.05). The annual topsoil SOCSR for the NPKM and NPKI + M treatments was 0.57 Mg ha-1 yr-1 and 1.02 Mg ha-1 yr-1, respectively, which were significantly higher than that of NPK treatment (- 0.61 Mg ha-1 yr-1, p < 0.05). AM addition significantly increased the aboveground biomass and crop yields of maize in the fourth year. Overall, combined application of DMPP, inorganic fertilizer and AM is strongly recommended in this rainfed maize cropping system, which can increase maize yield and SOC sequestration rate, and mitigate N2O emission.

Potential utilization of vitamin C industrial effluents in agriculture: Soil fertility and bacterial community composition.

The potential of industrial effluents from vitamin C (VC) production was assessed for agricultural applications by monitoring plant growth, soil properties, and microbial community structure. The results demonstrated that two types of effluents-residue after evaporation (RAE) and concentrated bacterial solution after ultrafiltration (CBS)-had positive effects on the yield and VC content of pak choi. The highest yield and VC content were achieved with a combined RAE-CBS treatment (55.82 % and 265.01 % increase, respectively). The soil fertility was also enhanced by the application of RAE and CBS. Nitrate nitrogen and organic carbon contents in the soil were positively correlated with the RAE addition, while ammonium nitrogen and available phosphorus were positively correlated with the CBS addition. The diversity of bulk and rhizosphere soil bacterial communities increased significantly after the addition of RAE-CBS. The abundance of Sphingomonas and Rhizobium significantly increased after the RAE-CBS treatment, which affected aromatic compound hydrolysis and nitrogen fixation positively. Changes in plant growth and soil fertility were closely related to the upregulation of functional gene expression related to C, N, and P cycling. RAE and CBS application exerted various positive synergistic effects on plant growth, soil fertility, and bacterial community structure. Consequently, the study results confirmed the potential of RAE and CBS application in agriculture. This study provides an innovative solution for utilizing VC industrial wastewater in agriculture in a resourceful and economically beneficial manner while alleviating the corresponding environmental burden.

Nitrogen fertilization decrease soil CO2 emission in a rainfed maize field in Northeast China.

Nitrogen fertilizer has considerable effects on soil carbon fluxes. However, the responses of soil CO2 emission to N fertilizer remain controversial. A field experiment was conducted to examine the effect of application of N fertilizer on soil CO2 emission in a maize (Zea mays L.) field in Northeast China. Soil CO2 emission was measured from May 2010 to April 2016. Soil CO2 emission during the growing season and non-growing season contributed 79.7-83.6% and 16.4-20.3%, respectively, to the total annual CO2 emission. Cumulative annual soil CO2 emissions were significantly higher in no-N addition treatment (CK) than that in N addition treatment (SU) from 2012/2013 to 2015/2016 (p < 0.05). Mean annual soil CO2 emission decreased on averaged by 21.2% after N fertilization (p < 0.05). 49.6-82.2% of CO2 flux variation was explained by soil temperature at 5 cm depth. Q10 of soil CO2 emission in the annual scale was not significantly affected by N fertilizer. The results highlight the importance of N fertilizer on soil CO2 emission in agricultural ecosystem.

First Report of Stem and Leaf Blight Disease on Mesona chinensis Caused by Rhizoctonia solani in China.

Mesona chinensis is an important medicinal and edible plant resource distributed in eight provinces in southern China. In December 2021, an unknown stem and leaf blight disease was found in M. chinensis cultivation areas in Longzhou County, Guangxi, China. Sixty days after transplanting, the incidence of this disease was 10%. Leaf spots mostly appeared from the leaf edge, were irregular, brown to dark brown, causing more than half of the leaf or the whole leaf to die. The infected stem first showed dark brown spots, then constricted slightly, became necrotic and rotted with the expansion of the spots, resulting in the death of the whole plant. Loose cobweb-like mycelia, which resembled Rhizoctonia, could be seen on the diseased tissues in conditions of high humidity. To identify the pathogen, diseased stems and leaves with typical symptoms from Longzhou County were collected and surface-sterilized with 75% ethanol for 30 s. Small fragments (5×5 mm) at the junction of diseased and healthy tissues were disinfected with 1% NaClO for 1min, washed with sterile water three times, transferred to potato dextrose agar (PDA), and incubated at 28°C for 3 days. Mycelial tips were removed, and six isolates (No. R1-R6) were obtained. The colonies were initially gray white and later light brown. Many nearly round to irregular sclerotia appeared after 7 days of culture. The sclerotia turned from light brown to deep brown and were 1 to 5 mm in diameter. The mycelium branched at a 90° angle, with septa near the branches and a constriction of the mycelium at the base of the branch. These morphological characteristics were consistent with Rhizoctonia. For molecular identification, genomic DNA of the six isolates was obtained using an extraction kit (Biocolor, Shanghai, China), and primers ITS4/ITS5 were used to amplify the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and 5.8S rRNA (White et al. 1990). A 750 bp DNA fragment was obtained and the sequences were deposited in GenBank (OM095383-OM095388). All isolates had ≥ 99% identity with anastomosis group AG1-1B (HG934429 and HQ185364) of R. solani. A phylogenetic tree showed that the isolates and those from anastomosis group AG1-1B clustered into one branch. To satisfy Koch's postulates, the isolates from diseased leaf (No. R1, R2, and R3) and diseased stem (No. R4, R5, and R6) were inoculated on leaves and stems of 45-day-old M. chinensis plants. Five leaves and stems were inoculated with mycelial plugs of each isolate without wounding and another five leaves and stems were inoculated with mycelial plugs of each isolate after pinprick wounding. Control wounded leaves and stems were inoculated with sterile PDA discs. To maintain high humidity, the plants were incubated at 28°C and covered with transparent plastic covers. Diseased spots first appeared 24 h after inoculation. Three days post-inoculation, all inoculated leaves and stems showed symptoms like those observed in the field, whereas controls were asymptomatic. The pathogen was re-isolated from the diseased inoculated tissues using the method described above, and isolated fungi had the morphological characteristics of R. solani. Thus, the pathogen causing stem and leaf blight disease of M. chinensis was determined to be R. solani. The host range of R. solani is wide, and anastomosis group AG1-1B has been reported to infect plants such as rice, bean, fig, cabbage, and lettuce (Sneh et al. 1991). To our knowledge, this is the first report of R. solani causing a stem and leaf blight on M. chinensis, and provides a basis for diagnosis and control of the disease.

Transfer of Human Microbiome to Drosophila Gut Model.

Laboratory animals with human microbiome have increasingly been used to study the role of bacteria and host interaction. Drosophila melanogaster, as a model of microbiota-host interaction with high reproductive efficiency and high availability, has always been lacking studies of interaction with human gut microbiome. In this study, we attempted to use antibiotic therapy and human fecal exposure strategy to transfer the human microbiome to the drosophila. The method includes depleting the original intestinal bacteria using a broad-spectrum antibiotic and then introducing human microorganisms by a diet supplemented with donor's fecal samples. The sequencing results showed that 80-87.5% of the OTUs (Operational Taxonomic Units) from donor feces were adopted by the recipient drosophila following 30 days of observation. In comparison to females, the male recipient drosophila inherited more microbiota from the donor feces and had significantly increased lifespan as well as improved vertical climbing ability. Furthermore, distinctly differential expression patterns for age and insulin-like signaling-related genes were obtained for the male vs. female recipients. Only the male drosophila offspring acquired the characteristics of the donor fecal microbiota.

Magnesium promotes osteogenesis via increasing OPN expression and activating CaM/CaMKIV/CREB1 pathway.

Magnesium (Mg) based alloy has been used as a biodegradable implant for fracture repair with considerable efficacy, and it has been proved that magnesium ion (Mg2+ ), one of the degradation products, could stimulate osteogenesis. Here, we investigated the osteogenesis property of magnesium both in vitro and in vivo, and to identify the cellular and molecular mechanisms that mediate these effects. Results showed that magnesium exerts a dose-dependent increase in the proliferation of MC3T3 and MG63 cells, and in the expression of osteopontin (OPN), a promising biomarker of osteogenesis. Subsequently, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis showed the interactions between calmodulin (CaM) and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) and CREB1. The ratio of p-CaMKIV/CaMKIV and p-CREB1/CREB were increased at protein level in MC3T3 and MG63 cells after treatment with Mg2+ . Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay showed that p-CREB1 could directly bind to OPN promoter and up-regulate the transcription of OPN after nuclear entry. Meanwhile, the expression of OPN and p-CREB1, which increased after Mg2+ treatment, was down-regulated by sh-CaMKIV or sh-CREB1. Moreover, the mineralized deposit and expression of OPN were reduced after treatment with an inhibitor of CaMKIV, KN93. In addition, massive cavities in the cortical bone around the Mg screw were showed in vivo after injection of KN93. These data indicated that the osteogenic effect of Mg is related to the activation OPN through CaM/CaMKIV/CREB1 signaling pathway.

2-Keto-L-Gulonic Acid Improved the Salt Stress Resistance of Non-heading Chinese Cabbage by Increasing L-Ascorbic Acid Accumulation.

Salt stress has long been a prominent obstacle that restricts crop growth, and increasing the L-ascorbic acid (ASA) content of crops is an effective means of alleviating this stress. 2-Keto-L-gulonic acid (2KGA) is a precursor used in industrial ASA production as well as an ASA degradation product in plants. However, to date, no study has investigated the effects of 2KGA on ASA metabolism and salt stress. Here, we evaluated the potential of using 2KGA to improve crop resistance to salt stress (100mM NaCl) through a cultivation experiment of non-heading Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris ssp. chinensis). The results showed that the leaf and root biomass were significantly improved by 2KGA application. The levels of metabolites and enzymes related to stress resistance were increased, whereas the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were decreased. Lipid peroxidation and cell membrane damage were alleviated following 2KGA treatment. Positive correlations were found between photosynthetic pigments and organic solutes, ASA and photosynthetic pigments, and ASA and antioxidant enzymes. In contrast, negative correlations were observed between antioxidant enzymes and H2O2/MDA. Moreover, the expression levels of L-gulono-1,4-lactone oxidase, GDP-mannose pyrophosphorylase, dehydroascorbate reductase-3, and ascorbate peroxidase were increased by 2KGA treatment. These results suggested that exogenous 2KGA application can relieve the inhibitory effect of salt stress on plant growth, and the promotion of ASA synthesis may represent a critical underlying mechanism. Our findings have significant implications for the future application of 2KGA or its fermentation residue in agriculture.

Free neurosensory flap based on the accompanying vessels of lateral sural cutaneous nerve: anatomic study and preliminary clinical applications.

BACKGROUND: The posterior aspect of the leg is an ideal donor site for flap surgery. In this study, the anatomy was investigated of the lateral sural cutaneous nerve (LSCN) and its accompanying artery, superficial lateral sural artery (SLSA), and a lateral sural neurocutaneous flap was designed. METHODS: Five fresh adult cadaver legs perfused with red latex were dissected to observe the course and relationship between LSCN and SLSA. The outer diameter of SLSA at its origin was measured. Then a lateral sural neurocutaneous flap was designed and used to repair soft tissue defects in six patients. RESULTS: The anatomic results showed that the SLSA gave rise to branches that followed the LSCN and ramified into terminals at the ramification of the nerve. It originated directly from the popliteal artery 4.2 ± 0.2 mm above the fibular head, where its outer diameter was 0.96 ± 0.23 mm. Several perforators penetrated from the crural fascia and anastomosed to the SLSA, creating a fine anastomotic network. The clinical results showed that the size of the flap ranged from 12 × 6 cm to 25 × 8 cm. All six flaps survived completely without complications. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 18 months with 11 months on average. The overall contour and sensory recovery of the flap were satisfied. CONCLUSION: A free innervated flap may be elevated safely based on the LSCN and its accompanying vessels. It provides an alternative in reconstruction of soft tissue defects where sensory recovery is important.

Superficial Peroneal Neurocutaneous Flap for Coverage of Donor Site Defect After the Combined Transfer of Toe and Dorsal Foot Flap.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of digital loss with soft tissue defects remains a tough challenge. Although a combined flap of toe and dorsal foot skin provides a good option for "like-for-like" hand reconstruction, the disappointed donor site morbidity prevents it from popularity. In this study, we presented experiences of the superficial peroneal neurocutaneous (SPNC) flap for donor site closure after the combined toe and dorsal foot flap transfer. METHODS: Superficial peroneal neurocutaneous flaps were used to cover foot donor site defects in 9 patients. The flaps harvested from feet including 3 cases of wrap-around flap with dorsal foot flap, 4 cases of 2nd toe flap with dorsal foot flap, 2 cases of 2nd and 3rd toe flap with dorsal foot flap. The flap size, operation time, and complications were documented, and the donor sites were evaluated by the subjective outcome measure, the foot evaluation questionnaire, and the Vancouver Scar Scale. RESULTS: All flaps but one survived completely without complications. Marginal necrosis occurred in the distal part of the flap in one case, which was treated by daily dressings. The skin grafts on the lower leg healed uneventfully. The average operation time of flap transfer was 40 minutes. Follow-up ranged from 9 to 16 months, and patients were content with the results of the foot donor site according to the outcome measures. All the patients were able to wear normal shoes walking and running with a normal gait, and none sustained complications of skin erosion or ulceration. Protective sensibility was obtained in all the flaps. Two patients complained of cold intolerance and 2 could not wear a thong sandal. The donor site scars on the lower leg were measured 3.2 on average on the Vancouver Scar Scale. CONCLUSIONS: The SPNC flap is a practical procedure for donor site closure on the foot, especially when extra dorsal foot skin is elevated with a toe flap for hand reconstruction.

Enhanced 2-keto-L-gulonic acid production by a mixed culture of Ketogulonicigenium vulgare and Bacillus megaterium using three-stage temperature control strategy.

As a key precursor of vitamin C, 2-keto-L-gulonic acid (2-KLG) was mainly produced from L-sorbose by mixed fermentation of Ketogulonicigenium vulgare and a helper strain (Bacillus spp.) with a low conversion rate for decades. The aim of this study was to enhance the 2-KLG production by co-culturing K. vulgare and Bacillus megaterium using three-stage temperature control (TSTC) strategy. By investigating the temperature effect on the 2-KLG fermentation, the optimum temperatures for the growths of K. vulgare and B. megaterium were 32 °C and 29 °C, respectively, while the optimum temperature for 2-KLG production was 35 °C. We developed a TSTC process: the temperature was kept at 32 °C during the first 16 h of fermentation, then decreased to 29 °C for the following 14 h, and maintained at 35 °C to the end of fermentation. By using this new process, the productivity and yield of 2-KLG from L-sorbose were obtained at 2.19 ± 0.19 g/L/h and 92.91 ± 1.02 g/L in 20-L fermentors for 5 batches, respectively, which were 22.35% and 6.02% higher than that of the control treatment (the single temperature of 29 °C). The increased cell density of K. vulgare during the exponential phase and the enhanced SDH activity (increased by 25.18% at 36 h, 17.14% at 44 h) in the production stage might be the reasons for enhanced 2-KLG conversion rate and yield. Our results demonstrated the feasibility of the TSTC strategy for 2-KLG production.

Impact of Probiotic Combination in InR[E19]/TM2 Drosophila melanogaster on Longevity, Related Gene Expression, and Intestinal Microbiota: A Preliminary Study.

The insulin receptor (InR) pertains to the insulin receptor family, which plays a key role in the insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-like signaling (IIS) pathway. Insulin signaling defects may result in the development of metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, and the InR mutant has been suggested to bear insulin signaling deficiency. Numerous studies have reported that probiotics are beneficial for the treatment of diabetes; however, the effect of probiotics on patients with InR deficiency has seldom been reported. Therefore, we chose the InR[E19]/TM2 Drosophila melanogaster to investigate. The results indicated that probiotics significantly reduce the mean and median lifespan of InR[E19]/TM2 Drosophila (by 15.56% and 23.82%, respectively), but promote that of wild-type files (by 9.31% and 16.67%, respectively). Significant differences were obtained in the expression of lifespan- and metabolism-related genes, such as Imp-L2, Tor, and GstD2, between the standard diet groups and the probiotics groups. Furthermore, analysis of 16S rDNA via high throughput sequencing revealed that the gut bacterial diversity of Drosophila fed with a probiotic combination also differs from that of Drosophila fed with a standard diet. In summary, these findings indicate that a probiotic combination indeed affects InR[E19]/TM2 Drosophila, but not all of its impacts are positive.

Methylcobalamin-Loaded PLCL Conduits Facilitate the Peripheral Nerve Regeneration.

The feasible fabrication of nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) with good biological performance is important for translation in clinics. In this study, poly(d,l-lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL) films loaded with various amounts (wt; 5%, 15%, 25%) of methylcobalamin (MeCbl) are prepared, and are further rolled and sutured to obtain MeCbl-loaded NGCs. The MeCbl can be released in a sustainable manner up to 21 days. The proliferation and elongation of Schwann cells, and the proliferation of Neuro2a cells are enhanced on these MeCbl-loaded films. The MeCbl-loaded NGCs are implanted into rats to induce the regeneration of 10 mm amputated sciatic nerve defects, showing the ability to facilitate the recovery of motor and sensory function, and to promote myelination in peripheral nerve regeneration. In particular, the 15% MeCbl-loaded PLCL conduit exhibits the most satisfactory recovery of sciatic nerves in rats with the largest diameter and thickest myelinated fibers.