Clinical value of serum vitamin A and basic fibroblast growth factor levels in predicting retinopathy of prematurity / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the clinical value of serum vitamin A(Vit A)and basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF)levels predicting retinopathy of prematurity(ROP).METHODS: Prospective cohort studies. A total of 411 premature or low birth weight infants with gestational age less than 37 wk or birth weight less than 2 500 g who were delivered in Hainan Branch, Shanghai Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2020 to December 2022 were selected as subjects. The Vit A and bFGF levels in peripheral blood were detected at 7 d and 35 d after birth, respectively.RESULTS: A total of 392 premature infants or low birth weight infants completed clinical study, including 51 cases in stage 1-2 ROP group, 23 cases in stage 3-5 ROP group and 318 cases in the group without ROP. At 7 d postnatal, the serum Vit A(0.44±0.17 μmol/L)and bFGF(0.53±0.16 ng/L)levels in stage 1-2 ROP group were lower than those in the group without ROP(0.50±0.12 μmol/L and 0.63±0.15 ng/L; all P<0.05). The serum Vit A(0.34±0.18 μmol/L)and bFGF(0.44±0.18 ng/L)levels in stage 3-5 ROP group were lower than those in the group without ROP(P<0.05). The serum Vit A and bFGF levels in stage 3-5 ROP group were lower than those in stage 1-2 ROP group(P<0.05). At 35d postnatal, the serum Vit A(0.33±0.19 μmol/L)and bFGF(0.39±0.19 ng/L)levels in stage 3-5 ROP group were lower than those in stage 1-2 ROP group(0.43±0.16 μmol/L and 0.48±0.17 ng/L; all P<0.05). According to the ROC curve drawn by serum Vit A, the AUC value was 0.853, the maximum Youden index was 0.68, the best sensitivity was 73%, and the best specificity was 95%. According to the ROC curve drawn by serum bFGF, the AUC value was 0.828, the maximum Youden index was 0.58, the best sensitivity was 90%, and the best specificity was 68%. According to the ROC curve drawn by serum Vit A combined with bFGF, the AUC value was 0.917, the maximum Youden index was 0.70, the best sensitivity was 70%, and the best specificity was 100%.CONCLUSION: Serum Vit A and bFGF levels are sensitive and effective indicators for predicting ROP. If the serum Vit A or bFGF levels are lower in premature infants or low birth weight infants, it may indicate the higher probability of ROP and its pathological stages. In addition, the clinica value of serum Vit A combined with bFGF in the diagnosis of ROP is higher than that of Vit A or bFGF alone, and the misdiagnosis rate is reduced.

Distinguish Dianthus species or varieties based on chloroplast genomes.

Most plants belonging to the widely distributed genus Dianthus are used for gardening. Interspecific hybridization of different Dianthus species leads to blurred genetic backgrounds. To obtain more genomic resources and understand the phylogenetic relationships among Dianthus species, the chloroplast genomes of 12 Dianthus species, including nine Dianthus gratianopolitanus varieties, were analyzed. The chloroplast genomes of these 12 species exhibited similar sizes (149,474-149,735 bp), with Dianthus caryophyllus having a chloroplast genome size of 149,604 bp marked by a significant contraction in inverted repeats. In the chloroplast genome of Dianthus, we identified 124-126 annotated genes, including 83-84 protein-coding genes. Notably, D. caryophyllus had 83 protein-coding genes but lacked rpl2. The repeat sequences of the chloroplast genome were consistent among species, and variations in the sequence were limited and not prominent. However, notable gene replacements were observed in the boundary region. Phylogenetic analysis of Dianthus indicated that D. caryophyllus and D. gratianopolitanus were most closely related, suggesting that the degree of variation within nine Dianthus varieties was no less than the variation observed between species. These differences provide a theoretical foundation for a more comprehensive understanding of the diversity within Dianthus species.

Preparation of environmental remediation material based on manganese-slag and sewage sludge as a strategy for remediation of cadmium pollution.

Both manganese-slag and sewage sludge are typical solid wastes, but their utilization is limited. Based on the soil properties, the abovementioned pollutants were combined with Broussonetia papyrifera to treat soil cadmium (Cd) pollution. Three materials (sewage sludge-derived biochar (SSB), Mn-SSB, and Mn-slag (Slag)) were prepared using oxygen-limited pyrolysis technology with Slag and sewage sludge, and the effects of the three materials on the phytoremediation of Cd-polluted soil were investigated. All three materials had distinct morphological characteristics, good functional group structure, specific surface area, and porosity. The adsorption and leaching experiments in the solution indicated that the three materials could not only directly absorb Cd2+ but also release nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. The soil pH increased significantly (p < 0.05) with the addition of the above environmental remediation materials. Furthermore, the contents of soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, and available phosphorus in soil increased significantly, whereas the electrical conductivity of the soil decreased significantly (p < 0.05). During remediation of Cd-polluted soil by integrating the above materials with B. papyrifera, Slag significantly increased the B. papyrifera biomass, but the effects of SSB and Mn-SSB were not significant. SSB, Mn-SSB, and Slag significantly increased the protein content of B. papyrifera leaves, with Mn-SSB having the most significant effect (p < 0.05). The applications of SSB, Mn-SSB, and Slag reduced the malondialdehyde content and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase, reducing the damage to B. papyrifera. Mn-SSB significantly reduced the Cd content in the roots, stems, and leaves of B. papyrifera, and SSB and Slag promoted Cd enrichment in B. papyrifera. This study realized the comprehensive utilization of Mn-slag and sewage sludge and established a recycling system from solid waste to the treatment of waste soil.

Physiological dynamics as indicators of plant response to manganese binary effect.

Introduction: Heavy metals negatively affect plant physiology. However, plants can reduce their toxicity through physiological responses. Broussonetia papyrifera is a suitable candidate tree for carrying out the phytoremediation of manganese (Mn)-contaminated soil. Methods: Considering that Mn stress typically exerts a binary effect on plants, to reveal the dynamic characteristics of the physiological indexes of B. papyrifera to Mn stress, we conducted pot experiments with six different Mn concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 mmol/L) for 60 days. In addition to the chlorophyll content, malondialdehyde (MDA), proline (PRO), soluble sugar, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), the absorption and transfer characteristics of Mn, and root structure were also measured. Results: Phytoremedial potential parameters such as the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) displayed an increasing trend with the increase of Mn concentration. At lower Mn concentrations (<0.5 mmol/L), the TF value was <1 but crossed 1 when the Mn concentration exceeded 100 mmol/L. The Mn distribution in various tissues was in the following order: leaf > stem > root. The root structure analysis revealed that low-level concentrations of Mn (1 mmol/L) promoted root development. Mn concentration and stress duration had significant effects on all measured physiological indexes, and except soluble sugar, Mn concentration and stress time displayed a significant interaction on the physiological indexes. Discussion: Our study demonstrates that the physiological indexes of B. papyrifera display dynamic characteristics under Mn stress. Thus, during the monitoring process of Mn stress, it appears to be necessary to appropriately select sampling parts according to Mn concentration.

Transcriptome-wide identification of walnut PP2C family genes in response to external stimulus.

Walnut is an important economic tree species while confronting with global environmental stress, resulting in decline in quality and yield. Therefore, it is urgent to elucidate the molecular mechanism for the regulation of walnut response to adversity. The protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) gene family participates in cellular processes in eukaryotes through reversible phosphorylation of proteins and signal transduction regulation. However, the stress response function of PP2C genes was far to be clarified. Therefore, to understand the stress response mechanism of walnut tree, in this study, a total of 41 PP2C genes with complete ORFs were identified from Juglans regia, whose basic bio-information and expression patterns in response to multiple stresses and ABA were confirmed. The results showed that the ORFs of JrPP2Cs were 495 ~ 3231 bp in length, the predicted JrPP2C proteins contained 164 to 1076 amino acids and the molecular weights were 18,581.96 ~ 118,853.34 Da, the pI was 4.55 ~ 9.58. These JrPP2C genes were unevenly distributed on 14 chromosomes, among which Chr11 and Chr13 contained the most genes. Phylogenetic analysis found that these JrPP2C proteins were classed into 9 subfamilies, among which group F covered most JrPP2Cs. The JrPP2Cs in the same subfamily exhibited similarities in the composition of conserved domains, amino acid sequences of motifs and exon/intron organization in DNA sequences. Each JrPP2C includes 4 ~ 10 motifs and each motif contained 15 ~ 37 amino acids. Among the motifs, motif1, motif2, motif3 and motif8 were most abundant. Most of the JrPP2C genes diversely response to osmotic, cadmium, and Colletotrichum gloeosporioide stress as well as ABA treatments, among which JrPP2C28, JrPP2C17, JrPP2C09, JrPP2C36 were more obvious and deserves further attention. All these results indicated that JrPP2C genes play potential vital roles in plant response to multiple stimulus, and are possibly involved in ABA-dependent signaling pathway.

Curvularia coatesiae XK8, a Potential Bioadsorbent Material for Adsorbing Cd(II) and Sb(III) Compound Pollution: Characteristics and Effects.

Soil heavy metal pollution is a common problem in mining areas. The soil of the Xikuangshan located in Lengshuijiang, Hunan Province, China contains various excessive heavy metals, especially antimony and cadmium. Previous studies have shown that heavy metal-tolerant microorganisms screened from mining areas have the potential to adsorb heavy metals. In this study, we screened out a cadmium and antimony tolerant fungus named XK8 from the slags collected from the Xikuangshan. Then, we explored the single and binary biosorption characteristics of Cd(II) and Sb(III) on it. In our results, the fungus XK8 was identified as Curvularia coatesiae XK8 by ITS sequencing analysis. Under the optimal conditions, in binary biosorption of the XK8, the main effect of the initial cadmium concentration on the cadmium removal rate of XK8 is negative, while the main effect of the initial antimony concentration, biosorption time, and initial pH on the cadmium removal rate of XK8 is positive. The initial pH has the greatest impact on the biosorption of cadmium on XK8, followed by the biosorption time; moreover, the effects of both are stronger than the coexisting ions. SAS analysis shows that under the optimal conditions, the theoretical maximum cadmium removal rate of XK8 is 100%, and the actual removal rate is 67.57%. Compared to the single biosorption with binary biosorption, the maximum biosorption capacity of XK8 for cadmium in the composite biosorption system increased to 23.6 mg g-1. It shows that under the background of high antimony, Sb(III) has a promoting effect on the biosorption of Cd(II) on XK8. In summary, a cadmium and antimony tolerant fungus with strong cadmium biosorption ability under the background of high antimony was screened out. It provides a potential microbial material for the bioremediation of heavy metal pollution.

Effects of the combined therapy of the auricular-point pressure at the free position and the unprotected perineal delivery technique during the second stage of labor in the primiparas / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of the combined therapy of the auricular-point pressure at the free position and the unprotected perineal delivery technique during the 2nd stage of labor in the primiparas so as to improve the clinical delivery quality.@*METHODS@#A total of 146 primiparas who accepted the natural delivery willingly were collected. According to the visit sequence, they were divided into an observation group (72 cases) and a control group (74 cases). The free position and the unprotected perineal delivery were adopted in combination during the labor in both of the two groups. Additionally, in the observation group, the auricular-point pressure with semen vaccariae was intervened when entering the active phase. The points were pengqiang (TF), zigong (uterus), neishengzhiqi (TF), pizhixia (AT), shenmen (TF), jiaogan (AH), pi (CO) and wei (CO). Each point was pressed for 1 to 2 min each time, repeated once every 10 to 20 min until the end of the 2nd stage of labor. The episiotomy rate, perineal laceration degree, perineal pain degree, the duration of the 2nd labor stage, postpartum hemorrhage, postpartum urine retention and neonatal asphyxia rate were recorded and compared in the primiparas between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#The perineal laceration of the degree Ⅲ and Ⅳ did not occur in the two groups. Compared with the control group, the effect on the perineal laceration was better in the observation group (0.05). In the observation group, the neonatal asphyxia rate was 1.4% (1/72), the postpartum hemorrhage 6.9% (5/72) and the incidence of urine retention 5.6% (4/72), all lower than 10.8% (8/74), 18.9% (14/74) and 17.6% (13/74) in the control group respectively (all <0.05). In the observation group, on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd days after labor, the perineal pain degree and the duration of the 2nd stage of labor were superior to the control group (all <0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#The combined therapy of the auricular-point pressure intervention at the free position and the unprotected perineal delivery technique effectively reduces the episiotomy rate and perineal laceration degree, relieves the perineal pain, reduces the neonatal asphyxia rate and improves the delivery quality during the 2nd stage of labor in the primiparas.

ICSI cycle oocytes maturation ratio and different dosage of gonadotropin choices affecting embryo quality and clinical outcome / 实用医学杂志

Objective To explore ICSI treatment process in the different proportion of oocytes maturation and dosage of gonadotropin affecting embryo quality and clinical outcome. Methods From Jan. to Dec. 2015,we retrospectively analyzed the patients from the center line of ICSI cycle ,divided them into three groups according to the maturity of oocytes. The 3 groups were due to maturity rate of oocytes in 50% in group A(n = 19),50% 0.05). Group A had the best egg rate,high quality embryo rate,clinical pregnancy rate than the other two groups (P < 0.05). In pregnancy and non-pregnancy groups ,the dosage of gonadotropin in the non-pregnancy group was obviously higher than that in the pregnancy group in oocyte maturation in the same proportion interval(P<0.05). Conclusion In ICSI treatment process,the high dose of gonadotropin and rising rates of oocytes maturation are not conducive to the development potential of the egg and clinical outcome,so the dose of gonadotropin and oocyte maturation ratio should be controlled in a certain range to collect and protect the best dominant egg which matches to the state of the patient.