Abscisic acid plays a key role in the mechanism of photosynthetic and physiological response effect of Tetrabromobisphenol A on tobacco.

The toxicity of bromide to animals and microorganisms has been widely studied, but the mechanism by which bromide toxicity affects plants is rarely studied. This study used the bromophenol compound Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) as a representative of bromide to explore the physiological and molecular response mechanism of tobacco leaves to TBBPA. In addition, physiological determination, transcriptomics, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) analysis, and random forest prediction model were conducted. The findings from this study indicated that TBBPA limited the photoreaction process by destroying the light-catching antenna protein of tobacco leaves, the activity of the photosystem reaction centers (PSII and PSI), and the linear electron transport efficiency. TBBPA also reduced the rate of the Calvin-Benson cycle by inhibiting the activities of gene such as Rubisco, PGK, and TPI, and finally destroyed the photosynthesis process. Although cyclic electron transport was enhanced under stress conditions, it could not reverse the damage caused by TBBPA on photosynthesis. TBBPA exposure resulted in the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tobacco leaves, and the activities of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and their coding genes were significantly down-regulated. Although POD activity and proline (Pro) content were increased, they were insufficient to remove excess O2·- free radicals to relieve ROS stress. WCGNA and random forest models predicted that the damage of TBBPA to the above processes in tobacco was closely related to the increase in abscisic acid (ABA) content. TBBPA affects the Calvin cycle by inducing ABA signal transduction and stomatal closure, which leads to a series of chain reactions, such as electron transport chain obstruction, excess of ROS, decrease in chlorophyll synthesis, and photosystem reaction center damage.

Correlation between right atrial volume and function and liver function grading in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis by four-dimensional ultrasound automatic quantitation analysis / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To evaluate right atrial (RA) volume and function in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis by four-dimensional automatic quantitation analysis technique, and to explore its correlation with liver function grading.Methods:Ninety patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis who were clinically confirmed in Henan Provincial People′s Hospital from December 2020 to July 2021 were randomly enrolled as the research subjects. According to Child-Pugh liver function score criteria, the patients were divided into three groups: Child-Pugh A group ( n=31), Child-Pugh B group ( n=31), Child-Pugh C group ( n=28). Another 30 healthy volunteers with gender and age matched at the same period were selected as the control group. The RA maximum volume (RAVmax), RA minimum volume (RAVmin), RA presystolic volume (RAVpreA), RA maximum volume index (RAVImax), RA emptying volume (RAEV), RA ejection fraction (RAEF), RA reservoir longitudinal and circumferential strains (RASr, RASr-c), RA conduit longitudinal and circumferential strains (RAScd, RAScd-c), RA contraction longitudinal and circumferential strains (RASct, RASct-c) were obtained by four-dimensional automatic quantitation analysis technique. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between the volume and strain parameters of right atrium and liver function grading, and the independent correlation factors of RASr-c were analyzed by univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses. Results:Compared with the control group, Child-Pugh A and Child-Pugh B groups, RAVmax, RAVmin, RAVpreA, RAVImax, and RAEV were all increased in Child-Pugh C group (all P<0.05). Compared with control group, the absolute values of RASr, RASct, RASr-c and RASct-c were increased, and the absolute values of RAScd and RAScd-c were decreased in Child-Pugh A group (all P<0.05). Compared with control group, Child-Pugh A and Child-Pugh B groups, the absolute values of RASr, RAScd, RASct, RASr-c, RAScd-c and RASct-c were decreased in the Child-Pugh C group (all P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the volume and strain parameters of the right atrium were correlated with liver function grading. RASr-c was independently correlated with E/e, ALB and BNP(β=-0.543, 0.521, and -0.562 respectively, all P<0.05). Conclusions:During the compensatory stage in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis, the RA functions of reservoir and contractile were increased, but the function of conduit was decreased. With the aggravation of liver cirrhosis, the RA functions of reservoir, conduit and contractile were all decreased. The four-dimensional volume and strain parameters of the right atrium were correlated with Child-Pugh liver function grading, and RASr-c was independently correlated with E/e, ALB and BNP.

Mechanism of Pingxiao capsule promoting breast cancer apoptosis through AKT1/β-catenin signal based on network pharmacology / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To explore the potential mechanism of action of Pingxiao capsule in the treatment of breast cancer. METHODS: TCMSP, TCM-ID, GeneCards and other databases were used to screen the related targets of Pingxiao capsule and breast can-

Application of evidence-based nursing teaching mode in clinical teaching for undergraduate nursing students in surgical ward / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To examined the effects of the evidence-based nursing teaching mode for undergraduate nursing students on evidence-based practice ability, critical thinking and creativity.Methods:From July 2019 to November 2021, 79 undergraduate nursing students from 14 groups who practiced in Department of Colorectal Surgery/Thyroid Surgery of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University were randomly assigned to evidence-based nursing teaching group (33 cases) and traditional teaching group (46 cases) by random number method. The traditional teaching group conducts one-to-one teaching according to the general clinical practice plan, the teaching plan of the department, and the list of training items; the evidence-based nursing teaching group, on the basis of traditional teaching, implements three courses and corresponding practice guidance of evidence-based nursing teaching for 4 weeks. The evidence-based practice ability, critical thinking and creativity tendency of undergraduate nursing students were evaluated by the Evidence-Based Practice Competence Questionnaire, Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory-Chinese Version, and Williams Creativity Tendency Scale before and immediately after the intervention. Generalized linear models (repeated measures) were used in the analyses.Results:After the intervention, the scores of evidence-based practical knowledge, truth seeking (the dimension of critical thinking) and creative tendency in evidence-based nursing teaching group were 22.09 ± 3.15, 39.61 ± 5.26, and 109.88 ± 11.76, respectively, the traditional teaching group was 20.56 ± 3.00, 37.93 ± 4.38, and 109.37 ± 10.78, respectively. Before the intervention, the scores of evidence-based practical knowledge, truth seeking (the dimension of critical thinking) and creative tendency in evidence-based nursing teaching group were 19.54 ± 3.54, 39.24 ± 3.54 and 104.88 ± 10.97, respectively, the traditional teaching group were 19.89 ± 3.15, 40.48 ± 4.12, and 108.72 ± 10.72, respectively. The increased scores of evidence-based practical knowledge, truth-seeking (dimension of critical thinking), and creativity tendency after the intervention in the evidence-based nursing teaching group were significantly higher than those of the traditional teaching group ( F=4.51, 10.03, 4.21, all P<0.05). Conclusions:The evidence-based nursing teaching mode is conducive to the increase of evidence-based practical knowledge, improvement of the critical thinking ability and creativity of undergraduate nursing students.

A intermediate concentration of atmospheric nitrogen dioxide enhances PSII activity and inhibits PSI activity in expanded leaves of tobacco seedlings.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a major air pollutant that affects plant growth, development and yields. Previous studies have found that atmospheric NO2 changes plant photosynthesis in a concentration-dependent manner. Low concentrations of NO2 (4.0 µL L-1) can increase photosynthetic rates, while high concentrations of NO2 (16.0 µL L-1) can have an inhibitory effect. However, the specific effects of a critical intermediate concentration of NO2 on the photosynthetic apparatus of plants has remained unknown. Therefore, in this study, tobacco seedlings at three-leaf ages were fumigated with a intermediate concentration of 8.0 µL L-1 NO2 for 15 days to determine the effects on leaf weight, leaf number per plant, chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, the reaction center activity of photosystems I and II (PSI and PSII, respectively) and core protein gene expression (PsbA and PsaA). Fumigation with 8.0 µL L-1 NO2 increased the number of leaves per plant and the weight of leaves, and the leaves became dark green and curly after 10 days of fumigation. During NO2 fumigation for 15 days, the chlorophyll content, PSII maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), electron transfer rate (ETR) and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) increased most in the oldest leaves (Lmax leaves), but decreased PSI activity (∆I/Io). The Fv/Fm, ETR and NPQ in the youngest leaves (Lmin leaves) were lower than those of Lmax leaves, but the actual photochemical efficiency (ΦPSII) of PSII increased most and ∆I/Io was the highest in these samples. The Fv/Fm, ETR, NPQ and ΦPSII in the leaves at the middle leaf age (Lmid leaves) were lower than those of Lmin and Lmax leaves, but the relative fluorescence intensity of point L (VL) and the relative fluorescence intensity of point K (VK) decreased the most in these samples. Thus, this critical concentration of atmospheric NO2 increased the activity of PSII and inhibited PSI activity in expanded leaves of tobacco seedlings.

Factors influencing exercise tolerance after stroke / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To observe the recovery of exercise tolerance among stroke survivors using the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and analyze the factors influencing it.Methods:A total of 81 stroke survivors hospitalized in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of our hospital in year 2018 and 2019 were selected. The general clinical data of all patients were collected retrospectively and combined with the data from CPET to establish a data set. Version 25.0 of the SPSS software was used for multiple linear regressions analysis, with the peak oxygen uptake as the dependent variable, and the age, Brunnstrom stage, peak power, peak heart rate, peak respiratory exchange ratio, peak breathing reserve, peak ventilation per minute, the slope of the VE-VCO 2 curve (ΔVE/ΔVCO 2) and peak end tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide as independent variables. Results:Stroke survivors at Brunnstrom stage III Ⅲ, Ⅳ and Ⅴ or higher decreased sequentially with their age, but their peak oxygen uptake increased gradually. The multiple linear regression model constructed by " stepwise method" showed that the fitted multiple linear regression equation was statistically significant ( F=100.228, P<0.001). Moreover, the average peak power, peak heart rate, peak ventilation per minute and the slope of the VE-VCO 2 curve were all found to be significant independent predictors of peak oxygen uptake in these stroke survivors. Conclusions:Skeletal muscle power, cardiac function, pulmonary ventilation and ventilation efficiency are useful independent predictors of the exercise tolerance of stroke survivors.

Evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function by strain rate parameters in patients with coronary artery disease without regional wall motion abnormalities / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To investigate the value of early diastolic strain rate (e′SR) and peak value of early diastolic velocity (E) to e′SR (E/e′SR) in predicting the severity of coronary lesions in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) without regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) and with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).Methods:A selection of 70 patients with CAD without RWMA and with preserved LVEF (>50%) admitted to Zhengzhou University People′s Hospital from October 2020 to March 2021 were collected and divided into two groups according to the Gensini score method: low group with a score<34 and high group with a score≥34. Another 30 healthy volunteers with matching gender and age at the same period were selected as the control group. Cardiac structural parameters left atrium diameter (LAD), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDd), left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVEDs), interventricular septum diastolic diameter (IVST), left atrial volume (LAV), E, peak value of late diastolic velocity (A) of mitral inflow, peak value of early diatolic tissue Doppler velocity of septal and lateral walls of mitral annulus and LVEF were routinely measured. Left atrial volume index (LAVI), mean of peak value of early diatolic tissue Doppler velocity of septal and lateral walls of mitral annulus (e′), E/e′were calculated. Speckle tracking imaging (STI) technique was used to collect systolic left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) and e′SR, E/e′SR was calculated. The differences in each parameter among the three groups were compared. The ROC curve was used to obtain the best cut-off values of e′SR and E/e′SR for predicting the severity of coronary lesions in CAD patients, respectively, and the corresponding sensitivity and specificity were obtained, respectively.Results:Compared with the control group, LAV and LAVI were increased in the high group (all P<0.05). Compared with the control and the low group, e′ was decreased and E/e′ was increased in the high group (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, e′SR and GLS were decreased and E/e′SR were increased in the high and low groups (all P<0.05). Compared with the low group, e′SR and GLS were decreased and E/e′SR was increased in the high group (all P<0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the maximum area of E/e′SR under the curve was 0.717. When the Youden index was maximum, its best cut-off value was 0.75 m, and corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 60.0% and 85.7%, respectively. The maximum area under the e′SR curve was 0.785. When the Youden index was maximum, its best cut-off value was 1.12 s -1, and the corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 85.7% and 68.6%, respectively. Conclusions:For CAD patients without significant RWMA and with preserved LVEF, left ventricular diastolic and systolic function may be impaired to varying degrees, manifesting as decreased e′SR, increased E/e′SR, decreased GLS. The parameters of diastolic strain rate are a reliable basis for early detection of impaired diastolic function in CAD patients, and have certain clinical significance for predicting the severity of coronary lesions.

Analysis of 90 hospitalized children with refractory Tourette′s syndrome / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To analyze the diagnosis and treatment process, treatment methods and clinical efficacy of children with refractory Tourette′s syndrome (TS), thus providing a basis for comprehensive prevention and treatment of refractory TS.Methods:A total of 90 children with refractory TS treated in the Child Mental Health Research Center of Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from May 2012 to July 2019 were recruited.Their baseline characteristics, diagnosis of comorbidities before and after hospitalization, combined non-drug therapy during hospitalization, the drug types used before and after admission, the dosages of main anti-tic drugs used before admission and at discharge, and the treatment outcomes of comorbidities after admission were retrospectively analyzed.The Yale global tic severity scales (YGTSS) scores and the reduction rate were used to assess the severity of tic disorder and therapeutic effect, and the clinical global impression-efficacy index (CGI-EI) scores were graded for assessing the final therapeutic efficacy.Results:Among the 90 children with refractory TS, 82 children were males and 8 children were females.There was a significant difference in the YGTSS scores at admission and discharge (25.04±12.77 vs.67.64±12.46) ( t=27.55, P<0.05). The proportion of all recruited children diagnosed with comorbidities at discharge was significantly higher than that of admission (85.56% vs.47.78%, χ2=28.90, P<0.05). Combined non-drug therapies after admission mainly included psycho-education and supportive therapy (90 cases), comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics (47 cases) and relaxation therapy (19 cases). The distribution of drugs used before and after admission was the same, and there was no significant difference in the dosages of the five major anti-tic drugs before admission and at discharge (all P>0.05). There were no significant differences in YGTSS scores and reduction rate, and CGI-EI scores of children with or without comorbidities before and after admission (all P>0.05), suggesting the similar therapeutic outcomes. Conclusions:There is no difference in efficacy between outpatient treatment and anti-tic medication of children with refractory TS, and a comprehensive hospitalized intervention can significantly improve their clinical symptoms.Diagnosis and treatment of comorbidities and combined non-drug treatments like comprehensive psychological and behavioral interventions are the key events to improve the prognosis of children with refractory TS.

Effects of salt concentration, pH, and their interaction on plant growth, nutrient uptake, and photochemistry of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) leaves.

In order to explore the main limiting factors affecting the growth and physiological function of alfalfa under salt and alkali stress, the effect of the salt and alkali stress on the growth and physiological function of alfalfa was studied. The results showed that effects of the excessive salt concentration (100 and 200 mM) on the growth and physiological characteristics were significantly greater than that of pH (7.0 and 9.0). Under 100 mM salt stress, there was no significant difference in the growth and photosynthetic function between pH 9.0 and pH 7.0. Under the 200 mM salt concentration the absorption of Na+ by alfalfa treated at the pH 9.0 did not increase significantly compared with absorption at the pH 7.0. However, the higher pH directly reduced the root activity, leaf's water content, and N-P-K content also decreased significantly. The PSII and PSI activities decreased with increasing the salt concentration, especially the damage degree of PSI. Although the photoinhibition of PSII was not significant, PSII donor and electron transfer from the QA to QB of the PSII receptor sides was inhibited. In a word, alfalfa showed relatively strong salt tolerance capacity, at the 100 mM salt concentration, even when the pH reached 9.0. Thus, the effect on the growth and photosynthetic function was not significant. However, at 200 mM salt concentration, pH 9.0 treatment caused damage to root system and the photosynthetic function in leaves of alfalfa was seriously injured.

Elevated air temperature damage to photosynthetic apparatus alleviated by enhanced cyclic electron flow around photosystem I in tobacco leaves.

High temperature can lead to increased production of excess light energy, thus reducing photosynthetic capacity in plants. Photosynthetic cyclic electron flow (CEF) in photosystem I (PSI) can effectively protect photosystems, but its physiological mechanism under high temperature is poorly understood. In this study, antimycin A (AA) and thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTFA) were used to inhibit PGR5-and NDH-dependent CEF pathways, respectively, to reveal the photoprotective functions of CEF for PSII in tobacco leaves under high temperature stress (37 °C, HT). High temperatures caused decreases in maximal photochemistry efficiency (Fv/Fm) and damaged photosystem II (PSII) in tobacco leaves. Under AA inhibition of PGR5-dependent CEF, high temperature increased the fluorescence intensity of point O (Fo) in OJIP curves, i.e., the energy absorption per active reaction center (ABS/RC), the trapping rate of the reaction center (TRo/RC), and the electron transport efficiency per reaction center (ETo/RC) in tobacco leaves. High temperature induced an increase in the hydrogen peroxide content and a decrease in pigment content in tobacco leaves. Under the high temperature treatment, inhibition of PGR5-dependent CEF reduced the activities of the PSII reaction center significantly, destroyed the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC), and impeded photosynthetic electron transfer from PSII to the plastoquinone (PQ) pool in tobacco leaves. The TTFA treatment inhibited the NDH-dependent pathway under high temperature conditions, with the relative fluorescence intensity of point I (VI) decreased significantly, and the content of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion increased significantly. Additionally, Fo and the redox degree of the PSII donor side (Wk) increased, and pigment content decreased compared to the control, but with little change compared to high temperature treatment, indicating that the inhibition of the NDH-dependent pathway directly weakened the capacity of the PQ pool to lead to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tobacco leaves. In conclusion, CEF alleviated damage to the photosynthetic apparatus in tobacco leaves by increasing PSII heat dissipation, reducing ROS production, and maintaining the stability of the PQ pool to accommodate photosynthetic electron flow.

Elevated NO2 damages the photosynthetic apparatus by inducing the accumulation of superoxide anions and peroxynitrite in tobacco seedling leaves.

This study aimed to further understand the toxicity of high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to plants, especially to plant photosynthesis. Tobacco plants in the six-leaf stage were exposed to 16.0 µL L-1 NO2 to determine the activities of photosystem II (PSII) and photosystem I (PSI) reaction centers, the blocking site of PSII electron transport, the degree of membrane peroxidation and the relative expression of PsbA, PsbO and PsaA genes in the third fully expanded leaves by using gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence techniques, biochemical and RT-PCR analysis. The results showed that 16.0 µL L-1 NO2 caused necrotic lesions to form on leaves and significantly increased the generation rate of superoxide anions (O2-) and the content of peroxynitrite (ONOO-) in leaves of tobacco seedling, leading to damage to cell membrane, chlorophyll content and net photosynthetic rate reduction, and photosynthetic apparatus destruction. Fumigation with 16.0 µL L-1 NO2 decreased the activity of PSII reaction center and oxygen evolution complex, and the relative expression of PabA in leaves of tobacco seedlings to inhibit the electron transport from the donor side to the receptor side of PSII, especially blocking the electron transport from QA to QB on the receptor side. The activity of the PSI reaction center and the relative expression of PsaA decreased, weakening the ability to accept electrons and inhibiting the electron transfer from PSII to PSI, which further increased the damage of PSII of tobacco seedling leaves caused by 16.0 µL L-1 NO2. Therefore, 16.0 µL L-1 NO2 leaded to the accumulation of O2- and ONOO-, which damaged the cell membrane and thylakoid membrane, inhibit the electron transport, and destroyed the photosynthetic apparatus in leaves of tobacco seedlings. The results from this study emphasized the importance of reducing the NO2 concentration in the atmosphere.

Toxic effects of heavy metals Pb and Cd on mulberry (Morus alba L.) seedling leaves: Photosynthetic function and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism responses.

To explore the mechanism of how lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) stress affects photosynthesis of mulberry (Morus alba L.), we looked at the effects of different concentrations of Pb and Cd stress (at 100 and 200 µmol L-1), which are two heavy metal elements, on leaf chlorophyll (Chl), photosynthesis gas exchange, Chl fluorescence, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism in mulberry leaves. The results showed that higher concentrations of Pb and Cd reduced leaf Chl content, especially in Chl a where content was more sensitive than in Chl b. Under Pb and Cd stress, the photosynthetic carbon assimilation capacity of mulberry leaves was reduced, which was a consequence of combined limitations of stomatal and non-stomatal factors. The main non-stomatal factors were decreased photosystem II (PSII) and photosystem I (PSI) activity and carboxylation efficiency (CE). Damage to the donor side of the PSII reaction center was greater than the acceptor side. After being treated with 100 µmol L-1 of Pb and Cd, mulberry leaves continued to be able to dissipate excess excitation energy by starting non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), but when Pb and Cd concentrations were increased to 200 µmol L-1, the protection mechanism that depends on NPQ was impaired. Excessive excitation energy from chloroplasts promoted a great increase of ROS, such as superoxide anion (O2•-) and H2O2. Moreover, under high Pb and Cd stress, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were also inhibited to some extent, and excessive ROS also resulted in a significantly higher degree of oxidative damage. Compared with Cd, the effect of Pb stress at the same concentration level displayed a significantly lower impact on Chl content, photosynthetic carbon assimilation, and stomatal conductance. Meanwhile, Pb stress mainly damaged activity of the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) located on PSII donor side, but it reduced the electronic pressure on the PSII acceptor side and PSI. Furthermore, under Pb stress, the NPQ, SOD, and APX activity were all significantly higher than those under Cd stress. Thus under Pb stress, the degree of photoinhibition and oxidative damage of PSII and PSI in mulberry leaves were significantly lower than under Cd stress.

Physiological and proteomic responses of reactive oxygen species metabolism and antioxidant machinery in mulberry (Morus alba L.) seedling leaves to NaCl and NaHCO3 stress.

In this paper, the effects of 100 mM NaCl and NaHCO3 stress on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and physiological and proteomic aspects of ROS metabolism in mulberry seedling leaves were studied. The results showed that NaCl stress had little effect on photosynthesis and respiration of mulberry seedling leaves. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the expression of related proteins in leaves increased by varying degrees, and accumulation of superoxide anion (O2·-) not observed. Under NaHCO3 stress, photosynthesis and respiration were significantly inhibited, while the rate of O2·- production rate and H2O2 content increased. The activity of catalase (CAT) and the expression of CAT (W9RJ43) increased under NaCl stress. In response to NaHCO3 stress, the activity and expression of CAT were significantly decreased, but the ability of H2O2 scavenging of peroxidase (POD) was enhanced. The ascorbic acid-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle in mulberry seedling leaves was enhancement in both NaCl and NaHCO3 stress. The expression of 2-Cys peroxiredoxin BAS1 (2-Cys Prx BAS1), together with thioredoxin F (TrxF), thioredoxin O1 (TrxO1), thioredoxin-like protein CITRX (Trx CITRX), and thioredoxin-like protein CDSP32 (Trx CDSP32) were significantly increased under NaCl stress. Under NaHCO3 stress, the expression of the electron donor of ferredoxin-thioredoxin reductase (FTR), together with Trx-related proteins, such as thioredoxin M (TrxM), thioredoxin M4 (TrxM4), thioredoxin X (TrxX), TrxF, and Trx CSDP32 were significantly decreased, suggesting that the thioredoxin-peroxiredoxin (Trx-Prx) pathway's function of scavenging H2O2 of in mulberry seedling leaves was inhibited. Taken together, under NaCl stress, excessive production of O2·- mulberry seedlings leaves was inhibited, and H2O2 was effectively scavenged by CAT, AsA-GSH cycle and Trx-Prx pathway. Under NaHCO3 stress, despite the enhanced functions of POD and AsA-GSH cycle, the scavenging of O2·- by SOD was not effective, and that of H2O2 by CAT and Trx-Prx pathway were inhibited; and in turn, the oxidative damage to mulberry seedling leaves could not be reduced.

Chlorophyll synthesis and the photoprotective mechanism in leaves of mulberry (Morus alba L.) seedlings under NaCl and NaHCO3 stress revealed by TMT-based proteomics analyses.

Chlorophyll (Chl) and effective photoprotective mechanism are important prerequisites to ensure the photosynthetic function of plants under stress. In this study, the effects of 100 mmol L-1 NaCl and NaHCO3 stress on chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthetic function of mulberry seedlings were studied by physiological combined with proteomics technology. The results show that: NaCl stress had little effect on the expression of Chl synthesis related proteins, and there were no significant changes in Chl content and Chl a:b ratio. However, 13 of the 15 key proteins in the process of Chl synthesis were significantly decreased under NaHCO3 stress, and the contents of Chl a and Chl b were significantly decreased (especially Chl a). Although stomatal conductance (Gs) decreased significantly under NaCl stress, net photosynthetic rate (Pn), PSII maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) and electron transfer rate (ETR) did not change significantly, but under NaHCO3 stress, not only Gs decreased significantly, PSII activity and photosynthetic carbon were the same. In the photoprotective mechanism under NaCl stress, NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (NDH)-dependent cyclic electron flow (CEF) enhanced, the expression of related proteins subunit, ndhH, ndhI, ndhK, and ndhM, the key enzyme of the xanthophyll cycle, violaxanthin de-epoxidase (VDE) were up-regulated, the ratio of (A + Z)/(V + A + Z) and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) was increased. The expressions of proteins FTR and Fd-NiR were also significant up-regulated under NaCl stress, Fd-dependent ROS metabolism and nitrogen metabolism can effectively reduce the electronic pressure on Fd. Under NaHCO3 stress, the expressions of NDH-dependent CEF related proteins subunit (ndhH, ndhI, ndhK, ndhM and ndhN), VDE, ZE, FTR, Fd-NiR and Fd-GOGAT, were significant down-regulated, and ZE, CP26, ndhK, ndhM, Fd-NiR, Fd-GOGAT and FTR genes expression also significantly decreased, the photoprotective mechanism, like the xanthophyll cycle，CEF and Fd-dependent ROS metabolism and nitrogen metabolism might be damaged, resulting in the inhibition of PSII electron transfer and carbon assimilation in mulberry leaves under NaHCO3 stress.

Epidemic characteristics of close contacts of coronavirus disease 2019 in Xi'an / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective To explore the epidemic characteristics of close contacts of corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19) in Xi'an so as to provide reference for further prevention and control of the epidemic. Methods Data of the close contacts of COVID-19 in Xi'an was collected. We analyzed the distribution of close contacts in the population and isolation measures of close contacts and confirmed cases among different exposure conditions. Results By 0: 00 February 28, the cumulative number of confirmed cases and close contacts in Xi'an had been 120 and 5 241, respectively.Medical workers accounted for 7.92% of the close contacts. Across different age groups, the proportion of the youth group was the highest (56%). Indifferent areas of Xi'an, Yanta District had the largest number of close contacts(913) while Huyi District had the lowest number (29). The main contact route was contact within the family (1 875). The majority of the confirmed cases were infected within the family (35), followed by shopping places (26). Conclusion By 0: 00 February 28, close contacts of COVID-19 in Xi'an had mostly been found in Yanta District. The young constituted the main group, and close contacts within the family had a high risk of infection. In view of the above characteristics, it is necessary to improve the screening of people having close contact with COVID-19 in key areas and populations.

Endothelial protective effect of simvastatin on coagulation system in septic rats / 中华内科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the endothelial protective effects of simvastatin on the coagulation system in septic rats.@*Methods@#A total of 54 SD male rats were divided into 3 groups. Six healthy rats were intraperitoneally injected with normal salineas control group. Twenty-four rats in septic group were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline followed by lipopolysaccharide 2.5 mg. Study group had 24 rats intraperitoneally injected with simvastatin followed by lipopolysaccharide. Plasma von Willebrand factor (vWF), thrombomodulin (TM), platelet activating factor (PAF) and antithrombin-Ⅲ (AT-Ⅲ) were tested at 1 h, 3 h, 6 h and 12 h after treatment. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the morphology and apoptosis of rat aorta endothelial cells.@*Results@#Compared with healthy control group, vWF [(68.3±4.8) ng/ml, (59.2±5.1) ng/ml, (74.2±20.1) ng/ml, (53.5±4.0)ng/ml, respectively], TM [(1.4±0.3) ng/ml, (1.6±0.4) ng/ml, (2.8±0.9) ng/ml, (1.4±0.5) ng/ml, respectively], PAF [(29.1±6.5) pg/ml, (28.6±1.5) pg/ml, (28.7±2.7) pg/ml, (18.2±4.1) pg/ml, respectively] and AT-Ⅲ [(262.2±38.1)μg/ml, (233.0±70.4) μg/ml, (218.7±54.7) μg/ml, (162.2±37.2) μg/ml, respectively] were significantly increased in the sepsis group at 1 h, 3 h, 6 h and 12 h (P<0.05). Compared with the sepsis group, the plasma levels of PAF in simvastatin intervention group at 1 h [(15.6±2.5) pg/ml, 3 h(10.4±5.3) pg/ml, 6 h (9.3±1.4) pg/ml, 12 h(11.0±2.7) pg/ml] were significantly decreased, so were the TM level at 6 h (1.6±0.9) ng/ml, and the AT-Ⅲ levels at 1 h[(190.3±29.2) μg/ml],6 h [(104.4±33.6) μg/ml] and 12 h [(73.6±39.0) μg/ml, P<0.05].@*Conclusion@#In the condition of sepsis, toxins and over-activated inflammatory factors damage the vascular endothelium. A large amount of circulating vWF, TM, PAF, and AT-Ⅲ cause early hypercoagulability. Simvastatin significantly reduces plasma amount of these procoagulants, suggesting it smodification of coagulopathy and vascular protective effectsin a septic rat model.

Endothelial protective effect of simvastatin on coagulation system in septic rats / 中华内科杂志

Objective:To investigate the endothelial protective effects of simvastatin on the coagulation system in septic rats.Methods:A total of 54 SD male rats were divided into 3 groups. Six healthy rats were intraperitoneally injected with normal salineas control group. Twenty-four rats in septic group were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline followed by lipopolysaccharide 2.5 mg. Study group had 24 rats intraperitoneally injected with simvastatin followed by lipopolysaccharide. Plasma von Willebrand factor (vWF), thrombomodulin (TM), platelet activating factor (PAF) and antithrombin-Ⅲ (AT-Ⅲ) were tested at 1 h, 3 h, 6 h and 12 h after treatment. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the morphology and apoptosis of rat aorta endothelial cells.Results:Compared with healthy control group, vWF [(68.3±4.8) ng/ml, (59.2±5.1) ng/ml, (74.2±20.1) ng/ml, (53.5±4.0)ng/ml, respectively], TM [(1.4±0.3) ng/ml, (1.6±0.4) ng/ml, (2.8±0.9) ng/ml, (1.4±0.5) ng/ml, respectively], PAF [(29.1±6.5) pg/ml, (28.6±1.5) pg/ml, (28.7±2.7) pg/ml, (18.2±4.1) pg/ml, respectively] and AT-Ⅲ [(262.2±38.1)μg/ml, (233.0±70.4) μg/ml, (218.7±54.7) μg/ml, (162.2±37.2) μg/ml, respectively] were significantly increased in the sepsis group at 1 h, 3 h, 6 h and 12 h ( P<0.05). Compared with the sepsis group, the plasma levels of PAF in simvastatin intervention group at 1 h [(15.6±2.5) pg/ml, 3 h(10.4±5.3) pg/ml, 6 h (9.3±1.4) pg/ml, 12 h(11.0±2.7) pg/ml] were significantly decreased, so were the TM level at 6 h (1.6±0.9) ng/ml, and the AT-Ⅲ levels at 1 h[(190.3±29.2) μg/ml],6 h [(104.4±33.6) μg/ml] and 12 h [(73.6±39.0) μg/ml, P<0.05]. Conclusion:In the condition of sepsis, toxins and over-activated inflammatory factors damage the vascular endothelium. A large amount of circulating vWF, TM, PAF, and AT-Ⅲ cause early hypercoagulability. Simvastatin significantly reduces plasma amount of these procoagulants, suggesting it smodification of coagulopathy and vascular protective effectsin a septic rat model.

The Response of Photosynthetic Functions of F1 Cutting Seedlings From Physocarpus amurensis Maxim (♀) × Physocarpus opulifolius "Diabolo" (♂) and the Parental Seedlings to Salt Stress.

This paper selected clonal cutting seedlings from the F1 hybrid varieties of Physocarpus amurensis Maxim (♀) × P. opulifolius "Diabolo" (♂) as research material to study the response of the photosynthetic gas exchange parameters and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of P. amurensis hybrids and their parental leaves to NaCl stress (with concentrations of 0, 50, 100, and 200 mmol⋅L-1). The results showed that under salt stress, the stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), and net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of the three kinds of P. amurensis all significantly decreased. When the NaCl concentration was below 100 mmol⋅L-1, the intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) of leaves of the three samples declined with the increase of salt concentration; however, when the concentration increased to 200 mmol⋅L-1, Ci did not decrease significantly, especially when the Ci of P. opulifolius "Diabolo" presented a slight increase. This indicated that the decline of photosynthetic carbon assimilation capacity induced by salt stress was the consequence of interaction between stomatal factors and non-stomatal factors, and the stomatal factors played an important role when the salt concentration was below 200 mmol⋅L-1. Compared with P. amurensis, the photosynthetic gas exchange capability of P. opulifolius "Diabolo" leaves was more sensitive to salt stress, and the limitation of non-stomatal factors was relatively evident. However, the photosynthetic capacity of hybrid P. amurensis leaves with the desired purple color was improved compared with P. amurensis. Under salt stress, the PSII activity of the three kinds of P. amurensis leaves declined, the electron transfer was inhibited, and obvious signs of photoinhibition were present. The PSII activity of P. opulifolius "Diabolo" leaves was more sensitive to salt stress than that in P. amurensis. Under salt stress, the NPQ of P. opulifolius "Diabolo" leaves decreased greatly, while under high salt concentrations the degree of photoinhibition in P. amurensis and hybrid P. amurensis were reduced due to a relatively high NPQ. With the increase of salt concentration, the Vk of P. amurensis and hybrid P. amurensis leaves presented a decreasing trend. However, the Vk of P. opulifolius "Diabolo" leaves increased slightly. This suggested that the effects of salt stress on the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) of the three P. amurensis sample types were relatively limited and only the OEC of P.s opulifolius "Diabolo" leaves were slightly sensitive to salt stress. The VJ of all leaves from the three P. amurensis types increased under salt stress, and the VJ increased significantly when the salt concentration increased to 200 mmol⋅L-1, indicating that salt stress obviously impeded the electron transfer chain from QA to QB on the PSII receptor side. Moreover, high salt concentrations caused thylakoid membrane dissociation. The electron transfer and degree of damage to the thylakoid membrane of P. opulifolius "Diabolo" leaves were obviously higher than that of P. amurensis. However, the electron transfer capacity on the PSII receptor side as well as the degree of damage of the thylakoid membrane of hybrid P. amurensis leaves was obviously lower than those of P. opulifolius "Diabolo." The salt tolerance of photosynthetic functions of hybrid P. amurensis (♀) × P. opulifolius "Diabolo" (♂) leaves was improved compared with that of parental P. opulifolius "Diabolo," and the hybrid shows obvious hybrid vigor for photosynthesis.

Analysis of radiotherapy curative effect and prognostic factors in 164 patients with extracranial oligometastases / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective To investigate the efficacy of radiotherapy,as well as the prognostic factors of survival in patients with extracranial oligometastases. Methods A total of 164 patients who underwent intensity-modulated radiotherapy ( IMRT ) of the extracranial oligometastases, from January 2013 to December 2016, were enrolled in the study. The short-term efficacy, local control rate, overall survival, progression free survival and adverse effects of treatment were observed. Results Short-term efficacy was assessed within the first 1-3 months after the end of radiotherapy. The objective response rate (CR+PR) was 78. 7% and the short-term efficacy is mainly related to the T stage of primary tumor ( P＝0. 004).Until the last follow-up,all patients with 1-,2-and 3-year LC were 89. 8%,82. 5% and 74. 9% respectively.Univariate analysis showed that the influencing factors of LC include tumor size and gross tumor volume dose ( all P＜0. 05),multivariate analysis found no significant influence factors. The 1-,2- and 3-year OS were 83. 4%, 69. 6% and 54. 6% respectively. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that the primary tumor sources, metastasis organs,whether synchronous or adjuvant chemotherapy and short-term efficacy were independent prognostic factors in patients of OS ( P＜0. 05 ).Main toxicity-associated events were grade 1-2 acute reactions,with only 6 patients experiencing grade 3 toxicity;no grade≥4 toxic reactions or treatment-related deaths occurred. Conclusions Radiation therapy for the treatment of extracranial oligometastases can achieve good curative effect,is well-tolerated and has low toxicity.

Speckle tracking imaging in evaluation on degree of coronary artery stenosis in patients with coronary artery disease / 中国医学影像技术

Objective To observe the value of speckle-tracking imaging (STI) in evaluation on degree of coronary artery stenosis in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).Methods Totally 74 CAD patients,including 59 with coronary artery stenosis (coronary artery stenosis group) and 15 without coronary artery stenosis (no coronary artery stenosis group) underwent STI and echocardiography.Based on Gensini scores,the patients in coronary artery stenosis group were further divided into mild,moderate and severe subgroups.The average global longitudinal strain (GLS-Avg),basement global longitudinal strain (GLS-Bas),middle global longitudinal strain (GLS-Mid) and apical global longitudinal strain (GLS-AP) value were measured and compared.Results GLS-Avg,GLS-Bas,GLS-Mid and GLS-AP value in coronary artery stenosis group were lower than those in no coronary artery stenosis group (all P ＜ 0.001).In coronary artery stenosis group,with the increase of stenosis severity,GLS-Avg,GLS-Bas,GLS-Mid and GLS-AP value decreased,and statistical differences were found between each two subgroups (all P＜0.05).In coronary artery stenosis group,there were positive correlations between GLS-Avg,GLS-Bas,GLS-Mid,GLS-AP value and Gensini scores (r=0.861,0.847,0.819 and 0.778,all P＜ 0.05).Conclusion GLS value of STI can reflect the severity of coronary artery stenosis in CAD patients.