The effect of the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol and the reduced use of opioids on postoperative outcomes in elderly patients with colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess the impact of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways and the reduced use of opioids on postoperative outcomes in elderly colorectal cancer (CRC) patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia (GA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical data from 99 elderly patients who underwent laparoscopic CRC surgery in the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University from April 2021 to April 2023 were retrospectively analyzed and grouped based on the method of pain control measures received. Of 99 patients, 51 received conventional doses of opioid drugs (conventional group), and 48 patients were treated with reduced doses of opioids based on the principles of ERAS (low-dose group). Perioperative characteristics, postoperative pain level, cognitive function, serum biochemical index levels, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The first exhaust time, defecation time, and bedtime activity time of the low-dose group were compared to the conventional group (p<0.05). On the first day after the surgery, the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score of the low-dose group was higher than the conventional group (p<0.05). After the surgery, the levels of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) decreased in both groups, while the levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) increased. However, compared to the conventional group, the low-dose group had higher levels of BDNF and lower levels of NSE and 5-HT (p<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the low-dose group was lower than that in the conventional group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ERAS protocol and the reduced use of opioid drugs in CRC patients who underwent surgery under GA is associated with an analgesic effect that is comparable to that of conventional opioid use. Reduced dosage of opioid drugs lessened cognitive impairment and lowered the incidence of adverse reactions in surgical patients with CRC.

Different dexamethasone doses in the perioperative period improve short-term outcomes of total hip arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different dexamethasone doses in the perioperative period of total hip arthroplasty (THA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We randomly divided 180 patients into three groups: three perioperative saline injections (Group A, placebo); two perioperative doses of 15 mg dexamethasone plus a postoperative saline injection at 48 h (Group B); and three perioperative doses of dexamethasone (10 mg) (Group C). Primary outcomes were postoperative pain at rest and while walking. We also recorded consumption of analgesics and antiemetics, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, postoperative length of stay (p-LOS), range of motion (ROM), nausea, Identity-Consequence-Fatigue-Scale (ICFS), and severe complications (e.g., incidence of surgical site infection, SSI and gastrointestinal bleeding, GIB). RESULTS: Group B and C had significantly lower pain scores at rest than Group A on postoperative day 1. Group B and C also had significantly lower dynamic pain score, CRP, and IL-6 than Group A on postoperative day 1, 2, and 3. Patients in Group B and C had lower PONV incidence, reduced use of analgesics and antiemetics, improved ROM, shorter p-LOS, lower VAS nausea score, and lower ICFS than Group A patients. On postoperative day 3, patients in Group C had significantly lower dynamic pain and ICFS scores, IL-6, and CRP than Group B patients, as well as higher ROM. None of the groups exhibited SSI or GIB. CONCLUSIONS: Dexamethasone provides short-term advantages in reducing pain, PONV, inflammation, and ICFS, and increasing ROM in the early postoperative period after THA. Dexamethasone efficacy in reducing post-THA pain, inflammation, and PONV at 10 mg and 15 mg is similar during the first 48 h. Dexamethasone (30 mg) divided into three 10 mg doses was superior to two doses (15 mg) in reducing pain, inflammation, and ICFS, as well as in increasing ROM on postoperative day 3.

The efficacy of aggressive warming combined with tranexamic acid during total hip arthroplasty: a single-center retrospective study from southern China.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of aggressive warming combined with tranexamic acid (TXA) during total hip arthroplasty (THA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 832 patients who underwent THA from October 2013 to June 2019 were divided into three groups according to the order of admission. There were 210 patients from October 2013 to March 2015 in group A, 302 patients from April 2015 to April 2017 in group B, and 320 patients from May 2017 to June 2019 in group C. Group A was the control group and was not given any measures. Group B was administered intravenously with 15 mg/kg TXA before skin incision and 3 h later without aggressive warming. Group C was administered intravenously with 15 mg/kg TXA before skin incision and 3 h later with aggressive warming. We evaluated the differences in the intraoperative blood loss, changes in core body temperature of patients at different stages during the operation, postoperative drainage, hidden blood loss, transfusion rate, drop of hemoglobin (Hb) on postoperative day 1 (POD1), prothrombin time (PT) of POD1, average hospitalization day, and complications. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences among the three groups during the intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative changes in core body temperature, postoperative drainage, hidden blood loss, blood transfusion rate, drop of Hb on POD1 and average hospital stay (p<0.05). There was no statistical difference in PT on POD1 and the incidence of complications (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Aggressive warming combined with TXA can significantly reduce the blood loss and transfusion rate of THA, and accelerate the recovery. We also observed that it does not increase the postoperative complications.

[Effect of gastrodin on bone tissue around implants in type 2 diabetic rats].

Objective: To study the effect of gastrodin on oxidative stress and bone tissue around implants in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats (T2DM), so as to provide therapeutic basis for the problems of poor osseointegration and long repair period of implants in type 2 diabetic patients, to provide the basis for the development of new therapeutic drugs. Methods: Forty SD rats aged 5 weeks were divided into control group (n=10) and model group (n=30). The model group was fed with high glycolipid diet for 4 weeks and injected with 35 mg/kg streptozocin. The T2DM were divided into diabetic group (n=10) and gastrodin group (n=10). Pure screw titanium implants were placed in the metaphysis of both tibia. Rats in gastrodin group were given gastrodin 13.6 mg/kg everyday, while the control group and diabetic group were given the same dose of saline solution. Blood glucose was measured every two weeks after operation in all rats. After 4 and 8 weeks, the contents of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured to analyze the oxidative stress level in rats. The expression of anti-apoptosis protein [B cell lymphoma/lewkmia-2 (bcl-2)]and apoptosis protein [bcl-2-associated X protein (bax)] was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. HE staining and micro-CT scanning were used to analyze the osseointegration around the implants. Results: The blood glucose of gastrodin [(12.98±2.53), (13.64±1.96), (14.58±3.40) and (12.84±2.82) mmol/L] were significantly lower than that of diabetic group [(20.97±2.27), (17.94±3.76), (23.66±2.90) and (21.22±2.67) mmol/L] at corresponding time point (P<0.017). Four and 8 weeks following surgery, the MDA concentration in gastrodin group [(5.21±1.60) and (3.47±1.17) nmol/ml] was significantly lower than that in diabetic group [(11.42±5.11) and (7.31±1.37) nmol/ml] at the corresponding time points (P<0.017), while SOD activity in gastrodin group [(42.89±6.00) and (53.12±9.73) U/ml] was significantly higher than those in diabetic group [(27.09±6.11) and (32.08±2.97) U/ml] at the corresponding time points (P<0.017). Immunohistochemistry showed that the bcl-2 expression in gastrodin group was significantly higher than that in diabetic group at 4 and 8 weeks following surgery (P<0.017), while the bax expression in gastrodin group was significantly lower than that in diabetic group (P<0.017). Four weeks after surgery, the bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV), connection density (Conn.D), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) in gastrodin group were significantly higher than those in diabetic group (P<0.017). There was no significant difference in trabecular separation/spacing (Tb.sp) between gastrodin group and diabetic group (P<0.017). Eight weeks after surgery, the BV/TV, Tb.N in gastrodin group were significantly higher than those in the diabetic group (P<0.017). There was no significant difference in Conn.D between gastrodin group and diabetic group (P<0.017). There was no significant difference in Tb.Th and Tb.sp in three groups (P<0.017). The trabecular structure in gastrodin group was better than that in diabetic group by HE staining. Conclusions: Gastrodin can decrease blood glucose, improve oxidative stress, protect bone tissue from apoptosis and promote bone formation around implants in T2DM.

[Clinicopathological features of early gastric cancer after Helicobacter pylori eradication].

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features of early gastric cancers after Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication. Methods: The clinical data of 26 cases of gastric cancer that were diagnosed after H. pylori eradication and 45 cases without H. pylori eradication in the 989 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the People's Liberation Army (the former 152 Hospital), Pingdingshan, China from 2013 to 2021 were collected. The histological, immunophenotypic and clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared, and discussed with review of the related literature. Results: Among the gastric cancer patients with H. pylori eradication, there were 20 males and 6 females with a median age of 65 years (range 53 to 77 years). The cancer involved the upper part of the stomach in 12 cases, the middle part of the stomach in 4 cases, and the lower part of the stomach in 10 cases. The median diameter of the tumors was 12 mm (range 4-29 mm). According to the Paris Classification, 4 cases were 0-Ⅱa, 4 cases were 0-Ⅱb, 18 cases were 0-Ⅱc. White light endoscopy showed that the lesions were reddish to yellowish. The lesion boundary was clear in 12 cases and was unclear or gastritis-like changes in 14 cases, while the irregular microvascular structure and microsurface structure, as well as the relatively visible spinous boundary, were visible under narrow-band imaging. There were 20 cases of well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma, 4 cases of highly to moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma, and 2 cases of well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma with papillary adenocarcinoma. Compared with gastric cancers without H. pylori eradication, gastric cancers diagnosed after H. pylori eradication was associated with lower nucleus-cytoplasm ratio (<50%), normal epithelial coverage on the cancer surface, mild atypical epithelial coverage on the cancer surface, elongation of non-cancerous glands in the cancer tissue and subepithelial progression of cancerous glands were higher (P<0.05). The cellular immunophenotypes were gastric type in 6 cases, intestinal type in 4 cases and gastrointestinal mixed type in 16 cases. Conclusions: The early gastric cancers diagnosed after H. pylori eradication are more subtle clinically and mostly well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. The important morphological features of gastric cancer diagnosed after H. pylori eradication are decreased cytological atypia and overlying normal epithelium or mildly atypical epithelium of the cancer. Understanding and recognizing these morphological features are helpful to make correct endoscopic and pathological diagnoses.

[Esthetic proportions of maxillary anterior tooth among 300 normal occlusion college students in Shanxi province].

Objective: To explore the relationship between the width ratios of maxillary anterior teeth, the width/height ratios of maxillary central incisor and the esthetic proportions among individual normal occlusion, and to provide reference for the esthetic design of anterior teeth. Methods: A total of 300 Shanxi Medical University students who were residents from Shanxi province with normal occlusion (110 males, 190 females, aged 18-30 years) were recruited in this study from October 2020 to March 2021. Standardized digital photographs of the maxillary anterior tooth in natural head position were obtained, the perceived width of the maxillary anterior teeth (maxillary central incisors, lateral incisors and canines) on the left and right sides and height of maxillary central incisor were measured on the standardized digital photographs, then the width ratios of adjacent maxillary anterior teeth including the lateral incisor/central incisor width ratio (LI∶CI), the canine/lateral incisor width ratio (C∶LI), and the width/height ratios (W/H ratio) of the maxillary central incisor were calculated. The independent sample t test was used to compare the sex differences of each measurement project, Single sample t test was used to compare the difference of adjacent maxillary anterior teeth width ratios with golden proportion (0.618 and 0.618), Preston proportion (0.66 and 0.84), the recurring esthetic dental (RED) proportion (0.70 and 0.70). The percentage of anterior tooth width/intercanine width was calculated, the number and proportion of teeth conforming to golden percentage (25%, 15%, 10%)±1% or modified golden percentage (22.5%, 15.0%, 12.5%)±1% were calculated. The number and proportion of width/height ratio of maxillary central incisor ranged from 0.75 to 0.85 was counted. Results: The widths of maxillary central incisor, lateral incisor and canine were (8.50±0.52), (6.23±0.53) and (5.18±0.55) mm, respectively, the corresponding tooth of male [(8.74±0.49), (6.37±0.52), (5.41±0.47) mm] was significantly higher than that of female [(8.37±0.50), (6.15±0.52), (5.04±0.54) mm] (t=6.40, 3.55, 6.23,P<0.05). The width ratio of maxillary lateral incisor/central incisor was 0.73±0.05, and there was no significant difference between genders (t=-1.06, P>0.05). The width ratio of canine/lateral incisor was 0.84±0.10, and it was significantly higher in male (0.85±0.10) than in female (0.82±0.10) (t=2.42, P<0.05). Two width ratios of maxillary anterior teeth were significantly different from golden proportion and the RED proportion (t=38.50, 35.74, 11.48, 22.20, P<0.05). The lateral incisor/central incisor was significantly different from that of Preston proportion (t=24.66, P<0.05), while the canine/lateral incisor was not significantly different from that of Preston proportion (t=-0.92, P>0.05). In this study, a total of 0% (0/600) of central incisors, 63.0% (378/600) of lateral incisors and 5.8% (35/600) of canines met the golden percentage±1%. There were 42.8% (257/600) of central incisors, 63.0% (378/600) of lateral incisors and 56.7% (340/600) of canines met the modified golden percentage±1%. The width/height ratio of maxillary central incisors was 0.86±0.08, and there was no significant difference between genders (t=-0.88, P>0.05). Only 36.3% (218/600) of the subjects in this study ranged from 0.75 to 0.85. Conclusions: Gender differences should be considered in the esthetic design of anterior teeth; for the width ratios of maxillary anterior teeth, the golden proportion, the RED proportion and golden percentage do not accord with the natural tooth morphological characteristics of Shanxi nationality college students in normal occlusion. Preston proportion and modified golden percentage are of more reference value. The width/height ratio of maxillary central incisors is different from 0.75-0.85.

[Effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis injected through tail vein on the expressions of biomarkers in neural stem cells and neurons of wild-type rats hippocampus].

Objectives: To study the effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) injected through tail vein on the molecular expression levels of biomarkers of neural stem cells (NSC) and neurons in the hippocampus of wild-type adult rats, and the effects on hippocampal neurogenesis. Methods: Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 3 groups based on the table of random numbers (n=6 in each group). In low-intensity group and high-intensity group, rats were injected intravenously through tail vein with 200 µl Pg ATCC33277 [1.0×103 and 1.0×108 colony forming unit (CFU), respectively] 3 times per week for 8 weeks. In the sham group, 200 µl of phosphate buffer saline (PBS) was given instead. Behavioral tests: the navigation and the exploration tests using Morris water maze (MWM) were applied to evaluate learning and memory ability of rats. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect cells positively expressing nestin, doublecortin (DCX) and neuronal nuclei (NeuN) in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of rats in each group. Western blotting was used to evaluate the expression levels of nestin, DCX and NeuN in rat hippocampus. Results: Learning and memory abilities: on day 5 of navigation test, the lagency time was 22.83 (16.00, 38.34) s in the high-intensity group, significantly longer than the sham group [5.59 (5.41, 6.17) s] (t=-11.17, P<0.001). There were no significant differences between the low-intensity group [9.85 (8.75, 21.01) s] and the sham group (t=-6.83, P=0.080). Results in the exploration test showed that, in the high-intensity group, the number of fime crossing over the previous platform area within 60 s was 1.50 (1.00, 2.00), significantly less than the sham group [4.00 (2.75, 4.00)] (t=9.75, P=0.003); no significant differences between the low-intensity group [2.50 (2.00, 3.00)] and the sham one (t=4.50, P=0.382). Immunohistochemistry showed that the nestin+ cell density in the low-intensity group [(35.36±4.32) cell/mm2] and high-intensity group [(26.51±5.89) cell/mm2] were significantly lower than the sham group [(59.58±14.15) cell/mm2] (t=24.21, P=0.018; t=33.07, P=0.005); as for the mean absorbance of DCX+ cells, the low-intensity group (0.007±0.002) and the high-intensity group (0.006±0.002) were significantly lower than the sham group (0.011±0.001) (t=0.004, P=0.018; t=0.006, P=0.005); compared with the sham group [(1.13±0.14)×103 cell/mm2], the density of NeuN+ neurons in the high-intensity group [(0.75±0.08)×103 cell/mm2] was significantly reduced (t=0.38, P=0.017), and was not significantly changed in the low-intensity group [(0.88±0.19)×103 cell/mm2] (t=0.25, P=0.075). Western blotting results showed that, compared with the sham group, the expression levels of nestin, DCX, and NeuN were significantly reduced in the high-intensity group (t=0.74, P<0.001; t=0.18, P=0.014; t=0.35, P=0.008), but were not statistically changed in the low-intensity group (t=0.18, P=0.108; t=0.08, P=0.172; t=0.19, P=0.077). Conclusions: Pg injected through tail vein may reduce learning and memory abilities of wild-type rats, and may reduce the number of nestin, DCX, and NeuN-positive cells, and the protein expression levels of the above molecules in the hippocampus.

[Dynamic esthetic analysis of the anterior teeth in normal occlusion in individuals aged 18-49 years].

Objective: To investigate the relationship between age, sex, length of upper lip and the exposure of maxillary central incisor. Methods: A total of 304 participants in normal occlusion (154 males, 150 females, aged 18-49 years) were recruited in this study from patients, visited the Medical Examination Center, Affiliated People's Hospital, Shanxi Medical University from January 2019 to August 2020. Participants were divided into 18-29 years old group (104, 53 males, 51 females), 30-39 years old group (110, 56 males, 54 females) and 40-49 years old group (90, 45 males, 45 females). Facial photography was used to record the facial state during the mandibular postural position, "che" pronunciation position and posed smile. The upper lip length, upper lip thickness and the exposure of maxillary central incisor were measured by ImageJ. The differences of measurement items in each group and the gender differences of each measurement item were analyzed. The length of upper lip and the exposure of upper central incisor in the mandibular postural position were analyzed by Pearson correlation. Results: In the mandibular postural position, the length of upper lip was (21.9±2.2), (22.5±2.5) and (23.1±2.2) mm in the 18-29 years old, 30-39 years old and 40-49 years old groups, and the length of upper lip in the 40-49 years old group was significantly larger than that in the 18-29 years old group (P<0.05). The exposure of upper central incisor in the 40-49 years old group during the mandibular postural position, "che" pronunciation position and posed smile [(1.4±1.2), (4.7±2.4), (7.7±2.4) mm, respectively] were significantly lower than those in the 18-29 years old group [(2.3±1.4), (5.5±2.2) and (8.8±2.0) mm] (P<0.05). The exposure of upper central incisor in the 30-39 years old group during the mandibular postural position and posed smile [(1.8±1.4), (8.2±2.0) mm, respectively] was significantly lower than those in the 18-29 years old group (P<0.05). With the increase of age, the exposure of upper central incisor decreased gradually. In the same group, the exposure of upper central incisor in the female during the mandibular postural position and "che" pronunciation position (except 40 to 49 years old group) were significantly larger than those in the male (P<0.05), and there was no statistically significant difference between the sexes in the posed smile (P>0.05). There was a significant linear correlation between the exposure of upper central incisor and the length of upper lip at the mandibular postural position in normal occlusion aged 18-49 (r=-0.325, P<0.01). Conclusions: Gender factor should be considered in the esthetic design of anterior teeth. The exposure of anterior teeth in the mandibular postural position and "che" pronunciation position is more valuable than that in the posed smile. The length of upper lip in normal occlusion aged 40-49 was significantly shorter than that aged 18-29, and the exposure of upper central incisors was significantly reduced.

Do distribution and expansion of exotic invasive Asteraceae plants relate to leaf construction cost in a man-made wetland?

Exotic species especially Asteraceae plants severely invade wetlands in Shenzhen Bay, an important part of the coast wetland in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Bay Area, China. However, the reasons causing their expansion are unclear. The leaf traits and expansion indices of six invasive Asteraceae plants from the Overseas Chinese Town (OCT) wetland were studied and the results showed that nearly 45% of the total plant species (31 out of 69 species) in the OCT wetland, belonging to 15 families and 27 genera, were exotic invasive species. The expansion indices of six Asteraceae species negatively correlated with their leaf construction cost based on mass (CCM), caloric values and carbon concentration, but their relations with ash content were positive. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that CCM was the most important factor affecting the expansion of an exotic species, indicating CCM may be an important reason causing the expansion of exotic species in coastal wetlands.

Disrupting a phospholipase A2 gene increasing lipid accumulation in the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica.

AIMS: Phospholipase A2 (PLA2 ) is a diverse superfamily that hydrolyzes fatty acyl ester bonds at the sn-2 position of phospholipids. The correlation between phospholipid metabolism and the anabolism of neutral lipids remains unclear in yeasts. This study aims to explore the effects of PLA2 on lipid accumulation in the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study identified an actively expressed phospholipase A2 gene (PLA2-3, YAIL0_E16060g) in Y. lipolytica by quantitative PCR analysis. The gene PLA2-3 was disrupted in the strain po1gΔKu70 by homologous recombination and in the strain po1g-G3 by a CRISPR-Cas9 system, which caused an increase in stress sensitivity while the cell growth was not altered under fermentative conditions. Lipid production was performed in both flasks and bioreactors. The results showed that the lipid titre and lipid content were improved over 25% and 8-30%, respectively, in PLA2-3 disrupted strains compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Disruption of the phospholipase PLA2-3 gene could effectively improve lipid production in Y. lipolytica. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study presented a strategy on improving the lipid production of oleaginous yeasts and a similar strategy might be used in other oleaginous microbes.

Comparison of therapeutic effects of ticagrelor and clopidogrel on patients with acute myocardial infarction and influence of lncRNA BANCR.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effects of ticagrelor and clopidogrel on patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and its effect of lncRNA BANCR. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 169 AMI patients admitted to our hospital from June 2015 to July 2018 were prospectively selected, of which 82 patients treated with clopidogrel were enrolled in the clopidogrel group (CG) and 87 patients treated with ticagrelor were enrolled in the ticagrelor group (TG). The therapeutic effect, serum lncRNA BANCR, platelet count, maximum platelet aggregation rate, serum troponin Ⅰ (cTnI), serum creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), and serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels of the two groups of patients were detected and compared before and after treatment. The incidence of adverse reactions (ADR) and the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 6 months after treatment were recorded and compared, and the predictive value of BANCR on therapeutic effect and MACE occurrence was analyzed. RESULTS: The therapeutic effect of TG was remarkably better than that of CG (p<0.05), and the improvement of serum BANCR, platelet count, maximum platelet aggregation rate, cTnⅠ, CK-MB, hs-CRP levels of the TG were remarkably better than that of CG (p<0.05). The incidence of ADR and MACE in the TG were notably lower than the CG (p<0.05). The expression of BANCR in the serum of patients with better therapeutic effect was significantly lower than that of patients with invalid treatment (p<0.05). The expression of BANCR in the serum of patients without MACE was significantly lower than that of patients with MACE (p<0.05). BANCR had high predictive value for both therapeutic effect and occurrence of MACE. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of ticagrelor on AMI patients is significantly better than clopidogrel, and has higher safety. It can effectively reduce the content of BANCR in the serum of AMI patients, which is worthy of further promotion in clinical practice. Moreover, the predictive value of BANCR for the efficacy of AMI patients and the occurrence of MACE was high.

Is Laguncularia racemosa more invasive than Sonneratia apetala in northern Fujian, China in terms of leaf energetic cost?

Laguncularia racemosa and Sonneratia apetala are fast-growing exotic mangrove species in Southern China and widely used for afforestation. However, the invasiveness of the two exotic species is still unclear. We compared structural and physiological traits and energy-use related traits between L. racemosa and S. apetala, and with two natives (Kandelia obovata and Aegiceras corniculatum) in northern Fujian. Results showed that leaf construction cost based on mass (CCM) and caloric values of L. racemosa were significantly lower than S. apetala, and the two natives had highest CCM. Because lower CCM, L. racemosa grew faster with a taller height (4.83 m) and wider ground diameter circumference (40.03 cm) than S. apetala (4.43 m tall and 35.63 cm wide) and the two natives (2.42 m tall and 26.78 cm wide). These findings indicated that L. racemosa could be more invasive than S. apetala in mangrove forests in northern Fujian, China where it still grew well, which deserves more attention.

Effectiveness of laser-assisted treatments for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: a systematic review.

The feasibility of laser-assisted treatments of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) remains poorly understood, so we have therefore systematically evaluated their effectiveness. We made a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Pubmed, and Embase to find randomised controlled trials, case-control studies, and prospective cohort studies that assessed them. We assessed the eligible studies in duplicate, and if possible conducted a meta-analysis. Ten studies with a low to high risk of bias met the inclusion criteria. We found that a comparison of pain scores before and after using visible and infrared GaAs laser in the low-level laser treatment based on the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (mean difference 4.28; 95% CI 3.62 to 4.93; p<0.00001), showed that there were significant differences in the amount of pain. The effectiveness of other laser-assisted treatments on the reduction of pain - for example, Er:YAG laser surgical treatment, and laser-assisted treatment plus platelet-rich plasma, and the effect of other techniques on wound healing of laser-assisted treatments, are uncertain. We found that the results of the studies that were deemed to be high-to-low quality and to have high-to-low statistical power suggested that there may be considerable clinical improvement in MRONJ by using laser-assisted treatment; we cautiously consider that low-level laser treatment may manage pain and symptoms in these patients. More randomised studies of good quality and with a low risk of bias are needed to test whether laser-assisted treatment should be a routine part of management of patients with MRONJ.

Overexpression of paralogues of the wheat expansin gene TaEXPA8 improves low-temperature tolerance in Arabidopsis.

Low temperature is one of the important factors limiting wheat yield in cold regions. Expansins are nonenzymatic proteins that loosen cell walls and play important roles in diverse biological processes related to cell wall modification, including development and stress tolerance. Many studies have shown that expansins are involved in resistance to various abiotic stresses, such as heat and drought. However, the role of expansins in response to low-temperature stress remains unclear. Based on our previous transcriptome data of a winter wheat cultivar Dongnongdongmai 2 (DN2), we found that one of the expansin genes, TaEXPA8, was significantly induced by low temperature, indicating a role for TaEXPA8 in cold resistance. In this study, the paralogous TaEXPA8 genes TaEXPA8-A, TaEXPA8-B and TaEXPA8-D were cloned by RT-PCR. These three genes were then transformed into Arabidopsis by the floral dip method. Expression patterns of TaEXPA8 genes in different tissues and in response to several abiotic stresses and hormones were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The results showed that TaEXPA8-A and TaEXPA8-B were expressed mainly in roots, while TaEXPA8-D was expressed predominantly in flowers. TaEXPA8 genes were induced by low-temperature and drought. The overexpression of TaEXPA8-B and TaEXPA8-D enhanced low-temperature resistance and had increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activity and soluble protein, MDA and proline content. In summary, our study suggested that the expansins TaEXPA8-B and TaEXPA8-D are involved in the response to low temperature and possibly play a role in cold resistance by activating the protective enzyme system.

Global transcriptome analysis provides new insights in Thellungiella salsuginea stress response.

Thellungiella salsuginea is highly tolerant to abiotic stress, while its a close relative Arabidopsis thaliana is sensitive to stress. This characteristic makes T. salsuginea an excellent model for uncovering the mechanisms of abiotic stress tolerance. Abscisic acid (ABA) plays essential roles in plant abiotic and biotic stress tolerance. To test the changes in gene expression of T. salsuginea under ABA treatment, in this study, the transcriptomes of T. salsuginea roots and leaves were compared in response to exogenously application of ABA. The results showed that ABA treatment caused different expression of 2,200 and 3,305 genes in leaves and roots, respectively, compared with the untreated control. In particular, genes encoding transcription factors such as WRKY, MYB, NAC, GATA, ethylene-responsive factors (ERFs), heat stress transcription factors, basic helix-loop-helix, PLATZ and B3 domain-containing family members were enriched. In addition, 49 and 114 differentially expressed genes were identified as ABA-regulated genes, separately in leaves and roots, respectively, which were related to biotic and abiotic stresses. The expression levels of some genes were validated by qRT-PCR. Different responses of genes to ABA treatment were discovered in T. salsuginea and A. thaliana. This transcriptome analysis expands our understanding of the role of ABA in stress tolerance in T. salsuginea. Our study provides a wealth of information for improving stress tolerance in crop plants.

[Semaphorin 3A-stimulated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells sheets promotes osteogenesis of type 2 diabetic rat].

Objective: To evaluate the effect of semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) pre-treated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) sheets on new bone formation in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats. Methods: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were induced by injection of streptozotocin, and the BMSC were isolated, controlled, identified and induced into cell sheets. Fifteen T2DM rats were randomly divided into control, sheets and Sema3A-sheets group and the calvarial critical size defect (CSD) model of rats were established. The defect zone of rats from control group were implanted with bone powder. The defect zone of rats from sheets group were implanted with bone powder and BMSC sheets. The defect zone of rats from Sema3A-sheets group were implanted with bone powder and BMSC sheets pretreated with 1.0 mg/L Sema3A. After 8 weeks, the bone samples were harvested and analyzed by micro-CT scanning, HE staining for the evaluation of new bone formation, and the immunohistochemical analysis for the expression of osteogenesis-related proteins including type Ⅰ collagen (COL- Ⅰ ), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), and osteocalcin (OCN). Results: The BMSC were isolated and cultured, and oil red O and Alizarin red S staining proved the multi-potential differentiation. Eight weeks after the establishment of calvarial CSD model, Sema3A-sheet group showed the most abundant new bone formation (0.516±0.070), with increased bone volume fraction, namely bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV) compared with sheets group (0.319±0.050) and control group (0.224±0.037) (P<0.05), and the sheets group showed increased BV/TV compared with control group (P<0.05). While trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) control group showed no difference in three groups (P>0.05). HE staining also confirmed that Sema3A-sheets group showed the most new bone formation. Sheet group (0.174±0.051) compared showed difference with control group (0.099±0.033) (P< 0.05), and Sema3A-sheet group (0.421±0.069) showed increased bone formation compared with sheet group and control group (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed that BMSC sheet increased the expression of osteogenesis-related proteins including COL-Ⅰ, BMP-2 and OCN, while Sema3A pretreatment showed more obvious increase of the expression of COL-Ⅰ and OCN. Conclusions: The combined implantation of bone powder and Sema3A stimulated BMSC sheets significantly increased bone regeneration in vivo. Therefore, Sema3A pre-treated BMSC sheets transplantation provides a new strategy for restoring bone defect in T2DM.

[Effect of low dose aspirin on osseointegration around titanium implants in osteoporotic rats].

Objective: To investigate the effect of aspirin on osseointegration around titanium implants in ostoeporotic rats and to provide evidence for future researches and clinical application. Methods: A total of 60 female SD rats, aged 3-4 months, were divided into ovariectomy group (Ovx group, n=48) and sham-ovariectomy group (Sham group, n=12). The rats in Ovx group received ovariectomy and those in Sham group underwent sham-ovariectomy. Twelve weeks later, six rats in each group were randomly selected to confirm the osteoporosis models. The Ovx group was divided into 4 subgroups with 12 rats in each group, namely the osteoporosis group (OP group), and Aspirin groups (A1, A2, A3 group). Pure screw titanium implants were placed in the right tibia near metaphysis of all rats. Three days after implant surgery, aspirin groups were intragastrically administered aspirin at a dose of 2.06, 4.11, 8.21 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1) (A1, A2, A3), and OP group and Sham group were fed the same amount of normal saline. Four and 12 weeks following implantations surgery, half of the rats in each group were randomly chosen and sacrificed. Implant bone contact rate (IBCR), combined bone lamella width (CBLW) and trabercular width (TW) were observed and calculated using histomorphometric measurement. Results: Four weeks after implantations surgery, the TW and CBLW of rats in A1 group [(39.60±2.77) and (27.56±4.14) µm] and the IBCR, TW and CBLW of rats in A2 group and A3 group [A2: (47.21±4.19)%, (48.74±3.20) and (35.91±3.79) µm; A3: (47.35±6.07)%, (50.27±5.25) and (40.66±2.11) µm] were much higher than those in OP group [(33.89±7.17)%, (32.20±6.10) and (19.77±6.80) µm](P<0.05). In term of CBLW, there were no difference between A3 group and Sham group [(46.11±5.87) µm](P>0.05). Twelve weeks after implantations surgery, the IBCR and CBLW of rats in A1 group [ (85.86±3.64) %, (53.12±8.68) µm], and the IBCR, TW and CBLW of rats in A2 group and A3 group [A2: (85.64±3.97)%, (69.42±6.78) and (54.19±3.12) µm; A3: (86.22±3.48)%, (75.43±3.50) and (55.79±5.60) µm] were much higher than those in OP group [(77.20±7.14)%, (55.10±2.26) and (41.77±3.13) µm](P<0.05). In term of IBCR, there were no difference among A1 group, A2 group, A3 group and Sham group [(90.09±2.21)%](P>0.05). Conclusions: The low dose aspirin could promote IBCR, CBLW and TW of osteoporotic rats implants.

Impact of an intervention programme on knowledge, attitudes and practices of population regarding severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in endemic areas of Lu'an, China.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of the population regarding severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in endemic areas of Lu'an in China were assessed before and after an intervention programme. The pre-intervention phase was conducted using a sample of 425 participants from the 12 selected villages with the highest rates of endemic SFTS infection. A predesigned interview questionnaire was used to assess KAP. Subsequently, an intervention programme was designed and applied in the selected villages. KAP was re-assessed for each population in the selected villages using the same interview questionnaire. Following 2 months of the programme, 339 participants had completed the re-assessed survey. The impact of the intervention programme was evaluated using suitable statistical methods. A significant increase in the KAP and total KAP scores was noted following the intervention programme, whereas the proportion of correct knowledge, the positive attitudes and the effective practices toward SFTS of respondents increased significantly. The intervention programme was effective in improving KAP level of SFTS in populations that were resident in endemic areas.

Improving the artificial diet for adult of seven spotted ladybird beetle Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) with orthogonal design.

In this study, an orthogonal array design with 16 factors at two levels (216) was performed to develop an artificial diet rearing the adults of seven spotted ladybird beetle Coccinella septempunctata. The parameters of weight gain and survival rate of adults, preoviposition period, fecundity and hatching rate of diet-fed adults were monitored. The 16 factors were included: pork liver, infant formula, sucrose, olive oil, yolk, corn oil, yeast powder, cholesterol, casein, casein hydrolysate, vitamin powder, 65% juvenile hormone III, protein powder, vitamin E, honey and pumpkin. Results indicated that pork liver, sucrose, yolk, yeast powder, juvenile hormone, pumpkin and honey were the main ingredients of the artificial diet contributing to weight gain and survival rate of adults, preoviposition period, fecundity and hatching rate. A follow-up fed with a selection of improved formulas confirmed the validity of the optimization as predicted by the orthogonal array analysis, indicating the usefulness of this method for selecting artificial diets for C. septempunctata. The weight gain and fecundity of adults reared on the improved artificial diet were 87.46 and 62.70% of those reared on Aphis craccivora; the survival rate and hatch rate were similar between the diet-fed and aphid-fed, while the preoviposition period was significantly shorter for C. septempunctata fed on the diet than on A. craccivora. The latter formula was superior to any formerly developed formulas and may thus have potential for the improved artificial diet mass rearing of C. septempunctata.