Leaf shape, planting density, and nitrogen application affect soybean yield by changing direct and diffuse light distribution in the canopy.

When attempting to maximize the crop yield from field-grown soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) by means of improving the light conditions for photosynthesis in the canopy, it is crucial to find the optimal planting density and nitrogen application rate. The soybean plants that were the subject of our experiment were cultivated in N-dense mutual pairs, and included two cultivars with different leaf shapes; one cultivar sported ovate leaves (O-type) and the other lanceolate leaves (L-type). We analyzed the results quantitatively to determine the amount of spatial variation in light distribution and photosynthetic efficiency across the canopy, and to gauge the effect of the experimental parameters on the yield as well as the photosynthetic light and nitrogen use efficiency of the crop. Results indicate that the different leaf shapes were responsible for significant disparities between the photosynthetic utilization of direct and diffuse light. As the nitrogen fertilizer rate and the planting density increased, the soybean plants responded by adjusting leaf morphology in order to maximize the canopy apparent photosynthetic light use efficiency, which in turn affected the leaf nitrogen distribution in the canopy. Despite the fact that the light interception rate of the canopy of the L-type cultivar was lower than that of the canopy of the O-type cultivar, we found its canopy apparent photosynthetic nitrogen and light use efficiency were higher. It was interesting to note, however, that the nitrogen and light use efficiency contributions associated with exposure to diffuse light were greater for the latter than for the former.

Maize (Zea mays L.) planted at higher density utilizes dynamic light more efficiently.

In nature, plants are exposed to a dynamic light environment. Fluctuations in light decreased the photosynthetic light utilization efficiency (PLUE) of leaves, and much more severely in C4 species than in C3 species. However, little is known about the plasticity of PLUE under dynamic light in C4 species. Present study focused on the influence of planting density to the photosynthesis under dynamic light in maize (Zea mays L.), a most important C4 crop. In addition, the molecular mechanism behind photosynthetic adaptation to planting density were also explored by quantitative proteomics analysis. Results revealed that as planting density increases, maize leaves receive less light that fluctuates more. The maize planted at high density (HD) improved the PLUE under dynamic light, especially in the middle and later growth stages. Quantitative proteomics analysis showed that the transfer of nitrogen from Rubisco to RuBP regeneration and C4 pathway related enzymes contributes to the photosynthetic adaptation to lower and more fluctuating light environment in HD maize. This study provides potential ways to further improve the light energy utilization efficiency of maize in HD.

Proteomic analysis of protein lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation (Khib) in soybean leaves.

BACKGROUND: Protein lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation (Khib) is a novel post-translational modification (PTM) discovered in cells or tissues of animals, microorganisms and plants in recent years. Proteome-wide identification of Khib-modified proteins has been performed in several plant species, suggesting that Khib-modified proteins are involved in a variety of biological processes and metabolic pathways. However, the protein Khib modification in soybean, a globally important legume crop that provides the rich source of plant protein and oil, remains unclear. RESULTS: In this study, the Khib-modified proteins in soybean leaves were identified for the first time using affinity enrichment and high-resolution mass spectrometry-based proteomic techniques, and a systematic bioinformatics analysis of these Khib-modified proteins was performed. Our results showed that a total of 4251 Khib sites in 1532 proteins were identified as overlapping in three replicates (the raw mass spectrometry data are available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier of PXD03650). These Khib-modified proteins are involved in a wide range of cellular processes, particularly enriched in biosynthesis, central carbon metabolism and photosynthesis, and are widely distributed in subcellular locations, mainly in chloroplasts, cytoplasm and nucleus. In addition, a total of 12 sequence motifs were extracted from all identified Khib peptides, and a basic amino acid residue (K), an acidic amino acid residue (E) and three aliphatic amino acid residues with small side chains (G/A/V) were found to be more preferred around the Khib site. Furthermore, 16 highly-connected clusters of Khib proteins were retrieved from the global PPI network, which suggest that Khib modifications tend to occur in proteins associated with specific functional clusters. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that Khib modification is an abundant and conserved PTM in soybean and that this modification may play an important role in regulating physiological processes in soybean leaves. The Khib proteomic data obtained in this study will help to further elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of Khib modification in soybean in the future.

Causes of Abnormal Hemoglobin Electrophoresis / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the possible causes of abnormal hemoglobin electrophoresis results.@*METHODS@#The hemoglobin electrophoresis results of 5 696 patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College from September 2018 to July 2021 were collected, and the abnormal results and clinical significance were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#The results of 486 patients (accounting for 8.53%) were abnormal, of which 300 cases had increased HbA2, 135 cases had decreased HbA2, 44 cases had increased F alone, and 7 cases had abnormal hemoglobin bands. Among the 486 patients, 246 patients were thalassemia gene positive (the positive rate was 50.62%), including 29 cases of α thalassemia, 208 cases of β thalassemia and 9 cases of αβ thalassemia. Among the patients with elevated HbA2, 68.67% were detected β thalassemia, 3.00% αβ thalassemia, 9.33% were suspected to be caused by macrocytosis, 6.33% by thyroid dysfunction, and 12.67% by uncertainty of the method. Among the patients with reduced HbA2, 21.48% were detected α thalassemia, 60.00% iron deficiency anemia, 8.15% were suspected to be caused by thyroid dysfunction, and 10.37% by uncertainty of the method. Among the patients with elevated F alone, the results of thalassemia gene detection were negative, 40.91% of them were suspected to be caused by macrocytosis, 27.27% by hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin, 29.55% by special physiological condition of pregnant women, and 2.27% by hyperthyroidism. Abnormal hemoglobin bands were detected in 7 patients, including 4 cases of hemoglobin D, 2 cases of hemoglobin E, and 1 case of hemoglobin J.@*CONCLUSION@#Thalassemia, iron deficiency anemia, macrocytosis such as megaloblastic anemia and non-severe aplastic anemia, thyroid dysfunction, hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin, abnormal hemoglobin diseases, the uncertainty of the method are all important causes of abnormal hemoglobin electrophoresis results. In clinical work, the patient's indicators should be comprehensively analyzed to determine the possible cause.

Effect of Bushen Chushi() decoction combined with platelet-rich plasma on regulating TGF-β1 and Smad-1 expression in serum of knee osteoarthritis patient / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of Bushen Chushi decoction combined with platelet-rich plasma(PRP) to treat knee osteoarthritis(KOA) in early and middle stage and its regulation on TGF-β1 and Smad-1 expression in serum.@*METHODS@#Total of 45 patients with KOA in early and middle stage from May 2020 to April 2022 were treated and divided into control group and observation group. In control group, there were 30 patients including 12 males and 18 females, aged from 43 to 69 years old with an average of(57.3±6.5) years old and disease duration ranged from 1.5 to 5.0 years with an average of(3.8±1.7) years, and there were 8 cases in gradeⅠ, 13 cases in gradeⅡ, and 9 cases in grade Ⅲ according to Kellgren-Lawrence Grade, PRP 5 ml was injected into knee joint on the first day of No1, 3 week together for 2 times. In the observation group, there were 15 cases including 7 males and 8 females, aged from 45 to 70 years old with an average of (56.7±6.2) years old and disease duration ranged from 1.8 to 5.7 years with an average of (4.0±1.8) years, there were 4 cases in gradeⅠ, 9 cases in gradeⅡand 4 cases in grade Ⅲ according to the Kellgren-Lawrence Grade, PRP 5 ml were injected into knee joints that the time and frequency were the same as those in the control group, and at the same time Bushen Chushi decoction orally were taken 1 dose per day with a total of 28 doses. All patients were treated for four weeks. Visual analogue scale(VAS) and Lequesne MG score before and after treatment were used to evaluate improvement of knee pain and joint function. The TGF-β1 and Smad-1 levels in serum were measured before and after treatment in two groups. The incidence of complications in two groups was observed.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up for 26 to 30 days with an average of (28.0±0.6) days. There was no significant difference in VAS and knee Lequesne MG scores between two groups before treatment(P>0.05). The scores of VAS and knee Lequesne MG on the first day after treatment in both groups were lower than those before treatment(P<0.05). The VAS and knee Lequesne MG scores in observation group were lower than those in control group(P<0.05) on the first day after treatment. The TGF-β1 level in serum after treatment were higher significantly than that before treatment in two groups(P<0.05). After treatment, TGF-β1 level in serum in observation group were lower than those in control group with statistically significant differences(P<0.05). The Smad-1 levels in serum after treatment in observation group were higher significantly than that in control group(P<0.05). The levels of Smad-1 were not statistically significant between before and after treatment(P>0.05). There was no significant difference in postopertaive complications between two groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The efficacy of Bushen Chushi decoction combined with PRP in treatment of early and middle KOA is better than that of PRP injection alone. The combined treatment could reduce TGF-β1 level and increase Smad-1 level in serum, which may be a mechanism to inhibit inflammation and alleviate cartilage degeneration to some extent.

Study on the value of prothrombin time for predicting the severity and prognosis of septic patients / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To explore the predictive efficacy of prothrombin time (PT) with regarding for the severity and prognosis of septic patients, along with comparing with other routine coagulation parameters.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted. The clinical data of 302 septic patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 1 to December 31 in 2019 were enrolled. Demographic and basic clinical data were collected. Laboratory data, including PT, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen (FIB), D-dimer, fibrin (fibrinogen) degradation product (FDP), antithrombin (AT), platelet count (PLT) at ICU admission were recorded, and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHEⅡ) score within 24 hours of admission to ICU were also collected. What's more, some major clinical events, such as septic shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), etc. during ICU stay were also monitored. A follow-up 28 days observation of prognosis was performed. The patients were divided into the septic shock group and the non-septic shock group according to the occurrence of septic shock, and they were divided into the survival group and the non-survival group according to the 28-day prognosis. The differences in terms of above parameters between each two groups were compared. Spearman correlation method was used to analyze the correlation between routine coagulation parameters and SOFA score or APACHEⅡ score. Receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was plotted to determine the predictive efficacy of each routine coagulation parameter with regarding to predict septic shock and 28-day mortality. Based on the cut-off value of PT, the septic patients were divided into two risk stratifications, and then the major clinical and end point outcome were compared. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis was applied to investigate the difference of the 28-day cumulated survival rate based on the different risk stratifications of PT level. Finally, multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to explore whether prolonged PT level was an independent risk factor for septic shock and 28-day mortality.Results:The 302 patients were all enrolled, including 120 patients with septic shock and 182 patients without. Seventy-five patients died within 28 days, while 227 survived. Comparing with the non-septic shock group or the survival group, the septic shock group or the non-survival group patients both had longer PT, APTT and TT, higher D-dimer, FDP and lower PLT, FIB and AT. Correlation analysis revealed that PT and PLT were better correlated with SOFA score ( r values were 0.503 and -0.524, both P < 0.01), and PT was better correlated with APACHEⅡ score ( r = 0.407, P < 0.01). ROC curve analysis showed that PT had the most powerful predictive efficacy for septic shock and 28-day mortality. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were 0.831 (0.783-0.879) and 0.739 (0.674-0.805), respectively. The cut-off value were 16.8 s and 16.3 s, respectively, with the sensitivity of 64.2%, 72.0% and the specificity of 89.0%, 70.9%, respectively. Risk stratification based on PT level revealed that the patients with PT > 16.5 s ( n = 103) had higher rate of 28-day mortality, incidence of septic shock and DIC, and score of SOFA and APACHEⅡ comparing to those with PT ≤ 16.5 s ( n = 199). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that the 28-day cumulative survival rate was significantly lower in the patients with PT > 16.5 s than those with PT ≤ 16.5 s (52.43% vs. 86.93%; Log-Rank test: χ 2 = 49.428, P < 0.001). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that PT > 16.5 s was an independent risk factor both for septic shock and 28-day mortality [model 1 (enrolled SOFA score): odds ratio ( OR) and 95% CI were 6.003 (3.040-11.855), 4.842 (2.114-11.089); model 2 (enrolled APACHEⅡ score): OR and 95% CI were 7.675 (4.007-14.702), 5.160 (2.258-11.793)]. Conclusions:Compared with other routine coagulation parameters, PT has the potential best predictive value for evaluating the severity of sepsis and the prognosis. When a patient is diagnosed with sepsis and has a result of PT longer than 16.5 s at ICU admission, the patient may have a higher risk of progression to septic shock and short-term death.

Analysis of laboratory parameters and death risk in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:To analyze the laboratory parameters and clinical characteristics of TTP patients, so as to provide reference for the timely diagnosis and death risk assessment or TTP.Methods:83 patients with TTP from June 2016 to March 2022 in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively. They were divided into survival and death groups. The differences in general information, clinical symptoms and laboratory parameters were compared between the two groups. The prognostic prediction score was constructed by combining parameters which differ between the two groups to calculate the corresponding mortality risk.Results:83 patients were included in the study, of whom 81.1% (60/74), 91.1% (72/79) and 86.2% (50/58) had increased AST, IBIL and cTnI results, and all (78/78) had higher LDH at admission. Hb was decreased in 97.5% (79/81) patients, and PLT of 97.5% (79/81) patients was less than 30×10 9/L. There were no significant differences in gender, age, blood type, presence of fever, ADAMTS-13 activity and PLASMIC score between the survival group (58 cases) and the death group (25 cases), but the proportion of neurologic symptoms in the death group was significantly higher than that in the survival group. AST, IBIL, cTnI and APTT at admission were significantly higher in the death group than in the survival group ( P<0.05). The risk of death was 4.86, 9.74, 3.71, and 5.33 for those with high AST, IBIL, APTT, and cTnI levels, respectively, compared with those with low levels at admission. At last, AST, IBIL, APTT, cTnI and neurological symptoms were included to construct a score model. For each 1 point increase, the risk of short-term death in TTP patients was 3.24. Conclusions:Multiple laboratory markers have high negative exclusion value for TTP. For TTP patients with high AST, IBIL, cTnI and APTT and neurologic symptoms, more attention and active treatment should be paid to reduce mortality.

Visual analysis of hot spots in foreign pre-oxygenation research based on citespace / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To visually analyze the general situation and development of pre-oxygenation research abroad, and provide a reference for further development of pre-oxygenation in China.Methods:Using the WOS core data set as the data source, CiteSpace V software was used to visually analyze the literature published from January 1, 2000 to November 29, 2019.Results:The number of papers has shown a rapid upward trend since 2013, the US has the most papers. Research hotspots mainly focus on tracheal intubation, intensive care unit, apnea oxidation, non-invasive ventilation and complications.Conclusion:The United States is in the leading position in the study of pre-oxygenation, and China is still in the initial stage in the study of pre-oxygenation. We should strengthen cooperation and exchange with developed countries such as Europe and America. The application of pre-oxygenation outside the operating room and the selection of pre oxygenation tools are the direction of further research.

Clinical characteristics of primary biliary cholangitis with thyroid disease / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical features of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) with thyroid disease (TD) and the association between TD and PBC.Methods:From 2005 to 2017, clinical data of PBC patients from the affiliated hospital of Qingdao university were retrospectively analyzed. All PBC patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether they have TD. The general conditionsand clinical manife-stations in the two groups were analyzed. T-test, nonparametric test, Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test-swere applied to compare datain subgroups. Results:A total of 148 PBC patients were involved in to our study, of which 45 cases (30.4%) had TD. PBC patients with TD showed a higher incidence of Sj?gren's synd- rome (SS) (33.3% vs 17.5%, χ2=4.545, P=0.033). Moreover, there was a higher positive rate of anti-SP100 and anti-SSB antibody in PBC patients with TD (20.0% vs 5.8%, χ2=5.440, P=0.020; 20.0% vs 2.9%, χ2=10.087, P=0.001) compared with patients without. PBC patients without TD presented a higher incidence of abdominal distension and jaundice (29.1% vs 11.1%, χ2=5.629, P=0.018; 23.3% vs 8.9%, χ2=4.241, P=0.039) compared to patients with TD. The ratio of patients with elevated total bilirubin (TBiL), direct bilirubin (DBiL), or increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was higher in PBC without TD group(40.8% vs 17.8%, χ2=7.405, P=0.007; 43.7% vs 17.8%, χ2=9.147, P=0.002; 69.9% vs 51.1%, χ2=4.811, P=0.028). Correspondingly, PBC patients without TD was associated with a higher probability of cirrhosis and portal hypertension (40.8% vs 22.2%, χ2=4.731, P=0.030; 25.2% vs 8.9%, χ2=5.183, P=0.023). Conclusion:TD has no effect on the natural history of PBC. PBC patients with TD are associated with a lower probability of liver fibrosis, portal hypertension and cholestasis symptoms but a higher incidence of SS when compared with PBC patients without TD. Multi-disciplinary approach should be implemented to the mag-nagement of PBC.

Analysis of beta-globin gene variants in Liuzhou area of Guangxi / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To determine the composition and distribution of beta-thalassemia-associated genotypes in Liuzhou area of Guangxi, China.@*METHODS@#From January to December 2017, 13 847 individuals who came for premarital examination, maternity examination or health check were recruited with informed consent. The subjects were analyzed by reverse dot blotting (RDB) for 17 common beta-thalassemia-associated variants among the Chinese population. Individuals with inconsistent results by blood test, electrophoresis, and RDB were subjected to Sanger sequencing to detect rare variants of the beta globin gene.@*RESULTS@#In total 2098 individuals were found to harbor beta-thalassemia-associated variants, which included 2075 heterozygotes (98.90%), 12 compound heterozygotes (0.57%) and 11 homozygotes (0.52%). CD41-42 (48.43%) and CD17 (31.45%) were the most common variants. Three hundred and thirty eight-individuals were found to also carry heterozygous variants of the alpha globin gene, with the most common types being --SEA/aa, -a3.7/aa, aCSa/aa, -a4.2/aa. Through Sanger sequencing, rare genotypes such as beta-32/betaN, betaCD41-42/betaIVS-II-5 and betaCD30/betaN were detected.@*CONCLUSION@#Liuzhou area has a high incidence of beta-thalassemia, but with a complex variant spectrum and clinical phenotypes different from other regions. Genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for the carrier population is crucial for the reduction of the related birth defects. Our result may provide valuable information for the prevention and control of beta-thalassemia in this area.

Effect of Zelen' s Guige Lingxian Decoction Combined with Moxibustion at Neck Jiaji Acupoint in Treatment of Cervical Spondylotic radiculopathy of Wind-cold-dampness Arthralgia Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To investigate the clinical efficacy and mechanism of Guige Lingxian decoction combined with moxibustion at neck Jiaji acupoint on cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) of wind-cold-dampness arthralgia syndrome. Method::Totally 120 cases of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy with wind-cold-dampness syndrome were randomly divided into two groups: traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) group and combination group, with 60 cases in each group. The TCM group was treated with Guige Lingxian Tang 150 mL/time, twice a day. The combination group was treated with moxibustion at neck Jiaji acupoint in addition to the therapy of the TCM group, 30 minutes/time, once a day. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks. CSR 20 subscale score, SF-36 scale score, typical symptoms and signs remission time were recorded. The total effective rate and the cure rate were recorded after treatment. Serum levels of leukotriene B4(LTB4), leukotriene C4(LTC4), leukotriene D4 (LTD4), chitinase protein 40 (YKL-40), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) before and after treatment. Result::The total effective rate was 98.11%(52/53), and the cure rate was 43.39%(23/53) in the combination group, which were higher than 91.04%(61/67) and 20.89%(14/67) in the TCM group (P<0.05). Compared with the TCM group, the scores of CSR 20 subscale and SF-36 scale in combination group were increased (P<0.05), and the remission time of typical symptoms and signs was shortened. Serum levels of LTB4, LTC4, LTD4, YKL-40, IL-1β and TNF-α were decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion::Moxibustion at neck Jiaji acupoint combined with Guige Lingxian decoction is effective in treating CSR of wind-cold-dampness arthralgia syndrome, which is worthy of clinical promotion. Its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the expression of LT, and the reduction of the content of IL-1β and TNF-α in serum, thus promoting the repair of cervical cartilage and increasing the pain threshold.

The rapid differential diagnostic value of the von Willebrand factor GPIb activity/antigen ratio for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the diagnostic value of the von Willebrand factor (vWF) GPIb activity to antigen ratio for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) at acute phase.Methods:A cohort of 93 patients with suspected TTP and admited to our hospitalfrom January 2018 to December 2019 were prospectively enrolled, we analyzed the levels of vWF: GPIb activity and vWF antigen at acute phase, the diagnosis of acquired TTP was defined as ADAMTS13 activity<10%.The PLASMIC score and final diagnosis of included patients were recorded.Results:Twenty-twopatients were diagnosed as TTP, the median (interquartile range) of ADAMTS13 activity were 1.0% (0-7.4%), other diagnoses included hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS, n=8), severe infection ( n=21), malignancy( n=3), connective tissue disease( n=8), et al. The vWF: GPIb activity, vWF antigen, and ratio of vWF: GPIb activity to antigen were all significantly lower in patients with TTP than in those without ( P<0.05). The ratio of vWF: GPIb activity to vWF antigen <0.75 could yield a sensitivityof 81.8% and a specificity of 95.2% respectively for TTP. In patients with PLASMIC score≥6, 88.9% patients with the ratio of vWF: GPIb activity to vWF antigen <0.75 were confirmed as TTP, and 15.4% patients with the ratio≥0.75 were confirmed as TTP. Conclusions:The ratio of vWF: GPIb activity to vWF antigen based on automaticassays might be useful for differential diagnosis and stratification of TTP at acute phase, especially when the ADAMTS13 assay is not available in time.

[Effects of directional planting on light environment and leaf photosynthesis of summer maize population]. / å®šå‘ç§æ¤å¯¹å¤çŽ‰ç±³ç¾¤ä½“å† å ‰çŽ¯å¢ƒåŠå¶ç‰‡å ‰åˆæ€§èƒ½çš„å½±å“.

To improve light environment, photosynthetic capacity, and thus the yield of maize, the effects of directional planting on light distribution in canopy and photosynthetic characteristics of ear leaves, as well as the performance of PSII that closely related with photosynthetic characteristics and reflected by the rapid chlorophyll fluorescence kinetic curves were examined in Zhengdan 958 maize variety. The results showed that the orientation of leaves remarkably affected photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) interception of ear leaves, with PAR interception of ear leaves in southward treatment being 271.8% higher than that under northward treatment. The orientation of leaves affec-ted photosynthetic light use efficiency of ear leaves under high and low light conditions. The southward treatment increased net photosynthetic rate (Pn) under saturated light in ear leaves, indicating that the use efficiency to high light was enhanced in leaves of southward treatment. In contrast, the northward treatment increased the apparent quantum yield (α) of ear leaves, indicating leaves in southward treatment adapted the light-limited environment. During the early stage after anthesis, the performance of PSII electron donor side and electron acceptor side was significantly improved, and thus enhanced the performance of PSII reaction center (PIABS) and fluorescence photochemical quenching coefficient (Ψo) in ear leaves of southward treatment. The increase of quantum yield of electron transfer (φEo) indicated the enhancement of transfer performance of electrons from photosystem 2 (PSII) to photosystem 1 (PSI) in leaves of southward treatment. The photosynthetic performance of ear leaves showed a trend of southward > eastward > westward > northward during the early stage after anthesis. Forty days after anthesis, the use efficiency to high light decreased in ear leaves of southward treatment, but the ear leaves of southward treatment showed high use efficiency to low light, which changed the trend of photosynthetic performance of ear leaves to northward > westward > eastward > southward. In summary, northward and eastward treatments improved the light distribution in canopy, the PAR interception of ear leaves, the capacity of photosynthesis and dry matter production, and consequently increased the yield of summer maize.

Research progress in correlation between early life exposure to environmental endocrine disruptor chemicals and allergic diseases in children / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs) are similar to steroid hormones in molecular structure, and may have steroid-like disrupting effects on the immune system and influence the risk of allergic diseases. For example, bisphenol A (BPA) and triclosan (TCS) are commonly EDCs existing in the environment, and both BPA and TCS are widely added to daily necessities and catering products. Animal experiments found that prenatal BPA exposure may be associated with higher risk of respiratory allergic diseases in offspring. It was also found by a few epidemiological studies that TCS exposure was associated with higher risks of eczema, and allergic disorders in respiratory system and digestive tracts in children. EDCs may increase cytokines and immunoglobulins levels by interrupting the function of helper T cells (Th1/Th2) so as to affect the immune system, which might be associated with allergic reactions. This review mainly focused on the correlation between EDCs (BPA and TCS) and childhood allergic diseases and the underlying mechanisms.

[Effects of ditch-buried organic matter and irrigation amount after anthesis on the photosynthetic characteristics and yield of maize.] / æœ‰æœºç‰©æ²ŸåŸ‹è¿˜ç”°æ¨¡å¼ä¸ŽèŠ±åŽçŒæ°´é‡å¯¹çŽ‰ç±³å ‰åˆç‰¹æ€§å’Œäº§é‡çš„å½±å“.

Managements of organic matter and irrigation after anthesis will increase the capacities of water conservation and supply in maize field, with consequences on photosynthetic performance and yield under water-saving condition. We analyzed the gas exchange parameters and the performance of the photosystem 2 of ear leaves, and yield of maize cultivars Zhengdan 958, under three modes of ditch-buried organic matter (no straw returned: M0, wheat straw returned: M1, mixtures of cow manure and wheat straw returned: M2) before seeding with two irrigation levels after anthesis (normal irrigation: W1, water-saving irrigation: W2). The results showed that M2 treatment significantly increased photosynthetic capacity and dry matter accumulation after anthesis compared with M1 treatment. Compared with water-saving irrigation, normal irrigation enhanced the photosynthesis of ear leaves. M2W1 treatment significantly increased net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conduc-tance (gs), transpiration rate (Tr), and performance of photosystem 2 (Φpo and ωo) of ear leaves after anthesis, while reduced intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci). In addition, M2W1 treatment significantly increased light utilization efficiency and maintained higher photosynthetic properties in ear leaves, and significantly increased dry matter accumulation and grain yield. Water-saving irrigation reduced photosynthetic performance of ear leaves, which declined the yield. But compared M2 with M0, water use efficiency, grain growth rate and yield increment under water-saving irrigation were higher than those under normal irrigation. Thus, mixtures of cow manure and wheat straw returned combined with normal irrigation could significantly increase photosynthetic properties of ear leaves and dry matter accumulation, which were the major reasons for yield enhancement. Importantly, the mixture of cow manure and wheat straw returned combined with water-saving irrigation could decrease the loss of crop yield resulted from lower irrigation.

Construction of human YPEL5 gene eukaryotic expression vector and its expression in esophageal carcinoma cells / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To construct human yippee-like 5(YPEL5) gene eukaryotic expression recombinant plasmid and to express in esophageal carcinoma EC9706 cells .Methods The cDNA from human normal tissue was taken as a template and amplified to YPEL5 gene coding sequence with 366 bp in length .Then this se-quence was inserted into the multiple cloning site areas of eukaryotic expression vector pCDH-CD513B for ob-taining the eukaryotic expression vector pCDH-CD513B-Flag-YPEL5 .After the bacterial colony PCR identifi-cation ,it was sent to the corporation for testing the sequence .The successfully constructed recombinant plas-mid was transfected into human esophageal carcinoma EC9706 cells .The expression of PEL5 gene in EC9706 cells was detected by QRT-PCR and Western Blot .Results The YPEL5 gene segment with 366 bp in length was successfully amplified .pCDH-CD513B-Flag-YPEL5 recombinant plasmid was obtained by double enzyme digestion ,connection ,conversion and screening .The gene sequencing identification showed that the inserted gene sequence in recombinant plasmid was consistent with that in the GenBank .After 2 d of transfecting into EC9706 cells ,the QRT-PCR and Western Blot revealed that YPEL5 gene expression was significantly up-reg-ulated .Conclusion The pCDH-CD513B-Flag-YPEL5 eukaryotic expression vector is successfully constructed and is expressed in esophageal squamous cancer cell line EC9706 ,thus which lays a foundation for studying its function in the progression of esophageal cancer .

Clinical value of preoperative nutritional support therapy in the hepatectomy of patients with nutritional risk: a prospective study / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical value of preoperative nutritional support (PNS) therapy in the hepatectomy of patients with nutritional risk.Methods The prospective study was conducted.The clinical data of 133 patients with nutritional risk who were admitted to the Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School from August 2012 to June 2016 were collected.All the patients undergoing PNS and traditional therapy were divided into the PNS group and the control group by random number table method,respectively.Observation indicators:(1) comparisons of laboratory indexes between groups;(2) comparisons of postoperative situations between groups;(3) comparisons of postoperative complications between groups.Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as-x±s.Comparisons between groups were evaluated with the independent-sample t test.Comparisons of count data were analyzed using the chi-square test,and repeated measures data were analyzed by the repeated measures ANOVA.Results All the 133 patients were screened for eligibility,including 68 in the PNS group and 65 in the control group.(1) Comparisons of laboratory indexes between groups:alanine transaminase (ALT),aspartate transaminase (AST),total bilirubin (TBil),cholinesterase,albumin (Alb),prealbumin,transferrin and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the PNS group were respectively (36± 13) U/L,(29± 10) U/L,(18.5±2.4) mmol/L,(5 738± 1 824) U/L,(37.4±5.1) g/L,(155±48) mg/L,(2.2±0.5)g/L,(10±4) g/L at admission and (33 ± 9) U/L,(27 ± 8) U/L,(17.9± 1.8) mmol/L,(5 796± 2 016) U/L,(38.5 ± 4.7) g/L,(181 ± 40) mg/L,(2.4± 0.5) g/L,(8± 4) g/L before operation and (285±100)U/L,(218±93)U/L,(33.5±6.3)mmol/L,(4 847±1 044)U/L,(32.6±3.8)g/L,(105±34)mg/L,(1.3±0.4) g/L,(55±28) g/L at 1 day postoperatively and (149±84) U/L,(76±42) U/L,(22.7±4.9) mmol/L,(3 866±893) U/L,(34.2±2.4) g/L,(125±30) mg/L,(1.6±0.4) g/L,(51±34) g/L at 3 days postoperatively and (64±33) U/L,(44±18) U/L,(19.4±2.8) mmol/L,(4 257± 1 032) U/L,(37.0±2.1) g/L,(148±42) mg/L,(1.9±0.4)g/L,(16±11)g/L at 7 days postoperatively;ALT,AST,TBil,cholinesterase,Alb,prealbumin,transferrin and CRP in the control group were respectively (36± 15)U/L,(31± 12)U/L,(18.3±2.9)mmol/L,(5 762±1 693)U/L,(37.3±6.1)g/L,(162±51)mg/L,(2.3±0.5)g/L,(10±4)g/L at admission and (36±11)U/L,(30±11)U/L,(18.2±2.8)mmol/L,(5 789±1 673)U/L,(37.8±7.1)g/L,(166±57) mg/L,(2.3±0.6) g/L,(9±5) g/L before operation and (305±127) U/L,(246± 104) U/L,(34.2±7.8) mmol/L,(4 842±1 173)U/L,(32.0±4.1) g/L,(83±32) mg/L,(1.2±0.4) g/L,(61 ±31) g/L at 1 day postoperatively and (163±104)U/L,(82±62)U/L,(23.1±6.0)mmol/L,(3 672±937) U/L,(33.8±3.6) g/L,(106±30)mg/L,(1.4±0.4)g/L,(61±40)g/L at 3 days postoperatively and (77±48) U/L,(52±27) U/L,(20.2±3.5) mmol/L,(3 925±987) U/L,(36.6±2.8) g/L,(125±40) mg/L,(1.7±0.4) g/L,(22± 12) g/L at 7 days postoperatively,showing no statistically significant difference in changing trends of above indicators between groups (F =1.007,2.223,0.579,0.014,0.235,3.533,2.970,2.143,P＞0.05).Results of further analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in the levels of ALT,AST and cholinesterase at 7 days postoperatively between groups (t=1.832,2.073,1.899,P＜0.05),and in the levels of prealbumin before operation and at 1,3 and 7 days postoperatively between groups (t =1.698,3.738,3.625,3.178,P＜0.05) and in the levels of transferrin and CRP at 3 and 7 days postoperatively between groups (t=2.917,2.709,1.667,2.990,P＜0.05).(2) Comparisons of postoperative situations between groups:time to initial exsufflation,time of initial defecation,infused volume of exogenous albumin and duration of postoperative hospital stay were respectively (46± 15)hours,(64±16)hours,(23±10)g,(9.2±2.6)days in the PNS group and (55±18)hours,(78±21)hours,(39±25)g,(11.7±5.3) days,with statistically significant differences in the above indicators between groups (t =2.830,4.157,5.044,3.497,P＜0.05).(3) Comparisons of postoperative complications between groups:23 and 33 patients in the PNS and control groups had postoperative complications,showing a statistically significant difference between groups (x2=3.915,P＜0.05).Eight and 17 patients in the PNS and control groups were respectively complicated with peritoneal effusion,with a statistically significant difference between groups (x2 =4.508,P＜ 0.05).Conclusion PNS therapy in the hepatectomy of patients with nutrition risk can effectively improve pre-and post-operative nutrition statuses,reduce liver damage,accelerate recoveries of liver and gastrointestinal functions,reduce complications,shorten duration of postoperative hospital stay and accelerate patients' recovery.

Urine sample collection methods for measuring urinary concentrations of phenolic endocrine disrupting chemicals and their comparison in pregnant women / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective · To compare urine sample collection methods for measuring urinary concentrations of phenolic endocrine disrupting chemicals including bisphenol A (BPA),triclosan (TCS),and 4-n-nonylphenol (4-n-NP) in pregnant women.Methods· Urine samples were collected from women at late pregnancy by two methods:urine catheter and collection bag (n=176),urine collecting containers made of polypropylene (PP) (n=642).Urinary concentrations of BPA,TCS and 4-n-NP were measured with high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS)method.Confirmation experiment used PP containers,urine catheter and collection bags,as well as low-density polyethylene (LDPE) tubes and glass containers as both negative controls to collect urine samples from each of the 5 women.Results · Geometric mean (GM) of urinary BPA concentration collected by urine catheter and collection bags was 82.5 ng/mL (95％ CI 71.4-95.4 ng/mL),which was 63 times higher than that from PP containers (GM 1.3 ng/mL;95％ CI 1.3-1.5 ng/mL).Concentrations of urinary 4-n-NP and creatinine were similar between two collection methods.Confirmation experiment showed that urinary BPA concentration collected by urine catheter and collection bags was much higher than those collected by other three methods.Conclusion· In collection of urine samples for measuring phenolic chemicals,PP urine collection container as well as LDPE containers are adequate for use in epidemiologic studies,but urine catheter and collection bag is not.

Efficacy of Baihe Xiaoyao powder in treatment of chronic hepatitis B with depression: a clinical analysis / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of Baihe Xiaoyao powder in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and depression, and to explore its mechanism of action from the perspectives of endocrine and immune function. MethodsA total of 120 patients with CHB who visited the Outpatient Department of Zhejiang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from September 2013 to February 2015 were enrolled, and according to the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) scores, they were divided into CHB-depression group (80 patients) and CHB group (40 patients). The levels of cortisol (Cor) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) and the proportion of natural killer (NK) cells were compared between the two groups. The 80 patients in the CHB-depression group were further divided into control group and treatment group, with 40 patients in each group. The patients in the control group were treated with entecavir for 12 weeks, and those in the treatment group were treated with entecavir and Baihe Xiaoyao powder for 12 weeks. The effects of Baihe Xiaoyao powder on liver function ［alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)］, hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, HAMD score, Cor, and immune function (IL-2 and NK cells) were observed in patients with CHB and depression. The t-test was used for comparison of continuous data, the chi-square test was used for categorical data, and correlation analysis was also performed. ResultsCompared with CHB patients without depression, those with depression had a significantly higher level of Cor, a significantly lower level of IL-2, and a significantly lower proportion of NK cells (P＜0.01), and Cor level was negatively correlated with IL-2 level (r=-0.786, P＜0.01) and the proportion of NK cells (r=-0.681, P＜0.01). After the treatment with Baihe Xiaoyao powder for 12 weeks, compared with the control group, the treatment group had significantly lower HAMD score and levels of Cor, ALT, and AST (P＜0.01) and significantly higher level of IL-2, proportion of NK cells, and HBV DNA clearance rate (P＜0.05). ConclusionThe CHB patients with depression have endocrine disorders, an increased serum level of Cor, a reduced level of IL-2, and a reduced proportion of NK cells. Baihe Xiaoyao powder can improve depressive emotion, reduce the level of Cor, improve the body's immune function and liver function, and increase HBV DNA clearance rate. A combination of Baihe Xiaoyao powder and antiviral therapy can improve the clinical outcome of CHB.

Identification of gene mutation and prenatal diagnosis in a family with X-linked ichthyosis / 中国当代儿科杂志

X-linked ichthyosis (XLI) is a metabolic disease with steroid sulfatase deficiency and often occurs at birth or shortly after birth. The encoding gene of steroid sulfatase, STS, is located on the short arm of the X chromosome, and STS deletion or mutation can lead to the development of this disease. This study collected the data on the clinical phenotype from a family, and the proband, a boy aged 11 years with full-term vaginal delivery, had dry and rough skin and black-brown scaly patches, mainly in the abdomen and extensor aspect of extremities. Peripheral blood samples were collected from each family member and DNA was extracted. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was used to measure the copy number of STS on the X chromosome. Whole-genome microarray was used to determine the size of the segment with microdeletion in the X chromosome. MLPA was then used for prenatal diagnosis for the mother of the proband. The results revealed that the proband and another two male patients had hemizygotes in STS deletion. Gene microarray identified a rare deletion with a size of 1.6 Mb at Xp22.31 (chrX: 6,516,735-8,131,442). Two female family members were found to be carriers. Prenatal diagnosis showed that the fetus carried by the proband's mother was a carrier of this microdeletion. This study showed STS gene deletion in this family of XLI, which causes the unique skin lesions of XLI. MLPA is a convenient and reliable technique for the molecular and prenatal diagnosis of XLI.