[Risk factors of hidden blood loss in percutaneous vertebral augmentation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the risk factors of hidden blood loss in osteoporosis vertebral compression fractures during percutaneous vertebral augmentation. METHODS: From October 2018 to December 2019, 360 patients with osteoporosis vertebral compression fractures who received percutaneous vertebral augmentation were enrolled in this study. The factors analyzed included gender, age, surgical methods, disease course, height, weight, the operative segment, bone mineral density, amount of bone cement, operative time, percentage of height loss, percentage of vertebral height restoration, cement leakage, blood clotting function, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit and other internal diseases. Total blood loss was calculated by Gross's formula, influential factors of the hidden blood loss were further analyzed by t-test, multivariate linear regression and one-way ANOVA analysis. RESULTS: Surgical methods, the operative segment, disease course, cement leakage, preoperative hemoglobin, cement leakage via the basivertebral and segmental vein were significantly correlated with hidden blood loss(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with percutaneous kyphoplasty, two-level and multi-level surgery, the course of the disease beyond 6 weeks, cement leakage via the basivertebral and segmental vein, and lower preoperative hemoglobin had more perioperative hidden blood loss.

Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for Sagittaria trifolia var. sinensis (Alismataceae).

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Microsatellite markers were developed for the aquatic plant Sagittaria trifolia var. sinensis to assess its genetic diversity and population structure. Cross-species transferability was assayed in eight congeneric species. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventeen microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized in Sagittaria trifolia var. sinensis using Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequence COntaining Repeats (FIASCO) protocol. Across the evaluated populations, 14 of the markers showed polymorphisms with 3 to 11 alleles per locus; the observed and expected heterozygosity (H(o) and H(E)) ranged from 0.0000 to 0.6364 and from 0.0000 to 0.8386, respectively. Nine of the loci were successfully amplified in the congeneric species. CONCLUSIONS: These markers will be useful for further investigation of population genetics in Sagittaria trifolia var. sinensis and related research in Sagittaria species.

Biocontrol mechanism of Myxococcus fulvus B25-I-3 against Phytophthora infestans and its control efficiency on potato late blight.

Phytophthora infestans is the pathogen of potato late blight, which is one of the most serious diseases of the potato. Myxobacteria, especially Myxococcus, become a valuable biological control resource due to their preponderant abilities to produce various secondary metabolites with novel structure and remarkable biological activity. In a previous study, Myxococcus fulvus B25-I-3 with antagonistic activity against P. infestans was isolated from an environmental sample by rabbit fecal induction method. The biocontrol mechanism of M. fulvus B25-I-3 against P. infestans and its control efficiency on potato late blight were studied. The results showed that the active substances produced by strain B25-I-3 had strong inhibitory effect on the asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction of P. infestans. In addition, the active substances could reduce the content of soluble proteins and the activity of the protective enzymes (polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, superoxide dismutase) in P. infestans and increase the oxidative damage and permeability of cell membrane. And the active substances could inhibit the infection of the detached potato leaves by P. infestans significantly. In conclusion, M. fulvus B25-I-3 can produce active substances against P. infestans and has potential value to develop into biological pesticides for the control of potato late blight. The completion of this work may provide basic data for the isolation and identification of active substances and the development of pesticides against potato late blight.

Complete plastid genome sequence of Halimodendron halodendron (Leguminosae).

Halimodendron halodendron (Pall.) Voss. is a deciduous shrub belonging to the genus Halimodendron, Leguminosae, and is mainly distributed in dry areas. This species can be used for saline-alkali soil improvement and sand fixation. The complete plastid genome of H. halodendron first reported here is 129,342 bp in length, and contains 110 genes, including 76 protein coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. A total of 105 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified in the chloroplast genome. This information will be useful for study on the evolution and genetic diversity of Halimodendron halodendron in the future.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Oxytropis glabra (Leguminosae).

Oxytropis glabra DC. is a perennial poisonous plant to livestock belonging to the genus Oxytropis, Leguminosae, mainly distributed in Northwestern China. As a poisonous grass, this species protects plant diversity in degraded grasslands by sheltering adjacent plants. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome with a total size of 122,094 bp was reported. Our annotations showed that the chloroplast genome contains 109 genes, including 76 protein-coding genes, 29 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. This work presents complete chloroplast genome information, which will be valuable for studying the evolution and genetic diversity of O. glabra.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Peganum harmala (Zygophyllaceae).

Peganum harmala L. is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family of Zygophyllaceae, and is grows in semi-arid climates, such as Xinjiang, Gansu, Ningxia, Qinghai, and Inner Mongolia in China, and also Middle East and North Africa. This species is of high medicinal value. The complete chloroplast genome was reported in this study. The chloroplast genome with a total size of 159,957 bp consists of two inverted repeats (IR, 26,550 bp) separated by a large single-copy region (LSC, 88,098 bp) and a small single-copy region (SSC, 18,759 bp). Further annotation revealed the chloroplast genome contains 113 genes, including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. A total of 90 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified in the chloroplast genome. This information will be useful for study on the evolution and genetic diversity of Peganum harmala in the future.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Thermopsis turkestanica Gand. (Leguminosae).

Thermopsis turkestanica Gand. is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Thermopsis, Leguminosae, and is mainly distributed in dry areas. Most of the species in this genus have high medicinal value. The complete chloroplast genome was reported in this study. The chloroplast genome with a total size of 149,551 bp consists of two inverted repeats (IRs, 24,159 bp) separated by a large single-copy region (LSC, 83,692 bp) and a small single-copy region (SSC, 17,541 bp). Further annotation revealed the chloroplast genome contains 110 genes, including 77 protein coding genes, 29 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. This information will be useful for study on the evolution and genetic diversity of Thermopsis turkestanica in the future.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Populus euphratica from PacBio Sequel platform.

Populus euphratica Oliv., one of tall arbors growing in desert areas, has great stress resistance. The complete chloroplast genome was reported in this study using the PacBio Sequel Platform. The chloroplast genome with a total size of 157,881 bp consisted of two inverted repeats (IRs) (27,666 bp) separated by a large single-copy region (85,906 bp) and a small single-copy region (16,643 bp). Further annotation revealed the chloroplast genome contains 111 genes, including 77 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. The information of the chloroplast genome will be useful for study on the evolution of P. euphratica in the future.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Sphaerophysa salsula (Leguminosae).

Sphaerophysa salsula (Pall.) DC. is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Sphaerophysa, Galegeae, Leguminosae, and is mainly distributed in dry areas in Central Asia and Northwest China. The complete chloroplast genome with a total size of 123,300 bp was reported in this study. Further annotation revealed the chloroplast genome contains 109 genes, including 76 protein coding genes, 29 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. A total of 107 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) from mononucleotide to hexa-nucleotide repeat motif were identified in the chloroplast genome. This information will be useful for study on the evolution and genetic diversity of Sphaerophysa salsula in the future.

The complete chloroplast genome of Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. (Leguminosae).

Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Alhagi, Leguminosae. This species is of high nutritional, medicinal and ecological values. The complete chloroplast genome was 128,418 bp and lost an IR (inverted repeat) region. Further annotation revealed the chloroplast genome contains 108 genes, including 75 protein coding genes, 29 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. A total of 103 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified in the chloroplast genome. This chloroplast genome resource will be useful for study on the evolution and genetic diversity of A. sparsifolia in the future.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Chrysosplenium macrophyllum and Chrysosplenium flagelliferum (Saxifragaceae).

The complete chloroplast genome of Chrysosplenium macrophyllum Oliv. and Chrysosplenium flagelliferum Fr. Schmidt. were reported in this study. The chloroplast genomes were 152,837 bp for C. macrophyllum and 151,679 bp for C. flagelliferum. LSC and SSC of 83,584 bp and 17,265 bp were separated by two IRs of 25,994 bp each in C. macrophyllum. While C. flagelliferum contained IRs of 25,973 bp, LSC of 82,772 bp and SSC of 16,961 bp, for a total 151,679 bp length. The chloroplast genome of Chrysosplenium macrophyllum contains 130 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes (78 PCG species), 8 ribosomal RNA genes (4 rRNA species), 37 transfer RNA genes (30 tRNA species). And the chloroplast genome of Chrysosplenium flagelliferum contains 130 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes (78 PCG species), 8 ribosomal RNA genes (4 rRNA species), 37 transfer RNA genes (30 tRNA species).

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Populus pruinosa Schrenk from PacBio Sequel II Platform.

Populus pruinosa Schrenk plays an important role on ecological services in desert areas. The complete chloroplast genome was reported in this study using the PacBio Sequel II Platform. The chloroplast genome with a total size of 157,856 bp consists of two inverted repeats (IR, 27,673 bp) separated by a large single-copy region (LSC, 85,867 bp) and a small single-copy region (SSC, 16,645 bp). Further annotation revealed the chloroplast genome contains 111 genes, including 78 protein-coding genes, 29 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. A total of 151 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified in the chloroplast genome. This information will be useful for study on the evolution and genetic diversity of P. pruinosa in the future.

[Inhibiting effects of interleukin-10 on expression of E-selectin and L-selectin in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion: experiment with rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the inhibiting effects of interleukin-10 (IL-10) on the expression of E-selectin and L-selectin in cerebral ischemia-reperfusions. METHODS: Seventy-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 equal groups, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) group undergoing middle cerebral artery occlusion with Longa's thread method, IL-10 group undergoing lateral ventricle injection of IL-10 after the establishment of I/R model, Vehicle group undergoing lateral ventricle injection of normal saline after the establishment of I/R model, and sham operation (Sham) group. Twenty-four hours later the rats were killed with their brains taken out. Immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of E-selectin and L-selectin. RESULTS: The E-selectin and L-selectin expression levels of the I/R group were significantly up-regulated compared with the Sham group (both P < 0.05). The numbers of E-selectin and L-selectin positive vessels of the IL-10 group were 18.8 +/- 1.9/10 HP fields and 15.8 + 2.4/10 HP fields respectively, both significantly less than those of the vehicle group (24.7 +/- 2.4/10 HP fields and 20.9 + 3.3/10 HP fields respectively, both P < 0.05). The E-selectin and L-selectin gene mRNA expression levels of the IL-10 group were (0.431 +/- 0.029) and (0.318 +/- 0.048) respectively, both significantly lower than those of the Vehicle group [(0.497 +/- 0.019) and (0.433 +/- 0.087) respectively, both P < 0.05]. The E-selectin and L-selectin protein expression levels of the IL-10 group were (0.349 +/- 0.037) and (0.296 +/- 0.035) respectively, both significantly lower than those of the Vehicle group [(0.421 +/- 0.043,) and (0.348 +/- 0.044) respectively, both P < 0.05]. CONCLUSIONS: IL-10 suppresses the expression of E-selectin and L-selectin in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Chrysosplenium sinicum and Chrysosplenium lanuginosum (Saxifragaceae).

The complete chloroplast genome of Chrysosplenium sinicum Maxim and Chrysosplenium lanuginosum Hook. f. et Thoms. were reported in this study. The chloroplast genomes were 152,524 bp and 151,512 bp for C. sinicum and C. lanuginosum, respectively. LSC and SSC of 83,330 bp and 18,018 bp were separated by two IRs of 25,588 bp each in C. sinicum. While C. lanuginosum contained IRs of 25,985 bp, LSC of 82,250 bp and SSC of 17,292 bp, for a total 151,512 bp length. The chloroplast genomes both contained 117 genes, including 82 protein-coding genes, 31 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Carthamus tinctorius L. from PacBio Sequel Platform.

Carthamus tinctorius L, also known as safflower, is an important oil crop planted worldwide. The complete chloroplast (cp) genome was reported in this study using the PacBio Sequel Platform. The cp genome with a total size of 152,963 bp consisted of two inverted repeats (25,128 bp) separated by a large single-copy region (84,124 bp) and a small single-copy region (18,583 bp). Further annotation revealed the cp genome contains 112 genes, including 79 protein-coding genes, 29 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. The information of the cp genome will be useful for investigation of evolution and molecular breeding of safflower in the future.

[Association of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels with heart rate variability in diabetic patients].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with diabetes. METHODS: HRV and NT-proBNP levels were assessed in 58 patients with diabetes.The time domain and frequency domain indices and the level of NT-proBNP were compared between patients with normal and abnormal HRV, and the correlation of HRV index and NT-proBNP was analyzed. RESULTS: The NT-proBNP level was significantly higher in patients with abnormal HRV than in those with normal HRV (320.2±88.3 vs 80.4±25.2 pg/ml, P<0.01).The level of NT-proBNP was negatively correlated with SDNN (r=-0.55, P<0.05), triangle index (r=-0.52, P<0.05), LF (r=-0.62, P<0.01), and VLF (r=-0.56, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: NT-proBNP level is correlated with HRV, and an increased NT-proBNP indicates cardiac autonomic neuropathy in diabetic patients.

[Biomass- and energy allocation in Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus tereticornis plantations at different stand ages].

An investigation was made on the biomass- and energy allocation in 1-4-year-old Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus tereticornis plantations at Beipo Forest Farm of Suixi County in Guangdong Province. Stand age had significant effects on the retained biomass of the plantations (P < 0.01). The biomass was in the range of 10.61-147.28 t x hm(-2). Both the total biomass and the biomass of above- and belowground components increased with increasing stand age. The proportions of leaf-, branch- and bark biomass to total biomass decreased with year, while that of stem biomass was in reverse. The biomass allocation of the components in 1- and 2-year-old plantations decreased in order of stem > branch > bark > root > leaf, and that in 3- and 4 -year-old plantations was in order of stem > root > branch > bark > leaf. The mean ash content (AC) of the five components at different stand ages ranged from 0.47% to 5.91%, being the highest in bark and the lowest in stem. The mean gross caloric value (GCV) and ash free caloric value (AFCV) of different components ranged from 17.33 to 20. 60 kJ x g(-1) and from 18.42 to 21.59 kJ x g(-1) respectively. Of all the components, leaf had the highest GVC and AFCV, while bark had the lowest ones. Stand age had significant effects on the GVC of branch, stem, and bark, and on the AFCV of leaf, stem, and bark (P < 0.05), but the effects on the GVC of leaf and root, the AFCV of branch and root, and the GVC and AFCV of individual trees were not significant (P > 0.05). The retained energy of 1-4-year-old plantations ranged from 199.98 to 2837.20 GJ x hm(-2), with significant differences among the stand ages (P < 0.01). The retained energy of various components and plantations increased with stand age, and the energy allocation of various components had the same trend as biomass allocation.

[Evaluation of Amberlite XAD-1600 resin-based purification of the bioactive components from Radix Paeoniae Alba and Rhizoma Curcumae Longae extracts by pharmacodynamic and toxicological models].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pharmacodynamics and toxicicity of the major bioactive components extracted and purified from Radix Paeoniae Alba and Rhizoma Curcumae Longae using Amberlite XAD-1600 resin. METHODS: Amberlite XAD-1600 was used to purify the bioactive components from the crude 75% ethanol extracts of the two herbs. The pharmacodynamic and toxic effects of the crude extracts and extract purified using XAD-1600 resin were comparatively examined with two acute inflammatory models, two pain models and acute toxicity test in vivo. RESULTS: The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the purified extract were significant stronger with lower toxicity than those of the crude ethanol extract. CONCLUSION: Amberlite XAD-1600 resin allows efficient extraction and purification of the bioactive components from the two herbs.

[The effect of interleukin-10 on neurocyte apoptosis in cerebral ischemia in rats].

AIM: To investigate the effect of interleukin-10 on neurocyte apoptosis in cerebral ischemia in rats. METHODS: 36 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups: sham operation group, middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO) group and MCAO+interleukin-10 treatment group. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotinylated UTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to detect in situ cell apoptosis, immunohistochemical staining and RT-PCR were used to detect the expression of proapoptotic gene Fas, Fas ligand (FasL) and caspase-3 in peri-infarct, respectively. RESULTS: Cerebral ischemia significantly induced neurocyte apoptosis and upregulated the expression of Fas, FasL and caspase-3, repcetively (P<0.05). IL-10 treatment significantly inhibited neurocyte apoptosis, and suppressed the expression of proapoptotic gene FasL and caspase-3, repcetively (P<0.05), but had no obvious effect on Fas expression (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: IL-10 can suppress neurocyte apoptosis in cerebral ischemia, whose mechanisms seemed related to inhibiting the expression of proapoptotic gene FasL and caspase-3.

Immunophenotypes, apoptosis, and expression of Fas and Bcl-2 from peripheral blood lymphocytes in patients with secondary early syphilis.

OBJECTIVES: Whether syphilis influences lymphocyte apoptosis has not been reported so far. GOAL: The goals of this study were to determine whether syphilis influences lymphocyte apoptosis and to investigate the molecular mechanism of apoptosis. STUDY DESIGN: Peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) immunophenotypes, apoptosis, and expression of Fas (CD95) and Bcl-2 were detected by flow cytometry in 33 patients with secondary early syphilis and 30 healthy subjects. RESULTS: Compared with the control subjects, the percentage of CD4 T cells and the ratio of CD4:CD8 were significantly decreased, and that of CD8 T cells and the apoptotic rates of PBLs and CD4 T cells were obviously increased in syphilitic patients. Fas overexpression and Bcl-2 downexpression in the syphilitic group were observed in PBLs and CD4 cells but not in CD8 and CD19 cells. CONCLUSIONS: The increased apoptosis of PBLs and CD4 T cells by Fas-mediated death pathway and downexpression of Bcl-2 protein could account for immune dysfunction in secondary early syphilis, which is responsible for the incomplete clearance of Treponema pallidum from the lesions and the chronic infection.