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An unexpected, divergent and efficient approach toward furanoid-bridged fullerene dimers C 120 O and C 120 O 2 was established under different solvent-free ball-milling conditions by simply using pristine C 60 as the starting material, water as the oxygen source and FeCl 3 as the mediator. The structures of C 120 O and C 120 O 2 were unambiguously established by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. A plausible reaction mechanism is proposed on the basis of control experiments. Furthermore, C 120 O 2 has been applied in organic solar cells as the third component and exhibits good performance., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Background: Laying hens undergo intensive metabolism and are vulnerable to cardiac insults. Previous research demonstrated overt heart disorders of broiler chickens induced by dietary Se deficiency., Objectives: This study aimed to reveal effects and mechanism of dietary Se insufficiency on cardiac injuries of egg-type chicks in their early life., Methods: White Leghorn chicks (0-d-old, female) were fed a corn-soy, Se-insufficient basal diet (BD, 0.05 mg Se/kg; n = 11) or the BD supplemented with 0.3 mg Se/kg (as sodium selenite; n = 8) for 35 d. Cardiac tissues were collected at the end of study for histology and to determine its relationship with heart Se contents, selenoprotein expression profiles, antioxidant and inflammatory status, and the Toll-like receptor 4/extracellular signal-regulated kinases/p38 map kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (TLR4/ERK/P38/JNK) pathway., Results: Compared with those fed 0.35 mg Se/kg, chicks fed BD had significantly lower body weights and average daily gain, and 28% lower heart Se, and developed cardiac mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration, along with elevated (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of creatine kinase, aldolase, and interleukin-1 (IL-1). The BD decreased (P < 0.05) body weight and heart glutathione contents and expression of selenoproteins but increased (P < 0.05) heart concentrations of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species. These changes were associated with increased (P < 0.05) mRNA and/or protein concentrations of cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenase-12, cytokines (IL-1β), nuclear factor (NF) κB subunit, chemokines, and receptors (CCL20, CXCR1, and CXCLI2) and increased (P < 0.1) TLR4/ERK /P38/JNK in the heart of Se-insufficient chicks., Conclusions: Dietary Se insufficiency induces infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells in the heart of egg-type chicks. This cardiac injury was mediated by decreased functional expressions of selenoproteins, which resulted in apparent elevated oxidative stress and subsequent activations of the TLR4 pathway and NF κB., (Copyright © 2024 American Society for Nutrition. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

An efficient palladium-catalyzed reaction of [60]fullerene with benzoic acids via carboxylic acid group-directed C-H bond activation is achieved. The obtained [60]fullerene-fused lactones can undergo a retro Baeyer-Villiger reaction to provide [60]fullerene-fused ketones via apparent reduction in the presence of triflic acid. A representative ketone product obtained by the reduction reaction can be employed as an overcoating layer for the electron-transporting layer in an n-type perovskite solar cell.

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have recently been demonstrated to be promising renewable harvesters because of their prominent photovoltaic power conversion efficiency (PCE), although their stability and efficiency still have not reached commercial criteria. Trouble-oriented analyses showcase that defect reduction among the grain boundaries and interfaces in the prepared perovskite polycrystalline films is a practical strategy, which has prompted researchers to develop functional molecules for interface passivation. Herein, the pyridine-based bifunctional molecule dimethylpyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate (DPDC) was employed as the interface between the electron-transport layer and perovskite layer, which achieved a champion PCE of 21.37% for an inverted MAPbI 3 -based PSC, which was greater than 18.64% for the control device. The mechanistic studies indicated that the significantly improved performance was mainly attributed to the remarkably enhanced fill factor with a value greater than 83%, which was primarily due to the nonradiative recombination suppression offered by the passivation effect of DPDC. Moreover, the promoted carrier mobility together with the enlarged crystal size contributed to a higher short-circuit current density. In addition, an increase in the open-circuit voltage was also observed in the DPDC-treated PSC, which benefited from the improved work function for reducing the energy loss during carrier transport. Furthermore, the DPDC-treated PSC showed substantially enhanced stability, with an over 80% retention rate of its initial PCE value over 300 h even at a 60% relative humidity level, which was attributed to the hydrophobic nature of the DPDC molecule and effective defect passivation. This work is expected not only to serve as an effective strategy for using a pyridine-based bifunctional molecule to passivate perovskite interfaces to enhance photovoltaic performance but also to shed light on the interface passivation mechanism.

Consumption of dietary fiber and anthocyanin has been linked to a lower incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study scrutinizes the potential antitumorigenic attributes of a black rice diet (BRD), abundantly rich in dietary fiber and anthocyanin. Our results demonstrate notable antitumorigenic effects in mice on BRD, indicated by a reduction in both the size and number of intestinal tumors and a consequent extension in life span, compared to control diet-fed counterparts. Furthermore, fecal transplants from BRD-fed mice to germ-free mice led to a decrease in colonic cell proliferation, coupled with maintained integrity of the intestinal barrier. The BRD was associated with significant shifts in gut microbiota composition, specifically an augmentation in probiotic strains Bacteroides uniformis and Lactobacillus . Noteworthy changes in gut metabolites were also documented, including the upregulation of indole-3-lactic acid and indole. These metabolites have been identified to stimulate the intestinal aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway, inhibiting CRC cell proliferation and colorectal tumorigenesis. In summary, these findings propose that a BRD may modulate the progression of intestinal tumors by fostering protective gut microbiota and metabolite profiles. The study accentuates the potential health advantages of whole-grain foods, emphasizing the potential utility of black rice in promoting health., Competing Interests: The authors have declared no competing interests., (© 2024 The Authors. iMeta published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of iMeta Science.)

[6,6]-Phenyl-C 61 -butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), a star molecule in the fullerene field, has found wide applications in materials science. Herein, electrosynthesis of buckyballs with fused-ring systems has been achieved through radical α-C-H functionalization of the side-chain ester for both PCBM and its analogue, [6,6]-phenyl-C 61 -propionic acid methyl ester (PCPM), in the presence of a trace amount of oxygen. Two classes of buckyballs with fused bi- and tricyclic carbocycles have been electrochemically synthesized. Furthermore, an unknown type of a bisfulleroid with two tethered [6,6]-open orifices can also be efficiently generated from PCPM. All three types of products have been confirmed by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. A representative intramolecularly annulated isomer of PCBM has been applied as an additive to inverted planar perovskite solar cells and boosted a significant enhancement of power conversion efficiency from 15.83% to 17.67%., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Objective: To investigate and analyze the allocation status of oral health resources in Yunnan Province at the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan, providing a scientific basis for the rational resource allocation and formulation regional oral health plan for government health administrative departments. Methods: With the method of general survey, a cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the allocation of material and human resources of all kinds of stomatological medical institutions registered in the health administrative departments in Yunnan before January 1, 2020. The general situation of oral health resources was analyzed by descriptive statistical analysis. Results: There were 2 712 stomatological medical institutions in Yunnan, 634 public and 2 078 non-public included. The largest number was in Kunming (1 167) and the least in Diqing (19). There were 9 018 dental chairs in total, among which 2 584 in public and 6 434 in non-public. Kunming had the largest number of chairs (3 612) and Nujiang had the least (57). There were 702 oral and maxillofacial surgical beds, all of which were distributed in public. There were 15 148 stomatological personnel, including 3 667 in public and 11 481 in non-public. The average ratio of stomatologist to population was 1∶6 615. Dehong (1∶6 620) was close to this average level, while Kunming (1∶2 283) and Yuxi (1∶4 936) were lower than the average and the other 13 states (cities) were higher. The population ratio of licensed stomatologist was only 1∶9 110. The average ratio of stomatologist to nurses was 1∶0.94. Honghe (1∶1.05), Kunming (1∶1.00), Yuxi (1∶1.18) and Qujing (1∶0.94) was better than or reached the average level, while the other 13 states (cities) were lower than this average. And this ratio in public comprehensive medical institutions was only 1∶0.38. Conclusions: The distribution of oral health resources in Yunnan was unbalanced between public and non-public institutions and among states (cities), mainly distributed in economically developed states (cities) and non-public institutions. For the oral health in Yunnan Province, the workforce was insufficient and the structure was unreasonable, and the proportion of nurses was seriously insufficient in public comprehensive medical institutions.

Men demonstrate higher incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) than women. This study aims to explain the potential causes of such sexual dimorphism in CRC from the perspective of sex-biased gut microbiota and metabolites. The results show that sexual dimorphism in colorectal tumorigenesis is observed in both Apc Min/ + mice and azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-treated mice with male mice have significantly larger and more tumors, accompanied by more impaired gut barrier function. Moreover, pseudo-germ mice receiving fecal samples from male mice or patients show more severe intestinal barrier damage and higher level of inflammation. A significant change in gut microbiota composition is found with increased pathogenic bacteria Akkermansia muciniphila and deplets probiotic Parabacteroides goldsteinii in both male mice and pseudo-germ mice receiving fecal sample from male mice. Sex-biased gut metabolites in pseudo-germ mice receiving fecal sample from CRC patients or CRC mice contribute to sex dimorphism in CRC tumorigenesis through glycerophospholipids metabolism pathway. Sexual dimorphism in tumorigenesis of CRC mouse models. In conclusion, the sex-biased gut microbiome and metabolites contribute to sexual dimorphism in CRC. Modulating sex-biased gut microbiota and metabolites could be a potential sex-targeting therapeutic strategy of CRC., (© 2023 The Authors. Advanced Science published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Simultaneous electrochemical ring contraction and expansion reactions remain unexplored to date. Herein, the reductive electrosynthesis of heterocycle-fused fulleroids from fullerotetrahydropyridazines and electrophiles in the presence of a trace amount of oxygen has been achieved with concurrent ring contraction and ring expansion. When trifluoroacetic acid and alkyl bromides are employed as electrophiles, heterocycle-fused fulleroids with a 1,1,2,6-configuration are regioselectively formed. In contrast, heterocycle-fused fulleroids with a 1,1,4,6-configuration are regioselectively produced as two separable stereoisomers if phthaloyl chloride is used as the electrophile. The reaction proceeds through multiple steps of electroreduction, heterocycle ring-opening, oxygen oxidation, heterocycle contraction, fullerene cage expansion, and nucleophilic addition. The structures of these fulleroids have been determined by spectroscopic data and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The observed high regioselectivities have been rationalized by theoretical calculations. Representative fulleroids have been applied in organic solar cells as the third component and exhibit good performance., (© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The visible-light-promoted C4-selective phosphorylation of unprefunctionalized pyridine and quinoline derivatives has been accomplished. This Minisci-type protocol provides highly regioselective access to C4-phosphorylation products with good functional group tolerance and moderate to good yields via cross-dehydrogenation coupling under mild conditions. Mechanistic studies have shown that the C4-phosphorylation products are obtained via a radical pathway.

Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

The electrosynthesis of decorated basket molecules, that is, [60]fullerene-fused 12-membered macrolactones, has been achieved efficiently for the first time by the electrochemical reduction of [60]fullerene-fused 6-membered lactones and subsequent ring expansion with 1,2-bis(1-bromoalkyl)benzenes. The observed isomeric distributions of the obtained macrolactones are elucidated by theoretical calculations. The product structures have been firmly established by single-crystal X-ray analyses.

The palladium-catalyzed three-component alkoxyarylation reaction of [60]fullerene with primary/secondary alcohols and aryl iodides generates a series of 1,4-(alkoxy)(aryl)[60]fullerene derivatives. Plausible reaction pathways for the formation of 1,4-(alkoxy)(aryl)[60]fullerenes are proposed. In addition, the electrochemical properties of the synthesized 1,4-alkoxyarylation adducts are investigated.

The conversion of the [60]fullerene-fused lactones to ketones with triflic anhydride as an unusual reductant under aerobic conditions has been achieved in excellent yields. The present thermal retro Baeyer-Villiger reaction from lactones to ketones has no precedents. In addition, the unique ring-opened peroxy [60]fullerene derivatives can be obtained by the electrochemical reactions of the synthesized [60]fullerene-fused ketones.

The unexpected Diels-Alder reaction of [60]fullerene (C 60 ) with ferrocenes bearing electron-withdrawing groups as cyclopentadiene surrogates has been developed to selectively afford single isomers of [2 + 4] cycloadducts of C 60 . Mechanistic studies indicate that cyclopentadienes are in situ generated from electron-deficient ferrocenes in the presence of an oxidant and an acid, followed by [2 + 4] cycloadditions with dienophiles. A Michael addition reaction using a Grignard reagent has been utilized to transform the Diels-Alder adducts of C 60 into more stable fullerene derivatives.

A facile copper-promoted decarboxylative annulation of [60]fullerene (C60) with two identical α-oxocarboxylic acids via an unprecedented cascade addition pathway has been exploited to synthesize the unique epoxy-bridged C60-fused lactones for the first time. Further transformations into the rare epoxy-bridged C60-fused hemiacetals and bicyclic-fused 1,2,3,4-adducts as well as application in a perovskite solar cell device of the obtained products have also been demonstrated. The structures of the epoxy-bridged C60-fused lactones and derived reductive products have been unequivocally established by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Plausible reaction mechanisms leading to the observed products are proposed.

A novel and efficient Cu(I)-catalyzed radical heteroannulation reaction of [60]fullerene (C 60 ) with α-bromo acetamides has been disclosed for the direct synthesis of diverse C 60 -fused lactams. Furthermore, the formed C 60 -fused lactams can be served as a versatile platform for further electrochemical functionalization to prepare 1,2-, 1,4-, 1,2,3,16-, and 1,4,9,25-adducts of C 60 . In addition, a representative fullerene product has been applied as an overcoating layer of the electron-transporting layer in n-type perovskite solar cell.

A series of cyclopentafullerenes have been synthesized in high stereoselectivity by the thermal reaction of [60]fullerene with aldehydes and secondary amines. Both α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and saturated aldehydes can be utilized to synthesize cyclopentafullerenes as the cis isomers. The possible reaction mechanisms for the formation of cyclopentafullerenes are proposed on the basis of the experimental results.

Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) exert various effects on adzuki bean yields. Our research was conducted in a semi-arid area, and four test sites were established in environments that have chernozem or sandy loam soils. During a five-year period, the effects of N, P, and K fertilizers on yield were comprehensively investigated in field trials (2014-2016) and for model-implementation trials (2017-2018), with models established prior to the latter. In the field trials, 23 treatments comprising different N, P, and K combinations significantly affected both yield and yield components, and regression analysis indicated that the experimental results were suitable for model establishment. The model subsequently demonstrated that the yield and the yield components were more sensitive to N and K fertilizer than to P fertilizer. Moreover, the yield and yield components increased. These yield increases were intense in response to the 0.5 to 1.34 levels in terms of the single effects; interaction effects; and the effects of combinations of N, P, and K fertilizers. Moreover, the effects of combinations of N, P, and K fertilizers were more significant on yield than were the single or interaction effects of N, P, and K fertilizers. The optimal fertilizer combination that resulted in high yields (≥1941.53 kg ha -1 ) comprised 57.23-68.43 kg ha -1 N, 36.04-47.32 kg ha -1 P 2 O 5 and 50.29-61.27 kg ha -1 K 2 O. The fertilizer combination that resulted in the maximum yield was 62.98 kg ha -1 N, 47.04 kg ha -1 P 2 O 5 and 59.95 kg ha -1 K 2 O (N:P 2 O 5 :K 2 O = 1:0.75:0.95), which produced the model-expected yield in trials at multiple sites. An economical fertilizer combination was determined on the basis of the best fertilizer measures in consideration of the cost of fertilizer and seed; this combination achieved yields of 2236.17 kg ha -1 , the profit was 15,653.16 Yuan ha -1 , and the corresponding rates were 57.60 kg ha -1 N, 47.03 kg ha -1 P 2 O 5 , and 31.64 kg ha -1 K 2 O (N:P 2 O 5 :K 2 O = 1:0.82:0.55).

Electrochemical benzylation of [60]fullerene-fused lactones with different motifs unexpectedly affords three types of ring-opened benzylated adducts under different conditions. Both [60]fullerene-fused δ- and γ-lactones can be benzylated to generate ring-opened mono- and bis-benzylated adducts in good yields. In addition, representative fullerene products have been applied as efficient electron-transport materials in perovskite solar cells.

A highly efficient electrochemical reduction of [60]fullerene-fused lactones to [60]fullerene-fused ketones, a formal process of retro Baeyer-Villiger reaction, has been achieved for the first time. The electrochemically generated dianionic [60]fullerene-fused lactones can be transformed into [60]fullerene-fused ketones in the presence of acetic acid in 85-91% yields. Control experiments have been performed to elucidate the reaction mechanism. The products have been characterized with spectroscopic data and single-crystal X-ray analysis. Moreover, the electrochemical properties have also been investigated.

Objective: As a common joint disease, osteoarthritis exhibits increasing trend in recent years. C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) is a kind of chemokine with the characteristic of recruiting inflammatory cells. Its function in osteoarthritis has not been clarified. This study aims to explore the role of CXCR3 in cartilage injury by affecting unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway., Patients and Methods: The sample was obtained from osteoarthritis patients to test CXCR3 expression by Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Chondrocyte apoptosis model was established in vitro induced by interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP). CXCR3 level was downregulated by using siRNA. Cell apoptosis was determined by using transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. UPR pathway related factors C/EBP homology protein (CHOP) and glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78) protein expressions were tested by using Western blot., Results: CXCR3 protein level significantly increased in osteoarthritis patients (2.66 ± 0.25 vs. 1.00 ± 0.05, p<0.05). CXCR3 siRNA significantly reduced nitrate level in chondrocytes induced by IL-β (35.22 ± 1.76 vs. 17.82 ± 0.89, p<0.05) without affecting cell apoptosis (1.13 ± 0.05 vs. 0.859 ± 0.04, p>0.05). CXCR3 siRNA markedly downregulated nitrate level in chondrocytes (50.63 ± 2.53 vs. 30.63 ± 1.63, p<0.05) and alleviated cell apoptosis induced by SNP (1.98 ± 0.10 vs. 1.25 ± 0.06, p<0.05). UPR pathway C/EBP homology protein (CHOP) and glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78) participated in the process of chondrocyte apoptosis., Conclusions: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signaling pathway CHOP and GRP78 are involved in CXCR3 receptor attenuating chondrocyte apoptosis induced by SNP.

Objective: To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of glutamine in treating radiation enteritis in cancer patients treated with radiotherapy., Methods: Electronic databases including Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane library, and CNKI were systematically searched, until April 2016. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) of glutamine in the treatment of radiation enteritis in cancer patients were searched, and RevMan 5.3 software was used for Meta-analysis., Results: A total of 13 RCTs were included, involving 979 patients. The results of meta-analysis showed that the total efficacy of glutamine was higher for patients with radiation enteritis compared with that in control group, however, there was no statistically significant difference(OR = 3.07, 95%CI: 0.79-11.96; P > 0.05). The combined ORs for all 5 grades(from grade 0 to grade 4) of radiation enteritis in patients receiving glutamine were 2.06, 1.35, 0.55, 0.62 and 0.59, respectively(P > 0.05 for all). Glutamine also failed to significantly improve the symptoms of radiation enteritis in terms of tenesmus, abdominal cramping and blood in bowel movement(P > 0.05)., Conclusions: Implementation of glutamine fails to improve the severity and symptoms in patients with radiation enteritis.

Objective: To explore 5-year survival rate, local recurrence and metastasis rate of limb salvage and amputation for patients with local Enneking II osteosarcoma by Meta-analysis., Methods: From January 1, 1970 to December 1, 2015, Subject term and keywords about limb salvage and amputation for local Enneking II osteosarcoma with pathological fracture were searched from Cochrane, PubMed, Ovid, Spinger Link, Embase, CNKI and WanFang database foundation. Literature confirm with inclusion criteria were choose and quality evaluation were performed. RevMan 5.0 software from Cochrane collaboration was used to perform Meta-analysis. Local recurrence, 5-year survival rate and odds ratio of transfer risk were compared between limb salvage and amputation group., Results: Ten literatures confirm with inclusion criteria were included, and total sample size was 453. There were 315 patients in limb salvage group and 138 patients in amputation group. Five-year survival rate in amputation group was lower than that of limb salvage group [OR=2.88, 95%CI(1.40, 5.93)], however metastasis rate in limb salvage was less than that of amputation group [OR=0.43, 95%CI(0.20, 0.94)];there were no significant differences in local recurrence between two groups [OR=1.47, 95%CI (0.73, 2.97)]. Functional rehabilitation in limb salvage group was better than that of amputation group by MSTS systematic review., Conclusions: Limb salvage as an alternative in treating local Enneking II osteosarcoma with pathological fracture does not greatly increase risk of local recurrence or 5-year overall survival rate compared with amputation group, and has a lower risk of metastatic occurrence., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) is a valuable molecular marker for the genetic identification of any species. This marker is mainly derived from molecular cloning of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). We have previously reported the use of an improved RAPD technique for the genetic characterization of different samples of Canarium album (Lour.) Raeusch (C. album). In this study, DNA fragments were amplified using improved RAPD amplified from different samples of C. album. The amplified DNA fragment was excised, purified from an agarose gel and cloned into a pGM-T vector; subsequently, a positive clone, called QG12-5 was identified by PCR amplification and enzymatic digestion and sequenced by Sanger di-deoxy sequencing method. This clone was revealed consisting of 510 nucleotides of C. album. The SCAR marker QG12-5 was developed using specifically designed PCR primers and optimized PCR conditions. This SCAR marker expressed seven continuous "TATG" [(TATG)n] tandem repeats, which was found to characterize C. album. Subsequently, this novel SCAR marker was deposited in GenBank with accession No. KT359568. Therefore, we successfully developed a C. album-specific SCAR marker for the identification and authentication of different C. album species in this study., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Objective: To search all studies that had been published in the world with regarding to the effectiveness of the extent of intralesional curettage and wide excision for recurrence rate and complications and comparative functional outcomes in patients with giant cell tumours (GCT) of the distal radius and analyze them which were in high quality by means of Meta analysis, in order to give some evidences for the choice of method dealing with giant cell tumors GCT in surgery., Methods: Cochrane central register of controlled trials(Issue 8 2014), PubMed(1970-01-01/2013-01-01), Ovid (1970-01-01/2013- 01-01), Elsevier (1970-01-01/2013-01-01), CNKI (1970-01-01/2013-01-01) were searched. Including intralesional curettage and wide excision were performed to treat giant cell tumors (GCTs) of the distal radius in the literatures, selecting on meet eligibility in the standard literatures underwent strict quality assessment. The Meta-analysis was performed with software RevMan5.0 from the Cochrane collaboration. Additionally, the analysis checked the heterogeneity of data. The effectiveness of the extent of intralesional curettage and wide excision for recurrence rate and complication in patients with giant cell tumours of the distal radius were evaluated and Odds Ratio was calculated., Results: Seven relevant articles were identified involving total 163 cases. Among them, 92 cases were intralesional curettage (PMMA, n = 54; bone graft, n = 33; no PMMA or bone grafts, n = 5) and 71 cases were wide excision. The patients in the intralesional curettage group had a higher recurrence rate [OR = 3.87, 95% CI (1.42, 10.53)],especially for Campanacci grade 3 GCTs [OR = 10.12, 95% CI (1.57, 65.27)], yet fewer major complications [OR = 0.13, 95% CI (0.04, 0.40)] than the wide excision group. The use of PMMA versus bone graft did not affect the recur- rence rate [OR = 0.96, 95% CI (0.26, 3.56)]. By selecting the system evaluation of MSTS, the VAS and dynamometer, the result showed that the intralesional curettage group was equivalent or preferable to wide excision in terms of function rehabilitation., Conclusion: Based on data obtained from the limited number of studies available, intralesional curettage appears to be moreappropriate for the treatment of local lesions (Grade 1 and 2) than Grade 3 GCTs of the distal radius. Moreover, PMMA was not additionally effective as an adjuvant, the intralesional curettage group was found to be equivalent or preferable to wide excision in terms of function rehabilitation.

Background: To determine the effect of Salvia przewalskii extract (SPE) from total phenolic acids on puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN)-induced rat podocyte injury., Methods: The rats were divided into groups that were treated with either PAN only or PAN followed by tacrolimus or SPE. We evaluated the effects of SPE on podocyte injury 5, 10, 15 and 21 days following treatment., Results: (1) Proteinuria was observed starting on day 5 in all groups. The peak levels of proteinuria differed among the groups with tacrolimus and high-dose SPE, which significantly decreased proteinuria relative to the PAN and low- and medium-dose SPE groups. The proteinuria in each group decreased by day 15 and returned to a normal level by day 21. (2) H&E and PAS staining revealed no abnormality in glomerular morphology. With electron microscopy, we observed foot process effacement in the rats of all groups starting on day 5, but rats in the tacrolimus and high-dose SPE groups exhibited a lower degree. (3) IHC staining of nephrin and podocin revealed unaffected expression and better linear distributions in the high-dose SPE and tacrolimus groups. Western blot analysis confirmed that SPE could improve the expression of proteins. (4) The mRNA levels of nephrin and podocin in the tacrolimus and high-dose SPE groups were significantly higher than that in the others., Conclusion: In our study, we first demonstrated the ability of SPE to reduce proteinuria, preserve the morphology and structure of podocytes and retain the levels of slit diaphragm proteins on PAN-induced rat podocytes injury., (© 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Objective: An antimicrobial endophytic actinomycete strain was isolated from the root of Macleaya cordata, and its phylogenetic position was also investigated., Methods: Endophytic actinomycetes were isolated from the root of Macleaya cordata growing in Dabie Mountain by tablet coating method. Antimicrobial activities of endophytic actinomycetes were determined by the agar block method,and then a potential strain was identified by morphology, biochemical characterization and molecular methods., Results: A total of 15 strains of endophytic actinomycetes were isolated from the samples, six of them had antimicrobial activity to the test strains which accounts for 40% of all strains. Among the six strains,the strain BL7 was found to produce antibiotic substances which showed significant inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis,with a formed inhibition zone of 29 mm and 20 mm respectively. Based on the morphology, biochemical characterization and 16S rDNA sequence analysis,the strain BL7 was preliminary identified as Streptomyces mobaraensis., Conclusion: Some members of Streptomyces genus have a very wide application prospect in medicine. This is the first report that Streptomyces mobaraensis strain was isolated from Macleaya cordata, and this study provides basis for the further exploration of the strain.

Hunan locates in the south-central part of China, to the south of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River and south of Lake Dongting. According to the historical records, the peopling of Hunan by modern human ancestors can ascend to 40 thousand years ago. Thus, to trace the ancient maternal components can offer further insight into the origin of south-central China. In this study, we investigated the mitochondrial DNA of 114 individuals from Hunan Province (including 34 Han, 40 Tujia and 40 Miao). Hypervariable regions I and II of the mtDNA control region were sequenced, and the relative diagnostic variations in coding region according to the updated worldwide phylogeny tree were selected and typed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis or direct sequencing. All individuals were classified into specific (sub)haplogroups. By comparison with the surrounding populations, southern China-prevalent haplogroups were detected with relative higher frequency in the Tujia and Miao ethnic populations, such as haplogroup B, with more than 20%, lacking in the Han population, which illustrated its southern origin characters. In addition, we also detected northern of East Asia prevalent haplogroups with a relative higher frequency in Tujia populations than in the Miao and Yao ethnic groups, implying a gene flow from Han populations. However, the language-clustering tendency was supported by our principal component analysis and further genetic estimation results. Han and ethnic groups in central China exhibited specific ancestors related to their closer language affinity, although there was extensively genetic admixture between Han and ethnic groups.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of short-course kidney-invigorating therapy on near-term semen quality in asthenozoospermic men with kidney deficiency., Methods: Based on the differential types in traditional Chinese medicine, 121 asthenozoospermia patients received at our clinic of andrology were divided into groups A (kidney-yin deficiency), B (kidney-yang deficiency) and C (spleen and kidney deficiency), and treated with Yougui Decoction plus Wuziyanzong Pills, Jinkuishenqi Pills plus Wuziyanzong Pills, and Shizi Decoction plus Liujunzi Decoction, respectively, all given once daily for 4 weeks. Sperm parameters of the patients were analyzed with the computer-assisted sperm analysis system before and after treatment and compared among the three groups., Results: The baseline sperm concentrations in groups A, B and C ([70.4 +/- 38.6], [73.5 +/- 40.2] and [56.0 +/-34.4] x 10(6)/ml) showed no significant differences from those after medication ([74.4 +/- 32.6], [67.0 +/- 30.8] and [58.6 +/- 24.6] x 10(6)/ml) (P > 0.05). The percentages of grade a sperm in the three groups were (12.9 +/- 5.3)%, (13.7 +/- 7.7)% and (12.9 +/- 6.4)% respectively after treatment, significantly higher than (9.9 +/- 6.7)%, (9.3 +/- 5.4)% and (9.0 +/- 6.8)% before treatment (P < 0.05), and so were the percentages of grade a + b sperm ([37.4 +/- 10.2 ]%, [35.7 +/- 13.7]% and [35.9 +/- 12.3]% after treatment versus [29.6 +/- 13.2]%, [27.5 +/- 10.4]% and [28.3 +/- 12.1]% before treatment, P < 0.05). All the three groups showed significantly increased sperm motility after treatment ([53.8 +/- 10.5]%, [52.6 +/- 15.2]% and [51.1 +/- 13.1]%) as compared with the baseline levels ([44.3 +/- 14.0]%, [43.5 +/- 15.0]% and [42.4 +/- 14.9]%) (P < 0.05). The cure rate and total effectiveness rate were significantly higher in group B than in A (P < 0.05), but had no significant differences between either A and C or B and C (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: Short-course kidney-invigorating therapy can significantly improve near-term semen quality in asthenozoospermic men with kidney asthenia, especially in those with kidney-yang deficiency, and it has no obvious adverse effects.

Objective: To explore the treatment strategies and clinical effect of the acetabular malunion with traumatic arthritis by total hip arthroplasty., Methodology: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 47 cases of acetabular malunion with traumatic arthritis from June 2000 to December 2009. All the patients underwent total hip arthroplasty with bone grafting or titanium cage for bone defect of the acetabulum. Harris hip scoring system was used for evaluating the functional recovery of the hip joint., Results: Thirty three cases had an average of 47 months follow-up. No prosthesis was loosened and the function of hip joint was improved obviously with the Harris hip scores improving from 43.5 to 87.6. However, there were one case of sciatic nerve injury and four cases of heterotopic ossification postoperatively., Conclusion: Total hip arthroplasty might be an effective treatment of acetabular malunion with traumatic arthritis. Proper evaluation and reasonable reconstruction of acetabular defect as well as reasonable selection of prosthesis are essential to obtain an excellent outcome.

Objective: To understand the epidemic trend of schistosomiasis in Sichuan Province so as to provide the evidence for formulating schistosomiasis control strategy., Methods: According to the National Schistosomiasis Surveillance Protocol, the national surveillance sites in Sichuan Province were selected. The schistosomiasis surveillance was carried out continuously from 2005 to 2010., Results: Nine national schistosomiasis surveillance sites were established in Pujiang, Guanghan, Zhongjiang, Fucheng, Dongpo, Danling, Renshou, Xichang and Dechang counties. The Oncomelania hupensis snail area decreased from 351 853 m2 in 2005 to 128 285 m2 in 2010, the snail density from 0.70 to 0.21 per 0.1 m2, the snail infection rate from 0.06% to 0, the positive rate of human serum schistosome antibody from 19.41% to 7.62%, the schistosome infection rate of human population from 1.93% to 0.10%, and the infection rate of livestock from 4.50% to 1.02%. The snails were found mainly in ditch, rice field and other moist field., Conclusions: Though the endemic of schistosomiasis has reached a low level in Sichuan Province, the endemic situation fluctuates at a narrow range in some surveillance sites. Therefore, the surveillance work should be carried out continuously.

Aims: The present study investigated whether transplantation of bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (BM-EPCs) in renal capillary network improves renal interstitial fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model in mice., Main Methods: Ex vivo generated, characterized, and cultivated mice BM-EPCs were identified by their vasculogenic properties in vitro. BM-EPCs were labelled with carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFDA-SE) before transplantation. The animal models of UUO were used. Histological changes in renal tubular interstitium were observed with HE and Masson staining. The protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were analyzed by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) was detected by immunohistochemistry. Peritubular capillary (PTC) density was determined by CD31 immunostaining., Key Findings: Transplanted BM-EPCs were successfully incorporated into the capillary network in the obstructed kidney in vivo. UUO induced a significant decrease in VEGF levels and PTC density in the kidney tissue, which was accompanied by a significant increase in HIF-1alpha, CTGF and TGF-beta1. Transplantation of BM-EPCs increased PTC density, VEGF expression and alleviated the development of renal interstitial fibrosis in UUO mice. No significant pathological changes were found in control mice., Significance: The reduction of PTC density and up-regulation of HIF-1alpha are the important mechanisms of interstitial fibrosis in UUO mice. BM-EPCs transplantation may increase the number of capillary density and alleviate the development of renal fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy in mice.

Objective: To make clear the relationship between the X chromosome abnormality and sydromic deafness through genetic analysis of a pedigree with X-linked syndromic deafness., Methods: The chromosome number and structure of the family members were analyzed by the standard and high resolution banding with Giemsa, and fluorescent in situ hybridization. The allelic number of the DNA segment in X chromosome was studied with genetic markers., Results: The 2 probands, their mothers and grandmother with normal phenotype all had X(p22-pter) duplication. The whole X chromosome of both the proband III-3 and his mother could be stained with X chromosome staining probe. The proband III-3 had 2 copies of DXS7108., Conclusion: The abnormal X chromosome occurring in this pedigree of X-linked syndromic deafness derives from partial Xp duplication, which will guide further research to identify the breakpoint of this abnormal chromosome.

Objective: To study the current situation and the cause of schistosomiasis resurgence in order to provide reference for formulation of control strategy., Methods: Data in 1999 - 2003 and baseline data in some areas were collected and analyzed retrospectively., Results: Resurgence was seen in 6.15% (16/260) of the areas and one farm where transmission of schistosomiasis had been interrupted and 33.33% (21/64) of the areas already under control. Snails appeared to have been rebounded only in six counties (farm) while in thirty two counties that rebound was seen in both snails and disease prevalence. Tendency of increase in the total numbers of patients, acute patients and cattle with schistosomiasis, areas with snails were seen from 1999 to 2003., Conclusions: Environmental, ecological, societal factors such as flood, acequia, lack of expenditure and lack of incentives at work etc. contributed to the resurgence of epidemics in those areas that criteria had been reached. Surveillance and supervision on the sources of infection and snail diffusion, especially in the areas where the transmission of schistosomiasis had already been under control.

Down's syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal abnormality in live born infants. The cloning and characterization of genes on HC21 are necessary steps for the understanding of the molecular basis of Down's syndrome. To search for new Down's syndrome related genes, we have used bioinformatics analysis and rapid amplification of cDNA ends to identify an alternatively splicing cDNA of human PKNOX1 in Down's syndrome critical region on the long arm of human chromosome 21. The alternatively splicing full length cDNA of human PKNOX1, named PKNOX1B, is 2 793 bp in length and encodes a 405 amino acid protein. Bioinformatical studies show PKNOX1B gene spans over 58 kb on chromosome 21q22.3 and contains 11 exons and 10 introns. The predicted molecule weight of PKNOX1B is 44.628 kDa, and the deduced iso-electric point is 6.28. Compared with PKNOX1 gene, PKNOX1B is 30 aa shorter at the C terminus than PKNOX1 owing to alternative splice between (10th exon and 11th exon) last two exons. PKNOX1B posses a same homeobox-domain as PKNOX1, so the isoform of PKNOX1 may be involved in the genetic control of development like other members of homeobox-containing gene family. RT-PCR results showed that PKNOX1B is expressed in all examined tissues except in marrow tissue. By Northern blot, PKNOX1 has three transcripts in adult testis, one about 5 kb, second about 2.9 kb, and third about 2 kb. The two larger transcript is expressed in all examined tissues, but the smallest transcript is only expressed actively in adult testis, so that it may play potential roles in spermatogenesis.

Rice (Oriza sativa L.) suspension cells of Taipei 309 were co-cultivated with A. tumefaciens stran EHA101 harbouring binary vector pBYT2 for 3 days in the presence of vir inducer, 100 mumol/L acetosyringone (AS). After 2 months of continuous selection, 17 stable hygromycin-resistant, GUS-positive calli were recovered from 364 suspension cell clusters co-cultivated with A. tumefaciens. 10 putative transgenic R0 plants obtained from 8 tansformed calli and their progenies were analyzed for the integration and expression of foreign genes. Southern blot analysis of R0 and R1 generations indicated that foreign genes had been stably integrated in the genome of transgenic rice and sexually transmitted. One of the transgenic lines showed 5 copies of T-DNA integration, while the others had only one copy. Histochemical staining observation and fluorometric assay of GUS activity in transgenic rice cells and plants showed ubiquitin promoter from maize was highly effective in driving the expression of gus reporter gene in transgenic rice cells. GUS protein and its activity were also investigated through ndPAGE-X-Gluc staining assay, and it was found that the GUS protein in transgenic rice cells was smaller in size than the standard GUS protein (Sigma Co. G0786) but as large as that from E.coli HB101 (pBI121). This study suggested that Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of plant is an efficient and reliable method to introduce foreign genes into rice.