[Effectiveness of medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy combined with posterior slope angle of tibial plateau correction in treatment of osteoarthritis of limited flexion knee with varus deformity]

Objective

To explore the short-term effectiveness of medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) combined with posterior slope angle of tibial plateau correction to treat the osteoarthritis of limited flexion knee with varus deformity.

Methods

The data of 18 cases (18 knee) with osteoarthritis of limited flexion knee with varus deformity between January 2014 and July 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 6 males and 12 females with an average age of 54.9 years (range, 48-64 years). There were 8 cases of left knee and 10 cases of right knee. The varus of knee ranged from 7.45 to 15.52° (mean, 10.63°). According to Kellgren-Lawrence grading standard, there were 4 cases of grade Ⅱ and 14 of grade Ⅲ. OWHTO was used to adjust the varus deformity, and the posterior slope angle of tibial plateau was adjusted to solve the limited flexion.

Results

The thickness of osteotomy was 10-19 mm (mean, 14.91 mm). The operation time was 1.2-2.0 hours (mean, 1.4 hours). All incisions healed by first intension. All patients were followed up 1.0-2.5 years, with an average of 1.5 years. At last follow-up, the range of knee flexion and Lysholm score, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score were significantly higher than preoperative ones, showing significant differences ( P<0.05). X-ray films showed that the osteotomy healed at 3- 7 months (mean, 3.6 months) after operation. At last follow-up, the limb alignment by the relative position of tibial plateau and the posterior slope angle of tibial plateau were significantly improved, showing significant differences when compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.05).

Conclusion

The OWHTO combined with posterior slope angle of tibial plateau correction can significantly improve the range of flexion and functional score in short-term.

Changes in Brain Lateralization in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease: A Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Study from Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative

Purpose

To detect changes in brain lateralization in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Materials and methods

Data from 61 well-matched right-handed subjects were obtained from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, including 19 healthy controls (HCs), 25 patients with MCI, and 17 patients with AD. First, we divided 256 pairs of seed regions from each hemisphere covering the entire cerebral gray matter. Then, we used the intrinsic laterality index (iLI) approach to quantify the functional laterality using fMRI. One-way ANOVA was employed to estimate the differences in iLI among the three groups. The sum, number and mean value of the iLI were calculated within the thresholds of 0 < |iLI| < 0.2, 0.2 ≤ |iLI| < 0.4, 0.4 ≤ |iLI| < 0.8, and |iLI| ≥ 0.8, to explore the changes in the lateralization of resting-state brain function in patients with MCI and AD.

Results

One-way ANOVA revealed that the iLIs of the three groups were significantly different. The HCs showed a significant leftward interhemispheric difference within |iLI| ≥ 0.8. Compared with the HCs, the patients with MCI manifested a distinct abnormal rightward interhemispheric asymmetry, mainly within the thresholds of 0.2 ≤ |iLI| < 0.4 and 0.4 ≤ |iLI| < 0.8; in the patients with AD, the normal leftward lateralization that was observed in the HCs disappeared, and an abnormal rightward laterality was expressed within 0.4 ≤ |iLI| < 0.8. By directly comparing the patients with MCI with the patients with AD, an exclusive abnormal rightward laterality was observed in the patients with MCI within the 0.2 ≤ |iLI| < 0.4 threshold, and the normal leftward asymmetry vanished in the patients with AD within the |iLI| ≥ 0.8 threshold.

Conclusion

Global brain lateralization was different among three groups. The abnormal rightward dominance observed in the patients with MCI and AD may indicate that these patients use additional brain resources to compensate for the loss of cognitive function, and the observed disappearance of the leftward laterality in the patients with AD was likely associated with the damage in the left hemisphere. The observed disappearance of the rightward asymmetry in the patients with AD using the 0.2 ≤ |iLI| < 0.4 threshold was likely a sign of decompensation. Our study provides new insights that may improve our understanding of MCI and AD.

Comparison of cadmium absorption, translocation, subcellular distribution and chemical forms between two radish cultivars (Raphanus sativus L.)

Cadmium (Cd) absorption and accumulation vary greatly not only among plant species but also among cultivars within the same species. In order to better understand the mechanisms of Cd absorption, transportation and distribution, we examined the differences of Cd absorption, translocation, subcellular distribution and chemical forms between L19, a Cd-tolerant genotype, and H4, a Cd-sensitive genotype, using kinetic analysis and soil culture experiment. Kinetic assays showed that the different Cd concentrations between the two cultivars might be ascribed to root absorption and translocation from root to shoot. The investigations of subcellular distribution and chemical forms verified that Cd concentrations of all subcellular fractions in H4 were all higher than in L19. Meanwhile, most of the Cd was associated with cell walls in the root of H4, but the Cd in the root of L19 and leaf of the two cultivars was mainly stored in soluble fraction, which could be one possible mechanism of tolerance to Cd toxicity. In addition, Cd fractions extracted by 1M NaCl and 2% HAC were predominant in root and leaf of both cultivars and the concentrations and proportions extracted by water and 80% ethanol in root and 1M NaCl in leaf were all higher in H4 than in L19. These results indicate that the Cd in H4 is more active than L19, which could be responsible for the sensitivity of H4 to Cd damage.

[Effect of menopausal status on onset of impaired fasting glucose and type 2 diabetes mellitus]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between menopausal status at different FPG levels and the risk of new onset of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Female subjects were selected from the females who joined in the epidemiological survey between May and September in 2009 in six counties of Guanlin Village and Xushe Village in Yixing City in Jiangsu Province by cluster sampling method. Subjects with diabetes at baseline or pre-menopause with age above 65 years old or surgical menopause were excluded. Finally there were 2 084 eligible subjects included in this study. According to FPG at baseline, subjects were categorized into two groups as normal FPG group (FPG<5.6 mmol/L) and IFG group (5.6≤FPG≤6.9 mmol/L). Follow-up study was conducted from May in 2014 to January in 2016. Cox regression model was used to investigate the association between menopausal factors and IFG and T2DM among groups based on FPG. Results: The average age of subjects at baseline was 58.08 (51.74-65.82) years old, and the number of post-menopausal women was 1 631 (78.3%). The number of subjects in normal FPG group was 1 569 (75.3%), and in IFG group was 515 (24.7%). There were 104 subjects with new onset T2DM among which 34 subjects from normal FPG group and 70 subjects from IFG group. And there were 199 subjects with new onset IFG in normal FPG group. Among subjects with normal FPG, the incidence density of IFG in post-menopausal women (2 752/100 000 person-years) was statistically higher than that in premenopausal women (1 670/100 000 person-years) (P<0.001). After age and BMI adjusted, post-menopausal women had a higher risk of having IFG in normal FPG subjects with hazard ratio (HR) at 2.60 (P<0.001). Among subjects with normal FPG, the risk of new onset IFG decreased in post-menopausal women with menopause age increasing after age and BMI adjusted, with HR at 0.96 (P=0.046). No statistical association was found between menopausal factors and risk of T2DM either in the overall subjects or in the subgroups(P>0.05). Conclusion: Menopause can increase the risk of IFG incidence in subjects with normal FPG. The incidence of IFG decreases with the menopause age increasing.

Effects of tungsten on uptake, transport and subcellular distribution of molybdenum in oilseed rape at two different molybdenum levels

Due to the similarities of molybdenum (Mo) with tungsten (W) in the physical structure and chemical properties, studies involving the two elements have mainly examined their competitive relationships. The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of equimolar W on Mo accumulation, transport and subcellular distribution in oilseed rape at two Mo levels with four treatments: Mo₁ (1μmol/L Mo, Low Mo), Mo₁+W₁ (1μmol/L Mo+1μmol/LW, Low Mo with Low W), Mo₂₀₀ (200μmol/L Mo, High Mo) and Mo₂₀₀+W₂₀₀ (200μmol/L Mo+200μmol/L Mo, High Mo with high W). The fresh weight and root growth were inhibited by equimolar W at both low and high Mo levels. The Mo concentration and accumulation in root was increased by equimolar W at the low Mo level, but that in the root and shoot was decreased at the high Mo level. Additionally, equimolar W increased the Mo concentrations of xylem and phloem sap at low Mo level, but decreased that of xylem and increased that of phloem sap at the high Mo level. Furthermore, equimolar W decreased the expression of BnMOT1 in roots and leaves at the low Mo level, and only decreased its expression in leaves at the high Mo level. The expression of BnMOT2 was also decreased in root for equimolar W compared with the low Mo level, but increased compared with high Mo level. Moreover, equimolar W increased the proportion of Mo in cell wall fraction in root and that of soluble fraction in leaves when compared with the low Mo level. The results suggest that cell wall and soluble fractions might be responsible for the adaptation of oilseed rape to W stress.

The Effects of Cadmium Exposure on Cadmium Fractionation and Enzyme Activities in the Rhizosphere of Two Radish Cultivars (Raphanus sativus L.)

The effects of increasing Cd additions on plant growth and Cd fractionation and enzyme activities in rhizosphere soil of two radish cultivars were investigated. The results showed that Cd concentrations in shoot and root of cultivar 4 were both higher than for cultivar 19 under different Cd levels. Compared with cultivar 19, the total, shoot and root biomasses of cultivar 4 were significantly reduced with increasing Cd levels. A decrease in soil pH was observed for cultivar 4. The exchangeable Cd concentration of soil from cultivar 4 was significantly higher than for soil from cultivar 19, while the carbonate-bound Cd concentration of soil from cultivar 4 was significantly lower than for cultivar 19. Enzyme activities, especially acid phosphatase activity, were more susceptible to Cd in soil from cultivar 4. These results indicated that cultivar 19 exhibits a stronger ability to adapt to Cd stress than cultivar 4.

The response of ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms to trace metals and urine in two grassland soils in New Zealand

An incubation experiment was conducted to investigate the response of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA), and the nitrification rate to the contamination of Cu, Zn, and Cd in two New Zealand grassland soils. The soils spiked with different concentrations of Cu (20 and 50 mg kg^-1), Zn (20 and 50 mg kg^-1), and Cd (2 and 10 mg kg^-1) were incubated for 14 days and then treated with 500 mg kg^-1 urine-N before continuing incubation for a total of 115 days. Soils were sampled at intervals throughout the incubation. The nitrification rate in soils at each sampling period was determined, and the abundance of AOB and AOA was measured by real-time quantification polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay of the amoA gene copy numbers. The results revealed that moderate trace metal stress did not significantly affect the abundance of AOB and AOA in the two soils, probably due to the high organic matter content of the soils which would have reduced the toxic effect of the metals. Nitrification rates were much greater and the observable nitrification period was much shorter in the dairy farm (DF) soil, in which the AOB and AOA abundances were greater than those of the mixed cropping farm (MF) soil. AOB were shown to grow under high nitrogen conditions, whereas AOA were shown to grow under low N environments, with different metal concentrations. Therefore, nitrogen status rather than metal applications was the main determining factor for AOB and AOA growth in the two soils studied.

[Rheumatoid arthritis involving tibialis posterior tendon: study on the early diagnostic value of power Doppler ultrasonography and comparison with surgery]

Objective: To explore the value of power Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS) in the early diagnosis of tibialis posterior tendon injury induced by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Method: From January 2014 to December 2015, a total of 48 cases (60 feet) of RA tendinopathy group were selected as the research subjects from Guanghua Hospital; 12 cases(20 feet) of non-RA tendinopathy group and 10 cases (20 feet) of healthy volunteers were selected as control group.The blood flow signals of pannus were observed by PDUS to determine whether the tendon was injured or the degree of the injury. The following indexes were compared and analyzed by Chi-square testing: (1)positive rate of blood flow signal; (2)grade of blood flow signal; (3)spatial distribution of blood flow signal: diffusibility or local. Results: Of 70 cases(100 feet) in the study, the positive blood flow signals were only in the RA(88.3%) and non-RA group(40.0%) .Grade Ⅲ in RA was 20.0%, while this was not observed in non-RA . Grade Ⅱ in RA and non-RA was 36.7% and 10.0% , respectively. There were significant differences in the positive rate and grades between RA and non-RA group (P<0.01). The spatial distribution of blood flow signal in RA was significantly different from that in non-RA. In RA, they can be detected in the whole tendon.However, they were mainly distributed around the scaphoid in non-RA. In this study, three patients with grade Ⅲwere treated with surgery. The intraoperative findings were consistent with the preoperative ultrasound results. Conclusions: PDUS can be used to detect the neovascular formation of tendon synovitis. It can detect the early tendon injury before the appearance of foot deformity induced by RA, which can guide clinical early intervention treatment and prevent the occurrence of deformity and other serious consequences.

[Influencing factors of orthostatism brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and ankle brachial index in the elderly]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the distribution and influencing factors of orthostatism brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity(baPWV) and ankle brachial index(ABI) in the elderly.

METHODS

Participants were selected with random sampling from ≥60 years old retired workers, who underwent 2010 to 2011 health check-up in the Tangshan Kailuan Hospital, Kailuan Linxi Hospital, Kailuan Zhaogezhuang Hospital. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of orthostatism and supine baPWV and ABI in the elderly.

RESULTS

(1) A total of 2 464 participants were included, and 1 601 participants (1 065 males(66.5%) and (67.5±6.1) years old) with integral data were analyzed. Orthostatism baPWV was (3 885.4±1 503.5)cm/s and Supine baPWV was (1 761.2±371.4)cm/s.Orthostatism ABI was 1.54±0.21 and supine ABI was 1.10±0.12. Orthostatism baPWV increased with increasing age, while orthostatism ABI decreased with aging(trend test, both P<0.01)in <65, 65-69, 70-74, and ≥75 years old participants.(2) Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the age(β=0.19, P<0.01), lower limbs orthostatism systolic blood pressure(β=0.18, P<0.01), lower limbs supine systolic blood pressure (β=0.14, P<0.01), orthostatism heart rate (β=0.30, P<0.01), supine heart rate (β=0.23, P<0.01), body mass index (β=-0.18, P<0.01) were associated with orthostatism baPWV, and female(β=-0.055, P=0.01), upper limb orthostatism systolic blood pressure (β=-0.834, P<0.01), lower limbs orthostatism systolic blood pressure (β=0.708, P<0.01), lower limbs supine systolic blood pressure (β=0.099, P<0.01) and fasting blood glucose(β=-0.085, P<0.01) were associated with orthostatism ABI.

CONCLUSIONS

Orthostatism baPWV and ABI were significantly higher than those of supine's. Age, lower limbs orthostatism and supine systolic blood pressure, orthostatism and supine heart rate, body mass index were associated with orthostatism baPWV. Female, upper limb orthostatism systolic blood pressure, lower limbs orthostatism, supine systolic blood pressure and fasting blood glucose were associated with orthostatism ABI in the elderly.

Highly enantioselective construction of carbazole derivatives via [4+2] cycloaddition of silyloxyvinylindoles and β,γ-unsaturated α-ketoesters

A highly enantioselective [4+2] cycloaddition between silyloxyvinylindoles and β,γ-unsaturated α-ketoesters was realized by an avaliable chiral N,N′-dioxide/yttrium triflate complex.

Calcium and SOL Protease Mediate Temperature Resetting of Circadian Clocks

Circadian clocks integrate light and temperature input to remain synchronized with the day/night cycle. Although light input to the clock is well studied, the molecular mechanisms by which circadian clocks respond to temperature remain poorly understood. We found that temperature phase shifts Drosophila circadian clocks through degradation of the pacemaker protein TIM. This degradation is mechanistically distinct from photic CRY-dependent TIM degradation. Thermal TIM degradation is triggered by cytosolic calcium increase and CALMODULIN binding to TIM and is mediated by the atypical calpain protease SOL. This thermal input pathway and CRY-dependent light input thus converge on TIM, providing a molecular mechanism for the integration of circadian light and temperature inputs. Mammals use body temperature cycles to keep peripheral clocks synchronized with their brain pacemaker. Interestingly, downregulating the mammalian SOL homolog SOLH blocks thermal mPER2 degradation and phase shifts. Thus, we propose that circadian thermosensation in insects and mammals share common principles.

Antioxidant enzyme systems and the ascorbate-glutathione cycle as contributing factors to cadmium accumulation and tolerance in two oilseed rape cultivars (Brassica napus L.) under moderate cadmium stress

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) with high tolerance to cadmium (Cd) may be used in the phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated fields. However, the mechanisms responsible for Cd accumulation and tolerance in oilseed rape are still poorly understood. Here, we investigated the physiological and molecular processes involved in Cd tolerance of two oilseed rape cultivars with different Cd accumulation abilities. The total Cd accumulation in cultivar L351 was higher than cultivar L338, particularly with increasing concentrations of Cd exposure. L338 was a more pronounced Cd-sensitive cultivar than L351, while higher activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, APX, GR, DHAR) as well as higher contents of GSH and AsA were all observed in L351 under Cd treatments, especially at high levels. No differences were found in SOD activities between the two cultivars under the same Cd treatments, suggesting that SOD was not the key factor in relation to the differences of Cd tolerance and accumulation between them. Gene expression levels of BnFe-SOD, BnCAT, BnAPX, BcGR and BoDHAR in roots of L351 were relatively higher than that in L338 under Cd exposure as well as BnCAT and BcGR in leaves. It is concluded that antioxidant enzymes and the ascorbate-glutathione cycle play important roles in oilseed rape Cd accumulation and tolerance.

Effect of montelukast on the expression of interleukin-18, telomerase reverse transcriptase, and Bcl-2 in the brain tissue of neonatal rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of montelukast on the expression of interleukin (IL)-18, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), and Bcl-2 in the brain tissue of neonatal rats with hypox-ic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD). To establish the model of HIBD, 8% oxygen was applied to rats after the unilateral carotid artery was ligated. Twenty rats were randomly assigned to the control group, while another 40 were used to establish the HIBD model and were randomly divided equally into model group and treatment group. A 0.1 mg/kg dose of montelukast or an equal volume of saline was intraperitoneally injected to the rats in the treatment group and the model group, respectively. Brain tissue from 4 rats in each group was sampled at 0, 6, 12, 24, and 72 h after brain damage, and immunohistochemistry was used to measure IL-18, TERT and Bcl-2 expressions. IL-18, TERT, and Bcl-2 levels increased after 12 h in both the model group and treatment group, peaked after 48 h, and then decreased. Although not statistically significant, IL-18, TERT, and Bcl-2 expressions after 24, 48, and 96 h were all lower in the treatment group than those in the model group. In conclusion, montelukast has a protective effect on the cerebral tissue of neonatal rats with HIBD, and may mediate an increase of TERT and Bcl-2 levels but not of IL-18. Further study is required to elucidate the mechanism of the protective effect of montelukast on HIBD.

[Effects of selenite addition on selenium absorption, root morphology and physiological characteristics of rape seedlings]

Abstract: The rape (Brassica napus L. cv. Xiangnongyou 571) was chosen as the experimental material to undergo solution cultivation at seedling stage to investigate the effects of selenite addition on the selenium (Se) absorption and distribution, root morphology and physiological characteristics of rape seedlings. The results showed that the bioaccumulation ability of Se decreased significantly with increasing the Se application rate, but the Se distribution coefficient remained around 0.9 with no significant influence. The application of 10 µmol . L-1 selenite stimulated the growth of rape seedlings through improving the root physiological characteristics and root morphology significantly, including significantly increasing the production of superoxide radical (O2∙-) rate and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and fungal catalase (CAT) in the root system, which resulted in a reduction of the lipids peroxidation (MDA) content as much as 26.0%, consequently increasing the root activity as much as 17.4%. The promoting degrees of selenite on root morphological parameters were from strong to weak in such a tendency: root volume > total surface area > number of root forks > total root length > number of root tips > average diameter. However, such positive effects had no significant difference with those in treatment with 1 µmol . L-1 selenite, indicating that small amounts (≤ 10 Lmol . L-1) of selenite were able to increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes and reduce the content of MDA in root system, which could increase root activity and improve root morphology, hence increased the biomass of rape seedlings.

Characterization of Craniocervical Artery Dissection by Simultaneous MR Noncontrast Angiography and Intraplaque Hemorrhage Imaging at 3T

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Craniocervical artery dissection is the most common cause of ischemic stroke identified in young adults. For the diagnosis of craniocervical artery dissection, multisequence MR imaging is recommended but is time-consuming. Recently, investigators proposed a simultaneous noncontrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage imaging technique allowing simultaneous noncontrast MRA and vessel wall imaging in a single scan. This study sought to investigate the feasibility of 3D simultaneous noncontrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage MR imaging in the characterization of craniocervical artery dissection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-four symptomatic patients (mean age, 45.0 ± 16.1 years; 21 men) with suspected craniocervical artery dissection were recruited. The 3D simultaneous noncontrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage 3D TOF MRA and black-blood imaging sequences were performed on a 3T MR imaging scanner. The agreement between simultaneous noncontrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage imaging and multisequence MR imaging in evaluating arterial dissection was determined.

RESULTS

Dissection was found to involve 1 artery in 22 patients and 2 arteries in 2 patients. The intramural hematoma and luminal occlusion were detected in 19 (79.2%) and 11 (45.8%) patients, respectively. In measuring stenosis, the Cohen κ value between 3D TOF MRA and simultaneous noncontrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage imaging was 0.82 (P < .001). All intramural hematomas on multisequence imaging were successfully identified by simultaneous noncontrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

3D simultaneous noncontrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage imaging showed excellent agreement with multisequence MR imaging in evaluating luminal stenosis and intramural hematoma in patients with craniocervical artery dissection. The simultaneous noncontrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage imaging saved nearly 50% of scanning time compared with multisequence MR imaging. Our findings suggest that 3D simultaneous noncontrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage imaging might be an alternative, time-efficient diagnostic tool for craniocervical artery dissection.

Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic amination using easily accessible metallocenyl P,N-ligands

Compared to their C1-symmetric counterparts, planar chiral C2-symmetric metallocenyl P,N-ligands are efficient chiral ligands for Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic aminations, providing a number of amination products with high enantioselectivities. A non-C2-symmetric ferrocenyl P,N-ligand (a by-product obtained during the synthesis of the above C2-symmetric species) was also found to be an efficient ligand for asymmetric allylic aminations. A mixed ligand system consisting of both C2- and non-C2-symmetric ferrocene complexes was examined and showed high catalytic activity with the amination products being obtained with excellent enantioselectivities.

Selenium alleviates chromium toxicity by preventing oxidative stress in cabbage (Brassica campestris L. ssp. Pekinensis) leaves

The beneficial role of selenium (Se) in alleviation of chromium (Cr)-induced oxidative stress is well established. However, little is known about the underlying mechanism. The impacts of exogenous Se (0.1mg/L) on Cr(1mg/L)-induced oxidative stress and antioxidant systems in leaves of cabbage (Brassica campestris L. ssp. Pekinensis) were investigated by using cellular and biochemical approaches. The results showed that supplementation of the medium with Se was effective in reducing Cr-induced increased levels of lipid peroxides and superoxide free radicals (O(-)2(·)), as well as increasing activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD). Meanwhile, 1mg/L Cr induced loss of plasma membrane integrity, growth inhibition, as well as ultrastructural changes of leaves were significantly reversed due to Se supplementation in the medium. In addition, Se application significantly altered the subcellular distribution of Cr which transported from mitochondria, nucleus and the cell-wall material to the soluble fraction and chloroplasts. However, Se application did no significant alteration of Cr effects on osmotic adjustment accumulating products. The study suggested that Se is able to protect leaves of cabbage against Cr toxicity by alleviation of Cr induced oxidative stress, and re-distribution of Cr in the subcellular of the leaf. Furthermore, free radicals, lipid peroxides, activity of SOD and POD, and subcellular distribution of Cr can be considered the efficient biomarkers to indicate the efficiency of Se to detoxification Cr.

Shank1 regulates excitatory synaptic transmission in mouse hippocampal parvalbumin-expressing inhibitory interneurons

The Shank genes (SHANK1, 2, 3) encode scaffold proteins highly enriched in postsynaptic densities where they regulate synaptic structure in spiny neurons. Mutations in human Shank genes are linked to autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Shank1 mutant mice exhibit intriguing cognitive phenotypes reminiscent of individuals with autism spectrum disorder. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to the human pathophysiological phenotypes and mouse behaviors have not been elucidated. In this study it is shown that Shank1 protein is highly localized in parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) fast-spiking inhibitory interneurons in the hippocampus. Importantly, a lack of Shank1 in hippocampal CA1 PV+ neurons reduced excitatory synaptic inputs and inhibitory synaptic outputs to pyramidal neurons. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons in Shank1 mutant mice exhibit a shift in the excitatory and inhibitory balance (E-I balance), a pathophysiological hallmark of autism spectrum disorder. The mutant mice also exhibit lower expression of gephyrin (a scaffold component of inhibitory synapses), supporting the dysregulation of E-I balance in the hippocampus. These results suggest that Shank1 scaffold in PV+ interneurons regulates excitatory synaptic strength and participates in the maintenance of E-I balance in excitatory neurons.

Nitrogen dynamics model for a pilot field-scale novel dewatered alum sludge cake-based constructed wetland system

A model simulating the effluent nitrogen (N) concentration of treated animal farm wastewater in a pilot on-site constructed wetland (CW) system, using dewatered alum sludge cake (DASC) as wetland substrate, is presented. The N-model was developed based on the Structural Thinking Experiential Learning Laboratory with Animation software and is considering organic nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen (NH3) and nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) as the major forms of nitrogen involved in the transformation chains. Ammonification (AMM), ammonia volatilization, nitrification (NIT), denitrification, plant uptake, plant decaying and uptake of inorganic nitrogen by algae and bacteria were considered in this model. pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, precipitation, solar radiation and nitrogen concentrations were considered as forcing functions in the model. The model was calibrated by observed data with a reasonable agreement prior to its applications. The simulated effluent detritus nitrogen, NH4-N, NO3-N and TN had a considerably good agreement with the observed results. The mass balance analysis shows that NIT accounts for 65.60%, adsorption (ad) (11.90%), AMM (8.90%) followed by NH4-N (Plants) (5.90%) and NO3-N (Plants) (4.40%). The TN removal was found 52% of the total influent TN in the CW. This study suggested an improved overall performance of a DASC-based CW and efficient N removal from wastewater.