ABSTRACT Dwarf mutants are valuable materials for investigating plant gene function and developing new crop varieties. In the present study, dwarf mutant (D-CK) and wild-type (W-CK) Sophora davidii (Franch.) Skeels plants foliarly sprayed with distilled water were used as controls, and dwarf mutants were treated with different concentrations of gibberellin A3 (GA3; 20, 40 and 60 mg L-1), brassinosteroid (BR; 12.5, 25 and 50 mg L-1); and auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA; 12.5, 25 and 50 mg L-1) to study the changes in plant height at 20, 40 and 60 d after exogenous hormone spraying. The changes in endogenous contents of IAA, GA3, BR, abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA) and IAA:ABA ratio in the dwarf mutant plants were also measured at 20, 40 and 60 d after exogenous hormone application. The dwarf mutants reverted to the W-CK height phenotype after 60 d of exogenous spraying with different concentrations of GA3 and BR (except 50 mg·L-1), but after exogenous spraying with IAA, dwarf mutants did not revert to the W-CK height phenotype. Compared with D-CK plants, endogenous GA3, BR and IAA contents in dwarf mutant plants increased to some extent with exogenous spraying of GA3, BR and IAA. The results indicated that exogenous spraying of different concentrations of GA3 and BR regulated S. davidii plant height by promoting the secretion of endogenous GA3, BR, IAA and SA and inhibiting endogenous ABA secretion in dwarf mutant. The height of mutants was sensitive to exogenous GA3 and BR but not to exogenous IAA.

Abstract Objective: To explore the effectiveness of oral motor intervention combined with non-nutritive sucking in treating premature infants with dysphagia. Methods: Sixty preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of the present study’s hospital were selected and randomly divided into the control and intervention groups. The control group was given non-nutritive sucking intervention alone, while the intervention group was given oral motor intervention combined with non-nutritive sucking. The oral motor ability, milk sucking amount and sucking rate, feeding efficiency and outcomes, and the occurrence of adverse reactions were measured and compared. Results: Compared to first-day interventions, preterm infant oral feeding readiness assessment scale-Chinese version (PIOFRAS-CV) scores of the two groups significantly increased after 14 days of intervention, and this score was higher in the intervention group compared to the control group. Similarly, after 14 days of intervention, the intervention group's milk sucking rate and amount were significantly higher than the control group. Also, after the intervention, the intervention group's total oral feeding weeks were considerably lower, while the feeding efficiency and body weight were significantly higher than the control group. Moreover, the overall adverse reaction rate in the intervention group was lower than that in the control group. Conclusions: Oral motor intervention combined with non-nutritive sucking can significantly improve the oral motor ability of premature newborns, promote the process of oral feeding, improve the outcome of oral feeding, and reduce the occurrence of adverse effects. The combined intervention seems to have a beneficial effect on oral feeding proficiency in preterm infants.

Abstract Objective The paper studied the effects of Rhynchophylline on the leptin-mediated JAK2/STAT3 pathway in hypothalamus. Using the leptin / leptin receptor and leptin-mediated JAK2/STAT3 pathway as an entry point, the research evaluated the effect of the hypotensive drug, and clarified the preliminary mechanism, expecting to provide new therapeutic ideas for essentially improving obese hypertension, balancing the body's neuro-endocrine function, and preventing the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. Methods: A model of obese hypertensive rats was established, and the serum lipids, Lep, AngII, NPY and NO contents in each group of rats were measured. Immunohistochemical staining was used to observe the distribution of leptin receptor (LepR) and angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) in hypothalamus and aorta of rats. Western Blot method was employed to detect JAK2, STAT3, SOCS3, LepR and AT1R protein expressions in the hypothalamus of rats. After the third ventricle injection of AG490, Western blot was applied to detect the expressions of various proteins. Results: Rhynchophylline can significantly reduce AngII, Lep, and NPY levels in serum circulation. Immunohistochemistry showed that the hypothalamus and aorta AT1R distribution was significantly reduced, the hypothalamic LepR distribution increased, and the aortic LepR distribution decreased. The expressions of JAK2, LepR, and STAT3 proteins in the hypothalamus increased significantly, and the expressions of SOCS3 and AT1R proteins significantly decreased. After injection of AG490 in the third ventricle of Rhynchophylline rats, the expressions of JAK2 and STAT3 in the hypothalamus decreased significantly, while the SOCS3expression increased remarkably. Conclusion: Rhynchophylline can reduce blood lipid, as well as serum AngII, Lep, and NPY levels, increase serum NO levels in obese hypertension rats. Rhynchophylline can effectively inhibit the expression of SOCS3 by activating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in the hypothalamus. Therefore, it is speculated that the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway is the main pathway through which Rhynchophylline plays a role in improving selective leptin resistance and reducing blood pressure and weight.

Abstract Objectives Diabetes has been strongly associated with periodontal diseases. The periodontal ligament (PDL) has an abundant extracellular matrix (ECM). Lysyl oxidases (LOXs) are closely associated with various diseases caused by abnormal ECM functions, however, the role of LOXs in periodontal diseases induced by diabetes remains unclear. Methodology In this study, 8-week-old Zucker diabetic fatty rats were used to establish a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) model. After 9 and 16 weeks, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson’s trichrome, and immunohistochemical staining were performed. Results After 9 weeks, loose collagen fibers were found in the interradicular area of the diabetic group, in opposition to the control group. There were no significant differences in LOX expression between the diabetic and control groups (p>0.05). However, after 16 weeks, the diabetic group presented a disordered arrangement of the PDL, showing decreased collagen content and significantly increased lysyl oxidase-like protein 3 (LOXL3) expression when compared with the control group (p<0.05). This suggests that LOXL3 plays a significant role in periodontal histopathological changes in diabetic rats. Conclusion Our study showed elevated LOXL3 expression in the PDL of diabetic rats after 16 weeks, suggesting that LOXL3 may be involved in the occurrence and development of periodontal histopathological changes in diabetic rats. LOXL3 could be further used as an indicator for the early diagnosis of diabetic periodontitis in T2DM patients in clinical settings.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Our previous study showed that Er-Bai-Tang decoction (EBT) could effectively improve Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients’ quality of life, sleep, mood, and cognitive disorders, but the mechanism of EBT to treat PD was unclear. So, our study aimed to explore the mechanism of EBT to treat PD via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway and intestinal flora. Methods: In our study, the PD rat model was established by subcutaneously injecting 2 mg/kg/d rotenone solution, and 23.43 g/kgEBT was used to treat PD model rats. Results: Behavioral test showed that EBT could reverse the motor impairment in the PD model rats. Hematoxylin and eosin result showed that EBT could reduce the cell necrosis in the SNpc area of the PD model rats. Western blotting and real time-polymerase chain reaction showed that EBT could decrease the p38 MAPK expression in the SNpc area of the PD model rats. 16s rRNA sequencing analysis showed that EBT could improve the composition of intestinal flora in the PD model rats. Rikenellaceae at family level and Alistipes and Allobaculum at the genus level were the key species in the PD development and EBT treatment to PD. KEGG showed that EBT might change the iron uptake in PD rats. Conclusions: EBT could improve the motor symptoms and neuronal injury in the PD model rat, and its mechanism may be related to decreasing p38 MAPK pathway and improving the composition of intestinal flora.

ABSTRACT No-tillage and straw returning are important practices for preserving and improving soil quality for the sustainable management system. The experimental field was established in 2007 with conventional tillage (CT), conventional tillage with straw returning (CTS), no-tillage (NT), and no-tillage with straw returning (NTS) practice in rice (Oryza sativa L.)-rape (Brassica napus L.) cropping system. The soil samples were collected in 2013-2015 from 0-20 and 20-40 cm depth to investigate the effects on soil organic C (SOC), water-stable aggregation (> 5, 5-2, 2-1, 1.0-0.5, 0.25-0.5, and < 0.25 mm), and their stability in paddy soil of the central China. In the last year (2015), the integrative use of no-tillage and straw returning significantly increased SOC content and contribution of the macroaggregates in 0-20 cm and microaggregates in 20-40 cm depth. Compared with CT, SOC content, mean weight diameter (MWD), geometric mean diameter (GMD), and fractal dimensions (FD) under NTS were increased 25%, 21%, 19%, and 12%, respectively, in the 0-20 cm depth. In 20-40 cm depth, the soil micro-aggregates were higher under CTS treatment. Percentages of macroaggregates and microaggregates under NTS were increased 60% and 40% in the 0-20 cm depth. The SOC had positive linear relationship with MWD, GMD, > 5, 2-5, 1-2, and 0.25-0.5 mm aggregates. Thus, long-term combine use of NT with straw returning practices significantly improved SOC and water-stable aggregation. No-tillage and straw returning appeared to be promising and sustainable strategies to conserve SOC sequestration and stable soil aggregates in rice-rape cropping system.

Abstract The present study investigated the effects of curcumin (Cur) on growth of human cervical cancer xenograft in nude mice and underlying mechanism. The nude mice modeled with human cervical cancer HeLa cell xenograft were treated with normal saline (control), 3 mg/kg Cisplatin, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg Cur, respectively. The animal body weight and growth of tumor were measured. The expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, p53, p21, HIF-1α, VEGF and MIF protein in tumor tissue were determined. Results showed that, after treatment for 20 days, the tumor mass and tumor volume in 100 and 200 mg/kg Cur group were significantly lower than control group (P < 0.05). The expressions of Bax, p53 and p21 protein in tumor tissue in 200 mg/kg Cur group were significantly higher than control group (P < 0.05), and the expressions of Bcl-2, HIF-1α, VEGF and MIF protein in tumor tissue in 200 mg/kg Cur group were significantly lower than control group (P < 0.05). Cur can inhibit the growth of HeLa cell xenograft in nude mice. The possible mechanism may be related to its up-regulation of Bax, p53 and p21 protein expression in tumor tissue, and down-regulation of Bcl-2, HIF-1α, VEGF and MIF protein expression.

Abstract Objective To explore the distribution and clinical manifestations of rhinovirus infection in wheezing children, and compare the clinical differences between rhinovirus- and respiratory syncytial virus-induced wheezing. Materials and methods This prospective cohort study was carried out in Children's Hospital of Soochow University from Dec 2012 to Nov 2014. We enrolled consecutive hospitalized children <60 months of age presented with wheezing. Clinical data including cough, fever, dyspnea, crackles were recorded by pediatricians on the first day of admission. Meanwhile, nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained to test for respiratory viruses, by using polymerase chain reaction method for rhinovirus, human bocavirus, and human metapneumovirus, and direct immunofluorescence assay to test for respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus types 1–3, and influenza virus types A and B. Results Rhinovirus was a main causative agent isolated in 14.7% of the hospitalized wheezing children in Suzhou, China, being second to respiratory syncytial virus (21.0%). Different from respiratory syncytial virus infection, which peaked in winter months, rhinovirus could be detected all year round, peaked between July and September, and in November. Children with rhinovirus infection were older and presented with more often allergic sensitizations, blood eosinophilia, and leukocytosis than those of respiratory syncytial virus infection. Logistic regression analysis revealed that rhinovirus-infected children experienced earlier wheezing more often than respiratory syncytial virus children (odds ratio, 3.441; 95% confidence interval, 1.187–9.979; p = 0.023). Conclusion Rhinovirus was a main viral pathogen in wheezing children, especially in summer time. Rhinovirus-induced wheezing was different from respiratory syncytial virus, apart from seasonal epidemics; these two groups differed with regard to age, allergic sensitizations, laboratory test, and history of wheezing episodes.

There are very few microbiological data on wound infections following snakebites. The objective of this study was to investigate the treatment of secondary infection following snakebites in central Taiwan. Microbiological data and antibiotic sensitivity of wound cultures were retrospectively analyzed from December 2005 to October 2007 in a medical center in central Taiwan. A total of 121 snakebite patients participated in the study. Forty-nine (40.5%) subjects were bitten by cobra (Naja atra); 34 of them had secondary infection, and 24 of them (70.6%) needed surgical intervention. Cobra bites caused more severe bacterial infection than other snakebites. Morganella morganii was the most common pathogen, followed by Aeromonas hydrophila and Enterococcus. Gram-negative bacteria were susceptible to amikacin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, cefotaxime, cefepime, ciprofloxacin, and piperacillin/tazobactam. Enterococcus were susceptible to ampicillin, gentamicin, penicillin and vancomycin. It is reasonable to choose piperacillin/tazobactam, quinolone, second- or third-generation cephalosporin for empirical therapy following snakebite. Surgical intervention should be considered for invasive soft tissue infections.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Interferon-α (IFN-α) treatment is associated with up-regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and marked growth inhibition of colon cancer cell lines. We aimed to determine the effect of combining IFN-α and gefitinib in the growth of human colon cancer cell lines. METHODS: Two human colon cancer cell lines SW480 and LOVO were treated with IFN-α alone or gefitinib alone or IFN-α plus gefitinib. Proliferation of colon cancer cells was measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay; the apoptosis rate was analysed by flow cytometry (FCM). The expression of XIAP, XAF1 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR and the expression of XIAP, XAF1 protein was detected by western blotting. RESULTS: Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium showed that IFN-α, gefitinib and IFN-α plus gefitinib significantly inhibited SW480 and LOVO cells in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). The FCM revealed that IFN α, gefitinib and IFN-α plus gefitinib could markedly upgrade the apoptosis rate (p < 0.05). The expression of XIAP mRNA down-regulated markedly (p < 0.05) while the expression of XAF1 mRNA up-regulated significantly (p < 0.05). The expression of XIAP protein was down-regulated markedly (p < 0.05) while the expression of XAF1 protein was up-regulated significantly (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: IFN-α promotes the antiproliferaative effect of gefitinib on human colon cancer cell lines and the mechanism may be related to up-regulation expression of EGFR by IFN-α.

ANTECEDENTES Y OBJETIVOS: El tratamiento con interferón α (IFN-α) se halla asociado con la regulación por incremento de la expresión del receptor del factor de crecimiento epidérmico y la acentuada inhibición del crecimiento de las líneas celulares del cáncer colorrectal. El presente trabajo tuvo por objetivo determinar el efecto que se produce al combinar el IFN-α y el gefitinib en el crecimiento de las líneas celulares del cáncer de colon. MÉTODOS: Dos líneas celulares de cáncer del colon en humanos - SW480 y LOVO - fueron tratadas con IFN-α solamente, gefitinib solamente, o IFN-α más gefitinib. La proliferación de las células cancerosas del colon se midió mediante ensayo de metil tiazolil tetrazolio (MTT); la tasa de apoptosis se analizó mediante citometría de flujo (CMF); la expresión de XIAP/XAF1 mRNA fue detectada mediante RT-PCR y la expresión de la proteína XIAP/XAF1 fue detectada mediante inmunoblot (western blot). RESULTADOS: El MTT mostró que el IFN-α, el gefitinib, y el IFN-α más gefitinib inhibían de forma significativa las células SW480 y LOVO en dependencia de la dosis (p < 0.05). La CMF reveló que el IFN-α, el gefitinib, y el IFN-α más gefitinib podían aumentar notablemente la tasa de apoptosis (p < 0.05). La expresión de XIAP mRNA tuvo una marcada regulación por decremento (p < 0.05) mientras que la expresión de XAF1 mRNA tuvo una significativa regulación por incremento (p < 0.05); la expresión de la proteína XIAP fue notablemente regulada por decremento (p < 0.05) mientras que la expresión de la proteína XAF1 fue regulada por incremento de manera significativa (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIÓN: El IFN-α promueve el efecto antiproliferativo del gefitinib sobre las líneas celulares del cáncer colorrectal, y el mecanismo puede hallarse relacionado con la expresión de la regulación por incremento del EGFR mediante el IFN-α.

We have developed analytical methods to measure the biological functions of pVGI.1(VEGF2), a naked plasmid DNA product containing vascular endothelial growth factor 2 used in clinical trials for coronary artery diseases (CAD) and peripheral artery diseases (PAD). After being injected into muscles, vascular endothelial growth factor 2 (VEGF-2), presumably expressed in muscle tissues, binds to the endothelial cell receptors VEGFR2 or VEGFR3, triggering the downstream responses including cell proliferation and vascularization. As it is important to make sure clinical material is biological active, we developed a quantitative assay first to measure the receptor binding activity of the pVGI.1(VEGF2) gene product expressed by the transfected host cells, and then a qualitative assay to confirm the cell proliferation promoting activity of the expressed protein. In both assays the signals were plotted directly against input DNA concentrations used to transfect the host cells. We confirmed specificity for both assays. In addition, we demonstrated acceptable levels of spike recovery (86.7-116%), precision (largest relative standard deviation (RSD)=19.3%), linearity and range (60-140% relative potency, 15 - 35 µg/mL) for the quantitative assay. We intend to use the potency assays for routine lot release and stability studies.