Abstract Objective: This study aimed to perform a meta-analysis to investigate the diagnostic safety and accuracy of Ultrasound-Guided Core Needle Biopsy (US-CNB) Axillary Lymph Nodes (ALNs) region in patients with Breast Cancer (BC). Methods: The authors searched the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science for clinical trials about US-CNB for the detection of ALNs in breast cancer patients. The authors extracted and pooled raw data from the included studies and performed statistical analyses using Meta-DiSc 1.4 and Review Manager 5.3 software. A random effects model was used to calculate the data. At the same time, data from the Ultrasound-guided Fine-Needle Aspiration (US-FNA) were introduced for comparison with the US-CNB. In addition, the subgroup was performed to explore the causes of heterogeneity. (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022369491). Results: In total, 18 articles with 2521 patients were assessed as meeting the study criteria. The overall sensitivity was 0.90 (95% CI [Confidence Interval], 0.87‒0.91; p = 0.00), the overall specificity was 0.99 (95% CI 0.98‒ 1.00; p = 0.62), the overall area under the curve (AUC) was 0.98. Next, in the comparison of US-CNB and US-FNA, US-CNB is better than US-FNA in the diagnosis of ALNs metastases. The sensitivity was 0.88 (95% CI 0.84‒ 0.91; p = 0.12) vs. 0.73 (95% CI 0.69‒0.76; p = 0.91), the specificity was 1.00 (95% CI 0.99‒1.00; p = 1.00) vs. 0.99 (95% CI 0.67‒0.74; p = 0.92), and the AUC was 0.99 vs. 0.98. Subgroup analysis showed that heterogeneity may be related to preoperative Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (NAC) treatment, region, size of tumor diameter, and the number of punctures. Conclusion: US-CNB has a satisfactory diagnostic performance with good specificity and sensitivity in the preoperative diagnosis of ALNs in BC patients. Objective metaanalysis meta UltrasoundGuided Ultrasound Guided USCNB US CNB (US-CNB (ALNs BC. . (BC) Methods PubMed Scopus Embase MetaDiSc Meta DiSc 14 1 4 1. 53 5 3 5. software time Ultrasoundguided guided FineNeedle Fine USFNA FNA (US-FNA USCNB. CNB. addition PROSPERO ID CRD42022369491. CRD42022369491 CRD CRD42022369491) Results total 252 criteria 090 0 90 0.9 95% 95 (95 Confidence Interval, Interval , Interval] 0.87‒0.91 087091 87 91 0.00, 000 0.00 00 0.00) 099 99 098 98 0.98 100 0.62, 062 0.62 62 0.62) (AUC Next USFNA, FNA, metastases 088 88 0.8 084 84 0.84 0.91 091 0.12 012 12 vs 073 73 0.7 0.69‒0.76 069076 69 76 0.91, 0.91) 1.0 0.99‒1.00 099100 0.67‒0.74 067074 67 74 0.92, 092 0.92 92 0.92) NAC (NAC treatment diameter punctures Conclusion (BC CRD4202236949 25 09 9 0. (9 0.87‒0.9 08709 8 0.0 10 06 0.6 6 08 0.1 01 07 7 0.69‒0.7 06907 0.99‒1.0 09910 0.67‒0.7 06707 CRD420223694 2 ( 0.87‒0. 0870 0.69‒0. 0690 0.99‒1. 0991 0.67‒0. 0670 CRD42022369 0.87‒0 087 0.69‒0 069 0.99‒1 0.67‒0 067 CRD4202236 0.87‒ 0.69‒ 0.99‒ 0.67‒ CRD420223 0.87 0.69 0.67 CRD42022 CRD4202 CRD420 CRD42 CRD4

RESUMEN Introducción: Los bailes de salón se han popularizado como método de ejercicio físico que encierra muchos beneficios en el aspecto social. Sin embargo, algunos bailarines de mediana y avanzada edad han sufrido lesiones y otros problemas derivados del baile. Aún no se ha planteado un conocimiento exhaustivo del entrenamiento gimnástico para resolver este problema, sin el cual no se pueden esbozar medios adecuados de prevención. Objetivo: Estudiar el efecto del entrenamiento aeróbico equilibrado en la forma física de los practicantes de bailes de salón de mediana y avanzada edad. Métodos: Se desarrolló un estudio con 50 voluntarios practicantes de bailes de salón, de mediana y avanzada edad, divididos en grupos experimental y control. El grupo de control realizó el baile durante una hora diaria, según el protocolo de baile de salón de la comunidad. El grupo experimental utilizó el mismo período y la misma técnica, introduciendo ejercicios aeróbicos equilibrados. Se recogieron datos sobre la forma física y el rendimiento antes y después de la intervención, y se analizaron y presentaron estadísticamente. Resultados: En el grupo experimental, el índice de crecimiento del índice de fuerza de prensión fue del 28,70%, el índice de fuerza lumbar fue del 32,27%, el índice de tiempo en posición ortostática fue del 6,28% y el índice de flexión hacia delante sentado fue del 6,69%. Conclusión: En comparación con los deportes comunitarios tradicionales, los ejercicios aeróbicos equilibrados insertados en el entrenamiento de bailes de salón mostraron un efecto de mejora en la forma física y deportiva de las mujeres de mediana edad y ancianas, y también pueden prevenir los efectos adversos del envejecimiento en las actividades de la vida diaria, y su aplicación es válida. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento. Introducción social embargo problema prevención Objetivo Métodos 5 diaria comunidad técnica intervención estadísticamente Resultados 2870 28 70 28,70% 3227 32 27 32,27% 628 6 6,28 669 69 6,69% Conclusión tradicionales ancianas válida II tratamiento 287 2 7 28,70 322 3 32,27 62 6,2 66 6,69 28,7 32,2 6, 6,6 28, 32,

RESUMO Introdução: A dança de salão popularizou-se como um método de exercício físico que abrange muitos benefícios no aspecto social. Contudo, alguns dançarinos de meia idade e idosos têm sofrido com lesões e outros problemas decorrentes da dança. A compreensão abrangente do treino com ginástica para a solução desse problema ainda não foi levantada, sem a qual não se pode traçar meios adequados de prevenção. Objetivo: Estudar o efeito do treinamento aeróbico balanceado sobre a aptidão física de praticantes de dança de salão de meia-idade e idosos. Métodos: Foi elaborado um estudo com 50 voluntários praticantes de dança de salão, de meia idade e idosos, divididos em grupos experimental e controle. O grupo de controle realizou a dança durante uma hora diária, de acordo com o protocolo de dança da praça comunitária. O grupo experimental também utilizou o mesmo período e técnica, introduzindo exercícios aeróbicos balanceados. Os dados de aptidão física e desempenho foram coletados antes e após a intervenção, analisados e apresentados estatisticamente. Resultados: No grupo experimental, a taxa de crescimento do índice de força de preensão foi de 28,70%, o índice de força lombar foi de 32,27%, a taxa de tempo em posição ortostática foi de 6,28%, e o índice de flexão sentado para frente foi de 6,69%. Conclusão: Em comparação com os esportes comunitários tradicionais, a aeróbica equilibrada inserida no treino de dança de salão apresentou um efeito de melhoria na aptidão física e esportiva das mulheres de meia-idade e idosas, podendo prevenir também os efeitos adversos do envelhecimento sobre as atividades de vida diária, sendo válida a sua implementação. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento. Introdução popularizouse popularizou social Contudo levantada prevenção Objetivo meiaidade Métodos 5 diária comunitária técnica balanceados intervenção estatisticamente Resultados 2870 28 70 28,70% 3227 32 27 32,27% 628 6 6,28% 669 69 6,69% Conclusão tradicionais idosas implementação II tratamento 287 2 7 28,70 322 3 32,27 62 6,28 66 6,69 28,7 32,2 6,2 6,6 28, 32, 6,

ABSTRACT Introduction: Ballroom dancing has become popular as an exercise method that encompasses many benefits in the social aspect. However, some middle-aged and elderly dancers have suffered from injuries and other problems from dancing. The comprehensive understanding of gymnastic training to solve this problem has not yet been raised, without which no adequate means of prevention can be outlined. Objective: Study the effect of balanced aerobic training on the physical fitness of middle-aged and elderly ballroom dance practitioners. Methods: A study was conducted with 50 volunteers practicing ballroom dancing, middle-aged and elderly, divided into experimental and control groups. According to the community square dance protocol, the control group performed the dance for one hour daily. The experimental group also used the same period and technique, introducing balanced aerobic exercises. Fitness and performance data were collected before and after the intervention, analyzed, and presented statistically. Results: In the experimental group, the growth rate of the grip strength index was 28.70%, the lumbar strength index was 32.27%, the time rate in the orthostatic position was 6.28%, and the sitting forward flexion index was 6.69%. Conclusion: Compared to traditional community sports, balanced aerobics inserted into ballroom dance training showed an improvement effect on the physical and sports fitness of middle-aged and elderly women, and may also prevent the adverse effects of aging on activities of daily living, and its implementation is valid. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes. Introduction aspect However middleaged middle aged raised outlined Objective practitioners Methods 5 groups protocol technique exercises intervention analyzed statistically Results 2870 28 70 28.70% 3227 32 27 32.27% 628 6 6.28% 669 69 6.69% Conclusion women living valid II outcomes 287 2 7 28.70 322 3 32.27 62 6.28 66 6.69 28.7 32.2 6.2 6.6 28. 32. 6.

Abstract With the global promotion of healthy diet, people's demand for freshness of food has risen, so extending the shelf life of food has become a hot topic now. Electrostatic field is widely concerned because it has the advantages of simple equipment, low cost, low maintenance, low energy consumption, one investment can be used for a long time, flexible operation, no drug pollution, no secondary pollution to the environment, and can better retain the original quality and flavor of food. As a non-thermal physical preservation technology, electrostatic field preservation can produce ozone and electric ions to kill bacteria inside and outside the food and reduce the enzyme activity, so as to play the effect of preservation. In this paper, based on the introduction of the working principle and mechanism of action of electrostatic field processing technology, the research progress of the application of this technology in different perishable food sterilization and preservation is described, and the limitations of electrostatic field technology are proposed, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the processing application of electrostatic field in perishable food and to provide guidance for the industrial production of electrostatic field. diet peoples people s risen now equipment cost maintenance consumption time operation environment nonthermal non thermal activity paper described proposed

RESUMEN Introducción: El kung fu es una actividad deportiva tradicional china, y en muchas universidades se ofrecen cursos opcionales. Sin embargo, durante la práctica del kung fu pueden producirse lesiones deportivas. Objetivo: Investigar los tipos más comunes de lesiones deportivas causadas por la práctica del kung fu y presentar las contramedidas de intervención. Métodos: Se investigó a un total de 612 estudiantes universitarios que practicaban kung fu en 5 universidades, y se realizó una encuesta de seguimiento de 12 semanas para recoger datos sobre los tipos, las causas y los grados de lesión de sus lesiones deportivas. Según los resultados de la investigación, se formularon medidas razonables de prevención e intervención para garantizar la seguridad de la práctica del kung fu. Resultados: Las lesiones deportivas causadas por la práctica del kung fu se produjeron principalmente en la cintura, las rodillas y los tobillos, y los tipos de lesiones deportivas fueron sobre todo por distensión de los ligamentos, lo que fue causado principalmente por una preparación inadecuada, un mal funcionamiento físico y un estado mental, movimientos técnicos incorrectos, etc. Conclusión: La práctica del kung fu puede mejorar la salud física de los estudiantes universitarios, pero también puede provocar lesiones deportivas, principalmente en la cintura pélvica, las rodillas y los tobillos. Deben adoptarse estrictas medidas preventivas para evitar que las lesiones deportivas afecten a la salud física de los estudiantes universitarios. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento. Introducción china opcionales embargo Objetivo Métodos 61 1 Resultados tobillos ligamentos inadecuada mental incorrectos etc Conclusión pélvica II tratamiento 6

RESUMO Introdução: O kung fu é uma atividade esportiva tradicional chinesa, sendo que muitos cursos opcionais são oferecidos em várias universidades. Porém, durante a prática de kung fu, lesões esportivas podem ser causadas. Objetivo: Investigar os tipos mais comuns de lesões esportivas causadas pela prática de kung fu e apresentar as contramedidas de intervenção. Métodos: Um total de 612 estudantes universitários praticantes de kung fu em 5 universidades foram investigados, uma pesquisa de acompanhamento de 12 semanas foi realizada para coletar dados sobre os tipos, causas e graus de lesão de suas lesões esportivas. De acordo com os resultados da pesquisa, foram formuladas medidas razoáveis de prevenção e intervenção para garantir a segurança da prática de kung fu. Resultados: As lesões esportivas causadas pela prática de kung fu ocorreram principalmente na cintura, joelhos e tornozelos, e os tipos de lesões esportivas foram principalmente por tensão ligamentar, que foi causada principalmente por preparação inadequada, mau funcionamento físico e estado mental, movimentos técnicos incorretos, etc. Conclusão: A prática de kung fu pode melhorar a saúde física dos estudantes universitários, mas também pode levar a lesões esportivas, principalmente na cintura pélvica, joelhos e tornozelos. Medidas preventivas rigorosas devem ser tomadas para evitar que lesões esportivas afetem a saúde física dos estudantes universitários. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento. Introdução chinesa Porém Objetivo Métodos 61 investigados 1 Resultados tornozelos ligamentar inadequada mental incorretos etc Conclusão pélvica II tratamento 6

ABSTRACT Introduction: Kungfu is a traditional Chinese sports activity, and many optional courses are offered in many universities. However, during kung fu practice, sports injuries can be caused. Objective: Investigate the most common types of sports injuries caused by kung fu practice and present intervention countermeasures. Methods: A total of 612 college students practicing kung fu at 5 universities were investigated, and a 12-week follow-up survey was conducted to collect data on the types, causes, and injury grades of their sports injuries. According to the survey results, reasonable prevention and intervention measures were formulated to ensure the safety of kung fu practice. Results: The sports injuries caused by kung fu practice mainly occurred at the waist, knees, and ankles, and the types of sports injuries were mainly by ligament strain, which was mainly caused by improper preparation, poor physical functioning, and mental state, incorrect technical movements, etc. Conclusion: Kung fu practice can improve the physical health of college students, but it can also lead to sports injuries, especially to the pelvic girdle, knees, and ankles. Strict preventive measures should be taken to prevent sports injuries from affecting the physical health of college students. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes. Introduction activity However Objective countermeasures Methods 61 investigated 12week week 12 followup follow up causes results Results waist knees ankles strain preparation functioning state movements etc Conclusion girdle II outcomes 6 1

RESUMO Introdução: Atividades físicas são uma parte importante do tratamento de osteoporose. Uma quantidade moderada de exercícios pode melhorar a biomecânica, o metabolismo, e a densidade ósseos. Objetivo: Estudar os efeitos de diferentes esportes na densidade mineral óssea de adultos. Métodos: Selecionou-se voluntários para realizarem diferentes atividades físicas e utilizou-se ultrassom quantitativo e bioimpedância elétrica como métodos para testar os voluntários. Resultados: A atividade física pode aumentar o conteúdo de massa magra na composição corporal e reduzir a porcentagem de gordura no corpo. A densidade mineral do calcâneo de estudantes de educação física mostrou uma relação positiva com peso baixo. Conclusão: A atividade física melhorou a densidade mineral óssea de jovens. Exercícios mais intensos de suporte de carga podem promover o aumento da densidade óssea. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos – investigação de resultados de tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Exercise is an important part of osteoporosis treatment. A moderate amount of exercise can improve bone metabolism, improve bone biomechanics and increase bone density. Objective: To study the effects of different sports on adult bone mineral density. Methods: We selected volunteers to perform different exercises and used quantitative ultrasound and bioelectrical impedance methods to test the volunteers. Results: Exercise can increase the content of lean body mass in body composition and reduce body fat percentage. The calcaneal bone mineral density of physical education students is positively correlated with low body weight. Conclusion: Exercise can promote the bone mineral density of young adults. Stronger weight-bearing exercises can better promote the increase of bone density. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMEN Introducción: Actividades físicas son una parte importante del tratamiento de osteoporosis. Una cantidad moderada de ejercicios puede mejorar la biomecánica, el metabolismo y la densidad óseos. Objetivo: Estudiar los efectos de diferentes deportes en la densidad mineral ósea de adultos. Métodos: Se seleccionaron voluntarios para realizar diferentes actividades físicas y se utilizó el ultrasonido cuantitativo y la bioimpedancia eléctrica como métodos para testear a los voluntarios. Resultados: La actividad física puede aumentar el contenido de masa muscular en la composición corporal y reducir el porcentaje de grasa en el cuerpo. La densidad mineral del calcáneo de estudiantes de educación física mostró una relación positiva con peso bajo. Conclusión: La actividad física mejoró la densidad mineral ósea de jóvenes. Ejercicios más intensos de soporte de peso pueden favorecer el aumento de la densidad ósea. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos – investigación de resultados de tratamiento.

Abstract To discover and isolate a glyphosate-resistant gene from Fragaria vesca through gene mining. An open reading frame (ORF) of 1563 bp encoding EPSPSwas amplified from Fragaria vesca (FvEPSPS). FvEPSPS (Genebank: XP004306932.1) encodes a polypeptide of 520 amino acids and it has hightly homologous with EPSPS from other plants. qRT-PCR analysis showed that the FvEPSPS was expressed extensively in all tissues including leaves, roots and stems, with higher expression in leaves. Furthermore, transgenic Arabidopsis Thaliana exhibited 10 mM glyphosate to resistance. Therefore, this research offers a new glyphosate-resistant gene for development of transgenic crops.

This study aimed to explore the relationship between plasma interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels, adverse cardiovascular events, and the severity of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). A literature review was performed of studies regarding IL-6 and ACS extracted from databases including EMBASE, Cqvip, MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang data. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the quality of the literature. The literature was screened, its quality was evaluated, and relevant data were extracted for performing meta-analysis using RevMan software (version 5.3). A total of 524 studies were included in the initial survey. After several rounds of screening and analysis, six studies met the inclusion criteria and underwent meta-analysis using a fixed-effect model. Patients were divided into non-severe and severe groups based on the concentration of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Meta-analysis of the relationship between IL-6 and the severity of ACS showed that the plasma IL-6 level of patients in the severe group was significantly higher than that of patients in the non-severe group (p<0.00001). Additionally, patients with experience of major adverse cardiovascular events had significantly higher plasma IL-6 levels than did patients without experience of such events (p<0.00001). In summary, patients with ACS and high IL-6 levels tended to be in a critical condition, with a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events and worse prognosis. Thus, IL-6 levels could indicate whether patients with ACS may have adverse cardiovascular events and determine the severity of ACS.

Sevoflurane (SEVO) is widely applied as an anesthetic, which exerts antitumor capacity in various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Previous studies indicated that long non-coding RNA KCNQ1 opposite strand/antisense transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1) was upregulated, while microRNA-29a-3p (miR-29a-3p) was downregulated in HCC. Thus, we aimed to explore the roles of KCNQ1OT1 and miR-29a-3p in HCC cells exposed to SEVO. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assays, respectively. The levels of genes were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or western blot. Furthermore, the interaction between miR-29a-3p and KCNQ1OT1 or chromebox protein homolog 3 (CBX3) was predicted by Starbase or Targetscan, and then confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. We found that the levels of KCNQ1OT1 and CBX3 were decreased, while miR-29a-3p was increased in SEVO-treated HCC cells. KCNQ1OT1 overexpression weakened the inhibitory effects of SEVO on HCC cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Interestingly, KCNQ1OT1 bound to miR-29a-3p, and miR-29a-3p targeted CBX3. KCNQ1OT1 upregulated CBX3 level by repressing miR-29a-3p expression. Furthermore, KCNQ1OT1 exerted tumor promotion in HCC cells via suppressing miR-29a-3p to regulate CBX3 expression. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that KCNQ1OT1 regulated the antitumor effects of SEVO on HCC cells through modulating the miR-29a-3p/CBX3 axis, providing a theoretical basis for the treatment of HCC.

Not much is known about the roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) for chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this study, we included CKD patient cohorts and normal controls as a discovery cohort to identify putative lncRNA biomarkers associated with CKD. We first compared the lncRNA expression profiles of CKD patients with normal controls, and identified differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs. Co-expression network based on the enriched differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs was constructed using WGCNA to identify important modules related to CKD. A lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA pathway network based on the hub lncRNAs and mRNAs, related miRNAs, and overlapping pathways was further constructed to reveal putative biomarkers. A total of 821 significantly differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs were screened between CKD and control samples, which were enriched in nine modules using weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), especially brown and yellow modules. Co-expression network based on the enriched differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs in brown and yellow modules uncovered 7 hub lncRNAs and 53 hub mRNAs. A lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA pathway network further revealed that lncRNAs of HCP5 and NOP14-AS1 and genes of CCND2, COL3A1, COL4A1, and RAC2 were significantly correlated with CKD. The lncRNAs of NOP14-AS1 and HCP5 were potential prognostic biomarkers for predicting the risk of CKD.

Abstract: A new sesquilignan effususin E (1) and a new long chain fatty enamide effususin F (2), together with eight known compounds were isolated from the medullae of Juncus effusus. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis including 1H and 13C NMR, COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and HRMS, while the structures of the known compounds were deduced from comparison of their spectral data with those in the literature. The new compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated against five human cancer cell lines (SHSY-5Y, SMMC-7721, HepG-2, Hela, and MCF-7) by CCK-8 assay, but only 1 exhibited weak cytotoxic activity against SMMC-7721 with IC50 value of 57.5 μm. Inhibitory effects of 1 and 2 on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 macrophages were also evaluated, and they were found to exhibit good inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 8.59 and 13.73 μm, respectively.

Resumen: Se elucidaron las estructuras de 1 y 2 mediante análisis espectrocópicos de RMN de 1H y 13C, COSY, HSQC, HMBC, y HRMS, mientras que las estructuras de los compuestos conocidos se dedujeron por comparación de sus datos espectrales con los de la literatura. Los nuevos compuestos 1 y 2 fueron evaluados contra cinco líneas celulares cancerígenas humanas (SHSY-5Y, SMMC-7721, HepG-2, Hela, and MCF-7) mediante el ensayo CCK-8. Solamente el compuesto 1 mostró una débil actividad citotóxica contra la línea SMMC-7721 con un valor de IC50 de 57.5 μM. También se evaluó el efecto inhibitorio de los compuestos 1 y 2 en la producción de óxido nítrico (NO) en macrófagos RAW264.7 inducidos por lipopolisacáridos. Ambos compuestos mostraron buena actividad inhibitoria con valores de IC50 de 8.59 y 13.73 μM, respectivamente.

ABSTRACTIn this study, ten trace elements in Ziziphora clinopodioidesLam., Lamiaceae, from different regions, periods and parts in Xinjiang were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry following microwave-assisted acid digestion. The decreasing sequence of elements levels was K > Ca > Mg > Fe > Cu > Zn > Na > Mn > Cd > Pb. Chemometric approaches, such as correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and hierarchical cluster analysis were applied to classify Z. clinopodioides according to its elements contents. Principal component analysis revealed 83.51% of the variance with the first four principal component variables. Hierarchical cluster analysis indicated five groups from the eighteen regions, and the result of classification can correspond to the geographical distribution for the most regions. Variation in the elements exhibited a decreasing trend, but of different types in the studied periods. Elemental contents distributed in leaves were higher than those in flowers and stems. Therefore, chemometric approaches could be used to analyze data to accurately classify Z. clinopodioides according to origins. This study provided some elemental information on chemotaxonomy, diversity, changing pattern, distribution, and metabolism of Z. clinopodioides at spatial and temporal levels, and could be used as a reference of planting and quality standards.

The mitogenic effects of periodic mechanical stress on chondrocytes have been studied extensively but the mechanisms whereby chondrocytes sense and respond to periodic mechanical stress remain a matter of debate. We explored the signal transduction pathways of chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis under periodic mechanical stress. In particular, we sought to identify the role of the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway in chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis following cyclic physiologic mechanical compression. Under periodic mechanical stress, both rat chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis were significantly increased (P < 0.05) and were associated with increases in the phosphorylation of Src, PLCγ1, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2 (P < 0.05). Pretreatment with the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 selective inhibitor, PD98059, and shRNA targeted to ERK1/2 reduced periodic mechanical stress-induced chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis (P < 0.05), while the phosphorylation levels of Src-Tyr418 and PLCγ1-Tyr783 were not inhibited. Proliferation, matrix synthesis and phosphorylation of MEK1/2-Ser217/221 and ERK1/2-Thr202/Tyr204 were inhibited after pretreatment with the PLCγ1 inhibitor U73122 in chondrocytes in response to periodic mechanical stress (P < 0.05), while the phosphorylation site of Src-Tyr418 was not affected. Inhibition of Src activity with PP2 and shRNA targeted to Src abrogated chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis (P < 0.05) and attenuated PLCγ1, MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 activation in chondrocytes subjected to periodic mechanical stress (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that periodic mechanical stress promotes chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis in part through the Src-PLCγ1-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway, which links these three important signaling molecules into a mitogenic cascade.

Adiponectin is a polypeptide specifically secreted from human adipocytes, and its deficiency is closely linked to increased obesity and type II diabetes. There is an urgent demand for large-scale production of human adiponectin for pharmaceutical applications. Here, we report that we have successfully obtained a high-level of expression of modified genes encoding human adiponectin in transgenic rice. The 735 bp cDNA of the native human sequence was adopted to rice codon usage, fused to the translation initiation sequence in the N terminus and to the KDEL signal sequence in the C terminus. An amplification promoting sequence acting as an enhancer of transcription was also introduced to enhance gene expression. The presence of the transgene and mRNA transcripts was confirmed by PCR, Southern blot and RT-PCR. Western blot analysis revealed that a protein of approximately 30 kDa was produced in rice leaves. ELISA analysis was used to determine the amount of recombinant adiponectin in transformants with the modified gene in up to 0.32% of total soluble leaf protein. Our results establish the feasibility of high-level expression of recombinant human adiponectin in transgenic rice.