ABSTRACT Objective: The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) may be involved by papillary thyroid carcinoma ≤ 1 centimeter (PTC ≤ 1 cm). Current study investigated the predictive factors of RLN invasion in PTC ≤ 1 cm, the risk factors of disease recurrence in RLN invaded cases and the results of surgical management for RLN invasion. Materials and methods: Data of 374 PTC ≤ 1 cm patients were retrospectively collected. We performed univariate and multivariate analysis to identify predictive factors of RLN invasion and risk factors of disease recurrence. The abilities of factors in predicting RLN invasion were evaluated. Surgical outcomes and recurrence free survival (RFS) of patients were analyzed. Results: A total of 28 patients suffered RLN invasion, among which seven had disease recurrence. Preoperative vocal cord palsy (VCP), gross extrathyroidal extension, larger tumor size and tumor on the dorsal side of thyroid were verified as predictive factors of RLN invasion. RLN involved patients had poorer RFS, but better than those who also had upper-aerodigestive tract invasion. Upper-aerodigestive tract invasion, lateral neck lymph nodes metastasis (LNM) and BRAF V600E mutation were independent risk factors of disease recurrence in RLN invaded cases. Tumor shaving showed better RLN function preservation without increasing recurrent risk. Conclusions: Current study confirmed the rarity of RLN invasion in PTC ≤ 1 cm. Various aggressive features were verified as predictive factors of RLN invasion. Tumor shaving showed superiority in preserving nerve function without increasing recurrent risk. Special attentions should be paid for disease recurrence when RLN invasion accompanied by upper-aerodigestive tract invasion, lateral neck LNM or BRAF V600E mutation.

RESUMO: A sobrevivência do homem e o desenvolvimento sustentável da sociedade dependem intimamente dos serviços dos ecossistemas florestais. Com base no método de transferência de benefícios (BTM), empregando dois tipos diferentes de métodos, este artigo calcula o valor dos serviços do ecossistema florestal (FESV) da província de Sichuan, China. Os resultados mostram que o valor dos serviços do ecossistema florestal total tem uma taxa constante de aumento na província de Sichuan de 2008 a 2018, enquanto os diferentes métodos de avaliação resultam em desvios significativos dos resultados da estimativa. Este artigo leva em conta as diferenças de biomassa e desenvolvimento socioeconômico que são ignoradas na estimativa de valor dos serviços do ecossistema florestal usando método de transferência de benefícios. Especificamente, a abordagem Carnegie-Ames-Stanford é empregada para estimar a produtividade primária líquida (NPP) de diferentes espécies florestais como fator de ajuste de biomassa. Além disso, ao usar a curva de crescimento do tipo R. Pérola S, a vontade e a capacidade das pessoas de pagar pelos serviços do ecossistema florestal são consideradas para lidar com as diferenças de desenvolvimento social. Este artigo fornece contribuições para orientar pesquisadores, gestores florestais e formuladores de políticas em pesquisas e práticas futuras para dar mais atenção aos sistemas de avaliação de escolha para valor dos serviços do ecossistema florestal e heterogeneidade regional de biomassa e desenvolvimento socioeconômico.

ABSTRACT: The survival of human and sustainable development of the society both closely rely on forest ecosystem services. Employing two different methods, this paper based on benefit transfer method calculated the forest ecosystem services value of Sichuan province, China. The results showed that the total forest ecosystem services value had a steady rate of increase in Sichuan province from 2008 to 2018, and meanwhile, the different evaluation methods resulted in significant deviation of estimation outcomes. This paper considered the differences of biomass and socioeconomic development which were ignored in prior studies. The Carnegie-Ames-Stanford approach was employed to estimate the net primary productivity of different forest species. Further, the S type R. Pearl growth curve was employed to estimate people’s willingness and ability to pay for forest ecosystem services. This paper provided implications to help forest managers and policy makers pay additional attention to the evaluation systems choosing on forest ecosystem services value and the differences of biomass and socioeconomic development by using benefit transfer method method.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Boxing is a fighting sport, and many factors cause physical injuries in athletes because of how they compete and train. Injuries are common for athletes who usually participate in this sport. Based on this, the relationship between positive psychological quality at the sport level should be explored, providing a theoretical basis for cultivating optimistic personalities in young athletes. Objective: Analyze the psychological injuries in young boxers to establish a standard to improve the psychological quality evaluation system of young athletes in China. Methods: By comparing the characteristics of different injuries, the possibility of injury occurrence in different activities can be explored, providing a theoretical basis to guide injury prevention, then promoting sports injury prevention. Results: The study shows that through professional training methods to improve the psychological quality of young boxers, these sportsmen should also recognize the importance of psychological training. Conclusion: Technical help in this approach can complete healthy training, aiming to meet the demands of the sport and collaborate to achieve better results. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigating treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción: El boxeo es un deporte de lucha, y hay muchos factores que provocan lesiones físicas en los deportistas debido al modo de competición y entrenamiento. Las lesiones son comunes para los atletas que suelen participar en este deporte. En base a esto, se debe explorar la relación entre la calidad psicológica positiva a nivel deportivo, proporcionando una base teórica para el cultivo de la personalidad optimista a los jóvenes atletas. Objetivo: Analizar las lesiones psicológicas en jóvenes boxeadores con el fin de fundamentar una norma para mejorar el sistema de evaluación de la calidad psicológica de los jóvenes atletas en China. Métodos: Al comparar las características de las diferentes lesiones, se puede explorar la posibilidad de que se produzcan lesiones en diferentes actividades, lo que proporciona una base teórica para orientar la prevención de lesiones y, a continuación, promover la prevención de lesiones deportivas. Resultados: El estudio muestra que, a través de los métodos de entrenamiento profesional para mejorar la calidad psicológica de los jóvenes boxeadores, estos deportistas también deberían reconocer la importancia del entrenamiento psicológico. Conclusión: La ayuda técnica en este enfoque puede completar el entrenamiento saludable, con el objetivo de cumplir con las exigencias del deporte y colaborar para lograr mejores resultados. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO Introdução: O boxe é um esporte de luta, havendo muitos fatores que causam lesões físicas nos atletas pelo modo de competição e treinamento. As lesões são comuns para os atletas que costumam participar desse esporte. Baseado nisso, a relação entre qualidade psicológica positiva ao nível esportivo deve ser explorada, fornecendo uma base teórica para o cultivo da personalidade otimista aos jovens atletas. Objetivo: Analisar as lesões psicológicas em jovens boxeadores visando embasar uma norma para melhorar o sistema de avaliação da qualidade psicológica dos jovens atletas na China. Métodos: Comparando as características de diferentes lesões, a possibilidade de ocorrência de lesões em diferentes atividades pode ser explorada, fornecendo uma base teórica para orientar a prevenção de lesões, promovendo então a prevenção de lesões esportivas. Resultados: O estudo mostra que através dos métodos de treinamento profissional para melhorar a qualidade psicológica dos jovens boxeadores, esses esportistas também devem reconhecer a importância do treinamento psicológico. Conclusão: O auxílio técnico nessa abordagem pode completar o treinamento saudável, visando atender as exigências do esporte e colaborar para o alcance de melhores resultados. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to investigate the demographic and clinicopathological characteristics, and survival outcomes of subglottic Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Methods: Demographic and clinicopathological information, including age, sex, race, tumor size, histologic grade, clinical/TNM stage, tumor invasion extent, Lymph Node Metastasis (LNM) extent, size of metastatic lymph nodes, LNM ratio and treatment data, of 842 subglottic SCC patients diagnosed between 1996 and 2016 were acquired. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed to assess the effects of clinicopathological characteristics, treatment modalities, surgical procedures, and adjuvant therapies on overall survival and cancer-specific survival. Results: Subglottic SCC was more frequent among males aged 60-70 years, with low-grade but locally advanced lesions without local or distant metastases. Age and several primary tumor/LNM related variables were independent risk factors for overall survival and cancer specific survival. Advanced-stage and high-grade disease led to unfavorable prognosis. The most common treatment modality and surgical procedure were surgery plus radiotherapy and total laryngectomy, respectively. Surgery plus radiotherapy provided favorable 5-year survival outcomes, while total laryngectomy had the worst. Surgery plus adjuvant therapy showed better survival outcomes than surgery alone. Conclusion: This study confirmed the rarity of subglottic SCC. Patients with subglottic SCCs suffered poor prognosis especially for those with advanced-stage or high-grade lesions. The prognosis of subglottic SCC remained poor over the years, despite recent progress in cancer therapies. Surgery plus adjuvant therapy improved the survival outcome. Although larynx preservation surgery was beneficial for early-stage disease, total laryngectomy was favored for patients with advanced tumors. Level of evidence: Level 4.

Abstract Proanthocyanidins were extracted and purified from grape seeds, and the protective effect and mechanism of proanthocyanidins on spinal cord injury were explored. After extraction optimization and purification, the proanthocyanidins with purity of 92.53% were obtained. The rats were divided into control, model and treatment groups. The spinal cord injury model was established in model and treatment groups. Then, the treatment group was treated with 40 mg/kg proanthocyanidins. On the 1st, 3rd and 7th day after modeling, compared with model group, in model group the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan scores were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). On the 7th day after modeling, compared with model group, in treatment group the spinal cord tissue superoxide dismutaseand glutathione peroxidase levels were significantly increased (p < 0.05), the malondialdehyde level was significantly decreased (p < 0.05), the necrosis factor α and interleukin 1βlevels were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), and the interleukin 10 level was significantly increased (p < 0.05). In conclusion, proanthocyanidins have protective effect on spinal cord injury in rats. The mechanisms may be related to its reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in spinal cord tissue.

Abstract The nutritional profile, especially amino acid profile, determines the quality and commercial value of insect protein products. Multiple previous studies have used spectroscopy technologies and machine learning algorithms to predict essential amino acid content in various foods and feeds. However, these approaches were not applied for predicting essential amino acid content in insects before. In this study, 200 insect samples containing 9 commercial insect species were collected. Machine learning methods were applied to build the prediction models to predict amino acid content using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) raw spectra and first derivative. For all amino acids, partial least square regression, decision tree and radial basis artificial neural network exhibited high performances to predict essential amino acids. Model performances were improved for some amino acids using first derivative than using raw spectra. The highest performance (coefficient of determination: 0.97, root mean square error of prediction: 0.05 g/100 g and ratio of performance: 4.07) was achieved for phenylalanine prediction using radial basis artificial neural network modeling. The high model performance indicates the potential of applying FTIR and subsequent machine learning modeling for fast and non-destructive prediction of amino acid of insect products.

Abstract Objectives: M1 macrophage polarization and phenotype in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are common biological responses. Method: Herein, IBD mice models were constructed and macrophages were derived. Results: It was discovered that microRNA-146b (miR-146b) was downregulated in IBD mice and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages. Moreover, the inhibitory role of overexpressed miR-146b in reducing the inflammation level and blocking M1 macrophage polarization was confirmed. Further investigation indicated that Fibrinogen Like 2 (FGL2) acted as the target gene of miR-146b, and FGL2 mediated activation of NLRP3, NF-κB-p65, and p38-MAPK. More importantly, it was validated that miR-146b could ameliorate inflammatory pheno-type and prevent M1 macrophage polarization via inhibiting FGL2 in vitro, and miR-146b overexpression alleviated the intestinal injury of IBD mice in vivo. Conclusions: Overall, it is potential to use miR-146b for the amelioration of IBD. HIGHLIGHTS miR-146b was downregulated in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) mice and LPS-induced macrophages. Fibrinogen Like 2 (FGL2) was identified as the target gene of miR-146b. miR-146b ameliorated the inflammation and blocked M1 macrophage polarization via inhibiting FGL2. miR-146b ameliorated the symptoms and pathological injury of IBD via inhibiting FGL2.

Abstract A 32-month-old girl with patent ductus arteriosus, false tendon of left ventricle, mild pulmonary hypertension, and chronic cardiac insufficiency (cardiac function level I-II) was misdiagnosed with Marfan Syndrome and there was no improvement in her physical growth after operation for this disease. The preterm baby was finally diagnosed with Myhre Syndrome by clinical phenotypes and mutation of SMAD4 gene.

Resumo Fundamento: A doença cardiovascular é a principal causa de morte em todo o mundo. A apoptose mediada por hipóxia em cardiomiócitos é uma das principais causas de distúrbios cardiovasculares. O tratamento com a proteína do fator de crescimento endotelial vascular (VEGF, do inglês vascular endothelial growth factor) foi testado, mas as dificuldades operacionais limitaram seu uso. Entretanto, com os avanços da terapia gênica, aumentou o interesse na terapia gênica baseada no VEGF em doenças cardiovasculares. No entanto, o mecanismo preciso pelo qual a reposição de VEGF resgata os danos pós-hipóxia em cardiomiócitos não é conhecido. Objetivos: Investigar o efeito da expressão de VEGF121 pós-hipóxia utilizando cardiomiócitos de ratos neonatos. Métodos: Cardiomiócitos isolados de ratos neonatos foram utilizados para estabelecer um modelo in vitro de lesão cardíaca induzida por hipóxia. O efeito da superexpressão de VEGF, isolado ou em conjunto com inibidores de moléculas pequenas que têm como alvo os canais de cálcio, receptores sensíveis ao cálcio (CaSR, do inglês calcium-sensitive receptors) e calpaína, no crescimento e proliferação celular em lesão de cardiomiócitos induzidos por hipóxia, foram determinados com ensaio de MTT, coloração TUNEL, coloração com Anexina V/PI, lactato desidrogenase e atividade da caspase. Para análise estatística, um valor de p<0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados: Verificou-se que o efeito do VEGF121 foi mediado por CaSR e calpaína, mas não foi dependente dos canais de cálcio. Conclusões: Nossos resultados, mesmo em um ambiente in vitro, estabelecem as bases para uma validação futura e testes pré-clínicos da terapia gênica baseada em VEGF em doenças cardiovasculares.

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death worldwide. Hypoxia-mediated apoptosis in cardiomyocytes is a major cause of cardiovascular disorders. Treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein has been tested but operational difficulties have limited its use. However, with the advancements of gene therapy, interest has risen in VEGF-based gene therapy in cardiovascular disorders. However, the precise mechanism by which VEGF replenishment rescues post-hypoxia damage in cardiomyocytes is not known. Objectives: To investigate the effect of post-hypoxia VEGF121 expression using neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Methods: Cardiomyocytes isolated from neonatal rats were used to establish an in vitro model of hypoxia-induced cardiac injury. The effect of VEGF overexpression, alone or in combination with small-molecule inhibitors targeting calcium channel, calcium sensitive receptors (CaSR), and calpain on cell growth and proliferation on hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte injury were determined using an MTT assay, TUNEL staining, Annexin V/PI staining, lactate dehydrogenase and caspase activity. For statistical analysis, a value of P<0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: The effect of VEGF121 was found to be mediated by CaSR and calpain but was not dependent on calcium channels. Conclusions: Our findings, even though using an in vitro setting, lay the foundation for future validation and pre-clinical testing of VEGF-based gene therapy in cardiovascular diseases.

Abstract This paper investigates the stress transferring mechanism of a pressure tunnel strengthened with CFRP. A simplified mechanical model of the internal water pressure transfer from the CFRP to the lining concrete is established, and the key parameters that influence the internal water pressure transfer between the CFRP and lining concrete are identified. A solid-spring-solid three-dimensional finite element model is established. Using the numerical model, the influences of the above key parameters on the ratios of the internal water pressure borne by the concrete and CFRP are investigated. Based on the above results, a reinforcement scheme of the Yellow River Crossing Tunnel is studied and optimized as a case study. This reveals that the elastic modulus and thickness of the CFRP are the two most important factors that affect the ratios of the internal water pressure borne by the concrete and CFRP, and increasing the elastic modulus and thickness of the CFRP can decrease the ratio of the internal water pressure borne by the concrete and improve the stress state of the lining concrete.

RESUMO: Com base nos dados da pesquisa sobre a distribuição de renda e as condições de vida dos residentes urbanos e rurais coletados pelo Centro de Análise e Monitoramento Econômico da China em 2014, investigamos os mecanismos relacionados às restrições informais de crédito à saúde dos agricultores e, em seguida, analisamos empiricamente os impactos dessas restrições. Os resultados mostram que, em geral, as restrições informais de crédito afetam significativamente a saúde dos agricultores. Em comparação com os agricultores cujo crédito não foi informalmente restrito, a probabilidade de agricultores que enfrentaram restrições informais de crédito que descrevem sua auto-avaliação de saúde como “muito boa” caiu 6,64%. Após o controle de problemas endógenos, essa proporção subiu para 28,87%. Da mesma forma, a probabilidade de descrever a auto-avaliação de saúde como “muito ruim” aumentou 0,45%. Após o controle de problemas endógenos, essa proporção subiu para 0,81%. O teste de robustez mostrou que nossas conclusões são fortemente robustas. As restrições informais de crédito impactaram significativamente o número de dias de doença em 2013 na amostra de agricultores, o que significa que os agricultores que sofreram restrições informais de crédito permaneceram mais dias doentes do que aqueles que não tiveram restrições informais de crédito em 2013. Tanto quanto sabemos, este é o primeiro estudo sobre o impacto das restrições informais ao crédito na saúde dos agricultores chineses.

ABSTRACT: Based on survey data of the income distribution and living conditions of urban and rural residents collected by the China Economic Monitoring and Analysis Center in 2014, we investigated the mechanisms related to informal credit constraints on farmer health and then empirically analyzed the impacts of such constraints. Results showed that, in general, informal credit constraints significantly negatively impact farmer health. Compared with farmers whose credit was not informally constrained, the probability of farmers who faced informal credit constraints describing their self-rated health as “very good” fell by 6.64%. After controlling for endogenous problems, this proportion rose to 28.87%. Correspondingly, the probability of describing self-rated health as “very bad” increased by 0.45%. After controlling for endogenous problems, this proportion rose to 0.81%. The robustness test showed that our conclusions are strongly robust. Informal credit constraints significantly positively impacted the number of days of illness in 2013 in the sample of farmers, which means farmers who suffered from informal credit constraints required more sick days than those who did not experience informal credit constraints in 2013. As far as we know, this is the first study on the impact of informal credit constraints on Chinese farmer health.

Abstract Cordyceps militaris is a commonly used edible and medicinal fungus in East Asia. Preparation of the mycelium and fermentation liquid by submerged fermentation using additives such as Panax ginseng for skin whitening applications has attracted wide attention. In the present study, we screened traditional Chinese medicines as additives to the liquid fermentation medium for C. militaris and performed systematical research on the changes of bioactivity and ginsenoside levels during the fermentation process. Total polysaccharide contents, cordycepin content, and polysaccharide molecular weight in the fermentation products were measured by UV spectrophotometry, high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC/DAD), and gel permeation chromatography-multi angle laser light scattering (GPC-MALLS), respectively. In addition, the ginsenosides Rb1, Re, Rd, Rg1, and pseudoginsenoside F11 in the fermentation products were quantitatively analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS/MS). Panax ginseng significantly increased the cordycepin and total sugar contents, and the average molecular weight of polysaccharides in the fermentation liquid and the mycelium of C. militaris. At the same time, C. militaris enhanced the production of ginsenoside pseudoginsenoside F11, which is a unique component of Panax quinquefolium. The research provides scientific evidence for the application of C. militaris and P. ginseng as raw materials for food and medicines.

RESUMEN En este estudio se establece el modelo de predicción de la productividad zonal en los pozos horizontales fracturados en reservorios compactos con base en un modelo físico de pozos horizontales fracturados para estudiar el regimen de filtración en reservorios compactos no convencionales. Los autores utilizaron la transformación conforme y el método de reiteración para resolver el problema. Se estudió la optimización de los parámetros de producción en pozos horizontales fracturados en comparación con los métodos de Fan Zifei y de Ning Zhengfu. Además, se analizaron los efectos de la presión inicial de la inclinación y el complejo de fracturas en la productividad de los pozos horizontales con el índice de fracturamiento. El análisis de regresión multivariante se utilizó para clasificar la importancia de los factores influenciadores. Los resultados muestran que la presión inicial de la inclinación tiene el mayor impacto en la capacidad. El ejemplo de aplicación de pozos horizontales fracturados en el reservorio compacto de Lucaogou muestra que el modelo de productividad zonal que se estableció en este estudio puede usarse para predecir la productividad inicial en estos pozos. De este modo, a través del análisis teórico y la simulación numérica, el modelo de predicción de productividad de pozos horizontales fracturados tiene una significancia para el desarrollo efectivo de reservorios compactos.

ABSTRACT The zonal productivity prediction model of volume fractured horizontal wells in tight reservoirs is established in this study based on the physical model of volume fractured horizontal wells to study the near-well seepage law of volume fractured horizontal wells in unconventional tight reservoirs. The conformal transformation and iteration method are used to solve the problem. Compared with Fan Zifei's and Ning Zhengfu's method, the optimization of fractured horizontal wells' production parameters is studied. The effects of starting pressure gradient and fracture cluster number on horizontal wells' productivity with volume fracturing are analyzed. Multivariate regression analysis is used to rank the importance of influencing factors. The results show that the starting pressure gradient has the most significant impact on capacity. The application example of volume fractured horizontal wells in Lucaogou tight reservoir shows that the zonal productivity model established in this study can be used to predict the initial productivity of volume fractured horizontal wells. Thus, through theoretical analysis and numerical simulation, the productivity prediction model of horizontal wells with volume fracturing has certain guiding significance for the effective development of tight reservoirs.

RESUMO Introdução: A acupuntura tem sido amplamente utilizada para alívio de dor. No entanto, seus mecanismos são muito pouco conhecidos. Objetivo: Investigar a relação entre o efeito analgésico da eletroacupuntura e a regulação da expressão de adenosina e de substância P. Métodos: Utilizou-se um modelo de dor inflamatória crônica em ratos por injeção única do Adjuvante Completo de Freund e, em seguida, os animais foram tratados com eletroacupuntura diariamente. Foram aplicadas sete sessões bilaterais de eletroacupuntura (ST36 e BL60, 0,5 a 1,5 mA, força inicial de 0,5 mA, aumentada em 0,5 mA a cada 10 minutos, 30 minutos por sessão, uma sessão por dia) em ratos com Adjuvante Completo de Freund, por sete dias. O efeito analgésico da eletroacupuntura foi avaliado pela medida do limiar de retirada da pata em ratos que receberam estimulações mecânica e térmica. Resultados: A estimulação diária com eletroacupuntura aumentou efetivamente o limiar de retirada da pata em ratos com Adjuvante Completo de Freund. A eletroacupuntura aumentou o nível de adenosina na região zusanli. Estudos posteriores mostraram que a eletroacupuntura poderia diminuir os níveis de substância P, receptor de neurocinina-1, fator de necrose tumoral-alpha, interleucina-1β, interleucina-6 e CD68 nos gânglios da raiz dorsal. Curiosamente, a injeção direta de antagonistas do receptor de adenosina A1 ou de substância P, ou a transecção da raiz do nervo dorsal, podem prejudicar significativamente as ações analgésicas induzidas pela eletroacupuntura em ratos com Adjuvante Completo de Freund e reduzir os níveis de substância P, receptor de neurocinina-1, fator de necrose tumoral-alfa, interleucina-1β, interleucina-6 e CD68. Por fim, confirmamos que a injeção direta de um agonista do receptor da adenosina A1 reproduziu os efeitos analgésicos da eletroacupuntura. Conclusão: Nossos resultados indicam a regulação da secreção da substância P mediada pela adenosina. A via mediada pela substância P pode estar envolvida no processo de analgesia por eletroacupuntura em ratos.

ABSTRACT Background: Acupuncture has been widely used for alleviating pain. However, its mechanisms remain largely enigmatic. Objective: In the present study, we focused on whether the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture is related to its regulation on adenosine and substance P expression. Methods: We established chronic inflammatory pain model in rats through a single injection of Complete Freund’s Adjuvant, and then we treated animals using daily electroacupuncture. We applied seven bilateral sessions of electroacupuncture (ST36 and BL60, 0.5 to 1.5 mA, initial strength of 0.5 mA, increased by 0.5 mA every 10 minutes, for 30 minutes per session, one section per day) to Complete Freund’s Adjuvant rats for seven days. The analgesic effect of electroacupuncture was evaluated by measuring paw withdrawal threshold in rats that received mechanical and thermal stimulation. Results: Daily electroacupuncture stimulation effectively increased paw withdrawal threshold in Complete Freund’s Adjuvant rats. Electroacupuncture increased the adenosine level in zusanli. A further study showed that electroacupuncture could decrease substance P, neurokinin-1 receptor, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and CD68 levels in dorsal root ganglion. Interestingly, direct injection of adenosine A1 or substance P receptor antagonists, or dorsal nerve root transection could significantly impair electroacupuncture induced analgesic actions in Complete Freund’s Adjuvant rats could and reduce the levels of substance P, neurokinin-1 receptor, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and CD68. Finally, we confirmed that direct injection of adenosine A1 receptor agonist replicated the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture. Conclusion: Our results indicate regulation of adenosine-mediated substance P secretion. Substance P-mediated pathway may be involved in the analgesia process by electroacupuncture in rats.

Abstract Background: Knowledge of plant population structure facilitates conservation, management, and utilization of endangered plants. Research question: What is the current status of the natural populations of Tetracentron sinense in Leigong Mountain Nature Reserve (LMNR) and what future population development trends can be predicted? Studied species: Tetracentron sinense. Study site and period of research: T. sinense populations in LMNR in China in 2018. Methods: The population structure and quantity dynamics of four typical patches were studied using static life tables, survival curves, survival analyses, and time series analyses. Results: The age structures of the T. sinense populations were spindle-shaped, with few seedlings and saplings, and Deevey type II and III survival curves. The mortality rate (q x ) of each patch increased quickly, and then plateaued, finally increasing again. Survival rate (S x ) showed a contrary trend to q x . Trends in cumulative mortality rate (F (i) ), killing power (K x ), mortality density (f (ti) ), and hazard rate (λ (ti) ) with increasing age class were similar: increasing at a younger age, gradually stabilizing in middle age, and then increasing slightly in older age. The number of individuals in these T. sinense populations was predicted to decrease sharply in future, with younger individuals being seriously deficient. The results showed that the natural populations of T. sinense in the LMNR were relatively stable but were in an early stage of decline. Conclusions: The lack of younger individuals might reflect a bottleneck for regeneration of T. sinense populations, leading to a decline in population size.

Resumen Antecedentes: El conocimiento de la estructura poblacional de una planta facilita su conservación, manejo y utilización. Pregunta de investigación: ¿Cuál es el estado actual de las poblaciones naturales de Tetracentron sinense en la Reserva Natural de la Montaña Leigong (LMNR) y qué tendencias futuras de desarrollo de la población se pueden predecir? Especies estudiadas: Tetracentron sinense. Sitio y período de investigación: Poblaciones en LMNR, China, 2018. Métodos: Se usaron tablas de vida estáticas, curvas de supervivencia, análisis de supervivencia y análisis de series de tiempo para el análisis de la estructura poblacional y dinámica de parches. Resultados: Las estructuras de edad de las poblaciones de T. sinense mostraron forma de huso, con pocas plántulas y juveniles. Curvas de supervivencia Deevey tipo II y III. La tasa de mortalidad (q x ) de cada parche aumentó rápidamente, para estabilizarse y finalmente aumentar nuevamente. La tasa de supervivencia (S x ) mostró una tendencia contraria a q x . Las tendencias en las tasas de mortalidad acumulada (F (i) ), mortalidad (K x ), densidad de mortalidad (f (ti) ), y tasa de riesgo (λ (ti) ) fueron similares con el aumento de la clase de edad. Las poblaciones naturales de T. sinense en el LMNR eran relativamente estables, aunque en etapa temprana de disminución. El número de individuos en poblaciones de T. sinense disminuirá drásticamente en el futuro, donde los más jóvenes mostrarán serias deficiencias. Conclusiones: La ausencia de individuos más jóvenes podría reflejar un cuello de botella para la regeneración de las poblaciones de T. sinense, lo que lleva a una disminución en el tamaño de la población.