The objective of this research was to clone 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase gene (MoDXR) and its promoter sequence from Morinda officinalis and carry out bioinformatic analysis, cis-acting elements analysis, and prokaryotic expression. On the basis of the MoDXR gene sequence obtained from the M. officinalis transcriptome and with NCBI-ORFfinder analysis, a pair of specific primers were designed, and used for RT-PCR amplification. The promoter region sequence at the 5′ end of MoDXR gene was isolated by the genome walking technique. Localization of MoDXR was carried out by subcellular analysis. The prokaryotic expression plasmid pET-28a-MoDXR was constructed and transfected into Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) chemically-competent cells; the recombiant plasmid expressed fusion protein after the induction by IPTG. The full-length cDNA of MoDXR was 2 015 bp,and open reading frame (ORF) size was 1 425 bp, and it encoded 474 amino acid residues and had a molecular mass of 51.27 kD. Sequence comparison with BlastP to the NCBI database revealed that MoDXR had high sequence similarity with many other DXRs, such as Coffea arabica DXR (CaDXR) and Rauvolfia verticillata DXR (RvDXR). A phylogenetic tree revealed that MoDXR had its closest relationship with DXR from Coffea arabica and Gardenia jasminoides. The subcellular localization revealed that MoDXR protein was located on the chloroplast. Plantcare analysis indicated that the promoter region sequence of MoDXR was 1 493 bp, covering multiple light, stress, and hormone-responsive cis-regulatory elements; protein electrophoresis showed that the expressed protein was the anticipated size. This research lays the foundation for further purification and structural and functional characterization of the MoDXR protein.

Objective To investigate the feasibility of animal model of the reconstruction of right ventricular outflow tract in rats. Methods A total of 15 female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats underwent right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction surgery. Before the operation, the collagen scaffolds were treated with g 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride chemistry (EDC), and seeded with human bone marrow stem cells (h-MSCs). Three days after the surgery, 3 rats were randomly sacrificed to evaluate the transmural resection of right ventricular outflow tract. One or 3 months later, other 3 rats at each timepoint were sacrificed, stained with Masson’s Trichrome to observe the degradation of scaffold. Furthermore, 4 weeks after the surgery, 4 rats were sacrificed and the hearts were sliced. Anti-human mitochondria staining was used to identify the survival of seeding cells. Results The transmural resection of right ventricular outflow tract was feasible in rats at an acceptable mortality (13.3%). After EDC treatment, the degradation rate of collagen scaffold was extended greatly. The seeding cells were detected by anti-mitochandria immunofluorescent staining in all patches 4 weeks after the operation. Conclusion Rat model of right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction could be a stable, reliable and economical screening model for engineered heart tissue research.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the potential of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging for detecting renal changes after iodinated contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) development in a diabetic rabbit model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-two rabbits were randomized into 2 groups: diabetic rabbits with the contrast agent (DCA) and healthy rabbits with the contrast agent (NCA). In each group, 6 rabbits underwent IVIM and BOLD imaging at 1 hour, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, and 4 days after an iohexol injection while 5 rabbits were selected to undergo blood and histological examinations at these specific time points. Iohexol was administrated at a dose of 2.5 g I/kg of body weight. Further, the apparent transverse relaxation rate (R2*), average pure molecular diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (f) were calculated. RESULTS: The D and f values of the renal cortex (CO) and outer medulla (OM) were significantly decreased compared to baseline values in the 2 groups 1 day after the iohexol injection (p < 0.05). A marked reduction in the D* values for both the CO and OM was also observed after 1 hour in each group (p < 0.05). In the OM, a persistent elevation of the R2* was detected for 4 days in the DCA group (p < 0.05). Histopathological changes were prominent, and the pathological features of CI-AKI aggravated in the DCA group until day 4. The D, f, and R2* values significantly correlated with the histological damage scores, hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1α expression scores, and serum creatinine levels. CONCLUSION: A combination of IVIM and BOLD imaging may serve as a noninvasive method for detecting and monitoring CI-AKI in the early stages in the diabetic kidney.
Acute Kidney Injury ; Body Weight ; Creatinine ; Diffusion ; Iohexol ; Kidney ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Methods ; Oxygen ; Perfusion ; Rabbits ; Relaxation ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

Objective To evaluate the application effect of standardized communication mode, which was based on the situation, background, assessment and recommendation (SBAR communication mode), in interventional ward. Methods SBAR communication mode was implemented in interventional ward. Through the discussion of doctors and nurses, the SBAR communication template of common symptoms of specialized diseases was revised. The training, examination, utilization and evaluation of the SBAR communication template were conducted for all nurses. The medical adverse events caused by poor medical and nursing communication, the patients' recognition of the professional abilities of medical teams and the doctors' satisfaction with nurses were recorded before and after the implement of SBAR communication mode, and the results were compared. Results After the implementation of SBAR communication mode, both the patients' recognition of the professional abilities of medical teams and the doctors' satisfaction degree with nurses were significantly improved, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05); and the incidence of medical adverse events caused by poor medical and nursing communication was remarkably decreased, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . Conclusion The implementation of SBAR communication mode in the intervention ward can significantly improve the patients' recognition of the professional abilities of medical teams and the doctors' satisfaction degree with nurses, and decrease the incidence of medical adverse events caused by poor medical and nursing communication, thus, the safety of patients can be guaranteed, meanwhile, the establishment of a harmonious medical and nursing team is promoted.

Objective:To explore the characteristics of cognitive function in patients with early onset and adult onset schizophrenia.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 546 patients with schizophrenia who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-Ⅳ) were selected.Among them, 62 cases were defined as early onset schizophrenia (EOS, age of onset＜18 years) and 175 patients were defined as adult onset schizophrenia (AOS, age of onset≥25 years).Patients underwent clinical assessments with the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) and the Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP), and comprehensive neuropsychological assessments.Results:The EOS patients got lower scores in motor function-PEGDOM T score [ (26±12) vs. (30±11), P＜0.01], working memory-average T score of PASAT and WMSSP[ (34±12) vs. (38±10), P＜0.05]and executive function (inhibition) -Stroop T score [ (35±12) vs. (39±10), P＜0.05]than AOS patients.No differences were fund in processing speed, verbal memory and learning, visual memory and learning (Ps＞0.05) between the two groups.Conclusion:It suggests that the EOS patients have worse motor function, working memory and inhibition.

Objective To analyze the biological characteristics of clinical isolates of coxsackievir-us A6 (CVA6), a pathogen of hand,foot and mouth disease (HFMD), and to provide reference for vaccine development. Methods CVA6 strains were isolated from 21 stool and throat swab specimens of patients with HFMD in Yunnan Province and then identified. Their growth characteristics, plaque morphology and virulence to suckling mice were analyzed. Results Five CVA6 strains, named CVA6-129, CVA6-113, CVA6-57, CVA6-94 and CVA6-162, were isolated and all belonged to D3 subtype. Only the CVA6-129 strain could proliferate rapidly in Vero and KMB17 cells and the proliferation peaked 30 h after inoculation. The infectious titer of the CVA6-129 strain was 7. 54 lgCCID50 (50％ cell culture infective dose) / ml in KMB17 cells. Different morphologies of plaques were formed by the CVA6-129 strain in Vero and KMB17 cells at the same time points, which were small and round with clear edges in Vero cells, and large and irregular with blurry edges in KMB17 cells. Suckling mice were susceptible to CVA6 via intramuscular and intraperito-neal injection. The most common symptoms in infected suckling mice were reduced mobility, hind limb pa-ralysis and quadriplegia. CVA6 infection could result in death in severe cases. Conclusions This study isolated five CVA6 strains from a number of clinical samples of suspected HFMD cases, of which the CVA6-129 strain showed potential as a vaccine candidate.

Objective To explore the feasibility and efficacy of endoscopic balloon dilation in treatment of esophageal stenosis caused by operation of congenital esophageal atresia. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on data of 218 children with type Ⅲ esophageal atresia, who underwent surgery in Zhengzhou Children' s Hospital from January 2009 to December 2017. The occurrence of postoperative complications and efficacy of endoscopic balloon dilation in treatment of esophageal stenosis was analyzed. Results Among the 218 patients with congenital esophageal atresia, 92 were type Ⅲa and 126 were type Ⅲb. Postoperative anastomotic leakage occurred in 46 cases (21. 1％), including 29 (31. 5％) of type Ⅲa and 17 (13. 5％) of type Ⅲb. Postoperative anastomotic stenosis occurred in 53 cases (24. 3％), including 29 ( 31. 5％) of type Ⅲa and 24 ( 19. 0％) of typeⅢb. The incidence of anastomotic leakage and anastomotic stenosis in different types was significantly different (χ2=10. 383, P=0. 001; χ2=4. 497, P=0. 034). The 53 cases of anastomotic stenosis underwent 123 times of endoscopic balloon dilation, with mean time of 3. 5±1. 6, and were finally clinically recovery. No esophagus perforation occurred. Among them, 29 cases of type Ⅲa underwent 73 times with mean of 4. 0±1. 8, and 24 cases of type Ⅲb underwent 50 times with mean of 2. 5±0. 7. The difference between the two types was statistically significant (t=-4. 053, P=0. 027). Conclusion Children with type Ⅲa esophageal atresia has a higher incidence of anastomotic stenosis and leakage, and more times of esophageal dilation. Endoscopic balloon dilation is safe and effective in treatment of esophageal stenosis after surgery for patients with congenital esophageal atresia.

Objective To investigate the characteristics of the phenylalanine hydroxylase( PAH)gene muta﹣tions in patients With phenylketonuria(PKU)in Guangxi region,in order to provide clinical data for genetic counseling and prenatal gene diagnosis. Methods Thirty－seven children diagnosed as PKU in the Maternal and Children＇s Hos﹣pital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Were enrolled in the study betWeen January 2009 and December 2017. Ve﹣nous blood Was collected and the PAH gene sequence Was determined by Sanger sequencing after amplification With the polymerase chain reaction technique. The neW gene mutations Were defined based on the national and international literature revieW and databases. MeanWhile,100 healthy individuals Were selected as the control group for gene sequen﹣cing to confirm Whether the mutation Was a neW one. Results Thirty－seven cases of PKU Were detected for 68 muta﹣tions,With the detection rate being 91. 89%(68／74). Six mutations Were identified in exon 7,Which accounted for 31. 08% of all,exon 12(18. 92%),exon 8(10. 81%)and exon 6(10. 81%)folloWed. A total of 25 different muta﹣tions Were identified Which including 14 missense mutations(56. 00%),7 nonsense mutations(28. 00%),3 splicing junction mutations(12. 00%),and 1 deletion mutation(4. 00%). The most common mutations included c. 1223G＞A (p. R408Q),c. 728G＞A(p. R243Q)and c. 721C＞T( p. R241C),accounting for 14. 86%,13. 51%,and 10. 81%, respectively. After querying international databases,including PAH mutation database and Human Gene Mutation Data﹣base and forecasting softWare,three kinds of mutations c. 314C＞ T(p. T105I),c. 583A＞ G(p. K195E),c . 851G＞A(p. C284Y)Were verified as novel PAH gene mutations. Conclusions The mutation spectrum of the PAH gene in Guangxi has been identified. And 3 kinds of mutations have been identified. This may accumulate valuable information for gene diagnosis and prenatal diagnosis of PKU in Guangxi region.

To examine the feasibility of low-charge electrotherapy (LCE) in treating geriatric major depressive disorder (MDD) patients. Bi-temporal LCEs (approximately 25 mC) were performed with an electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) instrument three times per week. We used the Hamilton Depression Scale 17 (HAMD-17) and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) to assess the effects of LCE and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) to evaluate the cognitive function change before and after LCE. Six visits occurred at the baseline, after LCE sessions 3, 6, and 9, after the last session, and at the end of the one-month follow-up period. Four patients were enrolled in the study. Two patients completed all LCE sessions. Two patients withdrew during the trial, one due to the adverse event of uroschesis potentially caused by atropine and the other due to her own will. All four patients completed the follow-up sessions. The HAMD-17 and HAMA scores were reduced significantly at the last LCE session and the end of the follow-up period compared with the scores at the baseline. As measured by the MMSE, cognitive impairment showed no significant changes at the last LCE session and the end of the follow-up period compared with that at the baseline. In this case series, LCE showed potential as an alternative current-based treatment for treating geriatric MDD patients. Further research is needed to assess the efficiency and safety of LCE.
Anxiety ; Atropine ; Cognition ; Cognition Disorders ; Depression ; Depressive Disorder, Major ; Electric Stimulation Therapy ; Electroconvulsive Therapy ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans

Iridoid synthase( IS),the key enzyme in the natural biosynthesis of vegetal iridoids,catalyzes the irreversible cyclization of 10-oxogeranial to epi-iridodial. In this study,we screened the Rehmannia glutinosa transcriptome data by BLASTn with Catharanthus roseus CrIS cDNA,and found four c DNA fragments with length of 1 527,1 743,1 425,1 718 bp,named RgIS1,RgIS2,RgIS3 and RgIS4,respectively. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the four iridoid synthase genes encoding proteins with 389-392 amino acid residues,protein molecular weights were between 44. 30-44. 74 k Da,and theoretical isoelectric points were between 5. 30 and 5. 87. Subcellular localization predictions showed that the four iridoid synthase were distributed in the cytoplasm. Structure analysis revealed that R. glutinosa iridoid synthases contain six conserved short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase( SDR) motifs,and their 3 D models were composed typical dinucleotide-binding " Rossmann" folds covered by helical C-terminal extensions. Using the amino acid sequences of four R. glutinosa iridoid synthases,phylogenetic analysis was performed,the result indicated that RgIS3,CrIS and Olea europaea OeIS were grouped together,the other R. glutinosa iridoid synthases and fifteen proteins in other plants had close relationship. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR revealed that RgIS1 and RgIS3 highly expressed in unfold leaves,however,RgIS2 and RgIS4 highly expressed in stems and tuberous roots,respectively. RgIS3 showed higher expression levels in non-radial striations( nRS) of the two cultivars,and RgIS1 and RgIS2 had higher expression levels in nRS of QH,while RgIS4 had less expression levels in nRS of QH1. RgIS1,RgIS2 and RgIS3 were up-regulated by Me JA treatment,although the time and degree of response differed. Our findings are helpful to reveal molecular function of R. glutinosa iridoid synthases and provide a clue for studing the molecular mechanism of iridoid biosynthesis.
Cloning, Molecular ; Genes, Plant ; Iridoids ; metabolism ; Ligases ; genetics ; Phylogeny ; Rehmannia ; enzymology ; genetics