WRKY, a class of conserved transcription factors in plants, plays important roles in plant growth, development and secondary metabolism. In the present study, 65 WRKY members were identified from de novo transcriptome sequencing data of three different tissues (root, stems and leaves) of Baphicacanthus cusia. BcWRKY proteins contained from 221 to 706 amino acids and the isoelectric point is from 4.68 to 9.68. Molecular weights range from 25 711.8 to 75 475 Da. The main secondary structures of BcWRKYs protein are random coil. A subcellular localization prediction indicated that the putative BcWRKY proteins were enriched in the nuclear region. Phylogenetic analysis showed that BcWRKYs could be categorized into three groups and five subgroups (Group IIa, Group IIb, Group IIc, Group IId and Group IIe) in Group II. Structural analysis found that all BcWRKY proteins contained a highly conserved motif WRKYGQK. Finally, the transcriptional profiles of ten BcWRKY genes highly expressed in root, stem and leaf tissues under abscisic acid (ABA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), or salicylic acid (SA) treatment were systematically investigated using qRT-PCR analysis. Results showed that a total of ten BcWRKY genes were differentially expressed in response to ABA, MeJA, and SA treatment. This work would be provided a basis for further elucidating the molecular mechanism of WRKY transcription factors in the biosynthesis of indole alkaloids in B. cusia.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical treatment outcomes and the changes of the outcomes over time in extremely preterm twins in Guangdong Province, China. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for 269 pairs of extremely preterm twins with a gestational age of <28 weeks who were admitted to the department of neonatology in 26 grade A tertiary hospitals in Guangdong Province from January 2008 to December 2017. According to the admission time, they were divided into two groups: 2008-2012 and 2013-2017. Besides, each pair of twins was divided into the heavier infant and the lighter infant subgroups according to birth weight. The perinatal data of mothers and hospitalization data of neonates were collected. The survival rate of twins and the incidence rate of complications were compared between the 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 groups. RESULTS: Compared with the 2008-2012 group, the 2013-2017 group (both the heavier infant and lighter infant subgroups) had lower incidence rates of severe asphyxia and smaller head circumference at birth (P<0.05). The mortality rates of both of the twins, the heavier infant of the twins, and the lighter infant of the twins were lower in the 2013-2017 group compared with the 2008-2012 group (P<0.05). Compared with the 2008-2012 group, the 2013-2017 group (both the heavier infant and lighter infant subgroups) had lower incidence rates of pulmonary hemorrhage, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage (P-IVH), and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) and a higher incidence rate of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS There is a significant increase in the survival rate over time in extremely preterm twins with a gestational age of <28 weeks in the 26 grade A tertiary hospitals in Guangdong Province. The incidences of severe asphyxia, pulmonary hemorrhage, PDA, P-IVH, and NRDS decrease in both the heavier and lighter infants of the twins, but the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia increases. With the improvement of diagnosis and treatment, the multidisciplinary collaboration between different fields of fetal medicine including prenatal diagnosis, obstetrics, and neonatology is needed in the future to jointly develop management strategies for twin pregnancy.
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia/epidemiology* ; Female ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Extremely Premature ; Infant, Newborn ; Pregnancy ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn/epidemiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

Objective Gastrointestinal fistula is a serious complication after operation. It is reported that the over-the-scope-clip(OTSC) can close intestinal full-thickness wall and treat gastrointestinal fistula effectively. This study was to investigate the efficacy of OTSC in the treatment of gastrointestinal fistula.Methods We analyzed the clinical data of 28 postoperative patients with gastrointestinal fistula who underwent endoscopic closure using OTSC in Endoscopy Center of Research Institute of General Surgery in our hospital from October 2014 to October 2017, and recorded the course of disease, the site of gastrointestinal fistula, the diameter of fistula and the efficacy of OTSC. Patients with successful closure were followed up for half a year after hospital discharge to observe the recurrence of fistula.Results Endoscopic closure with OTSC was successful in all the 28 patients without complications like bleeding and falling off. In the sinus tract or digestive tract radiography at 1-2 weeks after OTSC closure, 23 patients were successful in endoscopic closure(82.14%). In the six months′ follow-up of 23 patients with successful treatment, 4 patients were lost to follow-up and 19 patients were successful without recurrence of fistula.Conclusion The endoscopic closure of gastrointestinal fistula using OTSC is safe and effective, avoiding reoperation and reducing trauma.

BACKGROUNDThe chimney/periscope technique has been used to address complex aortic pathologies. This study aimed to report the outcomes and experiences of chimney and/or periscope grafts (CPGs) used in the endovascular management of complex aortic pathologies.

METHODSTwenty-two patients with complex aortic pathologies were retrospectively studied from January 2013 to August 2016 in two vascular centers of teaching hospitals. All patients were diagnosed using computed tomography angiography (CTA). The patients were followed up at postoperative 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and yearly thereafter with X-ray, ultrasound, and/or CTA.

RESULTSTwenty-two cases (17 males; mean age 60.7 ± 16.3 years) with complex aortic pathologies were analyzed. Nineteen patients underwent CPGs only, and the other three cases underwent the simultaneous implantation of chimney/periscope and fenestrated/scallop grafts. Twenty-six arteries were managed with forty CPGs during the procedures. Complete angiographies revealed two Type I endoleaks, one Type III endoleak, and one Type IV endoleak. Other intraoperative complications included brachial thrombosis, external iliac artery rupture, and left renal stenosis. The 30-day mortality was 0. The mean follow-up was 26.1 ± 10.1 months with a range of 2-39 months. During the follow-up, two Type I endoleaks and one Type IV endoleak were observed. One right renal stent occlusion occurred in the 5th month and turned patent after reintervention. Three patients died during the follow-up, one due to an aneurysm rupture as a Type I endoleak, and two due to myocardial infarction. The instant technical success was 96%. The primary and secondary patencies were 92% and 96%, respectively. The overall survival rates were 95%, 84%, and 84% at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. Stent migration was not observed in any patient.

CONCLUSIONSChimney/periscope techniques could be used to tackle complex aortic pathologies, but the indications must be strictly controlled, and additional experiences are required.

Objective To observe the effect of the expanded human umbilical cord blood CD34+cells in ischemic limb of mice and analyse the relationship between the CD34+cells and angiogenesis. Methods Human umbilical cord blood was collected and CD34+cells were separated for expanding. Mice limbs ischemia models were established (n=15) and randomly divided into three groups:expanded CD34+cells group (n=5),fresh CD34+cells group (n=5),and control group(n=5). CD34+cells were detected by DiI dye tracing and antihuman nuclear antigen antibody(HNA) immunohistochemical staining. The improvement of blood reperfusion was evaluated by indicators including limb temperature,CD31 staining,and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) mRNA expression. Results On days 14 (t=5.421,P=0.001;t=0.616,P=0.000) and 28(t=10.780,P=0.000; t=12.123,P=0.000),both expanded CD34+cells group and fresh CD34+cells group enjoyed better temperature improvement. Days 28 later,the vascular densities in the expanded CD34+cells group and the fresh CD34+cells group were 592.3±24.6 (t=26.386,P=0.000) and 530.7±25.5 (t=21.502,P=0.000),which were significantly higher than that in control group 219.7±19.9. The TGF-β1 mRNA expression in the expanded CD34+cells group and the fresh CD34+cells group were (0.578±0.050) copies (t=12.376,P=0.000) and (0.504±0.080) copies (t=7.098,P=0.000),both over control group [(0.224±0.040)copies]. Conclusions In vitro culture of cord blood CD34+cells can emigrate to ischemic zone and induce angiogenesis to alleviate ischemia. Thus,it may provide a treatment option for lower limb ischemia.
Animals ; Antigens, CD34 ; metabolism ; Cell Transplantation ; Cells, Cultured ; Extremities ; physiopathology ; Fetal Blood ; cytology ; Humans ; Ischemia ; therapy ; Mice ; Neovascularization, Physiologic ; Random Allocation ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism

Objective To establish a method of microbial limit test for Cordyceps sinensis oral liquid and to verify the validity of the testing method .Methods Conventional methods were used to verify the counting methods for microbial , fungus and yeast counts through the measurement of the recovery rates of 5 positive bacteria in the Cordyceps sinensis oral liquid.At the same time, the detection method for the control bacteria in the Cordyceps sinensis oral liquid was also verified .Results When conventional detection methods were used, the recovery rates of various bacteria were over 70%.In the detection of the control bacteria , positive test bacteria were all detected, while no bacterial growth was detected in the control .Conclusion Conventional methods could be used for the detection of microbial limit in the Cordyceps sinensis oral liquid.

Objective To establish a method of microbial limit test for Cordyceps sinensis oral liquid and to verify the validity of the testing method .Methods Conventional methods were used to verify the counting methods for microbial , fungus and yeast counts through the measurement of the recovery rates of 5 positive bacteria in the Cordyceps sinensis oral liquid.At the same time, the detection method for the control bacteria in the Cordyceps sinensis oral liquid was also verified .Results When conventional detection methods were used, the recovery rates of various bacteria were over 70%.In the detection of the control bacteria , positive test bacteria were all detected, while no bacterial growth was detected in the control .Conclusion Conventional methods could be used for the detection of microbial limit in the Cordyceps sinensis oral liquid.

BACKGROUNDCapsular contracture has become the most common complication associated with breast implant. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is well known for a prominent role in fibrotic diseases. Due to the critical role of TGF-β in pathogenesis of capsular formation, we utilized thermosensitive C/GP hydrogel to controlled release of TGF-β receptor kinase inhibitor (SD208) and investigated their effects on capsular contracture.

METHODSIn vitro degradation and drug release of C/GP hydrogel were performed. Twenty-four rabbits underwent subpanniculus implantation with 30 ml smooth silicone implants and were randomly divided into four groups as follows: Group 1 received saline solution; Group 2 received SD208; Group 3 received SD208-C/GP; Group 4 received C/GP. At 8 weeks, the samples of capsular tissues were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistological staining. The mRNA expression of collagen III and TGF-β1 was detected by RT-PCR assay.

RESULTSC/GP hydrogel could be applied as an ideal drug delivery vehicle which supported the controlled release of SD208. SD208-C/GP treatment showed a significant reduction in capsule thickness with fewer vessels. The histological findings confirmed that the lower amounts of inflammatory cells and fibroblasts infiltrate in SD208-C/GP group. In contrast, typical capsules with more vessel predominance were developed in control group. We did not observe the same inhibitory effect of SD208 or C/GP treatment on capsular contracture. Moreover, SD208-C/GP therapy yielded an evident down-regulation of collagen III and TGF-β1 mRNA expression.

CONCLUSIONSThis study demonstrated that controlled release of TGF-β receptor kinase inhibitor from thermosensitive C/GP hydrogel could significantly prevent capsule formation after mammary implants.

Animals ; Breast Implantation ; adverse effects ; Chitosan ; chemistry ; Glycerophosphates ; chemistry ; Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate ; chemistry ; Immunohistochemistry ; Protein Kinase Inhibitors ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Rabbits ; Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Objective To investigate the mental health status of the midshipwomen involved in Mission Harmony-2010 and its influencing factors, and also to provide scientific basis for the maintenance of mental health and selection of female ship crew.Methods With midshipwomen, female medical personnel, male shipcrew as study subjects, and with cluster sampling and stratified random sampling as study methods, questionnaires were conducted 4 times by using symptom checklist (SCL-90) and routine interviews were also made during our study.Results During the prolonged seagoing deployment, the rate of detection for mental health problems among the midshipwomen was 21.8%. Scores of various factors during the mid stage of deployment were obviously higher than those of the normal people. However, in the later stage, scores of various factors were slightly lower than those of the normal people. Statistical significance was shown in the mental health status of the midshipwomen, when a comparison was made between pre-deployment,early stage of deployment and the mid and later stages of deployment(P<0.05). Scores of somatization, depression, phobia and other factors were significantly higher than those of the norms of Chinese military personnel (P<0.05). Scores of interpersonal sensitivity, anxiety and paranoia were lower than those of the norms of Chinese military personnel, but without statistical significance. During the mid and later stage of the prolonged seagoing deployment, the mental health status of midshipwomen was worse than that of the male ship crew and female medical personnel(P<0.05).Conclusions Prolonged seagoing deployment could significantly worsen the mental health status of midshipwomen. It was necessary to give in-time psychological intervention so as to ensure the mental health of midshipwomen.

Objective To investigate the mental health status of the midshipwomen involved in Mission Harmony-2010 and its influencing factors, and also to provide scientific basis for the maintenance of mental health and selection of female ship crew.Methods With midshipwomen, female medical personnel, male shipcrew as study subjects, and with cluster sampling and stratified random sampling as study methods, questionnaires were conducted 4 times by using symptom checklist (SCL-90) and routine interviews were also made during our study.Results During the prolonged seagoing deployment, the rate of detection for mental health problems among the midshipwomen was 21.8%. Scores of various factors during the mid stage of deployment were obviously higher than those of the normal people. However, in the later stage, scores of various factors were slightly lower than those of the normal people. Statistical significance was shown in the mental health status of the midshipwomen, when a comparison was made between pre-deployment,early stage of deployment and the mid and later stages of deployment(P<0.05). Scores of somatization, depression, phobia and other factors were significantly higher than those of the norms of Chinese military personnel (P<0.05). Scores of interpersonal sensitivity, anxiety and paranoia were lower than those of the norms of Chinese military personnel, but without statistical significance. During the mid and later stage of the prolonged seagoing deployment, the mental health status of midshipwomen was worse than that of the male ship crew and female medical personnel(P<0.05).Conclusions Prolonged seagoing deployment could significantly worsen the mental health status of midshipwomen. It was necessary to give in-time psychological intervention so as to ensure the mental health of midshipwomen.